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Palomés-Borrajo G, Navarro X, Penas C. BET protein inhibition in macrophages enhances dorsal root ganglion neurite outgrowth in female mice. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1331-1346. [PMID: 35218246 PMCID: PMC9306766 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve regeneration is limited after injury, especially in humans, due to the large distance the axons have to grow in the limbs. This process is highly dependent on the expression of neuroinflammatory factors produced by macrophages and glial cells. Given the importance of the epigenetic BET proteins on inflammation, we aimed to ascertain if BET inhibition may have an effect on axonal outgrowth. For this purpose, we treated female mice with JQ1 or vehicle after sciatic nerve crush injury and analyzed target reinnervation. We also used dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture explants to analyze the effects of direct BET inhibition or treatment with conditioned medium from BET-inhibited macrophages. We observed that although JQ1 produced an enhancement of IL-4, IL-13, and GAP43 expression, it did not have an effect on sensory or motor reinnervation after crush injury in vivo. In contrast, JQ1 reduced neurite growth when interacting directly with DRG neurons ex vivo, whereas conditioned medium from JQ1-treated macrophages promoted neurite outgrowth. Therefore, BET-inhibited macrophages secrete pro-regenerative factors that induce neurite outgrowth, and that may counteract the direct inhibition of BET proteins in neurons in vivo. Finally, we observed an activation of the STAT6 pathway in DRG explants treated with conditioned medium from JQ1-treated macrophages. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BET protein inhibition in macrophages provides a mechanism to enhance axonal outgrowth. However, specific targeting of BET proteins to macrophages will be needed to efficiently enhance functional recovery after nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Palomés-Borrajo
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Clara Penas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Lay CS, Thomas DA, Evans JP, Campbell M, McCombe K, Phillipou AN, Gordon LJ, Jones EJ, Riching K, Mahmood M, Messenger C, Carver CE, Gatfield KM, Craggs PD. Development of an intracellular quantitative assay to measure compound binding kinetics. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:287-299.e8. [PMID: 34520747 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary drug discovery typically quantifies the effect of a molecule on a biological target using the equilibrium-derived measurements of IC50, EC50, or KD. Kinetic descriptors of drug binding are frequently linked with the effectiveness of a molecule in modulating a disease phenotype; however, these parameters are yet to be fully adopted in early drug discovery. Nanoluciferase bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET) can be used to measure interactions between fluorophore-conjugated probes and luciferase fused target proteins. Here, we describe an intracellular NanoBRET competition assay that can be used to quantify cellular kinetic rates of compound binding to nanoluciferase-fused bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins. Comparative rates are generated using a cell-free NanoBRET assay and by utilizing orthogonal recombinant protein-based methodologies. A screen of known pan-BET inhibitors is used to demonstrate the value of this approach in the investigation of kinetic selectivity between closely related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Lay
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Daniel A Thomas
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; Arctoris, Oxford OX14 4SA, UK
| | - John P Evans
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Kristopher McCombe
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Alexander N Phillipou
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Laurie J Gordon
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Emma J Jones
- Protein and Cellular Sciences, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | | | - Mahnoor Mahmood
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Cassie Messenger
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Charlotte E Carver
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Kelly M Gatfield
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Peter D Craggs
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; GSK-Francis Crick Institute Linklabs, Medicinal Science and Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK.
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53
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Belloucif Y, Lobry C. Super-Enhancers Dysregulations in Hematological Malignancies. Cells 2022; 11:196. [PMID: 35053311 PMCID: PMC8774084 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies affecting either the lymphoid or the myeloid lineages involve epigenetic mutations or dysregulation in the majority of cases. These epigenetic abnormalities can affect regulatory elements in the genome and, particularly, enhancers. Recently, large regulatory elements known as super-enhancers, initially identified for their critical roles in cell-type specific expression regulation of genes controlling cell identity, have been shown to also be involved in tumorigenesis in many cancer types and hematological malignancies via the regulation of numerous oncogenes, including MYC. In this review, we highlight the existing links between super-enhancers and hematological malignancies, with a particular focus on acute myeloid leukemia, a clonal hematopoietic neoplasm with dismal outcomes, resulting in an uncontrolled proliferation of myeloblasts, abnormally blocked during differentiation and accumulating within the patient's bone marrow. We report recent works, performed during the last few years, treating this subject and consider the possibility of targeting oncogenic regulatory elements, as well as the effectiveness and limitations reported so far for such strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Lobry
- INSERM U944, CNRS UMR7212, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, 75010 Paris, France;
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Jiang J, Sigua LH, Chan A, Kalra P, Pomerantz WC, Schönbrunn E, Qi J, Georg GI. Dihydropyridine Lactam Analogs Targeting BET Bromodomains. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100407. [PMID: 34932262 PMCID: PMC8762755 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of Bromodomain and Extra Terminal (BET) proteins are investigated for various therapeutic indications, but selectivity for BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, BRDT and their respective tandem bromodomains BD1 and BD2 remains suboptimal. Here we report selectivity-focused structural modifications of previously reported dihydropyridine lactam 6 by changing linker length and linker type of the lactam side chain in efforts to engage the unique arginine 54 (R54) residue in BRDT-BD1 to achieve BRDT-selective affinity. We found that the analogs were highly selective for BET bromodomains, and generally more selective for the first (BD1) and second (BD2) bromodomains of BRD4 rather than for those of BRDT. Based on AlphaScreen and BromoScan results and on crystallographic data for analog 10 j, we concluded that the lack of selectivity for BRDT is most likely due to the high flexibility of the protein and the unfavorable trajectory of the lactam side chain that do not allow interaction with R54. A 15-fold preference for BD2 over BD1 in BRDT was observed for analogs 10 h and 10 m, which was supported by protein-based 19 F NMR experiments with a BRDT tandem bromodomain protein construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
| | - Logan H. Sigua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Alice Chan
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Fl 33612
| | - Prakriti Kalra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Pleasant Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - William C.K. Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Pleasant Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Fl 33612
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
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Zhang J, Huang L, Zhang P, Huang X, Yang W, Liu R, Sun Q, Lu Y, Zhang M, Fu Q. Genomic Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analysis of Bromodomain Genes Family in Buffalo. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13010103. [PMID: 35052443 PMCID: PMC8774554 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BRD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein-protein interaction module that is critical in gene regulation, cellular homeostasis, and epigenetics. This study aimed to conduct an identification, evolution, and expression analysis of the BRD gene family in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A total of 101 BRD protein sequences deduced from 22 BRD genes were found in the buffalo genome. The BRD proteins were classified into six groups based on phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and conserved domains. The BRD genes were irregularly distributed in 13 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed 20 BRD gene pairs that had remarkable homologous relationships between the buffalo and cattle, although no tandem or segmental duplication event was found in the buffalo BRD genes. Comparative transcriptomics using a 10x sequencing platform analysis showed that 22 BRD genes were identified in the Sertoli cells (SCs) at different developmental stages of buffalo. Further, the mRNA expression levels of bromodomain and the extraterminal (BET) family in SCs at the pubertal stage were higher than that at the prepubertal stage of buffalo. However, the SMARCA2, PHIP, BRD9, and TAF1 genes exhibited the opposite trend. The maturation process of SCs may be regulated by the BRD family members expressed differentially in SCs at different developmental stages of buffalo. In summary, our findings provide an understanding of the evolutionary, structural, and functional properties of the buffalo BRD family members, and further characterize the function of the BRD family in the maturation of SCs. It also provides a theoretical basis for further understanding in the future of the mechanism of SCs regulating spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qiang Fu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-771-3237124
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Schreiber J, Liaukouskaya N, Fuhrmann L, Hauser AT, Jung M, Huber TB, Wanner N. BET Proteins Regulate Expression of Osr1 in Early Kidney Development. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121878. [PMID: 34944697 PMCID: PMC8698285 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero renal development is subject to maternal metabolic and environmental influences affecting long-term renal function and the risk of developing chronic kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Epigenetic processes have been implicated in the orchestration of renal development and prenatal programming of nephron number. However, the role of many epigenetic modifiers for kidney development is still unclear. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins act as histone acetylation reader molecules and promote gene transcription. BET family members Brd2, Brd3 and Brd4 are expressed in the nephrogenic zone during kidney development. Here, the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1 on renal development is evaluated. Inhibition of BET proteins via JQ1 leads to reduced growth of metanephric kidney cultures, loss of the nephron progenitor cell population, and premature and disturbed nephron differentiation. Gene expression of key nephron progenitor transcription factor Osr1 is downregulated after 24 h BET inhibition, while Lhx1 and Pax8 expression is increased. Mining of BRD4 ChIP-seq and gene expression data identify Osr1 as a key factor regulated by BRD4-controlled gene activation. Inhibition of BRD4 by BET inhibitor JQ1 leads to downregulation of Osr1, thereby causing a disturbance in the balance of nephron progenitor cell self-renewal and premature differentiation of the nephron, which ultimately leads to kidney hypoplasia and disturbed nephron development. This raises questions about the potential teratogenic effects of BET inhibitors for embryonic development. In summary, our work highlights the role of BET proteins for prenatal programming of nephrogenesis and identifies Osr1 as a potential target of BET proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Schreiber
- Department of Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Nastassia Liaukouskaya
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Lars Fuhrmann
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Alexander-Thomas Hauser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (A.-T.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (A.-T.H.); (M.J.)
