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Kim H, Lebeau B, Papadopoli D, Jovanovic P, Russo M, Avizonis D, Morita M, Afzali F, Ursini-Siegel J, Postovit LM, Witcher M, Topisirovic I. MTOR modulation induces selective perturbations in histone methylation which influence the anti-proliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors. iScience 2024; 27:109188. [PMID: 38433910 PMCID: PMC10904987 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest a significant cross-talk between metabolic and epigenetic programs. However, the relationship between the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is a pivotal metabolic regulator, and epigenetic modifications remains poorly understood. Our results show that mTORC1 activation caused by the abrogation of its negative regulator tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) coincides with increased levels of the histone modification H3K27me3 but not H3K4me3 or H3K9me3. This selective H3K27me3 induction was mediated via 4E-BP-dependent increase in EZH2 protein levels. Surprisingly, mTOR inhibition also selectively induced H3K27me3. This was independent of TSC2, and was paralleled by reduced EZH2 and increased EZH1 protein levels. Notably, the ability of mTOR inhibitors to induce H3K27me3 levels was positively correlated with their anti-proliferative effects. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that both activation and inhibition of mTOR selectively increase H3K27me3 by distinct mechanisms, whereby the induction of H3K27me3 may potentiate the anti-proliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaEun Kim
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lebeau
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - David Papadopoli
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Predrag Jovanovic
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Mariana Russo
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Daina Avizonis
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Masahiro Morita
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Farzaneh Afzali
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Josie Ursini-Siegel
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
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Liu J, Fan H, Liang X, Chen Y. Polycomb repressor complex: Its function in human cancer and therapeutic target strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115897. [PMID: 37981459 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb Repressor Complex (PRC) plays a pivotal role in gene regulation during development and disease, with dysregulation contributing significantly to various human cancers. The intricate interplay between PRC and cellular signaling pathways sheds light on cancer complexity. PRC presents promising therapeutic opportunities, with inhibitors undergoing rigorous evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we emphasize the critical role of PRC complex in gene regulation, particularly PcG proteins mediated chromatin compaction through phase separation. We also highlight the pathological implications of PRC complex dysregulation in various tumors, elucidating underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. The burgeoning field of therapeutic strategies targeting PRC complexes, notably EZH2 inhibitors, has advanced significantly. However, we explore the need for combination therapies to enhance PRC targeted treatments efficacy, providing a glimpse into the future of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Liu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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Negri A, Marozzi M, Trisciuoglio D, Rotili D, Mai A, Rizzi F. Simultaneous administration of EZH2 and BET inhibitors inhibits proliferation and clonogenic ability of metastatic prostate cancer cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2163242. [PMID: 36629431 PMCID: PMC9848337 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2163242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for recurrent prostate cancer (PC). However, after a certain period of responsiveness, ADT resistance occurs virtually in all patients and the disease progresses to lethal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Aberrant expression and function of the epigenetic modifiers EZH2 and BET over activates c-myc, an oncogenic transcription factor critically contributing to mCRPC. In the present work, we tested, for the first time, the combination of an EZH2 inhibitor with a BET inhibitor in metastatic PC cells. The combination outperformed single drugs in inhibiting cell viability, cell proliferation and clonogenic ability, and concomitantly reduced both c-myc and NF-kB expression. Although these promising results will warrant further in vivo validation, they represent the first step to establishing the rationale that the proposed combination might be suitable for mCRPC treatment, by exploiting molecular targets different from androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aide Negri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marina Marozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IMBP), National Research Council (CNR) c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin,” Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy,National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy,CONTACT Federica Rizzi Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Boldrini L, Bardi M. WSB1 Involvement in Prostate Cancer Progression. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1558. [PMID: 37628609 PMCID: PMC10454498 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is polygenic disease involving many genes, and more importantly a host of gene-gene interactions, including transcriptional factors. The WSB1 gene is a transcriptional target of numerous oncoproteins, and its dysregulation can contribute to tumor progression by abnormal activation of targeted oncogenes. Using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas, we tested the possible involvement of WSB1 in PC progression. A multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) model was applied to clarify the association of WSB1 expression with other key genes, such as c-myc, ERG, Enhancer of Zeste 1 and 2 (EHZ1 and EZH2), WNT10a, and WNT 10b. An increased WSB1 expression was associated with higher PC grades and with a worse prognosis. It was also positively related to EZH1, EZH2, WNT10a, and WNT10b. Moreover, MDS showed the central role of WSB1 in influencing the other target genes by its central location on the map. Our study is the first to show a link between WSB1 expression and other genes involved in PC progression, suggesting a novel role for WSB1 in PC progression. This network between WSB1 and EZH2 through WNT/β-catenin may have an important role in PC progression, as suggested by the association between high WSB1 expression and unfavorable prognosis in our analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Boldrini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Bardi
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005, USA
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Hansen AF, Høiem TS, Selnaes KM, Bofin AM, Størkersen Ø, Bertilsson H, Wright AJ, Giskeødegård GF, Bathen TF, Rye MB, Tessem MB. Prediction of recurrence from metabolites and expression of TOP2A and EZH2 in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4694. [PMID: 35032074 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dual upregulation of TOP2A and EZH2 gene expression has been proposed as a biomarker for recurrence in prostate cancer patients to be treated with radical prostatectomy. A low tissue level of the metabolite citrate has additionally been connected to aggressive disease and recurrence in this patient group. However, for radiotherapy prostate cancer patients, few prognostic biomarkers have been suggested. The main aim of this study was to use an integrated tissue analysis to evaluate metabolites and expression of TOP2A and EZH2 as predictors for recurrence among radiotherapy patients. METHODS From 90 prostate cancer patients (56 received neoadjuvant hormonal treatment), 172 transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsies were collected prior to radiotherapy. Metabolic profiles were acquired from fresh frozen TRUS biopsies using high resolution-magic angle spinning MRS. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining for TOP2A and EZH2 were performed on TRUS biopsies containing cancer cells (n = 65) from 46 patients, where 24 of these patients (n = 31 samples) received hormonal treatment. Eleven radical prostatectomy cohorts of a total of 2059 patients were used for validation in a meta-analysis. RESULTS Among radiotherapy patients with up to 11 years of follow-up, a low level of citrate was found to predict recurrence, p = 0.001 (C-index = 0.74). Citrate had a higher predictive ability compared with individual clinical variables, highlighting its strength as a potential biomarker for recurrence. The dual upregulation of TOP2A and EZH2 was suggested as a biomarker for recurrence, particularly for patients not receiving neoadjuvant hormonal treatment, p = 0.001 (C-index = 0.84). While citrate was a statistically significant biomarker independent of hormonal treatment status, the current study indicated a potential of glutamine, glutamate and choline as biomarkers for recurrence among patients receiving neoadjuvant hormonal treatment, and glucose among patients not receiving neoadjuvant hormonal treatment. CONCLUSION Using an integrated approach, our study shows the potential of citrate and the dual upregulation of TOP2A and EZH2 as biomarkers for recurrence among radiotherapy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Falkmo Hansen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Therese Stork Høiem
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kirsten Margrete Selnaes
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna Mary Bofin
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øystein Størkersen
- Department of Pathology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Helena Bertilsson
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alan J Wright
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guro Fanneløb Giskeødegård
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tone Frost Bathen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Morten Beck Rye
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - May-Britt Tessem
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Chromatin-Independent Interplay of NFATc1 and EZH2 in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123463. [PMID: 34943970 PMCID: PMC8700089 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1) transcription factor and the methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) significantly contribute to the aggressive phenotype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Herein, we aimed at dissecting the mechanistic background of their interplay in PDAC progression. Methods: NFATc1 and EZH2 mRNA and protein expression and complex formation were determined in transgenic PDAC models and human PDAC specimens. NFATc1 binding on the Ezh2 gene and the consequences of perturbed NFATc1 expression on Ezh2 transcription were explored by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and upon transgenic or siRNA-mediated interference with NFATc1 expression, respectively. Integrative analyses of RNA- and ChIP-seq data was performed to explore NFATc1-/EZH2-dependent gene signatures. Results: NFATc1 targets the Ezh2 gene for transcriptional activation and biochemically interacts with the methyltransferase in murine and human PDAC. Surprisingly, our genome-wide binding and expression analyses do not link the protein complex to joint gene regulation. In contrast, our findings provide evidence for chromatin-independent functions of the NFATc1:EZH2 complex and reveal posttranslational EZH2 phosphorylation at serine 21 as a prerequisite for robust complex formation. Conclusion: Our findings disclose a previously unknown NFATc1-EZH2 axis operational in the pancreas and provide mechanistic insights into the conditions fostering NFATc1:EZH2 complex formation in PDAC.
