201
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Ohtani H, Iwasaki YW. Rewiring of chromatin state and gene expression by transposable elements. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:262-273. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ohtani
- Laboratory of Genome and Epigenome Dynamics Department of Animal Sciences Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences Nagoya University Nagoya Japan
| | - Yuka W. Iwasaki
- Department of Molecular Biology Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Saitama Japan
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202
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Kinker GS, Vitiello GAF, Ferreira WAS, Chaves AS, Cordeiro de Lima VC, Medina TDS. B Cell Orchestration of Anti-tumor Immune Responses: A Matter of Cell Localization and Communication. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:678127. [PMID: 34164398 PMCID: PMC8215448 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.678127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in cancer development either by fostering tumor growth or destroying tumor cells, which has open new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. It was only over the last decade that the role of B cells in controlling anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor milieu has begun to be appreciated. B and plasma cells can exert anti-tumor effects through antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and activation of the complement cascade, even though their effector functions extend beyond the classical humoral immunity. In tumor tissues, B cells can be found in lymphoid aggregates, known as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), well-organized non-encapsulated structures composed of immune and stromal cells. These structures reflect a process of lymphoid neogenesis occurring in peripheral tissues upon long-lasting exposure to inflammatory signals. The TLS provides an area of intense B cell antigen presentation that can lead to optimal T cell activation and effector functions, as well as the generation of effector B cells, which can be further differentiated in either antibody-secreting plasma cells or memory B cells. Of clinical interest, the crosstalk between B cells and antigen-experienced and exhausted CD8+ T cells within mature TLS was recently associated with improved response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in melanoma, sarcoma and lung cancer. Otherwise, B cells sparsely distributed in the tumor microenvironment or organized in immature TLSs were found to exert immune-regulatory functions, inhibiting anti-tumor immunity through the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Such phenotype might arise when B cells interact with malignant cells rather than T and dendritic cells. Differences in the spatial distribution likely underlie discrepancies between the role of B cells inferred from human samples or mouse models. Many fast-growing orthotopic tumors develop a malignant cell-rich bulk with reduced stroma and are devoid of TLSs, which highlights the importance of carefully selecting pre-clinical models. In summary, strategies that promote TLS formation in close proximity to tumor cells are likely to favor immunotherapy responses. Here, the cellular and molecular programs coordinating B cell development, activation and organization within TLSs will be reviewed, focusing on their translational relevance to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Sarti Kinker
- Translational Immuno-oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glauco Akelinghton Freire Vitiello
- Translational Immuno-oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira
- Translational Immuno-oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Culture and Cytogenetics, Environment Section (SAMAM), Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Silva Chaves
- Translational Immuno-oncology Group, International Research Center, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, 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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203
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Polycomb repressive complex 2 mutations predict survival benefit in advanced cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 10:100035. [PMID: 35757234 PMCID: PMC9216430 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2021.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Numerous biomarkers are being tested to enhance the ability of clinicians to predict responses and prognosis after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a histone methyltransferase family that plays a major role in chromatin silencing. Preclinical evidence implicates PRC2 components such as enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in immune resistance. This study aimed to assess the clinical relevance of PRC2 mutations in the clinical outcome of ICI-treated patients. Materials and methods Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from tumor samples of patients treated with ICIs (anti-PD-1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4 or both) were interrogated for alterations in PRC2-related genes. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess the association between altered and unaltered PRC2-related genes with overall survival. Results Somatic NGS data from 1662 advanced-stage, ICI-treated patients with various primaries (lung, melanoma, bladder, kidney, head neck, esophagogastric, glioma, colorectal, breast, unknown primary) were examined. Seventy patients (4%) harbored truncating or missense mutations or fusions in EZH2 (2.4%), EZH1 (1.2%), SUZ12 (0.9%) or EED (0.7%) genes. Patients carrying alterations in PRC2 genes had significantly longer median overall survival (44 months) compared with those with unaltered tumors (18 months, log-rank P=0.0174). These findings were validated in two additional cohorts of patients (n=313) with various primaries (melanoma, lung, bladder, head neck, anal, sarcoma) who were treated with ICIs. Conclusions Inactivating mutations in the PRC2 chromatin silencing machinery, although rare, may predict favorable outcomes in ICI-treated patients with metastatic cancers. This warrants prospective confirmation, and suggests that epigenetic regulators could serve as surrogate markers to guide ICI treatment decisions. The PRC2 complex is a histone methyltransferase family involved in chromatin silencing. This study assessed the clinical relevance of PRC2 mutations in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Next-generation sequencing data from metastatic patients treated with ICIs showed alterations in EZH2, EZH1, SUZ12 and EED. Patients with alterations in PRC2 genes had longer overall survival compared with those with unaltered tumors. These findings were validated in two additional cohorts with various primaries treated with ICIs. Epigenetic regulators could serve as surrogate markers to guide ICI treatment decisions.
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204
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Shang S, Li X, Gao Y, Guo S, Sun D, Zhou H, Sun Y, Wang P, Zhi H, Bai J, Ning S, Li X. MeImmS: Predict Clinical Benefit of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Treatments Based on DNA Methylation in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:676449. [PMID: 34093667 PMCID: PMC8173132 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become an effective therapy for cancer treatment. However, the development of biomarkers to predict immunotherapy response still remains a challenge. We have developed the DNA Methylation Immune Score, named “MeImmS,” which can predict clinical benefits of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on DNA methylation of 8 CpG sites. The 8 CpG sites regulate the expression of immune-related genes and MeImmS was related to immune-associated pathways, exhausted T cell markers and immune cells. Copy-number loss in 1p36.33 may affect the response of cancer patients to immunotherapy. In addition, SAA1, CXCL10, CCR5, CCL19, CXCL11, CXCL13, and CCL5 were found to be key immune regulatory genes in immunotherapy. Together, MeImmS discovered the heterogeneous of NSCLC patients and guided the immunotherapy of cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dailin Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hanxiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Zhi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Bai
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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205
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Tu B, He Y, Chen B, Wang Y, Gao Y, Shi M, Liu T, Asrorov AM, Huang Y. Deformable liposomal codelivery of vorinostat and simvastatin promotes antitumor responses through remodeling tumor microenvironment. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:7166-7176. [PMID: 33169732 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01516d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its major component tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a pivotal role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An epigenetic drug-based combinatory therapeutic strategy was proposed and a deformable liposome system (D-Lipo) was developed for vorinostat and simvastatin codelivery for remodeling the TME. The application of deformable liposomes in systemic cancer drug delivery has been underexplored and its potential in cancer therapy is largely unknown. This work revealed that D-Lipo exhibited an enhanced intratumor infiltration ability. The proposed therapeutic strategy was characterized by a chemo-free regimen and TME remodeling function. D-Lipo efficiently inhibited the growth of the xenografted lung tumor. The anti-tumor mechanisms involved the repolarization of TAM from the M2 to M1 phenotype, anti-angiogenesis, and the consequent TME remodeling. As a result, the amounts of the anti-tumor M1 macrophages and the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells increased, while the amounts of the pro-tumor M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs) reduced. It provides a promising avenue for epigenetic drug-based combination therapy for treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai 201203, China.
