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Chen S, Su X, Wang J, Zheng N, Tang Y, Peng G, Dong R, Lu F, Liu M, Zhao Y, Wu H. Identification and Validation of METTL3-Related Molecules for Predicting Prognosis and Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Gastric Cancer Based on m6A Methylome and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:935239. [PMID: 35965524 PMCID: PMC9373839 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.935239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels caused by METTL3 have been identified to be a critical regulator in human cancers, and its roles in the immune microenvironment and the relationship between targeted therapy and immunotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer (GC) remain poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the transcriptome-wide m6A methylation profile after METTL3 overexpression by m6A sequencing and RNA sequencing in BGC-823 cells. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to analyze the function of core targets of METTL3. Eighteen methylation core molecules were identified in GC patients by combining transcriptome and methylome sequencing. GC patients can be separated into two subtypes based on the expression of 18 methylation core molecules. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that patients with different subtypes had a different OS, PFS, stage, grade, and TMB. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that immune-related pathways were enriched among subtype A. The ESTIMATE analysis suggested that the extent of infiltration of immune cells was different in two subtypes of GC patients. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and The Cancer Immunome Atlas (TCIA) database also showed that there were significant differences in the efficacy of immunotherapy among different types of GC patients. Altogether, our results reveal that METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification is associated with the immune microenvironment and the effects of immunotherapy in GC patients. Our findings provide novel insights for clinicians in the diagnosis and optimal treatment of GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuran Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xu Su
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ni Zheng
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Guisen Peng
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Mulin Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Mulin Liu, ; Yunli Zhao, ; Huazhang Wu,
| | - Yunli Zhao
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Mulin Liu, ; Yunli Zhao, ; Huazhang Wu,
| | - Huazhang Wu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Mulin Liu, ; Yunli Zhao, ; Huazhang Wu,
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102
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Kwon J, Choi H, Han C. A Dual Role of DDX3X in dsRNA-Derived Innate Immune Signaling. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:912727. [PMID: 35874614 PMCID: PMC9299366 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.912727] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-Linked (DDX3X) is essential for RNA metabolism and participates in various cellular processes involving RNA. DDX3X has been implicated in cancer growth and metastasis. DDX3X is involved in antiviral responses for viral RNAs and contributes to pro- or anti-microbial responses. A better understanding of how human cells regulate innate immune response against the viral “non-self” double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) and endogenous viral-like “self” dsRNAs is critical to understanding innate immune sensing, anti-microbial immunity, inflammation, immune cell homeostasis, and developing novel therapeutics for infectious, immune-mediated diseases, and cancer. DDX3X has known for activating the viral dsRNA-sensing pathway and innate immunity. However, accumulating research reveals a more complex role of DDX3X in regulating dsRNA-mediated signaling in cells. Here, we discuss the role of DDX3X in viral dsRNA- or endogenous dsRNA-mediated immune signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntae Kwon
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hyeongjwa Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Cecil Han
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States.,Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, United States
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103
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Lao Y, Shen D, Zhang W, He R, Jiang M. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy—How to Overcome Drug Resistance? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153575. [PMID: 35892835 PMCID: PMC9331941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an important strategy in cancer therapy. However, with the widespread clinical use of ICIs, people gradually found that ICIs may not be effective enough to eliminate tumor tissue for certain patients. The resistance to ICI treatment makes some patients unable to benefit from their antitumor effects. Therefore, it is vital to understand their antitumor and drug resistance mechanisms to better narrow the ICI-resistant patient population. This review outlines the antitumor action sites and mechanisms of different types of ICIs and lists the main reason of ICI resistance based on recent studies. Finally, we propose current and future solutions for resistance to ICIs. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antagonists used to remove tumor suppression of immune cells, have been widely used in clinical settings. Their high antitumor effect makes them crucial for treating cancer after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, with the advent of ICIs and their use by a large number of patients, more clinical data have gradually shown that some cancer patients still have resistance to ICI treatment, which makes some patients unable to benefit from their antitumor effect. Therefore, it is vital to understand their antitumor and drug resistance mechanisms. In this review, we focused on the antitumor action sites and mechanisms of different types of ICIs. We then listed the main possible mechanisms of ICI resistance based on recent studies. Finally, we proposed current and future solutions for the resistance of ICIs, providing theoretical support for improving their clinical antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefang Lao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China;
| | - Daoming Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangcheng People’s Hospital, Suzhou 215131, China;
| | - Weili Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangcheng People’s Hospital, Suzhou 215131, China;
| | - Rui He
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (M.J.); Tel.: +86-18862185684 (R.H.); +86-13776022109 (M.J.)
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China;
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (M.J.); Tel.: +86-18862185684 (R.H.); +86-13776022109 (M.J.)
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Identification of Prognostic DNA Methylation Signatures in Lung Adenocarcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8802303. [PMID: 35814273 PMCID: PMC9259289 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8802303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence exists of a link between DNA methylation and tumor immunotherapy. However, the impact of DNA methylation on the characteristics of the lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment and its effect on immunotherapy remain unclear. Method This study collected TCGA-LUAD related data sets (LUAD) to explore the characteristics and regulation of 20 DNA methylation-related genes. We further identified two DNA methylation subtypes by analysing the expression profiles of these 20 DNA methylation-related genes. Subsequently, the differences in immune cell infiltration (ICI) and the expression of immune-related signaling factors among different DNA methylation subtypes were explored, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different LUAD DNA methylation subtypes were identified. Using univariate Cox to screen differentially expressed genes meaningful for survival, a DNA methylation score (DMS) was constructed based on the weight of the first and second dimensions after dimensionality reduction by principal component analysis (PCA). Our study found that DMS can better evaluate the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Results Based on DMS, LUAD samples were divided into two groups with high and low scores. The differences in clinical characteristics, tumor mutation load, and tumor immune cell infiltration between different DMS groups of LUAD were deeply explored, and the prediction ability of DMS for the benefit of immunotherapy was evaluated. Conclusions DMS is a valuable tool for predicting survival, clinicopathological features, and immunotherapeutic efficacy, which may help to promote personalized LUAD immunotherapy in the future.
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Shin DS, Park K, Garon E, Dubinett S. Targeting EZH2 to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy in lung cancer. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:S0093-7754(22)00045-8. [PMID: 35851153 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unleashing the immune system to fight cancer has been a major breakthrough in cancer therapeutics since 2014 when anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) were approved for patients with metastatic melanoma. Therapeutic indications have rapidly expanded for many types of advanced cancer, including lung cancer. A variety of antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint are contributing to this paradigm shift. The field now confronts two salient challenges: first, to improve the therapeutic outcome given the low response rate across the histologies; second, to identify biomarkers for improved patient selection. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are underway to evaluate combinatorial treatments to improve the therapeutic outcome paired with correlative studies to identify the factors associated with response and resistance. One of the emerging strategies is to combine epigenetic modifiers with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) based on the evidence that targeting epigenetic elements can enhance anti-tumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will briefly review pleotropic biological functions of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the enzymatic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), clinical developments of oral EZH2 inhibitors, and potentially promising approaches to combine EZH2 inhibitors and PD-1 blockade for patients with advanced solid tumors, focusing on lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA.
