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Lavoro A, Falzone L, Gattuso G, Conti GN, Caltabiano R, Madonna G, Capone M, McCubrey JA, Ascierto PA, Libra M, Candido S. Identification of SLC22A17 DNA methylation hotspot as a potential biomarker in cutaneous melanoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:887. [PMID: 39358721 PMCID: PMC11445995 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05622-9] [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: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer onset and progression are driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to oncogene activation and the silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Among epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation (methDNA) is gaining growing interest in cancer. Promoter hypomethylation is associated with oncogene activation while intragenic methDNA can be involved in transcriptional elongation, alternative spicing, and the activation of cryptic start sites. Several genes involved in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment are regulated by methDNA, including the Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 17 (SLC22A17), which is involved in iron trafficking and extracellular matrix remodeling cooperating with the Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) ligand. However, the exact role of intragenic methDNA in cancer has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the role of methDNA in the regulation of SLC22A17 in cutaneous melanoma (CM), used as a tumor model. METHODS Correlation and differential analyses between SLC22A17 expression and methDNA were performed using the data contained in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Functional studies on melanoma cell lines treated with 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) were conducted to assess the correlation between methDNA and SLC22A17 expression. A validation study on the diagnostic potential of the in silico-identified SLC22A17 methDNA hotspot was finally performed by analyzing tissue samples obtained from CM patients and healthy controls. RESULTS The computational analyses revealed that SLC22A17 was significantly downregulated in CM, and its expression was related to promoter hypomethylation and intragenic hypermethylation. Moreover, SLC22A17 overexpression and hypermethylation of two intragenic methDNA hotspots were associated with a better clinical outcome in CM patients. The correlation between SLC22A17 methDNA and expression was confirmed in 5-Aza-treated cells. In agreement with in silico analyses, the SLC22A17 promoter methylation hotspot showed higher methDNA levels in CM samples compared to nevi. In addition, the methDNA levels of this hotspot were positively correlated with advanced CM. CONCLUSIONS The SLC22A17 methDNA hotspot could represent a promising biomarker for CM, highlighting the regulatory role of methDNA on SLC22A17 expression. These results pave the way for the identification of novel epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of CM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy
| | - Giuseppe N Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, I-80131, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, I-80131, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, I-80131, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy.
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, Catania, I- 95123, Italy.
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, Catania, I- 95123, Italy
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Yang H, Zhou J, Li D, Zhou S, Dai X, Du X, Mao H, Wang B. The inhibitory role of microRNA-141-3p in human cutaneous melanoma growth and metastasis through the fibroblast growth factor 13-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase axis. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:492-505. [PMID: 36988403 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Human cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a highly invasive malignancy arising from melanocytes, and accompanied by ever-increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Interestingly, microRNAs (miRNAs) possess the ability to regulate CM cell biological functions, resulting in the aggressive progression of CM. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Accordingly, the current study sought to elicit the functional role of miR-141-3p in human CM cells in association with fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) and the MAPK pathway. First, miR-141-3p expression patterns were detected in human CM tissues and cell lines, in addition to the validation of the targeting relationship between miR-141-3p and FGF13. Subsequently, loss- and gain-of-function studies of miR-141-3p were performed to elucidate the functional role of miR-141-3p in the malignant features of CM cells. Intriguingly, our findings revealed that FGF13 was highly expressed, whereas miR-141-3p was poorly expressed in the CM tissues and cells. Further analysis highlighted FGF13 as a target gene of miR-141-3p. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-141-3p inhibited the proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities of CM cells, while enhancing their apoptosis accompanied by downregulation of FGF13 and the MAPK pathway-related genes. Collectively, our findings highlighted the inhibitory effects of miR-141-3p on CM cell malignant properties via disruption of the FGF13-dependent MAPK pathway, suggesting a potential target for treating human CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojan Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Jiateng Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Dongdong Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Shengbo Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Xinyi Dai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Xinchao Du
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Hailei Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering Research, Shanghai, P. R. China
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3
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Lin R, Chen R, Ye L, Huang Z, Lin X, Chen T. The Role of RNA Methylation Modification Related Genes in Prognosis and Immunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2133-2147. [PMID: 37284034 PMCID: PMC10239628 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s405419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Researches showed RNA methylation genes can affect the prognosis of tumors. Thus, the study aimed to comprehensively analyze the effects of RNA methylation regulatory genes in prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Prognostic signature associated with CRCs were constructed by differential expression analysis, Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to validate the reliability of the developed model. Gene Ontology (GO), Gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed for functional annotation. Finally, normal and cancerous tissue were collected to validate gene by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results A prognostic risk model based on leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing (LRPPRC) and ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 2 (UHRF2) was constructed and relevant to the overall survival (OS) of CRC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that collagen fibrous tissue, ion channel complex and other pathways were significantly enriched, which might help explain the underlying molecular mechanisms. There were significant differences in ImmuneScore, StromalScore, ESTIMATEScore between high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.05). Ultimately, qRT-PCR validation showed that a significant upregulation in the expression of LRPPRC and UHRF2 in cancerous tissue, which verified the effectiveness of our signature. Conclusion In conclusion, 2 prognostic genes (LRPPRC and UHRF2) related to RNA methylation were identified by bioinformatics analysis, which might supply a new insight into the treatment and evaluation of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyang Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renpin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lechi Ye
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianfan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tanzhou Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou, Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Carrier A, Desjobert C, Lobjois V, Rigal L, Busato F, Tost J, Ensenyat-Mendez M, Marzese DM, Pradines A, Favre G, Lamant L, Lanfrancone L, Etievant C, Arimondo PB, Riond J. Epigenetically regulated PCDHB15 impairs aggressiveness of metastatic melanoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:156. [PMID: 36443814 PMCID: PMC9707039 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The protocadherin proteins are cell adhesion molecules at the crossroad of signaling pathways playing a major role in neuronal development. It is now understood that their role as signaling hubs is not only important for the normal physiology of cells but also for the regulation of hallmarks of cancerogenesis. Importantly, protocadherins form a cluster of genes that are regulated by DNA methylation. We have identified for the first time that PCDHB15 gene is DNA-hypermethylated on its unique exon in the metastatic melanoma-derived cell lines and patients' metastases compared to primary tumors. This DNA hypermethylation silences the gene, and treatment with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine reinduces its expression. We explored the role of PCDHB15 in melanoma aggressiveness and showed that overexpression impairs invasiveness and aggregation of metastatic melanoma cells in vitro and formation of lung metastasis in vivo. These findings highlight important modifications of the methylation of the PCDHβ genes in melanoma and support a functional role of PCDHB15 silencing in melanoma aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Carrier
- Unité de Service et de Recherche USR n°3388 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France ,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Institut de Recerca Contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cécile Desjobert
- Unité de Service et de Recherche USR n°3388 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie Lobjois
- grid.508721.9Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant – ITAV-USR3505, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier-UT3, Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XLaboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire du Contrôle de la Prolifération, CNRS UMR 5088, Université Paul Sabatier-UT3, Toulouse, France
| | - Lise Rigal
- grid.508721.9Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant – ITAV-USR3505, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier-UT3, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Busato
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humain, CEA-Institut de Biologie Francois Jacob, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humain, CEA-Institut de Biologie Francois Jacob, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Miquel Ensenyat-Mendez
- grid.507085.fCancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Diego M. Marzese
- grid.507085.fCancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Anne Pradines
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XInserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France ,grid.417829.10000 0000 9680 0846Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Oncologique, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Gilles Favre
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XInserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France ,grid.417829.10000 0000 9680 0846Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Oncologique, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Lamant
- grid.488470.7Laboratoire d’Anatomopathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Luisa Lanfrancone
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology, Instituto Europeo di Oncologia, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Chantal Etievant
- Unité de Service et de Recherche USR n°3388 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France
| | - Paola B. Arimondo
- Unité de Service et de Recherche USR n°3388 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France ,grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535EpiCBio, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Department Structural Biology and Chemistry, CNRS UMR N°3523, Institut Pasteur, 28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Riond
- Unité de Service et de Recherche USR n°3388 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XInserm, CNRS, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Zheng S, Han H, Lin S. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) RNA modification in tumor immunity. Cancer Biol Med 2022; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0534. [PMID: 35254013 PMCID: PMC9088188 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports that cancer progression is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion. Importantly, recent studies have revealed the crucial roles of epigenetic regulators in shaping the tumor microenvironment and restoring immune recognition. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most prevalent epigenetic modification of mammalian mRNAs, has essential functions in regulating the processing and metabolism of its targeted RNAs, and therefore affects various biological processes including tumorigenesis and progression. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical functions and molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal m6A modification in the regulation of tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize recent research progress in the potential roles of m6A modification in tumor immunoregulation, with a special focus on the anti-tumor processes of immune cells and involvement in immune-associated molecules and pathways. Furthermore, we review current knowledge regarding the close correlation between m6A-related risk signatures and the tumor immune microenvironment landscape, and we discuss the prognostic value and therapeutic efficacy of m6A regulators in a variety of cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui Han
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Hanly A, Gibson F, Nocco S, Rogers S, Wu M, Alani RM. Drugging the Epigenome: Overcoming Resistance to Targeted and Immunotherapies in Melanoma. JID INNOVATIONS 2022; 2:100090. [PMID: 35199090 PMCID: PMC8844701 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This past decade has seen tremendous advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of melanoma and the development of novel effective therapies for melanoma. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies that extend survival of patients with advanced disease have been developed; however, the vast majority of patients experience relapse and therapeutic resistance over time. Moreover, cellular plasticity has been demonstrated to be a driver of therapeutic resistance mechanisms in melanoma and other cancers, largely functioning through epigenetic mechanisms, suggesting that targeting of the cancer epigenetic landscape may prove a worthwhile endeavor to ensure durable treatment responses and cures. Here, we review the epigenetic alterations that characterize melanoma development, progression, and resistance to targeted therapies as well as epigenetic therapies currently in use and under development for melanoma and other cancers. We further assess the landscape of epigenetic therapies in clinical trials for melanoma and provide a framework for future advances in epigenetic therapies to circumvent the development of therapeutic resistance in melanoma.
