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Dickerhoff J, Dai J, Yang D. Structural recognition of the MYC promoter G-quadruplex by a quinoline derivative: insights into molecular targeting of parallel G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5905-5915. [PMID: 33978746 PMCID: PMC8191789 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA G-Quadruplexes (G4s) formed in oncogene promoters regulate transcription. The oncogene MYC promoter G4 (MycG4) is the most prevalent G4 in human cancers. However, the most studied MycG4 sequence bears a mutated 3′-residue crucial for ligand recognition. Here, we report a new drug-like small molecule PEQ without a large aromatic moiety that specifically binds MycG4. We determined the NMR solution structures of the wild-type MycG4 and its 2:1 PEQ complex, as well as the structure of the 2:1 PEQ complex of the widely used mutant MycG4. Comparison of the two complex structures demonstrates specific molecular recognition of MycG4 and shows the clear effect of the critical 3′-mutation on the drug binding interface. We performed a systematic analysis of the four available complex structures involving the same mutant MycG4, which can be considered a model system for parallel G4s, and revealed for the first time that the flexible flanking residues are recruited in a conserved and sequence-specific way, as well as unused potential for selective ligand-G4 hydrogen-bond interactions. Our results provide the true molecular basis for MycG4-targeting drugs and new critical insights into future rational design of drugs targeting MycG4 and parallel G4s that are prevalent in promoter and RNA G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 575 W Stadium Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jixun Dai
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 575 W Stadium Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S University St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.,Purdue University, Department of Chemistry, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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302
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Song X, Wang L, Wang T, Hu J, Wang J, Tu R, Su H, Jiang J, Qing G, Liu H. Synergistic targeting of CHK1 and mTOR in MYC-driven tumors. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:448-460. [PMID: 33206174 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) occurs in a broad range of human cancers and often predicts poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. However, directly targeting oncogenic MYC remains unsuccessful, and indirectly inhibiting MYC emerges as a promising approach. Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is a protein kinase that coordinates the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint and protects cancer cells from excessive replicative stress. Using c-MYC-mediated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and N-MYC-driven neuroblastoma as model systems, we reveal that both c-MYC and N-MYC directly bind to the CHK1 locus and activate its transcription. CHIR-124, a selective CHK1 inhibitor, impairs cell viability and induces remarkable synergistic lethality with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in MYC-overexpressing cells. Mechanistically, rapamycin inactivates carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamoylase, and dihydroorotase (CAD), the essential enzyme for the first three steps of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, and deteriorates CHIR-124-induced replicative stress. We further demonstrate that dual treatments impede T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuroblastoma progression in vivo. These results suggest simultaneous targeting of CHK1 and mTOR as a novel and powerful co-treatment modality for MYC-mediated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Song
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Tianci Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Juncheng Hu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jingchao Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Rongfu Tu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Hexiu Su
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jue Jiang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Guoliang Qing
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Hudan Liu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China
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303
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Losuwannarak N, Roytrakul S, Chanvorachote P. Gigantol Targets MYC for Ubiquitin-proteasomal Degradation and Suppresses Lung Cancer Cell Growth. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2021; 17:781-793. [PMID: 33099479 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gigantol is a pharmacologically active bibenzyl compound exerting potential anticancer activities. At non-toxic concentrations, it reduces cancer stem cell properties and tumorigenicity. The mechanisms of the effects of gigantol on cancer cell growth are largely unknown. This study aimed to unravel the molecular profile and identify the prominent molecular mechanism of the effects of gigantol in controlling lung cancer cell proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were used accompanied by experimental molecular pharmacology approaches. RESULTS Gigantol exhibited antiproliferative effects on human lung cancer cells confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay and colony growth assay. The protein profile in response to gigantol treatment associated with regulation of cell proliferation was analyzed to determine the prominent protein targets. Among the significant hub proteins, MYC, an important proto-oncogene and proliferation-promoting transcription factor, was down-regulated with the highest number of protein-protein interactions. MYC down-regulation was confirmed by western blot analysis. The up-stream regulator of MYC, Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) was found to be responsible for MYC destabilization mediated by gigantol. Gigantol facilitated GSK3β function and resulted in the increase of MYC-ubiquitin complex as evaluated by immunoprecipitation. CONCLUSION Gigantol was found to inhibit lung cancer proliferation through induction of GSK3β-mediated MYC ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. These data suggest gigantol to be a promising candidate for novel strategy in inhibition of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattanan Losuwannarak
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand .,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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304
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Wang X, Xing L, Yang R, Chen H, Wang M, Jiang R, Zhang L, Chen J. The circACTN4 interacts with FUBP1 to promote tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer by regulating the expression of proto-oncogene MYC. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:91. [PMID: 34116677 PMCID: PMC8194204 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play significant roles in the occurrence and development of many kinds of cancers including breast cancer (BC). However, the potential functions of most circRNAs and the molecular mechanisms underlying progression of BC remain elusive. Method Here, Circular RNA microarray was executed in 4 pairs of breast cancer tissues and para-cancer tissues. The expression and prognostic significance of circACTN4 in BC cells and tissues were determined by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Gain-and loss-of-function experiments were implemented to observe the impacts of circACTN4 on the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, RNA pulldown, mass spectrum, RNA immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in situ hybridization and co-immunoprecipitation assays were executed. Results CircACTN4 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells, its expression was correlated with clinical stage and poor prognosis of patients with BC. Ectopic expression of circACTN4 strikingly facilitated the growth, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Whereas knockdown of circACTN4 revealed opposite roles. CircACTN4 was mainly distributed in the nucleus. Further mechanistic research proved that circACTN4 could competitively bind to far upstream element binding protein 1 (FUBP1) to prevent the combination between FUBP1 and FIR, thereby activating MYC transcription and facilitating tumor progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we found that upstream transcription factor 2 (USF2) might promote the biogenesis of circACTN4. Conclusion Our findings uncover a pivotal mechanism that circACTN4 mediated by USF2 might interact with FUBP1 to promote the occurrence and development of breast cancer via enhancing the expression of MYC. CircACTN4 could be a novel potential target for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-021-01383-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Endocrine and breast surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Luyu Zhang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Junxia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, #1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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305
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Salvianolic acid B noncovalently interacts with disordered c-Myc: a computational and spectroscopic-based study. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1341-1352. [PMID: 34114895 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: c-Myc, along with its partner MAX, regulates the expression of several genes, leading to an oncogenic phenotype. The MAX interacting interface of c-Myc is disordered and uncharacterized for small molecule binding. Salvianolic acid B possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. The current study was designed to elucidate the interaction of the Sal_Ac_B with the disordered bHLH domain of c-Myc using computational and biophysical techniques. Materials & methods: The binding of Sal_Ac_B with Myc was studied using computational and biophysical techniques, including molecular docking and simulation, fluorescence lifetime, circular dichroism and anisotropy. Results & conclusions: The study demonstrated a high binding potential of Sal_Ac_B against the disordered Myc peptide. The binding of the compounds leads to an overall conformational change in Myc. Moreover, an extensive simulation study showed a stable Sal_Ac_B/Myc binding.
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306
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Blattner-Johnson M, Jones DTW, Pfaff E. Precision medicine in pediatric solid cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 84:214-227. [PMID: 34116162 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite huge advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancers over the past several decades, it remains one of the leading causes of death during childhood in developed countries. The development of new targeted treatments for these diseases has been hampered by two major factors. First, the extremely heterogeneous nature of the types of tumors encountered in this age group, and their fundamental differences from common adult carcinomas, has made it hard to truly get a handle on the complexities of the underlying biology driving tumor growth. Second, a reluctance of the pharmaceutical industry to develop products or trials for this population due to the relatively small size of the 'market', and a too-easy mechanism of obtaining waivers for pediatric development of adult oncology drugs based on disease type rather than mechanism of action, led to significant difficulties in getting access to new drugs. Thankfully, the field has now started to change, both scientifically and from a regulatory perspective, in order to address some of these challenges. In this review, we will examine some of the recent insights into molecular features which make pediatric tumors so unique and how these might represent therapeutic targets; highlight ongoing international initiatives for providing comprehensive, personalized genomic profiling of childhood tumors in a clinically-relevant timeframe, and look briefly at where the field of pediatric precision oncology may be heading in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elke Pfaff
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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307
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Zhou X, Liu X, Yang X, Wang L, Hong Y, Lian K, Qiu G, Shang X, Ma Z, Yuan H, Hu F. Tumor progress intercept by intervening in Caveolin-1 related intercellular communication via ROS-sensitive c-Myc targeting therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120958. [PMID: 34130142 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in the development of tumors by secreting a variety of cytokines or directly communicating with tumor cells, making TAMs-targeted therapeutic strategies very attractive. It has been reported that oncogene c-Myc is related to every aspect of the oncogenic process of tumor cells and the alternative activation of macrophages. Hence, we constructed a glycolipid nanocarrier containing ROS-responsive peroxalate linkages (CSOPOSA) for ROS-triggered release of drugs and further modified it with Ex 26 (Ex 26-CSOPOSA), a selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) antagonist, to achieve the dual-targeted delivery of the c-Myc inhibitor JQ1 via S1PR1, which is overexpressed on both tumor cells and TAMs, thereby inducing apoptosis of tumor cells, and blocking M2 polarization of macrophages. More strikingly, our studies found that JQ1 could effectively inhibit the migration of tumor cells induced by M2 macrophages-derived exosomes via blocking Caveolin-1 related intercellular exosome exchange through lncRNA H19 and miR-107. The in vivo results revealed that this dual-targeted delivery strategy effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis with less systemic toxicity, providing a potential method for effective tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiqin Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiling Hong
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Keke Lian
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guoxi Qiu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuwei Shang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhongjun Ma
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fuqiang Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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308
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MYC in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: functional implications and targeted strategies. BLOOD SCIENCE 2021; 3:65-70. [PMID: 35402840 PMCID: PMC8974894 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological cancer that frequently occurs in children and adolescents, which results from the transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Aberrant cell growth and proliferation of T-ALL lymphoblasts are sustained by activation of strong oncogenic drivers. Mounting evidence highlights the critical role of the NOTCH1-MYC highway toward the initiation and progression of T-ALL. MYC has been emphasized as a primary NOTCH1 transcriptional target impinging in leukemia-initiating cell activity particularly responsible for disease onset and relapse. These findings lay a foundation of T-ALL as an ideal disease model for studying MYC-mediated cancer. The biology of MYC deregulation in T-ALL supports innovative strategies for therapeutic targeting of MYC. To summarize the relevant literature and data in recent years, we here provide a comprehensive overview of the functional importance of MYC in T-ALL development, and the molecular mechanisms underlying MYC deregulation in T-ALL. Finally, we illustrate the innovative MYC-targeted approaches that have been evaluated in pre-clinical models and shown significant efficacy. Given the complexity of T-ALL molecular pathogenesis, we propose that a combination of anti-MYC strategies with conventional chemotherapies or other targeted/immunotherapies may provide the most durable response, especially for those patients with relapsed and refractory T-ALL.