- CIBSS—Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B. Huber
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Nicola Wanner
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
- Correspondence:
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57
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Sitruk-Ware R. [New frontiers in contraception research]. Med Sci (Paris) 2021; 37:1014-1020. [PMID: 34851278 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2021163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving current contraceptives and discover novel methods easy to use with added health benefits would meet the needs of couples who seek alternatives to current methods. New delivery systems target user-controlled, longer-acting options to provide choice, user's autonomy and improve compliance. Self-injections, microarray patches, pod rings able to deliver several molecules aim to prevent both pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Improved intrauterine systems and non-surgical permanent methods are also on the research agenda. The search for novel methods must continue, to curb maternal mortality led by multiple pregnancies and unsafe abortion, still a burden in many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Régine Sitruk-Ware
- The Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, États-Unis
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58
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Gokani S, Bhatt LK. Bromodomains: A novel target for the anticancer therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 911:174523. [PMID: 34563497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomains are a group of structurally diverse proteins characterized as readers of post-translational modifications. They bear unique structural topology and are known to have diverse cellular functions. As epigenetic readers of histone acetylation, bromodomains appear to have both physiological and pathological implications. Among the various types of bromodomain-containing proteins, BRD2 and BRD4 proteins are expressed ubiquitously and act as critical regulators of the cell cycle in normal mammalian cells. Therefore, they are increasingly involved in the process of oncogenesis. Bromodomains are the emerging novel epigenetic targets for the treatment of cancer. Various small molecules are proposed to target the bromodomain proteins as the readers of acetyl-lysine residues. In recent years, inhibiting the interaction of acetyl-lysine residues and bromodomain proteins on chromatin has served as an interesting target to regulate the expression of various pathological genes, including BCL-2, MYC, and NF-κB. The review summarizes bromodomains as potential targets in cancer and various bromodomain inhibitors in the early stages of the clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Gokani
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, India.
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59
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Liang Y, Tian J, Wu T. BRD4 in physiology and pathology: ''BET'' on its partners. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100180. [PMID: 34697817 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4), a member of Bromo and Extra-Terminal (BET) family, recognizes acetylated histones and is of importance in transcription, replication, and DNA repair. It also binds non-histone proteins, DNA and RNA, contributing to development, tissue growth, and various physiological processes. Additionally, BRD4 has been implicated in driving diverse diseases, ranging from cancer, viral infection, inflammation to neurological disorders. Inhibiting its functions with BET inhibitors (BETis) suppresses the progression of several types of cancer, creating an impetus for translating these chemicals to the clinic. The diverse roles of BRD4 are largely dependent on its interaction partners in different contexts. In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms of BRD4 with its interacting partners in physiology and pathology. Current development of BETis is also summarized. Further understanding the functions of BRD4 and its partners will facilitate resolving the liabilities of present BETis and accelerate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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60
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Enríquez P, Krajewski K, Strahl BD, Rothbart SB, Dowen RH, Rose RB. Binding specificity and function of the SWI/SNF subunit SMARCA4 bromodomain interaction with acetylated histone H3K14. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101145. [PMID: 34473995 PMCID: PMC8506967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomains (BD) are conserved reader modules that bind acetylated lysine residues on histones. Although much has been learned regarding the in vitro properties of these domains, less is known about their function within chromatin complexes. SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes modulate transcription and contribute to DNA damage repair. Mutations in SWI/SNF subunits have been implicated in many cancers. Here we demonstrate that the BD of Caenorhabditis elegans SMARCA4/BRG1, a core SWI/SNF subunit, recognizes acetylated lysine 14 of histone H3 (H3K14ac), similar to its Homo sapiens ortholog. We identify the interactions of SMARCA4 with the acetylated histone peptide from a 1.29 Å-resolution crystal structure of the CeSMARCA4 BD-H3K14ac complex. Significantly, most of the SMARCA4 BD residues in contact with the histone peptide are conserved with other proteins containing family VIII bromodomains. Based on the premise that binding specificity is conserved among bromodomain orthologs, we propose that loop residues outside of the binding pocket position contact residues to recognize the H3K14ac sequence. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutations in the SMARCA4 BD that abolish H3K14ac binding in vitro had little or no effect on C. elegans viability or physiological function in vivo. However, combining SMARCA4 BD mutations with knockdown of the SWI/SNF accessory subunit PBRM-1 resulted in severe developmental defects in animals. In conclusion, we demonstrated an essential function for the SWI/SNF bromodomain in vivo and detected potential redundancy in epigenetic readers in regulating chromatin remodeling. These findings have implications for the development of small-molecule BD inhibitors to treat cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Enríquez
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krzysztof Krajewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott B Rothbart
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert H Dowen
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert B Rose
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
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Abstract
There is no nonhormonal contraceptive pill for men, although hundreds of genes have been identified to play roles during spermatogenesis and fertilization in the male reproductive tract. To address the absence of contraceptive drugs for men, we established a DNA-encoded chemistry technology (DEC-Tec) platform. Our drug discovery campaign on BRDT, a validated spermatogenic-specific contraceptive target, yielded rapid discovery of potent and specific inhibitors of the second bromodomain of BRDT that have unique binding characteristics to BRDT-BD2 relative to BRDT-BD1. Our study emphasizes the robustness and validation of the DEC-Tec platform where the obtained structure–affinity relationship data would allow us to identify specific protein binders immediately without performing exhaustive medicinal chemistry optimization of compounds with potential as male contraceptives. Bromodomain testis (BRDT), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) subfamily that includes the cancer targets BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, is a validated contraceptive target. All BET subfamily members have two tandem bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). Knockout mice lacking BRDT-BD1 or both bromodomains are infertile. Treatment of mice with JQ1, a BET BD1/BD2 nonselective inhibitor with the highest affinity for BRD4, disrupts spermatogenesis and reduces sperm number and motility. To assess the contribution of each BRDT bromodomain, we screened our collection of DNA-encoded chemical libraries for BRDT-BD1 and BRDT-BD2 binders. High-enrichment hits were identified and resynthesized off-DNA and examined for their ability to compete with JQ1 in BRDT and BRD4 bromodomain AlphaScreen assays. These studies identified CDD-1102 as a selective BRDT-BD2 inhibitor with low nanomolar potency and >1,000-fold selectivity over BRDT-BD1. Structure–activity relationship studies of CDD-1102 produced a series of additional BRDT-BD2/BRD4-BD2 selective inhibitors, including CDD-1302, a truncated analog of CDD-1102 with similar activity, and CDD-1349, an analog with sixfold selectivity for BRDT-BD2 versus BRD4-BD2. BROMOscan bromodomain profiling confirmed the great affinity and selectivity of CDD-1102 and CDD-1302 on all BET BD2 versus BD1 with the highest affinity for BRDT-BD2. Cocrystals of BRDT-BD2 with CDD-1102 and CDD-1302 were determined at 2.27 and 1.90 Å resolution, respectively, and revealed BRDT-BD2 specific contacts that explain the high affinity and selectivity of these compounds. These BD2-specific compounds and their binding to BRDT-BD2 are unique compared with recent reports and enable further evaluation of their nonhormonal contraceptive potential in vitro and in vivo.