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Key Words
- BRAFi, BRAF inhibitor
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- DNMTi, DNA methyltransferase inhibitor
- EZH2, enhancer of zeste homolog 2
- EZH2i, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor
- HAT, histone acetyltransferase
- HDAC, histone deacetylase
- HDACi, histone deacetylase inhibitor
- MEKi, MAPK/extracellular signal‒regulated kinase inhibitor
- PTM, post-translational modification
- SIRT, sirtuin
- TMZ, temozolomide
- dsRNA, double-stranded RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailish Hanly
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frederick Gibson
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Nocco
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha Rogers
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muzhou Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rhoda M. Alani
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine|Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is a crucial component of DNA maintenance and cellular identity. As our understanding of the vast array of proteins that contribute to chromatin accessibility has advanced, the role of epigenetic remodelers in disease has become more apparent. G9a is a histone methyltransferase that contributes to immune cell differentiation and function, neuronal development, and has been implicated in diseases, including cancer. In melanoma, recurrent mutations and amplifications of G9a have led to its identification as a therapeutic target. The pathways that are regulated by G9a provide an insight into relevant biomarkers for patient stratification. Future work is aided by the breadth of literature on G9a function during normal differentiation and development, along with similarities to EZH2, another histone methyltransferase that forms a synthetic lethal relationship with members of the SWI/SNF complex in certain cancers. Here, we review the literature on G9a, its role in melanoma, and lessons from EZH2 inhibitor studies.
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Yuan D, Wei Z, Wang Y, Cheng F, Zeng Y, Yang L, Zhang S, Li J, Tang R. DNA Methylation Regulator-Meditated Modification Patterns Define the Distinct Tumor Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:734873. [PMID: 34552879 PMCID: PMC8450540 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.734873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic changes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been reported to be a relevant factor in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for DNA methylation patterns in the tumor immune-infiltrating microenvironment and in cancer immunotherapy remain unclear. Methods We conducted a global analysis of the DNA methylation modification pattern (DMP) and immune cell-infiltrating characteristics of LUAD patients based on 21 DNA methylation regulators. A DNA methylation score (DMS) system was constructed to quantify the DMP model in each patient and estimate their potential benefit from immunotherapy. Results Two DNA methylation modification patterns able to distinctly characterize the immune microenvironment characterization were identified among 513 LUAD samples. A lower DMS, characterized by increased CTLA-4/PD-1/L1 gene expression, greater methylation modifications, and tumor mutation burden, characterized a noninflamed phenotype with worse survival. A higher DMS, characterized by decreased methylation modification, a greater stromal-relevant response, and immune hyperactivation, characterized an inflamed phenotype with better prognosis. Moreover, a lower DMS indicated an increased mutation load and exhibited a poor immunotherapeutic response in the anti-CTLA-4/PD-1/PD-L1 cohort. Conclusion Evaluating the DNA methylation modification pattern of LUAD patients could enhance our understanding of the features of tumor microenvironment characterization and may promote more favorable immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didi Yuan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zehong Wei
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujie Zeng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shangyu Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Renkuan Tang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Kyriakou G, Melachrinou M. Cancer stem cells, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment and future therapeutics in cutaneous malignant melanoma: a review. Future Oncol 2020; 16:1549-1567. [PMID: 32484008 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the ontogeny and biology of melanoma stem cells in cutaneous malignant melanoma. This article also summarizes and evaluates the current knowledge of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, the regulation of melanoma progress by the tumor microenvironment as well as the therapeutic implications and applications of these novel insights, in the setting of personalized medicine. Unraveling the complex ecosystem of cutaneous malignant melanoma and the interplay between its components, aims to provide novel insights into the establishment of efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kyriakou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
| | - Maria Melachrinou
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
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Koroknai V, Szász I, Hernandez-Vargas H, Fernandez-Jimenez N, Cuenin C, Herceg Z, Vízkeleti L, Ádány R, Ecsedi S, Balázs M. DNA hypermethylation is associated with invasive phenotype of malignant melanoma. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:39-50. [PMID: 31602702 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion is one of the key processes during cancer progression, leading to life-threatening metastatic lesions in melanoma. As methylation of cancer-related genes plays a fundamental role during tumorigenesis and may lead to cellular plasticity which promotes invasion, our aim was to identify novel epigenetic markers on selected invasive melanoma cells. Using Illumina BeadChip assays and Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 microarrays, we explored the DNA methylation landscape of selected invasive melanoma cells and examined the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression patterns. Our data revealed predominantly hypermethylated genes in the invasive cells affecting the neural crest differentiation pathway and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Integrative analysis of the methylation and gene expression profiles resulted in a cohort of hypermethylated genes (IL12RB2, LYPD6B, CHL1, SLC9A3, BAALC, FAM213A, SORCS1, GPR158, FBN1 and ADORA2B) with decreased expression. On the other hand, hypermethylation in the gene body of the EGFR and RBP4 genes was positively correlated with overexpression of the genes. We identified several methylation changes that can have role during melanoma progression, including hypermethylation of the promoter regions of the ARHGAP22 and NAV2 genes that are commonly altered in locally invasive primary melanomas as well as during metastasis. Interestingly, the down-regulation of the methylcytosine dioxygenase TET2 gene, which regulates DNA methylation, was associated with hypermethylated promoter region of the gene. This can probably lead to the observed global hypermethylation pattern of invasive cells and might be one of the key changes during the development of malignant melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Koroknai
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Szász
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | | | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Laura Vízkeleti
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Róza Ádány
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Ecsedi
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Margit Balázs
- Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, Public Health Research Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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11
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Xiao Y, Su M, Ou W, Wang H, Tian B, Ma J, Tang J, Wu J, Wu Z, Wang W, Zhou Y. Involvement of noncoding RNAs in epigenetic modifications of esophageal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 117:109192. [PMID: 31387188 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a serious digestive malignancy and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Apart from genetic mutations, many epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation and histone modifications associated with chromatin remodeling have been identified in the regulation of gene expression in EC. Recently, noncoding RNAs, and mainly lncRNAs and miRNAs, have been revealed to be involved in the epigenetic regulation of EC. In this review, we focus on describing new insights on epigenetic processes associated with noncoding RNAs, which have been characterized to be responsible for the development and progression of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Wei Ou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Yue Yang, Yue Yang, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Junliang Ma
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Jinming Tang
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zhining Wu
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of the 2nd Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
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12
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Chiang TC, Koss B, Su LJ, Washam CL, Byrum SD, Storey A, Tackett AJ. Effect of Sulforaphane and 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine on Melanoma Cell Growth. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6030071. [PMID: 31252639 PMCID: PMC6789461 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: UV exposure-induced oxidative stress is implicated as a driving mechanism for melanoma. Increased oxidative stress results in DNA damage and epigenetic dysregulation. Accordingly, we explored whether a low dose of the antioxidant sulforaphane (SFN) in combination with the epigenetic drug 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (DAC) could slow melanoma cell growth. SFN is a natural bioactivated product of the cruciferous family, while DAC is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Methods: Melanoma cell growth characteristics, gene transcription profiles, and histone epigenetic modifications were measured after single and combination treatments with SFN and DAC. Results: We detected melanoma cell growth inhibition and specific changes in gene expression profiles upon combinational treatments with SFN and DAC, while no significant alterations in histone epigenetic modifications were observed. Dysregulated gene transcription of a key immunoregulator cytokine—C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL-5)—was validated. Conclusions: These results indicate a potential combinatorial effect of a dietary antioxidant and an FDA-approved epigenetic drug in controlling melanoma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Chin Chiang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Brian Koss
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - L Joseph Su
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Program & Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Charity L Washam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Aaron Storey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
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13
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Mitsiogianni M, Koutsidis G, Mavroudis N, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Amery T, Galanis A, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. The Role of Isothiocyanates as Cancer Chemo-Preventive, Chemo-Therapeutic and Anti-Melanoma Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:E106. [PMID: 31003534 PMCID: PMC6523696 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8040106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have shown evidence in support of the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in preventing chronic diseases, including cancer. Among such phytochemicals, sulphur-containing compounds (e.g., isothiocyanates (ITCs)) have raised scientific interest by exerting unique chemo-preventive properties against cancer pathogenesis. ITCs are the major biologically active compounds capable of mediating the anticancer effect of cruciferous vegetables. Recently, many studies have shown that a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables is associated with reduced risk of developing various forms of cancers primarily due to a plurality of effects, including (i) metabolic activation and detoxification, (ii) inflammation, (iii) angiogenesis, (iv) metastasis and (v) regulation of the epigenetic machinery. In the context of human malignant melanoma, a number of studies suggest that ITCs can cause cell cycle growth arrest and also induce apoptosis in human malignant melanoma cells. On such basis, ITCs could serve as promising chemo-therapeutic agents that could be used in the clinical setting to potentiate the efficacy of existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Mitsiogianni
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Georgios Koutsidis
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Nikos Mavroudis
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK.
