101
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Increased expression of EZH2 indicates aggressive potential of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in a Chinese population. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17792. [PMID: 30542123 PMCID: PMC6290761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we attempt to better define the long-term outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma (UC) in a Chinese population and to investigate the relationship between EZH2 protein expression levels and the clinicopathological parameters and outcomes in patients with UC. We detected the relative EZH2 protein expression levels by immunohistochemistry in tumour specimens from a cohort of 189 Chinese UC patients. In patients who underwent RC, the 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were 69% and 61% respectively. EZH2 expression was increased in UC compared with normal urothelium. The expression levels of EZH2 were elevated in parallel with tumour stage (p = 0.001) and tumour grade (p = 0.001) and were increased in cases with lymph node metastasis compared with node-negative cases (p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that higher EZH2 expression was related to significantly shorter CSS and OS in patients who underwent RC. High EZH2 expression was associated with worse CSS (HR = 3.51; p = 0.037) and OS (HR = 2.15; p = 0.047) in the univariate analysis, but only lymph node invasion maintained its predictive value for CSS in a multivariate model. This contemporary and homogeneous single-centre series found acceptable outcomes for Chinese UC patients who underwent RC. Clinically, our retrospective studies suggest that EZH2 levels can be used to identify more aggressive phenotypes in UC patients, thereby improving our prognostic knowledge.
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102
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Arenas-Ramirez N, Sahin D, Boyman O. Epigenetic mechanisms of tumor resistance to immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4163-4176. [PMID: 30140960 PMCID: PMC11105392 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2908-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recent impact of cancer immunotherapies has firmly established the ability and importance of the immune system to fight malignancies. However, the intimate interaction between the highly dynamic tumor and immune cells leads to a selection process driven by genetic and epigenetic processes. As the molecular pathways of cancer resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy become increasingly known, novel therapeutic targets are being tested in combination with immune-stimulating approaches. We here review recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance with particular emphasis on epigenetic processes and place these in the context of previous models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
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103
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Bugide S, Janostiak R, Wajapeyee N. Epigenetic Mechanisms Dictating Eradication of Cancer by Natural Killer Cells. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:553-566. [PMID: 30064663 PMCID: PMC6085095 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system are the first line of defense against infectious agents and cancer cells. However, only a few mechanisms that regulate eradication of tumors by NK cells have been identified. In this review, we present an account of epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the ability of NK cells to eradicate cancer cells. To date, several drugs that target epigenetic modifiers have shown clinical efficacy in cancer. Therefore, once a given epigenetic modifier is validated as a regulator of NK cell function, it can be targeted for NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Bugide
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Radoslav Janostiak
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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104
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Jin C, Zhang Y, Wang ZP, Wang XX, Sun TC, Li XY, Tang JX, Cheng JM, Li J, Chen SR, Deng SL, Liu YX. EZH2 deletion promotes spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis. Reproduction 2018; 154:615-625. [PMID: 28982932 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is crucial for male fertility and is therefore tightly controlled by a variety of epigenetic regulators. However, the function of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in spermatogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that deleting EZH2 promoted spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis. EZH2 is expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids from stage 9 to 11 but not in leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes. Knocking down Ezh2 in vitro using a lentivirus impaired self-renewal in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and the conditional knockout of Ezh2 in spermatogonial progenitors promoted precocious spermatogonial differentiation. EZH2 functions to balance self-renewal and differentiation in spermatogonia by suppressing NEUROG3 and KIT via a direct interaction that is independent of its histone methyltransferase activity. Moreover, deleting Ezh2 enhanced the activation of CASP3 in spermatids, resulting in reduced spermatozoa production. Collectively, these data demonstrate that EZH2 plays a nonclassical role in the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis in murine spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Cheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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105
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Too sweet to resist: Control of immune cell function by O-GlcNAcylation. Cell Immunol 2018; 333:85-92. [PMID: 29887419 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
O-linked β-N-acetyl glucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) is a dynamic, reversible posttranslational modification of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. O-GlcNAcylation depends on nutrient availability and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), which produces the donor substrate UDP-GlcNAc. O-GlcNAcylation is mediated by a single enzyme, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which adds GlcNAc and another enzyme, O-GlcNAcase (OGA), which removes O-GlcNAc from proteins. O-GlcNAcylation controls vital cellular processes including transcription, translation, the cell cycle, metabolism, and cellular stress. Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation has been implicated in various pathologies including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Growing evidences indicate that O-GlcNAcylation plays crucial roles in regulating immunity and inflammatory responses, especially under hyperglycemic conditions. This review will highlight the emerging functions of O-GlcNAcylation in mammalian immunity under physiological and various pathological conditions.
