251
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Targeting the cancer epigenome: synergistic therapy with bromodomain inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:76-89. [PMID: 28943305 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic and genomic alterations regulate the transcriptional landscape of cells during cancer onset and progression. Recent clinical studies targeting the epigenetic 'readers' (bromodomains) for cancer therapy have established the effectiveness of bromodomain (BRD) and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors in treating several types of cancer. In this review, we discuss key mechanisms of BET inhibition and synergistic combinations of BET inhibitors with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), kinase, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and proteosome inhibitors, and immunomodulatory drugs for cancer therapy. We also highlight the potential of such combinations to overcome drug resistance, and the evolving approaches to developing novel BET inhibitors.
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252
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Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: clinical and preclinical advances in therapy and monitoring. Biochem J 2017; 474:3269-3306. [PMID: 28931648 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which describes the dynamic flux within the spectrum of phenotypic states that invasive carcinoma cells may reside, is being increasingly recognised for its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The myriad of events that are able to induce EMP, as well as the more recently characterised control loops, results in dynamic transitions of cancerous epithelial cells to more mesenchymal-like phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the reverse transition from mesenchymal phenotypes to an epithelial one. The significance of EMP, in its ability to drive local invasion, generate cancer stem cells and facilitate metastasis by the dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), highlights its importance as a targetable programme to combat cancer morbidity and mortality. The focus of this review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on the strategies currently in development to combat cancer progression via inhibition of specific facets of EMP. The prevalence of relapse due to therapy resistance and metastatic propensity that EMP endows should be considered when designing therapy regimes, and such therapies should synergise with existing chemotherapeutics to benefit efficacy. To further improve upon EMP-targeted therapies, it is imperative to devise monitoring strategies to assess the impact of such treatments on EMP-related phenomenon such as CTC burden, chemosensitivity/-resistance and micrometastasis in patients.
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253
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STK38L kinase ablation promotes loss of cell viability in a subset of KRAS-dependent pancreatic cancer cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 8:78556-78572. [PMID: 29108249 PMCID: PMC5667982 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are highly aggressive malignancies, associated with poor clinical prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are found in over 90% of PDACs, playing a central role in tumor progression. Global gene expression profiling of PDAC reveals 3-4 major molecular subtypes with distinct phenotypic traits and pharmacological vulnerabilities, including variations in oncogenic KRAS pathway dependencies. PDAC cell lines of the aberrantly differentiated endocrine exocrine (ADEX) subtype are robustly KRAS-dependent for survival. The KRAS gene is located on chromosome 12p11-12p12, a region amplified in 5-10% of primary PDACs. Within this amplicon, we identified co-amplification of KRAS with the STK38L gene in a subset of primary human PDACs and PDAC cell lines. Therefore, we determined whether PDAC cell lines are dependent on STK38L expression for proliferation and viability. STK38L encodes a serine/threonine kinase, which shares homology with Hippo pathway kinases LATS1/2. We show that STK38L expression is elevated in a subset of primary PDACs and PDAC cell lines displaying ADEX subtype characteristics, including overexpression of mutant KRAS. RNAi-mediated depletion of STK38L in a subset of ADEX subtype cell lines inhibits cellular proliferation and induces apoptosis. Concomitant with these effects, STK38L depletion causes increased expression of the LATS2 kinase and the cell cycle regulator p21. LATS2 depletion partially rescues the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of STK38L depletion. Lastly, high STK38L mRNA expression is associated with decreased overall patient survival in PDACs. Collectively, our findings implicate STK38L as a candidate targetable vulnerability in a subset of molecularly-defined PDACs.
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254
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Ruess DA, Görgülü K, Wörmann SM, Algül H. Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Current and Emerging Concepts. Drugs Aging 2017; 34:331-357. [PMID: 28349415 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-017-0453-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating malignancy, which is the result of late diagnosis, aggressive disease, and a lack of effective treatment options. Thus, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. This review summarizes recent developments of oncological therapy in the palliative setting of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It further compiles novel targets and therapeutic approaches as well as promising treatment combinations, which are presently in preclinical evaluation, covering several aspects of the hallmarks of cancer. Finally, challenges to the implementation of an individualized therapy approach in the context of precision medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich A Ruess
- Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Kivanc Görgülü
- Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja M Wörmann
- Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Hana Algül
- Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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255
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Evanno E, Godet J, Piccirilli N, Guilhot J, Milin S, Gombert JM, Fouchaq B, Roche J. Tri-methylation of H3K79 is decreased in TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:80. [PMID: 28804523 PMCID: PMC5549304 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0380-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables epithelial cancer cells to acquire mesenchymal features and contributes to metastasis and resistance to treatment. This process involves epigenetic reprogramming for gene expression. We explored global histone modifications during TGF-β1-induced EMT in two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and tested different epigenetic treatment to modulate or partially reverse EMT. RESULTS Loss of classical epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers were verified in A549 and H358 cell lines during TGF-β1-induced EMT. In addition, we noticed increased expression of the axonal guidance protein semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) and PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) involved in the inhibition of the immune system, suggesting that both SEMA3C and PD-L1 could be the new markers of TGF-β1-induced EMT. H3K79me3 and H2BK120me1 were decreased in A549 and H358 cell lines after a 48-h TGF-β1 treatment, as well as H2BK120ac in A549 cells. However, decreased H3K79me3 was not associated with expression of the histone methyltransferase DOT1L. Furthermore, H3K79me3 was decreased in tumors compared in normal tissues and not associated with cell proliferation. Associations of histone deacetylase inhibitor (SAHA) with DOT1L inhibitors (EPZ5676 or SGC0946) or BET bromodomain inhibitor (PFI-1) were efficient to partially reverse TGF-β1 effects by decreasing expression of PD-L1, SEMA3C, and its receptor neuropilin-2 (NRP2) and by increasing epithelial markers such as E-cadherin. CONCLUSION Histone methylation was modified during EMT, and combination of epigenetic compounds with conventional or targeted chemotherapy might contribute to reduce metastasis and to enhance clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Evanno
- Eurofins Cerep SA, Le Bois l’Evêque, F-86600 Celle L’Evescault, France
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire LNEC, F-86022 Poitiers, France
| | - Julie Godet
- CHU de Poitiers, Service d’Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, F-86021 Poitiers, France
| | | | - Joëlle Guilhot
- INSERM CIC 0802, CHU de Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Serge Milin
- CHU de Poitiers, Service d’Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, F-86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Jean Marc Gombert
- INSERM U1082, CHU de Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
- Service Immunologie, CHU de Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Benoit Fouchaq
- Eurofins Cerep SA, Le Bois l’Evêque, F-86600 Celle L’Evescault, France
| | - Joëlle Roche
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Université de Poitiers, UMR-CNRS 7267, F-86073 Poitiers, France
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256
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Targeting of super-enhancers and mutant BRAF can suppress growth of BRAF -mutant colon cancer cells via repression of MAPK signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2017; 402:100-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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257
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Shan W, Hu Z, Yuan J, Pi J, Wang Y, Fan L, Tang Z, Li C, Hu X, Tanyi JL, Fan Y, Huang Q, Montone K, Dang CV, Zhang L. Repression of BET activity sensitizes homologous recombination-proficient cancers to PARP inhibition. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:eaal1645. [PMID: 28747513 PMCID: PMC5705017 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal1645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to enhance response to poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) in primary and acquired homologous recombination (HR)-proficient tumors would be a major advance in cancer care. We used a drug synergy screen that combined a PARPi, olaparib, with 20 well-characterized epigenetic drugs and identified bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETis; JQ1, I-BET762, and OTX015) as drugs that acted synergistically with olaparib in HR-proficient cancer cells. Functional assays demonstrated that repressed BET activity reduces HR and thus enhances PARPi-induced DNA damage in cancer cells. We also found that inhibition or depletion of BET proteins impairs transcription of BRCA1 and RAD51, two genes essential for HR. Moreover, BETi treatment sensitized tumors to PARP inhibition in preclinical animal models of HR-proficient breast and ovarian cancers. Finally, we showed that the BRD4 gene was focally amplified across 20 types of common cancers. Combination with BETi could greatly expand the utility of PARP inhibition to patients with HR-proficient cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Youyou Zhang
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weiwei Shan
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zhongyi Hu
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jiao Yuan
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jingjiang Pi
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yueying Wang
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lingling Fan
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zhaoqing Tang
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janos L Tanyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Montone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chi V Dang
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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258
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Roche J, Gemmill RM, Drabkin HA. Epigenetic Regulation of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9070072. [PMID: 28672805 PMCID: PMC5532608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9070072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It is an aggressive and devastating cancer because of metastasis triggered by enhanced migration and invasion, and resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental developmental process that is reactivated in wound healing and a variety of diseases including cancer where it promotes migration/invasion and metastasis, resistance to treatment, and generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells. The induction of EMT is associated with reprogramming of the epigenome. This review focuses on major mechanisms of epigenetic regulation mainly in lung cancer with recent data on EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit ), the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 (Polycomb Group PcG), that behaves as an oncogene in lung cancer associated with gene repression, non-coding RNAs and the epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Roche
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe SEVE, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, F-86073 Poitiers, France.