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62
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Nair S, Davis A, Campagne O, Schuetz JD, Stewart CF. Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method to quantify the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor JQ1 in mouse plasma and brain microdialysate: Application to cerebral microdialysis study. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 204:114274. [PMID: 34311284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
JQ1, is a cell-permeable small-molecule inhibitor of bromodomain and extra-terminal protein (BET) function with reportedly good CNS penetration, however, unbound and pharmacologically active CNS JQ1 exposures have not been characterized. Additionally, no quantitative bioanalytical methods for JQ1 have been described in the literature to support the CNS penetration studies. In the present article, we discuss the development and validation of a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantitative methods to determine JQ1 in mouse plasma and brain microdialysate. JQ1 and the internal standard, dabrafenib (ISTD), were extracted from plasma and microdialysate samples using a simple solid phase extraction protocol performed on an Oasis HLB μElution plate. Chromatographic separation of JQ1 and ISTD was achieved on a reversed phase C12 analytical column with gradient elution profile of mobile phases (MP A: water containing 0.1 % formic acid and MP B: acetonitrile containing 0.1 % formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The mass spectrometric detection was performed in the positive MRM ion mode by monitoring the transitions 457.40 > 341.30 (JQ1) and 520.40 > 307.20 (ISTD). The calibration curves demonstrated good linearities over the concentration range of 5-1000 ng/mL for the mouse plasma method (r2 ≥ 0.99) and 0.5-500 ng/mL for the microdialysate method (r2 ≥ 0.99). The experimental limit of quantification obtained was 5 and 0.5 ng/mL for the mouse plasma and microdialysate method, respectively, with the coefficient of variation less than 10 % for the analyte peak area. All the other validation parameters, including intra-and inter-day accuracy and precision, matrix effect, selectivity, carryover effect, and stability, were within the USFDA bioanalytical guidelines acceptance limits. The LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to a mouse pharmacokinetic and cerebral microdialysis study to characterize the unbound JQ1 exposure in brain extracellular fluid and plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreenath Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Abigail Davis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Olivia Campagne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John D Schuetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Zhang P, Meng X, Liu L, Li S, Li Y, Ali S, Li S, Xiong J, Liu X, Li S, Xia Q, Dong L. Identification of the Prognostic Signatures of Glioma With Different PTEN Status. Front Oncol 2021; 11:633357. [PMID: 34336645 PMCID: PMC8317988 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.633357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The high-grade glioma is characterized by cell heterogeneity, gene mutations, and poor prognosis. The deletions and mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN (5%-40%) in glioma patients are associated with worse survival and therapeutic resistance. Characterization of unique prognosis molecular signatures by PTEN status in glioma is still unclear. This study established a novel risk model, screened optimal prognostic signatures, and calculated the risk score for the individual glioma patients with different PTEN status. Screening results revealed fourteen independent prognostic gene signatures in PTEN-wt and three in the -50PTEN-mut subgroup. Moreover, we verified risk score as an independent prognostic factor significantly correlated with tumor malignancy. Due to the higher malignancy of the PTEN-mut gliomas, we explored the independent prognostic signatures (CLCF1, AEBP1, and OS9) for a potential therapeutic target in PTEN-mut glioma. We further separated IDH wild-type glioma patients into GBM and LGG to verify the therapeutic target along with PTEN status, notably, the above screened therapeutic targets are also significant prognostic genes in both IDH-wt/PTEN-mut GBM and LGG patients. We further identified the small molecule compound (+)-JQ1 binds to all three targets, indicating a potential therapy for PTEN-mut glioma. In sum, gene signatures and risk scores in the novel risk model facilitate glioma diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Liu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shengzhen Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Sakhawat Ali
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shanhu Li
- Department of Cell Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Jichuan Xiong
- School of Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- School of Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouwei Li
- Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Xia
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Dong
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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64
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Wang X, Kutschat AP, Yamada M, Prokakis E, Böttcher P, Tanaka K, Doki Y, Hamdan FH, Johnsen SA. Bromodomain protein BRDT directs ΔNp63 function and super-enhancer activity in a subset of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2207-2220. [PMID: 33658703 PMCID: PMC8257622 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00751-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer with a particularly high prevalence in certain geographical regions and a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 15-25%. Despite numerous studies characterizing the genetic and transcriptomic landscape of ESCC, there are currently no effective targeted therapies. In this study, we used an unbiased screening approach to uncover novel molecular precision oncology targets for ESCC and identified the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family member bromodomain testis-specific protein (BRDT) to be uniquely expressed in a subgroup of ESCC. Experimental studies revealed that BRDT expression promotes migration but is dispensable for cell proliferation. Further mechanistic insight was gained through transcriptome analyses, which revealed that BRDT controls the expression of a subset of ΔNp63 target genes. Epigenome and genome-wide occupancy studies, combined with genome-wide chromatin interaction studies, revealed that BRDT colocalizes and interacts with ΔNp63 to drive a unique transcriptional program and modulate cell phenotype. Our data demonstrate that these genomic regions are enriched for super-enhancers that loop to critical ΔNp63 target genes related to the squamous phenotype such as KRT14, FAT2, and PTHLH. Interestingly, BET proteolysis-targeting chimera, MZ1, reversed the activation of these genes. Importantly, we observed a preferential degradation of BRDT by MZ1 compared with BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unknown function of BRDT in ESCC and provide a proof-of-concept that BRDT may represent a novel therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ana P Kutschat
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Moyuru Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patricia Böttcher
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Koji Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Feda H Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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65
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Mazar J, Gordon C, Naga V, Westmoreland TJ. The Killing of Human Neuroblastoma Cells by the Small Molecule JQ1 Occurs in a p53-Dependent Manner. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:1613-1625. [PMID: 32329693 PMCID: PMC7527568 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200424123834] [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: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background MYCN amplification is a prognostic biomarker associated with poor prognosis of neuroblastoma in children. The overall survival of children with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma has only marginally improved within the last 20 years. The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) inhibitor, JQ1, has been shown to downregulate MYCN in neuroblastoma cells. Objective To determine if JQ1 downregulation of MYCN in neuroblastomas can offer a target- specific therapy for this, difficult to treat, pediatric cancer. Methods Since MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma accounts for as much as 40 to 50 percent of all high-risk cases, we compared the effect of JQ1 on both MYCN-amplified and non-MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines and investigated its mechanism of action. Results In this study, we show that JQ1 can specifically target MYCN for downregulation, though this effect is not specific to only MYCN-amplified cells. And although we can confirm that the loss of MYCN alone can induce apoptosis, the exogenous rescue of MYCN expression can abrogate much of this cytotoxicity. More fascinating, however, was the discovery that the JQ1-induced knockdown of MYCN, which led to the loss of the human double minute 2 homolog (HDM2) protein, also led to the accumulation of tumor protein 53 (also known as TP53 or p53), which ultimately induced apoptosis. Likewise, the knockdown of p53 also blunted the cytotoxic effects of JQ1. Conclusion These data suggest a mechanism of action for JQ1 cytotoxicity in neuroblastomas and offer a possible prognostic target for determining its efficacy as a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mazar
- Nemours Children's Hospital, 13535 Nemours Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827, United States
| | - Caleb Gordon
- Nemours Children's Hospital, 13535 Nemours Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827, United States
| | - Varun Naga
- Nemours Children's Hospital, 13535 Nemours Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827, United States
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Irais CM, Claudia BR, David PE, Ashutosh S, Rubén GG, Agustina RM, Del Carmen VMM, Mario-Alberto RG, Luis-Benjamín SG. Leaf and Fruit Methanolic Extracts of Azadirachta indica Exhibit Antifertility Activity on Rats' Sperm Quality and Testicular Histology. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:400-407. [PMID: 32744965 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200730145621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world's population is still growing, having an impact on the environment and the economic growth of developing countries; so that, there is a particular interest in the development of new fertility control methods, focused on male contraception. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extracts of leaf and fruit of Azadirachta indica on sperm quality and testicular histology of Long Evans rats. METHODS Antifertility effects of a methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of A. indica on 24 male rats were investigated. The animals were randomly divided into two control groups and four treatment groups (n=4). Doses of the leaf and fruit extract were given at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg mL-1. RESULTS A significant decrease in the viability of sperm cells was observed. The leaf extract at a concentration of 200 μg mL-1 inhibited cell viability compared to the negative control (p< 0.001). The percentage of abnormal cells in leaf extract was shown in 100 and 200 μg mL-1, the conditions at which a higher percentage of morphological irregularities of observed (15% and 16% respectively). The results show that there was cellular detachment in the seminiferous epithelium in the experimental groups treated with methanolic extracts. Sperm death was observed without decreasing the number of sperm. CONCLUSION The methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica have a modulating effect on the spermatogenesis of experimental rats through sperm morphological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Castillo-Maldonado Irais
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Borjón-Ríos Claudia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Pedroza-Escobar David
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Sharma Ashutosh
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, Campus Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - García-Garza Rubén
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Ramírez-Moreno Agustina
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | | | - Rivera-Guillén Mario-Alberto
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Serrano-Gallardo Luis-Benjamín
- Department of Biochemistry, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
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67
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Gusyatiner O, Bady P, Pham MDT, Lei Y, Park J, Daniel RT, Delorenzi M, Hegi ME. BET inhibitors repress expression of Interferon-stimulated genes and synergize with HDAC inhibitors in glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1680-1692. [PMID: 33987681 PMCID: PMC8485441 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of rational combination therapies is key to overcome inherent treatment resistance of glioblastoma (GBM). We aim at identifying new druggable targets by disturbing GBM cells with inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) proteins to reveal cancer-relevant vulnerabilities that may sensitize to a second drug. BET proteins are epigenetic modulators and have been associated with proto-oncogene overexpression in cancer. Methods A GBM-derived sphere-line was treated with the BET inhibitor (BETi) JQ1 over a time-course of 48 hours, followed by RNA-sequencing. Four chromatin marks were investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq). Signatures of interest were functionally validated in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. Combination therapies were evaluated for synergistic effects. Results Cancer-relevant pathways significantly modulated by JQ1 comprised interferon alpha (IFN-α) response genes and response signatures to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The IFN-signature was reminiscent of a GBM-derived IFN-signature comprising CD274 (PD-L1). Functional pathway analysis suggested that JQ1 was acting directly on the transcriptional level of IFN-response genes and not via the canonical JAK/STAT pathway. This was in line with JQ1 modulated expression and BRD4 and Pol II occupancy at IFN-signature genes, supporting a direct mechanistic interaction. Finally, we showed that combining HDACi with JQ1 acts synergistically in reducing cell viability of GS-lines. Conclusions Our approach identified BETi-induced vulnerabilities in cancer-relevant pathways, potentially amenable to synergistic combinatorial therapy, such as combination with HDACi. The direct inhibitory effect of BETi on IFN-responsive genes in GBM cells, including CD274, indicates modulation of the tumor immune landscape and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gusyatiner
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL)
| | - Pierre Bady
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL)
| | - Minh D T Pham
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Lei
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Jungyeon Park
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Roy T Daniel
- Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL)
| | - Monika E Hegi
- Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL)
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Long JE, Lee MS, Blithe DL. Update on Novel Hormonal and Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2381-e2392. [PMID: 33481994 PMCID: PMC8344836 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of new methods of male contraception would increase contraceptive options for men and women and advance male contraceptive agency. Pharmaceutical R&D for male contraception has been dormant since the 1990s. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has supported a contraceptive development program since 1969 and supports most ongoing hormonal male contraceptive development. Nonhormonal methods are in earlier stages of development. CONTENT Several hormonal male contraceptive agents have entered clinical trials. Novel single agent products being evaluated include dimethandrolone undecanoate, 11β-methyl-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate, and 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone. A contraceptive efficacy trial of Nestorone®/testosterone gel is underway. Potential nonhormonal methods are at preclinical stages of development. Many nonhormonal male contraceptive targets that affect sperm production, sperm function, or sperm transport have been identified. SUMMARY NICHD supports development of reversible male contraceptive agents. Other organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Population Council, and the Male Contraception Initiative are pursuing male contraceptive development, but industry involvement remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Dr. Jill Long, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 3243, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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69
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PHF7 Modulates BRDT Stability and Histone-to-Protamine Exchange during Spermiogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107950. [PMID: 32726616 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of sperm generation, including mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During spermiogenesis, histones in post-meiotic spermatids are removed from chromatin and replaced by protamines. Although histone-to-protamine exchange is important for sperm nuclear condensation, the underlying regulatory mechanism is still poorly understood. Here, we identify PHD finger protein 7 (PHF7) as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for histone H3K14 in post-meiotic spermatids. Generation of Phf7-deficient mice and Phf7 C160A knockin mice with impaired E3 ubiquitin ligase activity reveals defects in histone-to-protamine exchange caused by dysregulation of histone removal factor Bromodomain, testis-specific (BRDT) in early condensing spermatids. Surprisingly, E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of PHF7 on histone ubiquitination leads to stabilization of BRDT by attenuating ubiquitination of BRDT. Collectively, our findings identify PHF7 as a critical factor for sperm chromatin condensation and contribute to mechanistic understanding of fundamental phenomenon of histone-to-protamine exchange and potential for drug development for the male reproduction system.