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106
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Li Y, Wang J, Yin J, Liu X, Yu M, Li T, Yan H, Wang X. Chromatin state dynamics during NK cell activation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:41854-41865. [PMID: 28402957 PMCID: PMC5522033 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity have mainly focused on the balance of activating and inhibitory receptors, signaling transduction, calcium influx, formation of immune synapse, and cytolytic degranulation. However, little is known about the chromatin state of NK cells and the impact of its changes during target recognition. In this study, we investigate the contribution of chromatin state dynamics during NK cell activation by comprehensively analyzing a set of microarray data and two sets of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing (ChIP-seq) data. We find that the expression of several histone demethylases and methyltransferases was influenced upon stimulation. Furthermore, we notice that a series of genes, including PI3KCA, NFATC1and TNFSF9, which play important roles during NK cell activation, were at ‘poised’ state prior to activation, and that modifications of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 on these promotors were sensitive to stimulation with Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) and Ionomycin (Iono) in the NK92MI cell line. Finally, we demonstrate that a series of small molecule inhibitors, which are specific to H3K4 and H3K27 modification, enhance degranulation or the expression levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Our results suggest that the histone modification state has a profound impact on NK cell activation, and provide novel insights into the regulation of NK cellular cytotoxicity and immunoregulatory function by chromatin state dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Minghang Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Laboratory of Epigenetics in Development and Tumorigenesis, Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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107
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Inhibition of Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) induces natural killer cell-mediated eradication of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3509-E3518. [PMID: 29581297 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802691115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated tumor cell eradication could inhibit tumor initiation and progression. However, the factors that regulate NK cell-mediated cancer cell eradication remain unclear. We determined that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells exhibit transcriptional down-regulation of NK group 2D (NKG2D) ligands and are largely resistant to NK cell-mediated eradication. Because the down-regulation of NKG2D ligands occurred at the transcriptional level, we tested 32 chemical inhibitors of epigenetic regulators for their ability to re-express NKG2D ligands and enhance HCC cell eradication by NK cells and found that Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was a transcriptional repressor of NKG2D ligands. The inhibition of EZH2 by small-molecule inhibitors or genetic means enhanced HCC cell eradication by NK cells in a NKG2D ligand-dependent manner. Collectively, these results demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition enhances HCC eradication by NK cells and that EZH2 functions, in part, as an oncogene by inhibiting immune response.
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108
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Gan L, Yang Y, Li Q, Feng Y, Liu T, Guo W. Epigenetic regulation of cancer progression by EZH2: from biological insights to therapeutic potential. Biomark Res 2018; 6:10. [PMID: 29556394 PMCID: PMC5845366 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-018-0122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase and a catalytic component of PRC2, catalyzes tri-methylation of histone H3 at Lys 27 (H3K27me3) to regulate gene expression through epigenetic machinery. EZH2 also functions both as a transcriptional suppressor and a transcriptional co-activator, depending on H3K27me3 or not and on the different cellular contexts. Unsurprisingly, numerous studies have highlighted the role of EZH2 in cancer development and progression. Through modulating critical gene expression, EZH2 promotes cell survival, proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal, invasion, and drug resistance of cancer cells. The tumor suppressive effects of EZH2 are also identified. What is more, EZH2 has decisive roles in immune cells (for example, T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and macrophages), which are essential components in tumor microenvironment. In this review, we aim to discuss the molecular functions of EZH2, highlight recent findings regarding the physiological functions and related regulation of EZH2 in cancer pathogenesis. Furthermore, we summarized and updated the emerging roles of EZH2 in tumor immunity, and current pre-clinical and clinical trials of EZH2 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gan
- 1Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical college, Fudan University, No.130, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,3Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yanan Yang
- 1Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Qian Li
- 2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical college, Fudan University, No.130, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,3Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yi Feng
- 2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical college, Fudan University, No.130, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,3Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Tianshu Liu
- 2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical college, Fudan University, No.130, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,3Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Weijian Guo
- 1Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical college, Fudan University, No.130, Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
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109