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Dashti F, Mirazimi SMA, Rabiei N, Fathazam R, Rabiei N, Piroozmand H, Vosough M, Rahimian N, Hamblin MR, Mirzaei H. The role of non-coding RNAs in chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:892-926. [PMID: 34760336 PMCID: PMC8551789 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal, gastric, hepatic, esophageal, and pancreatic tumors, are responsible for large numbers of deaths around the world. Chemotherapy is the most common approach used to treat advanced GI cancer. However, chemoresistance has emerged as a critical challenge that prevents successful tumor elimination, leading to metastasis and recurrence. Chemoresistance mechanisms are complex, and many factors and pathways are involved. Among these factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of GI tumor development and subsequently can induce resistance to chemotherapy. This occurs because ncRNAs can target multiple signaling pathways, affect downstream genes, and modulate proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell migration, and autophagy. ncRNAs can also induce cancer stem cell features and affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, ncRNAs could possibly act as new targets in chemotherapy combinations to treat GI cancer and to predict treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Dashti
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Mirazimi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Nikta Rabiei
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fathazam
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negin Rabiei
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Haleh Piroozmand
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Rahimian
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Clinical Correlations of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Different Tumor Types. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133155. [PMID: 34202528 PMCID: PMC8267669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary PRC2 (Polycomb repressive complex 2) is a catalytic multi-subunit complex involved in transcriptional repression through the methylation of lysine 27 at histone 3 (H3K27me1/2/3). Dysregulation of PRC2 has been linked to tumor development and progression. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of data in the genomic and transcriptomic (cBioPortal, KMplot) database portals of clinical tumor samples and evaluated clinical correlations of EZH2, SUZ12, and EED. Next, we developed an original Python application enabling the identification of genes cooperating with PRC2 in oncogenic processes for the analysis of the DepMap CRISPR knockout database. Our study identified cancer types that are most likely to be responsive to PRC2 inhibitors. By analyzing co-dependencies with other genes, this analysis also provides indications of prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic regimens. Abstract PRC2 (Polycomb repressive complex 2) is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex required to maintain transcriptional repression. The core PRC2 complex includes EZH2, SUZ12, and EED proteins and methylates histone H3K27. PRC2 is known to contribute to carcinogenesis and several small molecule inhibitors targeting PRC2 have been developed. The present study aimed to identify the cancer types in which PRC2 targeting drugs could be beneficial. We queried genomic and transcriptomic (cBioPortal, KMplot) database portals of clinical tumor samples to evaluate clinical correlations of PRC2 subunit genes. EZH2, SUZ12, and EED gene amplification was most frequently found in prostate cancer, whereas lymphoid malignancies (DLBCL) frequently showed EZH2 mutations. In both cases, PRC2 alterations were associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, higher expression of PRC2 subunits was correlated with poor survival in renal and liver cancers as well as gliomas. Finally, we generated a Python application to analyze the correlation of EZH2/SUZ12/EED gene knockouts by CRISPR with the alterations detected in the cancer cell lines using DepMap data. As a result, we were able to identify mutations that correlated significantly with tumor cell sensitivity to PRC2 knockout, including SWI/SNF, COMPASS/COMPASS-like subunits and BCL2, warranting the investigation of these genes as potential markers of sensitivity to PRC2-targeting drugs.
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Filon M, Gawdzik J, Truong A, Allen G, Huang W, Khemees T, Machhi R, Lewis P, Yang B, Denu J, Jarrard D. Tandem histone methyltransferase upregulation defines a unique aggressive prostate cancer phenotype. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:247-254. [PMID: 33976366 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone modifications alter transcriptional gene function and participate in cancer progression. Enhancer-of-Zeste-Homologue-2 (EZH2) and Nuclear-Receptor-Binding-SET-domain2 (NSD2) methylate H3K27 and H3K36, respectively, to regulate transcription. Given the therapeutic interest in these enzymes, we investigated expression and coregulation in hormone-sensitive (HS) and castrate-resistant (CR) prostate cancer (PC). METHODS EZH2 and NSD2 levels were quantified using VECTRA analysis in HS and CRPC tissue microarrays (n = 105 + 66). Expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 498), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (n = 240), and Stand Up to Cancer/Prostate Cancer Foundation (n = 444) cBioportal datasets were queried, and associations between EZH2 and NSD2 and clinicopathologic variables determined. RESULTS Tumour expression of NSD2, but not EZH2, increased in CRPC (p = 0.05, 0.09). Epithelial nuclei co-expressing NSD2 and EZH2 increased in CRPC compared to HSPC (69 vs 42%, p = 0.02), and in metastatic tissue relative to benign (55 vs 35%, p = 0.02). cBioportal analysis revealed collinear NSD2/EZH2 expression (Spearman = 0.57, 0.58, 0.58, all p < 0.001). NSD2/EZH2 co-expression significantly associates with clinicopathologic characteristics including grade group, stage and seminal vesicle involvement. On univariate and multivariate analysis tumours co-expressing NSD2 and EZH2 conferred increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence inerval: 1.2-5.4, p = 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed reduced progression-free-survival of NSD2 and EZH2 co-expression patients in datasets (p < 0.001, 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Increased EZH2/NSD2 co-expression is overrepresented in CRPC, metastases and associates with shorter disease-free survival in PC patients. Coregulation of these two histone methyltransferases is a biomarker for aggressive PC and licenses them as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikolaj Filon
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Gawdzik
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Truong
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Glenn Allen
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tariq Khemees
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rehaan Machhi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Peter Lewis
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John Denu
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David Jarrard
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. .,Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. .,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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10
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Carter JM, Ang DA, Sim N, Budiman A, Li Y. Approaches to Identify and Characterise the Post-Transcriptional Roles of lncRNAs in Cancer. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:19. [PMID: 33803328 PMCID: PMC8005986 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that the non-coding genome and transcriptome exert great influence over their coding counterparts through complex molecular interactions. Among non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in particular present increased potential to participate in dysregulation of post-transcriptional processes through both RNA and protein interactions. Since such processes can play key roles in contributing to cancer progression, it is desirable to continue expanding the search for lncRNAs impacting cancer through post-transcriptional mechanisms. The sheer diversity of mechanisms requires diverse resources and methods that have been developed and refined over the past decade. We provide an overview of computational resources as well as proven low-to-high throughput techniques to enable identification and characterisation of lncRNAs in their complex interactive contexts. As more cancer research strategies evolve to explore the non-coding genome and transcriptome, we anticipate this will provide a valuable primer and perspective of how these technologies have matured and will continue to evolve to assist researchers in elucidating post-transcriptional roles of lncRNAs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Carter
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (D.A.A.); (N.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Daniel Aron Ang
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (D.A.A.); (N.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Nicholas Sim
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (D.A.A.); (N.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Budiman
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (D.A.A.); (N.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Yinghui Li
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (D.A.A.); (N.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Singapore
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11
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Georgiev PG, Erokhin MM. Genetic Impairments of PRC2 Activity in Oncology: Problems and Prospects. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Li T, Yu C, Zhuang S. Histone Methyltransferase EZH2: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Kidney Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:640700. [PMID: 33679454 PMCID: PMC7930071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.640700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27, leading to gene silencing. Mutation or over-expression of EZH2 has been linked to many cancers including renal carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that EZH2 expression and activity are also increased in several animal models of kidney injury, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), renal fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis (LN), and renal transplantation rejection. The pharmacological and/or genetic inhibition of EZH2 can alleviate AKI, renal fibrosis, and LN, but potentiate podocyte injury in animal models, suggesting that the functional role of EZH2 varies with renal cell type and disease model. In this article, we summarize the role of EZH2 in the pathology of renal injury and relevant mechanisms and highlight EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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13
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Huo X, Sun H, Qian Q, Ma X, Peng P, Yu M, Zhang Y, Yang J, Cao D, Gui T, Shen K. CYP27B1 Downregulation: A New Molecular Mechanism Regulating EZH2 in Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenicity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:561804. [PMID: 33163485 PMCID: PMC7591459 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.561804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers, and most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a major tumor marker and an effective therapeutic target for ovarian cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the biological effects of EZH2 knockout in SKOV3 cells in vitro and in vivo and explored the molecular mechanism by integrated analysis of messenger RNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data. Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to establish EZH2 knockout SKOV3 cells. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. The effect of EZH2 on ovarian cancer was evaluated in vitro with MTT, wound healing, Transwell, and apoptosis assays and in vivo with a xenograft model. mRNA-seq and ChIP-seq were performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of EZH2. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of tissue arrays was used to analyze the correlations among EZH2 and CYP27B1 expressions and prognosis. Results We obtained three EZH2 knockout subclones. EZH2 knockout SKOV3 cells exhibited significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and a significantly increased apoptosis rate. The subcutaneous tumor formation rate decreased from 100 to 0% in the EZH2 knockout group. Integrated analysis of the mRNA-seq and ChIP-seq data identified 1,455 significantly upregulated genes with matching downregulated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) methylation binding sites in 1b11H cells compared to SKOV3 cells. The set of downregulated genes in EZH2 knockout cells was highly enriched in genes regulating the activation of steroid biosynthesis; the top-ranked hub gene was CYP27B1. The EZH2 and CYP27B1 expression levels showed a statistically significant inverse correlation, which was also associated with unfavorable prognosis. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that CYP27B1 can suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the levels of AKT and p-AKT were significantly increased, whereas STAT3 was downregulated, in 1b11H cells compared to SKOV3 cells. Moreover, STAT3 and AKT overexpression was observed in 1b11H siRNA for CYP27B1 (siCYP27B1) cells. Conclusion EZH2 plays an important role in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer by regulating the core steroid biosynthesis gene via H3K27me3 methylation. Moreover, CYP27B1, the steroid biosynthesis hub gene, might be a novel therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hengzi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuhong Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shan Dong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangwen Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keng Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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14
