1
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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Pawar A, Chen F. Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:597-619. [PMID: 37857941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Recurrent metastasis is associated with poor patient outcomes and poses a significant challenge in breast cancer therapies. Cancer cells adapting to a new tissue microenvironment is the key event in distant metastasis development, where the disseminating tumor cells are likely to acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations during the process of metastatic colonization. Despite several decades of research in this field, the exact mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully understood. However, emerging body of evidence indicates that in addition to genetic changes, epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells and the metastatic niche are paramount toward successful metastasis. Here, we review and discuss the latest knowledge about the salient attributes of metastasis and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and crucial research domains that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Aashna Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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2
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Fan W, Li W, Li L, Qin M, Mao C, Yuan Z, Wang P, Chu B, Jiang Y. Bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor induces viral mimicry activates the innate immune response in triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 197:106767. [PMID: 38636781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a unique breast cancer subtype characterized by a lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Since TNBC lacks ER, PR, and HER2, there are currently no drugs that specifically target TNBC. Therefore, the development of new drugs or effective treatment strategies to target TNBC has become an urgent clinical need. Research has shown that the application of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors leads to genomic and epigenomic instability. This, in turn, triggers the activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequently activates downstream interferon (IFN) signalling pathways. In this study, the bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor J208 exhibited antitumour activity in TNBC cell lines. J208 effectively induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, inhibiting cell migration and invasion in TNBC. Moreover, this bifunctional inhibitor induced the expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and elicited a viral mimicry response, which increased the intracellular levels of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to activate the innate immune signalling pathway in TNBC. In summary, we demonstrated that the bifunctional inhibitor J208, which is designed to inhibit HDAC and DNMT, has potent anticancer effects, providing a new research basis for reactivating antitumour immunity by triggering innate immune signalling and offering a promising strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenkai Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meirong Qin
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Chengzhou Mao
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Bizhu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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3
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Liu C, Xu M, Li W, Cao X, Wang Y, Chen H, Zhang T, Lu M, Xie H, Chen Y. Quantitative Pattern of hPTMs by Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics with Implications for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1495-1505. [PMID: 38576392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for its aggressive nature, and TNBC management is currently challenging due to the lack of effective targets. Despite the importance of histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) in breast cancer, their associations with molecular subtypes of breast cancer, especially TNBC, are poorly understood. In this study, a combination of untargeted and targeted proteomics approaches, supplemented by a derivatization method, was applied to breast cancer cells and tissue samples. Untargeted proteomics of eight breast cancer cell lines belonging to different molecular subtypes revealed 36 modified peptides with 12 lysine modification sites in histone H3, and the most frequently reported top 5 histone H3 methylation and acetylation sites were covered. Then, targeted proteomics was carried out to quantify the total 20 target hPTMs at the covered modification sites (i.e., mono-, di-, trimethylation, and acetylation for each site), indicating the difficulty in distinguishing TNBC cells from normal cells. Subsequently, the analysis in TNBC patients revealed significant expression differences in 4 specific hPTMs (H3K14ac, H3K27me1, H3K36me2, and H3K36me3) between TNBC and adjacent normal tissue samples. These unique hPTM patterns allowed for the differentiation of TNBC from normal cases. This finding provides promising implications for advancing targeted treatment strategies for TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mengying Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Tianqi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Meiyan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing 211166, China
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4
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Jahoriya V, Mishra A, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. Dual inhibitors of HDAC and other epigenetic regulators: A novel strategy for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115938. [PMID: 37989059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant advancement in the field of epigenetic drug discovery has been evidenced in recent years. Epigenetic alterations are hereditary, nevertheless reversible variations to DNA or histone adaptations that regulate gene function individualistically of the fundamental sequence. The design and synthesis of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators open a new door for epigenetic-targeted therapies to parade worthwhile therapeutic potential for haematological and solid malignancies. Several ongoing clinical trials on dual targeting strategy are being conducted comprising HDAC inhibitory component and an epigenetic regulating agent. In this perspective, the review discusses the pharmacological aspects of HDAC and other epigenetic regulating factors as dual inhibitors as an emerging alternative approach for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Varsha Jahoriya
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Aditya Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India.
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5
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Guo L, Kong D, Liu J, Luo L, Zheng W, Chen C, Sun S. Searching for Essential Genes and Targeted Drugs Common to Breast Cancer and Osteoarthritis. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:238-255. [PMID: 37157194 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230508113036] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is documented that osteoarthritis can promote the progression of breast cancer (BC). OBJECTIVE This study aims to search for the essential genes associated with breast cancer (BC) and osteoarthritis (OA), explore the relationship between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- related genes and the two diseases, and identify the candidate drugs. METHODS The genes related to both BC and OA were determined by text mining. Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) analysis was carried out, and as a result, the exported genes were found to be related to EMT. PPI and the correlation of mRNA of these genes were also analyzed. Different kinds of enrichment analyses were performed on these genes. A prognostic analysis was performed on these genes for examining their expression levels at different pathological stages, in different tissues, and in different immune cells. Drug-gene interaction database was employed for potential drug discovery. RESULTS A total number of 1422 genes were identified as common to BC and OA and 58 genes were found to be related to EMT. We found that HDAC2 and TGFBR1 were significantly poor in overall survival. High expression of HDAC2 plays a vital role in the increase of pathological stages. Four immune cells might play a role in this process. Fifty-seven drugs were identified that could potentially have therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION EMT may be one of the mechanisms by which OA affects BC. Using the drugs can have potential therapeutic effects, which may benefit patients with both diseases and broaden the indications for drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liantao Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Deguang Kong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Luo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijie Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, People's Republic of China
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To KKW, Chow JCH, Cheung KM, Cho WCS. Circumvention of Gefitinib Resistance by Repurposing Flunarizine via Histone Deacetylase Inhibition. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1531-1543. [PMID: 37854628 PMCID: PMC10580381 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Gefitinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, drug resistance seriously impedes the clinical efficacy of gefitinib. This study investigated the repositioning of the non-oncology drug capable of inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) to overcome gefitinib resistance. A few drug candidates were identified using the in silico repurposing tool "DRUGSURV" and tested for HDAC inhibition. Flunarizine, originally indicated for migraine prophylaxis and vertigo treatment, was selected for detailed investigation in NSCLC cell lines harboring a range of different gefitinib resistance mechanisms (EGFR T790M, KRAS G12S, MET amplification, or PTEN loss). The circumvention of gefitinib resistance by flunarizine was further demonstrated in an EGFR TKI (erlotinib)-refractory patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model in vivo. The acetylation level of cellular histone protein was increased by flunarizine in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Among the NSCLC cell lines evaluated, the extent of gefitinib resistance circumvention by flunarizine was found to be the most pronounced in EGFR T790M-bearing H1975 cells. The gefitinib-flunarizine combination was shown to induce the apoptotic protein Bim but reduce the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, which apparently circumvented gefitinib resistance. The induction of Bim by flunarizine was accompanied by an increase in the histone acetylation and E2F1 interaction with the BIM gene promoter. Flunarizine was also found to upregulate E-cadherin but downregulate the vimentin expression, which subsequently inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. Importantly, flunarizine was also shown to significantly potentiate the tumor growth suppressive effect of gefitinib in EGFR TKI-refractory PDX in vivo. The findings advocate for the translational application of flunarizine to circumvent gefitinib resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. W. To
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - James C. H. Chow
- Department
of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ka-Man Cheung
- Department
of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - William C. S. Cho
- Department
of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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7
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Pang Y, Shi R, Chan L, Lu Y, Zhu D, Liu T, Yan M, Wang Y, Wang W. The combination of the HDAC1 inhibitor SAHA and doxorubicin has synergic efficacy in triple negative breast cancer in vivo. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106926. [PMID: 37716547 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Vorinostat (SAHA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that exerts its effects through epigenetic regulation. Specifically, SAHA can inhibit the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Doxorubicin (DOX), a traditional chemotherapeutic drug, exhibits a potent cytotoxic effect on cancer cells while also inducing strong toxic effects. In this study, we investigated the synergistic potential of these two drugs in combination against TNBC. Our results suggested that the combination of these two drugs could enhance the inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation, resulting in alterations in cell mitotic phase, and suppression of cancer cell stemness. Moreover, our in vivo study unveiled that when SAHA was combined with DOX, it not only exhibited an inhibitory effect on tumor metastasis but also played a role in regulating the immune microenvironment within tumors. Overall, the combination of DOX and SAHA presents a promising avenue for innovative combination chemotherapy in the context of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Pang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Runze Shi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Liujia Chan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yu Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Di Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Meisi Yan
- Pathology Teaching and Research Section, Basic Medical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Yuji Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China.