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309
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Zaher DM, Ramadan WS, El-Awady R, Omar HA, Hersi F, Srinivasulu V, Hachim IY, Al-Marzooq FI, Vazhappilly CG, Merali S, Merali C, Soares NC, Schilf P, Ibrahim SM, Al-Tel TH. A Novel Benzopyrane Derivative Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolic and Survival Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112840. [PMID: 34200264 PMCID: PMC8201054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Today, the discovery of novel anticancer agents with multitarget effects and high safety margins represents a high challenge. Drug discovery efforts indicated that benzopyrane scaffolds possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. This spurs on building a skeletally diverse library of benzopyranes to identify an anticancer lead drug candidate. Here, we aim to characterize the anticancer effect of a novel benzopyrane derivative, aiming to develop a promising clinical anticancer candidate. (2) Methods: The anticancer effect of SIMR1281 against a panel of cancer cell lines was tested. In vitro assays were performed to determine the effect of SIMR1281 on GSHR, TrxR, mitochondrial metabolism, DNA damage, cell cycle progression, and the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, SIMR1281 was evaluated in vivo for its safety and in a xenograft mice model. (3) Results: SIMR1281 strongly inhibits GSHR while it moderately inhibits TrxR and modulates the mitochondrial metabolism. SIMR1281 inhibits the cell proliferation of various cancers. The antiproliferative activity of SIMR1281 was mediated through the induction of DNA damage, perturbations in the cell cycle, and the inactivation of Ras/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Furthermore, SIMR1281 induced apoptosis and attenuated cell survival machinery. In addition, SIMR1281 reduced the tumor volume in a xenograft model while maintaining a high in vivo safety profile at a high dose. (4) Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the anticancer multitarget effect of SIMR1281, including the dual inhibition of glutathione and thioredoxin reductases. These findings support the development of SIMR1281 in preclinical and clinical settings, as it represents a potential lead compound for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M. Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hany A. Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vunnam Srinivasulu
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah I. Al-Marzooq
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cijo G. Vazhappilly
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, P.O. Box 10021, Ras Al Khaimah 10021, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salim Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 N Broad Street, Room 552, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmen Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 N Broad Street, Room 552, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paul Schilf
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Saleh M. Ibrahim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Taleb H. Al-Tel
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Researches, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.Z.); (W.S.R.); (R.E.-A.); (H.A.O.); (F.H.); (V.S.); (I.Y.H.); (F.I.A.-M.); (C.G.V.); (N.C.S.); (S.M.I.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7417
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Domfeh SA, Narkwa PW, Quaye O, Kusi KA, Awandare GA, Ansah C, Salam A, Mutocheluh M. Cryptolepine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:161. [PMID: 34078370 PMCID: PMC8170807 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diverse signalling pathways are involved in carcinogenesis and one of such pathways implicated in many cancers is the interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signalling pathway. Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is targeted as an anti-cancer intervention. This study aimed to establish the effect of cryptolepine, which is the main bioactive alkaloid in the medicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway. METHODS First, the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 cells) was screened using the Cignal Finder Multi-Pathway Reporter Array. Next, to confirm the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, the pathway was activated using 200 ng/mL IL-6 in the presence of 0.5-2 μM cryptolepine. The levels of total STAT3, p-STAT3 and IL-23 were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Cryptolepine downregulated 12 signalling pathways including the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway and upregulated 17 signalling pathways. Cryptolepine, in the presence of IL-6, decreased the levels of p-STAT3 and IL-23 in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that cryptolepine inhibits the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, and therefore cryptolepine-based remedies such as Cryptolepis sanguinolenta could potentially be used as an effective immunotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Domfeh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Patrick W Narkwa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Charles Ansah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Mohamed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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311
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Captopril, a Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor, Attenuates Features of Tumor Invasion and Down-Regulates C-Myc Expression in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112734. [PMID: 34073112 PMCID: PMC8199217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Approximately 25% of patients with colorectal cancer will present with or develop colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Surgical resection of CRLM offers these patients the best chance of a cure. However, liver resection and the subsequent regenerative response has been linked to tumor recurrence in the liver remnant. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of many pathways common to both post-hepatectomy liver regeneration and tumorigenesis. Wnt signaling modulates multiple genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and Wnt inhibition can attenuate fibrotic responses and improve cancer outcomes via diverse mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the effects of captopril, a RAS inhibitor (RASi), on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and phenotypic changes associated with tumor progression in the context of the regenerating liver. We show that RASi induced increased Wnt signaling whilst downregulating features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, RASi induced significant down-regulation of Wnt target genes, c-myc and cyclin D1, indicating that expression of these genes can be down-regulated by RASi despite the accumulation of stabilized β-catenin. Abstract (1) Background: Recent clinical and experimental data suggests that the liver’s regenerative response following partial hepatectomy can stimulate tumor recurrence in the liver remnant. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays important roles in both colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and liver regeneration. Studies have shown that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates multiple renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes, whilst RAS inhibition (RASi) reduces tumor burden and progression. This study explores whether RASi attenuates features of tumor progression in the regenerating liver post-hepatectomy by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. (2) Methods: Male CBA mice underwent CRLM induction, followed one week later by 70% partial hepatectomy. Mice were treated daily with captopril, a RASi, at 250 mg/kg/day or vehicle control from experimental Day 4. Tumor and liver samples were analyzed for RAS and Wnt signaling markers using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. (3) Results: Treatment with captopril reduced the expression of down-stream Wnt target genes, including a significant reduction in both c-myc and cyclin-D1, despite activating Wnt signaling. This was a tumor-specific response that was not elicited in corresponding liver samples. (4) Conclusions: We report for the first time decreased c-myc expression in colorectal tumors following RASi treatment in vivo. Decreased c-myc expression was accompanied by an attenuated invasive phenotype, despite increased Wnt signaling.