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Hudlikar R, Wang L, Wu R, Li S, Peter R, Shannar A, Chou PJ, Liu X, Liu Z, Kuo HCD, Kong AN. Epigenetics/Epigenomics and Prevention of Early Stages of Cancer by Isothiocyanates. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 14:151-164. [PMID: 33055265 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease and cancer development takes 10-50 years involving epigenetics. Evidence suggests that approximately 80% of human cancers are linked to environmental factors impinging upon genetics/epigenetics. Because advanced metastasized cancers are resistant to radiotherapy/chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer prevention by relatively nontoxic chemopreventive "epigenetic modifiers" involving epigenetics/epigenomics is logical. Isothiocyanates are relatively nontoxic at low nutritional and even higher pharmacologic doses, with good oral bioavailability, potent antioxidative stress/antiinflammatory activities, possess epigenetic-modifying properties, great anticancer efficacy in many in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models. This review summarizes the latest advances on the role of epigenetics/epigenomics by isothiocyanates in prevention of skin, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. The exact molecular mechanism how isothiocyanates modify the epigenetic/epigenomic machinery is unclear. We postulate "redox" processes would play important roles. In addition, isothiocyanates sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate, possess multifaceted molecular mechanisms would be considered as "general" cancer preventive agents not unlike chemotherapeutic agents like platinum-based or taxane-based drugs. Analogous to chemotherapeutic agents, the isothiocyanates would need to be used in combination with other nontoxic chemopreventive phytochemicals or drugs such as NSAIDs, 5-α-reductase/aromatase inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways would be logical for the prevention of progression of tumors to late advanced metastatic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasika Hudlikar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Lujing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Renyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Shanyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Rebecca Peter
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Ahmad Shannar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Pochung Jordan Chou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hsiao-Chen Dina Kuo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.
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15
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Guan X, Deng H, Choi UL, Li Z, Yang Y, Zeng J, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li G. EZH2 overexpression dampens tumor-suppressive signals via an EGR1 silencer to drive breast tumorigenesis. Oncogene 2020; 39:7127-7141. [PMID: 33009487 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying EZH2 overexpression in breast cancer and its involvement in tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed an approach to systematically identify the trans-acting factors regulating the EZH2 expression, and identified more than 20 such factors. We revealed reciprocal regulation of early growth response 1 (EGR1) and EZH2: EGR1 activates the expression of EZH2, and EZH2 represses EGR1 expression. Using CRISPR-mediated genome/epigenome editing, we demonstrated that EHZ2 represses EGR1 expression through a silencer downstream of the EGR1 gene. Deletion of the EGR1 silencer resulted in reduced cell growth, invasion, tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells, and extensive changes in gene expression, such as upregulation of GADD45, DDIT3, and RND1; and downregulation of genes encoding cholesterol biosynthesis pathway enzymes. We hypothesize that EZH2/PRC2 acts as a "brake" for EGR1 expression by targeting the EGR1 silencer, and EZH2 overexpression dampens tumor-suppressive signals mediated by EGR1 to drive breast tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Guan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Houliang Deng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Un Lam Choi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Zhengfeng Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yiqi Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yunze Liu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xuanjun Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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16
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Erokhin MM. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins: The Long Road from Mutations in Drosophila to Use in Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:66-85. [PMID: 33456979 PMCID: PMC7800605 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved factors responsible for the repression and activation of the transcription of multiple genes in Drosophila and mammals. Disruption of the PcG/TrxG expression is associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer, which makes them suitable targets for diagnosis and therapy in medicine. In this review, we focus on the major PcG and TrxG complexes, the mechanisms of PcG/TrxG action, and their recruitment to chromatin. We discuss the alterations associated with the dysfunction of a number of factors of these groups in oncology and the current strategies used to develop drugs based on small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - D. V. Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - M. M. Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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17
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Das P, Taube JH. Regulating Methylation at H3K27: A Trick or Treat for Cancer Cell Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2792. [PMID: 33003334 PMCID: PMC7600873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Properly timed addition and removal of histone 3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) is critical for enabling proper differentiation throughout all stages of development and, likewise, can guide carcinoma cells into altered differentiation states which correspond to poor prognoses and treatment evasion. In early embryonic stages, H3K27me3 is invoked to silence genes and restrict cell fate. Not surprisingly, mutation or altered functionality in the enzymes that regulate this pathway results in aberrant methylation or demethylation that can lead to malignancy. Likewise, changes in expression or activity of these enzymes impact cellular plasticity, metastasis, and treatment evasion. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding methylation and de-methylation of H3K27 in cancer initiation and cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph H. Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA;
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18
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Wu X, Scott H, Carlsson SV, Sjoberg DD, Cerundolo L, Lilja H, Prevo R, Rieunier G, Macaulay V, Higgins GS, Verrill CL, Lamb AD, Cunliffe VT, Bountra C, Hamdy FC, Bryant RJ. Increased EZH2 expression in prostate cancer is associated with metastatic recurrence following external beam radiotherapy. Prostate 2019; 79:1079-1089. [PMID: 31104332 PMCID: PMC6563086 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) promotes prostate cancer progression. We hypothesized that increased EZH2 expression is associated with postradiotherapy metastatic disease recurrence, and may promote radioresistance. METHODS EZH2 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry in diagnostic prostate biopsies of 113 prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy with curative intent. Associations between EZH2 expression in malignant and benign tissue in prostate biopsy cores and outcomes were investigated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. LNCaP and PC3 cell radiosensitivity was investigated using colony formation and γH2AX assays following UNC1999 chemical probe-mediated EZH2 inhibition. RESULTS While there was no significant association between EZH2 expression and biochemical recurrence following radiotherapy, univariate analysis revealed that prostate cancer cytoplasmic and total EZH2 expression were significantly associated with metastasis development postradiotherapy (P = 0.034 and P = 0.003, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the prostate cancer total EZH2 expression score remained statistically significant (P = 0.003), while cytoplasmic EZH2 expression did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.053). No association was observed between normal adjacent prostate EZH2 expression and biochemical recurrence or metastasis. LNCaP and PC3 cell treatment with UNC1999 reduced histone H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation levels. Irradiation of LNCaP or PC3 cells with a single 2 Gy fraction with UNC1999-mediated EZH2 inhibition resulted in a statistically significant, though modest, reduction in cell colony number for both cell lines. Increased γH2AX foci were observed 24 hours after ionizing irradiation in LNCaP cells, but not in PC3, following UNC1999-mediated EZH2 inhibition vs controls. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results reveal that high pretreatment EZH2 expression in prostate cancer in diagnostic biopsies is associated with an increased risk of postradiotherapy metastatic disease recurrence, but EZH2 function may only at most play a modest role in promoting prostate cancer cell radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Wu
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Helen Scott
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Sigrid V. Carlsson
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
- Urology Service at the Department of SurgeryMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
- Department of UrologyInstitute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg UniversityGothenburgSweden
| | - Daniel D. Sjoberg
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
| | - Lucia Cerundolo
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Hans Lilja
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Surgery (Urology), and Medicine (GU‐Oncology)Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
- Department of Translational MedicineLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Remko Prevo
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | - Geoffrey S. Higgins
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Clare L. Verrill
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Alastair D. Lamb
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Vincent T. Cunliffe
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUnited Kingdom
| | - Chas Bountra
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Freddie C. Hamdy
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Bryant
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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19
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Yu Y, Qi J, Xiong J, Jiang L, Cui D, He J, Chen P, Li L, Wu C, Ma T, Shao S, Wang J, Yu D, Zhou B, Huang D, Schmitt CA, Tao R. Epigenetic Co-Deregulation of EZH2/TET1 is a Senescence-Countering, Actionable Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:761-777. [PMID: 30809307 PMCID: PMC6376470 DOI: 10.7150/thno.29520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells lack the expression of ER, PR and HER2. Thus, TNBC patients cannot benefit from hormone receptor-targeted therapy as non-TNBC patients, but can only receive chemotherapy as the systemic treatment and have a worse overall outcome. More effective therapeutic targets and combination therapy strategies are urgently needed to improve the treatment effectiveness. Methods: We analyzed the expression levels of EZH2 and TET1 in TCGA and our own breast cancer patient cohort, and tested their correlation with patient survival. We used TNBC and non-TNBC cell lines and mouse xenograft tumor model to unveil novel EZH2 targets and investigated the effect of EZH2 inhibition or TET1 overexpression in cell proliferation and viability of TNBC cells. Results: In TNBC cells, EZH2 decreases TET1 expression by H3K27me3 epigenetic regulation and subsequently suppresses anti-tumor p53 signaling pathway. Patients with high EZH2 and low TET1 presented the poorest survival outcome. Experimentally, targeting EZH2 in TNBC cells with specific inhibitor GSK343 or shRNA genetic approach could induce cell cycle arrest and senescence by elevating TET1 expression and p53 pathway activation. Using mouse xenograft model, we have tested a novel therapy strategy to combine GSK343 and chemotherapy drug Adriamycin and could show drastic and robust inhibition of TNBC tumor growth by synergistic induction of senescence and apoptosis. Conclusions: We postulate that the well-controlled dynamic pathway EZH2-H3K27me3-TET1 is a novel epigenetic co-regulator module and provide evidence regarding how to exploit it as a novel therapeutic target via its pivotal role in senescence and apoptosis control. Of clinical and therapeutic significance, the present study opens a new avenue for TNBC treatment by targeting the EZH2-H3K27me3-TET1 pathway that can modulate the epigenetic landscape.