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8
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San-Millan I, Martinez JL, Pickard SL, Yu H, Hirsch FR, Rivard CJ, Brooks GA. Role of Lactate in the Regulation of Transcriptional Activity of Breast Cancer-Related Genes and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Proteins: A Compassion of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 Cancer Cell Lines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.533060. [PMID: 36993762 PMCID: PMC10055400 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.533060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The Warburg Effect is characterized by accelerated glycolytic metabolism and lactate production and under fully aerobic conditions is a hallmark of cancer cells. Recently, we have demonstrated the role of endogenous, glucose-derived lactate as an oncometabolite which regulates gene expression in the estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF7 cell line cultivated in glucose media. Presently, with the addition of a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-231, we further confirm the effect of lactate on gene expression patterns and extend results to include lactate effects on protein expression. As well, we report effects of lactate on the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, proteins associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Endogenous lactate regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. In MCF7 cells, lactate increased the expression of EGFR, VEGF, HIF-1a, KRAS, MIF, mTOR, PIK3CA, TP53, and CDK4 as well as decreased the expression of ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, E2F1, MET, MYC, and RAF mainly after 48h of exposure. On the other hand, in the MDA-MB-231 cell line, lactate increased the expressions of PIK3CA, VEGF, EGFR, mTOR, HIF-1α, ATM, E2F1, TP53 and decreased the expressions of BRCA1, BRCA2, CDK4, CDK6, MET, MIF, MYC, and RAF after 48h of exposure. In response to endogenous lactate, changes in protein expression of representative genes corroborated changes in mRNA expressions. Finally, lactate exposure decreased E-cadherin protein expression in MCF7 cells and increased vimentin expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, by genetically silencing LDHA in MCF7 cells, we show suppression of protein expression of EGFR and HIF-1α, while full protein expression occurred under glucose and glucose + exogenous lactate exposure. Hence, endogenous, glucose-derived lactate, and not glucose, elicited changes in gene and protein expression levels. In this study, we demonstrate that endogenous lactate produced under aerobic conditions (Warburg Effect) elicits important changes in gene and protein expression in both ER+ and TNBC cell lines. The widespread regulation of multiple genes by lactate and involves those involved in carcinogenesis including DNA repair, cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Furthermore, lactate affected the expression of two relevant EMT biomarkers, E-cadherin and vimentin, which could contribute to the complex process of EMT and a shift towards a more mesenchymal phenotype in the two cancer cell lines studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inigo San-Millan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Janel L. Martinez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shivaun Lueke Pickard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fred R. Hirsch
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Center for Thoracic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher J. Rivard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - George A. Brooks
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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9
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Lee RS, Sad K, Fawwal DV, Spangle JM. Emerging Role of Epigenetic Modifiers in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Response. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4005. [PMID: 37568822 PMCID: PMC10417282 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15154005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer pathogenesis, treatment, and patient outcomes are shaped by tumor-intrinsic genomic alterations that divide breast tumors into molecular subtypes. These molecular subtypes often dictate viable therapeutic interventions and, ultimately, patient outcomes. However, heterogeneity in therapeutic response may be a result of underlying epigenetic features that may further stratify breast cancer patient outcomes. In this review, we examine non-genetic mechanisms that drive functional changes to chromatin in breast cancer to contribute to cell and tumor fitness and highlight how epigenetic activity may inform the therapeutic response. We conclude by providing perspectives on the future of therapeutic targeting of epigenetic enzymes, an approach that holds untapped potential to improve breast cancer patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sean Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (R.S.L.); (K.S.); (D.V.F.)
- Department of Biology, Emory College, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kirti Sad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (R.S.L.); (K.S.); (D.V.F.)
| | - Dorelle V. Fawwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (R.S.L.); (K.S.); (D.V.F.)
- Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30311, USA
| | - Jennifer Marie Spangle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (R.S.L.); (K.S.); (D.V.F.)
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10
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Zhou S, Ou H, Wu Y, Qi D, Pei X, Yu X, Hu X, Wu E. Targeting tumor endothelial cells with methyltransferase inhibitors: Mechanisms of action and the potential of combination therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108434. [PMID: 37172786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) reside in the inner lining of blood vessels and represent a promising target for targeted cancer therapy. DNA methylation is a chemical process that involves the transfer of a methyl group to a specific base in the DNA strand, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT). DNMT inhibitors (DNMTis) can inhibit the activity of DNMTs, thereby preventing the transfer of methyl groups from s-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to cytosine. Currently, the most viable therapy for TECs is the development of DNMTis to release cancer suppressor genes from their repressed state. In this review, we first outline the characteristics of TECs and describe the development of tumor blood vessels and TECs. Abnormal DNA methylation is closely linked to tumor initiation, progression, and cell carcinogenesis, as evidenced by numerous studies. Therefore, we summarize the role of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase and the therapeutic potential of four types of DNMTi in targeting TECs. Finally, we discuss the accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities associated with combination therapy with DNMTis for TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biosensing, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Hailong Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Biosensing, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yatao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biosensing, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Dan Qi
- Texas A & M University Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiaming Pei
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of Urology, Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biosensing, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Research Institute of Hunan University in Chongqing, Chongqing 401120, China.
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX 78508, USA; Texas A & M University Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, College Station, TX 77843, USA; LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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11
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Wu Y, Shum HCE, Wu K, Vadgama J. From Interaction to Intervention: How Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affect and Target Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1182. [PMID: 37189800 PMCID: PMC10136169 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expressions, making targeted therapies ineffective. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising approach for TNBC treatment by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and interacting with cancer cells. This review aims to comprehensively overview the role of MSCs in TNBC treatment, including their mechanisms of action and application strategies. We analyze the interactions between MSC and TNBC cells, including the impact of MSCs on TNBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, along with the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved. We also explore the impact of MSCs on other components of the TME, such as immune and stromal cells, and the underlying mechanisms. The review discusses the application strategies of MSCs in TNBC treatment, including their use as cell or drug carriers and the advantages and limitations of different types and sources of MSCs in terms of safety and efficacy. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of MSCs in TNBC treatment and propose potential solutions or improvement methods. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of MSCs as a novel therapeutic approach for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hang Chee Erin Shum
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jaydutt Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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12
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Mussa A, Afolabi HA, Syed NH, Talib M, Murtadha AH, Hajissa K, Mokhtar NF, Mohamud R, Hassan R. The NF-κB Transcriptional Network Is a High-Dose Vitamin C-Targetable Vulnerability in Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041060. [PMID: 37189677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer type among women with a distinct clinical presentation, but the survival rate remains moderate despite advances in multimodal therapy. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the molecular etiology is required for the development of more effective treatments for BC. The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis is well established, and the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is frequently identified in BC. Constitutive NF-κB activation is linked to cell survival, metastasis, proliferation, and hormonal, chemo-, and radiotherapy resistance. Moreover, the crosstalk between NF-κB and other transcription factors is well documented. It is reported that vitamin C plays a key role in preventing and treating a number of pathological conditions, including cancer, when administered at remarkably high doses. Indeed, vitamin C can regulate the activation of NF-κB by inhibiting specific NF-κB-dependent genes and multiple stimuli. In this review, we examine the various NF-κB impacts on BC development. We also provide some insight into how the NF-κB network may be targeted as a potential vulnerability by using natural pro-oxidant therapies such as vitamin C.
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13
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Epigenetic Regulation in Breast Cancer: Insights on Epidrugs. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:epigenomes7010006. [PMID: 36810560 PMCID: PMC9953240 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a common cause of cancer-related death in women. Therefore, further studies are necessary for the comprehension of breast cancer and the revolution of breast cancer treatment. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that results from epigenetic alterations in normal cells. Aberrant epigenetic regulation is strongly associated with the development of breast cancer. Current therapeutic approaches target epigenetic alterations rather than genetic mutations due to their reversibility. The formation and maintenance of epigenetic changes depend on specific enzymes, including DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases, which are promising targets for epigenetic-based therapy. Epidrugs target different epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and histone methylation, which can restore normal cellular memory in cancerous diseases. Epigenetic-targeted therapy using epidrugs has anti-tumor effects on malignancies, including breast cancer. This review focuses on the importance of epigenetic regulation and the clinical implications of epidrugs in breast cancer.