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Christofides A, Karantanos T, Bardhan K, Boussiotis VA. Epigenetic regulation of cancer biology and anti-tumor immunity by EZH2. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85624-85640. [PMID: 27793053 PMCID: PMC5356764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins regulate chromatin structure and have an important regulatory role on gene expression in various cell types. Two polycomb group complexes (Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2)) have been identified in mammalian cells. Both PRC1 and PRC2 compact chromatin, and also catalyze histone modifications. PRC1 mediates monoubiquitination of histone H2A, whereas PRC2 catalyzes methylation of histone H3 on lysine 27. These alterations of histones can lead to altered gene expression patterns by regulating chromatin structure. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of the PRC2 catalytic component enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in neoplastic development and progression, and EZH2 mutations have been identified in various malignancies. Through modulating the expression of critical genes, EZH2 is actively involved in fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In addition to cancer cells, EZH2 also has a decisive role in the differentiation and function of T effector and T regulatory cells. In this review we summarize the recent progress regarding the role of EZH2 in human malignancies, highlight the molecular mechanisms by which EZH2 aberrations promote the pathogenesis of cancer, and discuss the anti-tumor effects of EZH2 targeting via activating direct anti-cancer mechanisms and anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthos Christofides
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Karantanos
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,General Internal Medicine Section, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kankana Bardhan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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110
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NK Cell–Specific CDK8 Deletion Enhances Antitumor Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:458-466. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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111
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Cribbs A, Hookway ES, Wells G, Lindow M, Obad S, Oerum H, Prinjha RK, Athanasou N, Sowman A, Philpott M, Penn H, Soderstrom K, Feldmann M, Oppermann U. Inhibition of histone H3K27 demethylases selectively modulates inflammatory phenotypes of natural killer cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:2422-2437. [PMID: 29301935 PMCID: PMC5818173 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes, important in immune surveillance and elimination of stressed, transformed, or virus-infected cells. They critically shape the inflammatory cytokine environment to orchestrate interactions of cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Some studies have reported that NK cell activation and cytokine secretion are controlled epigenetically but have yielded only limited insight into the mechanisms. Using chemical screening with small-molecule inhibitors of chromatin methylation and acetylation, further validated by knockdown approaches, we here identified Jumonji-type histone H3K27 demethylases as key regulators of cytokine production in human NK cell subsets. The prototypic JMJD3/UTX (Jumonji domain–containing protein 3) H3K27 demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 increased global levels of the repressive H3K27me3 mark around transcription start sites of effector cytokine genes. Moreover, GSK-J4 reduced IFN-γ, TNFα, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-10 levels in cytokine-stimulated NK cells while sparing their cytotoxic killing activity against cancer cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of GSK-J4 in NK cell subsets, isolated from peripheral blood or tissue from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), coupled with an inhibitory effect on formation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, suggested that histone demethylase inhibition has broad utility for modulating immune and inflammatory responses. Overall, our results indicate that H3K27me3 is a dynamic and important epigenetic modification during NK cell activation and that JMJD3/UTX-driven H3K27 demethylation is critical for NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Cribbs
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom, .,the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford BRU and
| | - Edward S Hookway
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Wells
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Morten Lindow
- the Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, DK 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Susanna Obad
- the Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, DK 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Henrik Oerum
- the Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, DK 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- the Epinova Discovery Performance Unit, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Athanasou
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Aneka Sowman
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Philpott
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Penn
- the Arthritis Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, HA13UJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kalle Soderstrom
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Feldmann
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.,the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford BRU and
| | - Udo Oppermann
- From the Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom, .,the Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.,the Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies, 79104 Freiburg, Germany, and.,the Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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112
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Chromatin modifying gene mutations in follicular lymphoma. Blood 2017; 131:595-604. [PMID: 29158360 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-737361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent malignancy of germinal center B cells. Although the overall survival of FL patients has recently improved with the introduction of novel therapies, there is significant heterogeneity in patient outcome and a need for rationally designed therapeutic strategies that target disease biology. Next-generation sequencing studies have identified chromatin modifying gene (CMG) mutations as a hallmark of FL, highlighting epigenetic modifiers as an attractive therapeutic target in this disease. Understanding the complex roles of these mutations will be central to identifying and adaptively targeting associated vulnerabilities. Recent studies have provided insight into the functional consequences of the most frequently mutated CMGs (KMT2D, CREBBP, and EZH2) and point to a role for these events in modifying normal B-cell differentiation programs and impeding germinal center exit. However, the majority of FL tumors serially acquire multiple CMG mutations, suggesting that there is a level of cross talk or cooperation between these events that has not yet been defined. Here, I review the current state of knowledge on CMG mutations in FL, discuss their potential as therapeutic targets, and offer my perspective on unexplored areas that should be considered in the future.