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20
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Sun KK, Shen XJ, Yang D, Gan MQ, Liu G, Zhang YF, Hua P, Wang HD, Wu XY. MicroRNA-31 triggers G 2/M cell cycle arrest, enhances the chemosensitivity and inhibits migration and invasion of human gastric cancer cells by downregulating the expression of zeste homolog 2 (ZH2). Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 663:269-275. [PMID: 30677405 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the second most leading cause of cancer related mortality across the world over. Although the incidence of GC has declined to some extent but it is still the fourth highly diagnosed cancer across the world. GC generally remains undiagnosed till advanced stages due to unavailability of biomarkers and when diagnosed it becomes difficult to manage due to the lack of therapeutic targets and efficient chemotherapy. There are concrete evidences suggesting that miRNAs may prove important therapeutic targets for the treatment of devastating diseases such as cancer. The study was designed to investigate the tumor suppressive role of miR-31 via regulation of zeste homolog 2 (ZH2). It was found that miR-31 is significantly downregulated in GC cell lines. Overexpression of miR-31 causes significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the viability and colony formation via initiation of G2/M cell cycle arrest of the AGS cancer cells. Moreover, miR-31 overexpression also enhanced the chemosensitivity of miR-31 to the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. In silico analysis together with dual luciferase reporter assay indicated zeste homolog 2 (ZH2) to be the potential target of miR-31 in AGS cells. Investigation of ZH2 expression in GC cell lines showed it to be significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated. Nonetheless, overexpression of miR-31 in AGS cells resulted in the suppression of ZH2 expression. Additionally, silencing of ZH2 in the AGS cells also caused inhibition of AGS cell proliferation and colony formation via G2/M arrest. Moreover, overexpression of ZH2 could at least partially reverse the tumor suppressive effects of miR-31 indicating direct involvement of ZH2 in the miR-31 mediated inhibitory effects on AGS cell proliferation. Finally, miR-31 overexpression caused significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the migration and invasion of the AGS gastric cancer cells. The overexpression of miR-31 also caused downregulation of mesenchymal markers (Vimentin and N-cadherin) and upregulation of epithelial marker (E-cadherin) protein expression was in AGS cells. It is therefore concluded that miR-31 acts as a tumor suppressor and may prove essential in the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Kang Sun
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Shen
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Ming-Qiang Gan
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Peng Hua
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Hao-Dong Wang
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Wu
- Clinical Medical College of Jiangsu University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215300, China.
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21
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Ohuchi M, Sakamoto Y, Tokunaga R, Kiyozumi Y, Nakamura K, Izumi D, Kosumi K, Harada K, Kurashige J, Iwatsuki M, Baba Y, Miyamoto Y, Yoshida N, Shono T, Naoe H, Sasaki Y, Baba H. Increased EZH2 expression during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:5275-5281. [PMID: 30214616 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenoma-carcinoma sequence, the sequential mutation and deletion of various genes by which colorectal cancer progresses, is a well-established and accepted concept of colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. Proteins of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) function as transcriptional repressors by trimethylating histone H3 at lysine 27; the activity of this complex is essential for cell proliferation and differentiation. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an essential component of PRC2, is associated with the transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. EZH2 expression has previously been reported to increase with the progression of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Thus, we hypothesized that EZH2 expression also increases during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence of colorectal cancer. The present study investigated changes in EZH2 expression during the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence. A total of 47 patients with colorectal adenoma, 20 patients with carcinoma in adenoma and 43 patients with colorectal carcinoma who underwent surgical or endoscopic resection were enrolled in this study. Non-cancerous tissue from the clinical specimens was also examined. The association between EZH2 expression, pathology and expression of tumor suppressor genes during colorectal carcinogenesis were analyzed. Each specimen was immunohistochemically stained for EZH2, proliferation marker protein Ki-67 (Ki-67), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN) 1A (p21), CDKN1B (p27) and CDKN2A (p16). Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of these genes was performed. Ki-67 and EZH2 expression scores increased significantly during the progression of normal mucosa to adenoma and carcinoma (P=0.009), and EZH2 expression score was positively associated with Ki-67 expression score (P=0.02). Conversely, p21 mRNA and protein expression decreased significantly, whereas expression of p27 and p16 did not change significantly. During the carcinogenesis sequence from normal mucosa to adenoma and carcinoma, EZH2 expression increased and p21 expression decreased significantly. EZH2 may therefore contribute to the development of colorectal cancer from adenoma via suppression of p21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Ohuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yasuo Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Ryuma Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuki Kiyozumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Daisuke Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kosumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kazuto Harada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Junji Kurashige
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masaaki Iwatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Takashi Shono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideaki Naoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yutaka Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
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22
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Liu X, Wu Q, Li L. Functional and therapeutic significance of EZH2 in urological cancers. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38044-38055. [PMID: 28410242 PMCID: PMC5514970 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a core subunit of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), which is overexpressed in numerous cancers and mutated in several others. Notably, EZH2 acts not only a critical epigenetic repressor through its role in histone methylation, it is also an activator of gene expression, acting through multiple signaling pathways in distinct cancer types. Increasing evidence suggests that EZH2 is an oncogene and is central to initiation, growth and progression of urological cancers. In this review, we highlight the critical role of EZH2 as a master regulator of tumorigenesis in the prostate, bladder and the kidney through epigenetic control of transcription as well as a modulation of various critical signaling pathways. We also discuss the promise and challenges for EZH2 inhibitors as future anticancer therapeutics, some of which are currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Liu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingjian Wu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longkun Li
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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23