| | - Robert M Gemmill
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin St., MSC 635, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Harry A Drabkin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin St., MSC 635, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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259
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Guernet A, Grumolato L. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the genome for cancer modeling. Methods 2017; 121-122:130-137. [PMID: 28288827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 revolution has democratized access to genome editing in many biological fields, including cancer research. Cancer results from the multistep accumulation of mutations that confer to the transformed cells certain biological hallmarks typical of the malignant phenotype. One of the major goals in cancer research is to characterize such mutations and assess their implication in the oncogenic process. Through CRISPR/Cas9 technology, genetic aberrations identified in a patient's tumor can now be easily recreated in experimental models, which can then be used for basic research or for more translational applications. Here we review the different CRISPR/Cas9 strategies that have been implemented to recapitulate oncogenic mutations in both in vitro and in vivo systems, including novel strategies to model tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
- CRISPR-Associated Protein 9
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- DNA End-Joining Repair
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endonucleases/genetics
- Endonucleases/metabolism
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genome
- Humans
- Intestinal Neoplasms/genetics
- Intestinal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Intestinal Neoplasms/pathology
- Models, Genetic
- Mutation
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
- Recombinational DNA Repair
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Guernet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, Rouen, France; Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France
| | - Luca Grumolato
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, Rouen, France; Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Rouen, France.
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260
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Adeegbe DO, Liu Y, Lizotte PH, Kamihara Y, Aref AR, Almonte C, Dries R, Li Y, Liu S, Wang X, Warner-Hatten T, Castrillon J, Yuan GC, Poudel-Neupane N, Zhang H, Guerriero JL, Han S, Awad MM, Barbie DA, Ritz J, Jones SS, Hammerman PS, Bradner J, Quayle SN, Wong KK. Synergistic Immunostimulatory Effects and Therapeutic Benefit of Combined Histone Deacetylase and Bromodomain Inhibition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2017; 7:852-867. [PMID: 28408401 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-16-1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Effective therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain challenging despite an increasingly comprehensive understanding of somatically altered oncogenic pathways. It is now clear that therapeutic agents with potential to impact the tumor immune microenvironment potentiate immune-orchestrated therapeutic benefit. Herein, we evaluated the immunoregulatory properties of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and bromodomain inhibitors, two classes of drugs that modulate the epigenome, with a focus on key cell subsets that are engaged in an immune response. By evaluating human peripheral blood and NSCLC tumors, we show that the selective HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat promotes phenotypic changes that support enhanced T-cell activation and improved function of antigen-presenting cells. The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 attenuated CD4+FOXP3+ T regulatory cell suppressive function and synergized with ricolinostat to facilitate immune-mediated tumor growth arrest, leading to prolonged survival of mice with lung adenocarcinomas. Collectively, our findings highlight the immunomodulatory effects of two epigenetic modifiers that, together, promote T cell-mediated antitumor immunity and demonstrate their therapeutic potential for treatment of NSCLC.Significance: Selective inhibition of HDACs and bromodomain proteins modulates tumor-associated immune cells in a manner that favors improved T-cell function and reduced inhibitory cellular mechanisms. These effects facilitated robust antitumor responses in tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of combining these epigenetic modulators for the treatment of NSCLC. Cancer Discov; 7(8); 852-67. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 783.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Adeegbe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrick H Lizotte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yusuke Kamihara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amir R Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christina Almonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yuyang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shengwu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jessica Castrillon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Haikuo Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shiwei Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark M Awad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Simon S Jones
- Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter S Hammerman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York.
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261
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Chira S, Gulei D, Hajitou A, Zimta AA, Cordelier P, Berindan-Neagoe I. CRISPR/Cas9: Transcending the Reality of Genome Editing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624197 PMCID: PMC5415201 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With the expansion of the microbiology field of research, a new genome editing tool arises from the biology of bacteria that holds the promise of achieving precise modifications in the genome with a simplicity and versatility that surpasses previous genome editing methods. This new technique, commonly named CRISPR/Cas9, led to a rapid expansion of the biomedical field; more specifically, cancer characterization and modeling have benefitted greatly from the genome editing capabilities of CRISPR/Cas9. In this paper, we briefly summarize recent improvements in CRISPR/Cas9 design meant to overcome the limitations that have arisen from the nuclease activity of Cas9 and the influence of this technology in cancer research. In addition, we present challenges that might impede the clinical applicability of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer therapy and highlight future directions for designing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems that might prove useful for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine, and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400377, Romania.
| | - Diana Gulei
- MedFuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400377, Romania
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alina-Andreea Zimta
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine, and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400377, Romania
| | - Pierre Cordelier
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénéées, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, 31100 Toulouse, France.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine, and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400377, Romania; MedFuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400377, Romania; Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta," Cluj-Napoca, Cluj 400015, Romania
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262
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Evan GI, Hah N, Littlewood TD, Sodir NM, Campos T, Downes M, Evans RM. Re-engineering the Pancreas Tumor Microenvironment: A "Regenerative Program" Hacked. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:1647-1655. [PMID: 28373363 PMCID: PMC5381729 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-3275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The "hallmarks" of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) include proliferative, invasive, and metastatic tumor cells and an associated dense desmoplasia comprised of fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immune cells. The oncogenically activated pancreatic epithelium and its associated stroma are obligatorily interdependent, with the resulting inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment contributing greatly to the evolution and maintenance of PDAC. The peculiar pancreas-specific tumor phenotype is a consequence of oncogenes hacking the resident pancreas regenerative program, a tissue-specific repair mechanism regulated by discrete super enhancer networks. Defined as genomic regions containing clusters of multiple enhancers, super enhancers play pivotal roles in cell/tissue specification, identity, and maintenance. Hence, interfering with such super enhancer-driven repair networks should exert a disproportionately disruptive effect on tumor versus normal pancreatic tissue. Novel drugs that directly or indirectly inhibit processes regulating epigenetic status and integrity, including those driven by histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferase and hydroxylases, DNA methyltransferases, various metabolic enzymes, and bromodomain and extraterminal motif proteins, have shown the feasibility of disrupting super enhancer-dependent transcription in treating multiple tumor types, including PDAC. The idea that pancreatic adenocarcinomas rely on embedded super enhancer transcriptional mechanisms suggests a vulnerability that can be potentially targeted as novel therapies for this intractable disease. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1647-55. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Pancreatic Cancer: Challenge and Inspiration."