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14
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Zhang Z, Wang G, Li Y, Lei D, Xiang J, Ouyang L, Wang Y, Yang J. Recent progress in DNA methyltransferase inhibitors as anticancer agents. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1072651. [PMID: 37077808 PMCID: PMC10107375 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1072651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation mediated by DNA methyltransferase is an important epigenetic process that regulates gene expression in mammals, which plays a key role in silencing certain genes, such as tumor suppressor genes, in cancer, and it has become a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Similar to other epigenetic targets, DNA methyltransferase can also be modulated by chemical agents. Four agents have already been approved to treat hematological cancers. In order to promote the development of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor as an anti-tumor agent, in the current review, we discuss the relationship between DNA methylation and tumor, the anti-tumor mechanism, the research progress and pharmacological properties of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and the future research trend of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongsheng Lei
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Electron Microscopy Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Science and Technology Department, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Science and Technology Department, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yanyan Wang, ; Jinliang Yang,
| | - Jinliang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yanyan Wang, ; Jinliang Yang,
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15
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Mou J, Huang M, Wang F, Xu X, Xie H, Lu H, Li M, Li Y, Kong W, Chen J, Xiao Y, Chen Y, Wang C, Ren J. HMGN5 Escorts Oncogenic STAT3 Signaling by Regulating the Chromatin Landscape in Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1724-1738. [PMID: 36066963 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is highly dependent on the ability of cancer cell tumor formation, in which epigenetic modulation plays an essential role. However, the epigenetic factors promoting breast tumor formation are less known. Screened from three-dimensional (3D)-sphere tumor formation model, HMGN5 that regulates chromatin structures became the candidate therapeutic target in breast cancer, though its role is obscure. HMGN5 is highly expressed in 3D-spheres of breast cancer cells and clinical tumors, also an unfavorable prognostic marker in patients. Furthermore, HMGN5 controls tumor formation and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HMGN5 is governed by active STAT3 transcriptionally and further escorts STAT3 to shape the oncogenic chromatin landscape and transcriptional program. More importantly, interference of HMGN5 by nanovehicle-packaged siRNA effectively inhibits tumor growth in breast cancer cell-derived xenograft mice model. IMPLICATIONS Our findings reveal a novel feed-forward circuit between HMGN5 and STAT3 in promoting breast cancer tumorigenesis and suggest HMGN5 as a novel epigenetic therapeutic target in STAT3-hyperactive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Mou
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meijun Huang
- ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanqi Xie
- ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Henglei Lu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwen Kong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaochen Wang
- ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Qin J, Xu J. Arginine methylation in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FEBS J 2022; 289:7292-7303. [PMID: 34358413 PMCID: PMC10181118 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics during embryonic development, wound healing, fibrosis, and in cancer in a processed termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Regulatory networks of EMT are controlled by post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms, in which arginine methylation is critically involved. Here, we review arginine methylation-dependent mechanisms that regulate EMT in the aspects of signaling, transcriptional, and splicing regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qin
- Central laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Norris Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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17
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Feng J, Meng X. Histone modification and histone modification-targeted anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer: Fundamentals and beyond. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946811. [PMID: 36188615 PMCID: PMC9522521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic enzymes and resultant abnormal epigenetic modifications (EMs) have been suggested to be closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. Histone modifications (HMs) can assist in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, transcription, and chromatin modulation within breast cancer (BC) cells. In addition, HMs are reversible, dynamic processes involving the associations of different enzymes with molecular compounds. Abnormal HMs (e.g. histone methylation and histone acetylation) have been identified to be tightly related to BC occurrence and development, even though their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. EMs are reversible, and as a result, epigenetic enzymes have aroused wide attention as anti-tumor therapeutic targets. At present, treatments to restore aberrant EMs within BC cells have entered preclinical or clinical trials. In addition, no existing studies have comprehensively analyzed aberrant HMs within BC cells; in addition, HM-targeting BC treatments remain to be further investigated. Histone and non-histone protein methylation is becoming an attractive anti-tumor epigenetic therapeutic target; such methylation-related enzyme inhibitors are under development at present. Consequently, the present work focuses on summarizing relevant studies on HMs related to BC and the possible mechanisms associated with abnormal HMs. Additionally, we also aim to analyze existing therapeutic agents together with those drugs approved and tested through pre-clinical and clinical trials, to assess their roles in HMs. Moreover, epi-drugs that target HMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors should be tested in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of BC. Epi-drugs that target histone methylation (HMT inhibitors) and histone acetylation (HDAC inhibitors) have now entered clinical trials or are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, the review covers the difficulties in applying HM-targeting treatments in clinics and proposes feasible approaches for overcoming such difficulties and promoting their use in treating BC cases.
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18
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Hernández-Oliveras A, Zarain-Herzberg Á. Expression and associated epigenetic mechanisms of the Ca 2+-signaling genes in breast cancer subtypes and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:461-474. [PMID: 34762262 PMCID: PMC9411462 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer-associated deaths are related mainly to specific molecular subtypes and the presence of metastasis. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Ca2+ signaling pathways are involved in breast cancer metastasis, and they are regulated in part by epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, activation of EMT modulates Ca2+ concentration and in turn, Ca2+ signaling regulates the expression of EMT markers. Also, activation of Ca2+ signaling genes with epigenetic inhibitors reverts the EMT. Thus, Ca2+ signaling might have an important role in breast cancer metastasis and EMT, particularly through the epigenetic regulation of genes involved in its signaling. However, little is known due to that an estimate of 1670 genes participate in the Ca2+ signaling and only a few genes have been studied. Here, we aimed to explore the expression of all genes involved in Ca2+ signaling in all breast cancer subtypes and EMT, and whether modulation of epigenetic mechanisms is related to their expression. Several genes of the Ca2+ signaling are altered in all breast cancer subtypes, being the cadherins and voltage channels the most frequent altered genes. Also, DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications showed a good correlation with their altered expression. The expression of the cadherins and voltage channels is also modulated during breast EMT, and ATAC-seq results suggest that chromatin rearrangement at their promoter is involved. In conclusion, the expression of the genes involved in Ca2+ signaling is altered in all breast cancer subtypes and during EMT, and epigenetic mechanisms are an attractive target to regulate their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Hernández-Oliveras
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Ángel Zarain-Herzberg
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.