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In Silico Data Mining of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in EZH2 and Their Role in Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.5430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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Lian R, Ma H, Wu Z, Zhang G, Jiao L, Miao W, Jin Q, Li R, Chen P, Shi H, Yu W. EZH2 promotes cell proliferation by regulating the expression of RUNX3 in laryngeal carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 439:35-43. [PMID: 28795320 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a highly conserved histone methyltransferase, which is overexpressed in different types of cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. It is reported that EZH2 can directly down-regulate RUNX3 by increasing histone H3 methylation. However, the role of EZH2 in the development and progression of laryngeal carcinoma has not yet been investigated, and the relationship between EZH2 and RUNX3 in laryngeal carcinoma is rarely reported. The current study aims to determine the role of EZH2 in the progression of laryngeal carcinoma, and investigate the interaction between EZH2 and the tumor suppressor RUNX3. Our study found that EZH2 is overexpressed in laryngeal carcinoma patients, and silencing EZH2 by EZH2 siRNA significantly inhibited the proliferation of laryngeal carcinoma cells. Besides, we also found that RUNX3 is repressed in laryngeal carcinoma patients. Moreover, RUNX3 as a downstream target protein of EZH2 is up-regulated by EZH2 siRNA accompanied by a decrease in the trimethylation modification pattern of H3K27. RUNX3 siRNA inhibits the decreased proliferation induced by EZH2 siRNA. Furthermore, β-catenin protein expression is down-regulated by EZH2 siRNA and up-regulated by RUNX3 siRNA, and RUNX3 siRNA inhibits the down-regulation effect of EZH2 siRNA on β-catenin protein expression. Additionally, the Wnt/β-catenin activator BIO reverses the inhibitory effect of EZH2 siRNA on Hep-2 cell proliferation. Taken together, our results suggest that EZH2 regulates cell proliferation potentially by targeting RUNX3 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in laryngeal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Lian
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyan Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Miao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Jin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixue Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixu Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfa Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, No. 88 Healthy Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Smolle MA, Bauernhofer T, Pummer K, Calin GA, Pichler M. Current Insights into Long Non-Coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020473. [PMID: 28241429 PMCID: PMC5344005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of various malignancies has been uncovered over the last few years. Their dysregulation often contributes to or is a result of tumour progression. In prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men, lncRNAs can promote castration resistance, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic spread. Expression patterns of lncRNAs often change during tumour progression; their expression levels may constantly rise (e.g., HOX transcript antisense RNA, HOTAIR), or steadily decrease (e.g., downregulated RNA in cancer, DRAIC). In prostate cancer, lncRNAs likewise have diagnostic (e.g., prostate cancer antigen 3, PCA3), prognostic (e.g., second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1, SChLAP1), and predictive (e.g., metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1, MALAT-1) functions. Considering their dynamic role in prostate cancer, lncRNAs may also serve as therapeutic targets, helping to prevent development of castration resistance, maintain stable disease, and prohibit metastatic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Smolle
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Thomas Bauernhofer
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Karl Pummer
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/6, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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26
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Momparler RL, Côté S, Momparler LF, Idaghdour Y. Inhibition of DNA and Histone Methylation by 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine (Decitabine) and 3-Deazaneplanocin-A on Antineoplastic Action and Gene Expression in Myeloid Leukemic Cells. Front Oncol 2017; 7:19. [PMID: 28261562 PMCID: PMC5309231 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations play an important role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by silencing of genes that suppress leukemogenesis and differentiation. One of the key epigenetic changes in AML is gene silencing by DNA methylation. The importance of this alteration is illustrated by the induction of remissions in AML by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR, decitabine), a potent inhibitor of DNA methylation. However, most patients induced into remission by 5-AZA-CdR will relapse, suggesting that a second agent should be sought to increase the efficacy of this epigenetic therapy. An interesting candidate for this purpose is 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep). This analog inhibits EZH2, a histone methyltransferase that trimethylates lysine 27 histone H3 (H3K27me3), a marker for gene silencing. This second epigenetic silencing mechanism also plays an important role in leukemogenesis as shown in preclinical studies where DZNep exhibits potent inhibition of colony formation by AML cells. We reported previously that 5-AZA-CdR in combination with DZNep exhibits a synergistic antineoplastic action against human HL-60 AML cells and the synergistic activation of several tumor suppressor genes. In this report, we showed that this combination also induced a synergistic activation of apoptosis in HL-60 cells. The synergistic antineoplastic action of 5-AZA-CdR plus DZNep was also observed on a second human myeloid leukemia cell line, AML-3. In addition, 5-AZA-CdR in combination with the specific inhibitors of EZH2, GSK-126, or GSK-343, also exhibited a synergistic antineoplastic action on both HL-60 and AML-3. The combined action of 5-AZA-CdR and DZNep on global gene expression in HL-60 cells was investigated in greater depth using RNA sequencing analysis. We observed that this combination of epigenetic agents exhibited a synergistic activation of hundreds of genes. The synergistic activation of so many genes that suppress malignancy by 5-AZA-CdR plus DZNep suggests that epigenetic gene silencing by DNA and histone methylation plays a major role in leukemogenesis. Targeting DNA and histone methylation is a promising approach that merits clinical investigation for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Momparler
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche, Service d'hématologie/oncologie, CHU-Saint-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Côté
- Centre de recherche, Service d'hématologie/oncologie, CHU-Saint-Justine , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Louise F Momparler
- Centre de recherche, Service d'hématologie/oncologie, CHU-Saint-Justine , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
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27
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The Genomic Impact of DNA CpG Methylation on Gene Expression; Relationships in Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7010015. [PMID: 28216563 PMCID: PMC5372727 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of DNA CpG methylation has been extensively investigated for over 50 years and revealed associations between changing methylation status of CpG islands and gene expression. As a result, DNA CpG methylation is implicated in the control of gene expression in developmental and homeostasis processes, as well as being a cancer-driver mechanism. The development of genome-wide technologies and sophisticated statistical analytical approaches has ushered in an era of widespread analyses, for example in the cancer arena, of the relationships between altered DNA CpG methylation, gene expression, and tumor status. The remarkable increase in the volume of such genomic data, for example, through investigators from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), has allowed dissection of the relationships between DNA CpG methylation density and distribution, gene expression, and tumor outcome. In this manner, it is now possible to test that the genome-wide correlations are measurable between changes in DNA CpG methylation and gene expression. Perhaps surprisingly is that these associations can only be detected for hundreds, but not thousands, of genes, and the direction of the correlations are both positive and negative. This, perhaps, suggests that CpG methylation events in cancer systems can act as disease drivers but the effects are possibly more restricted than suspected. Additionally, the positive and negative correlations suggest direct and indirect events and an incomplete understanding. Within the prostate cancer TCGA cohort, we examined the relationships between expression of genes that control DNA methylation, known targets of DNA methylation and tumor status. This revealed that genes that control the synthesis of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) associate with altered expression of DNA methylation targets in a subset of aggressive tumors.