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard I Evan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Nasun Hah
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Trevor D Littlewood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole M Sodir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tania Campos
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Downes
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
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263
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Therapeutic targeting of polycomb and BET bromodomain proteins in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Nat Med 2017; 23:493-500. [PMID: 28263307 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive pediatric brainstem tumor characterized by rapid and uniform patient demise. A heterozygous point mutation of histone H3 occurs in more than 80% of these tumors and results in a lysine-to-methionine substitution (H3K27M). Expression of this histone mutant is accompanied by a reduction in the levels of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), and this is hypothesized to be a driving event of DIPG oncogenesis. Despite a major loss of H3K27me3, PRC2 activity is still detected in DIPG cells positive for H3K27M. To investigate the functional roles of H3K27M and PRC2 in DIPG pathogenesis, we profiled the epigenome of H3K27M-mutant DIPG cells and found that H3K27M associates with increased H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac). In accordance with previous biochemical data, the majority of the heterotypic H3K27M-K27ac nucleosomes colocalize with bromodomain proteins at the loci of actively transcribed genes, whereas PRC2 is excluded from these regions; this suggests that H3K27M does not sequester PRC2 on chromatin. Residual PRC2 activity is required to maintain DIPG proliferative potential, by repressing neuronal differentiation and function. Finally, to examine the therapeutic potential of blocking the recruitment of bromodomain proteins by heterotypic H3K27M-K27ac nucleosomes in DIPG cells, we performed treatments in vivo with BET bromodomain inhibitors and demonstrate that they efficiently inhibit tumor progression, thus identifying this class of compounds as potential therapeutics in DIPG.
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264
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Leal AS, Williams CR, Royce DB, Pioli PA, Sporn MB, Liby KT. Bromodomain inhibitors, JQ1 and I-BET 762, as potential therapies for pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2017; 394:76-87. [PMID: 28254412 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain inhibitors (JQ1 and I-BET 762) are a new generation of selective, small molecule inhibitors that target BET (bromodomain and extra terminal) proteins. By impairing their ability to bind to acetylated lysines on histones, bromodomain inhibitors interfere with transcriptional initiation and elongation. BET proteins regulate several genes responsible for cell cycle, apoptosis and inflammation. In this study, JQ1 and I-BET 762 decreased c-Myc and p-Erk 1/2 protein levels and inhibited proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment is known to play an important role in pancreatic cancer, and these drugs suppressed the production of nitric oxide and a variety of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, CCL2, and GM-CSF, in both immune and pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Notably, the bromodomain inhibitors also reduced protein levels of p-Erk 1/2 and p-STAT3 in mouse models of pancreatic cancer. All of these proteins are essential for tumor promotion, progression and metastasis. In conclusion, the bromodomain inhibitors JQ1 and I-BET 762 targeted and suppressed multiple pathways in pancreatic cancer. I-BET 762 and a number of other bromodomain inhibitors are currently being tested in several clinical trials, making them potentially promising drugs for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, an often-fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Leal
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology, Hanover, NH, USA; Michigan State University, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Charlotte R Williams
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Darlene B Royce
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Patricia A Pioli
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael B Sporn
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Karen T Liby
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Pharmacology, Hanover, NH, USA; Michigan State University, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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265
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Vallejo A, Perurena N, Guruceaga E, Mazur PK, Martinez-Canarias S, Zandueta C, Valencia K, Arricibita A, Gwinn D, Sayles LC, Chuang CH, Guembe L, Bailey P, Chang DK, Biankin A, Ponz-Sarvise M, Andersen JB, Khatri P, Bozec A, Sweet-Cordero EA, Sage J, Lecanda F, Vicent S. An integrative approach unveils FOSL1 as an oncogene vulnerability in KRAS-driven lung and pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14294. [PMID: 28220783 PMCID: PMC5321758 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutated tumours represent a large fraction of human cancers, but the vast majority remains refractory to current clinical therapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms triggered by KRAS oncogene may yield alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we report the identification of a common transcriptional signature across mutant KRAS cancers of distinct tissue origin that includes the transcription factor FOSL1. High FOSL1 expression identifies mutant KRAS lung and pancreatic cancer patients with the worst survival outcome. Furthermore, FOSL1 genetic inhibition is detrimental to both KRAS-driven tumour types. Mechanistically, FOSL1 links the KRAS oncogene to components of the mitotic machinery, a pathway previously postulated to function orthogonally to oncogenic KRAS. FOSL1 targets include AURKA, whose inhibition impairs viability of mutant KRAS cells. Lastly, combination of AURKA and MEK inhibitors induces a deleterious effect on mutant KRAS cells. Our findings unveil KRAS downstream effectors that provide opportunities to treat KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Vallejo
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Naiara Perurena
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Elisabet Guruceaga
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Proteomics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Pawel K. Mazur
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Susana Martinez-Canarias
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Carolina Zandueta
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Andrea Arricibita
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Dana Gwinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Leanne C. Sayles
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Chen-Hua Chuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Laura Guembe
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Morphology Unit, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Peter Bailey
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - David K. Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Eldridge Road, Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales 2200, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Andrew Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Eldridge Road, Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales 2200, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Department of Medical Oncology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Jesper B. Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Stanford Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Julien Sage
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Histology and Pathology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Silve Vicent
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Histology and Pathology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
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Kumar K, DeCant BT, Grippo PJ, Hwang RF, Bentrem DJ, Ebine K, Munshi HG. BET inhibitors block pancreatic stellate cell collagen I production and attenuate fibrosis in vivo. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e88032. [PMID: 28194432 PMCID: PMC5291732 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic reaction, which can account for over 70%-80% of the tumor mass, is a characteristic feature of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors. It is associated with activation and proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are key regulators of collagen I production and fibrosis in vivo. In this report, we show that members of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are expressed in primary PSCs isolated from human PDAC tumors, with BRD4 positively regulating, and BRD2 and BRD3 negatively regulating, collagen I expression in primary cancer-associated PSCs. We show that the inhibitory effect of pan-BET inhibitors on collagen I expression in primary cancer-associated PSCs is through blocking of BRD4 function. Importantly, we show that FOSL1 is repressed by BRD4 in primary cancer-associated PSCs and negatively regulates collagen I expression. While BET inhibitors do not affect viability or induce PSC apoptosis or senescence, BET inhibitors induce primary cancer-associated PSCs to become quiescent. Finally, we show that BET inhibitors attenuate stellate cell activation, fibrosis, and collagen I production in the EL-KrasG12D transgenic mouse model of pancreatic tumorigenesis. Our results demonstrate that BET inhibitors regulate fibrosis by modulating the activation and function of cancer-associated PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian T. DeCant
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul J. Grippo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rosa F. Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David J. Bentrem
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kazumi Ebine
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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267
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Application of CRISPR-mediated genome engineering in cancer research. Cancer Lett 2017; 387:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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268
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Abstract
A fibroinflammatory stromal reaction cooperates with oncogenic signaling to influence pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) initiation, progression, and therapeutic outcome, yet the mechanistic underpinning of this crosstalk remains poorly understood. Here we show that stromal cues elicit an adaptive response in the cancer cell including the rapid mobilization of a transcriptional network implicated in accelerated growth, along with anabolic changes of an altered metabolome. The close overlap of stroma-induced changes in vitro with those previously shown to be regulated by oncogenic Kras in vivo suggests that oncogenic Kras signaling-a hallmark and key driver of PDAC-is contingent on stromal inputs. Mechanistically, stroma-activated cancer cells show widespread increases in histone acetylation at transcriptionally enhanced genes, implicating the PDAC epigenome as a presumptive point of convergence between these pathways and a potential therapeutic target. Notably, inhibition of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of epigenetic readers, and of Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) in particular, blocks stroma-inducible transcriptional regulation in vitro and tumor progression in vivo. Our work suggests the existence of a molecular "AND-gate" such that tumor activation is the consequence of mutant Kras and stromal cues, providing insight into the role of the tumor microenvironment in the origin and treatment of Ras-driven tumors.