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19
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Shi S, Wang B, Wan J, Song L, Zhu G, Du J, Ye L, Zhao Q, Cai J, Chen Q, Xiao K, He J, Yu L, Dai Z. TMEM106A transcriptionally regulated by promoter methylation is involved in invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1008-1020. [PMID: 35713314 PMCID: PMC9827947 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of transmembrane protein 106A (TMEM106A) has been reported to be dysregulated in several types of cancers. However, the role of TMEM106A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that TMEM106A is markedly downregulated in HCC compared with normal liver tissue. In particular, tumor-specific DNA methylation of TMEM106A is frequently observed in tumor tissues from HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry and pyrosequencing reveal a significant relationship between TMEM106A methylation and downregulation of protein expression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis reveals that methylation of TMEM106A in tumor samples is different from that in non-malignant adjacent tissues of HCC patients. Moreover, HCC patients with TMEM106A hypermethylation have a poor clinical prognosis. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidin treatment of hypermethylated TMEM106A in highly metastatic HCC cells increases the expression of TMEM106A. Functional assays reveal that overexpression of TMEM106A significantly suppresses the malignant behavior of HCC cells in vitro and decreases tumorigenicity and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TMEM106A inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells through inactivation of the Erk1/2/Slug signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that TMEM106A is an inhibitor of HCC EMT and metastasis, and TMEM106A is often transcriptionally downregulated by promoter methylation, which results in reduced levels of TMEM106A protein and predicts poor survival outcomes for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Shi
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Pediatric Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Biao Wang
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jinglei Wan
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Lina Song
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Guiqi Zhu
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Junxian Du
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Luxi Ye
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jialiang Cai
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital (South)Fudan UniversityShanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghai200083China
| | - Kun Xiao
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan250021China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Lei Yu
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Liver Surgery and TransplantationLiver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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20
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Li J, Camirand A, Zakikhani M, Sellin K, Guo Y, Luan X, Mihalcioiu C, Kremer R. Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Inhibition Blocks Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Expansion in Bone Through Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Reversal. JBMR Plus 2022; 6:e10587. [PMID: 35720668 PMCID: PMC9189913 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) plays a major role in skeletal metastasis but its action mechanism has not been fully defined. We previously demonstrated the crucial importance of PTHrP in promoting mammary tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis in a mouse model with a mammary epithelium-targeted Pthlh gene ablation. We demonstrate here a novel mechanism for bone invasion involving PTHrP induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) regulation. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated Pthlh gene ablation was used to study EMT markers, phenotype, and invasiveness in two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell types (established MDA-MB-231 and patient-derived PT-TNBC cells). In vitro, Pthlh ablation in TNBC cells reduced EMT markers, mammosphere-forming ability, and CD44high/CD24low cells ratio. In vivo, cells were injected intratibially into athymic nude mice, and therapeutic treatment with our anti-PTHrP blocking antibody was started 2 weeks after skeletal tumors were established. In vivo, compared to control, lytic bone lesion from Pthlh -ablated cells decreased significantly over 2 weeks by 27% for MDA-MB-231 and by 75% for PT-TNBC-injected mice (p < 0.001). Micro-CT (μCT) analyses also showed that antibody therapy reduced bone lytic volume loss by 52% and 48% for non-ablated MDA-MB-231 and PT-TNBC, respectively (p < 0.05). Antibody therapy reduced skeletal tumor burden by 45% and 87% for non-ablated MDA-MB-231 and PT-TNBC, respectively (p < 0.002) and caused a significant decrease of CSC/EMT markers ALDH1, vimentin, and Slug, and an increase in E-cadherin in bone lesions. We conclude that PTHrP is a targetable EMT molecular driver and suggest that its pharmacological blockade can provide a potential therapeutic approach against established TNBC-derived skeletal lesions. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Li
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Anne Camirand
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Mahvash Zakikhani
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Karine Sellin
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Yubo Guo
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
- Third Affiliated HospitalBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - XiaoRui Luan
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
- Department of Genetics, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Catalin Mihalcioiu
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Richard Kremer
- Centre for Translational BiologyMcGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
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21
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Ding C, Su B, Li Q, Ding W, Liu G, Cai Z, Zhang F, Lim D, Feng Z. Histone deacetylase inhibitor 2-hexyl-4-pentynoic acid enhances hydroxyurea therapeutic effect in triple-negative breast cancer cells. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2022; 873:503422. [PMID: 35094806 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment has only limited effect, and it causes a significant number of deaths. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are emerging as promising anti-tumor agents in many types of cancers. We thus hypothesized that 2-hexyl-4-pentynoic acid (HPTA), a novel HDACi, could sensitize TNBC to hydroxyurea (HU, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor). In the present study, we investigated the effect of HPTA, alone or in combination with HU on cell survival, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), key homologous recombination (HR) repair proteins and cell cycle progression in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 human TNBC cell lines. HPTA and HU synergistically inhibited the survival of TNBC cell lines and resulted in the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). HPTA can sensitize TNBC cells to HU by inhibiting replication protein A2 (RPA2) hyperphosphorylation-mediated HR repair, and lessen cell accumulation in S-phase by inhibiting ATR-CHK1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our data suggested that HPTA enhances HU therapeutic effect by blocking the HR repair and regulating cell cycle progression in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxia Ding
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Benyu Su
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | | | - Wenwen Ding
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Guochao Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Zuchao Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Fengmei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - David Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, The Public Health School, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China.
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22
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Choi SR, Hwang CY, Lee J, Cho KH. Network Analysis Identifies Regulators of Basal-Like Breast Cancer Reprogramming and Endocrine Therapy Vulnerability. Cancer Res 2021; 82:320-333. [PMID: 34845001 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with the worst prognosis. Despite its high recurrence rate, chemotherapy is the only treatment for basal-like breast cancer, which lacks expression of hormone receptors. In contrast, luminal A tumors express ERα and can undergo endocrine therapy for treatment. Previous studies have tried to develop effective treatments for basal-like patients using various therapeutics but failed due to the complex and dynamic nature of the disease. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of patients with breast cancer to construct a simplified but essential molecular regulatory network model. Network control analysis identified potential targets and elucidated the underlying mechanisms of reprogramming basal-like cancer cells into luminal A cells. Inhibition of BCL11A and HDAC1/2 effectively drove basal-like cells to transition to luminal A cells and increased ERα expression, leading to increased tamoxifen sensitivity. High expression of BCL11A and HDAC1/2 correlated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. These findings identify mechanisms regulating breast cancer phenotypes and suggest the potential to reprogram basal-like breast cancer cells to enhance their targetability. SIGNIFICANCE: A network model enables investigation of mechanisms regulating the basal-to-luminal transition in breast cancer, identifying BCL11A and HDAC1/2 as optimal targets that can induce basal-like breast cancer reprogramming and endocrine therapy sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sea R Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Young Hwang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Cho
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Borkiewicz L. Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation Signature in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12853. [PMID: 34884658 PMCID: PMC8657745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and progression rely on complicated genetic and also epigenetic changes which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by lncRNAs alter protein expression by either promoting gene transcription or repressing it. The presence of so-called chromatin modification marks at various gene promoters and gene bodies is associated with normal cell development but also with tumorigenesis and progression of different types of cancer, including the most frequently diagnosed breast cancer. This review is focused on the significance of one of the abundant post-translational modifications of histone 3- trimethylation of lysine 27 (H3K27me3), which was shown to participate in tumour suppressor genes' silencing. Unlike other reviews in the field, here the overview of existing evidence linking H3K27me3 status with breast cancer biology and the tumour outcome is presented especially in the context of diverse breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, the potential of agents that target H3K27me3 for the treatment of this complex disease as well as H3K27 methylation in cross-talk with other chromatin modifications and lncRNAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Borkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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24
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Vietri MT, D'Elia G, Benincasa G, Ferraro G, Caliendo G, Nicoletti GF, Napoli C. DNA methylation and breast cancer: A way forward (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 59:98. [PMID: 34726251 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The current management of breast cancer (BC) lacks specific non‑invasive biomarkers able to provide an early diagnosis of the disease. Epigenetic‑sensitive signatures are influenced by environmental exposures and are mediated by direct molecular mechanisms, mainly guided by DNA methylation, which regulate the interplay between genetic and non‑genetic risk factors during cancerogenesis. The inactivation of tumor suppressor genes due to promoter hypermethylation is an early event in carcinogenesis. Of note, targeted tumor suppressor genes are frequently hypermethylated in patient‑derived BC tissues and peripheral blood biospecimens. In addition, epigenetic alterations in triple‑negative BC, as the most aggressive subtype, have been identified. Thus, detecting both targeted and genome‑wide DNA methylation changes through liquid‑based assays appears to be a useful clinical strategy for early detection, more accurate risk stratification and a personalized prediction of therapeutic response in patients with BC. Of note, the DNA methylation profile may be mapped by isolating the circulating tumor DNA from the plasma as a more accessible biospecimen. Furthermore, the sensitivity to treatment with chemotherapy, hormones and immunotherapy may be altered by gene‑specific DNA methylation, suggesting novel potential drug targets. Recently, the use of epigenetic drugs administered alone and/or with anticancer therapies has led to remarkable results, particularly in patients with BC resistant to anticancer treatment. The aim of the present review was to provide an update on DNA methylation changes that are potentially involved in BC development and their putative clinical utility in the fields of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Vietri
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Elia
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AOU, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gemma Caliendo
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AOU, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', I-80138 Naples, Italy
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25
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Mnt Represses Epithelial Identity To Promote Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0018321. [PMID: 34460331 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00183-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multistep process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby static epithelial cells become migratory mesenchymal cells, plays a critical role during various developmental contexts, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis. Despite the established function of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) in cell fate determination, only a few have been examined for their role in EMT. Here, using transcriptome analysis of distinct stages during stepwise progression of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells, we revealed distinct categories of bHLH TFs that show differential expression kinetics during EMT. Using a short interfering RNA-mediated functional screen for bHLH TFs during EMT, we found Max network transcription repressor (MNT) to be essential for EMT in mammary epithelial cells. We show that the depletion of MNT blocks TGFβ-induced morphological changes during EMT, and this is accompanied by derepression of a large number of epithelial genes. We show that MNT mediates the repression of epithelial identity genes during EMT by recruiting HDAC1 and mediating the loss of H3K27ac and chromatin accessibility. Lastly, we show that MNT is expressed at higher levels in EMT-High breast cancer cells and is required for their migration. Taken together, these findings establish MNT as a critical regulator of cell fate changes during mammary EMT. IMPORTANCE The bHLH TF Mnt promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition through epigenetic repression of the epithelial gene expression program.