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70
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Thirumalai A, Amory JK. Emerging approaches to male contraception. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1369-1376. [PMID: 33931201 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.047] [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: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant interests in contraception by men, effective methods of male contraception are limited to vasectomy and condoms. Recently, there have been several promising advances in male contraceptive research. This review will update readers on recent research in both hormonal and nonhormonal approaches to male contraception. Hormonal approaches to male contraception have been stymied by adverse effects, formulations requiring injections or implants, a 5% to10% nonresponse rate, as well as poor understanding of user acceptability. In the last several years, research has focused on novel, orally bioavailable androgens such as dimethandrolone undecanoate and 11β-methyl-19-nor-testosterone. Additionally, combinations of a topical testosterone gel combined with a gel containing segesterone acetate, a potent progestin, have shown promise in clinical trials recently. Simultaneously, significant preclinical progress has been made in several approaches to nonhormonal male contraceptives, including compounds that inhibit sperm motility such as eppin, compounds that inhibit retinoic acid binding or biosynthesis, and reversible approaches to obstruction of the vas deferens. It is imperative for these areas of research to continue making strides so that there is a gamut of contraceptive options for couples to choose from. Some of these approaches will hopefully reach clinical utility soon, greatly improving contraceptive choice for couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Thirumalai
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John K Amory
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
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Shorstova T, Foulkes WD, Witcher M. Achieving clinical success with BET inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1478-1490. [PMID: 33723398 PMCID: PMC8076232 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional upregulation of oncogenes is a driving force behind the progression of many tumours. However, until a decade ago, the concept of 'switching off' these oncogenic pathways represented a formidable challenge. Research has revealed that members of the bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) motif family are key activators of oncogenic networks in a spectrum of cancers; their function depends on their recruitment to chromatin through two bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). The advent of potent inhibitors of BET proteins (BETi), which target either one or both bromodomains, represents an important step towards the goal of suppressing oncogenic networks within tumours. Here, we discuss the biology of BET proteins, advances in BETi design and highlight potential biomarkers predicting their activity. We also outline the logic of incorporating BETi into combination therapies to enhance its efficacy. We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity, defining predictive biomarkers and identifying potent synergies represents a roadmap for clinical success using BETi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Shorstova
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - William D. Foulkes
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
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Kuang W, Zhang J, Lan Z, Deepak RNVK, Liu C, Ma Z, Cheng L, Zhao X, Meng X, Wang W, Wang X, Xu L, Jiao Y, Luo Q, Meng Z, Kee K, Liu X, Deng H, Li W, Fan H, Chen L. SLC22A14 is a mitochondrial riboflavin transporter required for sperm oxidative phosphorylation and male fertility. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109025. [PMID: 33882315 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ablation of Slc22a14 causes male infertility in mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that SLC22A14 is a riboflavin transporter localized at the inner mitochondrial membrane of the spermatozoa mid-piece and show by genetic, biochemical, multi-omic, and nutritional evidence that riboflavin transport deficiency suppresses the oxidative phosphorylation and reprograms spermatozoa energy metabolism by disrupting flavoenzyme functions. Specifically, we find that fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) is defective with significantly reduced levels of acyl-carnitines and metabolites from the TCA cycle (the citric acid cycle) but accumulated triglycerides and free fatty acids in Slc22a14 knockout spermatozoa. We demonstrate that Slc22a14-mediated FAO is essential for spermatozoa energy generation and motility. Furthermore, sperm from wild-type mice treated with a riboflavin-deficient diet mimics those in Slc22a14 knockout mice, confirming that an altered riboflavin level causes spermatozoa morphological and bioenergetic defects. Beyond substantially advancing our understanding of spermatozoa energy metabolism, our study provides an attractive target for the development of male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Kuang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhou Lan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - R N V Krishna Deepak
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhilong Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lili Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xinbin Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xianbin Meng
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Weihua Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lina Xu
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yupei Jiao
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qi Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ziyi Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haiteng Deng
- National Center for Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Ligong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100084, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Shibasaki H, Kinoh H, Cabral H, Quader S, Mochida Y, Liu X, Toh K, Miyano K, Matsumoto Y, Yamasoba T, Kataoka K. Efficacy of pH-Sensitive Nanomedicines in Tumors with Different c-MYC Expression Depends on the Intratumoral Activation Profile. ACS NANO 2021; 15:5545-5559. [PMID: 33625824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Effective inhibition of the protein derived from cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-Myc) is one of the most sought-after goals in cancer therapy. While several c-Myc inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic potential, inhibiting c-Myc has proven challenging, since c-Myc is essential for normal tissues and tumors may present heterogeneous c-Myc levels demanding contrasting therapeutic strategies. Herein, we developed tumor-targeted nanomedicines capable of treating both tumors with high and low c-Myc levels by adjusting their ability to spatiotemporally control drug action. These nanomedicines loaded homologues of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) motif inhibitor JQ1 as epigenetic c-Myc inhibitors through pH-cleavable bonds engineered for fast or slow drug release at intratumoral pH. In tumors with high c-Myc expression, the fast-releasing (FR) nanomedicines suppressed tumor growth more effectively than the slow-releasing (SR) ones, whereas, in the low c-Myc tumors, the efficacy of the nanomedicines was the opposite. By studying the tumor distribution and intratumoral activation of the nanomedicines, we found that, despite SR nanomedicines achieved higher accumulation than the FR counterparts in both c-Myc high and low tumors, the antitumor activity profiles corresponded with the availability of activated drugs inside the tumors. These results indicate the potential of engineered nanomedicines for c-Myc inhibition and spur the idea of precision pH-sensitive nanomedicine based on cancer biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kinoh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Sabina Quader
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Xueying Liu
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuko Toh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuki Miyano
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center, 3-22-1, Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yu Matsumoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Policy Alternative Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Quezada E, Cappelli C, Diaz I, Jury N, Wightman N, Brown RH, Montecino M, van Zundert B. BET bromodomain inhibitors PFI-1 and JQ1 are identified in an epigenetic compound screen to enhance C9ORF72 gene expression and shown to ameliorate C9ORF72-associated pathological and behavioral abnormalities in a C9ALS/FTD model. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:56. [PMID: 33726839 PMCID: PMC7962347 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An intronic GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), referred to as C9ALS/FTD. No cure or effective treatment exist for C9ALS/FTD. Three major molecular mechanisms have emerged to explain C9ALS/FTD disease mechanisms: (1) C9ORF72 loss-of-function through haploinsufficiency, (2) dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins mediated toxicity by the translation of the repeat RNAs, and more controversial, (3) RNA-mediated toxicity by bidirectional transcription of the repeats that form intranuclear RNA foci. Recent studies indicate a double-hit pathogenic mechanism in C9ALS/FTD, where reduced C9ORF72 protein levels lead to impaired clearance of toxic DPRs. Here we explored whether pharmacological compounds can revert these pathological hallmarks in vitro and cognitive impairment in a C9ALS/FTD mouse model (C9BAC). We specifically focused our study on small molecule inhibitors targeting chromatin-regulating proteins (epidrugs) with the goal of increasing C9ORF72 gene expression and reduce toxic DPRs. RESULTS We generated luciferase reporter cell lines containing 10 (control) or ≥ 90 (mutant) G4C2 HRE located between exon 1a and 1b of the human C9ORF72 gene. In a screen of 14 different epidrugs targeting bromodomains, chromodomains and histone-modifying enzymes, we found that several bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi), including PFI-1 and JQ1, increased luciferase reporter activity. Using primary cortical cultures from C9BAC mice, we further found that PFI-1 treatment increased the expression of V1-V3 transcripts of the human mutant C9ORF72 gene, reduced poly(GP)-DPR inclusions but enhanced intranuclear RNA foci. We also tested whether JQ1, an BETi previously shown to reach the mouse brain by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, can revert behavioral abnormalities in C9BAC mice. Interestingly, it was found that JQ1 administration (daily i.p. administration for 7 days) rescued hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits in C9BAC mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings place BET bromodomain inhibitors as a potential therapy for C9ALS/FTD by ameliorating C9ORF72-associated pathological and behavioral abnormalities. Our finding that PFI-1 increases accumulation of intranuclear RNA foci is in agreement with recent data in flies suggesting that nuclear RNA foci can be neuroprotective by sequestering repeat transcripts that result in toxic DPRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Quezada
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Cappelli
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Diaz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nur Jury
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Martín Montecino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, USA.
- CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Tang P, Zhang J, Liu J, Chiang CM, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain and Extraterminal Proteins for Drug Discovery: From Current Progress to Technological Development. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2419-2435. [PMID: 33616410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins bind acetylated lysine residues in histones and nonhistone proteins via tandem bromodomains and regulate chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease procession. Thus targeting BET proteins is a promising strategy for treating various diseases, especially malignant tumors and chronic inflammation. Many pan-BET small-molecule inhibitors have been described, and some of them are in clinical evaluation. Nevertheless, the limited clinical efficacy of the current BET inhibitors is also evident and has inspired the development of new technologies to improve their clinical outcomes and minimize unwanted side effects. In this Review, we summarize the latest protein characteristics and biological functions of BRD4 as an example of BET proteins, analyze the clinical development status and preclinical resistance mechanisms, and discuss recent advances in BRD4-selective inhibitors, dual-target BET inhibitors, proteolysis targeting chimera degraders, and protein-protein interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Hassell‐Hart S, Picaud S, Lengacher R, Csucker J, Millet R, Gasser G, Alberto R, Maple H, Felix R, Leśnikowski ZJ, Stewart HJS, Chevassut TJ, Morley S, Filippakopoulos P, Spencer J. Probing BRD Inhibition Substituent Effects in Bulky Analogues of (+)‐JQ1. Helv Chim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.202000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Storm Hassell‐Hart
- Chemistry Department School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9QJ UK
| | - Sarah Picaud
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) University of Oxford Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Raphael Lengacher
- University of Zurich Department of Chemistry Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Joshua Csucker
- University of Zurich Department of Chemistry Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Regis Millet
- University of Lille Inserm INFINITE U1286 ICPAL 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83 FR-59006 Lille France
| | - Gilles Gasser
- Chimie ParisTech PSL University CNRS Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology FR-75005 Paris France
| | - Roger Alberto
- University of Zurich Department of Chemistry Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Hannah Maple
- Bio-Techne (Tocris Bioscience) The Watkins Building Atlantic Road, Avonmouth Bristol BS11 9QD UK
| | - Robert Felix
- Bio-Techne (Tocris Bioscience) The Watkins Building Atlantic Road, Avonmouth Bristol BS11 9QD UK
| | - Zbigniew J. Leśnikowski
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences PL 92a–232 Łodź Poland
| | | | | | - Simon Morley
- Biochemistry School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9QG UK
| | | | - John Spencer
- Chemistry Department School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9QJ UK
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Supercharging BRD4 with NUT in carcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:1396-1408. [PMID: 33452461 PMCID: PMC7914217 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an extremely aggressive squamous cancer with no effective therapy. NC is driven, most commonly, by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein. BRD4-NUT combines the chromatin-binding bromo- and extraterminal domain-containing (BET) protein, BRD4, with an unstructured, poorly understood protein, NUT, which recruits and activates the histone acetyltransferase p300. Recruitment of p300 to chromatin by BRD4 is believed to lead to the formation of hyperacetylated nuclear foci, as seen by immunofluorescence. BRD4-NUT nuclear foci correspond with massive contiguous regions of chromatin co-enriched with BRD4-NUT, p300, and acetylated histones, termed "megadomains" (MD). Megadomains stretch for as long as 2 MB. Proteomics has defined a BRD4-NUT chromatin complex in which members that associate with BRD4 also exist as rare NUT-fusion partners. This suggests that the common pathogenic denominator is the presence of both BRD4 and NUT, and that the function of BRD4-NUT may mimic that of wild-type BRD4. If so, then MDs may function as massive super-enhancers, activating transcription in a BET-dependent manner. Common targets of MDs across multiple NCs and tissues are three stem cell-related transcription factors frequently implicated in cancer: MYC, SOX2, and TP63. Recently, MDs were found to form a novel nuclear sub-compartment, called subcompartment M (subM), where MD-MD interactions occur both intra- and inter-chromosomally. Included in subM are MYC, SOX2, and TP63. Here we explore the possibility that if MDs are simply large super-enhancers, subM may exist in other cell systems, with broad implications for how 3D organization of the genome may function in gene regulation and maintenance of cell identity. Finally, we discuss how our knowledge of BRD4-NUT function has been leveraged for the therapeutic development of first-in-class BET inhibitors and other targeted strategies.
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang J, Ding H, Huang W, Ding C, Liu H, Tan W, Zhang A. Development of hedgehog pathway inhibitors by epigenetically targeting GLI through BET bromodomain for the treatment of medulloblastoma. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:488-504. [PMID: 33643826 PMCID: PMC7893122 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a common yet highly heterogeneous childhood malignant brain tumor, however, clinically effective molecular targeted therapy is lacking. Modulation of hedgehog (HH) signaling by epigenetically targeting the transcriptional factors GLI through bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has recently spurred new interest as potential treatment of HH-driven MB. Through screening of current clinical BRD4 inhibitors for their inhibitory potency against glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) protein, the BRD4 inhibitor 2 was selected as the lead for further structural optimization, which led to the identification of compounds 25 and 35 as the high potency HH inhibitors. Mechanism profiling showed that both compounds suppressed HH signaling by interacting with the transcriptional factor GLI, and were equally potent against the clinical resistant mutants and the wild type of smoothened (SMO) receptor with IC50 values around 1 nmol/L. In the resistant MB allograft mice, compound 25 was well tolerated and markedly suppressed tumor growth at both 5 mg/kg (TGI = 83.3%) and 10 mg/kg (TGI = 87.6%) doses. Although further modification is needed to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, compound 25 represents an efficacious lead compound of GLI inhibitors, possessing optimal safety and tolerance to fight against HH-driven MB.
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Key Words
- BCC, basal cell carcinoma
- BET, bromo and extra C-terminal bromodomain proteins
- BRD4
- BRD4, bromodomain-containing protein 4
- Drug resistance
- GLI
- HH, hedgehog
- HTRF, homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence
- Hedgehog signaling pathway
- MB, medulloblastoma
- Medulloblastoma
- PK, pharmacokinetic
- PTCH, patched
- SAR, structure−activity relationship
- SHH, Sonic hedgehog
- SMO, smoothened
- TGI, tumor growth inhibition
- WNT, wingless
- hERG, human ether-a-go-go-related gene
- i.v., intravenous injection
- p.o., per os
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yalei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huaqian Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hongchun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 21 50806072 (Hongchun Liu); +86 21 51980039 (Wenfu Tan); +86 21 34204020 (Ao Zhang).
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 21 50806072 (Hongchun Liu); +86 21 51980039 (Wenfu Tan); +86 21 34204020 (Ao Zhang).
| | - Ao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 21 50806072 (Hongchun Liu); +86 21 51980039 (Wenfu Tan); +86 21 34204020 (Ao Zhang).