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312
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Wood S, Willbanks A, Cheng JX. The Role of RNA Modifications and RNA-modifying Proteins in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:326-352. [PMID: 33504307 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210127092828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The advent of new genome-wide sequencing technologies has uncovered abnormal RNA modifications and RNA editing in a variety of human cancers. The discovery of reversible RNA N6-methyladenosine (RNA: m6A) by fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) demethylase has led to exponential publications on the pathophysiological functions of m6A and its corresponding RNA modifying proteins (RMPs) in the past decade. Some excellent reviews have summarized the recent progress in this field. Compared to the extent of research into RNA: m6A and DNA 5-methylcytosine (DNA: m5C), much less is known about other RNA modifications and their associated RMPs, such as the role of RNA: m5C and its RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RCMTs) in cancer therapy and drug resistance. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress surrounding the function, intramolecular distribution and subcellular localization of several major RNA modifications, including 5' cap N7-methylguanosine (m7G) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), m6A, m5C, A-to-I editing, and the associated RMPs. We will then discuss dysregulation of those RNA modifications and RMPs in cancer and their role in cancer therapy and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Wood
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Amber Willbanks
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Jason X Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
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313
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Cho S, Lee G, Pickering BF, Jang C, Park JH, He L, Mathur L, Kim SS, Jung S, Tang HW, Monette S, Rabinowitz JD, Perrimon N, Jaffrey SR, Blenis J. mTORC1 promotes cell growth via m 6A-dependent mRNA degradation. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2064-2075.e8. [PMID: 33756105 PMCID: PMC8356906 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated mTORC1 signaling alters a wide range of cellular processes, contributing to metabolic disorders and cancer. Defining the molecular details of downstream effectors is thus critical for uncovering selective therapeutic targets. We report that mTORC1 and its downstream kinase S6K enhance eIF4A/4B-mediated translation of Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), an adaptor for the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase complex. This regulation is mediated by 5' UTR of WTAP mRNA that is targeted by eIF4A/4B. Single-nucleotide-resolution m6A mapping revealed that MAX dimerization protein 2 (MXD2) mRNA contains m6A, and increased m6A modification enhances its degradation. WTAP induces cMyc-MAX association by suppressing MXD2 expression, which promotes cMyc transcriptional activity and proliferation of mTORC1-activated cancer cells. These results elucidate a mechanism whereby mTORC1 stimulates oncogenic signaling via m6A RNA modification and illuminates the WTAP-MXD2-cMyc axis as a potential therapeutic target for mTORC1-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungyun Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gina Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Brian F Pickering
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cholsoon Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jin H Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Long He
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lavina Mathur
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Seung-Soo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunhee Jung
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Wen Tang
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sebastien Monette
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua D Rabinowitz
- Department of Chemistry, Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John Blenis
- Department of Pharmacology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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314
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Liang X, Lu J, Wu Z, Guo Y, Shen S, Liang J, Dong Z, Guo W. LINC00239 Interacts with C-Myc Promoter-Binding Protein-1 (MBP-1) to Promote Expression of C-Myc in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1465-1475. [PMID: 34016746 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play a vital role in the progression of tumors, containing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). LINC00239 was reported as an oncogene in diverse kinds of cancers, whereas its specific role is still unclear in ESCC. In this study, we detected the expression and functional role of LINC00239 in ESCC specimens and cells, and investigated the molecular mechanisms of it. LINC00239 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and was related to poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. The proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were all enhanced in LINC00239-overexpressed ESCC cells. LINC00239 was upregulated in TGF-β1-treated ESCC cells. Furthermore, LINC00239 was found to bind directly to the transcription factor c-Myc promoter-binding protein-1 (MBP-1). MBP-1 was detected to inhibit the transcription of c-Myc in ESCC. Moreover, LINC00239 could activate c-Myc transcription through influencing MBP-1-binding ability to c-Myc promoter. These data suggest that LINC00239 may act as an oncogene to promote the transcription of c-Myc by competitively combining with MBP-1 in ESCC, and may serve as a potential target for antitumor therapy in ESCC. IMPLICATIONS: LINC00239 may function as an oncogenic lncRNA in ESCC through the LINC00239/MBP-1/c-Myc axis to activate EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Liang
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Juntao Lu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanli Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Supeng Shen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jia Liang
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiming Dong
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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315
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Chi YH, Yeh TK, Ke YY, Lin WH, Tsai CH, Wang WP, Chen YT, Su YC, Wang PC, Chen YF, Wu ZW, Yeh JY, Hung MC, Wu MH, Wang JY, Chen CP, Song JS, Shih C, Chen CT, Chang CP. Discovery and Synthesis of a Pyrimidine-Based Aurora Kinase Inhibitor to Reduce Levels of MYC Oncoproteins. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7312-7330. [PMID: 34009981 PMCID: PMC8279414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The A-type Aurora kinase is upregulated in many human cancers, and it stabilizes MYC-family oncoproteins, which have long been considered an undruggable target. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of a series of pyrimidine-based derivatives able to inhibit Aurora A kinase activity and reduce levels of cMYC and MYCN. Through structure-based drug design of a small molecule that induces the DFG-out conformation of Aurora A kinase, lead compound 13 was identified, which potently (IC50 < 200 nM) inhibited the proliferation of high-MYC expressing small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. Pharmacokinetic optimization of 13 by prodrug strategies resulted in orally bioavailable 25, which demonstrated an 8-fold higher oral AUC (F = 62.3%). Pharmacodynamic studies of 25 showed it to effectively reduce cMYC protein levels, leading to >80% tumor regression of NCI-H446 SCLC xenograft tumors in mice. These results support the potential of 25 for the treatment of MYC-amplified cancers including SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chi
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yu Ke
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsing Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ping Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Su
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Fu Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Zhong-Wei Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yu Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Hung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Mine-Hsine Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shin Song
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chuan Shih
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ping Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan.,Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
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316
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Price EA, Patel R, Scheimberg I, Kotiloglu Karaa E, Sagoo MS, Reddy MA, Onadim Z. MYCN amplification levels in primary retinoblastoma tumors analyzed by Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 42:604-611. [PMID: 34003079 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1923038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a childhood tumor of the developing retina where predisposition is caused by RB1 pathogenic variants. MYCN amplification (MYCNA) has been implicated in around 2% of sporadic unilateral Rb tumors with no detectable RB1 variants. We audited data from tumors collected between 1993 and 2019 to determine if this is the case for patients treated at Barts Health NHS Trust, and how often it occurred alongside RB1 variants. Materials and methods: Screening for MYCNA was carried out by Multiple Ligation Probe Analysis of tumor and blood samples collected for RB1 genetic screening. The cohort consisted of 149 tumors, of which 114 had matched blood samples. Results: 10/149 (6.7%) tumors were positive for MYCNA in a population containing a disproportionate number of cases negative for RB1 pathogenic variants. Of 65 unbiased tumors collected from 2014 to 2019, 2 (3.1%) had MYCNA. All MYCNA samples were from sporadic, unilateral patients and 3/10 (30%) had RB1 pathogenic variants. MYCNA was not detected in any blood sample. No MYCNA tumor had 6p gain which is usually a common alteration in Rbs. Conclusions: MYCNA occurs in a small fraction of Rbs and can occur in the presence of pathogenic RB1 variants. However, where it occurs alongside RB1 alterations, the age of onset appears to be later. MYCNA has yet to be seen as a heritable change. In sporadic cases with early diagnosis, Rbs with no RB1 pathogenic variant identified should be tested for MYCNA. Conversely, tumors with MYCNA should still be screened for RB1 pathogenic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Price
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Roopal Patel
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Mandeep S Sagoo
- Retinoblastoma Service, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - M Ashwin Reddy
- Retinoblastoma Service, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Zerrin Onadim
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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317
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Bhattacharya P, Patel TN. A study of deregulated MMR pathways and anticancer potential of curcuma derivatives using computational approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10110. [PMID: 33980898 PMCID: PMC8115291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant derived products have steadily gained momentum in treatment of cancer over the past decades. Curcuma and its derivatives, in particular, have diverse medicinal properties including anticancer potential with proven safety as supported by numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. A defective Mis-Match Repair (MMR) is implicated in solid tumors but its role in haematologic malignancies is not keenly studied and the current literature suggests that it is limited. Nonetheless, there are multiple pathways interjecting the mismatch repair proteins in haematologic cancers that may have a direct or indirect implication in progression of the disease. Here, through computational analysis, we target proteins that are involved in rewiring of multiple signaling cascades via altered expression in cancer using various curcuma derivatives (Curcuma longa L. and Curcuma caesia Roxb.) which in turn, profoundly controls MMR protein function. These biomolecules were screened to identify their efficacy on selected targets (in blood-related cancers); aberrations of which adversely impacted mismatch repair machinery. The study revealed that of the 536 compounds screened, six of them may have the potential to regulate the expression of identified targets and thus revive the MMR function preventing genomic instability. These results reveal that there may be potential plant derived biomolecules that may have anticancer properties against the tumors driven by deregulated MMR-pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trupti N Patel
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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318
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Pluripotency inducing Yamanaka factors: role in stemness and chemoresistance of liver cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:853-864. [PMID: 33832395 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1915137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Liver cancer is a major cause of mortality and is characterized by the transformation of cells into an uncontrolled mass of tumor cells with many genetic and epigenetic changes, which lead to the development of tumors. A small subpopulation of cell population known as Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) is responsible for cancer stemness and chemoresistance. Yamanaka factors [octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and Myelocytomatosis (MYC); OSKM] are responsible for cancer cell stemness, chemoresistance, and recurrence.Area covered: We cover recent discoveries and investigate the role of OSKM in inducing pluripotency and stem cell-like properties in various cancers with special emphasis on liver cancer. We review Yamanaka factors' role in stemness and chemoresistance of liver cancer.Expert opinion: In CSCs, including liver CSCs, the deregulation of various signaling pathways is one of the major reasons for stemness and drug resistance and is primarily due to OSKM. OSKM are responsible for tumor heterogeneity which renders targeting drug useless after a certain period. These factors can be exploited to understand the underlying mechanism of cancer stemness and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hifzur Rahman Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-Uttar Pradesh, India