| | - Dimitrios T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| | - Sotiris Botaitis
- Second Department of Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Rodrigo Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
| | - Vasilis Zoumpourlis
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Tom Amery
- The Watrercress Company / The Wasabi Company, Waddock, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8QY, UK.
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
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14
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Desjobert C, Carrier A, Delmas A, Marzese DM, Daunay A, Busato F, Pillon A, Tost J, Riond J, Favre G, Etievant C, Arimondo PB. Demethylation by low-dose 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine impairs 3D melanoma invasion partially through miR-199a-3p expression revealing the role of this miR in melanoma. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:9. [PMID: 30651148 PMCID: PMC6335767 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0600-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient treatments against metastatic melanoma dissemination are still lacking. Here, we report that low-cytotoxic concentrations of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, a DNA demethylating agent, prevent in vitro 3D invasiveness of metastatic melanoma cells and reduce lung metastasis formation in vivo. RESULTS We unravelled that this beneficial effect is in part due to MIR-199A2 re-expression by promoter demethylation. Alone, this miR showed an anti-invasive and anti-metastatic effect. Throughout integration of micro-RNA target prediction databases with transcriptomic analysis after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatments, we found that miR-199a-3p downregulates set of genes significantly involved in invasion/migration processes. In addition, analysis of data from melanoma patients showed a stage- and tissue type-dependent modulation of MIR-199A2 expression by DNA methylation. CONCLUSIONS Thus, our data suggest that epigenetic- and/or miR-based therapeutic strategies can be relevant to limit metastatic dissemination of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Desjobert
- FRE no. 3600 CNRS, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Carrier
- FRE no. 3600 CNRS, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France
| | - Audrey Delmas
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, Toulouse, France
| | - Diego M Marzese
- Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Antoine Daunay
- Laboratory for Functional Genomics, Fondation Jean Dausset - CEPH, Paris, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de la Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA, Evry, France
| | - Arnaud Pillon
- Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, CRDPF, Toulouse, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de la Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA, Evry, France
| | - Joëlle Riond
- FRE no. 3600 CNRS, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France.,UMR 1037 INSERM/Université Toulouse III, CRCT, Toulouse, France
| | - Gilles Favre
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Paola B Arimondo
- FRE no. 3600 CNRS, Epigenetic Targeting of Cancer (ETaC), Toulouse, France. .,Institut Pasteur CNRS UMR3523, Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Paris, France.
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15
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Buga AM, Docea AO, Albu C, Malin RD, Branisteanu DE, Ianosi G, Ianosi SL, Iordache A, Calina D. Molecular and cellular stratagem of brain metastases associated with melanoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4170-4175. [PMID: 30944612 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors of the central nervous system are the most prevalent complications of melanoma, especially in the late stage of disease. Melanoma, lung and breast cancer are the leading cause of secondary tumors in the brain, the majority of them having a poor outcome. Brain dissemination is developed in half of stage IV melanomas and these cases can increase up to 75%, having a major impact on the quality of life. This review will focus on recent findings that provide new ways to potentially prevent brain metastases in malignant melanoma. The key of these findings is based on the heterogeneity of the melanoma and of the brain metastases at genetic levels. This new era of technologies provides new tools in understanding the dissemination mechanisms of malignant cells. The cellular and molecular changes, the immune status of the patient and the blood-brain barrier permeability are key regulators of cancer cell dissemination. Understanding these mechanisms can render new hope in preventing brain metastases by focusing on melanoma and new pharmacologic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Buga
- Department of Functional Science, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.,Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Carmen Albu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ramona Denise Malin
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Gabriel Ianosi
- Department of Surgery, Dermatopharmacy and Cosmetology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Simona Laura Ianosi
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatopharmacy and Cosmetology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Iordache
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Dermatopharmacy and Cosmetology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Dermatopharmacy and Cosmetology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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16
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Orouji E, Utikal J. Tackling malignant melanoma epigenetically: histone lysine methylation. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:145. [PMID: 30466474 PMCID: PMC6249913 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational histone modifications such as acetylation and methylation can affect gene expression. Histone acetylation is commonly associated with activation of gene expression whereas histone methylation is linked to either activation or repression of gene expression. Depending on the site of histone modification, several histone marks can be present throughout the genome. A combination of these histone marks can shape global chromatin architecture, and changes in patterns of marks can affect the transcriptomic landscape. Alterations in several histone marks are associated with different types of cancers, and these alterations are distinct from marks found in original normal tissues. Therefore, it is hypothesized that patterns of histone marks can change during the process of tumorigenesis. This review focuses on histone methylation changes (both removal and addition of methyl groups) in malignant melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, and the implications of specific inhibitors of these modifications as a combinatorial therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Orouji
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1901 East Rd. South Campus Research Building 4, Houston, TX, 77054, USA. .,Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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17
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Mitsiogianni M, Amery T, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. From chemo-prevention to epigenetic regulation: The role of isothiocyanates in skin cancer prevention. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 190:187-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Abstract
The epigenetic regulation of gene expression is accomplished primarily through DNA methylation, histone modification, and gene silencing via the action of microRNAs. While previously very difficult to study, the field of epigenetics has been greatly facilitated by recent technological innovations. Alterations in the epigenome and epigenetic machinery are now known to be present in a variety of diseases, most notably cancers. Moreover, evidence has emerged that epigenetic dysregulation plays a causative role in disease pathogenesis. Novel drugs that alter the epigenetic landscape have been developed and are now available as treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and other blood cancers. Epigenetic changes in CTCL have been studied extensively and continue to be a focus of drug development. Given the success of epigenetic therapies for CTCL, epigenetic research has begun to expand into other dermatologic conditions, including primary skin cancers and immune-mediated diseases. This article provides an overview of current epigenetic therapies for CTCL and reviews the epigenetics of other dermatologic diseases, including melanoma, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, with attention toward potential epigenetic pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Mervis
- a Department of Dermatology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Jean S McGee
- a Department of Dermatology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
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19
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Marconcini R, Spagnolo F, Stucci LS, Ribero S, Marra E, Rosa FD, Picasso V, Di Guardo L, Cimminiello C, Cavalieri S, Orgiano L, Tanda E, Spano L, Falcone A, Queirolo P. Current status and perspectives in immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:12452-12470. [PMID: 29552325 PMCID: PMC5844761 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma was the first malignancy in which immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated their successful efficacy. Currently, the knowledge on the interaction between the immune system and malignant disease is steadily increasing and new drugs and therapeutic strategies are overlooking in the clinical scenario. To provide a comprehensive overview of immune modulating drugs currently available in the treatment of melanoma as well as to discuss of possible future strategies in the metastatic melanoma setting, the present review aims at analyzing controversial aspects about the optimal immunomodulating treatment sequences, the search for biomarkers of efficacy of immunocheckpoint inhibitors, and innovative combinations of drugs currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Marconcini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria
Pisana, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and
Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigia Stefania Stucci
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and
Clinical Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences,
University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Marra
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences,
University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco De Rosa
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei
Tumori, IRST IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Virginia Picasso
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Orgiano
- AOU Cagliari, Department of Medical Oncology, University of
Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Tanda
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Spano
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - Alfredo Falcone
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria
Pisana, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and
Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - for the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI)
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria
Pisana, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and
Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-Istituto
Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and
Clinical Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences,
University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei
Tumori, IRST IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan,
Italy
- AOU Cagliari, Department of Medical Oncology, University of
Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Cell death-based treatments of melanoma:conventional treatments and new therapeutic strategies. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:112. [PMID: 29371600 PMCID: PMC5833861 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma has continued to rise during the past decades. However, in the last few years, treatment protocols have significantly been improved thanks to a better understanding of the key oncogenes and signaling pathways involved in its pathogenesis and progression. Anticancer therapy would either kill tumor cells by triggering apoptosis or permanently arrest them in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Unfortunately, melanoma is often refractory to commonly used anticancer drugs. More recently, however, some new anticancer strategies have been developed that are “external” to cancer cells, for example stimulating the immune system’s response or inhibiting angiogenesis. In fact, the increasing knowledge of melanoma pathogenetic mechanisms, in particular the discovery of genetic mutations activating specific oncogenes, stimulated the development of molecularly targeted therapies, a form of treatment in which a drug (chemical or biological) is developed with the goal of exclusively destroying cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules that drive growth and spreading of the tumor. Again, after the initial exciting results associated with targeted therapy, tumor resistance and/or relapse of the melanoma lesion have been observed. Hence, very recently, new therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of the immune system function have been developed. Since cancer cells are known to be capable of evading immune-mediated surveillance, i.e., to block the immune system cell activity, a series of molecular strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, have been developed in order to “release the brakes” on the immune system igniting immune reactivation and hindering metastatic melanoma cell growth. In this review we analyze the various biological strategies underlying conventional chemotherapy as well as the most recently developed targeted therapies and immunotherapies, pointing at the molecular mechanisms of cell injury and death engaged by the different classes of therapeutic agents.