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79
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Liu T, Song S, Wang X, Hao J. Small-molecule inhibitors of breast cancer-related targets: Potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 210:112954. [PMID: 33158576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite dramatic advances in cancer research and therapy, breast cancer remains a tricky health problem and represents a top biomedical research priority. Nowadays, breast cancer is still the leading cause of malignancy-related deaths in women, and incidence and mortality rates of it are expected to increase significantly the next years. Currently more and more researchers are interested in the study of breast cancer by its arising in young women. The common treatment options of breast cancer are chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Most of them require chemical agents, such as PARP inhibitors, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and HER2 inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that some targets or pathways, including BRD4, PLK1, PD-L1, HDAC, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, are tightly related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer. This article reviews the interplay between these targets and breast cancer and summarizes the progress of current research on small molecule inhibitors of these anti-breast cancer targets. The review aims to provide structural and theoretical basis for designing novel anti-breast cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China.
| | - Shubin Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, PR China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Jifu Hao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
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80
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Zhang ZH, Jiang TX, Chen LB, Zhou W, Liu Y, Gao F, Qiu XB. Proteasome subunit α4s is essential for formation of spermatoproteasomes and histone degradation during meiotic DNA repair in spermatocytes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100130. [PMID: 33262216 PMCID: PMC7949063 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis, which produces haploid progeny, is critical to ensuring both faithful genome transmission and genetic diversity. Proteasomes play critical roles at various stages of spermatogenesis, including meiosis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The atypical proteasomes, which contain the activator PA200, catalyze the acetylation-dependent degradation of the core histones in elongated spermatids and DNA repair in somatic cells. We show here that the testis-specific proteasome subunit α4s/PSMA8 is essential for male fertility by promoting proper formation of spermatoproteasomes, which harbor both PA200 and constitutive catalytic subunits. Immunostaining of a spermatocyte marker, SYCP3, indicated that meiosis was halted at the stage of spermatocytes in the α4s-deficient testes. α4s stimulated the in vitro degradation of the acetylated core histones, instead of nonacetylated histones, by the PA200-proteasome. Deletion of α4s blocked degradation of the core histones at DNA damage loci in spermatocytes, leading to meiotic arrest at metaphase I. Thus, α4s is required for histone degradation at meiotic DNA damage loci, proper progression of meiosis, and fertility in males by promoting proper formation of spermatoproteasomes. These results are important for understanding male infertility and might provide potential targets for male contraception or treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Xia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lian-Bin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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81
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Li L, Xie W, Gui Y, Zheng XL. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 and its role in cardiovascular diseases. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:4829-4840. [PMID: 33345363 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a chromatin-binding protein, is involved in the development of various tumors. Recent evidence suggests that BRD4 also plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This review summarizes the roles of BRD4 as a potential regulator of various pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular diseases, implicating that BRD4 may be a new therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, Medical Research Center, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Anatomy, Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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82
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BRDT promotes ovarian cancer cell growth. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1021. [PMID: 33257688 PMCID: PMC7705741 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain testis-specific factor (BRDT) is a member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins. Its expression and potential functions in ovarian cancer were examined. We show that BRDT is overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and in established (CaOV3)/primary ovarian cancer cells. However, its expression is low in ovarian epithelial tissues and cells. Significantly, shRNA-induced silencing or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of BRDT inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth, viability, proliferation and migration, and induced significant apoptosis activation. Conversely, exogenous overexpression of BRDT, by a lentiviral construct, augmented CaOV3 cell proliferation and migration. In CaOV3 cells expression of two key BRDT target genes, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and aurora kinase C (AURKC), was downregulated by BRDT shRNA or knockout, but upregulated with BRDT overexpression. In vivo, xenograft tumors-derived from BRDT-knockout CaOV3 cells grew significantly slower than control tumors in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of BRDT shRNA lentivirus potently inhibited the growth of primary ovarian cancer xenografts in SCID mice. Downregulation of PLK1 and AURKC was detected in BRDT-knockout and BRDT-silenced tumor tissues. Collectively, BRDT overexpression promotes ovarian cancer cell progression. Targeting BRDT could be a novel strategy to treat ovarian cancer.
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83
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Kashyap MP, Sinha R, Mukhtar MS, Athar M. Epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:36-56. [PMID: 33242578 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding of cancer with the help of ever-expanding cutting edge technological tools and bioinformatics is revolutionizing modern cancer research by broadening the space of discovery window of various genomic and epigenomic processes. Genomics data integrated with multi-omics layering have advanced cancer research. Uncovering such layers of genetic mutations/modifications, epigenetic regulation and their role in the complex pathophysiology of cancer progression could lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Although a plethora of literature is available in public domain defining the role of various tumor driver gene mutations, understanding of epigenetic regulation of cancer is still emerging. This review focuses on epigenetic regulation association with the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC has higher prevalence in Caucasian populations compared to other races. Due to lack of proper reporting to cancer registries, the incidence rates for NMSC worldwide cannot be accurately estimated. However, this is the most common neoplasm in humans, and millions of new cases per year are reported in the United States alone. In organ transplant recipients, the incidence of NMSC particularly of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very high and these SCCs frequently become metastatic and lethal. Understanding of solar ultraviolet (UV) light-induced damage and impaired DNA repair process leading to DNA mutations and nuclear instability provide an insight into the pathogenesis of metastatic neoplasm. This review discusses the recent advances in the field of epigenetics of NMSCs. Particularly, the role of DNA methylation, histone hyperacetylation and non-coding RNA such as long-chain noncoding (lnc) RNAs, circular RNAs and miRNA in the disease progression are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Pratap Kashyap
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rajesh Sinha
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - M Shahid Mukhtar
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mohammad Athar
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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84
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Khera N, Ghayor C, Lindholm AK, Pavlova E, Atanassova N, Weber FE. Reversible Contraceptive Potential of FDA Approved Excipient N, N-Dimethylacetamide in Male Rats. Front Physiol 2020; 11:601084. [PMID: 33240111 PMCID: PMC7683412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.601084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of an effective male contraceptive agent remains a challenge. The present study evaluates the potential of N, N-Dimethylacetamide (DMA), a FDA approved excipient as a male contraceptive agent. Male Sprague Dawley rats injected with DMA for a period of 8 weeks (one injection per week) showed a significant alteration of reproductive parameters. Furthermore, DMA treated animals showed complete infertility in a dose dependent manner, as no pups were born despite proper mating between females and DMA treated males. However, stopping the DMA treatment for a period of 8 weeks (after the initial treatment) restored the reproductive parameters to normal. Moreover, the fertility was resumed to normal as pups were born in the groups where DMA treatment was halted after initial DMA treatment. All these changes had no effect on the level of reproductive hormones FSH, LH and testosterone. Taken together, our results indicate that DMA acts in a reversible and non-hormonal manner to achieve contraception in rats. Therefore, repurposing the use of DMA could lead in a short time to an inexpensive and safer male contraceptive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Khera
- Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chafik Ghayor
- Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna K Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Pavlova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Franz E Weber
- Oral Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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85
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Khera N, Ghayor C, Lindholm AK, Pavlova E, Atanassova N, Weber FE. N, N-Dimethylacetamide, an FDA approved excipient, acts post-meiotically to impair spermatogenesis and cause infertility in rats. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127001. [PMID: 32447106 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
N, N-Dimethylacetamide is an FDA approved solvent widely used in pharmaceutical industry to facilitate the solubility of lipophilic, high molecular weight drugs with poor water solubility. However, the cytotoxic effects of DMA raises the concern about its use in clinical applications. In the present study, we address the effect of DMA on spermatogenesis. Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected intra-peritoneally for 8 weeks, once a week at a dose of 862 mg/kg. Analysis of reproductive parameters revealed that DMA treated animals exhibit spermatid formation defects within the testis describing the characteristics of oligozoospermia. A subsequent decrease in epididymal sperm concentration along with distortion of sperm morphology was observed. The mitochondrial and microtubule organization in the sperm is considerably modified by DMA. This disrupts the sperm kinetics thus decreasing the total and progressive sperm motility. Finally, DMA treatment resulted in loss of fertility. Our results indicate that exposure to DMA has a negative impact on spermatogenesis and leads to infertility in male rats by inhibiting the post meiotic stages of sperm development. Therefore, the use of DMA in humans must be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Khera
- University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Oral Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Plattenstrasse11, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chafik Ghayor
- University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Oral Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Plattenstrasse11, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna K Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Pavlova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Franz E Weber
- University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Oral Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Plattenstrasse11, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland; CABMM, Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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86
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Duan Q, Huang FL, Li SJ, Chen KZ, Gong L, Qi J, Yang ZH, Yang TL, Li F, Li CQ. BET proteins inhibitor JQ-1 impaired the extinction of remote auditory fear memory: An effect mediated by insulin like growth factor 2. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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87
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BET bromodomains as novel epigenetic targets for brain health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108306. [PMID: 32946883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic pharmacotherapy for CNS-related diseases is a burgeoning area of research. In particular, members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins have emerged as intriguing therapeutic targets due to their putative involvement in an array of brain diseases. With their ability to bind to acetylated histones and act as a scaffold for chromatin modifying complexes, BET proteins were originally thought of as passive epigenetic 'reader' proteins. However, new research depicts a more complex reality where BET proteins act as key nodes in lineage-specific and signal-dependent transcriptional mechanisms to influence disease-relevant functions. Amid a recent wave of drug development efforts from basic scientists and pharmaceutical companies, BET inhibitors are currently being studied in several CNS-related disease models, but safety and tolerability remain a concern. Here we review the progress in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of BET proteins and the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins for brain health and disease.
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88
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Kulikowski E, Rakai BD, Wong NCW. Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins for treating multiple human diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:223-245. [PMID: 32926459 PMCID: PMC7756446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical development of bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) protein inhibitors differs from the traditional course of drug development. These drugs are simultaneously being evaluated for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases due to their novel mechanism of action. BET proteins are epigenetic “readers,” which play a primary role in transcription. Here, we briefly describe the BET family of proteins, of which BRD4 has been studied most extensively. We discuss BRD4 activity at latent enhancers as an example of BET protein function. We examine BRD4 redistribution and enhancer reprogramming in embryonic development, cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, presenting hallmark studies that highlight BET proteins as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the currently available approaches to targeting BET proteins, methods of selectively targeting individual bromodomains, and review studies that compare the effects of selective BET inhibition to those of pan‐BET inhibition. Lastly, we examine the current clinical landscape of BET inhibitor development.