| | - Kevin Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edward Garon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
| | - Steven Dubinett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
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106
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Discovery of 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as HDAC inhibitors with DNA binding affinity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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107
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Izquierdo-Torres E, Hernández-Oliveras A, Lozano-Arriaga D, Zarain-Herzberg Á. Obesity, the other pandemic: linking diet and carcinogenesis by epigenetic mechanisms. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 108:109092. [PMID: 35718098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Both obesity and cancer are complex medical conditions that are considered public health problems. The influence of obesity on the predisposition to develop various types of cancer has been observed in a wide variety of studies. Due to their importance as public health problems, and the close relationship between both conditions, it is important to be able to understand and associate them mechanistically. In this review article, we intend to go a little further, by finding relationships between lifestyle, which can lead a person to develop obesity, and how it influences at the cellular and molecular level, affecting gene expression to favor signaling pathways or transcriptional programs involved in cancer. We describe how products of metabolism and intermediate metabolism can affect chromatin structure, participating in the regulation (or dysregulation) of gene expression, and we show an analysis of genes that are responsive to diets high in sugar and fat, and how their epigenetic landscape is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Izquierdo-Torres
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Andrés Hernández-Oliveras
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Dalia Lozano-Arriaga
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ángel Zarain-Herzberg
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
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108
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Salmon JM, Todorovski I, Stanley KL, Bruedigam C, Kearney CJ, Martelotto LG, Rossello F, Semple T, Arnau GM, Zethoven M, Bots M, Bjelosevic S, Cluse LA, Fraser PJ, Litalien V, Vidacs E, McArthur K, Matthews AY, Gressier E, de Weerd NA, Lichte J, Kelly MJ, Hogg SJ, Hertzog PJ, Kats LM, Vervoort SJ, De Carvalho DD, Scheu S, Bedoui S, Kile BT, Lane SW, Perkins AC, Wei AH, Dominguez PM, Johnstone RW. Epigenetic Activation of Plasmacytoid DCs Drives IFNAR-Dependent Therapeutic Differentiation of AML. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1560-1579. [PMID: 35311997 PMCID: PMC9355625 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacologic inhibition of epigenetic enzymes can have therapeutic benefit against hematologic malignancies. In addition to affecting tumor cell growth and proliferation, these epigenetic agents may induce antitumor immunity. Here, we discovered a novel immunoregulatory mechanism through inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC). In models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia cell differentiation and therapeutic benefit mediated by the HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) panobinostat required activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) produced type I IFN after panobinostat treatment, through transcriptional activation of IFN genes concomitant with increased H3K27 acetylation at these loci. Depletion of pDCs abrogated panobinostat-mediated induction of type I IFN signaling in leukemia cells and impaired therapeutic efficacy, whereas combined treatment with panobinostat and IFNα improved outcomes in preclinical models. These discoveries offer a new therapeutic approach for AML and demonstrate that epigenetic rewiring of pDCs enhances antitumor immunity, opening the possibility of exploiting this approach for immunotherapies. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that HDACis induce terminal differentiation of AML through epigenetic remodeling of pDCs, resulting in production of type I IFN that is important for the therapeutic effects of HDACis. The study demonstrates the important functional interplay between the immune system and leukemias in response to HDAC inhibition. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1397.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Salmon
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Izabela Todorovski
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kym L. Stanley
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Bruedigam
- Cancer Program, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Conor J. Kearney
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luciano G. Martelotto
- Single Cell Innovation Lab, Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fernando Rossello
- Single Cell Innovation Lab, Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy Semple
- Molecular Genomics Core, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gisela Mir Arnau
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Molecular Genomics Core, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Magnus Zethoven
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Bots
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Bjelosevic
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonie A. Cluse
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J. Fraser
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Veronique Litalien
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eva Vidacs
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate McArthur
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antony Y. Matthews
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University Clayton Victoria, Australia
| | - Elise Gressier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole A. de Weerd
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University Clayton Victoria, Australia
| | - Jens Lichte
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Madison J. Kelly
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J. Hogg
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. Hertzog
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University Clayton Victoria, Australia
| | - Lev M. Kats
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephin J. Vervoort
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel D. De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefanie Scheu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sammy Bedoui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin T. Kile
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Steven W. Lane
- Cancer Program, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew C. Perkins
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew H. Wei
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pilar M. Dominguez
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Corresponding Authors: Ricky W. Johnstone, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Phone: 61-855-97133; E-mail: ; and Pilar M. Dominguez, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Phone: 61-481-880-373; E-mail:
| | - Ricky W. Johnstone
- Translational Haematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Corresponding Authors: Ricky W. Johnstone, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Phone: 61-855-97133; E-mail: ; and Pilar M. Dominguez, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Phone: 61-481-880-373; E-mail:
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Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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Zheng S, Wang W, Aldahdooh J, Malyutina A, Shadbahr T, Tanoli Z, Pessia A, Tang J. SynergyFinder Plus: Toward Better Interpretation and Annotation of Drug Combination Screening Datasets. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:587-596. [PMID: 35085776 PMCID: PMC9801064 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Combinatorial therapies have been recently proposed to improve the efficacy of anticancer treatment. The SynergyFinder R package is a software used to analyze pre-clinical drug combination datasets. Here, we report the major updates to the SynergyFinder R package for improved interpretation and annotation of drug combination screening results. Unlike the existing implementations, the updated SynergyFinder R package includes five main innovations. 1) We extend the mathematical models to higher-order drug combination data analysis and implement dimension reduction techniques for visualizing the synergy landscape. 2) We provide a statistical analysis of drug combination synergy and sensitivity with confidence intervals and P values. 3) We incorporate a synergy barometer to harmonize multiple synergy scoring methods to provide a consensus metric for synergy. 4) We evaluate drug combination synergy and sensitivity to provide an unbiased interpretation of the clinical potential. 5) We enable fast annotation of drugs and cell lines, including their chemical and target information. These annotations will improve the interpretation of the mechanisms of action of drug combinations. To facilitate the use of the R package within the drug discovery community, we also provide a web server at www.synergyfinderplus.org as a user-friendly interface to enable a more flexible and versatile analysis of drug combination data.
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111
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Markouli M, Strepkos D, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Crosstalk of Epigenetic and Metabolic Signaling Underpinning Glioblastoma Pathogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112655. [PMID: 35681635 PMCID: PMC9179868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic mechanisms can modulate key genes involved in the cellular metabolism of glioblastomas and participate in their pathogenesis by increasing their heterogeneity, plasticity, and malignancy. Although most epigenetic modifications can primarily promote the activity of metabolic pathways, they may also exert an inhibitory role. The detection of key metabolic alterations in gliomas regulated by epigenetic mechanisms will enable drug development and effective molecular targeting, improvement of therapeutic schemes, and patients’ management. Abstract Metabolic alterations in neoplastic cells have recently gained increasing attention as a main topic of research, playing a crucial regulatory role in the development and progression of tumors. The interplay between epigenetic modifications and metabolic pathways in glioblastoma cells has emerged as a key pathogenic area with great potential for targeted therapy. Epigenetic mechanisms have been demonstrated to affect main metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, lipid, and glutamine metabolism by modifying key regulatory genes. Although epigenetic modifications can primarily promote the activity of metabolic pathways, they may also exert an inhibitory role. In this way, they participate in a complex network of interactions that regulate the metabolic behavior of malignant cells, increasing their heterogeneity and plasticity. Herein, we discuss the main epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the metabolic pathways in glioblastoma cells and highlight their targeting potential against tumor progression.
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Abrine Elicits Liver Carcinoma Immunity and Enhances Antitumor Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade by Modulating PD-L1 Signaling. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7609676. [PMID: 35602291 PMCID: PMC9119764 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7609676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is the most malignant type of human malignancies. In recent years, immune therapy that targets the immune check points such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has achieve great success. Abrine is the dominant alkaloid in Abrus cantoniensis and Abrus precatorius Linn. that exhibited anticancer effect. This work is aimed at studying the effects of abrine in immunity of liver cancer. Methods Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed by CCK-8, Edu, and Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was checked by flow cytometry. Tumor growth was determined by an in vivo xenograft model. Quantitative real-time PCR assay was conducted to evaluate the levels of KAT5 and PD-L1. T cells and liver cancer cells were cocultured in a Transwell system, and the levels of PD-L1 and PD-1 was checked by flow cytometry. The interaction between KAT5 and PD-L1 was determined by ChIP assay. Results Abrine treatment suppressed liver tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo and simultaneously decreased the level of PD-L1 and KAT5. In the coculture system, treatment with abrine inhibited proliferation and activity of cocultured T cell. KAT5 epigenetically elevated recruitment of H3k27ac and RNA polymerase II to PD-L1 promoter region. Ectopic expression of KAT5 and PD-L1 reversed the function of abrine on tumor growth and T cell function. Conclusion Abrine modulated growth and apoptosis of liver cancer cells and regulated proliferation and activation of T cells through the KAT5/PD-L1 axis.