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269
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Chakravarthi BVSK, Goswami MT, Pathi SS, Dodson M, Chandrashekar DS, Agarwal S, Nepal S, Hodigere Balasubramanya SA, Siddiqui J, Lonigro RJ, Chinnaiyan AM, Kunju LP, Palanisamy N, Varambally S. Expression and Role of PAICS, a De Novo Purine Biosynthetic Gene in Prostate Cancer. Prostate 2017; 77:10-21. [PMID: 27550065 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our goal was to investigate de novo purine biosynthetic gene PAICS expression and evaluate its role in prostate cancer progression. METHODS Next-generation sequencing, qRTPCR and immunoblot analysis revealed an elevated expression of a de novo purine biosynthetic gene, Phosphoribosylaminoimidazole Carboxylase, Phosphoribosylaminoimidazole Succinocarboxamide Synthetase (PAICS) in a progressive manner in prostate cancer. Functional analyses were performed using prostate cancer cell lines- DU145, PC3, LnCaP, and VCaP. The oncogenic properties of PAICS were studied both by transient and stable knockdown strategies, in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and murine xenograft models. Effect of BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 on the expression level of PAICS was also studied. RESULTS Molecular staging of prostate cancer is important factor in effective diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. In this study, we identified a de novo purine biosynthetic gene; PAICS is overexpressed in PCa and its expression correlated with disease aggressiveness. Through several in vitro and in vivo functional studies, we show that PAICS is necessary for proliferation and invasion in prostate cancer cells. We identified JQ1, a BET bromodomain inhibitor previously implicated in regulating MYC expression and demonstrated role in prostate cancer, abrogates PAICS expression in several prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, we observe loss of MYC occupancy on PAICS promoter in presence of JQ1. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report that evaluation of PAICS in prostate cancer progression and its role in prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion and suggest it as a valid therapeutic target. We suggest JQ1, a BET-domain inhibitor, as possible therapeutic option in targeting PAICS in prostate cancer. Prostate 77:10-21, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balabhadrapatruni V S K Chakravarthi
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Moloy T Goswami
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Satya S Pathi
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Matthew Dodson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Sumit Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Saroj Nepal
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Javed Siddiqui
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert J Lonigro
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lakshmi P Kunju
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nallasivam Palanisamy
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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270
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Hessmann E, Johnsen SA, Siveke JT, Ellenrieder V. Epigenetic treatment of pancreatic cancer: is there a therapeutic perspective on the horizon? Gut 2017; 66:168-179. [PMID: 27811314 PMCID: PMC5256386 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes one of the most aggressive malignancies with a 5-year survival rate of <7%. Due to growing incidence, late diagnosis and insufficient treatment options, PDAC is predicted to soon become one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Although intensified cytostatic combinations, particularly gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel and the folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) protocol, provide some improvement in efficacy and survival compared with gemcitabine alone, a breakthrough in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer remains out of sight. Nevertheless, recent translational research activities propose that either modulation of the immune response or pharmacological targeting of epigenetic modifications alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, might open highly powerful therapeutic avenues in GI cancer entities, including pancreatic cancer. Deregulation of key epigenetic factors and chromatin-modifying proteins, particularly those responsible for the addition, removal or recognition of post-translational histone modifications, are frequently found in human pancreatic cancer and hence constitute particularly exciting treatment opportunities. This review summarises both current clinical trial activities and discovery programmes initiated throughout the biopharma landscape, and critically discusses the chances, hurdles and limitations of epigenetic-based therapy in future PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany,West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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271
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Haynes WA, Vallania F, Liu C, Bongen E, Tomczak A, Andres-Terrè M, Lofgren S, Tam A, Deisseroth CA, Li MD, Sweeney TE, Khatri P. EMPOWERING MULTI-COHORT GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS TO INCREASE REPRODUCIBILITY. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING 2017; 22:144-153. [PMID: 27896970 PMCID: PMC5167529 DOI: 10.1142/9789813207813_0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A major contributor to the scientific reproducibility crisis has been that the results from homogeneous, single-center studies do not generalize to heterogeneous, real world populations. Multi-cohort gene expression analysis has helped to increase reproducibility by aggregating data from diverse populations into a single analysis. To make the multi-cohort analysis process more feasible, we have assembled an analysis pipeline which implements rigorously studied meta-analysis best practices. We have compiled and made publicly available the results of our own multi-cohort gene expression analysis of 103 diseases, spanning 615 studies and 36,915 samples, through a novel and interactive web application. As a result, we have made both the process of and the results from multi-cohort gene expression analysis more approachable for non-technical users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston A Haynes
- Stanford Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University, USA2Biomedical Informatics Training Program, Stanford University, USA3Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, USA
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272
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Beglyarova N, Banina E, Zhou Y, Mukhamadeeva R, Andrianov G, Bobrov E, Lysenko E, Skobeleva N, Gabitova L, Restifo D, Pressman M, Serebriiskii IG, Hoffman JP, Paz K, Behrens D, Khazak V, Jablonski SA, Golemis EA, Weiner LM, Astsaturov I. Screening of Conditionally Reprogrammed Patient-Derived Carcinoma Cells Identifies ERCC3-MYC Interactions as a Target in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:6153-6163. [PMID: 27384421 PMCID: PMC5161635 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Even when diagnosed prior to metastasis, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating malignancy with almost 90% lethality, emphasizing the need for new therapies optimally targeting the tumors of individual patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We first developed a panel of new physiologic models for study of PDAC, expanding surgical PDAC tumor samples in culture using short-term culture and conditional reprogramming with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632, and creating matched patient-derived xenografts (PDX). These were evaluated for sensitivity to a large panel of clinical agents, and promising leads further evaluated mechanistically. RESULTS Only a small minority of tested agents was cytotoxic in minimally passaged PDAC cultures in vitro Drugs interfering with protein turnover and transcription were among most cytotoxic. Among transcriptional repressors, triptolide, a covalent inhibitor of ERCC3, was most consistently effective in vitro and in vivo causing prolonged complete regression in multiple PDX models resistant to standard PDAC therapies. Importantly, triptolide showed superior activity in MYC-amplified PDX models and elicited rapid and profound depletion of the oncoprotein MYC, a transcriptional regulator. Expression of ERCC3 and MYC was interdependent in PDACs, and acquired resistance to triptolide depended on elevated ERCC3 and MYC expression. The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis indicates ERCC3 expression predicts poor prognosis, particularly in CDKN2A-null, highly proliferative tumors. CONCLUSIONS This provides initial preclinical evidence for an essential role of MYC-ERCC3 interactions in PDAC, and suggests a new mechanistic approach for disruption of critical survival signaling in MYC-dependent cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6153-63. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Beglyarova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugenia Banina
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Grigorii Andrianov
- Department of Biochemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Egor Bobrov
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elena Lysenko
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Natalya Skobeleva
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Linara Gabitova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana Restifo
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Max Pressman
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ilya G Serebriiskii
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John P Hoffman
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keren Paz
- Champions Oncology, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sandra A Jablonski
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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273
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Demir IE, Ceyhan GO, Friess H. Epigenomic therapies: the potential of targeting SIRT6 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 21:1-3. [PMID: 27885875 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1265507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ihsan Ekin Demir