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21
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Duan H, Jiang K, Wei D, Zhang L, Cheng D, Lv M, Xu Y, He A. Identification of epigenetically altered genes and potential gene targets in melanoma using bioinformatic methods. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 11:9-15. [PMID: 29302192 PMCID: PMC5741985 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s146663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze epigenetically and genetically altered genes in melanoma to get a better understanding of the molecular circuitry of melanoma and identify potential gene targets for the treatment of melanoma. The microarray data of GSE31879, including mRNA expression profiles (seven melanoma and four melanocyte samples) and DNA methylation profiles (seven melanoma and five melanocyte samples), were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were screened using the linear models for microarray data (limma) package in melanoma compared with melanocyte samples. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs were carried out using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Moreover, differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified, and a transcriptional regulatory network was constructed using the University of California Santa Cruz genome browser database. A total of 1,215 DEGs (199 upregulated and 1,016 downregulated) and 14,094 DMPs (10,450 upregulated and 3,644 downregulated) were identified in melanoma compared with melanocyte samples. Additionally, the upregulated and downregulated DEGs were significantly associated with different GO terms and pathways, such as pigment cell differentiation, biosynthesis, and metabolism. Furthermore, the transcriptional regulatory network showed that DMGs such as Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX), damage-specific DNA binding protein 2 (DDB2), and myelin basic protein (MBP) had higher node degrees. Our results showed that several methylated genes (ARX, DDB2, and MBP) may be involved in melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghao Duan
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Wei
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Deliang Cheng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Lv
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuben Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin He
- Department of Hand Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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22
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Carter CA, Oronsky BT, Roswarski J, Oronsky AL, Oronsky N, Scicinski J, Lybeck H, Kim MM, Lybeck M, Reid TR. No patient left behind: The promise of immune priming with epigenetic agents. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1315486. [PMID: 29123948 PMCID: PMC5665084 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1315486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that inhibit PD-1 or CTLA-4, have revolutionized the treatment of multiple cancers. Despite the enthusiasm for the clinical successes of checkpoint inhibitors, and immunotherapy, in general, only a minority of patients with specific tumor types actually benefit from treatment. Emerging evidence implicates epigenetic alterations as a mechanism of clinical resistance to immunotherapy. This review presents evidence for that association, summarizes the epi-based mechanisms by which tumors evade immunogenic cell death, discusses epigenetic modulation as a component of an integrated strategy to boost anticancer T cell effector function in relation to a tumor immunosuppression cycle and, finally, makes the case that the success of this no-patient-left-behind strategy critically depends on the toxicity profile of the epigenetic agent(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Carter
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Murtha Cancer Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Joseph Roswarski
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Murtha Cancer Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Harry Lybeck
- University of Helsinki, Department of Physiology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michelle M Kim
- University of Michigan, Department of Radiation Oncology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Tony R Reid
- University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
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23
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Micevic G, Theodosakis N, Bosenberg M. Aberrant DNA methylation in melanoma: biomarker and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:34. [PMID: 28396701 PMCID: PMC5381063 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is an epigenetic hallmark of melanoma, known to play important roles in melanoma formation and progression. Recent advances in genome-wide methylation methods have provided the means to identify differentially methylated genes, methylation signatures, and potential biomarkers. However, despite considerable effort and advances in cataloging methylation changes in melanoma, many questions remain unanswered. The aim of this review is to summarize recent developments, emerging trends, and important unresolved questions in the field of aberrant DNA methylation in melanoma. In addition to reviewing recent developments, we carefully synthesize the findings in an effort to provide a framework for understanding the current state and direction of the field. To facilitate clarity, we divided the review into DNA methylation changes in melanoma, biomarker opportunities, and therapeutic developments. We hope this review contributes to accelerating the utilization of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of DNA methylation for the benefit of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Micevic
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Nicholas Theodosakis
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
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24
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Niu J, Chu Y, Huang YF, Chong YS, Jiang ZH, Mao ZW, Peng LH, Gao JQ. Transdermal Gene Delivery by Functional Peptide-Conjugated Cationic Gold Nanoparticle Reverses the Progression and Metastasis of Cutaneous Melanoma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:9388-9401. [PMID: 28252938 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b16378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Permeability barrier imposed by stratum corneum makes an extreme challenge for the topical delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA), which is widely used in gene therapy. Existing techniques to overcome the skin barrier for bio-macromolecules delivery rely on sophisticated mechanical devices. It is still a big challenge to treat the skin cancer, for example, melanoma, that initiates in the dermal layer by topical gene therapy. To facilitate the skin penetration of pDNA deeply into the melanoma tissues, we here present a cell-penetrating peptide and cationic poly(ethyleneimine) conjugated gold nanoparticle (AuPT) that can compact the pDNAs into cationic nanocomplexes and penetrate through the intact stratum corneum without any additional enhancement used. Moreover, the AuPT is highly efficient in stimulating the intracellular uptake and nuclear targeting of the pDNAs in cells, which guarantees the effective transfection. This study provides evidence that penetrating peptide conjugated cationic gold nanoparticle offers a promising vehicle for both the skin penetration and transfection of pDNAs, possessing great potential in topical gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Niu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yang Chu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Fen Huang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yee-Song Chong
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology , Macau, P. R. China
| | - Zheng-Wei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Li-Hua Peng
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology , Macau, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Qing Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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25
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Diet phytochemicals and cutaneous carcinoma chemoprevention: A review. Pharmacol Res 2017; 119:327-346. [PMID: 28242334 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous carcinoma, which has occupied a peculiar place among worldwide populations, is commonly responsible for the considerably increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Currently available medical procedures fail to completely avoid cutaneous carcinoma development or to prevent mortality. Cancer chemoprevention, as an alternative strategy, is being considered to reduce the incidence and burden of cancers through chemical agents. Derived from dietary foods, phytochemicals have become safe and reliable compounds for the chemoprevention of cutaneous carcinoma by relieving multiple pathological processes, including oxidative damage, epigenetic alteration, chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, etc. In this review, we presented comprehensive knowledges, main molecular mechanisms for the initiation and development of cutaneous carcinoma as well as effects of various diet phytochemicals on chemoprevention.