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89
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Prieto-Martínez FD, Medina-Franco JL. Current advances on the development of BET inhibitors: insights from computational methods. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 122:127-180. [PMID: 32951810 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics was coined almost 70 years ago for the description of heritable phenotype without altering DNA sequences. Research on the field has uncovered significant roles of such mechanisms, that account for the biogenesis of several diseases. Further studies have led the way for drug development which targets epi-enzymes, mainly for cancer treatment. Of the numerous epi-targets involved with histone acetylation, bromodomains have captured the spotlight of drug discovery focused on novel therapies. However, due to high sequence identity, the development of potent and selective inhibitors poses a significant challenge. Herein, we discuss recent computational developments on BET inhibitors and other methods that may be applied for drug discovery in general. As a proof-of-concept, we discuss a virtual screening to identify novel BET inhibitors based on coumarin derivatives. From public data, we identified putative structure-activity relationships of coumarin scaffold and propose R-group modifications for BET selectivity. Results showed that the optimization and design of novel coumarins could be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando D Prieto-Martínez
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L Medina-Franco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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90
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Discovery of selective inhibitors for cyclic AMP response element-binding protein: a combined ligand and structure-based resources pipeline. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:363-373. [PMID: 30499778 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomains are epigenetic readers of acetyl-lysine involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulations. Over the past few years, extensive research has been carried out to discover small-molecule inhibitors against bromodomains to treat various diseases. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREBBP) bromodomain has emerged as a hot target for cancer therapy. This study aims at discovering new inhibitors against CREBBP bromodomain using ligand-based molecular docking. A library of 2168 lead-like compounds were docked into the Kac binding site of CREBBP bromodomain. On the basis of the energy score and interaction analysis, six compounds were selected. In order to validate the stability of these six protein-ligand complexes 20 ns molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analyses were carried out. Based on the different analyses these six compounds may provide valuable information for developing CREBBP selective inhibitors.
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91
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Maezawa S, Sakashita A, Yukawa M, Chen X, Takahashi K, Alavattam KG, Nakata I, Weirauch MT, Barski A, Namekawa SH. Super-enhancer switching drives a burst in gene expression at the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:978-988. [PMID: 32895557 PMCID: PMC8690596 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to bursts in the expression of thousands of germline-specific genes, the testis has the most diverse and complex transcriptome of all organs. By analyzing the male germline of mice, we demonstrate that the genome-wide reorganization of super-enhancers (SEs) drives bursts in germline gene expression after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. SE reorganization is regulated by two molecular events: the establishment of meiosis-specific SEs via A-MYB (MYBL1), a key transcription factor for germline genes, and the resolution of SEs in mitotically proliferating cells via SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein required for spermatogenesis-specific gene expression. Prior to entry into meiosis, meiotic SEs are preprogrammed in mitotic spermatogonia to ensure the unidirectional differentiation of spermatogenesis. We identify key regulatory factors for both mitotic and meiotic enhancers, revealing a molecular logic for the concurrent activation of mitotic enhancers and suppression of meiotic enhancers in the somatic and/or mitotic proliferation phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. .,Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ippo Nakata
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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92
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Mathiew M, Dennis BM, Bennetts F, Su NNE, Nguyen N, Botteon A, Baell JB, Ventura S. Synthesis of 2-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline derivatives and screening for P2X1-purinoceptor antagonist activity in isolated preparations of rat vas deferens, for translation into a male contraceptive†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:323-332. [PMID: 32648904 PMCID: PMC7526726 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympathetically mediated contractions of smooth muscle cells in the vasa deferentia are mediated by neuronally released adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and noradrenaline, which stimulate P2X1-purinoceptors and α1A-adrenoceptors, respectively. This process is crucial for sperm transport, as demonstrated in knockout mouse studies where simultaneous genetic deletion of P2X1-purinoceptors and α1A-adrenoceptors resulted in male infertility. We hypothesize that dual pharmacological antagonism of these two receptors could inhibit sperm transport sufficiently to provide a novel nonhormonal method of male contraception. To generate a suitable P2X1-purinoceptor antagonist, substituents were introduced on the phenyl moiety of 2-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline to create a series of analogues that were tested for P2X1-purinoceptor antagonism in isolated preparations of rat vas deferens. Novel compounds were initially screened for their ability to attenuate contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS: 60 V, 0.5 ms, 0.2 Hz). The addition of polar substituents to the meta, but not ortho, position markedly increased the inhibition of contractions, as did the addition of both polar and aliphatic substituents to the para position. Di-substituted compounds were also synthesized and tested, resulting in a compound 31 (2-hydroxy, 4-fluoro), which exhibited the greatest potency, with an IC50 of 14 μM (95% confidence limits: 12–16 μM). Additionally, compound 31 noncompetitively antagonized contractions mediated by exogenously administered αß-methylene ATP (10 nM–30 μM) but had no inhibitory effect on contractions mediated by exogenously administered noradrenaline (30 nM–100 μM) or acetylcholine (30 nM–100 μM). These results have contributed to a structure–activity relationship profile for the P2X1-purinoceptor that will inform future designs of more potent antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch Mathiew
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Belinda M Dennis
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Felix Bennetts
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - N N Eunice Su
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Antony Botteon
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Jonathan B Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
| | - Sabatino Ventura
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria. Australia
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93
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Xiang Y, Tanaka Y, Patterson B, Hwang SM, Hysolli E, Cakir B, Kim KY, Wang W, Kang YJ, Clement EM, Zhong M, Lee SH, Cho YS, Patra P, Sullivan GJ, Weissman SM, Park IH. Dysregulation of BRD4 Function Underlies the Functional Abnormalities of MeCP2 Mutant Neurons. Mol Cell 2020; 79:84-98.e9. [PMID: 32526163 PMCID: PMC7375197 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT), mainly caused by mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), is one of the most prevalent intellectual disorders without effective therapies. Here, we used 2D and 3D human brain cultures to investigate MeCP2 function. We found that MeCP2 mutations cause severe abnormalities in human interneurons (INs). Surprisingly, treatment with a BET inhibitor, JQ1, rescued the molecular and functional phenotypes of MeCP2 mutant INs. We uncovered that abnormal increases in chromatin binding of BRD4 and enhancer-promoter interactions underlie the abnormal transcription in MeCP2 mutant INs, which were recovered to normal levels by JQ1. We revealed cell-type-specific transcriptome impairment in MeCP2 mutant region-specific human brain organoids that were rescued by JQ1. Finally, JQ1 ameliorated RTT-like phenotypes in mice. These data demonstrate that BRD4 dysregulation is a critical driver for RTT etiology and suggest that targeting BRD4 could be a potential therapeutic opportunity for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Benjamin Patterson
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sung-Min Hwang
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eriona Hysolli
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bilal Cakir
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kun-Yong Kim
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wanshan Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Young-Jin Kang
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Ethan M Clement
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Yee Sook Cho
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Prabir Patra
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo 0424, Norway; Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Sherman M Weissman
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - In-Hyun Park
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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94
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Blocking the Bromodomains Function Contributes to Disturbances in Alga Chara vulgaris Spermatids Differentiation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061352. [PMID: 32486024 PMCID: PMC7349737 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain containing (BRD) proteins play an essential role in many cellular processes. The aim of this study was to estimate activity of bromodomains during alga Chara vulgaris spermatids differentiation. The effect of a bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1 (100 μM), on the distribution of individual stages of spermatids and their ultrastructure was studied. The material was Feulgen stained and analysed in an electron microscope. JQ1 caused shortening of the early stages of spermiogenesis and a reverse reaction at the later stages. Additionally, in the same antheridium, spermatids at distant developmental stages were present. On the ultrastructural level, chromatin fibril system disorders and significantly distended endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae already at the early stages were observed. Many autolytic vacuoles were also visible. The ultrastructural disturbances intensified after prolonged treatment with JQ1. The obtained data show that JQ1 treatment led to changes in the spermatid number and disturbances in chromatin condensation and to cytoplasm reduction. The current studies show some similarities between C. vulgaris and mammals spermiogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that JQ1 interferes with the spermatid differentiation on many interdependent levels and seems to induce ER stress, which leads to spermatid degeneration. Studies on the role of bromodomains in algae spermiogenesis have not been conducted so far.