- a Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
| | - Güralp O Ceyhan
- a Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- a Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
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274
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Abstract
Aberrations in the epigenetic landscape are a hallmark of cancer. Alterations in enzymes that are “writers,” “erasers,” or “readers” of histone modification marks are common. Bromodomains are “readers” that bind acetylated lysines in histone tails. Their most important function is the regulation of gene transcription by the recruitment of different molecular partners. Moreover, proteins containing bromodomains are also epigenetic regulators, although little is known about the specific function of these domains. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing small molecules that can target specific bromodomains. First, this has helped clarify biological functions of bromodomain-containing proteins. Secondly, it opens a new front for combatting cancer. In this review we will describe the structures and mechanisms associated with Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) inhibitors and non-BET inhibitors, their current status of development, and their promising role as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Pérez-Salvia
- a Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- a Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC) , Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain.,b Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain.,c Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) , Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain
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275
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Ma Y, Wu Q, Li X, Gu X, Xu J, Yang J. Pancreatic cancer: from bench to bedside. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:458. [PMID: 28090514 PMCID: PMC5220038 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.11.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is recognized as the king of carcinoma, and the gap between basic research and clinical practice is difficult to improve the treatment effect. Translational medicine builds an important bridge between pancreatic cancer basic research and clinical practice from the pathogenesis, early diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, drug screening, treatment strategies and metastasis prediction. This article will carry on the concrete elaboration to the above several aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaokai Ma
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Gu
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiahua Xu
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinzu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
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276
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Huang M, Geng M. Exploiting histone deacetylases for cancer therapy: from hematological malignancies to solid tumors. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 60:94-97. [PMID: 27888384 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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277
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Myrianthopoulos V, Gaboriaud-Kolar N, Tallant C, Hall ML, Grigoriou S, Brownlee P, Fedorov O, Rogers C, Heidenreich D, Wanior M, Drosos N, Mexia N, Savitsky P, Bagratuni T, Kastritis E, Terpos E, Filippakopoulos P, Müller S, Skaltsounis AL, Downs J, Knapp S, Mikros E. Discovery and Optimization of a Selective Ligand for the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermenting-Related Bromodomains of Polybromo Protein-1 by the Use of Virtual Screening and Hydration Analysis. J Med Chem 2016; 59:8787-8803. [PMID: 27617704 PMCID: PMC5301280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomains (BRDs) are epigenetic interaction domains currently recognized as emerging drug targets for development of anticancer or anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, development of a selective ligand of the fifth BRD of polybromo protein-1 (PB1(5)) related to switch/sucrose nonfermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes is presented. A compound collection was evaluated by consensus virtual screening and a hit was identified. The biophysical study of protein-ligand interactions was performed using X-ray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry. Collective data supported the hypothesis that affinity improvement could be achieved by enhancing interactions of the complex with the solvent. The derived SAR along with free energy calculations and a consensus hydration analysis using WaterMap and SZmap algorithms guided rational design of a set of novel analogues. The most potent analogue demonstrated high affinity of 3.3 μM and an excellent selectivity profile, thus comprising a promising lead for the development of chemical probes targeting PB1(5).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Gaboriaud-Kolar
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Cynthia Tallant
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Michelle-Lynn Hall
- Schrödinger
Inc., 222 Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Stylianos Grigoriou
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Peter
Moore Brownlee
- Genome
Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RQ, U.K.
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Catherine Rogers
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - David Heidenreich
- Institute
for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Wanior
- Institute
for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Drosos
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikitia Mexia
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Pavel Savitsky
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Tina Bagratuni
- Department
of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department
of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department
of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Susanne Müller
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
- Institute
for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Jessica
Ann Downs
- Genome
Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RQ, U.K.
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
- Institute
for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
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278
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de Lera AR, Ganesan A. Epigenetic polypharmacology: from combination therapy to multitargeted drugs. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:105. [PMID: 27752293 PMCID: PMC5062873 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern drug discovery process has largely focused its attention in the so-called magic bullets, single chemical entities that exhibit high selectivity and potency for a particular target. This approach was based on the assumption that the deregulation of a protein was causally linked to a disease state, and the pharmacological intervention through inhibition of the deregulated target was able to restore normal cell function. However, the use of cocktails or multicomponent drugs to address several targets simultaneously is also popular to treat multifactorial diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. We review the state of the art with such combinations that have an epigenetic target as one of their mechanisms of action. Epigenetic drug discovery is a rapidly advancing field, and drugs targeting epigenetic enzymes are in the clinic for the treatment of hematological cancers. Approved and experimental epigenetic drugs are undergoing clinical trials in combination with other therapeutic agents via fused or linked pharmacophores in order to benefit from synergistic effects of polypharmacology. In addition, ligands are being discovered which, as single chemical entities, are able to modulate multiple epigenetic targets simultaneously (multitarget epigenetic drugs). These multiple ligands should in principle have a lower risk of drug-drug interactions and drug resistance compared to cocktails or multicomponent drugs. This new generation may rival the so-called magic bullets in the treatment of diseases that arise as a consequence of the deregulation of multiple signaling pathways provided the challenge of optimization of the activities shown by the pharmacophores with the different targets is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel R de Lera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Química, Universidade de Vigo, CINBIO and IIS Galicia Sur, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - A Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
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279
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HDAC1 and HDAC2 integrate the expression of p53 mutants in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2016; 36:1804-1815. [PMID: 27721407 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mutation of p53 is a frequent genetic lesion in pancreatic cancer being an unmet clinical challenge. Mutants of p53 have lost the tumour-suppressive functions of wild type p53. In addition, p53 mutants exert tumour-promoting functions, qualifying them as important therapeutic targets. Here, we show that the class I histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2 contribute to maintain the expression of p53 mutants in human and genetically defined murine pancreatic cancer cells. Our data reveal that the inhibition of these HDACs with small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), as well as the specific genetic elimination of HDAC1 and HDAC2, reduce the expression of mutant p53 mRNA and protein levels. We further show that HDAC1, HDAC2 and MYC directly bind to the TP53 gene and that MYC recruitment drops upon HDAC inhibitor treatment. Therefore, our results illustrate a previously unrecognized class I HDAC-dependent control of the TP53 gene and provide evidence for a contribution of MYC. A combined approach targeting HDAC1/HDAC2 and MYC may present a novel and molecularly defined strategy to target mutant p53 in pancreatic cancer.