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26
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Uzelac B, Krivokuca A, Susnjar S, Milovanovic Z, Supic G. Histone Deacetylase 7 Gene Overexpression Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2021; 25:227-235. [PMID: 33734898 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Differential expressions of cancer-associated genes, including histone deacetylases (HDACs), were identified in distinctive molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Compared with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, triple-negative (TNBC, ER-PR-HER2-) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Aims: To determine the association of HDAC7 mRNA expression levels with clinicopathological features and patients' survival with TNBC or ER+PR+HER2- breast cancers. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from 61 TNBC and 74 ER+PR+Her2- tumors. Relative gene expression was evaluated by SYBR Green RT-PCR, normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The HDAC7 mRNA expression was defined as high or low, according to receiver operating characteristic analysis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for overall survival were assessed to evaluate the prognostic relevance of HDAC7 overexpression. Results: The HDAC7 overexpression was predominantly found in invasive ductal carcinomas (p = 0.023), high histologic grade (p = 0.007), and high nuclear grade tumors (p = 0.030). TNBC subtypes had a significantly lower mean HDAC7 gene expression compared with ER+PR+HER2- tumors (p = 0.005). However, HDAC7 overexpression predicted unfavorable survival of TNBC patients (p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that recurrences (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.432, p = 0.003), and HDAC7 overexpression (HR = 9.287, p = 0.033) persisted as independent prognostic factors for poor survival of TNBC patients. Conclusions: HDAC7 mRNA overexpression is associated with poor survival in patients with TNBC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Uzelac
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.,Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Krivokuca
- Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snezana Susnjar
- Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Gordana Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.,Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
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27
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Tu K, Yu Y, Wang Y, Yang T, Hu Q, Qin X, Tu J, Yang C, Kong L, Zhang Z. Combination of Chidamide-Mediated Epigenetic Modulation with Immunotherapy: Boosting Tumor Immunogenicity and Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:39003-39017. [PMID: 34433253 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Improving tumor immunogenicity is critical for increasing the responsiveness of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to anti-PD-(L)1 treatment. Here, we verified that chidamide (CHI), an epigenetic modulator, could elicit immunogenic cell death within TNBC to enhance cancer immunogenicity and elicit an antitumor immune response. Additionally, CHI increased the expression level of PD-L1, MHC I, and MHC II on cancer cells, which contributed to T-cell recognition and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy response. The synergistic antitumor efficacy of CHI and PD-L1 blockade therapy was further explored through liposomes co-delivering CHI and BMS-202 (a small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor). The liposomes possessed good biocompatibility, security, and controllable drug release and endowed therapeutics drugs with favorable tumor accumulation. Furthermore, the drug-loaded liposomes could obviously boost the antitumor immunity of TNBC through CHI-enhanced tumor immunogenicity and BMS-202-mediated PD-L1 blockade, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of primary and metastatic tumors with an inhibitory rate of metastasis of up to 96%. In summary, this work provided a referable and optional approach for clinical antitumor therapy based on the combination of an epigenetic modulator and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yulin Yu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xianya Qin
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jingyao Tu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Conglian Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Kong
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Novel Drug Delivery System, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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28
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Wu HJ, Chu PY. Epigenetic Regulation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells Contributing to Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158113. [PMID: 34360879 PMCID: PMC8348144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer has remained the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women. Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous and phenotypically diverse group of diseases, which require different selection of treatments. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), a small subset of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties, play essential roles in breast cancer progression, recurrence, metastasis, chemoresistance and treatments. Epigenetics is defined as inheritable changes in gene expression without alteration in DNA sequence. Epigenetic regulation includes DNA methylation and demethylation, as well as histone modifications. Aberrant epigenetic regulation results in carcinogenesis. In this review, the mechanism of epigenetic regulation involved in carcinogenesis, therapeutic resistance and metastasis of BCSCs will be discussed, and finally, the therapies targeting these biomarkers will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Ju Wu
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
- Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Lukang Town, Changhua 505, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- Department of Health Food, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua 510, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-975611855; Fax: +886-47227116
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29
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Karagiannis D, Rampias T. HDAC Inhibitors: Dissecting Mechanisms of Action to Counter Tumor Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3575. [PMID: 34298787 PMCID: PMC8307174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity presents a major obstacle to cancer therapeutics, including conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Stochastic events such as mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and epigenetic dysregulation, as well as micro-environmental selection pressures related to nutrient and oxygen availability, immune infiltration, and immunoediting processes can drive immense phenotypic variability in tumor cells. Here, we discuss how histone deacetylase inhibitors, a prominent class of epigenetic drugs, can be leveraged to counter tumor heterogeneity. We examine their effects on cellular processes that contribute to heterogeneity and provide insights on their mechanisms of action that could assist in the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Karagiannis
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Theodoros Rampias
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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30
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Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
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31
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Martinez-Useros J, Martin-Galan M, Florez-Cespedes M, Garcia-Foncillas J. Epigenetics of Most Aggressive Solid Tumors: Pathways, Targets and Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3209. [PMID: 34198989 PMCID: PMC8267921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly aggressive tumors are characterized by a highly invasive phenotype, and they display chemoresistance. Furthermore, some of the tumors lack expression of biomarkers for target therapies. This is the case of small-cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, metastatic melanoma, and advanced ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, these patients show a low survival rate and most of the available drugs are ineffective. In this context, epigenetic modifications have emerged to provide the causes and potential treatments for such types of tumors. Methylation and hydroxymethylation of DNA, and histone modifications, are the most common targets of epigenetic therapy, to influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. These modifications could impact both oncogenes and tumor suppressor factors, which influence several molecular pathways such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, WNT/β-catenin, PI3K-mTOR, MAPK, or mismatch repair machinery. However, epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible events that could be influenced by some environmental conditions, such as UV exposure, smoking habit, or diet. Changes in DNA methylation status and/or histone modification, such as acetylation, methylation or phosphorylation, among others, are the most important targets for epigenetic cancer therapy. Therefore, the present review aims to compile the basic information of epigenetic modifications, pathways and factors, and provide a rationale for the research and treatment of highly aggressive tumors with epigenetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martinez-Useros
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Avenida Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mario Martin-Galan
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Avenida Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Jesus Garcia-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Avenida Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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32
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Schröder R, Illert AL, Erbes T, Flotho C, Lübbert M, Duque-Afonso J. The epigenetics of breast cancer - Opportunities for diagnostics, risk stratification and therapy. Epigenetics 2021; 17:612-624. [PMID: 34159881 PMCID: PMC9235902 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1940644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The stage and molecular pathology-dependent prognosis of breast cancer, the limited treatment options for triple-negative carcinomas, as well as the development of resistance to therapies illustrate the need for improved early diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches. Increasing data suggests that some answers to these challenges could be found in the area of epigenetics. In this study, we focus on the current research of the epigenetics of breast cancer, especially on the potential of epigenetics for clinical application in diagnostics, risk stratification and therapy. The differential DNA methylation status of specific gene regions has been used in the past to differentiate breast cancer cells from normal tissue. New technologies as detection of circulating nucleic acids including microRNAs to early detect breast cancer are emerging. Pattern of DNA methylation and expression of histone-modifying enzymes have been successfully used for risk stratification. However, all these epigenetic biomarkers should be validated in larger clinical studies. Recent preclinical and clinical studies show a therapeutic benefit of epigenetically active drugs for breast cancer entities that are still difficult to treat (triple negative, UICC stage IV). Remarkably, epigenetic therapies combined with chemotherapies or hormone-based therapies represent the most promising strategy. At the current stage, the integration of epigenetic substances into established breast cancer therapy protocols seems to hold the greatest potential for a clinical application of epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieke Schröder
- Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Illert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thalia Erbes
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Flotho
- Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium Für Translationale Krebsforschung, DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium Für Translationale Krebsforschung, DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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33
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Fultang N, Chakraborty M, Peethambaran B. Regulation of cancer stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:321-342. [PMID: 35582030 PMCID: PMC9019272 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer. Despite the successes of emerging targeted therapies, relapse, recurrence, and therapy failure rates in TNBC significantly outpace other subtypes of breast cancer. Mounting evidence suggests accumulation of therapy resistant Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) populations within TNBCs contributes to poor clinical outcomes. These CSCs are enriched in TNBC compared to non-TNBC breast cancers. The mechanisms underlying CSC accumulation have been well-characterized and discussed in other reviews. In this review, we focus on TNBC-specific mechanisms that allow the expansion and activity of self-renewing CSCs. We highlight cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, specifically enriched in TNBC over non-TNBC breast cancer, contributing to stemness. We also analyze publicly available single-cell RNA-seq data from basal breast cancer tumors to highlight the potential of emerging bioinformatic approaches in identifying novel drivers of stemness in TNBC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Fultang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Madhuparna Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Bela Peethambaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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34
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Vimentin Promotes the Aggressiveness of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Surviving Chemotherapeutic Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061504. [PMID: 34203746 PMCID: PMC8232646 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous data have been accumulated in the effort to understand chemoresistance of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, modifications in cancer cells surviving combined and sequential treatment still remain poorly described. In order to mimic clinical neoadjuvant treatment, we first treated MDA-MB-231 and SUM159-PT TNBC cell lines with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide for 2 days, and then with paclitaxel for another 2 days. After 4 days of recovery, persistent cells surviving the treatment were characterized at both cellular and molecular level. Persistent cells exhibited increased growth and were more invasive in vitro and in zebrafish model. Persistent cells were enriched for vimentinhigh sub-population, vimentin knockdown using siRNA approach decreased the invasive and sphere forming capacities as well as Akt phosphorylation in persistent cells, indicating that vimentin is involved in chemotherapeutic treatment-induced enhancement of TNBC aggressiveness. Interestingly, ectopic vimentin overexpression in native cells increased cell invasion and sphere formation as well as Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, vimentin overexpression alone rendered the native cells resistant to the drugs, while vimentin knockdown rendered them more sensitive to the drugs. Together, our data suggest that vimentin could be considered as a new targetable player in the ever-elusive status of drug resistance and recurrence of TNBC.