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26
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Chatterjee A, Stockwell PA, Ahn A, Rodger EJ, Leichter AL, Eccles MR. Genome-wide methylation sequencing of paired primary and metastatic cell lines identifies common DNA methylation changes and a role for EBF3 as a candidate epigenetic driver of melanoma metastasis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:6085-6101. [PMID: 28030832 PMCID: PMC5351615 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are increasingly implicated in metastasis, whereas very few genetic mutations have been identified as authentic drivers of cancer metastasis. Yet, to date, few studies have identified metastasis-related epigenetic drivers, in part because a framework for identifying driver epigenetic changes in metastasis has not been established. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), we mapped genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in three cutaneous primary and metastatic melanoma cell line pairs to identify metastasis-related epigenetic drivers. Globally, metastatic melanoma cell lines were hypomethylated compared to the matched primary melanoma cell lines. Using whole genome RRBS we identified 75 shared (10 hyper- and 65 hypomethylated) differentially methylated fragments (DMFs), which were associated with 68 genes showing significant methylation differences. One gene, Early B Cell Factor 3 (EBF3), exhibited promoter hypermethylation in metastatic cell lines, and was validated with bisulfite sequencing and in two publicly available independent melanoma cohorts (n = 40 and 458 melanomas, respectively). We found that hypermethylation of the EBF3 promoter was associated with increased EBF3 mRNA levels in metastatic melanomas and subsequent inhibition of DNA methylation reduced EBF3 expression. RNAi-mediated knockdown of EBF3 mRNA levels decreased proliferation, migration and invasion in primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines. Overall, we have identified numerous epigenetic changes characterising metastatic melanoma cell lines, including EBF3-induced aggressive phenotypic behaviour with elevated EBF3 expression in metastatic melanoma, suggesting that EBF3 promoter hypermethylation may be a candidate epigenetic driver of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Stockwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Antonio Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Euan J Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna L Leichter
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral neoplasm, accounting for over 90% of all oral malignancies and 38% of head and neck tumors. Worldwide, OSCC is the eighth most common human cancer, with more than 500,000 new cases being diagnosed every year with a fairly onerous prognosis, encouraging further research on factors that might modify disease outcome. Genetic and/or environmental risk factors associated with the development of oral cancer have been sufficiently understood (smoking, alcohol, betel, diet, living habits, etc.). Knowledge of the genetic basis in oral carcinogenesis is still a challenging task. To improve the diagnosis and prevention, a previously unknown type of chromatin modification, known as epigenetic, which is defined as heritable DNA changes that are not encoded in the sequence itself and which are reversible and increasingly appear to serve fundamental roles in cell differentiation and development are studied. Tumors shed their DNA into the blood and epigenetic changes that occur early during tumorigenesis, sometimes even in premalignant lesions, can provide valuable biomarkers. Key components involved in epigenetic regulation are DNA methylation, histone modifications and modifications in micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs). Epigenetic modifications may contribute to aberrant epigenetic mechanisms seen in oral precancers and cancers. In the near future, epigenetic variations found in oral dysplastic cells can act as a molecular fingerprint for malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Hema
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, V.S. Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - T Smitha
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, V.S. Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - H S Sheethal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, V.S. Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - S Angeline Mirnalini
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, V.S. Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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28
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Mahmoud F, Shields B, Makhoul I, Hutchins LF, Shalin SC, Tackett AJ. Role of EZH2 histone methyltrasferase in melanoma progression and metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 17:579-91. [PMID: 27105109 PMCID: PMC4990393 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1167291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the main component of the polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is involved in melanoma progression and metastasis. Novel drugs that target and reverse such epigenetic changes may find a way into the management of patients with advanced melanoma. We provide a comprehensive up-to-date review of the role and biology of EZH2 on gene transcription, senescence/apoptosis, melanoma microenvironment, melanocyte stem cells, the immune system, and micro RNA. Furthermore, we discuss EZH2 inhibitors as potential anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fade Mahmoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bradley Shields
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Issam Makhoul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Laura F. Hutchins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sara C. Shalin
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alan J. Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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29
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Konstantinov NK, Ulff-Møller CJ, Dimitrov S. Histone variants and melanoma: facts and hypotheses. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:426-33. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefan Dimitrov
- Institut Albert Bonniot; U823, INSERM/Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble Cedex 9 France
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30
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over the last years, our understanding in molecular biology of melanoma has grown significantly and many genetic alterations have been identified affecting melanoma pathogenesis. This growing evidence has led to the development of targeted therapies which are showing promising clinical results. In addition to genetic alterations, an increasing number of studies have recently demonstrated the role of epigenetics in melanoma development and progression. Here, we summarize the current data on epigenetic research in melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiling studies have identified several miRNAs implicated in melanoma cell cycle and proliferation, cell migration and invasion, as well as miRNAs involved in apoptosis and immune response. Abnormal methylation profiling has been associated with melanoma progression and to date aberrant hypermethylation in more than 70 genes has been described. Recent works have highlighted the increasing evidence of the role of histone modification as a central regulatory event in melanoma pathogenesis. SUMMARY Many of these epigenetic biomarkers may have potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. Future approach might be using a combination of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers.
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31
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Xin Y, Li Z, Chan MT, Wu WKK. Circulating epigenetic biomarkers in melanoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1487-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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32
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Sarkar D, Leung EY, Baguley BC, Finlay GJ, Askarian-Amiri ME. Epigenetic regulation in human melanoma: past and future. Epigenetics 2015; 10:103-21. [PMID: 25587943 PMCID: PMC4622872 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2014.1003746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of melanoma have been attributed to independent or combined genetic and epigenetic events. There has been remarkable progress in understanding melanoma pathogenesis in terms of genetic alterations. However, recent studies have revealed a complex involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression, including methylation, chromatin modification and remodeling, and the diverse activities of non-coding RNAs. The roles of gene methylation and miRNAs have been relatively well studied in melanoma, but other studies have shown that changes in chromatin status and in the differential expression of long non-coding RNAs can lead to altered regulation of key genes. Taken together, they affect the functioning of signaling pathways that influence each other, intersect, and form networks in which local perturbations disturb the activity of the whole system. Here, we focus on how epigenetic events intertwine with these pathways and contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of melanoma.
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Key Words
- 5hmC, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
- 5mC, 5-methylcytosine
- ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme
- ANCR, anti-differentiation non-coding RNA
- ANRIL, antisense noncoding RNA in INK4 locus
- ASK1, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1
- ATRA, all-trans retinoic acid
- BANCR, BRAF-activated non-coding RNA
- BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma 2
- BRAF, B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase
- BRG1, ATP-dependent helicase SMARCA4
- CAF-1, chromatin assembly factor-1
- CBX7, chromobox homolog 7
- CCND1, cyclin D1
- CD28, cluster of differentiation 28
- CDK, cyclin-dependent kinase
- CDKN2A/B, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B
- CHD8, chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein 8
- CREB, cAMP response element-binding protein
- CUDR, cancer upregulated drug resistant
- Cdc6, cell division cycle 6
- DNA methylation/demethylation
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- EZH2, enhancer of zeste homolog 2
- GPCRs, G-protein coupled receptors
- GSK3a, glycogen synthase kinase 3 α
- GWAS, genome-wide association study
- HDAC, histone deacetylase
- HOTAIR, HOX antisense intergenic RNA
- IAP, inhibitor of apoptosis
- IDH2, isocitrate dehydrogenase
- IFN, interferon, interleukin 23
- JNK, Jun N-terminal kinase
- Jak/STAT, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription
- MAFG, v-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog G
- MALAT1, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MC1R, melanocortin-1 receptor
- MGMT, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase
- MIF, macrophage migration inhibitory factor
- MITF, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor
- MRE, miRNA recognition element
- MeCP2, methyl CpG binding protein 2
- NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
- NOD, nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain
- PBX, pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox
- PEDF, pigment epithelium derived factor
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase
- PIB5PA, phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-biphosphate 5-phosphatase A
- PKA, protein kinase A
- PRC, polycomb repressor complex
- PSF, PTB associated splicing factor
- PTB, polypyrimidine tract-binding
- PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog
- RARB, retinoic acid receptor-β2
- RASSF1A, Ras association domain family 1A
- SETDB1, SET Domain, bifurcated 1
- SPRY4, Sprouty 4
- STAU1, Staufen1
- SWI/SNF, SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable
- TCR, T-cell receptor
- TET, ten eleven translocase
- TGF β, transforming growth factor β
- TINCR, tissue differentiation-inducing non-protein coding RNA
- TOR, target of rapamycin
- TP53, tumor protein 53
- TRAF6, TNF receptor-associated factor 6
- UCA1, urothelial carcinoma-associated 1
- ceRNA, competitive endogenous RNAs
- chromatin modification
- chromatin remodeling
- epigenetics
- gene regulation
- lncRNA, long ncRNA
- melanoma
- miRNA, micro RNA
- ncRNA, non-coding RNA
- ncRNAs
- p14ARF, p14 alternative reading frame
- p16INK4a, p16 inhibitor of CDK4
- pRB, retinoblastoma protein
- snoRNA, small nucleolar RNA
- α-MSHm, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone
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Affiliation(s)
- Debina Sarkar
- a Auckland Cancer Society Research Center ; University of Auckland ; Auckland , New Zealand