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113
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Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6804. [PMID: 28754964 PMCID: PMC5533797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2, a subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzing trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27), induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancers. However, whether EZH2 regulates EMT in endometriosis is unclear. Here, we show that EZH2 expression, along with its associated PRC2 proteins, is significantly elevated in ectopic and eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis as compared with control endometrium. EZH2 knockdown or inhibition restored the epithelial phenotypes of endometriotic epithelial cells, concomitant with the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of vimentin and transcription factors (Snail and Slug) as well as reduced cellular migratory and invasive propensity. Conversely, overexpression of EZH2 induced the expression of Snail, Slug and vimentin and suppresses E-cadherin expression. In vivo administration of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), an EZH2 inhibitor, significantly inhibited the growth of endometriotic lesions and improved generalized hyperalgesia, along with attenuated EMT and reduced fibrosis in endometriosis. Notably, platelets induced EZH2 upregulation and increased H3K27 and H3K9 trimethylation levels in endometriotic epithelial cells. These data identify EZH2 as a novel driver of EMT in endometriosis, implicates the link between wound healing and epigenetic changes in the context of endometriosis, and underscore the role of platelets in the development of endometriosis.
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114
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Abstract
Natural killer cells are important effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system, playing critical roles in antitumor and anti-infection host defense. Tumor progression or chronic infections, however, usually leads to exhaustion of NK cells, thus limiting the antitumor/infection potential of NK cells. In many tumors or chronic infections, multiple mechanisms might contribute to the exhaustion of NK cells, such as dysregulated NK cell receptors signaling, as well as suppressive effects by regulatory cells or soluble factors within the microenvironment. Better understanding of the characteristics, as well as the underlying mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion, not only should increase our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells but also could reveal novel NK cell-based antitumor/infection targets. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge on NK cell exhaustion in tumors, and in chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Bi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease of Chinese Academy of Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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115
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Yin J, Markert JM, Leavenworth JW. Modulation of the Intratumoral Immune Landscape by Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Virotherapy. Front Oncol 2017; 7:136. [PMID: 28695111 PMCID: PMC5483455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches to cancers with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells have recently demonstrated preclinical success and entered clinical trials. Despite advances in these approaches and combinatorial therapeutic regimens, depending on the nature of the cancer and the immune and metabolic landscape within the tumor microenvironment, current immunotherapeutic modalities remain inadequate. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated clear evidence of significant, and sometimes dramatic, antitumor activity, and long-term survival effects of a variety of oncolytic viruses (OVs), particularly oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV). Acting as a multifaceted gene therapy vector and potential adjuvant-like regimens, oHSV can carry genes encoding immunostimulatory molecules in its genome. The oncolytic effect of oHSV and the inflammatory response that the virus stimulates provide a one-two punch at attacking tumors. However, mechanisms underlying oHSV-induced restoration of intratumoral immunosuppression demand extensive research in order to further improve its therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the current OV-based therapy, with a focus on the unique aspects of oHSV-initiated antiviral and antitumor immune responses, arising from virus-mediated immunological cell death to intratumoral innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - James M Markert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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116
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Gallagher SJ, Shklovskaya E, Hersey P. Epigenetic modulation in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 35:48-56. [PMID: 28609681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy has been widely heralded. However many cancer patients do not respond to immune checkpoint therapy and some relapse due to acquired tumor resistance. Epigenetic targeting may be beneficial in cancer immunotherapy by reversing immune avoidance and escape mechanisms employed by cancer cells, as well as by modulating immune cell differentiation and function. In this manuscript we review recent findings suggesting how epigenetics may be used to improve cancer immunotherapy. We focus on the inhibitors of the CTLA4 and PD1 immune checkpoints and epigenetic modifiers of histone acetylation and methylation and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Elena Shklovskaya
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia
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117
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Jacobsen JA, Woodard J, Mandal M, Clark MR, Bartom ET, Sigvardsson M, Kee BL. EZH2 Regulates the Developmental Timing of Effectors of the Pre-Antigen Receptor Checkpoints. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:4682-4691. [PMID: 28490575 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 is required for B and T cell development; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this requirement remain elusive. In a murine model of lymphoid-specific EZH2 deficiency we found that EZH2 was required for proper development of adaptive, but not innate, lymphoid cells. In adaptive lymphoid cells EZH2 prevented the premature expression of Cdkn2a and the consequent stabilization of p53, an effector of the pre-Ag receptor checkpoints. Deletion of Cdkn2a in EZH2-deficient lymphocytes prevented p53 stabilization, extended lymphocyte survival, and restored differentiation resulting in the generation of mature B and T lymphocytes. Our results uncover a crucial role for EZH2 in adaptive lymphocytes to control the developmental timing of effectors of the pre-Ag receptor checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Woodard
- Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Malay Mandal
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Marcus R Clark
- Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | | | - Mikael Sigvardsson
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; and
| | - Barbara L Kee
- Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; .,Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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118
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Zheng Q, Wang H, Wang Z, Liu J, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Lu Y, You H, Jin G. Reprogramming of histone methylation controls the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. FEBS J 2017; 284:1309-1323. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi‐Fan Zheng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology Xiamen University China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma Xiamen University China
| | - Hui‐Min Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
| | - Zhan‐Feng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery China‐Japan Union Hospital Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Jin‐Yang Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
| | - Yuan‐Hua Lu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
| | - Han You
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology Xiamen University China
| | - Guang‐Hui Jin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Medical College Xiamen University China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology Xiamen University China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma Xiamen University China
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119
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Goh W, Huntington ND. Regulation of Murine Natural Killer Cell Development. Front Immunol 2017; 8:130. [PMID: 28261203 PMCID: PMC5309223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are known for their ability to kill transformed and virus-infected cells. NK cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and studies on mouse models have revealed that NK cell development is a complex, yet tightly regulated process, which is dependent on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The development of NK cells can be broadly categorized into two phases: lineage commitment and maturation. Efforts to better define the developmental framework of NK cells have led to the identification of several murine NK progenitor populations and mature NK cell subsets, each defined by a varied set of cell surface markers. Nevertheless, the relationship between some of these NK cell subsets remains to be determined. The classical approach to studying both NK cell development and function is to identify the transcription factors involved and elucidate the mechanistic action of each transcription factor. In this regard, recent studies have provided further insight into the mechanisms by which transcription factors, such as ID2, FOXO1, Kruppel-like factor 2, and GATA-binding protein 3 regulate various aspects of NK cell biology. It is also becoming evident that the biology of NK cells is not only transcriptionally regulated but also determined by epigenetic alterations and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs. This review summarizes recent progress made in NK development, focusing primarily on transcriptional regulators and their mechanistic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilford Goh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas D. Huntington
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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120
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Cai Y, Fu X, Deng Y. Histone demethylase JMJD1C regulates esophageal cancer proliferation Via YAP1 signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:115-124. [PMID: 28123852 PMCID: PMC5250685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the most lethal cancer, and it is of significant concern worldwide, particularly in China. However, there are no effective treatments to cure it, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. This is attributed to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of EC. Recently, the superfamily of Jmj-containing KDMs has been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis in various cancers, including EC. In this study, we demonstrated that JMJD1C was upregulated in patient EC tissues and different EC cell lines. Furthermore, JMJD1C levels were positively correlated with the TNM stage. Moreover, the colony formation assay, CCK8, and cell number count assay showed that the knockdown of JMJD1C inhibited EC cell proliferation. Western blot analysis and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the knockdown of JMJD1C repressed the protein and mRNA levels of YAP1 via regulating the H3K9me2 activity, but not the H3K9me1 activity. The colony formation assay, CCK8 analysis, and cell number count assay revealed that inhibition of EC cell proliferation by the knockdown of JMJD1C was rescued by overexpression of YAP1. Taken together, our results demonstrated that JMJD1C controls the proliferation of EC via modulation of H3K9me2 activity, targeting the YAP1 gene expression and functions as a tumor suppressor in EC. This novel pathway may serve as a therapeutic target for EC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangning Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030, China
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121