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206
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Jansz N, Faulkner GJ. Endogenous retroviruses in the origins and treatment of cancer. Genome Biol 2021; 22:147. [PMID: 33971937 PMCID: PMC8108463 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. As remnants of ancient retroviral infections, ERV-derived regulatory elements coordinate expression from gene networks, including those underpinning embryogenesis and immune cell function. ERV activation can promote an interferon response, a phenomenon termed viral mimicry. Although ERV expression is associated with cancer, and provisionally with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, ERV-mediated inflammation is being explored as a way to sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. Here we review ERV co-option in development and innate immunity, the aberrant contribution of ERVs to tumorigenesis, and the wider biomedical potential of therapies directed at ERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Jansz
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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207
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Venosa A, Smith LC, Gow AJ, Zarbl H, Laskin JD, Laskin DL. Macrophage activation in the lung during the progression of nitrogen mustard induced injury is associated with histone modifications and altered miRNA expression. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 423:115569. [PMID: 33971176 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activated macrophages have been implicated in lung injury and fibrosis induced by the cytotoxic alkylating agent, nitrogen mustard (NM). Herein, we determined if macrophage activation is associated with histone modifications and altered miRNA expression. Treatment of rats with NM (0.125 mg/kg, i.t.) resulted in increases in phosphorylation of H2A.X in lung macrophages at 1 d and 3 d post-exposure. This DNA damage response was accompanied by methylation of histone (H) 3 lysine (K) 4 and acetylation of H3K9, marks of transcriptional activation, and methylation of H3K36 and H3K9, marks associated with transcriptional repression. Increases in histone acetyl transferase and histone deacetylase were also observed in macrophages 1 d and 28 d post-NM exposure. PCR array analysis of miRNAs (miR)s involved in inflammation and fibrosis revealed unique and overlapping expression profiles in macrophages isolated 1, 3, 7, and 28 d post-NM. An IPA Core Analysis of predicted mRNA targets of differentially expressed miRNAs identified significant enrichment of Diseases and Functions related to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cell movement, cell adhesion, lipid metabolism, and inflammation 1 d and 28 d post NM. miRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis revealed highly connected miRNAs representing key upstream regulators of mRNAs involved in significantly enriched pathways including miR-34c-5p and miR-27a-3p at 1 d post NM and miR-125b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-19b-3p and miR-148b-3p at 28 d post NM. Collectively, these data show that NM promotes histone remodeling and alterations in miRNA expression linked to lung macrophage responses during inflammatory injury and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Venosa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - L Cody Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Andrew J Gow
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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208
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Palmieri G, Rozzo CM, Colombino M, Casula M, Sini MC, Manca A, Pisano M, Doneddu V, Paliogiannis P, Cossu A. Are Molecular Alterations Linked to Genetic Instability Worth to Be Included as Biomarkers for Directing or Excluding Melanoma Patients to Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2021; 11:666624. [PMID: 34026645 PMCID: PMC8132875 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.666624] [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: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of the immunotherapeutic potential in most human cancers, including melanoma, requires the identification of increasingly detailed molecular features underlying the tumor immune responsiveness and acting as disease-associated biomarkers. In recent past years, the complexity of the immune landscape in cancer tissues is being steadily unveiled with a progressive better understanding of the plethora of actors playing in such a scenario, resulting in histopathology diversification, distinct molecular subtypes, and biological heterogeneity. Actually, it is widely recognized that the intracellular patterns of alterations in driver genes and loci may also concur to interfere with the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment components, deeply affecting the immune response against the tumor. Among others, the different events linked to genetic instability—aneuploidy/somatic copy number alteration (SCNA) or microsatellite instability (MSI)—may exhibit opposite behaviors in terms of immune exclusion or responsiveness. In this review, we focused on both prevalence and impact of such different types of genetic instability in melanoma in order to evaluate whether their use as biomarkers in an integrated analysis of the molecular profile of such a malignancy may allow defining any potential predictive value for response/resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Palmieri
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Rozzo
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Colombino
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Milena Casula
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Sini
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Manca
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Marina Pisano
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Doneddu
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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209
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Chi C, Taylor KE, Quach H, Quach D, Criswell LA, Barcellos LF. Hypomethylation mediates genetic association with the major histocompatibility complex genes in Sjögren's syndrome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248429. [PMID: 33886574 PMCID: PMC8062105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential methylation of immune genes has been a consistent theme observed in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, whole blood, and labial salivary glands (LSGs). Multiple studies have found associations supporting genetic control of DNA methylation in SS, which in the absence of reverse causation, has positive implications for the potential of epigenetic therapy. However, a formal study of the causal relationship between genetic variation, DNA methylation, and disease status is lacking. We performed a causal mediation analysis of DNA methylation as a mediator of nearby genetic association with SS using LSGs and genotype data collected from 131 female members of the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance registry, comprising of 64 SS cases and 67 non-cases. Bumphunter was used to first identify differentially-methylated regions (DMRs), then the causal inference test (CIT) was applied to identify DMRs mediating the association of nearby methylation quantitative trait loci (MeQTL) with SS. Bumphunter discovered 215 DMRs, with the majority located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p21.3. Consistent with previous findings, regions hypomethylated in SS cases were enriched for gene sets associated with immune processes. Using the CIT, we observed a total of 19 DMR-MeQTL pairs that exhibited strong evidence for a causal mediation relationship. Close to half of these DMRs reside in the MHC and their corresponding meQTLs are in the region spanning the HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DQA2 loci. The risk of SS conferred by these corresponding MeQTLs in the MHC was further substantiated by previous genome-wide association study results, with modest evidence for independent effects. By validating the presence of causal mediation, our findings suggest both genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility, and inform the development of targeted epigenetic modification as a therapeutic approach for SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Chi
- Center for Computational Biology, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Kimberly E. Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Hong Quach
- Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Diana Quach
- Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Lindsey A. Criswell
- Department of Medicine, Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa F. Barcellos
- Center for Computational Biology, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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210
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Human Endogenous Retrovirus Reactivation: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13091999. [PMID: 33919186 PMCID: PMC8122352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13091999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) derive from ancestral exogenous retroviruses whose genetic material has been integrated in our germline DNA. Several lines of evidence indicate that cancer immunotherapy may benefit from HERV reactivation, which can be induced either by drugs or by cellular changes occurring in tumor cells. Indeed, several studies indicate that HERV proviral DNA can be transcribed either to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that is sensed as a "danger signal" by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), leading to a viral mimicry state, or to mRNA that is translated into proteins that may contribute to the landscape of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs). Alternatively, HERV reactivation is associated with the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). In this review, we will highlight recent findings on HERV reactivation in cancer and its implications for cancer immunotherapy.
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211
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Li Y, Wu Y, Hu Y. Metabolites in the Tumor Microenvironment Reprogram Functions of Immune Effector Cells Through Epigenetic Modifications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641883. [PMID: 33927716 PMCID: PMC8078775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism of both cancer and immune cells in the acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells in TME could outcompete immune cells for nutrients and at the same time, producing inhibitory products that suppress immune effector cell functions. Recent progress revealed that metabolites in the TME could dysregulate gene expression patterns in the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune effector cells by interfering with the epigenetic programs and signal transduction networks. Nevertheless, encouraging studies indicated that metabolic plasticity and heterogeneity between cancer and immune effector cells could provide us the opportunity to discover and target the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells while potentiating the anti-tumor functions of immune effector cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic impacts on the immune effector cells in TME and explore the therapeutic opportunities for metabolically enhanced immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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212
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Epigenetics in a Spectrum of Myeloid Diseases and Its Exploitation for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071746. [PMID: 33917538 PMCID: PMC8038780 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The genome is stored in the limited space of the nucleus in a highly condensed form. The regulation of this packaging contributes to determining the accessibility of genes and is important for cell function. Genes affecting the genome’s packaging are frequently mutated in bone marrow cells that give rise to the different types of blood cells. Here, we first discuss the molecular functions of these genes and their role in blood generation under healthy conditions. Then, we describe how their mutations relate to a subset of diseases including blood cancers. Finally, we provide an overview of the current efforts of using and developing drugs targeting these and related genes. Abstract Mutations in genes encoding chromatin regulators are early events contributing to developing asymptomatic clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and its frequent progression to myeloid diseases with increasing severity. We focus on the subset of myeloid diseases encompassing myelodysplastic syndromes and their transformation to secondary acute myeloid leukemia. We introduce the major concepts of chromatin regulation that provide the basis of epigenetic regulation. In greater detail, we discuss those chromatin regulators that are frequently mutated in myelodysplastic syndromes. We discuss their role in the epigenetic regulation of normal hematopoiesis and the consequence of their mutation. Finally, we provide an update on the drugs interfering with chromatin regulation approved or in development for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.