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28
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Yates C, Long MD, Campbell MJ, Sucheston-Campbell L. miRNAs as drivers of TMPRSS2-ERG negative prostate tumors in African American men. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2017; 22:212-229. [PMID: 27814612 PMCID: PMC5858730 DOI: 10.2741/4482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
African Americans (AAs) who have PCa typically have more aggressive disease and make up a disproportionate number of the disease deaths, relative to European Americans (EAs). TMPRSS2 translocations, a common event in EA patients, are exploited in diagnostic and prognostic settings, whereas they are diminished in frequency in AA men. Thus, these patients with TMPRSS2 fusion-negative disease represent an under-investigated patient group. We propose that epigenetic events are a significant and alternative driver of aggressive disease in fusion-negative PCa. To reveal epigenetically governed microRNAs (miRNAs) that are enriched in fusion-negative disease and associated with aggressive in AA PCa, we leveraged both our experimental evidence and publically available data. These analyses identified 18 miRNAs that are differentially altered in fusion-negative disease, associated with DNA CpG methylation, and implicated in aggressive and AA PCas. Understanding the relationships between miRNA expression, upstream epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation, and downstream regulation of mRNA targets in fusion negative disease is imperative to understanding the biological basis of the racial health disparity in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton Yates
- Department of Biology and Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088
| | - Mark D Long
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263
| | - Moray J Campbell
- Department of Biology and Center for Cancer Research, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088,
| | - Lara Sucheston-Campbell
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263
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29
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Herviou L, Cavalli G, Cartron G, Klein B, Moreaux J. EZH2 in normal hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies. Oncotarget 2016; 7:2284-96. [PMID: 26497210 PMCID: PMC4823035 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2, inhibits gene expression through methylation on lysine 27 of histone H3. EZH2 regulates normal hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. EZH2 also controls normal B cell differentiation. EZH2 deregulation has been described in many cancer types including hematological malignancies. Specific small molecules have been recently developed to exploit the oncogenic addiction of tumor cells to EZH2. Their therapeutic potential is currently under evaluation. This review summarizes the roles of EZH2 in normal and pathologic hematological processes and recent advances in the development of EZH2 inhibitors for the personalized treatment of patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Herviou
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- University of Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France.,Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard Klein
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
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30
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Wu C, Jin X, Yang J, Yang Y, He Y, Ding L, Pan Y, Chen S, Jiang J, Huang H. Inhibition of EZH2 by chemo- and radiotherapy agents and small molecule inhibitors induces cell death in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:3440-52. [PMID: 26657505 PMCID: PMC4823118 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy is the mainstay of treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, a significant portion of patients experience disease relapse and tumors ultimately evolve into castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), for which there is no cure in the clinic. The Polycomb protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently overexpressed in CRPC. It is unclear whether EZH2 can be a therapeutic target in CRPC. Here, we demonstrated that chemo- and radiotherapy agents such as camptothecin (CPT) and γ irradiation decrease EZH2 expression in various PCa cell lines. We provided evidence that functional p53 and RB proteins are required for CPT- and irradiation-induced downregulation of EZH2 in CRPC cells. We demonstrated that EZH2-specific small molecule inhibitors mitigate CRPC cell growth. We further showed that the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 inhibits both Polycomb-dependent and -independent functions of EZH2 in PCa cells. Importantly, we found that inhibition of EZH2 by genetic and pharmacological means sensitizes CRPC cells to CPT-induced apoptotic death and growth inhibition in culture and in mice. Our data suggest that concomitant administration of small molecule inhibitors of EZH2 may significantly increase the anti-tumor efficacy of conventional chemo- and radiotherapies in CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changping Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yinhui Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yundong He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Liya Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yunqian Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Shuai Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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31
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Sharifi N, Salmaninejad A, Ferdosi S, Bajestani AN, Khaleghiyan M, Estiar MA, Jamali M, Nowroozi MR, Shakoori A. HER2 gene amplification in patients with prostate cancer: Evaluating a CISH-based method. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:4651-4658. [PMID: 28105172 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most widespread malignancies in the world. The role of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in the pathogenesis and progression of human PCa remains poorly understood. In contradiction with breast cancer, studies on HER2 overexpression and gene amplification in PCa have produced varying results, although the HER2 oncogene has been implicated in the biology of numerous tumor types, and serves as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. Technical challenges are considered the main reasons for data discrepancies. Amplification of the HER2 gene has previously been reported in PCa, in which it was associated with tumor progression. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of HER2 amplification in PCa. A total of 32 biopsy samples obtained from human prostate adenocarcinomas were evaluated by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) to determine the frequency of patients with HER2 gene amplifications. High copy numbers of HER2 were detected in 19 of the prostate tumors analyzed. The results of the present study suggested that, in patients without amplification of HER2, high levels of prostate-specific antigen or a high Gleason score were not significantly correlated with a high pathologic stage. Furthermore, amplification levels of the HER2 gene were directly associated with pathologic stage in patients with PCa. Therefore, the potential use of HER2 as a prognostic factor or therapeutic target for PCa warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Sharifi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran
| | - Arash Salmaninejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran; Genetic Research Center, Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
| | - Samira Ferdosi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Nesaei Bajestani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ayatollah Madani Hospital, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad 9698154813, Iran
| | - Malihe Khaleghiyan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1471613151, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Asghari Estiar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1471613151, Iran
| | - Mansour Jamali
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1471613151, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nowroozi
- Uro Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1471613151, Iran
| | - Abbas Shakoori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1471613151, Iran
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32
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Wang D, Ding L, Wang L, Zhao Y, Sun Z, Karnes RJ, Zhang J, Huang H. LncRNA MALAT1 enhances oncogenic activities of EZH2 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41045-55. [PMID: 26516927 PMCID: PMC4747388 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently overexpressed in advanced human prostate cancer (PCa), especially in lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the signaling pathways that regulate EZH2 functions in PCa remain incompletely defined. Using EZH2 antibody-based RNA immunoprecipitation-coupled high throughput sequencing (RIP-seq), we demonstrated that EZH2 binds to MALAT1, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is overexpressed during PCa progression. GST pull-down and RIP assays demonstrated that the 3′ end of MALAT1 interacts with the N-terminal of EZH2. Knockdown of MALAT1 impaired EZH2 recruitment to its target loci and upregulated expression of EZH2 repressed genes. Further studies indicated that MALAT1 plays a vital role in EZH2-enhanced migration and invasion in CRPC cell lines. Meta-analysis and RT-qPCR of patient specimens demonstrated a positive correlation between MALAT1 and EZH2 expression in human CRPC tissues. Finally, we showed that MALAT1 enhances expression of PRC2-independent target genes of EZH2 in CRPC cells in culture and patient-derived xenografts. Together, these data indicate that MALAT1 may be a crucial RNA cofactor of EZH2 and that the EZH2-MALAT1 association may provide a new avenue for development new strategies for treatment of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Liya Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Liguo Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - R Jeffrey Karnes
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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33
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Cancer stem cell markers in prostate cancer: an immunohistochemical study of ALDH1, SOX2 and EZH2. Pathology 2016; 47:622-8. [PMID: 26517640 DOI: 10.1097/pat.0000000000000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the immunohistochemical expression and potential prognostic significance of putative cancer stems cell markers ALDH1, EZH2 and SOX2 in prostate cancer.A total of 142 consecutive radical prostatectomies submitted to one laboratory with a diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma between 2008 and 2012 were retrieved and retrospectively studied. Immunohistochemistry for the three markers was performed in each case and both univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to evaluate the correlation between the staining patterns and known histopathological prognostic features.ALDH1 showed a statistically significant association with tumour stage p < 0.001), extraprostatic extension (p < 0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.001). EZH2 correlated with Gleason score (p = 0.044) and lymph node metastases (p = 0.023). SOX2 showed a statistically significant correlation with lymphovascular invasion only (p = 0.018) in both univariate and multivariate analyses.Cancer stem cell markers are variably expressed in prostate adenocarcinoma and immunohistochemical staining for ALDH1 and EZH2 may have a role in predicting tumour aggressiveness before treatment of prostate cancer.
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Erdmann K, Kaulke K, Rieger C, Salomo K, Wirth MP, Fuessel S. MiR-26a and miR-138 block the G1/S transition by targeting the cell cycle regulating network in prostate cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:2249-61. [PMID: 27562865 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The tumor-suppressive microRNAs miR-26a and miR-138 are significantly down-regulated in prostate cancer (PCa) and have been identified as direct regulators of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which is a known oncogene in PCa. In the present study, the influence of miR-26a and miR-138 on EZH2 and cellular function including the impact on the cell cycle regulating network was evaluated in PCa cells. METHODS PC-3 and DU-145 PCa cells were transfected with 100 nM of miRNA mimics, siRNA against EZH2 (siR-EZH2) or control constructs for 4 h. Analyses of gene expression and cellular function were conducted 48 h after transfection. RESULTS Both miRNAs influenced the EZH2 expression and activity only marginally, whereas siR-EZH2 led to a notable decrease of the EZH2 expression and activity. Both miRNAs inhibited short- and/or long-term proliferation of PCa cells but showed no effect on viability and apoptosis. In PC-3 cells, miR-26a and miR-138 caused a significant surplus of cells in the G0/G1 phase of 6 and 12 %, respectively, thus blocking the G1/S-phase transition. Treatment with siR-EZH2 was without substantial influence on cellular function and cell cycle. Therefore, alternative target genes involved in cell cycle regulation were identified in silico. MiR-26a significantly diminished the expression of its targets CCNE1, CCNE2 and CDK6, whereas CCND1, CCND3 and CDK6 were suppressed by their regulator miR-138. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest an anti-proliferative role for miR-26a and miR-138 in PCa by blocking the G1/S-phase transition independent of EZH2 but via a concerted inhibition of crucial cell cycle regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Erdmann
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Knut Kaulke
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christiane Rieger
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karsten Salomo
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manfred P Wirth
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Fuessel
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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Abstract
SMYD3 is a member of the SET and MYND-domain family of methyl-transferases, the increased expression of which correlates with poor prognosis in various types of cancer. In liver and colon tumors, SMYD3 is localized in the nucleus, where it interacts with RNA Pol II and H3K4me3 and functions as a selective transcriptional amplifier of oncogenes and genes that control cell proliferation and metastatic spread. Smyd3 expression has a high discriminative power for the characterization of liver tumors and positively correlates with poor prognosis. In lung and pancreatic cancer, SMYD3 acts in the cytoplasm, potentiating oncogenic Ras/ERK signaling through the methylation of the MAP3K2 kinase and the subsequent release from its inhibitor. A clinico-pathological analysis of lung cancer patients uncovers prognostic significance of SMYD3 only for first progression survival. However, stratification of patients according to their smoking history significantly expands the prognostic value of SMYD3 to overall survival and other features, suggesting that smoking-related effects saturate the clinical analysis and mask the function of SMYD3 as an oncogenic potentiator.