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319
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Sarkar S. Shaggy functions downstream of dMyc and their concurrent downregulation confers additive rescue against tau toxicity in Drosophila. Biofactors 2021; 47:461-477. [PMID: 33651466 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are characterized by hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and their subsequent aggregation in the forms of paired helical filaments and/or neurofibrillary tangles in specific areas of the brain. Despite several attempts, it remains a challenge to develop reliable biomarkers or effective drugs against tauopathies. It is increasingly evident now that due to the involvement of multiple cellular cascades affected by the pathogenic tau molecules, a single genetic modifier or a molecule is unlikely to be efficient enough to provide an inclusive rescue. Hence, multitargets based combinatorial approach(s) have been suggested to provide an efficient rescue against tauopathies. We have reported earlier that targeted downregulation of dmyc (a Drosophila homolog of human cmyc proto-oncogene) restricts tau etiology by limiting tau hyperphosphorylation and heterochromatin loss. Although, dmyc generates a significant rescue; however, it is not proficient enough to provide a complete alleviation against tauopathies. Here, we report that tissue-specific concurrent downregulation of dmyc and gsk3β conveys a near-complete rescue against tau toxicity in Drosophila. We noted that combinatorial downregulation of dmyc and gsk3β reduces tau hyperphosphorylation, restricts the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, and restores heterochromatin loss to the physiological level. Our subsequent investigations revealed that dmyc regulates gsk3β via protein phosphatase 2A (dPP2A) in a dose-dependent manner to regulate tau pathogenesis. We propose that dmyc and gsk3β candidates can be utilized in a synergistic manner for the development of an efficient combinatorial therapeutic approach against the devastating human tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
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320
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Covell DG. Bioinformatic analysis linking genomic defects to chemosensitivity and mechanism of action. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0243336. [PMID: 33909629 PMCID: PMC8081165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A joint analysis of the NCI60 small molecule screening data, their genetically defective genes, and mechanisms of action (MOA) of FDA approved cancer drugs screened in the NCI60 is proposed for identifying links between chemosensitivity, genomic defects and MOA. Self-Organizing-Maps (SOMs) are used to organize the chemosensitivity data. Student's t-tests are used to identify SOM clusters with enhanced chemosensitivity for tumor cell lines with versus without genetically defective genes. Fisher's exact and chi-square tests are used to reveal instances where defective gene to chemosensitivity associations have enriched MOAs. The results of this analysis find a relatively small set of defective genes, inclusive of ABL1, AXL, BRAF, CDC25A, CDKN2A, IGF1R, KRAS, MECOM, MMP1, MYC, NOTCH1, NRAS, PIK3CG, PTK2, RPTOR, SPTBN1, STAT2, TNKS and ZHX2, as possible candidates for roles in chemosensitivity for compound MOAs that target primarily, but not exclusively, kinases, nucleic acid synthesis, protein synthesis, apoptosis and tubulin. These results find exploitable instances of enhanced chemosensitivity of compound MOA's for selected defective genes. Collectively these findings will advance the interpretation of pre-clinical screening data as well as contribute towards the goals of cancer drug discovery, development decision making, and explanation of drug mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G. Covell
- Information Technologies Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States of America
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321
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Pather S, Mashele T, Willem P, Patel M, Perner Y, Motaung M, Nagiah N, Waja F, Philip V, Lakha A, Hale MJ. MYC status in HIV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma: dual-colour CISH, FISH and immunohistochemistry. Histopathology 2021; 79:86-95. [PMID: 33450085 DOI: 10.1111/his.14336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We utilised chromogenic and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (CISH and FISH) to evaluate MYC gene copy numbers and rearrangements within HIV-associated plasmablastic lymphomas (PBLs). Thereafter, clinicopathological features were explored retrospectively. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty-seven (n = 67) patients were included and the HIV seropositive status was confirmed in 98% (63 of 64) with a median viral load of 55 587 (IQR 273 582) copies/ml and median CD4 count of 170 (IQR 249) cells/µl. The mean age was 41 ± 10.1 years and females comprised 54%. PBL was documented predominantly at extra-oronasal topographic regions. Starry-sky (SS) appearance was evident in 33% in association with monomorphic morphology (P-value 0.02). c-MYC protein was expressed in 81% and latent EBV infection was detected in 90%. EBER ISH-positive status and MYC rearrangement occurred in 67% of HIV PBL. MYC aberrations included MYC rearrangement (70%), low-level increase in MYC gene copy numbers (43%), concurrent MYC rearrangement and increased MYC gene copy numbers (49%) as well as low-level chromosome 8 polysomy (6%). MYC aberrations in HIV PBLs were significantly associated with SS appearance (P -0.01), monomorphic morphology (P - 0.03), c-MYC protein expression ≥40% (P - 0.03) and mortality (P - 0.03). There was advanced stage (Ann Arbor III/IV) at presentation (77%) and the median overall survival for HIV PBL was 75 days (95% CI 14-136). CONCLUSION Majority of the HIV-associated PBL tumours harbour MYC aberrations. Due to the persistently inferior survival outcome of HIV-associated PBL in the era of antiviral treatment, targeted and/or intensified therapy of oncogenic MYC may need to be explored in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugeshnee Pather
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Thembi Mashele
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Pascale Willem
- Department of Haematology and Molecular Medicine, Somatic Cell Genetics Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Moosa Patel
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Haematology unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Yvonne Perner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Mantoa Motaung
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Natasha Nagiah
- Department of Haematology and Molecular Medicine, Somatic Cell Genetics Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Faadil Waja
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Haematology unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Vinitha Philip
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Haematology unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Atul Lakha
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Haematology unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Martin J Hale
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
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322
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Ecker J, Thatikonda V, Sigismondo G, Selt F, Valinciute G, Oehme I, Müller C, Buhl JL, Ridinger J, Usta D, Qin N, van Tilburg CM, Herold-Mende C, Remke M, Sahm F, Westermann F, Kool M, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Chavez L, Krijgsveld J, Jäger N, Pfister SM, Witt O, Milde T. Reduced chromatin binding of MYC is a key effect of HDAC inhibition in MYC amplified medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:226-239. [PMID: 32822486 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sensitivity of myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) amplified medulloblastoma to class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been shown previously; however, understanding the underlying molecular mechanism is crucial for selection of effective HDAC inhibitors for clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct molecular interaction of MYC and class I HDAC2, and the impact of class I HDAC inhibition on MYC function. METHODS Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to determine the co-localization of MYC and HDAC2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing and gene expression profiling were used to analyze the co-localization of MYC and HDAC2 on DNA and the impact on transcriptional activity in primary tumors and a MYC amplified cell line treated with the class I HDAC inhibitor entinostat. The effect on MYC was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS HDAC2 is a cofactor of MYC in MYC amplified medulloblastoma. The MYC-HDAC2 complex is bound to genes defining the MYC-dependent transcriptional profile. Class I HDAC inhibition leads to stabilization and reduced DNA binding of MYC protein, inducing a downregulation of MYC activated genes (MAGs) and upregulation of MYC repressed genes (MRGs). MAGs and MRGs are characterized by opposing biological functions and by distinct enhancer-box distribution. CONCLUSIONS Our data elucidate the molecular interaction of MYC and HDAC2 and support a model in which inhibition of class I HDACs directly targets MYC's transactivating and transrepressing functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Ecker
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Venu Thatikonda
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gianluca Sigismondo
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Selt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gintvile Valinciute
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carina Müller
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane L Buhl
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Ridinger
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diren Usta
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nan Qin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelis M van Tilburg
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Marc Remke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lukas Chavez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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323
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Yadav VK, Kumar A, Tripathi PP, Gupta J. Long noncoding RNAs in intestinal homeostasis, regeneration, and cancer. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7801-7813. [PMID: 33899236 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways that regulate homeostasis and regeneration are found to be deregulated in various human malignancies. Accordingly, attempts have been made to target them at the protein level with little success. However, studies using high-throughput sequencing technologies suggest that only about 2% of the genome translates into proteins, whereas about 75% of the genome is transcribed into noncoding RNAs. Among noncoding RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received tremendous attention in recent years as a crucial player in the regulation of almost all cellular processes involved in tissue homeostasis as well as in the development of various malignancies, including intestinal cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs play an instrumental role in the regulation of intestinal stem cells, injury-induced regeneration, and initiation and progression of intestinal tumors. Here, we summarize the recently discovered lncRNAs during intestinal homeostasis, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We further present lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic markers in intestinal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin K Yadav
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, India
| | - Prem P Tripathi
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata, India
| | - Jalaj Gupta
- Department of Hematology, Stem Cell Research Center, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India
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324
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Pan C, Zhu Y, Yu M, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Zhang X, Yao Y. Control Analysis of Protein-Protein Interaction Network Reveals Potential Regulatory Targets for MYCN. Front Oncol 2021; 11:633579. [PMID: 33968733 PMCID: PMC8096904 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.633579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYCN is an oncogenic transcription factor of the MYC family and plays an important role in the formation of tissues and organs during development before birth. Due to the difficulty in drugging MYCN directly, revealing the molecules in MYCN regulatory networks will help to identify effective therapeutic targets. METHODS We utilized network controllability theory, a recent developed powerful tool, to identify the potential drug target around MYCN based on Protein-Protein interaction network of MYCN. First, we constructed a Protein-Protein interaction network of MYCN based on public databases. Second, network control analysis was applied on network to identify driver genes and indispensable genes of the MYCN regulatory network. Finally, we developed a novel integrated approach to identify potential drug targets for regulating the function of the MYCN regulatory network. RESULTS We constructed an MYCN regulatory network that has 79 genes and 129 interactions. Based on network controllability theory, we analyzed driver genes which capable to fully control the network. We found 10 indispensable genes whose alternation will significantly change the regulatory pathways of the MYCN network. We evaluated the stability and correlation analysis of these genes and found EGFR may be the potential drug target which closely associated with MYCN. CONCLUSION Together, our findings indicate that EGFR plays an important role in the regulatory network and pathways of MYCN and therefore may represent an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Pan
- Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine of China Medical University and Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyan Zhu
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine of China Medical University and Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Transgenic Animal, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongkang Zhao
- National Institute of Health and Medical Big Data, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Xizhe Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine of China Medical University and Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yao
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
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325
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Bai L, Ma Y, Wang X, Feng Q, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zhang H, Lu X, Xu Y, Zhao E, Cui H. Polydatin Inhibits Cell Viability, Migration, and Invasion Through Suppressing the c-Myc Expression in Human Cervical Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:587218. [PMID: 33912552 PMCID: PMC8072354 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.587218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polydatin, an active ingredient from the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum, is considered to have protective effects on the cardiovascular system and liver. In this study, we demonstrated that polydatin has antitumor activity against human cervical cancer. Polydatin efficiently inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle-related proteins including p21, p27, CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E1. Furthermore, polydatin suppressed cell invasion and migration by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail and Slug. The c-Myc, as a proto-oncogene, is considered to be closely associated with the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. After polydatin treatment, the protein expression of c-Myc showed a significant decrease. Based on these data, we overexpressed c-Myc in cervical cancer cells and observed that the overexpression of c-Myc rescued the inhibitory effect of polydatin on cell proliferation and metastasis. These results indicated that polydatin can inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis through suppressing the c-Myc expression in human cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longchang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingkang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiongni Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhining Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Sijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Yonghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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326
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Hsiao TH, Wang RC, Lu TJ, Shih CH, Su YC, Tsai JR, Jhan PP, Lia CS, Chuang HN, Chang KH, Teng CL. Chemoresponse of de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia to "7+3" Induction can Be Predicted by c-Myc-facilitated Cytogenetics. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:649267. [PMID: 33897436 PMCID: PMC8061304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.649267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Identifying patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who will probably respond to the “7 + 3” induction regimen remains an unsolved clinical challenge. This study aimed to identify whether c-Myc could facilitate cytogenetics to predict a “7 + 3” induction chemoresponse in de novo AML. Methods: We stratified 75 untreated patients (24 and 51 from prospective and retrospective cohorts, respectively) with de novo AML who completed “7 + 3” induction into groups with and without complete remission (CR). We then compared Myc-associated molecular signatures between the groups in the prospective cohort after gene set enrichment analysis. The expression of c-Myc protein was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. We defined high c-Myc-immunopositivity as > 40% of bone marrow myeloblasts being c-Myc (+). Results: Significantly more Myc gene expression was found in patients who did not achieve CR by “7 + 3” induction than those who did (2439.92 ± 1868.94 vs. 951.60 ± 780.68; p = 0.047). Expression of the Myc gene and c-Myc protein were positively correlated (r = 0.495; p = 0.014). Although the non-CR group did not express more c-Myc protein than the CR group (37.81 ± 25.13% vs. 29.04 ± 19.75%; p = 0.151), c-Myc-immunopositivity could be a surrogate to predict the “7 + 3” induction chemoresponse (specificity: 81.63%). More importantly, c-Myc-immunopositivity facilitated cytogenetics to predict a “7 + 3” induction chemoresponse by increasing specificity from 91.30 to 95.92%. Conclusion: The “7 + 3” induction remains the standard of care for de novo AML patients, especially for those without a high c-Myc-immunopositivity and high-risk cytogenetics. However, different regimens might be considered for patients with high c-Myc-immunopositivity or high-risk cytogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hung Hsiao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ren Ching Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Jung Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Shih
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Su
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Rong Tsai
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Pei Jhan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Sian Lia
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ni Chuang
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hsi Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,General Education Center, Jen-The Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Lin Teng
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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327
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Yang L, Li J, Li Y, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhang D, Liu J, Zhang X. Diclofenac impairs the proliferation and glucose metabolism of triple-negative breast cancer cells by targeting the c-Myc pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:584. [PMID: 33850556 PMCID: PMC8027724 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells obtain energy mainly through aerobic glycolysis, and their glycolytic rate is significantly higher compared with that of non-TNBC cells. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is a transmembrane transporter necessary for the entry of glucose into tumor cells, hexokinase (HK) is a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, and both are targets of the transcription factor c-Myc. c-Myc can promote aerobic glycolysis by upregulating GLUT1 expression and enhancing HK activity. c-Myc and GLUT1 are highly expressed in TNBC. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac can inhibit glycolysis in melanoma cells and thereby promote apoptosis by downregulating c-Myc and GLUT1. To explore the effect of diclofenac on the energy metabolism of TNBC cells and determine the underlying mechanism, a comparative study in two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937) and one non-TNBC cell line (MCF-7) was conducted. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometric assays; GLUT1 and c-Myc expression was measured by western blotting. Diclofenac significantly inhibited cell proliferation, downregulated GLUT1 and c-Myc expression, and decreased HK activity in TNBC cells compared with non-TNBC cells. In conclusion, the studies suggested that diclofenac inhibited cell glycolysis and suppressed TNBC cell growth by decreasing GLUT1 protein expression and HK activity through the c-Myc pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Yang
- Department of Nursing, Guangxi Medical University Nursing College, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jiachen Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University The First Clinical Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yongzhuo Li
- Department of Medicine Guangxi University Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, P.R. China
| | - Yongli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University The First Clinical Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ziqian Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University The First Clinical Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Dahao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University The First Clinical Medical College, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jinlu Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Gland Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Gland Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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328
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Ma H, Han F, Yan X, Qi G, Li Y, Li R, Yan S, Yuan C, Song K, Kong B. PBK promotes aggressive phenotypes of cervical cancer through ERK/c-Myc signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:2767-2781. [PMID: 33184870 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide. PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) is proven to promote the malignant behaviors of various carcinomas. However, its functional roles and oncogenic mechanisms in cervical cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we reported that PBK was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues. PBK promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer cells. OTS514, a specific PBK inhibitor, could significantly suppress proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in a xenograft model. Besides, OTS514 could enhance cisplatin-based chemosensitivity in cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, PBK promoted the expression and stabilization of c-Myc through phosphorylating ERK1/2. OTS514 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the transcriptional activity of c-Myc. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK signal pathway by U0126 reversed the increased proliferation and metastasis induced by overexpression of PBK. Exogenous expression of c-Myc counteracted the decreased proliferation and metastasis evoked by knockdown of PBK. In conclusion, PBK promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer through ERK/c-Myc signal pathway. PBK might be a promising molecular target for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gonghua Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cunzhong Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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329
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Ribosomal RNA Transcription Regulation in Breast Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040502. [PMID: 33805424 PMCID: PMC8066022 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process that is responsible for the formation of ribosomes and ultimately global protein synthesis. The first step in this process is the synthesis of the ribosomal RNA in the nucleolus, transcribed by RNA Polymerase I. Historically, abnormal nucleolar structure is indicative of poor cancer prognoses. In recent years, it has been shown that ribosome biogenesis, and rDNA transcription in particular, is dysregulated in cancer cells. Coupled with advancements in screening technology that allowed for the discovery of novel drugs targeting RNA Polymerase I, this transcriptional machinery is an increasingly viable target for cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss ribosome biogenesis in breast cancer and the different cellular pathways involved. Moreover, we discuss current therapeutics that have been found to affect rDNA transcription and more novel drugs that target rDNA transcription machinery as a promising avenue for breast cancer treatment.
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330
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Gene Transactivation and Transrepression in MYC-Driven Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073458. [PMID: 33801599 PMCID: PMC8037706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a proto-oncogene regulating a large number of genes involved in a plethora of cellular functions. Its deregulation results in activation of MYC gene expression and/or an increase in MYC protein stability. MYC overexpression is a hallmark of malignant growth, inducing self-renewal of stem cells and blocking senescence and cell differentiation. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of MYC-mediated molecular mechanisms responsible for its oncogenic activity. Several recent findings indicate that MYC is a regulator of cancer genome and epigenome: MYC modulates expression of target genes in a site-specific manner, by recruiting chromatin remodeling co-factors at promoter regions, and at genome-wide level, by regulating the expression of several epigenetic modifiers that alter the entire chromatin structure. We also discuss novel emerging therapeutic strategies based on both direct modulation of MYC and its epigenetic cofactors.