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213
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Meng Q, Lu YX, Ruan DY, Yu K, Chen YX, Xiao M, Wang Y, Liu ZX, Xu RH, Ju HQ, Qiu MZ. DNA methylation regulator-mediated modification patterns and tumor microenvironment characterization in gastric cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:695-710. [PMID: 33996253 PMCID: PMC8099484 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence implies a link between DNA methylation and tumor immunity/immunotherapy. However, the global influence of DNA methylation on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of immunotherapy remains to be clarified. In this study, we systematically evaluated the DNA methylation regulator patterns and tumor microenvironment characteristics of 1,619 gastric cancer patients by clustering the gene expression of 20 DNA methylation regulators. Three gastric cancer subtypes that had different DNA methylation modification patterns and distinct tumor microenvironment characteristics were recognized. Then, a DNA methylation score (DMS) was constructed to evaluate DNA methylation modification individually. High DMS was characterized by immune activation status, increased tumor mutation burden, and tumor neoantigens, with a favorable prognosis. Conversely, activation of the stroma and absence of immune cell infiltration were observed in the low DMS group, with relatively poor survival. High DMS was also certified to be correlated with enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy in four immune checkpoint blocking treatment cohorts. In conclusion, the characterization of DNA methylation modification patterns may help to enhance our recognition of the tumor immune microenvironment of gastric cancer and guide more personalized immunotherapy strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Xin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Yun Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
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214
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Zhong C, Li Y, Yang J, Jin S, Chen G, Li D, Fan X, Lin H. Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Limits and Prospects. Front Oncol 2021; 11:589680. [PMID: 33854960 PMCID: PMC8039369 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.589680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many approaches have been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical benefits remain limited, particularly for late stage HCC. In recent years, studies have focused on immunotherapy for HCC. Immunotherapies have shown promising clinical outcomes in several types of cancers and potential therapeutic effects for advanced HCC. In this review, we summarize the immune tolerance and immunotherapeutic strategies for HCC as well as the main challenges of current therapeutic approaches. We also present alternative strategies for overcoming these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yirun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengxi Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Duguang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentations, Centre for Optical and Electromagnetic Research, College of Optical Science and Engineering, International Research Center for Advanced Photonics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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215
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Wu L, Jiang X, Qi C, Zhang C, Qu B, Shen N. EZH2 Inhibition Interferes With the Activation of Type I Interferon Signaling Pathway and Ameliorates Lupus Nephritis in NZB/NZW F1 Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653989. [PMID: 33868295 PMCID: PMC8044841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase mediating trimethylation of H3K27, which represses gene expression and is critical to immune regulation. Inhibition of EZH2 is proved to have the potential of treating many diseases. However, whether inhibition of EZH2 affects type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway, the abnormality of which is an important pathogenic mechanism for SLE, is still elusive. Here, we report, unexpectedly, a positive regulatory function of EZH2 in IFN-I signaling pathway, which contributes to the overactivation of IFN-I signaling pathway in SLE. We show that the expression of EZH2 was upregulated and positively correlated with the overexpression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and renal tissues of SLE patients. In vitro inhibition of EZH2 by either siRNAs or chemical inhibitors reduced the phosphorylation of STAT1 and the induction of ISGs stimulated by IFN-I. Additionally, inhibition of EZH2 interfered with the in vivo and ex vivo activation of IFN-I signaling pathway elicited by intravenous injection of adenovirus vector expressing mouse IFN-α5 and exogeneous stimulation with IFN-α, respectively. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of EZH2 inhibitor in NZB/NZW F1 mice which depend on IFN-I signaling pathway for the lupus-like disease development. Administration of EZH2 inhibitor prolonged the survival, reduced the levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, and improved lupus nephritis of the mice. What’s more, EZH2 inhibitor attenuated the expression of ISGs in the kidneys of these mice. In summary, we show that excessive EZH2 contributes to the overactivation of IFN-I signaling pathway in SLE. EZH2 inhibitor has the potential to inhibit IFN-I signaling pathway and alleviate lupus nephritis. Additionally, diverse disease driving pathways exist among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient, and even in the same patients. Common regulators of different pathogenic pathways can be multivalent therapeutic targets. Together with previous studies showing EZH2 is involved in T-cell and B-cell mediated immune responses, EZH2 could be a potent multivalent therapeutic target for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyue Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaojun Qi
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Lab for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Qu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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216
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EZH2 inhibition activates a dsRNA-STING-interferon stress axis that potentiates response to PD-1 checkpoint blockade in prostate cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:444-456. [PMID: 33899001 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancers are considered to be immunologically 'cold' tumors given the very few patients who respond to checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Recently, enrichment of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) predicted a favorable response to CPI across various disease sites. The enhancer of zeste homolog-2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and known to negatively regulate ISGs. In the present study, we demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition in prostate cancer models activates a double-stranded RNA-STING-ISG stress response upregulating genes involved in antigen presentation, Th1 chemokine signaling and interferon response, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1) that is dependent on STING activation. EZH2 inhibition substantially increased intratumoral trafficking of activated CD8+ T cells and increased M1 tumor-associated macrophages, overall reversing resistance to PD-1 CPI. Our study identifies EZH2 as a potent inhibitor of antitumor immunity and responsiveness to CPI. These data suggest EZH2 inhibition as a therapeutic direction to enhance prostate cancer response to PD-1 CPI.
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217
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Epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer therapy and resistance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1786. [PMID: 33741974 PMCID: PMC7979820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ERα) and agents targeting this pathway represent the main treatment modality. Endocrine therapy has proven successful in the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer since its early adoption in the 1940s as an ablative therapy. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance arises, leading to disease recurrence and relapse. Recent studies increased our understanding in how changes to the chromatin landscape and deregulation of epigenetic factors orchestrate the resistant phenotype. Here, we will discuss how the epigenome is an integral determinant in hormone therapy response and why epigenetic factors are promising targets for overcoming clinical resistance. Endocrine therapy has been the mainstay for hormone responsive breast cancer treatment. Here, Garcia-Martinez and colleagues discuss epigenetic mechanisms regulating ER + breast cancer and endocrine therapy resistance, and highlight approaches to rewire the cancer epigenome to improve targeted therapies for this cancer.
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218
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The Therapeutic Potential of Epigenome-Modifying Drugs in Cardiometabolic Disease. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40142-021-00198-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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219
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Genome-wide analysis of the hypoxia-related DNA methylation-driven genes in lung adenocarcinoma progression. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222062. [PMID: 32031203 PMCID: PMC7033312 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20194200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of lung cancer with high incidence and poor prognosis. Hypoxia and DNA methylation play important regulatory roles in cancer progression. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between hypoxia and DNA methylation, and to identify key genes for hypoxia-regulated LUAD progression. Hypoxia score (HS) was calculated using the GSVA algorithm. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed using clusterProfile package, STRING database and Cytoscape software. Kaplan-Meier curves of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were drawn using R software. Smoking status and cancer stages were significantly associated with LUAD hypoxia, and hypoxia is a poor prognostic factor for LUAD. Compared with HS-low group, 1803 aberrantly methylated DEGs were identified in HS-high group. KEGG analysis showed that the 1803 genes were enriched in the metabolic pathways associated with hypoxia stress, angiogenesis and cancer progression. FAM20C, MYLIP and COL7A1 were identified as the hypoxia-related key genes in LUAD progression, which were regulated by DNA methylation. Hypoxia in LUAD tumor cells led to changes in DNA methylation patterns. In-depth study of the relationship between hypoxia and DNA methylation is helpful to elucidate the mechanism of tumorigenesis, and provides new ideas for LUAD treatment.
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220
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Kordella C, Lamprianidou E, Kotsianidis I. Mechanisms of Action of Hypomethylating Agents: Endogenous Retroelements at the Epicenter. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650473. [PMID: 33768008 PMCID: PMC7985079 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650473] [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: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DNA methylation patterns are thought to drive the pathobiology of high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Sixteen years after their initial approval, the hypomethylating agents (HMAs), 5-azacytidine (AZA) and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, remain the mainstay of treatment for HR-MDS and AML. However, a connection of the hypomethylating or additional effects of HMAs with clinical responses remains yet to be shown, and the mode of action of HMAs remains obscure. Given the relatively short-lived responses and the inevitable development of resistance in HMAs, a thorough understanding of the antineoplastic mechanisms employed by HMAs holds critical importance. Recent data in cancer cell lines demonstrate that reactivation of endogenous retroelements (EREs) and induction of a cell-intrinsic antiviral response triggered by RNA neotranscripts may underlie the antitumor activity of HMAs. However, data on primary CD34+ cells derived from patients with HR-MDS failed to confirm a link between HMA-mediated ERE modulation and clinical response. Though difficult to reconcile the apparent discrepancy, it is possible that HMAs mediate their effects in more advanced levels of differentiation where cells become responsive to interferon, whereas, inter-individual variations in the process of RNA editing and, in particular, in the ADAR1/OAS/RNase L pathway may also confound the associations of clinical response with the induction of viral mimicry. Further ex vivo studies along with clinical correlations in well-annotated patient cohorts are warranted to decipher the role of ERE derepression in the antineoplastic mechanisms of HMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chryssoula Kordella
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Lamprianidou
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kotsianidis