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280
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Zeng H, Qu J, Jin N, Xu J, Lin C, Chen Y, Yang X, He X, Tang S, Lan X, Yang X, Chen Z, Huang M, Ding J, Geng M. Feedback Activation of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor Limits Response to Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer. Cancer Cell 2016; 30:459-473. [PMID: 27622335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have demonstrated clinical benefits in subtypes of hematological malignancies. However, the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in solid tumors remains uncertain. This study takes breast cancer as a model to understand mechanisms accounting for limited response of HDAC inhibitors in solid tumors and to seek combination solutions. We discover that feedback activation of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) signaling in breast cancer limits the response to HDAC inhibition. Mechanistically, HDAC inhibition increases histone acetylation at the LIFR gene promoter, which recruits bromodomain protein BRD4, upregulates LIFR expression, and activates JAK1-STAT3 signaling. Importantly, JAK1 or BRD4 inhibition sensitizes breast cancer to HDAC inhibitors, implicating combination inhibition of HDAC with JAK1 or BRD4 as potential therapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Zeng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia Qu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nan Jin
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenchu Lin
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinying Yang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiang He
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuai Tang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaojing Lan
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Huang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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281
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Klingbeil O, Lesche R, Gelato KA, Haendler B, Lejeune P. Inhibition of BET bromodomain-dependent XIAP and FLIP expression sensitizes KRAS-mutated NSCLC to pro-apoptotic agents. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2365. [PMID: 27607580 PMCID: PMC5059870 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest incidence of cancer-related death worldwide and a high medical need for more effective therapies. Small-molecule inhibitors of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) family such as JQ1, I-BET762 and OTX-015 are active in a wide range of different cancer types, including lung cancer. Although their activity on oncogene expression such as c-Myc has been addressed in many studies, the effects of BET inhibition on the apoptotic pathway remain largely unknown. Here we evaluated the activity of BET bromodomain inhibitors on cell cycle distribution and on components of the apoptosis response. Using a panel of 12 KRAS-mutated NSCLC models, we found that cell lines responsive to BET inhibitors underwent apoptosis and reduced their S-phase population, concomitant with downregulation of c-Myc expression. Conversely, ectopic c-Myc overexpression rescued the anti-proliferative effect of JQ1. In the H1373 xenograft model, treatment with JQ1 significantly reduced tumor growth and downregulated the expression of c-Myc. The effects of BET inhibition on the expression of 370 genes involved in apoptosis were compared in sensitive and resistant cells and we found the expression of the two key apoptosis regulators FLIP and XIAP to be highly BET dependent. Consistent with this, combination treatment of JQ1 with the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or the pro-apoptotic chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin enhanced induction of apoptosis in both BET inhibitor sensitive and resistant cells. Further we showed that combination of JQ1 with cisplatin led to significantly improved anti-tumor efficacy in A549 tumor-bearing mice. Altogether, these results show that the identification of BET-dependent genes provides guidance for the choice of drug combinations in cancer treatment. They also demonstrate that BET inhibition primes NSCLC cells for induction of apoptosis and that a combination with pro-apoptotic compounds represents a valuable strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Klingbeil
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany.,Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Lesche
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
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282
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review intends to describe recent studies on the development of pancreatic cancer from a genetic, molecular, and microenvironment perspective. RECENT FINDINGS Pancreatic cancer has been discovered to have distinct molecular subtypes based on transcriptome analyses that may have implications for treatment. Recent studies are also mapping the complex molecular biology of this cancer as it relates to the core signaling abnormalities inherent to this disease. There have been discoveries of novel modes of regulation of pancreatic cancer development, including alterations in key transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and metabolic pathways. Studies of the tumor-associated microenvironment continue to reveal its complex role in tumor development. SUMMARY Pancreatic cancer development appears to depend on a multifaceted network of signals that are dynamic, involve multiple cell types, and are linked to spatiotemporal factors in tumor evolution. Understanding the development of pancreatic cancer in this context is key to identifying novel and effective targets for treatment.
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283
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Sahai V, Redig AJ, Collier KA, Eckerdt FD, Munshi HG. Targeting BET bromodomain proteins in solid tumors. Oncotarget 2016; 7:53997-54009. [PMID: 27283767 PMCID: PMC5288238 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in inhibitors targeting BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) proteins because of the association between this family of proteins and cancer progression. BET inhibitors were initially shown to have efficacy in hematologic malignancies; however, a number of studies have now shown that BET inhibitors can also block progression of non-hematologic malignancies. In this Review, we summarize the efficacy of BET inhibitors in select solid tumors; evaluate the role of BET proteins in mediating resistance to current targeted therapies; and consider potential toxicities of BET inhibitors. We also evaluate recently characterized mechanisms of resistance to BET inhibitors; summarize ongoing clinical trials with these inhibitors; and discuss potential future roles of BET inhibitors in patients with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Sahai
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amanda J. Redig
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katharine A. Collier
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frank D. Eckerdt
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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284
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Zhang C, Su ZY, Wang L, Shu L, Yang Y, Guo Y, Pung D, Bountra C, Kong AN. Epigenetic blockade of neoplastic transformation by bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain protein inhibitor JQ-1. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 117:35-45. [PMID: 27520485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neoplastic transformation of cells and inflammation are processes that contribute to tumor initiation. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested that epigenetic alterations are also implicated in the early stages of carcinogenesis. Therefore, potent small molecules targeting epigenetic regulators have been developed as novel cancer therapeutic and preventive strategies. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that play key roles at the interface between chromatin modification and transcriptional regulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ-1 on malignant transformation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. Treatment with JQ-1 effectively impaired TPA-induced colony formation in vitro. At the molecular level, the expression of several key TPA-induced pro-survival and pro-proliferative genes (Bcl2, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc) decreased rapidly after BET inhibition. In addition, JQ-1 treatment attenuated the activation of inflammatory NF-κB signaling triggered by TPA. Luciferase reporter assays using plasmids carrying different elements from the COX2 or IL6 promoters demonstrated that JQ-1 does not directly inhibit interactions between NF-κB and its binding sequence; rather, it affects CRE-element-associated transcriptional enhancement. Through siRNA gene silencing, we found that JQ-1 inhibits the p300-dependent transcriptional activation of COX2, which correlates with the results of the luciferase assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that TPA elevated H3K27Ac enrichment in the COX2 promoter region, which is mediated by p300, and Brd4. JQ-1 treatment did not change H3K27Ac levels but decreased the recruitment of Brd4 and RNA Polymerase II. Collectively, our study reveals that the BET inhibitor JQ-1 exerts potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the core transcriptional program of neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyue Zhang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Zheng-Yuan Su
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, China
| | - Limin Shu
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Yue Guo
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Douglas Pung
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Chas Bountra
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA.
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285
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Berger NA. Actionable Intelligence Provided by Pancreatic Cancer Genomic Landscape: Are Targets for Curative Therapy On The Map? Transl Cancer Res 2016; 5:S243-S247. [PMID: 27656419 PMCID: PMC5028114 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2016.08.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Berger
- Departments Medicine, Biochemistry and Genomic Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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286
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Wirth M, Mahboobi S, Krämer OH, Schneider G. Concepts to Target MYC in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1792-8. [PMID: 27406986 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Current data suggest that MYC is an important signaling hub and driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a tumor entity with a strikingly poor prognosis. No targeted therapies with a meaningful clinical impact were successfully developed against PDAC so far. This points to the need to establish novel concepts targeting the relevant drivers of PDAC, like KRAS or MYC. Here, we discuss recent developments of direct or indirect MYC inhibitors and their potential mode of action in PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1792-8. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wirth
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.