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331
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Shibasaki H, Kinoh H, Cabral H, Quader S, Mochida Y, Liu X, Toh K, Miyano K, Matsumoto Y, Yamasoba T, Kataoka K. Efficacy of pH-Sensitive Nanomedicines in Tumors with Different c-MYC Expression Depends on the Intratumoral Activation Profile. ACS NANO 2021; 15:5545-5559. [PMID: 33625824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Effective inhibition of the protein derived from cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-Myc) is one of the most sought-after goals in cancer therapy. While several c-Myc inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic potential, inhibiting c-Myc has proven challenging, since c-Myc is essential for normal tissues and tumors may present heterogeneous c-Myc levels demanding contrasting therapeutic strategies. Herein, we developed tumor-targeted nanomedicines capable of treating both tumors with high and low c-Myc levels by adjusting their ability to spatiotemporally control drug action. These nanomedicines loaded homologues of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) motif inhibitor JQ1 as epigenetic c-Myc inhibitors through pH-cleavable bonds engineered for fast or slow drug release at intratumoral pH. In tumors with high c-Myc expression, the fast-releasing (FR) nanomedicines suppressed tumor growth more effectively than the slow-releasing (SR) ones, whereas, in the low c-Myc tumors, the efficacy of the nanomedicines was the opposite. By studying the tumor distribution and intratumoral activation of the nanomedicines, we found that, despite SR nanomedicines achieved higher accumulation than the FR counterparts in both c-Myc high and low tumors, the antitumor activity profiles corresponded with the availability of activated drugs inside the tumors. These results indicate the potential of engineered nanomedicines for c-Myc inhibition and spur the idea of precision pH-sensitive nanomedicine based on cancer biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kinoh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Sabina Quader
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Xueying Liu
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuko Toh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuki Miyano
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center, 3-22-1, Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yu Matsumoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Policy Alternative Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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332
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Gu Y, Wang C, Chen S, Tang J, Guo X, Hu W, Cui A, Zhang D, Yu K, Chen M. A Critical Role of Peptidylprolyl Isomerase A Pseudogene 22/microRNA-197-3p/Peptidylprolyl Isomerase A Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:604461. [PMID: 33790943 PMCID: PMC8006304 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.604461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is increasing over time, while the underlying molecular mechanism of HCC development is still under exploration. Pseudogenes are classified as a special type of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and they played a vital role in regulating tumor-associated gene expression. Here, we report that a pseudogene peptidylprolyl isomerase A pseudogene 22 (PPIAP22) and its parental gene peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) were upregulated in HCC and were associated with the clinical outcomes of HCC. Further investigation revealed that PPIAP22 might upregulate the expression of PPIA through sponging microRNA (miR)-197-3p, behaving as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). PPIA could participate in the development of HCC by regulating mRNA metabolic process and tumor immunity based on the functional enrichment analysis. We also found a strong correlation between the expression levels of PPIA and the immune cell infiltration or the expression of chemokines, especially macrophage, C-C motif chemokine ligand 15 (CCL15), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). Our findings demonstrate that the PPIAP22/miR-197-3p/PPIA axis plays a vital role in the progression of HCC by increasing the malignancy of tumor cells and regulating the immune cell infiltration, especially macrophage, through CCL15-CCR1 or CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengsen Chen
- Department of Endoscopy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - An Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dian Zhang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingquan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
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333
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Xue Y, Fu Y, Zhao F, Gui G, Li Y, Rivero-Hinojosa S, Liu G, Li Y, Xia S, Eberhart CG, Ying M. Frondoside A Inhibits an MYC-Driven Medulloblastoma Model Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1199-1209. [PMID: 33722850 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. MYC-driven MBs, commonly found in the group 3 MB, are aggressive and metastatic with the worst prognosis. Modeling MYC-driven MB is the foundation of therapeutic development. Here, we applied a synthetic mRNA-driven strategy to generate neuronal precursors from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These neuronal precursors were transformed by the MYC oncogene combined with p53 loss of function to establish an MYC-driven MB model recapitulating the histologic and transcriptomic hallmarks of group 3 MB. We further show that the marine compound Frondoside A (FA) effectively inhibits this MYC-driven MB model without affecting isogenic neuronal precursors with undetectable MYC expression. Consistent results from a panel of MB models support that MYC levels are positively correlated with FA's antitumor potency. Next, we show that FA suppresses MYC expression and its downstream gene targets in MB cells, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying FA's inhibitory effects on MYC-driven cancers. In orthotopic xenografts of MYC-driven MB, intratumoral FA administration potently induces cytotoxicity in tumor xenografts, significantly extends the survival of tumor-bearing animals, and enhances the recruitment of microglia/macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes to tumors. Moreover, we show that MYC levels also predict FA potency in glioblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer cells. Taken together, this study provides an efficient human iPSC-based strategy for personalizable cancer modeling, widely applicable to mechanistic studies (e.g., genetic predisposition to cancer) and drug discovery. Our preclinical results justify the clinical translation of FA in treating MYC-driven MB and other human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Xue
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yi Fu
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fenghong Zhao
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gege Gui
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuguo Li
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samuel Rivero-Hinojosa
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Guanshu Liu
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yunqing Li
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shuli Xia
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mingyao Ying
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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334
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The combination of C-Myc rearrangement and 1q21 gain is associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1251-1260. [PMID: 33686491 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The prognostic value of chromosomal 1q21 gain in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) remains controversial. Add-on Myc aberrations may further worsen the outcome. To investigate whether specific genes located at the 1q21 region, such as myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), are involved in NDMM progression, we examined bone marrow cytogenetic abnormalities in 153 patients with NDMM by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Their response to treatment and survival was also analyzed. C-Myc and Mcl-1 expressions in bone marrow samples were analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of Mcl-1 was evaluated in bone marrow sections by immunohistochemistry. MM cell lines were transfected with Mcl-1 siRNA. 1q21 gain was present in 55/153 (35.9%) patients and strongly associated with Myc rearrangement (31/153, 20.3%, P = 0.004). A positive correlation was observed between Myc and Mcl-1 mRNA levels in bone marrow cells from 47 patients (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The combination of 1q21 gain and Myc rearrangement was associated with poorer overall survival than Myc rearrangement alone (16.8 vs. 27.9 months, P = 0.077) or 1q21 gain alone (16.8 vs. 60.7 months, P < 0.01). High Mcl-1 protein expression in bone marrow plasma cells was associated with Myc rearrangement. Mcl-1 silencing by siRNA inhibited Myc protein expression in three myeloma cell lines. Treatment with the small-molecule Mcl-1 inhibitor, UMI-77, produced similar results. Overall, the combination of Myc rearrangement and 1q21 gain was associated with particularly poor prognosis in patients with MM. Furthermore, our data are consistent with Mcl-1-dependent Myc protein activation.
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335
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Ahangar NK, Hemmat N, Khalaj-Kondori M, Shadbad MA, Sabaie H, Mokhtarzadeh A, Alizadeh N, Derakhshani A, Baghbanzadeh A, Dolatkhah K, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The Regulatory Cross-Talk between microRNAs and Novel Members of the B7 Family in Human Diseases: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052652. [PMID: 33800752 PMCID: PMC7962059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The members of the B7 family, as immune checkpoint molecules, can substantially regulate immune responses. Since microRNAs (miRs) can regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, we conducted a scoping review to summarize and discuss the regulatory cross-talk between miRs and new B7 family immune checkpoint molecules, i.e., B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H5, butyrophilin like 2 (BTNL2), B7-H6, B7-H7, and immunoglobulin like domain containing receptor 2 (ILDR2). The current study was performed using a six-stage methodology structure and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to obtain the relevant records to 5 November 2020. Two authors independently reviewed the obtained records and extracted the desired data. After quantitative and qualitative analyses, we used bioinformatics approaches to extend our knowledge about the regulatory cross-talk between miRs and the abovementioned B7 family members. Twenty-seven articles were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies with different designs reported gene–miR regulatory axes in various cancer and non-cancer diseases. The regulatory cross-talk between the aforementioned B7 family molecules and miRs might provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Karim Ahangar
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (N.K.A.); (M.K.-K.)
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Mohammad Khalaj-Kondori
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (N.K.A.); (M.K.-K.)
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran;
| | - Hani Sabaie
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran;
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
- IRCCS IstitutoTumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Katayoun Dolatkhah
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- IRCCS IstitutoTumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +98-413-3371440 (B.B.); Fax: +98-413-3371311 (B.B.)
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (N.H.); (M.A.S.); (A.M.); (N.A.); (A.D.); (A.B.); (K.D.)
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.); Tel.: +98-413-3371440 (B.B.); Fax: +98-413-3371311 (B.B.)
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336
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Harkness RW, Hennecker C, Grün JT, Blümler A, Heckel A, Schwalbe H, Mittermaier AK. Parallel reaction pathways accelerate folding of a guanine quadruplex. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:1247-1262. [PMID: 33469659 PMCID: PMC7897495 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded, guanine-rich nucleic acid structures that can influence a variety of biological processes such as the transcription and translation of genes and DNA replication. In many cases, a single G4-forming nucleic acid sequence can adopt multiple different folded conformations that interconvert on biologically relevant timescales, entropically stabilizing the folded state. The coexistence of different folded conformations also suggests that there are multiple pathways leading from the unfolded to the folded state ensembles, potentially modulating the folding rate and biological activity. We have developed an experimental method for quantifying the contributions of individual pathways to the folding of conformationally heterogeneous G4s that is based on mutagenesis, thermal hysteresis kinetic experiments and global analysis, and validated our results using photocaged kinetic NMR experiments. We studied the regulatory Pu22 G4 from the c-myc oncogene promoter, which adopts at least four distinct folded isomers. We found that the presence of four parallel pathways leads to a 2.5-fold acceleration in folding; that is, the effective folding rate from the unfolded to folded ensembles is 2.5 times as large as the rate constant for the fastest individual pathway. Since many G4 sequences can adopt many more than four isomers, folding accelerations of more than an order of magnitude are possible via this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Harkness
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | | | - J Tassilo Grün
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Anja Blümler
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Alexander Heckel
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
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337
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Kim JE, Choi J, Sung CO, Hong YS, Kim SY, Lee H, Kim TW, Kim JI. High prevalence of TP53 loss and whole-genome doubling in early-onset colorectal cancer. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:446-456. [PMID: 33753878 PMCID: PMC8080557 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is rapidly rising. However, the reason for this rise in incidence as well as the genomic characteristics of EO-CRC remain largely unknown. We performed whole-exome sequencing in 47 cases of EO-CRC and targeted deep sequencing in 833 cases of CRC. Mutational profiles of EO-CRC were compared with previously published large-scale studies. EO-CRC and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were further investigated according to copy number profiles and mutation timing. We classified colorectal cancer into three subgroups: the hypermutated group consisted of mutations in POLE and mismatch repair genes; the whole-genome doubling group had early functional loss of TP53 that led to whole-genome doubling and focal oncogene amplification; the genome-stable group had mutations in APC and KRAS, similar to conventional colon cancer. Among non-hypermutated samples, whole-genome doubling was more prevalent in early-onset than in late-onset disease (54% vs 38%, Fisher's exact P = 0.04). More than half of non-hypermutated EO-CRC cases involved early TP53 mutation and whole-genome doubling, which led to notable differences in mutation frequencies between age groups. Alternative carcinogenesis involving genomic instability via loss of TP53 may be related to the rise in EO-CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeyong Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sang Hong
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jong-Il Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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338
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Juarez-Flores A, Zamudio GS, José MV. Novel gene signatures for stage classification of the squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4835. [PMID: 33649335 PMCID: PMC7921642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83668-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC) is one of the most common types of lung cancer. As GLOBOCAN reported in 2018, lung cancer was the first cause of death and new cases by cancer worldwide. Typically, diagnosis is made in the later stages of the disease with few treatment options available. The goal of this work was to find some key components underlying each stage of the disease, to help in the classification of tumor samples, and to increase the available options for experimental assays and molecular targets that could be used in treatment development. We employed two approaches. The first was based in the classic method of differential gene expression analysis, network analysis, and a novel concept known as network gatekeepers. The second approach was using machine learning algorithms. From our combined approach, we identified two sets of genes that could function as a signature to identify each stage of the cancer pathology. We also arrived at a network of 55 nodes, which according to their biological functions, they can be regarded as drivers in this cancer. Although biological experiments are necessary for their validation, we proposed that all these genes could be used for cancer development treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Juarez-Flores
- Theoretical Biology Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico
| | - Gabriel S Zamudio
- Theoretical Biology Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico
| | - Marco V José
- Theoretical Biology Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico.