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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221
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Sheng W, Liu Y, Chakraborty D, Debo B, Shi Y. Simultaneous Inhibition of LSD1 and TGFβ Enables Eradication of Poorly Immunogenic Tumors with Anti-PD-1 Treatment. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1970-1981. [PMID: 33687985 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulators are a class of promising targets in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment, but the impact of the broad effects of perturbing epigenetic regulators on tumor immunotherapy remains to be fully explored. Here we show that ablation of the histone demethylase LSD1 in multiple tumor cells induces TGFβ expression, which exerts an inhibitory effect on T-cell immunity through suppressing the cytotoxicity of intratumoral CD8+ T cells and consequently dampens the antitumor effect of LSD1 ablation-induced T-cell infiltration. Importantly, concurrent depletion of LSD1 and TGFβ in combination with PD-1 blockade significantly increases both CD8+ T-cell infiltration and cytotoxicity, leading to eradication of poorly immunogenic tumors and a long-term protection from tumor rechallenge. Thus, combining LSD1 inhibition with blockade of TGFβ and PD-1 may represent a promising triple combination therapy for treating certain refractory tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: Cotargeting LSD1 and TGFβ cooperatively elevates intratumoral CD8+ T-cell infiltration and unleashes their cytotoxicity, leading to tumor eradication upon anti-PD-1 treatment. Our findings illustrate a duality of epigenetic perturbations in immunotherapy and implicate the combination of LSD1 inhibition with dual PD-1/TGFβ blockade in treating certain poorly immunogenic tumors.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1861.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiang Sheng
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Yi Liu
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Damayanti Chakraborty
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian Debo
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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222
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Feng B, Hess J. Immune-Related Mutational Landscape and Gene Signatures: Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Impact for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051162. [PMID: 33800421 PMCID: PMC7962834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has emerged as a standard-of-care for most human malignancies, including head and neck cancer, but only a limited number of patients exhibit a durable clinical benefit. An urgent medical need is the establishment of accurate response predictors, which is handicapped by the growing body of molecular, cellular and clinical variables that modify the complex nature of an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review summarizes more recent efforts to elucidate immune-related mutational landscapes and gene expression signatures by integrative analysis of multi-omics data, and highlights their potential therapeutic impact for head and neck cancer. A better knowledge of the underlying principles and relevant interactions could pave the way for rational therapeutic combinations to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, in particular for those cancer patients at a higher risk for treatment failure. Abstract Immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibition has become a main pillar in the armamentarium to treat head and neck cancer and is based on the premise that the host immune system can be reactivated to successfully eliminate cancer cells. However, the response rate remains low and only a small subset of head and neck cancer patients achieves a durable clinical benefit. The availability of multi-omics data and emerging computational technologies facilitate not only a deeper understanding of the cellular composition in the tumor immune microenvironment but also enables the study of molecular principles in the complex regulation of immune surveillance versus tolerance. These knowledges will pave the way to apply immunotherapy more precisely and effectively. This review aims to provide a holistic view on how the immune landscape dictates the tumor fate and vice versa, and how integrative analysis of multi-omics data contribute to our current knowledge on the accuracy of predictive biomarkers and on a broad range of factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohai Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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223
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Ishitsuka Y, Hanaoka Y, Tanemura A, Fujimoto M. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Age of Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1148. [PMID: 33800195 PMCID: PMC7962464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most prevalent skin cancer globally. Because most cSCC cases are manageable by local excision/radiotherapy and hardly become life-threatening, they are often excluded from cancer registries in most countries. Compared with cutaneous melanoma that originates from the melanin-producing, neural crest-derived epidermal resident, keratinocyte (KC)-derived cancers are influenced by the immune system with regards to their pathogenetic behaviour. Congenital or acquired immunosurveillance impairments compromise tumoricidal activity and raises cSCC incidence rates. Intriguingly, expanded applications of programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade therapies have revealed cSCC to be one of the most amenable targets, particularly when compared with the mucosal counterparts arisen in the esophagus or the cervix. The clinical observation reminds us that cutaneous tissue has a peculiarly high immunogenicity that can evoke tumoricidal recall responses topically. Here we attempt to redefine cSCC biology and review current knowledge about cSCC from multiple viewpoints that involve epidemiology, clinicopathology, molecular genetics, molecular immunology, and developmental biology. This synthesis not only underscores the primal importance of the immune system, rather than just a mere accumulation of ultraviolet-induced mutations but also reinforces the following hypothesis: PD-1 blockade effectively restores the immunity specially allowed to exist within the fully cornified squamous epithelium, that is, the epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ishitsuka
- Department of Dermatology Integrated Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.H.); (A.T.); (M.F.)
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224
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Gao ZJ, Li WP, Mao XT, Huang T, Wang HL, Li YN, Liu BQ, Zhong JY, Renjie C, Jin J, Li YY. Single-nucleotide methylation specifically represses type I interferon in antiviral innate immunity. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20201798. [PMID: 33616624 PMCID: PMC7903198 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frequent outbreaks of viruses have caused a serious threat to public health. Previous evidence has revealed that DNA methylation is correlated with viral infections, but its role in innate immunity remains poorly investigated. Additionally, DNA methylation inhibitors promote IFN-I by upregulating endogenous retrovirus; however, studies of intrinsically demethylated tumors do not support this conclusion. This study found that Uhrf1 deficiency in myeloid cells significantly upregulated Ifnb expression, increasing resistance to viral infection. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and found that a single-nucleotide methylation site in the Ifnb promoter region disrupted IRF3 recruitment. We used site-specific mutant knock-in mice and a region-specific demethylation tool to confirm that this methylated site plays a critical role in regulating Ifnb expression and antiviral responses. These findings provide essential insight into DNA methylation in the regulation of the innate antiviral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-jun Gao
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-ping Li
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-tao Mao
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Huang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao-li Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-ning Li
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bao-qin Liu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiang-yan Zhong
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chai Renjie
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Jin
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Virology of Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Sir Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-yuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Ehrlich M, Bacharach E. Oncolytic Virotherapy: The Cancer Cell Side. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050939. [PMID: 33668131 PMCID: PMC7956656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising immunotherapy that specifically target and kill cancer cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity. While different OVs are endowed with distinct features, which enhance their specificity towards tumor cells; attributes of the cancer cell also critically contribute to this specificity. Such features comprise defects in innate immunity, including antiviral responses, and the metabolic reprogramming of the malignant cell. The tumorigenic features which support OV replication can be intrinsic to the transformation process (e.g., a direct consequence of the activity of a given oncogene), or acquired in the course of tumor immunoediting—the selection process applied by antitumor immunity. Oncogene-induced epigenetic silencing plays an important role in negative regulation of immunostimulatory antiviral responses in the cancer cells. Reversal of such silencing may also provide a strong immunostimulant in the form of viral mimicry by activation of endogenous retroelements. Here we review features of the cancer cell that support viral replication, tumor immunoediting and the connection between oncogenic signaling, DNA methylation and viral oncolysis. As such, this review concentrates on the malignant cell, while detailed description of different OVs can be found in the accompanied reviews of this issue. Abstract Cell autonomous immunity genes mediate the multiple stages of anti-viral defenses, including recognition of invading pathogens, inhibition of viral replication, reprogramming of cellular metabolism, programmed-cell-death, paracrine induction of antiviral state, and activation of immunostimulatory inflammation. In tumor development and/or immunotherapy settings, selective pressure applied by the immune system results in tumor immunoediting, a reduction in the immunostimulatory potential of the cancer cell. This editing process comprises the reduced expression and/or function of cell autonomous immunity genes, allowing for immune-evasion of the tumor while concomitantly attenuating anti-viral defenses. Combined with the oncogene-enhanced anabolic nature of cancer-cell metabolism, this attenuation of antiviral defenses contributes to viral replication and to the selectivity of oncolytic viruses (OVs) towards malignant cells. Here, we review the manners by which oncogene-mediated transformation and tumor immunoediting combine to alter the intracellular milieu of tumor cells, for the benefit of OV replication. We also explore the functional connection between oncogenic signaling and epigenetic silencing, and the way by which restriction of such silencing results in immune activation. Together, the picture that emerges is one in which OVs and epigenetic modifiers are part of a growing therapeutic toolbox that employs activation of anti-tumor immunity for cancer therapy.
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Gagliano T, Brancolini C. Epigenetic Mechanisms beyond Tumour-Stroma Crosstalk. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040914. [PMID: 33671588 PMCID: PMC7926949 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite cancer having been usually considered the result of genetic mutations, it is now well established that epigenetic dysregulations play pivotal roles in cancer onset and progression. Hence, inactivation of tumour suppressor genes can be gained not only by genetic mutations, but also by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. To occur, epigenetic events need to be triggered by genetic alterations of the epigenetic regulators, or they can be mediated by intracellular and extracellular stimuli. In this last setting, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role. Therefore, to decipher how epigenetic changes are associated with TME is a challenge still open. The complex signalling between tumour cells and stroma is currently under intensive investigation, and most of the molecules and pathways involved still need to be identified. Neoplastic initiation and development are likely to involve a back-and-forth crosstalk among cancer and stroma cells. An increasing number of studies have highlighted that the cancer epigenome can be influenced by tumour microenvironment and vice versa. Here, we discuss about the recent literature on tumour-stroma interactions that focus on epigenetic mechanisms and the reciprocal regulation between cancer and TME cells.