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Nichol JN, Dupéré-Richer D, Ezponda T, Licht JD, Miller WH. H3K27 Methylation: A Focal Point of Epigenetic Deregulation in Cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2016; 131:59-95. [PMID: 27451124 PMCID: PMC5325795 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics, the modification of chromatin without changing the DNA sequence itself, determines whether a gene is expressed, and how much of a gene is expressed. Methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me), a modification usually associated with gene repression, has established roles in regulating the expression of genes involved in lineage commitment and differentiation. Not surprisingly, alterations in the homeostasis of this critical mark have emerged as a recurrent theme in the pathogenesis of many cancers. Perturbations in the distribution or levels of H3K27me occur due to deregulation at all levels of the process, either by mutation in the histone itself, or changes in the activity of the writers, erasers, or readers of this mark. Additionally, as no single histone mark alone determines the overall transcriptional readiness of a chromatin region, deregulation of other chromatin marks can also have dramatic consequences. Finally, the significance of mutations altering H3K27me is highlighted by the poor clinical outcome of patients whose tumors harbor such lesions. Current therapeutic approaches targeting aberrant H3K27 methylation remain to be proven useful in the clinic. Understanding the biological consequences and gene expression pathways affected by aberrant H3K27 methylation may lead to identification of new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Nichol
- Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - D Dupéré-Richer
- Division of Hematology Oncology, The University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - T Ezponda
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Centro de Investigacion Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - J D Licht
- Division of Hematology Oncology, The University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - W H Miller
- Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Morera L, Lübbert M, Jung M. Targeting histone methyltransferases and demethylases in clinical trials for cancer therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:57. [PMID: 27222667 PMCID: PMC4877953 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The term epigenetics is defined as heritable changes in gene expression that are not due to alterations of the DNA sequence. In the last years, it has become more and more evident that dysregulated epigenetic regulatory processes have a central role in cancer onset and progression. In contrast to DNA mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and, hence, suitable for pharmacological interventions. Reversible histone methylation is an important process within epigenetic regulation, and the investigation of its role in cancer has led to the identification of lysine methyltransferases and demethylases as promising targets for new anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe those enzymes and their inhibitors that have already reached the first stages of clinical trials in cancer therapy, namely the histone methyltransferases DOT1L and EZH2 as well as the demethylase LSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Morera
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany ; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
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38
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Abstract
Besides being a genetic disease, cancer is also an epigenetic disease. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of PRC2, a highly conserved protein complex that regulates gene expression by methylating lysine 27 on histone H3. Given its role in tumorigenesis and its prognostic value in several tumor types, this protein appears a relevant therapeutic target. This review focuses on the preclinical and preliminary clinical results of studies investigating EZH2 inhibitors in human malignancies. These emerging data suggest that EZH2 inhibitors represent a very promising class of drugs, which will probably have a major impact on improving outcome and reducing toxicity for patients with indolent and aggressive B-cell lymphomas and other specific solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Italiano
- Early Phase Trials and Sarcoma Units, Institut Bergonié, 229 cours de l'Argonne, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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39
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Han Li C, Chen Y. Targeting EZH2 for cancer therapy: progress and perspective. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2016; 16:559-70. [PMID: 25854924 PMCID: PMC4997953 DOI: 10.2174/1389203716666150409100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is the core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), possessing the enzymatic activity in generating di/tri-methylated lysine 27 in histone H3. EZH2 has important roles during early development, and its dysregulation is heavily linked to oncogenesis in various tissue types. Accumulating evidences suggest a remarkable therapeutic potential by targeting EZH2 in cancer cells. The first part reviews current strategies to target EZH2 in cancers, and evaluates the available compounds and agents used to disrupt EZH2 functions. Then we provide insight to the future direction of the research on targeting EZH2 in different cancer types. We comprehensively discuss the current understandings of the 1) structure and biological activity of EZH2, 2) its role during the assembling of PRC2 and recruitment of other protein components, 3) the molecular events directing EZH2 to target genomic regions, and 4) post-translational modification at EZH2 protein. The discussion provides the basis to inspire the development of novel strategies to abolish EZH2-related effects in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yangchao Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
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40
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Abstract
The Polycomb group of proteins (PcGs) are transcriptional repressor complexes that regulate important biological processes and play critical roles in cancer. Mutating or deleting EZH2 can have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions by increasing or decreasing H3K27me3. In contrast, mutations of SUZ12 and EED are reported to have tumor suppressive functions. EZH2 is overexpressed in many cancers, including prostate cancer, which can lead to silencing of tumor suppressors, genes regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and interferon signaling. In some cases, EZH2 overexpression also leads to its use of non-histone substrates. Lastly, PRC2 associated factors can influence the progression of cancer through progressive mutations or by specific binding to certain target genes. Here, we discuss which mutations and deletions of the PRC2 complex have been detected in different cancers, with a specific focus on the overexpression of EZH2 in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Jain
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, Barcelona, Spain
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41
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Peitzsch C, Cojoc M, Hein L, Kurth I, Mäbert K, Trautmann F, Klink B, Schröck E, Wirth MP, Krause M, Stakhovsky EA, Telegeev GD, Novotny V, Toma M, Muders M, Baretton GB, Frame FM, Maitland NJ, Baumann M, Dubrovska A. An Epigenetic Reprogramming Strategy to Resensitize Radioresistant Prostate Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2016; 76:2637-51. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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42
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Use of two gene panels for prostate cancer diagnosis and patient risk stratification. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10115-22. [PMID: 26820133 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, no ideal prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostic or prognostic test is available due to the lack of biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. There is an unmet medical need to develop combinations of multiple biomarkers which may have higher accuracy in detection of PCa and stratification of aggressive and indolent cancer patients. The aim of this study was to test two biomarker gene panels in distinguishing PCa from benign prostate and high-risk, aggressive PCa from low-risk, indolent PCa, respectively. We identified a five-gene panel that can be used to distinguish PCa from benign prostate. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression signature of the five genes was determined in 144 PCa and benign prostate specimens from prostatectomy. We showed that the five-gene panel distinguished PCa from benign prostate with sensitivity of 96.59 %, specificity of 92.86 %, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.992 (p < 0.0001). The five-gene panel was further validated in a 137 specimen cohort and showed sensitivity of 84.62 %, specificity of 91.84 %, and AUC of 0.942 (p < 0.0001). To define subtypes of PCa for treatment guidance, we examined mRNA expression signature of an eight-gene panel in 87 PCa specimens from prostatectomy. The signature of the eight-gene panel was able to distinguish aggressive PCa (Gleason score >6) from indolent PCa (Gleason score ≤6) with sensitivity of 90.28 %, specificity of 80.00 %, and AUC of 0.967 (p < 0.0001). This panel was further validated in a 158 specimen cohort and showed significant difference between aggressive PCa and indolent PCa with sensitivity of 92.57 %, specificity of 70.00 %, and AUC of 0.962 (p < 0.0001). Our findings in assessing multiple biomarkers in combination may provide new tools to detect PCa and distinguish aggressive and indolent PCa for precision and personalized treatment. The two biomarker panels may be used in clinical settings for accurate PCa diagnosis and patient risk stratification for biomarker-guided treatment.