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Rodić N, Zampella J, Sharma R, Burns KH, Taube JM. Diagnostic utility of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine immunohistochemistry in melanocytic proliferations. J Cutan Pathol 2015; 42:807-14. [PMID: 26239102 DOI: 10.1111/cup.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Decreased hydroxymethylated cytosine (5-hydroxymethycytosine, 5-hmC) is reported to correlate with melanocyte dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of this observation. 5-hmC immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays containing 171-melanocytic lesions from two different institutions. An immunohistochemical staining score representing the percentage and intensity of nuclear staining was assigned. The performance characteristics of 5-hmC immunohistochemistry for discriminating between a nevus and melanoma were determined. Additional cases of melanoma arising in a nevus (n = 8), nodal nevi (n = 5) and melanoma micrometastases to a lymph node (n = 6) were also assessed. Pronounced 5-hmC loss was observed in melanomas when compared with nevi (mean ± standard deviation = 6.71 ± 11.78 and 55.19 ± 23.66, respectively, p < 0.0001). While the mean immunohistochemical staining score values for melanocytic nevi and melanoma were distinct, there was considerable variability in immunohistochemical staining score within a single diagnostic category. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay for nevus vs. melanoma is 92.74 and 97.78%, respectively. Distinct biphasic staining patterns were observed in cases of melanoma arising in association with a nevus. Relative changes of 5-hmC expression within a single lesion may be more informative than absolute values when using 5-hmC as a diagnostic adjunct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Rodić
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Zampella
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Reema Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The High Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Epigenetic modifications in cutaneous malignant melanoma: EZH2, H3K4me2, and H3K27me3 immunohistochemical expression is enhanced at the invasion front of the tumor. Am J Dermatopathol 2015; 37:138-44. [PMID: 25614949 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e31828a2d54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells and the misregulation of epigenetic modifications have been identified to possess a determinative role in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression profile of EZH2 and H3K4me2 and H3K27me3, which constitute stem cell-like "bivalent" domains, in cutaneous malignant melanoma. A comparative analysis of their immunohistochemical expression between the invasion front (IF) and the inner tumor mass was also evaluated. Immunohistochemical methodology was performed on sections of 89 melanoma lesions from 79 patients. The 3 markers studied were identified in the cell nuclei of melanoma cells, nevus cells, and normal epidermal keratinocytes. A specific distribution pattern of H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 was found, as stronger levels were localized at the IF of the tumor (P = 0.034 and P < 0.01, respectively). In general, H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 levels were lower in metastatic with respect to primary melanoma cases (P = 0.0065 and P = 0.027, respectively). Advanced melanoma demonstrated significantly lower H3K4 immunohistochemical expression than did cases of lowest Clark level (I) (P = 0.038) or low Breslow depth (≤1 mm; P < 0.001). Furthermore, EZH2 expression in melanoma cells was higher compared with that in nevus cells (P = 0.02). A positive correlation between EZH2-H3K27me3 (P = 0.03) and H3K4me2-H3K27me3 (P < 0.01) in melanoma cells was also found. Our results suggest the possibility that combined immunohistochemical expression of EZH2, H3K4me2, and H3K27me3 might identify cancer cells with potential stem cell properties, particularly at the IF of this malignancy. This hypothesis should be further investigated, as many of the epigenetic changes are reversible via pharmacologic manipulations and new therapies, overpassing the resistance of advanced melanoma, may be developed.
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Potential use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in cancer therapy. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2015; 19:436-40. [PMID: 26843838 PMCID: PMC4731444 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2015.51824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a branch of science that focuses on mechanisms related to control and modification of expression of genetic material without any changes to its sequences. Such mechanisms include post-translational modifications of histones. It is widely known that carcinogenesis is related to hypoacetylation of genes that influence apoptosis, the cell cycle, cell signaling, the immunologic response, angiogenesis and occurrence of metastasis. Currently conducted research focuses on several strategies related to epigenetic therapy. One such strategy is based on the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors. This paper presents mechanisms through which these compounds work and a summary of their characteristics. It also includes a review of clinical tests related to histone deacetylase inhibitors, as well as their relationship with other chemotherapeutic methods. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms will provide a rational basis to improve the therapeutic outcome of available antitumor agents.
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36
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Mann MB, Black MA, Jones DJ, Ward JM, Yew CCK, Newberg JY, Dupuy AJ, Rust AG, Bosenberg MW, McMahon M, Print CG, Copeland NG, Jenkins NA. Transposon mutagenesis identifies genetic drivers of Braf(V600E) melanoma. Nat Genet 2015; 47:486-95. [PMID: 25848750 PMCID: PMC4844184 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although nearly half of human melanomas harbor oncogenic BRAF(V600E) mutations, the genetic events that cooperate with these mutations to drive melanogenesis are still largely unknown. Here we show that Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon-mediated mutagenesis drives melanoma progression in Braf(V600E) mutant mice and identify 1,232 recurrently mutated candidate cancer genes (CCGs) from 70 SB-driven melanomas. CCGs are enriched in Wnt, PI3K, MAPK and netrin signaling pathway components and are more highly connected to one another than predicted by chance, indicating that SB targets cooperative genetic networks in melanoma. Human orthologs of >500 CCGs are enriched for mutations in human melanoma or showed statistically significant clinical associations between RNA abundance and survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. We also functionally validate CEP350 as a new tumor-suppressor gene in human melanoma. SB mutagenesis has thus helped to catalog the cooperative molecular mechanisms driving BRAF(V600E) melanoma and discover new genes with potential clinical importance in human melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Mann
- 1] Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. [2] Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
| | - Michael A Black
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Devin J Jones
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Justin Y Newberg
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alistair G Rust
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Marcus W Bosenberg
- 1] Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. [2] Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- 1] Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. [2] Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cristin G Print
- 1] Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. [2] New Zealand Bioinformatics Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Neal G Copeland
- 1] Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. [2] Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
| | - Nancy A Jenkins
- 1] Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. [2] Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
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Gatti L, Sevko A, De Cesare M, Arrighetti N, Manenti G, Ciusani E, Verderio P, Ciniselli CM, Cominetti D, Carenini N, Corna E, Zaffaroni N, Rodolfo M, Rivoltini L, Umansky V, Perego P. Histone deacetylase inhibitor-temozolomide co-treatment inhibits melanoma growth through suppression of Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2-driven signals. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4516-28. [PMID: 24980831 PMCID: PMC4147342 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Target-specific agents used in melanoma are not curative, and chemokines are being implicated in drug-resistance to target-specific agents. Thus, the use of conventional agents in rationale combinations may result in optimization of therapy. Because histone deacetylases participate in tumor development and progression, the combination of the pan-inhibitor SAHA and temozolomide might provide a therapeutic advantage. Here, we show synergism between the two drugs in mutant BRAF cell lines, in association with decreased phosphorylation of cell survival proteins (e.g., C-Jun-N-terminal-kinase, JNK). In the spontaneous ret transgenic mouse melanoma model, combination therapy produced a significant disease onset delay and down-regulation of Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), JNK, and of Myeloid-derived suppressor cell recruitment. Co-incubation with a CCL2-blocking-antibody enhanced in vitro cell sensitivity to temozolomide. Conversely, recombinant CCL2 activated JNK in human tumor melanoma cells. In keeping with these results, the combination of a JNK-inhibitor with temozolomide was synergistic. By showing that down-regulation of CCL2-driven signals by SAHA and temozolomide via JNK contributes to reduce melanoma growth, we provide a rationale for the therapeutic advantage of the drug combination. This combination strategy may be effective because of interference both with tumor cell and tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gatti
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy. These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Alexandra Sevko
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany. These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Michelandrea De Cesare
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Arrighetti
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Manenti
- Genetic Epidemiology and Pharmacogenomics Unit,Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Verderio
- Medical Statistics, Biometry and Bioinformatics Unit,Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara M Ciniselli
- Medical Statistics, Biometry and Bioinformatics Unit,Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Denis Cominetti
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Nives Carenini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Corna
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Immunotherapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Immunotherapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany. These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy. These authors contributed equally to this work
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Covre A, Coral S, Nicolay H, Parisi G, Fazio C, Colizzi F, Fratta E, Di Giacomo AM, Sigalotti L, Natali PG, Maio M. Antitumor activity of epigenetic immunomodulation combined with CTLA-4 blockade in syngeneic mouse models. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1019978. [PMID: 26405573 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1019978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted immunomodulatory activity of DNA hypomethylating agents improves immunogenicity and immune recognition of neoplastic cells; thus, we predicted they could be utilized to design new immunotherapeutic combinations in cancer. Testing this hypothesis, the antitumor efficacy of the DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR) combined with the anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9H10 in syngeneic transplantable murine models was investigated. Murine mammary carcinoma TS/A or mesothelioma AB1 cells were injected in BALB/c, athymic nude, and SCID/Beige mice that were treated with 5-AZA-CdR, mAb 9H10, or their combination. Tumor volumes were captured at different time-points; molecular and immunohistochemical assays investigated changes in neoplastic and normal tissues. A significant antitumor effect of 5-AZA-CdR combined with mAb 9H10 was found: compared to controls, a 77% (p < 0.01), 54% (p < 0.01) and 33% (p = 0.2) decrease in TS/A tumor growth was induced by 5-AZA-CdR combined with mAb 9H10, 5-AZA-CdR or mAb 9H10, respectively. These antitumor activities were confirmed utilizing the AB1 model. 5-AZA-CdR-based regimens induced a promoter-demethylation-sustained tumor expression of cancer testis antigens. MHC class I expression was up-regulated by 5-AZA-CdR. Antitumor efficacy of 5-AZA-CdR in athymic nude and SCID/Beige mice was not increased by mAb 9H10. In BALB/c mice, combined treatment induced the highest tumor infiltration by CD3+ lymphocytes, which included both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells; no such infiltrates were observed in normal tissues. This significant immune-related antitumor activity of 5-AZA-CdR combined with CTLA-4 blockade, demonstrated in highly aggressive mouse tumor models, provides a strong scientific rationale to implement epigenetically-based immunotherapies in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Covre