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Loo Yau H, Bell E, Ettayebi I, de Almeida FC, Boukhaled GM, Shen SY, Allard D, Morancho B, Marhon SA, Ishak CA, Gonzaga IM, da Silva Medina T, Singhania R, Chakravarthy A, Chen R, Mehdipour P, Pommey S, Klein C, Amarante-Mendes GP, Roulois D, Arribas J, Stagg J, Brooks DG, De Carvalho DD. DNA hypomethylating agents increase activation and cytolytic activity of CD8 + T cells. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1469-1483.e8. [PMID: 33609448 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate that DNA hypomethylating agent (HMA) treatment can directly modulate the anti-tumor response and effector function of CD8+ T cells. In vivo HMA treatment promotes CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration and suppresses tumor growth via CD8+ T cell-dependent activity. Ex vivo, HMAs enhance primary human CD8+ T cell activation markers, effector cytokine production, and anti-tumor cytolytic activity. Epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling shows that HMAs vastly regulate T cell activation-related transcriptional networks, culminating with over-activation of NFATc1 short isoforms. Mechanistically, demethylation of an intragenic CpG island immediately downstream to the 3' UTR of the short isoform was associated with antisense transcription and alternative polyadenylation of NFATc1 short isoforms. High-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry analyses reveal a selective effect of HMAs on a subset of human CD8+ T cell subpopulations, increasing both the number and abundance of a granzyme Bhigh, perforinhigh effector subpopulation. Overall, our findings support the use of HMAs as a therapeutic strategy to boost anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Loo Yau
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Emma Bell
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Ilias Ettayebi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Felipe Campos de Almeida
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Institutos Nacionais de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT-iii), São Paulo 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Giselle M Boukhaled
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shu Yi Shen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - David Allard
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Beatriz Morancho
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sajid A Marhon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Charles A Ishak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Isabela M Gonzaga
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Tiago da Silva Medina
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Translational Immuno-oncology Laboratory, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-001, Brazil
| | - Rajat Singhania
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Ankur Chakravarthy
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Raymond Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Parinaz Mehdipour
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Sandra Pommey
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Wagistrasse 10, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Gustavo P Amarante-Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Institutos Nacionais de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT-iii), São Paulo 05403-900, Brazil
| | - David Roulois
- UMR U1236, INSERM, Université de Rennes 1, EFS, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain; Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - John Stagg
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - David G Brooks
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
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Wang Y, Yang Y, Gao H, Ouyang T, Zhang L, Hu J, Hu S, Kan H. Comprehensive Analysis of CDCAs Methylation and Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:566183. [PMID: 33665158 PMCID: PMC7921702 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.566183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As essential components of cycle growth, the cell division cycle-associated family genes (CDCAs) have crucial roles in tumor development and progression, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to the tumor heterogeneity of HCC, little is known about the methylation variability of CDCAs in mediating phenotypic changes (e.g., immune infiltrates) in HCC. Presently, we aim to comprehensively explore the expression and prognosis of CDCAs methylation with regard to immune infiltrates of HCC. Methods We first identified the correlating differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) among 19 different types of cancer cohorts (a total of 7,783 patients) and then constructed the weighted gene co-expressed and co-methylated networks. Applying the clustering analysis, significant modules of DEGs including CDCAs were selected and their functional bioinformatics analyses were performed. Besides, using DiseaseMeth and TIMER, the correlation between the methylation levels of CDCAs and tumor immune infiltrates was also analyzed. In final, to assess the influence of CDCAs methylation on clinical prognosis, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were carried out. Result A total of 473 co-DEGs are successfully identified, while seven genes of CDCAs (CDCA1–3 and CDCA5–8) have significant over-expression in HCC. Co-expressed and co-methylated networks reveal the strong positive correlations in mRNA expression and methylation levels of CDCAs. Besides, the biological enrichment analysis of CDCAs demonstrates that they are significantly related to the immune function regulation of infiltrating immune cells in HCC. Also, the methylation analysis of CDCAs depicts the strong association with the tumor immunogenicity, i.e., low-methylation of CDCA1, CDCA2, and CDCA8 dramatically reduced the immune infiltrate levels of T cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes. Additionally, CDCA1–6 and CDCA8 with low-methylation levels significantly deteriorate the overall survival of patients in HCC. Conclusions The co-expressed and co-methylated gene networks of CDCAs show a powerful association with immune function regulation. And the methylation levels of CDCAs suggesting the prognostic value and infiltrating immune differences could be a novel and predictive biomarker for the response of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yinfeng Yang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Computer Application Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Honglei Gao
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ting Ouyang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jili Hu
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hongxing Kan
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Computer Application Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hefei, China
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Ramarao-Milne P, Kondrashova O, Barry S, Hooper JD, Lee JS, Waddell N. Histone Modifying Enzymes in Gynaecological Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040816. [PMID: 33669182 PMCID: PMC7919659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetics is a process that allows genetic control, without the involvement of sequence changes to DNA or genes. In cancer, epigenetics is a key event in tumour development that can alter the expression of cancer driver genes and result in genomic instability. Due to the critical role of epigenetics in malignant transformation, therapies that target these processes have been developed to treat cancer. Here, we provide a summary of the epigenetic changes that have been described in a variety of gynaecological cancers. We then highlight how these changes are being targeted in preclinical models and clinical trials for gynaecological cancers. Abstract Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of cancer. Epigenetic dysregulation is common in gynaecological cancers and includes altered methylation at CpG islands in gene promoter regions, global demethylation that leads to genome instability and histone modifications. Histones are a major determinant of chromosomal conformation and stability, and unlike DNA methylation, which is generally associated with gene silencing, are amenable to post-translational modifications that induce facultative chromatin regions, or condensed transcriptionally silent regions that decondense resulting in global alteration of gene expression. In comparison, other components, crucial to the manipulation of chromatin dynamics, such as histone modifying enzymes, are not as well-studied. Inhibitors targeting DNA modifying enzymes, particularly histone modifying enzymes represent a potential cancer treatment. Due to the ability of epigenetic therapies to target multiple pathways simultaneously, tumours with complex mutational landscapes affected by multiple driver mutations may be most amenable to this type of inhibitor. Interrogation of the actionable landscape of different gynaecological cancer types has revealed that some patients have biomarkers which indicate potential sensitivity to epigenetic inhibitors. In this review we describe the role of epigenetics in gynaecological cancers and highlight how it may exploited for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Ramarao-Milne
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (P.R.-M.); (O.K.); (N.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Olga Kondrashova
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (P.R.-M.); (O.K.); (N.W.)
| | - Sinead Barry
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia;
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - John D. Hooper
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Jason S. Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- Epigenetics and Disease Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-38453951
| | - Nicola Waddell
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (P.R.-M.); (O.K.); (N.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
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Li X, Yang Y, Chen S, Zhou J, Li J, Cheng Y. Epigenetics-based therapeutics for myocardial fibrosis. Life Sci 2021; 271:119186. [PMID: 33577852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a reactive remodeling process in response to myocardial injury. It is mainly manifested by the proliferation of cardiac muscle fibroblasts and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to replace damaged tissue. However, the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix, and the rising proportion of type I and type III collagen lead to pathological fibrotic remodeling, thereby facilitating the development of cardiac dysfunction and eventually causing heart failure with heightened mortality. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of MF are still not fully understood. With the development of epigenetics, it is found that epigenetics controls the transcription of pro-fibrotic genes in MF by DNA methylation, histone modification and noncoding RNAs. In this review, we summarize and discuss the research progress of the mechanisms underlying MF from the perspective of epigenetics, including the newest m6A modification and crosstalk between different epigenetics in MF. We also offer a succinct overview of promising molecules targeting epigenetic regulators, which may provide novel therapeutic strategies against MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Sixuan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jiuyao Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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Li M, Zha X, Wang S. The role of N6-methyladenosine mRNA in the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188522. [PMID: 33545295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the most widely distributed eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), has received a large amount of interest, in part due to the development and advances of high-throughput RNA sequencing. The effects of m6A mRNA on tumor progression have been the most widely studied, and large amounts of conflicting data have been reported due to differences in tumor contexts, cell types or cell states. The majority of these studies were related to the significance of m6A mRNA on tumor cells, including on proliferation, stemness, invasion capability, etc. However, it has been noted that tumorigenesis and tumor progression cannot occur without support from the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains multiple types of stromal cells, such as infiltrating immune cells (IICs), vascular cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and various environmental factors. Here, we summarized the contributions of abnormal m6A mRNA in stromal cells within the TME and described the effects of m6A mRNA on TME remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuan Zha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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Intratumoral heterogeneity in cancer progression and response to immunotherapy. Nat Med 2021; 27:212-224. [PMID: 33574607 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Most (if not all) tumors emerge and progress under a strong evolutionary pressure imposed by trophic, metabolic, immunological, and therapeutic factors. The relative impact of these factors on tumor evolution changes over space and time, ultimately favoring the establishment of a neoplastic microenvironment that exhibits considerable genetic, phenotypic, and behavioral heterogeneity in all its components. Here, we discuss the main sources of intratumoral heterogeneity and its impact on the natural history of the disease, including sensitivity to treatment, as we delineate potential strategies to target such a detrimental feature of aggressive malignancies.
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Novel Approaches to Epigenetic Therapies: From Drug Combinations to Epigenetic Editing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020208. [PMID: 33572577 PMCID: PMC7911730 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development involves both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Aberrant epigenetic modifications are reversible, allowing excellent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Nowadays, several epigenetic drugs are used worldwide to treat, e.g., myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias. However, overcoming resistance and widening the therapeutic profiles are the most important challenges faced by traditional epigenetic drugs. Recently, novel approaches to epigenetic therapies have been proposed. Next-generation epigenetic drugs, with longer half-life and better bioavailability, are being developed and tested. Since epigenetic phenomena are interdependent, treatment modalities include co-administration of two different epigenetic drugs. In order to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, epigenetic drugs are administered prior to chemotherapy, or both epigenetic drug and chemotherapy are used together to achieve synergistic effects and maximize treatment efficacy. The combinations of epigenetic drug with immunotherapy are being tested, because they have proved to enhance antitumor immune responses. The next approach involves targeting the metabolic causes of epigenetic changes, i.e., enzymes which, when mutated, produce oncometabolites. Finally, epigenome editing makes it possible to modify individual chromatin marks at a defined region with unprecedented specificity and efficiency. This review summarizes the above attempts in fulfilling the promise of epigenetic drugs in the effective cancer treatment.