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Pattarawat P, Hunt JT, Poloway J, Archibald CJ, Wang HCR. A triple combination gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin to effectively control triple-negative breast cancer tumor development, recurrence, and metastasis. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:415-425. [PMID: 34043046 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, lethal, heterogeneous type of breast cancer (BC). TNBC tends to have a lower response rate to chemotherapy and a lower 5-year survival rate than other types of BC due to recurrence and metastasis. Our previous study revealed that a combination of gemcitabine, romidepsin, and cisplatin was efficacious in controlling TNBC tumor development. In this study, we extended our investigation of gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin in controlling TNBC tumor recurrence and metastasis. METHODS We investigated the ability of gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin to control cell survival and invasiveness using cell viability, soft agar colony formation, and transwell invasion assays. We determined the efficacy of gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin in controlling tumor recurrence and metastasis using cell-derived xenograft animal models. We used immunoblotting to study signaling modulators regulated by gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin in TNBC cells and tumor tissues. RESULTS Treatment with gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin reduced the TNBC MDA-MB231 and MDA-MB468 cell survival to ~ 50% and ~ 15%, as well as invasiveness to ~ 31% and ~ 13%, respectively. Gemcitabine + romidepsin + cisplatin suppressed modulators involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in an ROS-dependent manner. Controlling tumor recurrence, the Gem plus Rom + Cis regimen (~ 112%) was more efficacious than the Gem plus Cis regimen (~ 21%) in tumor growth inhibition. The Gem plus Rom + Cis regimen efficaciously reduced the development of metastatic nodules to 20% in animals. CONCLUSION The gemcitabine plus romidepsin + cisplatin regimen was highly efficacious in controlling TNBC tumor development, recurrence, and metastasis in animals. The combination regimen should be poised for efficient translation into clinical trials for controlling the recurrence and metastasis, ultimately contributing to reducing mortality and improving TNBC patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawat Pattarawat
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jessica T Hunt
- Animal Resource Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Jacob Poloway
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Collin J Archibald
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Hwa-Chain Robert Wang
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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The Anticancer Effects of Flavonoids through miRNAs Modulations in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041212. [PMID: 33916931 PMCID: PMC8067583 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC) incidence rate has regularly risen over the last decades and is expected to increase in the future. Finding novel treatment options with minimum or no toxicity is of great importance in treating or preventing TNBC. Flavonoids are new attractive molecules that might fulfill this promising therapeutic option. Flavonoids have shown many biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In addition to their anticancer effects by arresting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation, flavonoids can modulate non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) function. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies indicate the possible therapeutic potential of these compounds. Flavonoids display a unique ability to change miRNAs' levels via different mechanisms, either by suppressing oncogenic miRNAs or activating oncosuppressor miRNAs or affecting transcriptional, epigenetic miRNA processing in TNBC. Flavonoids are not only involved in the regulation of miRNA-mediated cancer initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but also control miRNAs-mediated biological processes that significantly impact TNBC, such as cell cycle, immune system, mitochondrial dysregulation, modulating signaling pathways, inflammation, and angiogenesis. In this review, we highlighted the role of miRNAs in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of flavonoids on miRNA regulation, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC.
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Zhao Y, Chen Y, Jin M, Wang J. The crosstalk between m 6A RNA methylation and other epigenetic regulators: a novel perspective in epigenetic remodeling. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4549-4566. [PMID: 33754077 PMCID: PMC7977459 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation involves a range of sophisticated processes which contribute to heritable alterations in gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Regulatory events predominantly include DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and RNA modification. As the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation actively participates in the modulation of RNA metabolism. Notably, accumulating evidence has revealed complicated interrelations occurring between m6A and other well-known epigenetic modifications. Their crosstalk conspicuously triggers epigenetic remodeling, further yielding profound impacts on a variety of physiological and pathological processes, especially tumorigenesis. Herein, we provide an up-to-date review of this emerging hot area of biological research, summarizing the interplay between m6A RNA methylation and other epigenetic regulators, and highlighting their underlying functions in epigenetic reprogramming.
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Zolota V, Tzelepi V, Piperigkou Z, Kourea H, Papakonstantinou E, Argentou MI, Karamanos NK. Epigenetic Alterations in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-The Critical Role of Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040713. [PMID: 33572395 PMCID: PMC7916242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subgroup of breast cancer characterized by genomic complexity and therapeutic options limited to only standard chemotherapy. Although it has been suggested that stratifying TNBC patients by pathway-specific molecular alterations may predict benefit from specific therapeutic agents, application in routine clinical practice has not yet been established. There is a growing body of the literature supporting that epigenetic modifications comprised by DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs play a fundamental role in TNBC pathogenesis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic 3D network of macromolecules with structural and cellular regulatory roles. Alterations in the expression of ECM components result in uncontrolled matrix remodeling, thus affecting its ability to regulate vital functions of cancer cells, including proliferation, migration, adhesion, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent molecular data highlight the major role of tumor microenvironment and ECM alterations in TNBC and approaches for targeting tumor microenvironment have recently been recognized as potential therapeutic strategies. Notably, many of the ECM/EMT modifications in cancer are largely driven by epigenetic events, highlighting the pleiotropic effects of the epigenetic network in TNBC. This article presents and critically discusses the current knowledge on the epigenetic alterations correlated with TNBC pathogenesis, with emphasis on those associated with ECM/EMT modifications, their prognostic and predictive value and their use as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-0693613366
| | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26110 Patras, Greece; (Z.P.); (N.K.K.)
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), 26110 Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Kourea
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Efthymia Papakonstantinou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece;
| | - Maria-Ioanna Argentou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece;
| | - Nikos K. Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26110 Patras, Greece; (Z.P.); (N.K.K.)