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Zhang X, Li Y, Hu P, Xu L, Qiu H. KIF2C is a Biomarker Correlated With Prognosis and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Human Tumors. Front Genet 2022; 13:891408. [PMID: 35685442 PMCID: PMC9171145 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.891408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesin superfamily member 2C (KIF2C) is an essential regulator of the cell cycle and its aberrant expression can promote tumor progression. However, the mechanism of KIF2C in pan-cancer is unclear.Data were obtained from public databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), UALCAN, TIMER and CellMiner. The data came from public databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), UALCAN, TIMER, and CellMiner. We analyzed the correlation of KIF2C with expression, prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repairs (MMR), immune infiltration and anticancer drug sensitivity by R language.KIF2C was highly expressed in several tumors and correlated with poor prognosis. KIF2C expression was significantly correlated with TMB, MSI, MMRs, and immune checkpoint genes, and with the level of immune cell infiltration such as tumor-associated macrophage (TAM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Tregs. The GO and KEGG results suggest that KIF2C is involved in immune regulation in addition to cell cycle regulation.In addition, KIF2C is associated with DNA methylation, m6A modifications and m7G modifications. Our data suggest that KIF2C is a prognostic biomarker linked to immunosuppression, targeting KIF2C may improve the outcome of immunotherapy. Our findings indicate that KIF2C is a prognostic biomarker associated with immunosuppression, and that targeting KIF2C may improve the outcome of immunotherapy.
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114
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Yang P, Qiao Y, Meng M, Zhou Q. Cancer/Testis Antigens as Biomarker and Target for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:864159. [PMID: 35574342 PMCID: PMC9092596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.864159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading type of malignant tumour among cancer-caused death worldwide, and the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients is only 18%. Various oncogenes are abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer, including cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), which are restrictively expressed in the male testis but are hardly expressed in other normal tissues, if at all. CTAs are aberrantly overexpressed in various types of cancer, with more than 60 CTAs abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer. Overexpression of oncogenic CTAs drives the initiation, metastasis and progression of lung cancer, and is closely associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Several CTAs, such as XAGE, SPAG9 and AKAP4, have been considered as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of lung cancer. More interestingly, due to the high immunogenicity and specificity of CTAs in cancer, several CTAs, including CT45, BCAP31 and ACTL8, have been targeted for developing novel therapeutics against cancer. CTA-based vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) and small molecules have been used in lung cancer treatment in pre-clinical and early clinical trials, with encouraging results being obtained. However, there are still many hurdles to be overcome before these therapeutics can be routinely used in clinical lung cancer therapy. This review summarises the recent rapid progress in oncogenic CTAs, focusing on CTAs as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction, and as targets for novel anti-cancer drug discovery and lung cancer therapy. We also identify challenges and opportunities in CTA-based cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we provide perspectives on the mechanisms of oncogenic CTAs in lung cancer development, and we also suggest CTAs as a new platform for lung cancer diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and novel anti-cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yingnan Qiao
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mei Meng
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Quansheng Zhou
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Wang Y, Zheng XD, Zhu GQ, Li N, Zhou CW, Yang C, Zeng MS. Crosstalk Between Metabolism and Immune Activity Reveals Four Subtypes With Therapeutic Implications in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861328. [PMID: 35479084 PMCID: PMC9035905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by metabolic dysregulation and distinct immunological signatures. The interplay between metabolic and immune processes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) causes the complexity and heterogeneity of immunotherapy responses observed during ccRCC treatment. Herein, we initially identified two distinct metabolic subtypes (C1 and C2 subtypes) and immune subtypes (I1 and I2 subtypes) based on the occurrence of differentially expressed metabolism-related prognostic genes and immune-related components. Notably, we observed that immune regulators with upregulated expression actively participated in multiple metabolic pathways. Therefore, we further delineated four immunometabolism-based ccRCC subtypes (M1, M2, M3, and M4 subtypes) according to the results of the above classification. Generally, we found that high metabolic activity could suppress immune infiltration. Immunometabolism subtype classification was associated with immunotherapy response, with patients possessing the immune-inflamed, metabolic-desert subtype (M3 subtype) that benefits the most from immunotherapy. Moreover, differences in the shifts in the immunometabolism subtype after immunotherapy were observed in the responder and non-responder groups, with patients from the responder group transferring to subtypes with immune-inflamed characteristics and less active metabolic activity (M3 or M4 subtype). Immunometabolism subtypes could also serve as biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response. To decipher the genomic and epigenomic features of the four subtypes, we analyzed multiomics data, including miRNA expression, DNA methylation status, copy number variations occurrence, and somatic mutation profiles. Patients with the M2 subtype possessed the highest VHL gene mutation rates and were more likely to be sensitive to sunitinib therapy. Moreover, we developed non-invasive radiomic models to reveal the status of immune activity and metabolism. In addition, we constructed a radiomic prognostic score (PRS) for predicting ccRCC survival based on the seven radiomic features. PRS was further demonstrated to be closely linked to immunometabolism subtype classification, immune score, and tumor mutation burden. The prognostic value of the PRS and the association of the PRS with immune activity and metabolism were validated in our cohort. Overall, our study established four immunometabolism subtypes, thereby revealing the crosstalk between immune and metabolic activities and providing new insights into personal therapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-De Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Qi Zhu
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Wu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Meng-Su Zeng, ; Chun Yang,
| | - Meng-Su Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Meng-Su Zeng, ; Chun Yang,
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Qiu T, Wang X, Du F, Hu X, Sun F, Song C, Zhao J. TET1 mutations as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colon adenocarcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:115. [PMID: 35395805 PMCID: PMC8991851 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02581-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1), which is essential for active DNA demethylation, plays a multifaceted role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The study has demonstrated the association of TET1 mutations with a high response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in diverse cancers. However, the relationship between TET1 mutations and the response to ICIs in colon cancer is still lacking. METHODS The prognosis, predictive markers, immune characteristics, mutation number of DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways, pathway enrichment, and drug sensitivity conditions were all compared between TET1-mutated and wild-type patients with colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). RESULTS The overall survival of patients with TET1 mutations in the ICI-treated cohort was significantly longer than those without (p = 0.0059). Compared with the wild-type patients, TET1-mutated patients had higher tumor mutational burden and neoantigen load, enhanced abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, increased expression of immune-related genes, and mutation number of DDR pathways. Additionally, the patients with TET1 mutations were found to be more sensitive to lapatinib and 5-fluorouracil. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TET1 mutations may serve as a potential biomarker for the response to ICIs in COAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Furong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangjing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fujun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Jie Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Takata K, Chong LC, Ennishi D, Aoki T, Li MY, Thakur A, Healy S, Viganò E, Dao T, Kwon D, Duns G, Nielsen JS, Ben-Neriah S, Tse E, Hung SS, Boyle M, Mun SS, Bourne CM, Woolcock B, Telenius AH, Kishida M, Rai S, Zhang AW, Bashashati A, Saberi S, D' Antonio G, Nelson BH, Shah SP, Hoodless PA, Melnick AM, Gascoyne RD, Connors JM, Scheinberg DA, Béguelin W, Scott DW, Steidl C. Tumor associated antigen PRAME exhibits dualistic functions that are targetable in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:145343. [PMID: 35380993 PMCID: PMC9106353 DOI: 10.1172/jci145343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PRAME is a prominent member of the cancer testis antigen family of proteins, which triggers autologous T cell–mediated immune responses. Integrative genomic analysis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) uncovered recurrent and highly focal deletions of 22q11.22, including the PRAME gene, which were associated with poor outcome. PRAME-deleted tumors showed cytotoxic T cell immune escape and were associated with cold tumor microenvironments. In addition, PRAME downmodulation was strongly associated with somatic EZH2 Y641 mutations in DLBCL. In turn, PRC2-regulated genes were repressed in isogenic PRAME-KO lymphoma cell lines, and PRAME was found to directly interact with EZH2 as a negative regulator. EZH2 inhibition with EPZ-6438 abrogated these extrinsic and intrinsic effects, leading to PRAME expression and microenvironment restoration in vivo. Our data highlight multiple functions of PRAME during lymphomagenesis and provide a preclinical rationale for synergistic therapies combining epigenetic reprogramming with PRAME-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren C Chong
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daisuke Ennishi
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tomohiro Aoki
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Yu Li
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Avinash Thakur
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shannon Healy
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elena Viganò
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kwon
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gerben Duns
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julie S Nielsen
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Ethan Tse
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stacy S Hung
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Merrill Boyle