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Hedgehog Signaling Overcomes an EZH2-Dependent Epigenetic Barrier to Promote Cholangiocyte Expansion. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168266. [PMID: 27936185 PMCID: PMC5148157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Developmental morphogens play an important role in coordinating the ductular reaction and portal fibrosis occurring in the setting of cholangiopathies. However, little is known about how membrane signaling events in ductular reactive cells (DRCs) are transduced into nuclear transcriptional changes to drive cholangiocyte maturation and matrix deposition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate potential mechanistic links between cell signaling events and epigenetic regulators in DRCs. METHODS Using directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), isolated DRCs, and in vivo models, we examine the mechanisms whereby sonic hedgehog (Shh) overcomes an epigenetic barrier in biliary precursors and promotes both cholangiocyte maturation and deposition of fibronectin (FN). RESULTS We demonstrate, for the first time, that Gli1 influences the differentiation state and fibrogenic capacity of iPSC-derived hepatic progenitors and isolated DRCs. We outline a novel pathway wherein Shh-mediated Gli1 binding in key cholangiocyte gene promoters overcomes an epigenetic barrier conferred by the polycomb protein, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and initiates the transcriptional program of cholangiocyte maturation. We also define previously unknown functional Gli1 binding sites in the promoters of cytokeratin (CK)7, CK19, and FN. Our in vivo results show that EZH2 KO mice fed the choline-deficient, ethanolamine supplemented (CDE) diet have an exaggerated cholangiocyte expansion associated with more robust ductular reaction and increased peri-portal fibrosis. CONCLUSION We conclude that Shh/Gli1 signaling plays an integral role in cholangiocyte maturation in vitro by overcoming an EZH2-dependent epigenetic barrier and this mechanism also promotes biliary expansion in vivo.
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122
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Liu M, Zhou J, Chen Z, Cheng ASL. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of tumours and their microenvironments: opportunities and problems for epigenetic therapy. J Pathol 2016; 241:10-24. [PMID: 27770445 DOI: 10.1002/path.4832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays an instrumental role in cancer development, progression and treatment response/resistance. Accumulating evidence is underscoring the fundamental importance of epigenetic regulation in tumour immune evasion. Following many pioneering discoveries demonstrating malignant transformation through epigenetic anomalies ('epimutations'), there is also a growing emphasis on elucidating aberrant epigenetic mechanisms that reprogramme the milieu of tumour-associated immune and stromal cells towards an immunosuppressive state. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA methylation and histone modifications can augment the efficiency of immune checkpoint blockage, and unleash anti-tumour T-cell responses. However, these non-specific agents also represent a 'double-edged sword', as they can also reactivate gene transcription of checkpoint molecules, interrupting immune surveillance programmes. By understanding the impact of epigenetic control on the tumour microenvironment, rational combinatorial epigenetic and checkpoint blockage therapies have the potential to harness the immune system for the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Alfred Sze-Lok Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
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123
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Escudero-Hernández C, Martínez-Abad B, Ruipérez V, Garrote JA, Arranz E. New IL-15 receptor-α splicing variants identified in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Innate Immun 2016; 23:44-53. [PMID: 27794069 DOI: 10.1177/1753425916674263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine related to IL-2 which acts at a broader level than its counterpart. It is presented through its specific high-affinity receptor, IL-15Rα. Both cytokine and receptor are tightly regulated at multiple levels and are widely distributed. Thus, deregulation of their expression leads to an inflammatory immune response. Variants of splicing of IL-15Rα have been described in immune and barrier cells; however, their presence has not been focused on intestinal epithelial cells. In this study, we describe five new alternative variants of splicing of IL-15Rα in Caco-2 cells. Four of them were expressed into proteins inside Caco-2 cells, but these were unable to bind IL-15 or to follow the secretory pathway. However, the expression of mRNA itself might be relevant to diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Escudero-Hernández
- 1 Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez-Abad
- 1 Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Violeta Ruipérez
- 1 Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José A Garrote
- 1 Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid, Spain.,2 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Arranz
- 1 Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), University of Valladolid-CSIC, Valladolid, Spain
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124
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Marks DL, Olson RL, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Epigenetic control of the tumor microenvironment. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1671-1687. [PMID: 27700179 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment have been shown to play important roles in both supporting and limiting cancer growth. The altered phenotype of tumor-associated stromal cells (fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells etc.) is proposed to be mainly due to epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression; however, only limited studies have probed the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of stromal cell function. We review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and histone post-translational modification-based gene expression regulation, and miRNA-mediated translational regulation) drive aspects of stromal cell phenotype, and discuss the implications of these findings for treatment of malignancies. We also summarize the effects of epigenetic mechanism-targeted drugs on stromal cells and discuss the consideration of the microenvironment response in attempts to use these drugs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Marks
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rachel Lo Olson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
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125