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EZH1/2 Inhibitors Favor ILC3 Development from Human HSPC-CD34 + Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020319. [PMID: 33467134 PMCID: PMC7830003 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It has been well-demonstrated that EZH1/2 enzymes are involved not only in tumor development and progression, but also in the regulation of normal hematopoiesis from CD34+-HSPC. Given the crucial role of NK cells in tumor immune surveillance, in this study, we investigated whether EZH1/2 inhibitors can interfere with NK cell differentiation and functional maturation. Our results suggest that EZH1/2 inhibitors push CD56+ precursor proliferation, skewing precursor cell lineage commitment towards ILC3. In recent years, several clinical trials on the use of EZH1/2 inhibitors against solid tumors have been carried out. Since these in vitro observations revealed possible epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK/ILC development, it is important to evaluate patient monitoring of competent NK cells repertoire in order to design appropriate therapeutic protocols. Abstract The dysregulation of epigenetic modifications has a well-established role in the development and progression of hematological malignancies and of solid tumors. In this context, EZH1/2 inhibitors have been designed to interfere with EZH1/2 enzymes involved in histone methylation (e.g., H3K27me3), leading to tumor growth arrest or the restoration of tumor suppressor gene transcription. However, these compounds also affect normal hematopoiesis, interfering with self-renewal and differentiation of CD34+-Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells (HSPC), and, in turn, could modulate the generation of potential anti-tumor effector lymphocytes. Given the important role of NK cells in the immune surveillance of tumors, it would be useful to understand whether epigenetic drugs can modulate NK cell differentiation and functional maturation. CD34+-HSPC were cultured in the absence or in the presence of the EZH1/2 inhibitor UNC1999 and EZH2 inhibitor GSK126. Our results show that UNC1999 and GSK126 increased CD56+ cell proliferation compared to the control condition. However, UNC1999 and GSK 126 favored the proliferation of no-cytotoxic CD56+ILC3, according to the early expression of the AHR and ROR-γt transcription factors. Our results describe novel epigenetic mechanisms involved in the modulation of NK cell maturation that may provide new tools for designing NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Dual EZH2 and G9a inhibition suppresses multiple myeloma cell proliferation by regulating the interferon signal and IRF4-MYC axis. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:7. [PMID: 33436557 PMCID: PMC7803977 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modification play key roles in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). We previously showed that EZH2, a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase, and G9, a H3K9 methyltransferase, are potential therapeutic targets in MM. Moreover, recent studies suggest EZH2 and G9a cooperate to regulate gene expression. We therefore evaluated the antitumor effect of dual EZH2 and G9a inhibition in MM. A combination of an EZH2 inhibitor and a G9a inhibitor strongly suppressed MM cell proliferation in vitro by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Dual EZH2/G9a inhibition also suppressed xenograft formation by MM cells in vivo. In datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus, higher EZH2 and EHMT2 (encoding G9a) expression was significantly associated with poorer prognoses in MM patients. Microarray analysis revealed that EZH2/G9a inhibition significantly upregulated interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes and suppressed IRF4-MYC axis genes in MM cells. Notably, dual EZH2/G9a inhibition reduced H3K27/H3K9 methylation levels in MM cells and increased expression of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) genes, which suggests that activation of ERV genes may induce the IFN response. These results suggest that dual targeting of EZH2 and G9a may be an effective therapeutic strategy for MM.
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KDM6B is an androgen regulated gene and plays oncogenic roles by demethylating H3K27me3 at cyclin D1 promoter in prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33414463 PMCID: PMC7791132 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), a stress-inducible H3K27me3 demethylase, plays oncogenic or antitumoral roles in malignant tumors depending on the type of tumor cell. However, how this histone modifier affects the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) is still unknown. Here we analyzed sequenced gene expression data and tissue microarray to explore the expression features and prognostic value of KDM6B in PCa. Further, we performed in vitro cell biological experiments and in vivo nude mouse models to reveal the biological function, upstream and downstream regulation mechanism of KDM6B. In addition, we investigated the effects of a KDM6B inhibitor, GSK-J4, on PCa cells. We showed that KDM6B overexpression was observed in PCa, and elevated KDM6B expression was associated with high Gleason Score, low serum prostate-specific antigen level and shorted recurrence-free survival. Moreover, KDM6B prompted proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression and suppressed apoptosis in PCa cells. GSK-J4 administration could significantly suppress the biological function of KDM6B in PCa cells. KDM6B is involved in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and combination of MDV3100 plus GSK-J4 is effective for CRPC and MDV3100-resistant CRPC. Mechanism exploration revealed that androgen receptor can decrease the transcription of KDM6B and that KDM6B demethylates H3K27me3 at the cyclin D1 promoter and cooperates with smad2/3 to prompt the expression of cyclin D1. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that KDM6B is an androgen receptor regulated gene and plays oncogenic roles by promoting cyclin D1 transcription in PCa and GSK-J4 has the potential to be a promising agent for the treatment of PCa.
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237
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Mpakali A, Stratikos E. The Role of Antigen Processing and Presentation in Cancer and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E134. [PMID: 33406696 PMCID: PMC7796214 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical successes of cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are rapidly changing the landscape of cancer treatment. Regardless of initial impressive clinical results though, the therapeutic benefit of ICIs appears to be limited to a subset of patients and tumor types. Recent analyses have revealed that the potency of ICI therapies depends on the efficient presentation of tumor-specific antigens by cancer cells and professional antigen presenting cells. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of antigen presentation in cancer. We focus on intracellular antigen processing and presentation by Major Histocompatibility class I (MHCI) molecules and how it can affect cancer immune evasion. Finally, we discuss the pharmacological tractability of manipulating intracellular antigen processing as a complementary approach to enhance tumor immunogenicity and the effectiveness of ICI immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Mpakali
- National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Stratikos
- National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece
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238
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Stomper J, Rotondo JC, Greve G, Lübbert M. Hypomethylating agents (HMA) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: mechanisms of resistance and novel HMA-based therapies. Leukemia 2021; 35:1873-1889. [PMID: 33958699 PMCID: PMC8257497 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression. DNA hypomethylating agents (HMA) constitute a class of drugs which are able to reverse DNA methylation, thereby triggering the re-programming of tumor cells. The first-generation HMA azacitidine and decitabine have now been in standard clinical use for some time, offering a valuable alternative to previous treatments in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, so far particularly in older, medically non-fit patients. However, the longer we use these drugs, the more we are confronted with the (almost inevitable) development of resistance. This review provides insights into the mode of action of HMA, mechanisms of resistance to this treatment, and strategies to overcome HMA resistance including next-generation HMA and HMA-based combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stomper
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Greve
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
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239
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Keller L, Belloum Y, Wikman H, Pantel K. Clinical relevance of blood-based ctDNA analysis: mutation detection and beyond. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:345-358. [PMID: 32968207 PMCID: PMC7852556 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from tumours is present in the plasma of cancer patients. The majority of currently available studies on the use of this circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) deal with the detection of mutations. The analysis of cfDNA is often discussed in the context of the noninvasive detection of mutations that lead to resistance mechanisms and therapeutic and disease monitoring in cancer patients. Indeed, substantial advances have been made in this area, with the development of methods that reach high sensitivity and can interrogate a large number of genes. Interestingly, however, cfDNA can also be used to analyse different features of DNA, such as methylation status, size fragment patterns, transcriptomics and viral load, which open new avenues for the analysis of liquid biopsy samples from cancer patients. This review will focus on the new perspectives and challenges of cfDNA analysis from mutation detection in patients with solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Keller
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Tumor Biology, Martinistrasse 52, Building N27, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yassine Belloum
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Tumor Biology, Martinistrasse 52, Building N27, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Tumor Biology, Martinistrasse 52, Building N27, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Tumor Biology, Martinistrasse 52, Building N27, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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240
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FBXO44 promotes DNA replication-coupled repetitive element silencing in cancer cells. Cell 2020; 184:352-369.e23. [PMID: 33357448 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive elements (REs) compose ∼50% of the human genome and are normally transcriptionally silenced, although the mechanism has remained elusive. Through an RNAi screen, we identified FBXO44 as an essential repressor of REs in cancer cells. FBXO44 bound H3K9me3-modified nucleosomes at the replication fork and recruited SUV39H1, CRL4, and Mi-2/NuRD to transcriptionally silence REs post-DNA replication. FBXO44/SUV39H1 inhibition reactivated REs, leading to DNA replication stress and stimulation of MAVS/STING antiviral pathways and interferon (IFN) signaling in cancer cells to promote decreased tumorigenicity, increased immunogenicity, and enhanced immunotherapy response. FBXO44 expression inversely correlated with replication stress, antiviral pathways, IFN signaling, and cytotoxic T cell infiltration in human cancers, while a FBXO44-immune gene signature correlated with improved immunotherapy response in cancer patients. FBXO44/SUV39H1 were dispensable in normal cells. Collectively, FBXO44/SUV39H1 are crucial repressors of RE transcription, and their inhibition selectively induces DNA replication stress and viral mimicry in cancer cells.