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher M Bourne
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Bruce Woolcock
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Makoto Kishida
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shinya Rai
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allen W Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ali Bashashati
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Saeed Saberi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gianluca D' Antonio
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sohrab P Shah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Ari M Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | | | | | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Wendy Béguelin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | - David W Scott
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christian Steidl
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
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Manić L, Wallace D, Onganer PU, Taalab YM, Farooqi AA, Antonijević B, Buha Djordjevic A. Epigenetic mechanisms in metal carcinogenesis. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:778-787. [PMID: 36561948 PMCID: PMC9764177 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many metals exhibit genotoxic and/or carcinogenic effects. These toxic metals can be found ubiquitously - in drinking water, food, air, general use products, in everyday and occupational settings. Exposure to such carcinogenic metals can result in serious health disorders, including cancer. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and their compounds have already been recognized as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review summarizes a wide range of epigenetic mechanisms contributing to carcinogenesis induced by these metals, primarily including, but not limited to, DNA methylation, miRNA regulation, and histone posttranslational modifications. The mechanisms are described and discussed both from a metal-centric and a mechanism-centric standpoint. The review takes a broad perspective, putting the mechanisms in the context of real-life exposure, and aims to assist in guiding future research, particularly with respect to the assessment and control of exposure to carcinogenic metals and novel therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Manić
- Department of Toxicology “Akademik Danilo Soldatović”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - David Wallace
- School of Biomedical Science, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States
| | - Pinar Uysal Onganer
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Yasmeen M. Taalab
- Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany,Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Governate 35516, Egypt
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, RLMC, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology “Akademik Danilo Soldatović”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic
- Department of Toxicology “Akademik Danilo Soldatović”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,Correspondence to: Department of Toxicology “Akademik Danilo Soldatović”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Huang JL, Chen SY, Lin CS. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through Epigenetic Modulation of Interferon Response. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040556. [PMID: 35455671 PMCID: PMC9027081 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer cells and are thought to play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of tumor mass. CSCs exhibit similar hallmarks to normal stem cells, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and homeostasis. In addition, CSCs are equipped with several features so as to evade anticancer mechanisms. Therefore, it is hard to eliminate CSCs by conventional anticancer therapeutics that are effective at clearing bulk cancer cells. Interferons are innate cytokines and are the key players in immune surveillance to respond to invaded pathogens. Interferons are also crucial for adaptive immunity for the killing of specific aliens including cancer cells. However, CSCs usually evolve to escape from interferon-mediated immune surveillance and to shape the niche as a “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME). These CSC characteristics are related to their unique epigenetic regulations that are different from those of normal and bulk cancer cells. In this review, we introduce the roles of epigenetic modifiers, focusing on LSD1, BMI1, G9a, and SETDB1, in contributing to CSC characteristics and discussing the interplay between CSCs and interferon response. We also discuss the emerging strategy for eradicating CSCs by targeting these epigenetic modifiers, which can elevate cytosolic nuclei acids, trigger interferon response, and reshape a “hot” TME for improving cancer immunotherapy. The key epigenetic and immune genes involved in this crosstalk can be used as biomarkers for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
| | - Si-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073483. [PMID: 35408843 PMCID: PMC8998945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by an incidence of 650,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths per year worldwide and a male to female ratio of 3:1. The main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HNSCC cases are divided into two subgroups, the HPV-negative (HPV−) and the HPV-positive (HPV+) which have different clinicopathological and molecular profiles. However, patients are still treated with the same therapeutic regimens. It is thus of utmost importance to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences to find new biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets towards personalized therapies. Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of cancer and can be exploited as both promising biomarkers and potential new targets. E6 and E7 HPV oncoviral proteins besides targeting p53 and pRb, impair the expression and the activity of several epigenetic regulators. While alterations in DNA methylation patterns have been well described in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC, accurate histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) characterization is still missing. Herein, we aim to provide an updated overview on the impact of HPV on the hPTMs landscape in HNSCC. Moreover, we will also discuss the sex and gender bias in HNSCC and how the epigenetic machinery could be involved in this process, and the importance of taking into account sex and/or gender also in this field.
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Pei H, Guo W, Peng Y, Xiong H, Chen Y. Targeting key proteins involved in transcriptional regulation for cancer therapy: Current strategies and future prospective. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1607-1660. [PMID: 35312190 DOI: 10.1002/med.21886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The key proteins involved in transcriptional regulation play convergent roles in cellular homeostasis, and their dysfunction mediates aberrant gene expressions that underline the hallmarks of tumorigenesis. As tumor progression is dependent on such abnormal regulation of transcription, it is important to discover novel chemical entities as antitumor drugs that target key tumor-associated proteins involved in transcriptional regulation. Despite most key proteins (especially transcription factors) involved in transcriptional regulation are historically recognized as undruggable targets, multiple targeting approaches at diverse levels of transcriptional regulation, such as epigenetic intervention, inhibition of DNA-binding of transcriptional factors, and inhibition of the protein-protein interactions (PPIs), have been established in preclinically or clinically studies. In addition, several new approaches have recently been described, such as targeting proteasomal degradation and eliciting synthetic lethality. This review will emphasize on accentuating these developing therapeutic approaches and provide a thorough conspectus of the drug development to target key proteins involved in transcriptional regulation and their impact on future oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Pei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University and Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weikai Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yangrui Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xiong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University and Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Targeting DNA Damage Response and Immune Checkpoint for Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063238. [PMID: 35328658 PMCID: PMC8952261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in DNA damage response (DDR) genes leads to impaired DNA repair functions that will induce genomic instability and facilitate cancer development. However, alterations of DDR genes can serve as biomarkers for the selection of suitable patients to receive specific therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. In addition, certain altered DDR genes can be ideal therapeutic targets through adapting the mechanism of synthetic lethality. Recent studies indicate that targeting DDR can improve cancer immunotherapy by modulating the immune response mediated by cGAS-STING-interferon signaling. Investigations of the interplay of DDR-targeting and ICB therapies provide more effective treatment options for cancer patients. This review introduces the mechanisms of DDR and discusses their crucial roles in cancer therapy based on the concepts of synthetic lethality and ICB. The contemporary clinical trials of DDR-targeting and ICB therapies in breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers are included.
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Garner IM, Brown R. Is There a Role for Epigenetic Therapies in Modulating DNA Damage Repair Pathways to Enhance Chemotherapy and Overcome Drug Resistance? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061533. [PMID: 35326684 PMCID: PMC8946236 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic therapies describe drug molecules such as DNA methyltransferase, histone methyltransferase and histone acetylase/deacetylase inhibitors, which target epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Many DNA damage response (DDR) genes are epigenetically regulated in cancer leading to transcriptional silencing and the loss of DNA repair capacity. Epigenetic marks at DDR genes, such as DNA methylation at gene promoters, have the potential to be used as stratification biomarkers, identifying which patients may benefit from particular chemotherapy treatments. For genes such as MGMT and BRCA1, promoter DNA methylation is associated with chemosensitivity to alkylating agents and platinum coordination complexes, respectively, and they have use as biomarkers directing patient treatment options. In contrast to epigenetic change leading to chemosensitivity, DNA methylation of DDR genes involved in engaging cell death responses, such as MLH1, are associated with chemoresistance. This contrasting functional effect of epigenetic modification on chemosensitivity raises challenges in using DNA-demethylating agents, and other epigenetic approaches, to sensitise tumours to DNA-damaging chemotherapies and molecularly targeted agents. Demethylation of MGMT/BRCA1 could lead to drug resistance whereas demethylation of MLH1 could sensitise cells to chemotherapy. Patient selection based on a solid understanding of the disease pathway will be one means to tackle these challenges. The role of epigenetic modification of DDR genes during tumour development, such as causing a mutator phenotype, has different selective pressures and outcomes compared to epigenetic adaptation during treatment. The prevention of epigenetic adaptation during the acquisition of drug resistance will be a potential strategy to improve the treatment of patients using epigenetic therapies.