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
| | - S Coral
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
| | - H Nicolay
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
| | - G Parisi
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
| | - C Fazio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy ; Medical Genetics; University of Siena ; Siena, Italy
| | - F Colizzi
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit; Centro di Riferimento Oncologico; IRCCS ; Aviano, Italy
| | - E Fratta
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit; Centro di Riferimento Oncologico; IRCCS ; Aviano, Italy
| | - A M Di Giacomo
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
| | - L Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit; Centro di Riferimento Oncologico; IRCCS ; Aviano, Italy
| | - P G Natali
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute ; Rome, Italy
| | - M Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy; Department of Oncology; University Hospital of Siena; Istituto Toscano Tumori ; Siena, Italy
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Xia ZJ, Hu W, Wang YB, Zhou K, Sun GJ. Expression heterogeneity research of ITGB3 and BCL-2 in lung adenocarcinoma tissue and adenocarcinoma cell line. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2015; 7:473-7. [PMID: 25066397 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze expression heterogeneity of Integrin beta 3 (ITGB3) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) in lung adenocarcinoma tissue and adenocarcinoma cell line and further provide theoretical direction for molecular biological research of lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS Tissue microarray was used to observe relation among expression, heterogeneitpy and clinical characteristics of ITGB3 and BCL-2 in lung cancer. RESULTS ITGB3 and BCL-2 increased significantly in A549 cells in CAFs group withβ-actin as control; the expression level of BCL-2 also increased in ITGB3 transfected cells with GFP plasmid transfected A549 cells as control; immunohistochemistry staining showed that positive rates of ITGB3, ITGB1 and BCL-2 in normal lung tissues were 0, the positive rates in lung adenocarcinoma were 7.04%, 84.51% and 4.23%, respectively; in the results of immunohistochemistry staining, the expression of Girdin protein in lung adenocarcinoma was homogeneous, however protein expression of ITGB3, ITGB1 and BCL-2 showed different patterns in the same location with significant heterogeneity; majority of ITGB3, ITGB1 or BCL-2 positive tissue showed heterogeneity that expression in trailing edge was higher than that of trailing edge in lung adenocarcinoma tissue, the patients with BCL-2 heterogeneity showed higher lymph node metastasis ratio and lower clinical stage (P<0.05); and the expression of ITGB3 and the clinical characteristics of patients were not significant related (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Expression of ITGB3 and BCL-2 in lung adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma cell line showed heterogeneity that expression in trailing edge was higher than that of trailing edge, which may play an important role in promoting tumor lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion, and provides a new research direction for exploration of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Jiang Xia
- Department of Thoracic surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Thoracic surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yue-Bin Wang
- Department of Thoracic surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Guo-Ju Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
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Abstract
In malignant melanoma complex reprogramming of cell death and survival pathways leads to increased chemoresistance and poor longer-term survival. Sulforaphane (SF) is a promising isothiocyanate compound occurring in cruciferous plants with reported antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity in several tumor cell lines including melanoma. In this work we investigated the effects of SF in several melanoma cell lines and fresh melanoma cultivates. We found that SF is cytotoxic and induces mitochondrial, caspase-dependent apoptosis in our study model, however with lower efficiency in fresh melanoma cultivates. Moreover, our results indicate that in melanoma cell lines and fresh melanoma cultivates SF induces multiple signaling including oxidative stress-mediated activation of DNA-damage response pathway, changes in p38 kinase activity and enhanced expression of Bax and Puma proapoptotic proteins. In addition, in SF-exposed p53-mutant melanoma cells Puma expression seem to be under p38 control and acts as a compensatory proapoptotic mechanism. Conversely, decreased apoptosis in SF-exposed melanoma cultivates might be attributed to Akt-mediated suppression of p38 as well as p53 activity. Together, our results suggest that SF inhibits growth and proliferation and induces mitochondrial apoptosis both in melanoma cell lines as well as in fresh melanoma cultivates. This proapoptotic effect might be enhanced in combination with Akt inhibitors, in particular in melanoma samples. SF is thus commendable for further preclinical testing, both as a single agent as well as in combination regimens.
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41
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Epigenetic regulation of p14ARF and p16INK4A expression in cutaneous and uveal melanoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:247-56. [PMID: 25497382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of p14ARF and p16INK4A by epigenetic changes in cutaneous and uveal melanoma has been here investigated. Compared with melanocytes, p14ARF mRNA reduction and p16INK4A inactivation were frequently noticed. No association between p14ARF promoter methylation and mRNA levels was found, whereas aberrant p16INK4A methylation was associated with gene silencing (p<0.001). Comparative analysis within melanomas of different Breslow's thicknesses showed that drastic reductions in p14ARF and p16INK4A expression appeared at the level of thin/intermediate and intermediate/thick transitions. The effects of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) on in vivo binding of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and acetyl histone H3/H4 to p14ARF and p16INK4A promoters were tested together with the impact of ectopic expression of p14ARF and p16INK4A on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. SAHA treatment induced H3 and H4 hyperacetylation at the p14ARF promoter followed by increased p14ARF expression, whereas exposure to 5-aza-dC decreased the recruitment of DNMT1 and DNMT3b at the p16INK4A promoter and reactivated p16INK4A. Studies on promoter-associated di-methyl histone H3 (Lys4) levels ruled out an involvement of this epigenetic trait on p14ARF and p16INK4A expression. The enforced expression of p14ARF or p16INK4A and, even more so, their co-expression, significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Our data pinpoint: i) a frequent impairment of p14ARF and p16INK4A gene expression by epigenetic modifications in melanoma; ii) histone hypoacetylation as the dominant mechanism of p14ARF silencing; and iii) 5' CpG promoter methylation as the major mechanism of p16INK4A gene inactivation. Collectively, our data suggest that selected epi-drugs may be useful in melanoma treatment.
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42
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The emerging nexus of active DNA demethylation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in post-mitotic neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:22604-25. [PMID: 25490140 PMCID: PMC4284726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151222604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The variable patterns of DNA methylation in mammals have been linked to a number of physiological processes, including normal embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Active removal of DNA methylation, which potentially regulates neuronal gene expression both globally and gene specifically, has been recently implicated in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory processes. Model pathways of active DNA demethylation involve ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases that are dependent on oxidative metabolites. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidizing agents generate oxidative modifications of DNA bases that can be removed by base excision repair proteins. These potentially link the two processes of active DNA demethylation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in post-mitotic neurons. We review the current biochemical understanding of the DNA demethylation process and discuss its potential interaction with oxidative metabolism. We then summarise the emerging roles of both processes and their interaction in neural plasticity and memory formation and the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. Finally, possible therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases are proposed, including reprogramming therapy by global DNA demethylation and mitohormesis therapy for locus-specific DNA demethylation in post-mitotic neurons.
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Li J, Huang Q, Zeng F, Li W, He Z, Chen W, Zhu W, Zhang B. The prognostic value of global DNA hypomethylation in cancer: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106290. [PMID: 25184628 PMCID: PMC4153632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant methylation of the global genome has been investigated as a prognostic indicator in various cancers, but the results are controversial and ambiguous. METHODS AND FINDINGS This meta-analysis presents pooled estimates of the evidence to elucidate this issue. We searched the electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane library (up to August 2013) to identify all of the relevant studies. The association between the level of surrogates' indexes of genome-wide hypomethylation (LINE-1, Alu and Sat-α) and the overall survival (OS) of cancer patients was examined. In addition, the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated to estimate the influences through fixed-effects and random-effects model. Finally, twenty studies with total population of 5447 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that the summary HRs for the studies employing LINE-1, Alu, and Sat-α repetitive elements also show that the global DNA hypomethylation have significant desirable effects on the tumour prognostic value. The pooled HRs (and CIs) of LINE-1, Alu and Sat-α were 1.83 (1.38-2.44), 2.00 (1.16-3.45), and 2.92 (1.04-8.25), with a heterogeneity measure index of I2 (and p-value) shows of 66.6% (p = 0.001), 57.1% (p = 0.053) and 68.2% (p = 0.076) respectively. The meta-regression and subgroup analysis indicated that the percentage of hypomethylated sample of cancer patients is one source of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis findings support the hypothesis that the global DNA hypomethylation is associated with a detrimental prognosis in tumour patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qingyuan Huang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Medical Statistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhini He
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Melanoma epigenetics: novel mechanisms, markers, and medicines. J Transl Med 2014; 94:822-38. [PMID: 24978641 PMCID: PMC4479581 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of cutaneous melanoma continue to increase worldwide, despite the deployment of targeted therapies. Recently, there has been rapid growth and development in our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and their role in cancer pathobiology. Epigenetics--defined as the processes resulting in heritable changes in gene expression beyond those caused by alterations in the DNA sequence--likely contain the information that encodes for such phenotypic variation between individuals with identical genotypes. By altering the structure of chromatin through covalent modification of DNA bases or histone proteins, or by regulating mRNA translation through non-coding RNAs, the epigenome ultimately determines which genes are expressed and which are kept silent. While our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms is growing at a rapid pace, the field of melanoma epigenomics still remains in its infancy. In this Pathology in Focus, we will briefly review the basics of epigenetics to contextualize and critically examine the existing literature using melanoma as a cancer paradigm. Our understanding of how dysregulated DNA methylation and DNA demethylation/hydroxymethylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs affect cancer pathogenesis and melanoma virulence, in particular, provides us with an ever-expanding repertoire of potential diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and novel pathogenic mechanisms. The evidence reviewed herein indicates the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in melanoma pathobiology and provides evidence for future targets in the development of next-generation biomarkers and therapeutics.