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95
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Sun J, Lu Y, Nozawa K, Xu Z, Morohoshi A, Castaneda JM, Noda T, Miyata H, Abbasi F, Shawki HH, Takahashi S, Devlin DJ, Yu Z, Matzuk RM, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM, Ikawa M. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in mice uncovers 13 testis- or epididymis-enriched genes individually dispensable for male reproduction†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:183-194. [PMID: 32588039 PMCID: PMC7401351 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing a safe and effective male contraceptive remains a challenge in the field of medical science. Molecules that selectively target the male reproductive tract and whose targets are indispensable for male reproductive function serve among the best candidates for a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive method. To determine the function of these genes in vivo, mutant mice carrying disrupted testis- or epididymis-enriched genes were generated by zygote microinjection or electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 components. Male fecundity was determined by consecutively pairing knockout males with wild-type females and comparing the fecundity of wild-type controls. Phenotypic analyses of testis appearance and weight, testis and epididymis histology, and sperm movement were further carried out to examine any potential spermatogenic or sperm maturation defect in mutant males. In this study, we uncovered 13 testis- or epididymis-enriched evolutionarily conserved genes that are individually dispensable for male fertility in mice. Owing to their dispensable nature, it is not feasible to use these targets for the development of a male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Sun
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zoulan Xu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akane Morohoshi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julio M Castaneda
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ferheen Abbasi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hossam H Shawki
- Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Darius J Devlin
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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96
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Therapeutic targeting of p300/CBP HAT domain for the treatment of NUT midline carcinoma. Oncogene 2020; 39:4770-4779. [PMID: 32366905 PMCID: PMC7286816 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC), is a rare and highly aggressive form of undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma. NMC is molecularly characterized by chromosomal rearrangement of the NUT gene to another gene, most commonly the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) gene BRD4, forming the BRD4-NUT fusion oncogene. Therefore, inhibiting BRD4-NUT oncogenic function directly by BET inhibitors represents an attractive therapeutic approach but toxicity may limit the use of pan-BET inhibitors treating this cancer. We thus performed a drug screening approach using a library consisting of epigenetic compounds and ‘Donated Chemical Probes’ collated by the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) and identified the p300/CBP HAT inhibitor A-485, in addition to the well-known BET inhibitor JQ1, to be the most active candidate for NMC treatment. In contrast to JQ1, A-485 was selectively potent in NMC compared to other cell lines tested. Mechanistically, A-485 inhibited p300-mediated histone acetylation, leading to disruption of BRD4-NUT binding to hyperacetylated megadomains. Consistently, BRD4-NUT megadomain-associated genes MYC, CCAT1 and TP63 were downregulated by A-485. A-485 strongly induced squamous differentiation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Combined inhibition of p300/CBP and BET showed synergistic effects. In summary, we identified the p300/CBP HAT domain as a putative therapeutic target in highly therapy-resistant NMC.
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97
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Xu Y, Liu R, Leu NA, Zhang L, Ibragmova I, Schultz DC, Wang PJ. A cell-based high-content screen identifies isocotoin as a small molecule inhibitor of the meiosis-specific MEIOB-SPATA22 complex†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:333-342. [PMID: 32463099 PMCID: PMC7523692 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
MEIOB and SPATA22 are meiosis-specific proteins, interact with each other, and are essential for meiotic recombination and fertility. Aspartic acid 383 (D383) in MEIOB is critical for its interaction with SPATA22 in biochemical studies. Here we report that genetic studies validate the requirement of D383 for the function of MEIOB in mice. The MeiobD383A/D383A mice display meiotic arrest due to depletion of both MEIOB and SPATA22 proteins in the testes. We developed a cell-based bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, in which MEIOB and SPATA22 are fused to split YFP moieties and their co-expression in cultured cells leads to the MEIOB–SPATA22 dimerization and reconstitution of the fluorophore. As expected, the interaction-disrupting D383A substitution results in the absence of YFP fluorescence in the BiFC assay. A high-throughput screen of small molecule libraries identified candidate hit compounds at a rate of 0.7%. Isocotoin, a hit compound from the natural product library, inhibits the MEIOB–SPATA22 interaction and promotes their degradation in HEK293 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the BiFC assay can be employed to screen for small molecule inhibitors that disrupt protein–protein interactions or promote degradation of meiosis-specific proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ilsiya Ibragmova
- High-Throughput Screening Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David C Schultz
- High-Throughput Screening Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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98
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Jing X, Shao S, Zhang Y, Luo A, Zhao L, Zhang L, Gu S, Zhao X. BRD4 inhibition suppresses PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer. Exp Cell Res 2020; 392:112034. [PMID: 32339606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on the surface of tumour cells can cause tumour immune evasion. Benefits of combining anti-PD-L1 therapy with nab-paclitaxel in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have been reported. However, some patients cannot tolerate the immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) caused by antibody-based immunotherapy. BRD4 is a member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family. BRD4 inhibition has shown antitumour effects in many tumours, but its role in TNBC has not been definitively concluded. In particular, the immune regulation of BRD4 in TNBC has been rarely studied. In this study, we used JQ1, a BET inhibitor, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting BRD4 to explore the influence of BRD4 on PD-L1 expression in TNBC. The results indicated that BRD4 inhibition suppressed PD-L1 expression and the PD-L1 upregulation induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In the in vivo experiments, we found that JQ1 not only reduced the PD-L1 expression level but also changed the proportions of T lymphocyte subsets in the spleens of tumour-bearing mice, which helped to relieve immunosuppression. Briefly, our study reveals that BRD4 regulates PD-L1 expression and may provide a potential method for blocking the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 immune checkpoint in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jing
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shan Shao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Anqi Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Lifen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shanzhi Gu
- Department of College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Xinhan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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99
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Gilan O, Rioja I, Knezevic K, Bell MJ, Yeung MM, Harker NR, Lam EYN, Chung CW, Bamborough P, Petretich M, Urh M, Atkinson SJ, Bassil AK, Roberts EJ, Vassiliadis D, Burr ML, Preston AGS, Wellaway C, Werner T, Gray JR, Michon AM, Gobbetti T, Kumar V, Soden PE, Haynes A, Vappiani J, Tough DF, Taylor S, Dawson SJ, Bantscheff M, Lindon M, Drewes G, Demont EH, Daniels DL, Grandi P, Prinjha RK, Dawson MA. Selective targeting of BD1 and BD2 of the BET proteins in cancer and immunoinflammation. Science 2020; 368:387-394. [PMID: 32193360 PMCID: PMC7610820 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz8455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The two tandem bromodomains of the BET (bromodomain and extraterminal domain) proteins enable chromatin binding to facilitate transcription. Drugs that inhibit both bromodomains equally have shown efficacy in certain malignant and inflammatory conditions. To explore the individual functional contributions of the first (BD1) and second (BD2) bromodomains in biology and therapy, we developed selective BD1 and BD2 inhibitors. We found that steady-state gene expression primarily requires BD1, whereas the rapid increase of gene expression induced by inflammatory stimuli requires both BD1 and BD2 of all BET proteins. BD1 inhibitors phenocopied the effects of pan-BET inhibitors in cancer models, whereas BD2 inhibitors were predominantly effective in models of inflammatory and autoimmune disease. These insights into the differential requirement of BD1 and BD2 for the maintenance and induction of gene expression may guide future BET-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Gilan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Kathy Knezevic
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J Bell
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Miriam M Yeung
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicola R Harker
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Enid Y N Lam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paul Bamborough
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Massimo Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Stephen J Atkinson
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anna K Bassil
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Emma J Roberts
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Dane Vassiliadis
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marian L Burr
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex G S Preston
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Thilo Werner
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James R Gray
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Michon
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gobbetti
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Computational Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Peter E Soden
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Andrea Haynes
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Johanna Vappiani
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David F Tough
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Simon Taylor
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Sarah-Jane Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthew Lindon
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Gerard Drewes
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Paola Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK.
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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100
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Li F, MacKenzie KR, Jain P, Santini C, Young DW, Matzuk MM. Metabolism of JQ1, an inhibitor of bromodomain and extra terminal bromodomain proteins, in human and mouse liver microsomes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:427-436. [PMID: 32285106 PMCID: PMC7401416 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
JQ1 is a small-molecule inhibitor of the bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) protein family that potently inhibits the bromodomain testis-specific protein (BRDT), which is essential for spermatogenesis. JQ1 treatment produces a reversible contraceptive effect by targeting the activity of BRDT in mouse male germ cells, validating BRDT as a male contraceptive target. Although JQ1 possesses favourable physical properties, it exhibits a short half-life. Because the details of xenobiotic metabolism play important roles in the optimization of drug candidates and in determining the role of metabolism in drug efficacy, we investigated the metabolism of JQ1 in human and mouse liver microsomes. We present the first comprehensive view of JQ1 metabolism in liver microsomes, distinguishing nine JQ1 metabolites, including three monohydroxylated, one de-tert-butylated, two dihydroxylated, one monohydroxylated/dehydrogenated, one monohydroxylated-de-tert-butylated and one dihydroxylated/dehydrogenated variant of JQ1. The dominant metabolite (M1) in both human and mouse liver microsomes is monohydroxylated on the fused three-ring core. Using recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, chemical inhibitors and the liver S9 fraction of Cyp3a-null mice, we identify enzymes that contribute to the formation of these metabolites. Cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4 (CYP3A4) is the main contributor to the production of JQ1 metabolites in vitro, and the CYP3A4/5 inhibitor ketoconazole strongly inhibits JQ1 metabolism in both human and mouse liver microsomes. Our findings suggest that JQ1 half-life and efficacy might be improved in vivo by co-administration of a selective CYP inhibitor, thereby impacting the use of JQ1 as a probe for BRDT activity in spermatogenesis and as a probe or therapeutic in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,NMR and Drug Metabolism Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin R MacKenzie
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,NMR and Drug Metabolism Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prashi Jain
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Conrad Santini
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Damian W Young
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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