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Lecuelle J, Favier L, Fraisse C, Lagrange A, Kaderbhai C, Boidot R, Chevrier S, Joubert P, Routy B, Truntzer C, Ghiringhelli F. MER4 endogenous retrovirus correlated with better efficacy of anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004241. [PMID: 35277462 PMCID: PMC8919440 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are highly expressed in various cancer types and are associated with increased innate immune response and better efficacy of antiprogrammed death-1/ligand-1 (anti-PD1/PD-L1)-directed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in preclinical models. However, their role in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients receiving ICI for advanced NSCLC in two independent cohorts. ERV expression was determined by RNA sequencing. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) under ICI. The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS) from ICI initiation. We studied expression of 6205 ERVs. Multivariate Cox regression model with lasso penalty was estimated on the training set to select ERVs significantly associated with survival. The predictive power of these ERVs was compared with that of previously described transcriptomic signatures. Results We studied two independent cohorts of 89 and 70 patients, used as training and validation sets. Clinicopathological characteristics included 75% of patients with non-squamous NSCLC. We selected four ERVs significantly associated with PFS. Only high MER4 ERV was associated with better PFS and OS in both cohorts. From a biological point of view, high MER4 expression is associated with higher infiltration of eosinophils and inflammatory gene signatures, while low MER4 expression is associated with enrichment in metabolism and proliferation signatures. Adding MER4 to previously described transcriptomic signatures of response to ICI improved their predictive power. Conclusions MER4 ERV expression is useful to stratify risk and predict PFS and OS in patients treated with ICI for NSCLC. It also improves the predictive power of other known transcriptomic signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lecuelle
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Laure Favier
- Departmnt of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Cléa Fraisse
- Departmnt of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Aurélie Lagrange
- Departmnt of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Coureche Kaderbhai
- Departmnt of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Romain Boidot
- Department of Biopathology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Sandy Chevrier
- Department of Biopathology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Philippe Joubert
- Department of Pathology, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bertrand Routy
- Department of Medicine Montréal, Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Truntzer
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
| | - Francois Ghiringhelli
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Departmnt of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center - UNICANCER, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
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Liu H, Wang LL, Xu QH, Wang J, Zhang YJ, Luo J, Liao AH. UHRF1 shapes both the trophoblast invasion and decidual macrophage differentiation in early pregnancy. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22247. [PMID: 35262949 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101647rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts play critical roles in establishment and maintenance of a normal pregnancy. Their dysfunction in early pregnancy is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases, including recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Epigenetic modifications dynamically change during pregnancy; however, the role of the epigenetic modifier UHRF1 in trophoblast regulation remains unknown. This is the first study to show that UHRF1 expression was localized in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and villi columns, and decreased in the villi of patients with RPL. The invasion and cell viability in a UHRF1 knockdown trophoblast cell line were significantly decreased. In addition, the mRNA expression profiles of Swan71 cells were partially altered by UHRF1 knockdown. The altered immune-related genes were screened out and the pro-inflammatory TH1-type chemokine/cytokines CXCL2 and IL-1β were identified as the most promising targets of UHRF1 in the trophoblasts, which were significantly increased in the UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells, villi, and serum from patients with RPL. The macrophages treated with the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells were polarized to the M1 phenotype and secreted high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might be driven by the activated MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and mediated by the increased expression of CXCR2 and IL-1R1 (CXCL2 and IL-1β receptors, respectively). In addition, the supernatants of UHRF1 knockdown Swan71 cells showed stronger chemotaxis to macrophages than those from the controls. Our findings highlight the previously unknown roles of UHRF1 as one of the key regulators on the trophoblasts and their cross-talk with local immune cells, and demonstrate a potential approach for RPL intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Han Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Epigenetic Maintenance Strategies after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Exp Hematol 2022; 109:1-10.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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127
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Yang BH, Lin WZ, Chiang YT, Chen YC, Chung CH, Chien WC, Shiau CY. Epigenetics-Associated Risk Reduction of Hematologic Neoplasms in a Nationwide Cohort Study: The Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Efficacy of Hydralazine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:809014. [PMID: 35186746 PMCID: PMC8848747 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.809014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although several epigenetic drugs have been reported to have therapeutic efficacy for some hematologic neoplasms (HNs) in clinical trials, few achieved disease-free survival benefit. The traditional drug discovery pathway is costly and time-consuming, and thus, more effective strategies are required. We attempted to facilitate epigenetic drug repositioning for therapy of HNs by screening the Human Epigenetic Drug Database (HEDD) in the web, conducting a bench-work cytotoxicity test and a retrospective nationwide cohort study prior to a clinical trial. Methods Four FDA-approved epigenetic drugs with antitumor properties and completion of clinical phase II trials were selected from HEDD. Hydralazine (HDZ) and valproate (VAL) among the four were selected with higher cytotoxicity to HN cells, no matter whether carrying the JAK2V617F mutation or not. Both of them were chosen for a cohort study using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) 2000–2015 (N = 1,936,512), a subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD, N= 25.68 millions) in Taiwan. Results In the initial cohort, HDZ or VAL exposure subjects (11,049) and matching reference subjects (44,196) were enrolled according to maximal daily consumption (300/2,100 mg per day of HDZ/VAL). The HN incidence in HDZ and VAL exposure groups reduced from 4.97% to 3.90% (p <.001) and 4.45% (p = .075), respectively. A further cohort study on HDZ at a lower range of the WHO defined daily dose (<34 mg per day) and HN incidence of HDZ exposure subjects (75,612) reduced from 5.01% to 4.16% (p = 1.725 × 10 -18) compared to the reference subjects (302,448). Conclusions An association of a chronically prescribed HDZ, even prescribed low dose, with reduction of overall incidence rate and in most subgroups of HN was observed in our study. Repositioning HDZ for HN management may be feasible. This is the first nationwide cohort study of the epigenetics-associated risk evaluation of overall HN in the existing literature, showing an effective method with a wider scope to inform contemporary clinical trials of epigenetic drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Heng Yang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Zhi Lin
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Fidelity Regulation Therapeutics Inc., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chiang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeu-Chin Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yang Shiau
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Fidelity Regulation Therapeutics Inc., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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128
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DiNapoli SE, Martinez-McFaline R, Shen H, Doane AS, Perez AR, Verma A, Simon A, Nelson I, Balgobin CA, Bourque CT, Yao J, Raman R, Béguelin W, Zippin JH, Elemento O, Melnick AM, Houvras Y. Histone 3 Methyltransferases Alter Melanoma Initiation and Progression Through Discrete Mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814216. [PMID: 35223844 PMCID: PMC8866878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations to the epigenome are known drivers of tumorigenesis. In melanoma, alterations in histone methyltransferases that catalyze methylation at histone 3 lysine 9 and histone 3 lysine 27-two sites of critical post-translational modification-have been reported. To study the function of these methyltransferases in melanoma, we engineered melanocytes to express histone 3 lysine-to-methionine mutations at lysine 9 and lysine 27, which are known to inhibit the activity of histone methyltransferases, in a zebrafish melanoma model. Using this system, we found that loss of histone 3 lysine 9 methylation dramatically suppressed melanoma formation and that inhibition of histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferases in human melanoma cells increased innate immune response signatures. In contrast, loss of histone 3 lysine 27 methylation significantly accelerated melanoma formation. We identified FOXD1 as a top target of PRC2 that is silenced in melanocytes and found that aberrant overexpression of FOXD1 accelerated melanoma onset. Collectively, these data demonstrate how histone 3 lysine-to-methionine mutations can be used to uncover critical roles for methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. DiNapoli
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raúl Martinez-McFaline
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hao Shen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ashley S. Doane
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexendar R. Perez
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amanda Simon
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Isabel Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Courtney A. Balgobin
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Caitlin T. Bourque
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Renuka Raman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wendy Béguelin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan H. Zippin
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ari M. Melnick
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yariv Houvras
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Müller MD, Holst PJ, Nielsen KN. A Systematic Review of Expression and Immunogenicity of Human Endogenous Retroviral Proteins in Cancer and Discussion of Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031330. [PMID: 35163254 PMCID: PMC8836156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that have become fixed in the human genome. While HERV genes are typically silenced in healthy somatic cells, there are numerous reports of HERV transcription and translation across a wide spectrum of cancers, while T and B cell responses against HERV proteins have been detected in cancer patients. This review systematically categorizes the published evidence on the expression of and adaptive immune response against specific HERVs in distinct cancer types. A systematic literature search was performed using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) in the PubMed/Medline database. Papers were included if they described the translational activity of HERVs. We present multiple tables that pair the protein expression of specific HERVs and cancer types with information on the quality of the evidence. We find that HERV-K is the most investigated HERV. HERV-W (syncytin-1) is the second-most investigated, while other HERVs have received less attention. From a therapeutic perspective, HERV-K and HERV-E are the only HERVs with experimental demonstration of effective targeted therapies, but unspecific approaches using antiviral and demethylating agents in combination with chemo- and immunotherapies have also been investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Dons Müller
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