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241
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Fresquet V, Garcia-Barchino MJ, Larrayoz M, Celay J, Vicente C, Fernandez-Galilea M, Larrayoz MJ, Calasanz MJ, Panizo C, Junza A, Han J, Prior C, Fortes P, Pio R, Oyarzabal J, Martinez-Baztan A, Paiva B, Moreno-Aliaga MJ, Odero MD, Agirre X, Yanes O, Prosper F, Martinez-Climent JA. Endogenous Retroelement Activation by Epigenetic Therapy Reverses the Warburg Effect and Elicits Mitochondrial-Mediated Cancer Cell Death. Cancer Discov 2020; 11:1268-1285. [PMID: 33355179 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For millions of years, endogenous retroelements have remained transcriptionally silent within mammalian genomes by epigenetic mechanisms. Modern anticancer therapies targeting the epigenetic machinery awaken retroelement expression, inducing antiviral responses that eliminate tumors through mechanisms not completely understood. Here, we find that massive binding of epigenetically activated retroelements by RIG-I and MDA5 viral sensors promotes ATP hydrolysis and depletes intracellular energy, driving tumor killing independently of immune signaling. Energy depletion boosts compensatory ATP production by switching glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby reversing the Warburg effect. However, hyperfunctional succinate dehydrogenase in mitochondrial electron transport chain generates excessive oxidative stress that unleashes RIP1-mediated necroptosis. To maintain ATP generation, hyperactive mitochondrial membrane blocks intrinsic apoptosis by increasing BCL2 dependency. Accordingly, drugs targeting BCL2 family proteins and epigenetic inhibitors yield synergistic responses in multiple cancer types. Thus, epigenetic therapy kills cancer cells by rewiring mitochondrial metabolism upon retroelement activation, which primes mitochondria to apoptosis by BH3-mimetics. SIGNIFICANCE: The state of viral mimicry induced by epigenetic therapies in cancer cells remodels mitochondrial metabolism and drives caspase-independent tumor cell death, which sensitizes to BCL2 inhibitor drugs. This novel mechanism underlies clinical efficacy of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia, suggesting similar combination therapies for other incurable cancers.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 995.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Fresquet
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maria J Garcia-Barchino
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Larrayoz
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jon Celay
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Vicente
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Fernandez-Galilea
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain.,Center for Nutrition Research and Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBEROBN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria J Larrayoz
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria J Calasanz
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Panizo
- Department of Hematology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Junza
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Electronic Engineering, IISPV, CIBERDEM, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jiahuai Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Celia Prior
- Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruben Pio
- Division of Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julen Oyarzabal
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Martinez-Baztan
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria J Moreno-Aliaga
- Center for Nutrition Research and Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBEROBN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria D Odero
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Oscar Yanes
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Electronic Engineering, IISPV, CIBERDEM, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Hematology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose A Martinez-Climent
- Division of Hematology, Center for Applied Medical Research CIMA, University of Navarra, IDISNA, CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain.
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Abstract
Personal neoantigen-based cancer vaccines are designed to target antigens arising from tumor-specific mutations within individual cancers and present a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on their favorable and intrinsic properties of escape from central tolerance and exquisite tumor specificity. With the endpoint of creating an optimal T-cell army to attack a tumor, neoantigen-based vaccines have demonstrated the ability to coax naïve T-cell recruits against epitopes that do not induce spontaneous immunity to raise long-lasting T-cell responses against multiple tumor-specific epitopes and subsequently to extend the breadth of responses, as immunity begets immunity via epitope spreading. Importantly, on both preclinical and clinical fronts, the association of T-cell responses to neoantigens and favorable outcomes has been demonstrated time and time again. We recognize, however, that the path forward remains long and winding and requires the field to address several key challenges, particularly overcoming evolved tumor escape mechanisms and optimizing vaccine-induced immunity. Some challenges stem from gaps in science that enable in silico prediction of antigen presentation and recognition by T-cell receptors, whereas others stem from the logistical obstacles and cost of personalization. Nevertheless, with perseverance and innovative solutions, we have little doubt that the ability of neoantigen vaccination to induce potent cancer-specific T cells will fundamentally succeed in enabling greater effectiveness of a broad array of immunotherapies. We provide our perspective on the progress and the remaining challenges to realizing the opportunity of personal neoantigen cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward F Fritsch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ute E Burkhardt
- Accelerating Cancer Immunotherapy Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Nir Hacohen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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243
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Lizardo DY, Kuang C, Hao S, Yu J, Huang Y, Zhang L. Immunotherapy efficacy on mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer: From bench to bedside. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188447. [PMID: 33035640 PMCID: PMC7886024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancers (CRCs) with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) often have sustained responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including selective monoclonal antibodies against Program Death 1 (PD-1), Programmed Death Ligand 1(PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4). However, a substantial fraction of dMMR CRCs do not respond or ultimately develop resistance to immunotherapy. The majority (~85%) of CRCs are MMR proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) and lack response to ICIs. Understanding the biology and mechanisms underlying dMMR-associated immunogenicity is urgently needed for improving the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy on CRC. Compared to pMMR/MSS CRCs, dMMR/MSI CRCs typically have increased tumor mutational burden (TMB), lower response rate to 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, distinctive immunological features such as high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and better prognosis. Here, we review the current understanding of the clinical relevance of dMMR/MSI in CRCs, the molecular basis and rationales for targeting dMMR CRC with immunotherapy, and clinical approaches using ICIs as single agents or in combination with other therapies for MSI-H CRCs. Furthermore, we address the potential strategies to sensitize pMMR/MSS CRC to immunotherapy by converting an immunologically "cold" microenvironment into a "hot" one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darleny Y Lizardo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Chaoyuan Kuang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Suisui Hao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jian Yu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yi Huang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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244
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Ficial M, Jegede OA, Sant'Angelo M, Hou Y, Flaifel A, Pignon JC, Braun DA, Wind-Rotolo M, Sticco-Ivins MA, Catalano PJ, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH, Hodi FS, Motzer RJ, Wu CJ, Atkins MB, McDermott DF, Shukla SA, Choueiri TK, Signoretti S. Expression of T-Cell Exhaustion Molecules and Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Predictive Biomarkers for Response to Nivolumab in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:1371-1380. [PMID: 33219016 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to validate levels of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating cells (TIC) expressing PD-1 but not TIM-3 and LAG-3 (IF biomarker; Pignon and colleagues, 2019) and to investigate human endogenous retroviruses (hERV) as predictors of response to anti-PD-1 in a randomized trial of nivolumab (nivo) versus everolimus (evero) in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC; CheckMate-025). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tumor tissues (nivo: n = 116, evero: n = 107) were analyzed by multiparametric immunofluorescence (IF) and qRT-PCR. Genomic/transcriptomic analyses were performed in a subset of samples. Clinical endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and durable response rate (DRR, defined as complete response or partial response with a PFS ≥ 12 months). RESULTS In the nivo (but not evero) arm, patients with high-IF biomarker density (24/116, 20.7%) had higher ORR (45.8% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.01) and DRR (33.3% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.03) and longer median PFS (9.6 vs. 3.7 months, P = 0.03) than patients with low-IF biomarker. By RNA sequencing, several inflammatory pathways (q < 0.1) and immune-related gene signature scores (q < 0.05) were enriched in the high-IF biomarker group. When combined with the IF biomarker, tumor cell (TC) PD-L1 expression (≥1%) further separated clinical outcomes in the nivo arm. ERVE-4 expression was associated with increased DRR and longer PFS in nivo-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS High levels of CD8+ TIC expressing PD-1 but not TIM-3 and LAG-3 and ERVE-4 expression predicted response to nivo (but not to evero) in patients with mccRCC. Combination of the IF biomarker with TC PD-L1 improved its predictive value, confirming our previous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ficial
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Opeyemi A Jegede
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miriam Sant'Angelo
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Hou
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abdallah Flaifel
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean-Christophe Pignon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Braun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Paul J Catalano
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immune-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert J Motzer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - David F McDermott
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sachet A Shukla
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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245
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Deng Z, Wang N, Ai F, Wang Z, Zhu G. Nanomaterial‐mediated platinum drug‐based combinatorial cancer therapy. VIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Deng
- Department of Chemistry City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Chemistry City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Fujin Ai
- College of Health Science and Environment Engineering Shenzhen Technology University Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science Center Shenzhen University Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Guangyu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen P. R. China