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287
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The activation of inflammatory response is dependent upon genetic factors and epigenetic control mechanisms. This overview will highlight recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic dynamics during cellular inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS There is a growing body of evidence indicating that alterations of the chromatin state associate with an increased risk of chronic disease development and inflammation. Epigenetic alterations respond rapidly to environmental changes and have a profound effect on gene regulatory cross-wirings and transcriptional regulation. SUMMARY Systematic dissection of the mechanisms underlying epigenetic effects during inflammatory response is a critical step toward elucidation of the cell's molecular processes and holds potential for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
- Institute for System Genomics and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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288
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Abdelfatah E, Kerner Z, Nanda N, Ahuja N. Epigenetic therapy in gastrointestinal cancer: the right combination. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2016; 9:560-79. [PMID: 27366224 PMCID: PMC4913338 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x16644247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a relatively recent field of molecular biology that has arisen over the past 25 years. Cancer is now understood to be a disease of widespread epigenetic dysregulation that interacts extensively with underlying genetic mutations. The development of drugs targeting these processes has rapidly progressed; with several drugs already FDA approved as first-line therapy in hematological malignancies. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers possess high degrees of epigenetic dysregulation, exemplified by subtypes such as CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and the potential benefit of epigenetic therapy in these cancers is evident. The application of epigenetic drugs in solid tumors, including GI cancers, is just emerging, with increased understanding of the cancer epigenome. In this review, we provide a brief overview of cancer epigenetics and the epigenetic targets of therapy including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. We discuss the epigenetic drugs currently in use, with a focus on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and explain the pharmacokinetic and mechanistic challenges in their application. We present the strategies employed in incorporating these drugs into the treatment of GI cancers, and explain the concept of the cancer stem cell in epigenetic reprogramming and reversal of chemo resistance. We discuss the most promising combination strategies in GI cancers including: (1) epigenetic sensitization to radiotherapy, (2) epigenetic sensitization to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and (3) epigenetic immune modulation and priming for immune therapy. Finally, we present preclinical and clinical trial data employing these strategies thus far in various GI cancers including colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eihab Abdelfatah
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zachary Kerner
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nainika Nanda
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nita Ahuja
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St. Room 342, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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289
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Dey J, Kerwin WS, Grenley MO, Casalini JR, Tretyak I, Ditzler SH, Thirstrup DJ, Frazier JP, Pierce DW, Carleton M, Klinghoffer RA. A Platform for Rapid, Quantitative Assessment of Multiple Drug Combinations Simultaneously in Solid Tumors In Vivo. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158617. [PMID: 27359113 PMCID: PMC4928803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While advances in high-throughput screening have resulted in increased ability to identify synergistic anti-cancer drug combinations, validation of drug synergy in the in vivo setting and prioritization of combinations for clinical development remain low-throughput and resource intensive. Furthermore, there is currently no viable method for prospectively assessing drug synergy directly in human patients in order to potentially tailor therapies. To address these issues we have employed the previously described CIVO platform and developed a quantitative approach for investigating multiple combination hypotheses simultaneously in single living tumors. This platform provides a rapid, quantitative and cost effective approach to compare and prioritize drug combinations based on evidence of synergistic tumor cell killing in the live tumor context. Using a gemcitabine resistant model of pancreatic cancer, we efficiently investigated nine rationally selected Abraxane-based combinations employing only 19 xenografted mice. Among the drugs tested, the BCL2/BCLxL inhibitor ABT-263 was identified as the one agent that synergized with Abraxane® to enhance acute induction of localized apoptosis in this model of human pancreatic cancer. Importantly, results obtained with CIVO accurately predicted the outcome of systemic dosing studies in the same model where superior tumor regression induced by the Abraxane/ABT-263 combination was observed compared to that induced by either single agent. This supports expanded use of CIVO as an in vivo platform for expedited in vivo drug combination validation and sets the stage for performing toxicity-sparing drug combination studies directly in cancer patients with solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyoti Dey
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William S Kerwin
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Marc O Grenley
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joseph R Casalini
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ilona Tretyak
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sally H Ditzler
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Derek J Thirstrup
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jason P Frazier
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daniel W Pierce
- Celgene Corporation, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Carleton
- Presage Biosciences, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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290
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Lomberk GA, Iovanna J, Urrutia R. The promise of epigenomic therapeutics in pancreatic cancer. Epigenomics 2016; 8:831-42. [PMID: 27337224 PMCID: PMC5066125 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2015-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often viewed to arise primarily by genetic alterations. However, today we know that many aspects of the cancer phenotype require a crosstalk among these genetic alterations with epigenetic changes. Indeed, aberrant gene expression patterns, driven by epigenetics are fixed by altered signaling from mutated oncogenes and tumor suppressors to define the PDAC phenotype. This conceptual framework may have significant mechanistic value and could offer novel possibilities for treating patients affected with PDAC. In fact, extensive investigations are leading to the development of small molecule drugs that reversibly modify the epigenome. These new ‘epigenetic therapeutics’ discussed herein are promising to fuel a new era of studies, by providing the medical community with new tools to treat this dismal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen A Lomberk
- Laboratory of Epigenetics & Chromatin Dynamics, Gastroenterology Research Unit, Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biophysics, & Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université & Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics & Chromatin Dynamics, Gastroenterology Research Unit, Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biophysics, & Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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291
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Ying H, Dey P, Yao W, Kimmelman AC, Draetta GF, Maitra A, DePinho RA. Genetics and biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Genes Dev 2016; 30:355-85. [PMID: 26883357 PMCID: PMC4762423 DOI: 10.1101/gad.275776.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ying et al. review pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) genetics and biology, particularly altered cancer cell metabolism, the complexity of immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment, and impaired DNA repair processes. With 5-year survival rates remaining constant at 6% and rising incidences associated with an epidemic in obesity and metabolic syndrome, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is on track to become the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. The high mortality rate of PDAC stems primarily from the lack of early diagnosis and ineffective treatment for advanced tumors. During the past decade, the comprehensive atlas of genomic alterations, the prominence of specific pathways, the preclinical validation of such emerging targets, sophisticated preclinical model systems, and the molecular classification of PDAC into specific disease subtypes have all converged to illuminate drug discovery programs with clearer clinical path hypotheses. A deeper understanding of cancer cell biology, particularly altered cancer cell metabolism and impaired DNA repair processes, is providing novel therapeutic strategies that show strong preclinical activity. Elucidation of tumor biology principles, most notably a deeper understanding of the complexity of immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment, has provided an exciting framework to reawaken the immune system to attack PDAC cancer cells. While the long road of translation lies ahead, the path to meaningful clinical progress has never been clearer to improve PDAC patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Prasenjit Dey
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Wantong Yao
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Division of Genomic Stability and DNA Repair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Giulio F Draetta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; Institute for Applied Cancer Science, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology and Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; Sheikh Ahmed Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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292
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Abstract
BET proteins have recently become recognized for their role in a broad range of cancers and are defined by the presence of two acetyl-histone reading bromodomains and an ET domain. This family of proteins includes BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT. BRD4 is the most-studied BET protein in cancer, and normally serves as an epigenetic reader that links active chromatin marks to transcriptional elongation through activation of RNA polymerase II. The role of BRD3 and BRD4 first became known in cancer as mutant oncoproteins fused to the p300-recruiting NUT protein in a rare aggressive subtype of squamous cell cancer known as NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). BET inhibitors are acetyl-histone mimetics that specifically bind BET bromodomains, competitively inhibiting its engagement with chromatin. The antineoplastic effects of BET inhibitors were first demonstrated in NMC and have since been shown to be effective at inhibiting the growth of many different cancers, particularly acute leukemia. BET inhibitors have also been instrumental as tool compounds that have demonstrated the key role of BRD4 in driving NMC and non-NMC cancer growth. Many clinical trials enrolling patients with hematologic and solid tumors are ongoing, with encouraging preliminary findings. BET proteins BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 are expressed in nearly all cells of the body, so there are concerns of toxicity with BET inhibitors, as well as the development of resistance. Toxicity and resistance may be overcome by combining BET inhibitors with other targeted inhibitors, or through the use of novel BET inhibitor derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A French
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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293
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Roche J, Bertrand P. Inside HDACs with more selective HDAC inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:451-483. [PMID: 27318122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) are nowadays part of the therapeutic arsenal mainly against cancers, with four compounds approved by the Food and Drug Administration. During the last five years, several groups have made continuous efforts to improve this class of compounds, designing more selective compounds or compounds with multiple capacities. After a survey of the HDAC biology and structures, this review summarizes the results of the chemists working in this field, and highlights when possible the behavior of the molecules inside their targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Roche
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe « SEVE Sucres & Echanges Végétaux-Environnement », Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex 09, France; Réseau Epigénétique du Cancéropôle Grand Ouest, France
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7285, 4 rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, B28, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex 09, France; Réseau Epigénétique du Cancéropôle Grand Ouest, France.