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339
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Xie T, Guo X, Wu D, Li S, Lu Y, Wang X, Chen L. PAFAH1B3 Expression Is Correlated With Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Immune Infiltration. Front Oncol 2021; 11:591545. [PMID: 33732641 PMCID: PMC7959814 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.591545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b catalytic subunit 3 (PAFAH1B3) is associated with a variety of human diseases. However, its function in gastric cancer remains uncertain. Methods PAFAH1B3 expression was analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and genotype-tissue expression pan-cancer data. The association between PAFAH1B3 expression and patient prognosis was evaluated using TCGA clinical survival data. Enrichment analysis of PAFAH1B3 was performed using the clusterProfiler R software package. Moreover, the correlation between PAFAH1B3 expression and immune cell infiltration were evaluated by analyzing TCGA database. CCK8 assay and colony-formation assay were performed to assess the effect of PAFAH1B3 on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the impact of PAFAH1B3 on gastric cancer cell migration. Western blot was performed to evaluate the role of PAFAH1B3 on signaling pathways in gastric cancer cells. Results PAFAH1B3 was highly expressed in many types of tumors including gastric cancer. High PAFAH1B3 expression was significantly correlated with proliferation-related gene sets involved in DNA replication, the cell cycle, and cell cycle checkpoints. Further analysis showed that high PAFAH1B3 expression was associated with high M1 macrophage and CD8-positive T cell infiltration scores. PAFAH1B3 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and the activation of oncogenic signaling in gastric cancer cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that PAFAH1B3 may be an oncogene in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Xie
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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340
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Laskaratos FM, Levi A, Schwach G, Pfragner R, Hall A, Xia D, von Stempel C, Bretherton J, Thanapirom K, Alexander S, Ogunbiyi O, Watkins J, Luong TV, Toumpanakis C, Mandair D, Caplin M, Rombouts K. Transcriptomic Profiling of In Vitro Tumor-Stromal Cell Paracrine Crosstalk Identifies Involvement of the Integrin Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Mesenteric Fibrosis in Human Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Front Oncol 2021; 11:629665. [PMID: 33718208 PMCID: PMC7943728 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.629665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Analysis of the pathophysiology of mesenteric fibrosis (MF) in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) in an in vitro paracrine model and in human SI-NET tissue samples. Methods An indirect co-culture model of SI-NET cells KRJ-I and P-STS with stromal cells HEK293 was designed to evaluate the paracrine effects on cell metabolic activity, gene expression by RT2 PCR Profilers to analyse cancer and fibrosis related genes, and RNA sequencing. The integrin signaling pathway, a specific Ingenuity enriched pathway, was further explored in a cohort of human SI-NET tissues by performing protein analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results RT Profiler array analysis demonstrated several genes to be significantly up- or down-regulated in a cell specific manner as a result of the paracrine effect. This was further confirmed by employing RNA sequencing revealing multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis and fibrogenesis that were significantly affected in these cell lines. A significant upregulation in the expression of various integrin pathway – related genes was identified in the mesenteric mass of fibrotic SI-NET as confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Protein analysis demonstrated downstream activation of the MAPK and mTOR pathways in some patients with fibrotic SI-NETs. Conclusion This study has provided the first comprehensive analysis of the crosstalk of SI-NET cells with stromal cells. A novel pathway – the integrin pathway – was identified and further validated and confirmed in a cohort of human SI-NET tissue featured by a dual role in fibrogenesis/carcinogenesis within the neoplastic fibrotic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faidon-Marios Laskaratos
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Levi
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gert Schwach
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Roswitha Pfragner
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrew Hall
- Academic Centre for Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dong Xia
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Conrad von Stempel
- Radiology Department, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Bretherton
- Radiology Department, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kessarin Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Alexander
- Academic Centre for Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olagunju Ogunbiyi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Watkins
- Academic Centre for Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Academic Centre for Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Toumpanakis
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dalvinder Mandair
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn Caplin
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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341
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Ofori S, Gukathasan S, Awuah SG. Gold-Based Pharmacophore Inhibits Intracellular MYC Protein. Chemistry 2021; 27:4168-4175. [PMID: 33275307 PMCID: PMC8605874 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Direct targeting of intrinsically disordered proteins, including MYC, by small molecules for biomedical applications would resolve a longstanding issue in chemical biology and medicine. Thus, we developed gold-based small-molecule MYC reagents that engage MYC inside cells and modulate MYC transcriptional activity. Lead compounds comprise an affinity ligand and a gold(I) or gold(III) warhead capable of protein chemical modification. Cell-based MYC target engagement studies via CETSA and co-immunoprecipitation reveal specific interaction of compounds with MYC in cells. The lead gold(I) reagent, 1, demonstrates superior cell-killing potential (up to 35-fold) in a MYC-dependent manner when compared to 10058-F4 in cells including the TNBC, MDA-MB-231. Subsequently, 1 suppresses MYC transcription factor activity via functional colorimetric assays, and gene-profiling using whole-cell transcriptomics reveals significant modulation of MYC target genes by 1. These findings point to metal-mediated ligand affinity chemistry (MLAC) based on gold as a promising strategy to develop chemical probes and anticancer therapeutics targeting MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ofori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
| | - Sailajah Gukathasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
| | - Samuel G. Awuah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
- Center for Pharmaceutical and Research Innovation, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington Kentucky, 40536
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342
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Jaromy M, Miller JD. Pharmacologic mechanisms underlying antidiabetic drug metformin's chemopreventive effect against colorectal cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173956. [PMID: 33617821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, current data was used to elucidate the mechanisms by which metformin hydrochloride exerts chemopreventive effects on colorectal cancer (CRC). The first-line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metformin, has recently been cited in a number of studies, in-vitro and in-vivo, for its potential anticancer capabilities in a variety of malignancies. While generally known to target AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as an antidiabetic agent, the mechanisms by which metformin confers anticancer properties, particularly in CRC, are far less understood. This review aims to comprehensively integrate novel pharmacologic findings, especially more recent insights, to explain metformin's anti-CRC mechanisms. Among these include metformin-mediated alterations to a number of key signaling pathways involving CRC cell growth and stemness, anti-EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) regulatory actions, as well as altered pro-cancer cellular energetic states and survival. These findings may prove particularly meaningful in the fields of experimental and clinical oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Jaromy
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Joshua D Miller
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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343
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Davies HR, Broad KD, Onadim Z, Price EA, Zou X, Sheriff I, Karaa EK, Scheimberg I, Reddy MA, Sagoo MS, Ohnuma SI, Nik-Zainal S. Whole-Genome Sequencing of Retinoblastoma Reveals the Diversity of Rearrangements Disrupting RB1 and Uncovers a Treatment-Related Mutational Signature. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:754. [PMID: 33670346 PMCID: PMC7918943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of retinoblastoma is thought to require pathological genetic changes in both alleles of the RB1 gene. However, cases exist where RB1 mutations are undetectable, suggesting alternative pathways to malignancy. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and transcriptomics to investigate the landscape of sporadic retinoblastomas derived from twenty patients, sought RB1 and other driver mutations and investigated mutational signatures. At least one RB1 mutation was identified in all retinoblastomas, including new mutations in addition to those previously identified by clinical screening. Ten tumours carried structural rearrangements involving RB1 ranging from relatively simple to extremely complex rearrangement patterns, including a chromothripsis-like pattern in one tumour. Bilateral tumours obtained from one patient harboured conserved germline but divergent somatic RB1 mutations, indicating independent evolution. Mutational signature analysis showed predominance of signatures associated with cell division, an absence of ultraviolet-related DNA damage and a profound platinum-related mutational signature in a chemotherapy-exposed tumour. Most RB1 mutations are identifiable by clinical screening. However, the increased resolution and ability to detect otherwise elusive rearrangements by WGS have important repercussions on clinical management and advice on recurrence risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R. Davies
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (H.R.D.); (X.Z.)
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Kevin D. Broad
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
| | - Zerrin Onadim
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (Z.O.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Elizabeth A. Price
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (Z.O.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Xueqing Zou
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (H.R.D.); (X.Z.)
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Ibrahim Sheriff
- Retinoblastoma Service, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (I.S.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Esin Kotiloğlu Karaa
- Pathology Department, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (E.K.K.); (I.S.)
| | - Irene Scheimberg
- Pathology Department, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (E.K.K.); (I.S.)
| | - M. Ashwin Reddy
- Retinoblastoma Service, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (I.S.); (M.A.R.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Mandeep S. Sagoo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
- Retinoblastoma Service, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health Trust, London E1 1FR, UK; (I.S.); (M.A.R.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Shin-ichi Ohnuma
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
| | - Serena Nik-Zainal
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (H.R.D.); (X.Z.)