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Roalsø MTT, Hald ØH, Alexeeva M, Søreide K. Emerging Role of Epigenetic Alterations as Biomarkers and Novel Targets for Treatments in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030546. [PMID: 35158814 PMCID: PMC8833770 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic alterations cause changes in gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence and are found to affect several molecular pathways in pancreatic tumors. Such changes are reversible, making them potential drug targets. Furthermore, epigenetic alterations occur early in the disease course and may thus be explored for early detection. Hence, a deeper understanding of epigenetics in pancreatic cancer may lead to improved diagnostics, treatments, and prognostication. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment options. Emerging evidence shows that epigenetic alterations are present in PDAC. The changes are potentially reversible and therefore promising therapeutic targets. Epigenetic aberrations also influence the tumor microenvironment with the potential to modulate and possibly enhance immune-based treatments. Epigenetic marks can also serve as diagnostic screening tools, as epigenetic changes occur at early stages of the disease. Further, epigenetics can be used in prognostication. The field is evolving, and this review seeks to provide an updated overview of the emerging role of epigenetics in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus T. T. Roalsø
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway;
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Øyvind H. Hald
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Marina Alexeeva
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kjetil Søreide
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
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Wang X, Zhang Q, Cao X. Reversing epigenetic repression of transposable elements for improving tumor immunogenicity. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:266-268. [PMID: 35001554 PMCID: PMC8923098 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China.,National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Cao
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China.,National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
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Kuang C, Park Y, Augustin RC, Lin Y, Hartman DJ, Seigh L, Pai RK, Sun W, Bahary N, Ohr J, Rhee JC, Marks SM, Beasley HS, Shuai Y, Herman JG, Zarour HM, Chu E, Lee JJ, Krishnamurthy A. Pembrolizumab plus azacitidine in patients with chemotherapy refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: a single-arm phase 2 trial and correlative biomarker analysis. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:3. [PMID: 34991708 PMCID: PMC8740438 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is not responsive to pembrolizumab monotherapy. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors can promote antitumor immune responses. This clinical trial investigated whether concurrent treatment with azacitidine enhances the antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in mCRC. METHODS We conducted a phase 2 single-arm trial evaluating activity and tolerability of pembrolizumab plus azacitidine in patients with chemotherapy-refractory mCRC (NCT02260440). Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg IV on day 1 and azacitidine 100 mg SQ on days 1-5, every 3 weeks. A low fixed dose of azacitidine was chosen in order to reduce the possibility of a direct cytotoxic effect of the drug, since the main focus of this study was to investigate its potential immunomodulatory effect. The primary endpoint of this study was overall response rate (ORR) using RECIST v1.1., and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Tumor tissue was collected pre- and on-treatment for correlative studies. RESULTS Thirty chemotherapy-refractory patients received a median of three cycles of therapy. One patient achieved partial response (PR), and one patient had stable disease (SD) as best confirmed response. The ORR was 3%, median PFS was 1.9 months, and median OS was 6.3 months. The combination regimen was well-tolerated, and 96% of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1/2. This trial was terminated prior to the accrual target of 40 patients due to lack of clinical efficacy. DNA methylation on-treatment as compared to pre-treatment decreased genome wide in 10 of 15 patients with paired biopsies and was significantly lower in gene promoter regions after treatment. These promoter demethylated genes represented a higher proportion of upregulated genes, including several immune gene sets, endogenous retroviral elements, and cancer-testis antigens. CD8+ TIL density trended higher on-treatment compared to pre-treatment. Higher CD8+ TIL density at baseline was associated with greater likelihood of benefit from treatment. On-treatment tumor demethylation correlated with the increases in tumor CD8+ TIL density. CONCLUSIONS The combination of pembrolizumab and azacitidine is safe and tolerable with modest clinical activity in the treatment for chemotherapy-refractory mCRC. Correlative studies suggest that tumor DNA demethylation and immunomodulation occurs. An association between tumor DNA demethylation and tumor-immune modulation suggests immune modulation and may result from treatment with azacitidine. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02260440. Registered 9 October 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02260440 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyuan Kuang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 628, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Yongseok Park
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ryan C Augustin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Douglas J Hartman
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Lindsey Seigh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Reetesh K Pai
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Weijing Sun
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Westwood, USA
| | - Nathan Bahary
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- AHN Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - James Ohr
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James G Herman
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Edward Chu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 628, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - James J Lee
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Anuradha Krishnamurthy
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
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Zhang J, Li Q, Sun Q, Wang B, Cui Y, Lou C, Yao Y, Zhang Y. Epigenetic modifications inhibit the expression of MARVELD1 and in turn tumorigenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in pan-cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:225-242. [PMID: 34976185 PMCID: PMC8692698 DOI: 10.7150/jca.63608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MARVEL domain-containing 1 (MARVELD1) is one of the MARVEL domain-containing proteins. Expression of MARVELD1 in tumor and non-tumor tissues, the relationship between its expression and cancer prognosis, and upstream regulation of MARVELD1 were examined using pan-cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. MARVELD1 expression was significantly downregulated in tissues used for pan-cancer analysis compared to that in normal tissues. Low expression of MARVELD1 was associated with poor disease outcomes in pan-cancer. Colon cancer patients with low expression of MARVELD1 had worse progression free survival and overall survival than those with high expression levels in our cohort. Hypermethylation and histone modification in the MARVELD1 promoter locus synergistically affected its expression in pan-cancer. The function of MARVELD1 in colon cancer remains to be studied. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that MARVELD1 may modulate processes associated with inhibition of tumorigenesis in colon cancer. Both upstream transcription factors and downstream functional enrichment of MARVELD1 were related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of MARVELD1 inhibited the expression of β-catenin and its entry into the nucleus. MARVELD1 also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. With Wnt/β-catenin activator LiCl treatment, rescue experiments demonstrated that the role of MARVELD1 in colon cancer progression was dependent on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results indicate that MARVELD1 acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits tumorigenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qinliang Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bojun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Changjie Lou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yuanfei Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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The Role of DNA Methylation and DNA Methyltransferases in Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:317-348. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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135
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Jayabal P, Ma X, Shiio Y. EZH2 suppresses endogenous retroviruses and an interferon response in cancers. Genes Cancer 2021; 12:96-105. [PMID: 34966479 PMCID: PMC8711646 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive cancer of bone and soft tissue in children. It is characterized by the chromosomal translocation between EWS and an Ets family transcription factor, most commonly FLI1. We recently reported that Ewing sarcoma depends on the autocrine signaling mediated by a cytokine, NELL2. NELL2 signaling stimulates the transcriptional output of EWS-FLI1 through the BAF chromatin remodeling complexes. While studying the impact of NELL2 silencing on Ewing sarcoma, we found that suppression of NELL2 signaling induces the expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and LINE-1 retrotransposons, an interferon response, and growth arrest. We determined that a histone methyltransferase, EZH2, is the critical downstream target of NELL2 signaling in suppressing ERVs, LINE-1, an interferon response, and growth arrest. We show that EZH2 inhibitors induce ERVs, LINE-1, and an interferon response in a variety of cancer types. These results uncover the role for NELL2–EZH2 signaling in suppressing endogenous virus-like agents and an antiviral response, and suggest the potential utility of EZH2 inhibitors in enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panneerselvam Jayabal
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Xiuye Ma
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Yuzuru Shiio
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
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136
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Epigenetics of Cutaneous Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010422. [PMID: 35008848 PMCID: PMC8745302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes influence various physiological and pathological conditions in the human body. Recent advances in epigenetic studies of the skin have led to an appreciation of the importance of epigenetic modifications in skin diseases. Cutaneous sarcomas are intractable skin cancers, and there are no curative therapeutic options for the advanced forms of cutaneous sarcomas. In this review, we discuss the detailed molecular effects of epigenetic modifications on skin sarcomas, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma. We also discuss the application of epigenetic-targeted therapy for skin sarcomas.
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137
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Conery AR, Rocnik JL, Trojer P. Small molecule targeting of chromatin writers in cancer. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 18:124-133. [PMID: 34952934 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
More than a decade after the launch of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, 2020 heralded the approval of the first histone methyltransferase inhibitor, revitalizing the concept that targeted manipulation of the chromatin regulatory landscape can have profound therapeutic impact. Three chromatin regulatory pathways-DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation-are frequently implicated in human cancer but hundreds of potentially druggable mechanisms complicate identification of key targets for therapeutic intervention. In addition to human genetics and functional screening, chemical biology approaches have proven critical for the discovery of key nodes in these pathways and in an ever-increasing complexity of molecularly defined human cancer contexts. This review introduces small molecule targeting approaches, showcases chemical probes and drug candidates for epigenetic writer enzymes, illustrates molecular features that may represent epigenetic dependencies and suggests translational strategies to maximize their impact in cancer therapy.