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), 26110 Patras, Greece
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Abstract
Despite the decline in death rate from breast cancer and recent advances in targeted therapies and combinations for the treatment of metastatic disease, metastatic breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-associated death in U.S. women. The invasion-metastasis cascade involves a number of steps and multitudes of proteins and signaling molecules. The pathways include invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, infiltration into a distant site to form a metastatic niche, and micrometastasis formation in a new environment. Each of these processes is regulated by changes in gene expression. Noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis by post-transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. miRNAs can stimulate oncogenesis (oncomiRs), inhibit tumor growth (tumor suppressors or miRsupps), and regulate gene targets in metastasis (metastamiRs). The goal of this review is to summarize some of the key miRNAs that regulate genes and pathways involved in metastatic breast cancer with an emphasis on estrogen receptor α (ERα+) breast cancer. We reviewed the identity, regulation, human breast tumor expression, and reported prognostic significance of miRNAs that have been documented to directly target key genes in pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributing to the metastatic cascade. We critically evaluated the evidence for metastamiRs and their targets and miRNA regulation of metastasis suppressor genes in breast cancer progression and metastasis. It is clear that our understanding of miRNA regulation of targets in metastasis is incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J Petri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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Epigenetic Modulation of SPCA2 Reverses Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020259. [PMID: 33445642 PMCID: PMC7827456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020259] [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: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The triple receptor negative breast cancer subtype, or TNBC, currently has no tailored treatment options. TNBC is highly metastatic, associated with high patient mortality, and disproportionately occurs in Black/African American women where it contributes to racial disparities in health outcomes. Therefore, we focused on new therapeutic approaches to TNBC. We discovered that levels of the Calcium-ATPase SPCA2 are abnormally low in TNBC and that these low levels correlate with poor survival prognosis in patients. Previously, we showed that recombinant SPCA2 prevented TNBC cells from acquiring aggressive “mesenchymal” properties associated with metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. These findings motivated us to search for drugs that turn the SPCA2 gene back on in TNBC cells. In this study, we show that histone deacetylase inhibitors increase SPCA2 levels, activate Ca2+ signaling and convert cancer cells to a less aggressive “epithelial” state. These findings could lead to new treatment options for TNBC. Abstract The secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase SPCA2 is a tumor suppressor in triple receptor negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive molecular subtype that lacks tailored treatment options. Low expression of SPCA2 in TNBC confers poor survival prognosis in patients. Previous work has established that re-introducing SPCA2 to TNBC cells restores basal Ca2+ signaling, represses mesenchymal gene expression, mitigates tumor migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. In this study, we examined the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in TNBC cell lines. We show that the pan-HDACi vorinostat and the class I HDACi romidepsin induce dose-dependent upregulation of SPCA2 transcript with concurrent downregulation of mesenchymal markers and tumor cell migration characteristic of epithelial phenotype. Silencing SPCA2 abolished the ability of HDACi to reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Independent of ATPase activity, SPCA2 elevated resting Ca2+ levels to activate downstream components of non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling. HDACi treatment led to SPCA2-dependent phosphorylation of CAMKII and β-catenin, turning Wnt signaling off. We conclude that SPCA2 mediates the efficacy of HDACi in reversing EMT in TNBC by a novel mode of non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling. Our findings provide incentive for screening epigenetic modulators that exploit Ca2+ signaling pathways to reverse EMT in breast tumors.
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Kalyanaraman A, Gnanasampanthapandian D, Shanmughan P, Kishore P, Ramalingam S, Arunachalam R, Jayaraman S, Kaliappan I, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, Ramachandran I, Sambandam Y, Anbalagan M, Chandrakesan P, Palaniyandi K. Tamoxifen induces stem-like phenotypes and multidrug resistance by altering epigenetic regulators in ERα+ breast cancer cells. Stem Cell Investig 2020; 7:20. [PMID: 33294429 DOI: 10.21037/sci-2020-020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background To understand the mechanism underlying tamoxifen-induced multidrug resistance (MDR) and stem-like phenotypes in breast cancer cells, we treated the MCF-7 cells with 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (TAM) for 6 months continuously and established MCF-7 tamoxifen resistance (TR) phenotypes. Methods In the present study, the following methods were used: cell viability assay, colony formation, cell cycle analysis, ALDEFLUOR assay, mammosphere formation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, PCR array, western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Results The expression of ERα was significantly higher in MCF7-TR cells when compared with parental MCF-7 cells. MCF7-TR cells exposed to TAM showed a significant increase in the proliferation and rate of colony formation. The number of cancer stem cells was higher in MCF7-TR cells as observed by the increase in the number of ALDH+ cells. Furthermore, the number of mammospheres formed from the FACS-sorted ALDH+ cells was higher in MCF7-TR cells. Using PCR array analysis, we were able to identify that the long-term exposure of TAM leads to alterations in the epigenetic and MDR stem cell marker genes. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated elevated levels of Notch-1 expression in MCF-TR cells compared with MCF-7 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that Notch-1 enhanced the cyclin D1 expression significantly in these cells. In addition, we observed that MCF7-TR cells were resistant to doxorubicin but not the MCF-7 cells. Conclusions In the present study, we conclude that the treatment with tamoxifen induces multiple epigenetic alterations that lead to the development of MDR and stem-like phenotypes in breast cancers. Therefore, our study provides better insights to develop novel treatment regime to control the progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kalyanaraman
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Prasad Shanmughan
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Puneet Kishore
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Satish Ramalingam
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Rathnaswami Arunachalam
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Velappanchavadi, Velappanchavadi, Chennai, India
| | - Ilango Kaliappan
- Departmemt of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Ilangovan Ramachandran
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani campus, Chennai, India
| | - Yuvaraj Sambandam
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani campus, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Kanagaraj Palaniyandi
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
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Regulatory mechanisms and clinical significance of vimentin in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111068. [PMID: 33378968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vimentin, a kind of intermediate filament protein III in mesenchymal cells, has become a highly researched topic around the world in recent years, as it holds complex biological functions and plays an important role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the evolution of various tumors. This article reviews the biological function of vimentin and its relationship with breast cancer in order to provide novel ideas about the clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy of breast cancer.
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Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors from Marine Invertebrates. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9120429. [PMID: 33260710 PMCID: PMC7760191 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key components of the epigenetic machinery controlling gene expression. They are involved in chromatin remodeling events via post-translational histone modifications but may also act on nonhistone proteins, influencing many fundamental cellular processes. Due to the key involvement of HDACs in serious human pathologies, including cancer, HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) have received increased attention in recent years. It is known that marine invertebrates produce significant amounts of secondary metabolites showing active pharmacological properties and an extensive spectrum of biomedical applications. The aim of this review is to gather selected studies that report the extraction and identification of marine invertebrate-derived compounds that possess HDACi properties, grouping the producing species according to their taxonomic hierarchy. The molecular, biochemical, and/or physiological aspects, where available, and modes of action of these naturally occurring HDACis will be recapitulated, taking into consideration their possible utilization for the future design of analogs with increased bioavailability and efficacy, less toxicity, and, also, higher isoform selectivity.
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Zhang D, An X, Li Q, Man X, Chu M, Li H, Zhang N, Dai X, Yu H, Li Z. Thioguanine Induces Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating PI3K-AKT Pathway. Front Oncol 2020; 10:524922. [PMID: 33194583 PMCID: PMC7662440 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.524922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is notoriously difficult to treat due to the lack of biological targets and poor sensitivity to conventional therapies. Chemotherapy is the main clinical therapy, but the effective screening strategy for chemotherapy drugs is poorly investigated. Drug repositioning has been the center of attention in recent years attracting numerous studies. Here, we firstly found multiple common features between leukemia and TNBC by analyzing the global transcriptome profiles based on the transformed comparison data from NCI60. Therefore, we investigated the role of the classic leukemia drug thioguanine (6-TG) in TNBC cancer cells. Our results indicated that 6-TG inhibited cell proliferation and tumor cell progression by suppressing PI3K–AKT pathway via downregulating the DNA methylation level of PTEN. Moreover, apoptosis was induced via the activation of PI3K-AKT downstream TSC1 and the downregulation of methylation levels of DAXX, TNF, FADD and CASP8etc. These findings indicated 6-TG exerts its anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo through regulating the DNA methylation levels of genes involved in PI3K–AKT and apoptosis pathway. Meanwhile, our study suggested that transcriptome-based drug screening has potential implications for breast cancer therapy and drug selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinglan An
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaxia Man
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meiran Chu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Dees S, Ganesan R, Singh S, Grewal IS. Bispecific Antibodies for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:162-173. [PMID: 33041246 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, is associated with heightened metastatic potential and poor prognosis. While systemic chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical excision remain the current treatment modalities for patients with TNBC, the immunogenic nature of this aggressive disease has presented opportunity for the development of TNBC-targeting immunotherapies. Bispecific antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of TNBC have gained recent attention in the scientific community. Clinical precedent has been previously established for the FDA-approved bispecific T cell engager, blinatumomab, for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The present review discusses novel bispecific antibodies for TNBC and emerging TNBC targets for future bispecific antibody development.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives
- Camptothecin/pharmacology
- Camptothecin/therapeutic use
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Female
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunoconjugates/pharmacology
- Immunoconjugates/therapeutic use
- Medical Oncology/methods
- Medical Oncology/trends
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Survival Rate
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/mortality
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundee Dees
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Rajkumar Ganesan
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Sanjaya Singh
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Iqbal S Grewal
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA.