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Besaratinia A, Tommasi S. Epigenetics of human melanoma: promises and challenges. J Mol Cell Biol 2014; 6:356-67. [PMID: 24895357 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mju027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer with rising incidence and mortality rates. Although early-stage melanoma is highly curable, advanced-stage melanoma is refractory to treatment. This underscores the importance of prevention and early detection as well as the need to improve treatment and prognostication of human melanoma. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the initiation and progression of human melanoma can help identify potential targets of intervention for prevention, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of this disease. Aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications are the best-established epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The occurrence of epigenetic changes prior to clinical diagnosis of cancer and their reversibility through pharmacologic/genetic approaches offer a promising avenue for basic and translational research on human melanoma. Candidate gene(s) or genome-wide aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications have been observed in human melanoma tumor tissues and cell lines, and correlated to cellular and functional characteristics and/or clinicopathological features of this malignancy. The present review summarizes the published researches on aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications in connection with human melanoma. Representative studies are highlighted to set forth the current state of knowledge, gaps in the knowledgebase, and future directions in these epigenetic fields of research. Examples of epigenetic therapy applied for human melanoma in vitro, and the challenges of its in vivo application for clinical treatment of solid tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stella Tommasi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Ecsedi S, Hernandez-Vargas H, Lima SC, Vizkeleti L, Toth R, Lazar V, Koroknai V, Kiss T, Emri G, Herceg Z, Adany R, Balazs M. DNA methylation characteristics of primary melanomas with distinct biological behaviour. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96612. [PMID: 24832207 PMCID: PMC4022506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In melanoma, the presence of promoter related hypermethylation has previously been reported, however, no methylation-based distinction has been drawn among the diverse melanoma subtypes. Here, we investigated DNA methylation changes associated with melanoma progression and links between methylation patterns and other types of somatic alterations, including the most frequent mutations and DNA copy number changes. Our results revealed that the methylome, presenting in early stage samples and associated with the BRAF(V600E) mutation, gradually decreased in the medium and late stages of the disease. An inverse relationship among the other predefined groups and promoter methylation was also revealed except for histologic subtype, whereas the more aggressive, nodular subtype melanomas exhibited hypermethylation as well. The Breslow thickness, which is a continuous variable, allowed for the most precise insight into how promoter methylation decreases from stage to stage. Integrating our methylation results with a high-throughput copy number alteration dataset, local correlations were detected in the MYB and EYA4 genes. With regard to the effects of DNA hypermethylation on melanoma patients' survival, correcting for clinical cofounders, only the KIT gene was associated with a lower overall survival rate. In this study, we demonstrate the strong influence of promoter localized DNA methylation changes on melanoma initiation and show how hypermethylation decreases in melanomas associated with less favourable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we establish the methylation pattern as part of an integrated apparatus of somatic DNA alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Ecsedi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE- Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Section of Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Epigenetics Group, Lyon, France
| | - Sheila C. Lima
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Section of Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Epigenetics Group, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Vizkeleti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE- Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Reka Toth
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Lazar
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Koroknai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Timea Kiss
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Emri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Section of Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Epigenetics Group, Lyon, France
| | - Roza Adany
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE- Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Margit Balazs
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE- Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Abbas O, Miller DD, Bhawan J. Cutaneous malignant melanoma: update on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Am J Dermatopathol 2014; 36:363-79. [PMID: 24803061 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e31828a2ec5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has rapidly increased in recent years in all parts of the world, and melanoma is a leading cause of cancer death. As even relatively small melanomas may have metastatic potential, accurate assessment of progression is critical. Although diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma is usually based on histopathologic criteria, these criteria may at times be inadequate in differentiating melanoma from certain types of benign nevi. As for prognosis, tumor (Breslow) thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration have been considered the most important prognostic indicators among histopathologic criteria. However, there are cases of thin primary melanomas that have ultimately developed metastases despite complete excision. Given this, an accurate assessment of melanoma progression is critical, and development of molecular biomarkers that identify high-risk melanoma in its early phase is urgently needed. Large-scale genomic profiling has identified considerable heterogeneity in melanoma and suggests subgrouping of tumors by patterns of gene expression and mutation will ultimately be essential to accurate staging. This subgrouping in turn may allow for more targeted therapy. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the most promising new biomarkers that may help in the identification and prognostication of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossama Abbas
- *Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Dermatology Department, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; and †Assistant Professor of Dermatology (D.D.M.), Professor of Dermatology and Pathology (J.B.), Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Sigalotti L, Fratta E, Parisi G, Coral S, Maio M. Epigenetic markers of prognosis in melanoma. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1102:481-99. [PMID: 24258994 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-727-3_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prognostic molecular markers are urgently needed for allowing to discriminate the clinical course of disease of melanoma patients, which is highly heterogeneous and unpredictable also within a specific clinicopathological stage and substage of disease. Alterations in DNA methylation have been reported to be widely present in cutaneous melanoma, profoundly impacting its biology. In line with this notion, we have identified methylation markers as independent prognostic factors in stage IIIC melanoma patients. In this chapter we describe the measurement of the methylation of the Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element-1 sequences in laser capture microdissected tumor tissues as a prognostic tool in stage III melanoma patients, which could help in achieving a more appropriate and patient-tailored clinical management of cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
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Sigalotti L, Fratta E, Coral S, Maio M. Epigenetic drugs as immunomodulators for combination therapies in solid tumors. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 142:339-50. [PMID: 24384533 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Continuously improving knowledge of the fine mechanisms regulating cross-talk between immune cells, and of their multi-faceted interactions with cancer cells, has prompted the development of several novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Among these, modulation of the host's immune system by targeting immunological synapses has shown notable clinical efficacy in different tumor types. Despite this, objective clinical responses and, more importantly, long-term survival are achieved only by a fraction of patients; therefore, identification of the mechanism(s) responsible for the differential effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in specific patient populations is an area of intense investigation. Neoplastic cells can activate multiple mechanisms to escape from immune control; among these, epigenetic reprogramming is emerging as a key player. Selected tumor-associated antigens, Human Leukocyte Antigens, and accessory/co-stimulatory molecules required for efficient recognition of neoplastic cells by the immune system have been shown to be epigenetically silenced or down-regulated in cancer. Consistent with the inherent reversibility of epigenetic silencing, "epigenetic" drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and of histone deacetylases, can restore the functional expression of these down-regulated molecules, thus improving the recognition of cancer cells by both the innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory activity of epigenetic drugs and on their proposed clinical use in novel combined chemo-immunotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sandra Coral
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.
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Fratta E, Sigalotti L, Covre A, Parisi G, Coral S, Maio M. Epigenetics of melanoma: implications for immune-based therapies. Immunotherapy 2013; 5:1103-16. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a complex disease that arises and evolves due to a myriad of genetic and epigenetic events. Among these, the interaction between epigenetic alterations (i.e., histone modifications, DNA methylation, mRNA silencing by miRNAs and nucleosome repositioning) has been recently identified as playing an important role in melanoma development and progression by affecting key cellular pathways such as cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, apoptosis, invasion and immune recognition. Differently to genetic lesions, epigenetic changes are potentially pharmacologically reversible by using epigenetic drugs. Along this line, preclinical and clinical findings indicate that these drugs, given alone or in combination therapies, can efficiently modulate the immunophenotype of melanoma cells. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of melanoma epigenetics and the current use of epigenetic drugs in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Fratta
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Division of Medical Oncology & Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Parisi
- Division of Medical Oncology & Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Coral
- Division of Medical Oncology & Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Division of Medical Oncology & Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
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