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138
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Zhou M, Yuan M, Zhang M, Lei C, Aras O, Zhang X, An F. Combining histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) with other therapies for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113825. [PMID: 34562854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113825] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in regulating the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance, and hence they have been considered as key targets in cancer therapy. As a novel category of antitumor agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation in cancer cells, ultimately combating cancer. Although in the United States, the use of HDACis for the treatment of certain cancers has been approved, the therapeutic efficacy of HDACis as a single therapeutic agent in solid tumorshas been unsatisfactory and drug resistance may yet occur. To enhance therapeutic efficacy and limit drug resistance, numerous combination therapies involving HDACis in synergy with other antitumor therapies have been studied. In this review, we describe the classification of HDACs. Moreover, we summarize the antitumor mechanism of the HDACis for targeting key cellular processes of cancers (cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, DNA repair, and immune response). In addition, we outline the major developments of other antitumor therapies in combination with HDACis, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the current state and challenges of HDACis-drugs combinations in future clinical studies, with the aim of optimizing the antitumor effect of such combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Minjian Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyi Lei
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Omer Aras
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Feifei An
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
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139
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Wang X, Wang X, Xu M, Sheng W. Emerging Roles of Long Noncoding RNAs in Immuno-Oncology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:722904. [PMID: 34900986 PMCID: PMC8655840 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.722904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), defined as ncRNAs no longer than 200 nucleotides, play an important role in cancer development. Accumulating research on lncRNAs offers a compelling new aspect of genome modulation, in which they are involved in chromatin remodeling, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and cross-talk with other nucleic acids. Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNAs reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), which accounts for tumor development and progression. At the same time, the insightful findings on lncRNAs in immune recognition and evasion in tumor-infiltrating immune cells raise concerns with regard to immuno-oncology. In this review, we describe the essential characteristics of lncRNAs, elucidate functions of immune components engaged in tumor surveillance, and present some instructive examples in this new area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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140
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Griffiths EA. Oral hypomethylating agents: beyond convenience in MDS. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2021; 2021:439-447. [PMID: 34889435 PMCID: PMC8791154 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2021000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Oral hypomethylating agents (HMAs) represent a substantial potential boon for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who have previously required between 5 and 7 visits per month to an infusion clinic to receive therapy. For patients who respond to treatment, ongoing monthly maintenance visits represent a considerable burden to quality of life, and for those who are early in therapy, these sequential visits may tax transportation and financial resources that would be optimally distributed over the treatment cycle to facilitate transfusion support. The availability of oral HMAs may support the optimal application of these agents by contributing to adherence and lessening the burden of therapy, potentially encouraging patients to stay on longer-term treatment. Distinct pharmacokinetic profiles for the recently approved oral HMAs (oral azacitidine and decitabine-cedazuridine) result in differential toxicity profiles and have prompted their clinical trial development in lower- and higher-risk MDS, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Griffiths
- Correspondence Elizabeth A. Griffiths, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton St, Buffalo, NY 14263; e-mail:
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141
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Zheng Y, Tang L, Liu Z. Multi-omics analysis of an immune-based prognostic predictor in non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1322. [PMID: 34893051 PMCID: PMC8662860 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitors targeting immune checkpoints, such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, have prolonged survival in small groups of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but biomarkers predictive of the response to the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain rare. METHODS The nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) was performed for TCGA-NSCLC tumor samples based on the LM22 immune signature to construct subgroups. Characterization of NMF subgroups involved the single sample gene set variation analysis (ssGSVA), and mutation/copy number alteration and methylation analyses. Construction of RNA interaction network was based on the identification of differentially expressed RNAs (DERs). The prognostic predictor was constructed by a LASSO-Cox regression model. Four GEO datasets were used for the validation analysis. RESULTS Four immune based NMF subgroups among NSCLC patients were identified. Genetic and epigenetic analyses between subgroups revealed an important role of somatic copy number alterations in determining the immune checkpoint expression on specific immune cells. Seven hub genes were recognized in the regulatory network closely related to the immune phenotype, and a three-gene prognosis predictor was constructed. CONCLUSIONS Our study established an immune-based prognosis predictor, which might have the potential to select subgroups benefiting from the ICI treatment, for NSCLC patients using publicly available databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Tang
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziling Liu
- Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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142
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Lu J, He X, Zhang L, Zhang R, Li W. Acetylation in Tumor Immune Evasion Regulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771588. [PMID: 34880761 PMCID: PMC8645962 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylation is considered as one of the most common types of epigenetic modifications, and aberrant histone acetylation modifications are associated with the pathological process of cancer through the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Recent studies have shown that immune system function and tumor immunity can also be affected by acetylation modifications. A comprehensive understanding of the role of acetylation function in cancer is essential, which may help to develop new therapies to improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we mainly discussed the functions of acetylase and deacetylase in tumor, immune system and tumor immunity, and listed the information of drugs targeting these enzymes in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wenzheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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143
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Growth differentiation factor 1-induced tumour plasticity provides a therapeutic window for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7142. [PMID: 34880251 PMCID: PMC8654996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour lineage plasticity is an emerging hallmark of aggressive tumours. Tumour cells usually hijack developmental signalling pathways to gain cellular plasticity and evade therapeutic targeting. In the present study, the secreted protein growth and differentiation factor 1 (GDF1) is found to be closely associated with poor tumour differentiation. Overexpression of GDF1 suppresses cell proliferation but strongly enhances tumour dissemination and metastasis. Ectopic expression of GDF1 can induce the dedifferentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells into their ancestral lineages and reactivate a broad panel of cancer testis antigens (CTAs), which further stimulate the immunogenicity of HCC cells to immune-based therapies. Mechanistic studies reveal that GDF1 functions through the Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7)-Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (SMAD2/3) signalling cascade and suppresses the epigenetic regulator Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to boost CTA expression. GDF1-induced tumour lineage plasticity might be an Achilles heel for HCC immunotherapy. Inhibition of LSD1 based on GDF1 biomarker prescreening might widen the therapeutic window for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the clinic. Poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Here the authors show that GDF1, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is highly expressed in high-grade poorly differentiated HCC and is associated with tumor plasticity, and that GDF1-induced reexpression of cancer testis antigens could render tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibition.