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Dual inhibitors of histone deacetylases and other cancer-related targets: A pharmacological perspective. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114224. [PMID: 32956642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic enzymes histone deacetylases (HDACs) are clinically validated anticancer drug targets which have been studied intensively in the past few decades. Although several drugs have been approved in this field, they are still limited to a subset of hematological malignancies (in particular T-cell lymphomas), with therapeutic potential not fully realized and the drug-resistance occurred after a certain period of use. To maximize the therapeutic potential of these classes of anticancer drugs, and to extend their application to solid tumors, numerous combination therapies containing an HDACi and an anticancer agent from other mechanisms are currently ongoing in clinical trials. Recently, dual targeting strategy comprising the HDACs component has emerged as an alternative approach for combination therapies. In this perspective, we intend to gather all HDACs-containing dual inhibitors related to cancer therapy published in literature since 2015, classify them into five categories based on targets' biological functions, and discuss the rationale why dual acting agents should work better than combinatorial therapies using two separate drugs. The article discusses the pharmacological aspects of these dual inhibitors, including in vitro biological activities, pharmacokinetic studies, in vivo efficacy studies, as well as available clinical trials. The review of the current status and advances should provide better analysis for future opportunities and challenges of this field.
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Callmann CE, Cole LE, Kusmierz CD, Huang Z, Horiuchi D, Mirkin CA. Tumor cell lysate-loaded immunostimulatory spherical nucleic acids as therapeutics for triple-negative breast cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17543-17550. [PMID: 32669433 PMCID: PMC7395518 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005794117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly heterogenous cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remain challenging immunotherapeutic targets. Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of immunotherapeutic liposomal spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for TNBC therapy. The SNAs comprise immunostimulatory oligonucleotides (CpG-1826) as adjuvants and encapsulate lysates derived from TNBC cell lines as antigens. The resulting nanostructures (Lys-SNAs) enhance the codelivery of adjuvant and antigen to immune cells when compared to simple mixtures of lysates with linear oligonucleotides both in vitro and in vivo, and reduce tumor growth relative to simple mixtures of lysate and CpG-1826 (Lys-Mix) in both Py230 and Py8119 orthotopic syngeneic mouse models of TNBC. Furthermore, oxidizing TNBC cells prior to lysis and incorporation into SNAs (OxLys-SNAs) significantly increases the activation of dendritic cells relative to their nonoxidized counterparts. When administered peritumorally in vivo in the EMT6 mouse mammary carcinoma model, OxLys-SNAs significantly increase the population of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and simultaneously decrease the population of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) within the tumor microenvironment, when compared with Lys-SNAs and simple mixtures of oxidized lysates with CpG-1826. Importantly, animals administered OxLys-SNAs exhibit significant antitumor activity and prolonged survival relative to all other treatment groups, and resist tumor rechallenge. Together, these results show that the way lysates are processed and packaged has a profound impact on their immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, this work points toward the potential of oxidized tumor cell lysate-loaded SNAs as a potent class of immunotherapeutics for cancers lacking common therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E Callmann
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Lisa E Cole
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Caroline D Kusmierz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Ziyin Huang
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Dai Horiuchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208;
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
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Wang H, Wu D, Cai L, Li X, Zhang Z, Chen S. Aberrant methylation of WD-repeat protein 41 contributes to tumour progression in triple-negative breast cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6869-6882. [PMID: 32394588 PMCID: PMC7299681 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
WD-repeat proteins are implicated in a variety of biological functions, most recently in oncogenesis. However, the underlying function of WD-repeat protein 41 (WDR41) in tumorigenesis remains elusive. The present study was aimed to explore the role of WDR41 in breast cancer. Combined with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, the results showed that WDR41 was expressed at low levels in breast cancer, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), we observed that WDR41 presented hypermethylation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) management increased the expression of WDR41 in MDA-MB-231 cells, but not in MCF-10A (normal mammary epithelial cells) or oestrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. WDR41-down-regulation promoted, while WDR41-up-regulation inhibited the tumour characteristics of TNBC cells including cell viability, cell cycle and migration. Further, WDR41-up-regulation dramatically suppressed tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, WDR41 protein ablation activated, while WDR41-up-regulation repressed the AKT/GSK-3β pathway and the subsequent nuclear activation of β-catenin in MDA-MB-231 cells, and 5-aza-dC treatment enhanced this effect. After treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK-2206, WDR41-down-regulation-mediated activation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin signalling was robustly abolished. Collectively, methylated WDR41 in MDA-MB-231 cells promotes tumorigenesis through positively regulating the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway, thus providing an important foundation for treating TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Translational Medicine Research Center (TMRC)School of Pharmaceutical ScienceXiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of oncologyXiamen Fifth hospitalXiamenChina
| | - Liangliang Cai
- Translational Medicine Research Center (TMRC)School of Pharmaceutical ScienceXiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Medical OncologyCancer HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Department of Breast SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of oncologyXiamen Fifth hospitalXiamenChina
- Translational Medicine Research Center (TMRC)School of Pharmaceutical ScienceXiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryXiamenChina
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49
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Gerlitz G. The Emerging Roles of Heterochromatin in Cell Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:394. [PMID: 32528959 PMCID: PMC7266953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a key process in health and disease. In the last decade an increasing attention is given to chromatin organization in migrating cells. In various types of cells induction of migration leads to a global increase in heterochromatin levels. Heterochromatin is required for optimal cell migration capabilities, since various interventions with heterochromatin formation impeded the migration rate of numerous cell types. Heterochromatin supports the migration process by affecting both the mechanical properties of the nucleus as well as the genetic processes taking place within it. Increased heterochromatin levels elevate nuclear rigidity in a manner that allows faster cell migration in 3D environments. Condensed chromatin and a more rigid nucleus may increase nuclear durability to shear stress and prevent DNA damage during the migration process. In addition, heterochromatin reorganization in migrating cells is important for induction of migration-specific transcriptional plan together with inhibition of many other unnecessary transcriptional changes. Thus, chromatin organization appears to have a key role in the cellular migration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabi Gerlitz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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50
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Wong KK. DNMT1: A key drug target in triple-negative breast cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 72:198-213. [PMID: 32461152 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Altered epigenetics regulation including DNA hypermethylation by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has been implicated as one of the causes of TNBC tumorigenesis. In this review, the oncogenic functions rendered by DNMT1 in TNBCs, and DNMT1 inhibitors targeting TNBC cells are presented and discussed. In summary, DNMT1 expression is associated with poor breast cancer survival, and it is overexpressed in TNBC subtype. The oncogenic roles of DNMT1 in TNBCs include: (1) Repression of estrogen receptor (ER) expression; (2) Promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) required for metastasis; (3) Induces cellular autophagy and; (4) Promotes the growth of cancer stem cells in TNBCs. DNMT1 confers these phenotypes by hypermethylating the promoter regions of ER, multiple tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs and epithelial markers involved in suppressing EMT. DNMT1 inhibitors exert anti-tumorigenic effects against TNBC cells. This includes the hypomethylating agents azacitidine, decitabine and guadecitabine that might sensitize TNBC patients to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. DNMT1 represents an epigenetic target for TNBC cells destruction as well as to derail their metastatic and aggressive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Keng Wong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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