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
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344
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Butler DSC, Cafaro C, Putze J, Wan MLY, Tran TH, Ambite I, Ahmadi S, Kjellström S, Welinder C, Chao SM, Dobrindt U, Svanborg C. A bacterial protease depletes c-MYC and increases survival in mouse models of bladder and colon cancer. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 39:754-764. [PMID: 33574609 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Is the oncogene MYC upregulated or hyperactive? In the majority of human cancers, finding agents that target c-MYC has proved difficult. Here we report specific bacterial effector molecules that inhibit cellular MYC (c-MYC) in human cells. We show that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) degrade the c-MYC protein and attenuate MYC expression in both human cells and animal tissues. c-MYC protein was rapidly degraded by both cell-free bacterial lysates and the purified bacterial protease Lon. In mice, intravesical or peroral delivery of Lon protease delayed tumor progression and increased survival in MYC-dependent bladder and colon cancer models, respectively. These results suggest that bacteria have evolved strategies to control c-MYC tissue levels in the host and that the Lon protease shows promise for therapeutic targeting of c-MYC in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S C Butler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caterina Cafaro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johannes Putze
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Murphy Lam Yim Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thi Hien Tran
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ines Ambite
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shahram Ahmadi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sven Kjellström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, BioMS, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Welinder
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sing Ming Chao
- Department of Paediatrics, Nephrology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Catharina Svanborg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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345
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Glutamine Synthetase as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041701. [PMID: 33567690 PMCID: PMC7915753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of glutamine in cancer metabolism has been extensively studied. Cancer cells consume an excessive amount of glutamine to facilitate rapid proliferation. Thus, glutamine depletion occurs in various cancer types, especially in poorly vascularized cancers. This makes glutamine synthetase (GS), the only enzyme responsible for de novo synthesizing glutamine, essential in cancer metabolism. In cancer, GS exhibits pro-tumoral features by synthesizing glutamine, supporting nucleotide synthesis. Furthermore, GS is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and provides glutamine to cancer cells, allowing cancer cells to maintain sufficient glutamine level for glutamine catabolism. Glutamine catabolism, the opposite reaction of glutamine synthesis by GS, is well known for supporting cancer cell proliferation via contributing biosynthesis of various essential molecules and energy production. Either glutamine anabolism or catabolism has a critical function in cancer metabolism depending on the complex nature and microenvironment of cancers. In this review, we focus on the role of GS in a variety of cancer types and microenvironments and highlight the mechanism of GS at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting GS in cancer.
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346
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Liu Z, Chen SS, Clarke S, Veschi V, Thiele CJ. Targeting MYCN in Pediatric and Adult Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623679. [PMID: 33628735 PMCID: PMC7898977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of the MYC family of oncogenes, including c-MYC, MYCN and MYCL occurs in many types of cancers, and is frequently associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of functional studies have focused on c-MYC due to its broad expression profile in human cancers. The existence of highly conserved functional domains between MYCN and c-MYC suggests that MYCN participates in similar activities. MYC encodes a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) whose central oncogenic role in many human cancers makes it a highly desirable therapeutic target. Historically, as a TF, MYC has been regarded as “undruggable”. Thus, recent efforts focus on investigating methods to indirectly target MYC to achieve anti-tumor effects. This review will primarily summarize the recent progress in understanding the function of MYCN. It will explore efforts at targeting MYCN, including strategies aimed at suppression of MYCN transcription, destabilization of MYCN protein, inhibition of MYCN transcriptional activity, repression of MYCN targets and utilization of MYCN overexpression dependent synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Chen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Saki Clarke
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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347
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Sharapova T, Talaty N, Buck WR, Fossey S, Liguori MJ, Van Vleet TR. Reduced hepatic global hydroxymethylation in mice treated with non-genotoxic carcinogens is transiently reversible with a methyl supplemented diet. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 415:115439. [PMID: 33549593 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGCs) are known to cause perturbations in DNA methylation, which can be an early event leading to changes in gene expression and the onset of carcinogenicity. Phenobarbital (PB) has been shown to alter liver DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns in mice in a time dependent manner. The goals of this study were to assess if clofibrate (CFB), a well-studied rodent NGC, would produce epigenetic changes in mice similar to PB, and if a methyl donor supplementation (MDS) would modulate epigenetic and gene expression changes induced by phenobarbital. CByB6F1 mice were treated with 0.5% clofibrate or 0.14% phenobarbital for 7 and 28 days. A subgroup of PB treated and control mice were also fed MDS diet. Liquid Chromatography-Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to quantify global liver 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels. Gene expression analysis was conducted using Affymetrix microarrays. A decrease in liver 5hmC but not 5mC levels was observed upon treatment with both CFB and PB with varying time of onset. We observed moderate increases in 5hmC levels in PB-treated mice when exposed to MDS diet and lower expression levels of several phenobarbital induced genes involved in cell proliferation, growth, and invasion, suggesting an early modulating effect of methyl donor supplementation. Overall, epigenetic profiling can aid in identifying early mechanism-based biomarkers of non-genotoxic carcinogenicity and increases the quality of cancer risk assessment for candidate drugs. Global DNA methylation assessment by LC-MS is an informative first step toward understanding the risk of carcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sharapova
- Investigative Toxicology and Pathology, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - N Talaty
- Discovery Platform Technologies, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - W R Buck
- Investigative Toxicology and Pathology, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - S Fossey
- Investigative Toxicology and Pathology, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - M J Liguori
- Investigative Toxicology and Pathology, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - T R Van Vleet
- Investigative Toxicology and Pathology, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, United States
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348
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Ge J, Yu W, Li J, Ma H, Wang P, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Shi G. USP16 regulates castration-resistant prostate cancer cell proliferation by deubiquitinating and stablizing c-Myc. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:59. [PMID: 33546726 PMCID: PMC7866668 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background c-Myc, a well-established oncogene, plays an important role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, including prostate cancer. However, its mechanism in cancer cell remains largely unknown and whether there exist a deubiquitinase targeting c-Myc also remains elusive. Methods Bioinformatic analysis and shRNA screening methods were used to identify potential deubiquitinases that correlate with c-Myc gene signature. Cell proliferation and viability were measured by Cell-Counting-Kit 8 and colony formation assays. A mouse xenograft model of PC3 cells was established to confirm the function of USP16 in vivo. The interaction between USP16 and c-Myc protein was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and protein co-localization assays. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to detect the expression of USP16, Ki67, and c-Myc in xenograft tissues and clinical tumour tissues. Furthermore, the correlation between USP16 and c-Myc was confirmed by RNA sequencing. Results Functional analyses identified USP16, known as a deubiquitinase, was strongly correlated with the c-Myc gene signature. Depletion of USP16 was shown to significantly suppress the growth of PCa cells both in vitro and in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays confirmed that USP16 served as a novel deubiquitinase of c-Myc and overexpression of c-Myc significantly rescued the effects of USP16 disruption. Immunohistochemistry staining and RNA-seq tactics were further used to confirm the positive correlation between USP16 and c-Myc expression. Expression of USP16 in human PCa tissues was higher than that seen in normal prostate tissues and its high expression was found associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions USP16 serves as a novel deubiquitinase of c-Myc. Downregulation of USP16 markedly suppressed PCa cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. USP16 regulates PCa cell proliferation by deubiquitinating and stabilizing c-Myc, making it a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of PCa. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01843-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Ge
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Wandong Yu
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhong Li
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangbin Ma
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengyu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guowei Shi
- Department of Urology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, No. 801, Heqing Road,Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
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349
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Liu R, Shi P, Wang Z, Yuan C, Cui H. Molecular Mechanisms of MYCN Dysregulation in Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:625332. [PMID: 33614505 PMCID: PMC7886978 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.625332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN, a member of MYC proto-oncogene family, encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor N-MYC. Abnormal expression of N-MYC is correlated with high-risk cancers and poor prognosis. Initially identified as an amplified oncogene in neuroblastoma in 1983, the oncogenic effect of N-MYC is expanded to multiple neuronal and nonneuronal tumors. Direct targeting N-MYC remains challenge due to its "undruggable" features. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches for targeting MYCN-driven tumors have been focused on the disruption of transcription, translation, protein stability as well as synthetic lethality of MYCN. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of MYCN dysregulation in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongze Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
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Tucker SJ, Zorn AJ. The role of Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1) in the progression of the malignant phenotype. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2829-2843. [PMID: 33533478 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1), a tight junction-associated transmembrane protein with a unique binding site for cAMP, has been shown to act as a tumour suppressor in cancer cells. Through interaction with many downstream effectors and signalling pathways, POPDC1 promotes cell adhesion and inhibits uncontrolled cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. However, POPDC1 expression is down-regulated in many types of cancer, thereby reducing its tumour-suppressive actions. This review discusses the role of POPDC1 in the progression of the malignant phenotype and highlights the broad range of benefits POPDC1 stabilisation may achieve therapeutically. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a key hallmark of malignancies and commonly promote treatment resistance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CSC signalling mechanisms, many of which have been shown to be regulated by POPDC1 in other cell types, thus suggesting an additional therapeutic benefit for POPDC1-stabilising anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Tucker
- School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alina J Zorn
- School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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