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294
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Brien GL, Valerio DG, Armstrong SA. Exploiting the Epigenome to Control Cancer-Promoting Gene-Expression Programs. Cancer Cell 2016; 29:464-476. [PMID: 27070701 PMCID: PMC4889129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome is a key determinant of transcriptional output. Perturbations within the epigenome are thought to be a key feature of many, perhaps all cancers, and it is now clear that epigenetic changes are instrumental in cancer development. The inherent reversibility of these changes makes them attractive targets for therapeutic manipulation, and a number of small molecules targeting chromatin-based mechanisms are currently in clinical trials. In this perspective we discuss how understanding the cancer epigenome is providing insights into disease pathogenesis and informing drug development. We also highlight additional opportunities to further unlock the therapeutic potential within the cancer epigenome.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Chromatin/drug effects
- Chromatin/genetics
- Chromosome Aberrations
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- DNA Methylation/drug effects
- DNA, Neoplasm/drug effects
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects
- Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics
- Epigenomics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Histone Code/drug effects
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Histones/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- Models, Genetic
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Mutation
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational/drug effects
- Therapies, Investigational
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard L Brien
- The Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daria G Valerio
- The Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- The Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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295
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Kazanets A, Shorstova T, Hilmi K, Marques M, Witcher M. Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes: Paradigms, puzzles, and potential. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1865:275-88. [PMID: 27085853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer constitutes a set of diseases with heterogeneous molecular pathologies. However, there are a number of universal aberrations common to all cancers, one of these being the epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). The silencing of TSGs is thought to be an early, driving event in the oncogenic process. With this in consideration, great efforts have been made to develop small molecules aimed at the restoration of TSGs in order to limit tumor cell proliferation and survival. However, the molecular forces that drive the broad epigenetic reprogramming and transcriptional repression of these genes remain ill-defined. Undoubtedly, understanding the molecular underpinnings of transcriptionally silenced TSGs will aid us in our ability to reactivate these key anti-cancer targets. Here, we describe what we consider to be the five most logical molecular mechanisms that may account for this widely observed phenomenon: 1) ablation of transcription factor binding, 2) overexpression of DNA methyltransferases, 3) disruption of CTCF binding, 4) elevation of EZH2 activity, 5) aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs. The strengths and weaknesses of each proposed mechanism is highlighted, followed by an overview of clinical efforts to target these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kazanets
- The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Tatiana Shorstova
- The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Khalid Hilmi
- The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Maud Marques
- The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Michael Witcher
- The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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296
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Abstract
MYC is a major driver of cancer cell growth and mediates a transcriptional program spanning cell growth, the cell cycle, metabolism, and cell survival. Many efforts have been made to deliberately target MYC for cancer therapy. A variety of compounds have been generated to inhibit MYC function or stability, either directly or indirectly. The most direct inhibitors target the interaction between MYC and MAX, which is required for DNA binding. Unfortunately, these compounds do not have the desired pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for in vivo application. Recent studies report the indirect inhibition of MYC through the development of two compounds, JQ1 and THZ1, which target factors involved in unique stages of transcription. These compounds appear to have significant therapeutic value for cancers with high levels of MYC, although some effects are MYC-independent. These approaches serve as a foundation for developing novel compounds to pharmacologically target MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Posternak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael D Cole
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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297
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Deeney JT, Belkina AC, Shirihai OS, Corkey BE, Denis GV. BET Bromodomain Proteins Brd2, Brd3 and Brd4 Selectively Regulate Metabolic Pathways in the Pancreatic β-Cell. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151329. [PMID: 27008626 PMCID: PMC4805167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Displacement of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) proteins from chromatin has promise for cancer and inflammatory disease treatments, but roles of BET proteins in metabolic disease remain unexplored. Small molecule BET inhibitors, such as JQ1, block BET protein binding to acetylated lysines, but lack selectivity within the BET family (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, Brdt), making it difficult to disentangle contributions of each family member to transcriptional and cellular outcomes. Here, we demonstrate multiple improvements in pancreatic β-cells upon BET inhibition with JQ1 or BET-specific siRNAs. JQ1 (50–400 nM) increases insulin secretion from INS-1 cells in a concentration dependent manner. JQ1 increases insulin content in INS-1 cells, accounting for increased secretion, in both rat and human islets. Higher concentrations of JQ1 decrease intracellular triglyceride stores in INS-1 cells, a result of increased fatty acid oxidation. Specific inhibition of both Brd2 and Brd4 enhances insulin transcription, leading to increased insulin content. Inhibition of Brd2 alone increases fatty acid oxidation. Overlapping yet discrete roles for individual BET proteins in metabolic regulation suggest new isoform-selective BET inhibitors may be useful to treat insulin resistant/diabetic patients. Results imply that cancer and diseases of chronic inflammation or disordered metabolism are related through shared chromatin regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude T. Deeney
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Obesity Research Center, Evans Biomedical Research Center; Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany Street, X804, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States of America
| | - Anna C. Belkina
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany Street, X326, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States of America
| | - Orian S. Shirihai
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Obesity Research Center, Evans Biomedical Research Center; Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany Street, X804, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States of America
| | - Barbara E. Corkey
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Obesity Research Center, Evans Biomedical Research Center; Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany Street, X804, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States of America
| | - Gerald V. Denis
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Section of Hematology/ Oncology, Cancer Research Center; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, K520, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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298
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Reynoird N, Mazur PK, Stellfeld T, Flores NM, Lofgren SM, Carlson SM, Brambilla E, Hainaut P, Kaznowska EB, Arrowsmith CH, Khatri P, Stresemann C, Gozani O, Sage J. Coordination of stress signals by the lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 promotes pancreatic cancer. Genes Dev 2016; 30:772-85. [PMID: 26988419 PMCID: PMC4826394 DOI: 10.1101/gad.275529.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Here, Reynoird et al. identify the protein lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 as a key regulator of pancreatic cancer. They demonstrate that SMYD2 levels are increased in PDAC, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SMYD2 restricts PDAC growth, and the stress response kinase MAPKAPK3 (MK3) is a substrate of SMYD2 in PDAC cells. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal form of cancer with few therapeutic options. We found that levels of the lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 (SET and MYND domain 2) are elevated in PDAC and that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SMYD2 restricts PDAC growth. We further identified the stress response kinase MAPKAPK3 (MK3) as a new physiologic substrate of SMYD2 in PDAC cells. Inhibition of MAPKAPK3 impedes PDAC growth, identifying a potential new kinase target in PDAC. Finally, we show that inhibition of SMYD2 cooperates with standard chemotherapy to treat PDAC cells and tumors. These findings uncover a pivotal role for SMYD2 in promoting pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Reynoird
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Institut Albert Bonniot, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble-Alpes, F-38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Pawel K Mazur
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Timo Stellfeld
- Global Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Natasha M Flores
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Shane M Lofgren
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Scott M Carlson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Elisabeth Brambilla
- Institut Albert Bonniot, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble-Alpes, F-38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Hainaut
- Institut Albert Bonniot, U1209, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR5309, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Grenoble-Alpes, F-38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Ewa B Kaznowska
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Or Gozani
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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299
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ferrer
- Section of Epigenomics and Disease, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco X Real
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Cancer Cell Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center-CNIO, Madrid, Spain Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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300
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Multiplexed pancreatic genome engineering and cancer induction by transfection-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in mice. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10770. [PMID: 26916719 PMCID: PMC4773438 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse transgenesis has provided fundamental insights into pancreatic cancer, but is limited by the long duration of allele/model generation. Here we show transfection-based multiplexed delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to the pancreas of adult mice, allowing simultaneous editing of multiple gene sets in individual cells. We use the method to induce pancreatic cancer and exploit CRISPR/Cas9 mutational signatures for phylogenetic tracking of metastatic disease. Our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-multiplexing enables key applications, such as combinatorial gene-network analysis, in vivo synthetic lethality screening and chromosome engineering. Negative-selection screening in the pancreas using multiplexed-CRISPR/Cas9 confirms the vulnerability of pancreatic cells to Brca2-inactivation in a Kras-mutant context. We also demonstrate modelling of chromosomal deletions and targeted somatic engineering of inter-chromosomal translocations, offering multifaceted opportunities to study complex structural variation, a hallmark of pancreatic cancer. The low-frequency mosaic pattern of transfection-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery faithfully recapitulates the stochastic nature of human tumorigenesis, supporting wide applicability for biological/preclinical research. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been used for genome engineering in vivo. Here, the authors use a transfection technique to deliver multiple guide RNAs to the pancreas of adult mice, allowing genetic screening and chromosome engineering in pancreatic cancer.
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