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246
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Wu J, Hu Q, Chen Q, Dai J, Wu X, Wang S, Lou X, Xia F. Modular DNA-Incorporated Aggregation-Induced Emission Probe for Sensitive Detection and Imaging of DNA Methyltransferase. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:9002-9011. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Qinyu Hu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xia Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoding Lou
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
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247
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Saini SK, Ørskov AD, Bjerregaard AM, Unnikrishnan A, Holmberg-Thydén S, Borch A, Jensen KV, Anande G, Bentzen AK, Marquard AM, Tamhane T, Treppendahl MB, Gang AO, Dufva IH, Szallasi Z, Ternette N, Pedersen AG, Eklund AC, Pimanda J, Grønbæk K, Hadrup SR. Human endogenous retroviruses form a reservoir of T cell targets in hematological cancers. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5660. [PMID: 33168830 PMCID: PMC7653045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19464-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) form a substantial part of the human genome, but mostly remain transcriptionally silent under strict epigenetic regulation, yet can potentially be reactivated by malignant transformation or epigenetic therapies. Here, we evaluate the potential for T cell recognition of HERV elements in myeloid malignancies by mapping transcribed HERV genes and generating a library of 1169 potential antigenic HERV-derived peptides predicted for presentation by 4 HLA class I molecules. Using DNA barcode-labeled MHC-I multimers, we find CD8+ T cell populations recognizing 29 HERV-derived peptides representing 18 different HERV loci, of which HERVH-5, HERVW-1, and HERVE-3 have more profound responses; such HERV-specific T cells are present in 17 of the 34 patients, but less frequently in healthy donors. Transcriptomic analyses reveal enhanced transcription of the HERVs in patients; meanwhile DNA-demethylating therapy causes a small and heterogeneous enhancement in HERV transcription without altering T cell recognition. Our study thus uncovers T cell recognition of HERVs in myeloid malignancies, thereby implicating HERVs as potential targets for immunotherapeutic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Saini
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Due Ørskov
- Department of Haematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Mette Bjerregaard
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ashwin Unnikrishnan
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Staffan Holmberg-Thydén
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Haematology, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Annie Borch
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Valentini Jensen
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Govardhan Anande
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Amalie Kai Bentzen
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrea Marion Marquard
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tripti Tamhane
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Ortved Gang
- Department of Haematology, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Høgh Dufva
- Department of Haematology, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Zoltan Szallasi
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicola Ternette
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anders Gorm Pedersen
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aron Charles Eklund
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - John Pimanda
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Haematology Department, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Haematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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248
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Tunbak H, Enriquez-Gasca R, Tie CHC, Gould PA, Mlcochova P, Gupta RK, Fernandes L, Holt J, van der Veen AG, Giampazolias E, Burns KH, Maillard PV, Rowe HM. The HUSH complex is a gatekeeper of type I interferon through epigenetic regulation of LINE-1s. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5387. [PMID: 33144593 PMCID: PMC7609715 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Human Silencing Hub (HUSH) complex is necessary for epigenetic repression of LINE-1 elements. We show that HUSH-depletion in human cell lines and primary fibroblasts leads to induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) through JAK/STAT signaling. This effect is mainly attributed to MDA5 and RIG-I sensing of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). This coincides with upregulation of primate-conserved LINE-1s, as well as increased expression of full-length hominid-specific LINE-1s that produce bidirectional RNAs, which may form dsRNA. Notably, LTRs nearby ISGs are derepressed likely rendering these genes more responsive to interferon. LINE-1 shRNAs can abrogate the HUSH-dependent response, while overexpression of an engineered LINE-1 construct activates interferon signaling. Finally, we show that the HUSH component, MPP8 is frequently downregulated in diverse cancers and that its depletion leads to DNA damage. These results suggest that LINE-1s may drive physiological or autoinflammatory responses through dsRNA sensing and gene-regulatory roles and are controlled by the HUSH complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Tunbak
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Rocio Enriquez-Gasca
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Poppy A Gould
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Petra Mlcochova
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AF, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ravindra K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AF, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liane Fernandes
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - James Holt
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Annemarthe G van der Veen
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Pierre V Maillard
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Helen M Rowe
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK.
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249
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Gunawardana J, Lee JN, Bednarska K, Murigneux V, de Long LM, Sabdia MB, Birch S, Tobin JWD, Gandhi MK. Genetic aberrations of NLRC5 are associated with downregulated MHC-I antigen presentation and impaired T-cell immunity in follicular lymphoma. EJHAEM 2020; 1:517-526. [PMID: 35845006 PMCID: PMC9176136 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Twenty to twenty-five percent of FL patients have progression of disease within 24 months. These patients may benefit from immunotherapy if intact antigen presentation is present. Molecular mechanisms impairing major histocompatibility complex class-I (MHC-I) in FL remain undefined. Here, by sequencing of 172 FL tumours, we found the MHC-I transactivator NLRC5 was the most frequent gene abnormality in the MHC-I pathway. Pyrosequencing showed that epigenetic silencing of the NLRC5 promoter occurred in 30% of cases and was mutually exclusive to copy number loss (CNL) in NLRC5 (∼6% of cases). Hypermethylation and CNLs ("NLRC5 aberrant") had reduced NLRC5 gene expression compared to wild-type (WT) cases. By NanoString, there was reduced gene expression of the MHC-I pathway in aberrant tissues, including immunoproteasome components (PSMB8 and PSMB9), peptide transporters of antigen processing (TAP1), and MHC-I (HLA-A), compared to WT. By immunofluorescent microscopy, fewer NLRC5 protein-expressing malignant B-cells were observed in NLRC5 aberrant tissue sections compared to NLRC5 WT (P < .01). Consistent with a pivotal role in the activation of CD8+ T-cells, both CD8 and CD137 strongly correlated with NLRC5 expression (both r > 0.7; P < .0001). Further studies are required to determine whether patients with aberrant NLRC5 have a diminished response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Gunawardana
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Justina N. Lee
- Diamantina InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Karolina Bednarska
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Valentine Murigneux
- Diamantina InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- QFAB BioinformaticsInstitute for Molecular BioscienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Lilia Merida de Long
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Muhammed B. Sabdia
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Simone Birch
- Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Joshua W. D. Tobin
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Maher K. Gandhi
- Mater ResearchUniversity of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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250
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Shen R, Xu P, Wang N, Yi H, Dong L, Fu D, Huang J, Huang H, Janin A, Cheng S, Wang L, Zhao W. Influence of oncogenic mutations and tumor microenvironment alterations on extranodal invasion in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e221. [PMID: 33252851 PMCID: PMC7685246 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive subtype of lymphoma, and multiple extranodal involvement (ENI) indicates adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oncogenic mutations and tumor microenvironment alterations on ENI in DLBCL. METHODS The clinical features of 1960 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL were analyzed, and DNA and RNA sequencing was performed on 670 and 349 patients, respectively. Oncogenic mutations and tumor microenvironment alterations were compared according to ENI and evaluated in zebrafish patient-derived tumor xenograft models. RESULTS Multiple ENI was significantly associated with poor performance status, advanced stage, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase, low response rate, and inferior prognosis. Lymphoma invasion of the bones, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and central nervous system were independent unfavorable prognostic factors. MYD88 was frequently mutated in patients with multiple ENI, co-occurred with mutations in CD79B, PIM1, TBL1XR1, BTG1, MPEG1, and PRDM1, and correlated with invasion of the bones, kidney/adrenal glands, breasts, testes, skin, and uterus/ovaries. For tumor microenvironment alterations, patients with multiple ENI showed higher regulatory T-cell (Treg)-recruiting activity, but lower extracellular matrix-encoding gene expression, than those without ENI and with single ENI. Elevated Treg-recruiting activity was related to mutations in B2M, SGK1, FOXO1, HIST1H1E, and ARID1A, and correlated with invasion of the bone marrow and thyroid. Additionally, mutations in MYD88, PIM1, TBL1XR1, SGK1, FOXO1, HIST1H1E, and ARID1A were associated with decreased major histocompatibility complex class I expression. Zebrafish models further revealed relationships between MYD88 mutations and invasion of the kidneys and gonads, as well as B2M mutations and invasion of the bone marrow. Increased CXCR4 expression is linked to bone marrow invasion in an organotropic way. CONCLUSIONS Our findings thus contribute to an improved understanding of the biological behavior of multiple ENI and provide a clinical rationale for targeting ENI in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Peng‐Peng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hong‐Mei Yi
- Department of PathologyShanghai Ruijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of PathologyShanghai Ruijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Di Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jin‐Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Heng‐Ye Huang
- School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Anne Janin
- InsermHôpital Saint LouisUniversité Paris 7ParisFrance
| | - Shu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei‐Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical GenomicsNational Research Center for Translational Medicine at ShanghaiShanghai Institute of HematologyRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Laboratory of Molecular PathologyPôle de Recherches Sino‐Français en Science du Vivant et GénomiqueShanghaiChina
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