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Chen Y, Li W, Li W, Chai R, Li H. Spatiotemporal expression of Ezh2 in the developing mouse cochlear sensory epithelium. Front Med 2016; 10:330-5. [PMID: 27465826 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-016-0459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (Ezh2) is a histone-lysine Nmethyltransferase enzyme that participates in DNA methylation. Ezh2 has also been reported to play crucial roles in stem cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the detailed expression profile of Ezh2 during mouse cochlear development has not been investigated. Here, we examined the spatiotemporal expression of Ezh2 in the cochlea during embryonic and postnatal development. Ezh2 expression began to be observed in the whole otocyst nuclei at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5). At E12.5, Ezh2 was expressed in the nuclei of the cochlear prosensory epithelium. At E13.5 and E15.5, Ezh2 was expressed from the apical to the basal turns in the nuclei of the differentiating cochlear epithelium. At postnatal day (P) 0 and 7, the Ezh2 expression was located in the nuclei of the cochlear epithelium in all three turns and could be clearly seen in outer and inner hair cells, supporting cells, the stria vascularis, and spiral ganglion cells. Ezh2 continued to be expressed in the cochlear epithelium of adult mice. Our results provide the basic Ezh2 expression pattern and might be useful for further investigating the detailed role of Ezh2 during cochlear development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Otorhinolaryngology Department of Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Central Laboratory, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Otorhinolaryngology Department of Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wen Li
- Otorhinolaryngology Department of Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Central Laboratory, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China. .,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Huawei Li
- Otorhinolaryngology Department of Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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126
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Tiffen JC, Gallagher SJ, Tseng HY, Filipp FV, Fazekas de St. Groth B, Hersey P. EZH2 as a mediator of treatment resistance in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:500-7. [PMID: 27063195 PMCID: PMC5021620 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Direct treatments of cancer such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy have been shown to depend on recruitment of the immune system for their effectiveness. Recent studies have shown that development of resistance to direct therapies such as BRAF inhibitors in melanoma is associated with suppression of immune responses. We point to emerging data that implicate activation of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and its catalytic component-enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-in progression of melanoma and suppression of immune responses. EZH2 appears to have an important role in differentiation of CD4 T cells and particularly in the function of T regulatory cells, which suppress immune responses to melanoma. We review mechanisms of EZH2 activation at the genomic level and from activation of the MAP kinase, E2F or NF-kB2 pathways. These studies are consistent with activation of EZH2 as a common mechanism for induction of immune suppression in patients failing direct therapies and suggest EZH2 inhibitors may have a role in combination with immunotherapy and targeted therapies to prevent development of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamy C Tiffen
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart J Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Hsin-Yi Tseng
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabian V Filipp
- Systems Biology and Cancer Metabolism, Program for Quantitative Systems Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | | | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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127
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Abstract
Mammalian embryonic development is a tightly regulated process that, from a single zygote, produces a large number of cell types with hugely divergent functions. Distinct cellular differentiation programmes are facilitated by tight transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. However, the contribution of epigenetic regulation to tissue homeostasis after the completion of development is less well understood. In this Review, we explore the effects of epigenetic dysregulation on adult stem cell function. We conclude that, depending on the tissue type and the epigenetic regulator affected, the consequences range from negligible to stem cell malfunction and disruption of tissue homeostasis, which may predispose to diseases such as cancer.
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128
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Carotta S. Targeting NK Cells for Anticancer Immunotherapy: Clinical and Preclinical Approaches. Front Immunol 2016; 7:152. [PMID: 27148271 PMCID: PMC4838611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent success of checkpoint blockade has highlighted the potential of immunotherapy approaches for cancer treatment. Although the majority of approved immunotherapy drugs target T cell subsets, it is appreciated that other components of the immune system have important roles in tumor immune surveillance as well and thus represent promising additional targets for immunotherapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are the body’s first line of defense against infected or transformed cells, as they kill target cells in an antigen-independent manner. Although several studies have clearly demonstrated the active role of NK cells in cancer immune surveillance, only few clinically approved therapies currently exist that harness their potential. Our increased understanding of NK cell biology over the past few years has renewed the interest in NK cell-based anticancer therapies, which has lead to a steady increase of NK cell-based clinical and preclinical trials. Here, the role of NK cells in cancer immune surveillance is summarized, and several novel approaches to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Carotta
- Immune Modulation Department, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, Vienna, Austria; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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