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144
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Zou Y, Li JJ, Xue W, Kong X, Duan H, Li Y, Wei L. Epigenetic Modifications and Therapy in Uveitis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:758240. [PMID: 34869347 PMCID: PMC8636745 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.758240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a sight-threatening intraocular inflammation, and the exact pathogenesis of uveitis is not yet clear. Recent studies, including multiple genome-wide association studies (GWASs), have identified genetic variations associated with the onset and progression of different types of uveitis, such as Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease and Behcet’s disease (BD). However, epigenetic regulation has been shown to play key roles in the immunoregulation of uveitis, and epigenetic therapies are promising treatments for intraocular inflammation. In this review, we summarize recent advances in identifying epigenetic programs that cooperate with the physiology of intraocular immune responses and the pathology of intraocular inflammation. These attempts to understand the epigenetic mechanisms of uveitis may provide hope for the future development of epigenetic therapies for these devastating intraocular inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangbin Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Hucheng Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Yiqun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Lai Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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145
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Vitiello GAF, Ferreira WAS, Cordeiro de Lima VC, Medina TDS. Antiviral Responses in Cancer: Boosting Antitumor Immunity Through Activation of Interferon Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:782852. [PMID: 34925363 PMCID: PMC8674309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.782852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, it became apparent that cancers either associated with viral infections or aberrantly expressing endogenous retroviral elements (EREs) are more immunogenic, exhibiting an intense intra-tumor immune cell infiltration characterized by a robust cytolytic apparatus. On the other hand, epigenetic regulation of EREs is crucial to maintain steady-state conditions and cell homeostasis. In line with this, epigenetic disruptions within steady-state cells can lead to cancer development and trigger the release of EREs into the cytoplasmic compartment. As such, detection of viral molecules by intracellular innate immune sensors leads to the production of type I and type III interferons that act to induce an antiviral state, thus restraining viral replication. This knowledge has recently gained momentum due to the possibility of triggering intratumoral activation of interferon responses, which could be used as an adjuvant to elicit strong anti-tumor immune responses that ultimately lead to a cascade of cytokine production. Accordingly, several therapeutic approaches are currently being tested using this rationale to improve responses to cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms operating in viral infections, show evidence that exogenous viruses and endogenous retroviruses in cancer may enhance tumor immunogenicity, dissect the epigenetic control of EREs, and point to interferon pathway activation in the tumor milieu as a promising molecular predictive marker and immunotherapy target. Finally, we briefly discuss current strategies to modulate these responses within tumor tissues, including the clinical use of innate immune receptor agonists and DNA demethylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Environmental Mutagenesis, Environment Section (SAMAM), Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago da Silva Medina
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics and Therapeutic Innovation, São Paulo, Brazil
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146
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Lin J, Guo D, Liu H, Zhou W, Wang C, Müller I, Kossenkov AV, Drapkin R, Bitler BG, Helin K, Zhang R. The SETDB1-TRIM28 Complex Suppresses Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1413-1424. [PMID: 34848497 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment is influenced by the epigenetic landscape of the tumor. Here, we have identified the SETDB1-TRIM28 complex as a critical suppressor of antitumor immunity. An epigenetic CRISPR-Cas9 screen of 1,218 chromatin regulators identified TRIM28 as a suppressor of PD-L1 expression. We then revealed that expression of the SETDB1-TRIM28 complex negatively correlated with infiltration of effector CD8+ T cells. Inhibition of SETDB1-TRIM28 simultaneously upregulated PD-L1 and activated the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune response pathway to increase infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, SETDB1-TRIM28 inhibition led to micronuclei formation in the cytoplasm, which is known to activate the cGAS-STING pathway. Thus, SETDB1-TRIM28 inhibition bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Indeed, SETDB1 knockout enhanced the antitumor effects of immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD-L1 in a mouse model of ovarian cancer in a cGAS-dependent manner. Our findings establish the SETDB1-TRIM28 complex as a regulator of antitumor immunity and demonstrate that its loss activates cGAS-STING innate immunity to boost the antitumor effects of immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhuang Lin
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dajiang Guo
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Heng Liu
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Wei Zhou
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chen Wang
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Iris Müller
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrew V Kossenkov
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin G Bitler
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kristian Helin
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rugang Zhang
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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147
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Combination of epigenetic regulation with gene therapy-mediated immune checkpoint blockade induces anti-tumour effects and immune response in vivo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6742. [PMID: 34795289 PMCID: PMC8602287 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27078-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a powerful cancer treatment, but only a small fraction of patients have achieved durable benefits due to the immune escape mechanism. In this study, epigenetic regulation is combined with gene therapy-mediated immune checkpoint blockade to relieve this immune escape mechanism. PPD (i.e., mPEG-b-PLG/PEI-RT3/DNA) is developed to mediate plasmid-encoding shPD-L1 delivery by introducing multiple interactions (i.e., electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions) and polyproline II (PPII)-helix conformation, which downregulates PD-L1 expression on tumour cells to relieve the immunosuppression of T cells. Zebularine (abbreviated as Zeb), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), is used for the epigenetic regulation of the tumour immune microenvironment, thus inducing DC maturation and MHC I molecule expression to enhance antigen presentation. PPD plus Zeb combination therapy initiates a systemic anti-tumour immune response and effectively prevents tumour relapse and metastasis by generating durable immune memory. This strategy provides a scheme for tumour treatment and the inhibition of relapse and metastasis.
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148
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Beck MA, Fischer H, Grabner LM, Groffics T, Winter M, Tangermann S, Meischel T, Zaussinger‐Haas B, Wagner P, Fischer C, Folie C, Arand J, Schöfer C, Ramsahoye B, Lagger S, Machat G, Eisenwort G, Schneider S, Podhornik A, Kothmayer M, Reichart U, Glösmann M, Tamir I, Mildner M, Sheibani‐Tezerji R, Kenner L, Petzelbauer P, Egger G, Sibilia M, Ablasser A, Seiser C. DNA hypomethylation leads to cGAS-induced autoinflammation in the epidermis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108234. [PMID: 34586646 PMCID: PMC8591534 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic modification, important across biological processes. The maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1 is essential for lineage differentiation during development, but its functions in tissue homeostasis are incompletely understood. We show that epidermis-specific DNMT1 deletion severely disrupts epidermal structure and homeostasis, initiating a massive innate immune response and infiltration of immune cells. Mechanistically, DNA hypomethylation in keratinocytes triggered transposon derepression, mitotic defects, and formation of micronuclei. DNA release into the cytosol of DNMT1-deficient keratinocytes activated signaling through cGAS and STING, thus triggering inflammation. Our findings show that disruption of a key epigenetic mark directly impacts immune and tissue homeostasis, and potentially impacts our understanding of autoinflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy.
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149
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Huang J, Wang Y, Liu J, Chu M, Wang Y. TFDP3 as E2F Unique Partner, Has Crucial Roles in Cancer Cells and Testis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:742462. [PMID: 34745961 PMCID: PMC8564135 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.742462] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor DP family member 3 (TFDP3) is a cancer-testis antigen, mainly expressed in normal testis and multiple cancers. TFDP3 gene (Gene ID: 51270) is located on the chromosome X and shares a high degree of sequence homology with TFDP1 and TFDP2, which can form heterodimers with E2F family members and enhance DNA-binding activity of E2Fs. In contrast to TFDP1 and TFDP2, TFDP3 downregulates E2F-mediated transcriptional activation. During DNA damage response in cancer cells, TFDP3 is induced and can inhibit E2F1-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, TFDP3 is involved in cell autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Regarding cancer therapy opportunity, the transduction of dendritic cells with recombinant adenovirus-encoding TFDP3 can activate autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes to target hepatoma cells. Here, we review the characterization of TFDP3, with an emphasis on the biological function and molecular mechanism. A better understanding of TFDP3 will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yini Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlong Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuedan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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150
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Chequin A, Costa LE, de Campos FF, Moncada ADB, de Lima LTF, Sledz LR, Picheth GF, Adami ER, Acco A, Gonçalves MB, Manica GCM, Valdameri G, de Noronha L, Telles JEQ, Jandrey EHF, Costa ET, Costa FF, de Souza EM, Ramos EAS, Klassen G. Antitumoral activity of liraglutide, a new DNMT inhibitor in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 349:109641. [PMID: 34534549 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer and second leading cause of death. Despite the discovery of many antineoplastic drugs for BC, the current therapy is not totally efficient. In this study, we investigated the potential of repurposing the well-known diabetes type II drug liraglutide to modulate epigenetic modifications in BC cells lines in vitro and in vivo via Ehrlich mice tumors models. The in vitro results revealed a significant reduction on cell viability, migration, DNMT activity and displayed lower levels of global DNA methylation in BC cell lines after liraglutide treatment. The interaction between liraglutide and the DNMT enzymes resulted in a decrease profile of DNA methylation for the CDH1, ESR1 and ADAM33 gene promoter regions and, consequently, increased their gene and protein expression levels. To elucidate the possible interaction between liraglutide and the DNMT1 protein, we performed an in silico study that indicates liraglutide binding in the catalytic cleft via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges with the interdomain contacts and disturbs the overall enzyme conformation. The in vivo study was also able to reveal that liraglutide and the combined treatment of liraglutide and paclitaxel or methotrexate were effective in reducing tumor growth. Moreover, the modulation of CDH1 and ADAM33 mouse gene expression by DNA demethylation suggests a role for liraglutide in DNMT activity in vivo. Altogether, these results indicate that liraglutide may be further analysed as a new adjuvant treatment for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Chequin
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz E Costa
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Felipe F de Campos
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Angie D B Moncada
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucas T F de Lima
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucas R Sledz
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F Picheth
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Eliana R Adami
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Gonçalves
- Department of Physics, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Graciele C M Manica
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Gláucio Valdameri
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucia de Noronha
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - José E Q Telles
- Department of Medical Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Elisa H F Jandrey
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erico T Costa
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Emanuel M de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Edneia A S Ramos
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Giseli Klassen
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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