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43
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Katoh M. Mutation spectra of histone methyltransferases with canonical SET domains and EZH2-targeted therapy. Epigenomics 2015; 8:285-305. [PMID: 26411517 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in canonical SET-methyltransferases have been identified in autism and intellectual disability syndromes and gain-of-function somatic alterations in EZH2, MLL3, NSD1, WHSC1 (NSD2) and WHSC1L1 (NSD3) in cancer. EZH2 interacts with AR, ERα, β-catenin, FOXP3, NF-κB, PRC2, REST and SNAI2, resulting in context-dependent transcriptional activation and repression. Pharmacological EZH2 inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and solid tumors. EZH2 inhibitors might also be applicable in the treatment of SWI/SNF-mutant cancers, reflecting the reciprocal expression of and functional overlap between EZH2 and SMARCA4. Because of the risks for autoimmune diseases, cognitive impairment, cardiomyopathy and myelodysplastic syndrome, EZH2 inhibitors should be utilized for cancer treatment in patients receiving long-term surveillance but not for cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Katoh
- Department of Omics Network, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ward, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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44
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Melling N, Thomsen E, Tsourlakis MC, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Minner S, Koop C, Graefen M, Heinzer H, Wittmer C, Sauter G, Wilczak W, Huland H, Simon R, Schlomm T, Steurer S, Krech T. Overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) characterizes an aggressive subset of prostate cancers and predicts patient prognosis independently from pre- and postoperatively assessed clinicopathological parameters. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36:1333-40. [PMID: 26392259 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays an important role in tumor development and progression by interacting with histone and nonhistone proteins. In the current study, we analyzed prevalence and prognostic impact of EZH2 in prostate cancer. EZH2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing more than 12400 prostate cancer specimens. Results were compared to tumor phenotype, biochemical recurrence and molecular subtypes defined by ERG status as well as genomic deletions of 3p, 5q, 6q and PTEN. EZH2 immunostaining was detectable in 56.6% of 10168 interpretable cancers and considered strong in 1.1%, moderate in 12.2% and weak in 43.3% of cases. High EZH2 expression was strongly associated with high Gleason grade (P < 0.0001), advanced pathological tumor stage (P < 0.0001), positive nodal status (P < 0.0001), elevated preoperative PSA level (P = 0.0066), early PSA recurrence (P < 0.0001) and increased cell proliferation P < 0.0001). High-level EZH2 staining was also associated with TMPRSS2:ERG rearrangement and ERG expression in prostate cancers (P < 0.0001) and was linked to deletions of PTEN, 6q15, 5q21 and 3p13 (P < 0.0001 each) particularly in ERG-negative cancers. The prognostic impact of EZH2 was independent of established pre- and postoperatively assessed clinicopathological parameters. EZH2 has strong prognostic impact in prostate cancer and might contribute to the development of a fraction of genetically instable and particularly aggressive prostate cancers. EZH2 analysis might therefore be of clinical value for risk stratification of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Melling
- Institute of Pathology, General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thorsten Schlomm
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center and Department of Urology, Section for translational Prostate Cancer Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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45
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Wang W, Qin JJ, Voruganti S, Nag S, Zhou J, Zhang R. Polycomb Group (PcG) Proteins and Human Cancers: Multifaceted Functions and Therapeutic Implications. Med Res Rev 2015; 35:1220-67. [PMID: 26227500 DOI: 10.1002/med.21358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors that regulate several crucial developmental and physiological processes in the cell. More recently, they have been found to play important roles in human carcinogenesis and cancer development and progression. The deregulation and dysfunction of PcG proteins often lead to blocking or inappropriate activation of developmental pathways, enhancing cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing the cancer stem cell population. Genetic and molecular investigations of PcG proteins have long been focused on their PcG functions. However, PcG proteins have recently been shown to exert non-classical-Pc-functions, contributing to the regulation of diverse cellular functions. We and others have demonstrated that PcG proteins regulate the expression and function of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in a PcG-independent manner, and PcG proteins are associated with the survival of patients with cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the research on PcG proteins, including both the Pc-repressive and non-classical-Pc-functions. We specifically focus on the mechanisms by which PcG proteins play roles in cancer initiation, development, and progression. Finally, we discuss the potential value of PcG proteins as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and as molecular targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106.,Center for Cancer Biology and Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106
| | - Sukesh Voruganti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106
| | - Subhasree Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106.,Center for Cancer Biology and Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106
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46
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Abstract
Over the last several years, dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA and histone methylation has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Alterations of epigenetic regulators themselves, including the histone lysine methyltransferase EZH2, have been reported in numerous cancer types. With the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of EZH2, we can now begin to evaluate EZH2 as a therapeutic target in cancer. This article will provide an overview of the dysregulation of EZH2 in cancer, possible mechanisms for inhibition of EZH2 activity, and the preclinical activity of currently available EZH2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T McCabe
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
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47
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Ott HM, Graves AP, Pappalardi MB, Huddleston M, Halsey WS, Hughes AM, Groy A, Dul E, Jiang Y, Bai Y, Annan R, Verma SK, Knight SD, Kruger RG, Dhanak D, Schwartz B, Tummino PJ, Creasy CL, McCabe MT. A687V EZH2 is a driver of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) hypertrimethylation. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:3062-73. [PMID: 25253781 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The EZH2 methyltransferase silences gene expression through methylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27). Recently, EZH2 mutations have been reported at Y641, A677, and A687 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although the Y641F/N/S/H/C and A677G mutations exhibit clearly increased activity with substrates dimethylated at lysine 27 (H3K27me2), the A687V mutant has been shown to prefer a monomethylated lysine 27 (H3K27me1) with little gain of activity toward H3K27me2. Herein, we demonstrate that despite this unique substrate preference, A687V EZH2 still drives increased H3K27me3 when transiently expressed in cells. However, unlike the previously described mutants that dramatically deplete global H3K27me2 levels, A687V EZH2 retains normal levels of H3K27me2. Sequencing of B-cell-derived cancer cell lines identified an acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line harboring this mutation. Similar to exogenous expression of A687V EZH2, this cell line exhibited elevated H3K27me3 while possessing H3K27me2 levels higher than Y641- or A677-mutant lines. Treatment of A687V EZH2-mutant cells with GSK126, a selective EZH2 inhibitor, was associated with a global decrease in H3K27me3, robust gene activation, caspase activation, and decreased proliferation. Structural modeling of the A687V EZH2 active site suggests that the increased catalytic activity with H3K27me1 may be due to a weakened interaction with an active site water molecule that must be displaced for dimethylation to occur. These findings suggest that A687V EZH2 likely increases global H3K27me3 indirectly through increased catalytic activity with H3K27me1 and cells harboring this mutation are highly dependent on EZH2 activity for their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Ott
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Alan P Graves
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa B Pappalardi
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Huddleston
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Wendy S Halsey
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Ashley M Hughes
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Arthur Groy
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward Dul
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Yong Jiang
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuchen Bai
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Roland Annan
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Sharad K Verma
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven D Knight
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan G Kruger
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Dashyant Dhanak
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin Schwartz
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter J Tummino
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Caretha L Creasy
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Molecular Medicine Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T McCabe
- Cancer Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, Cancer Research, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
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48
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Liu T, Hou L, Huang Y. EZH2-specific microRNA-98 inhibits human ovarian cancer stem cell proliferation via regulating the pRb-E2F pathway. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:7239-47. [PMID: 24771265 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group protein, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), plays an important role in transcriptional regulation through chromatin remodeling and interactions with other transcription factors to control cell proliferation and embryonic development. Previous study has shown that EZH2 is important for cell cycle regulation and is highly expressed in human ovarian cancer. Loss of EZH2 inhibits growth of ovarian cancer as well as other human carcinomas. In this study, an expression plasmid of EZH2-targeted microRNA-98 was constructed and transfected into human ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). Seventy-two hours after transfection, cell growth was inhibited and arrested at the G0/G1 transition. p21(CIPI/WAF1) was up-regulated, while the CDK2/cyclin E complex and c-Myc were down-regulated. Most importantly, expression levels of E2F1, retinoblastoma protein (pRb), and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in the pRb-E2F signaling pathway had changed. Furthermore, microRNA-98 suppressed the growth of OCSCs xenograft tumors. Our findings suggest that EZH2-specific microRNA-98 can effectively inhibit cell proliferation in vitro and regulate the pRb-E2F pathway in human OCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Liu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China,
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49
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Svedlund J, Barazeghi E, Stålberg P, Hellman P, Åkerström G, Björklund P, Westin G. The histone methyltransferase EZH2, an oncogene common to benign and malignant parathyroid tumors. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:231-9. [PMID: 24292603 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) resulting from parathyroid tumors is a common endocrine disorder with incompletely understood etiology. In renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) occurs with multiple tumor development as a result of calcium and vitamin D regulatory disturbance. The aim of this study was to investigate a potential role of the histone 3 lysine 27 methyltransferase EZH2 in parathyroid tumorigenesis. Parathyroid tumors from patients with pHPT included adenomas and carcinomas. Hyperplastic parathyroid glands from patients with HPT secondary to uremia and normal parathyroid tissue specimens were included in this study. Quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, bisulfite pyrosequencing, colony formation assay, and RNA interference were used. EZH2 was overexpressed in a subset of the benign and in all malignant parathyroid tumors as determined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting analyses. Overexpression was explained by EZH2 gene amplification in a large fraction of tumors. EZH2 depletion by RNA interference inhibited sHPT-1 parathyroid cell line proliferation as determined by tritium-thymidine incorporation and colony formation assays. EZH2 depletion also interfered with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by increased expression of growth-suppressive AXIN2, a negative regulator of β-catenin stability. Indeed, EZH2 contributed to the total level of aberrantly accumulated transcriptionally active (nonphosphoylated) β-catenin in the parathyroid tumor cells. To our knowledge EZH2 gene amplification presents the first genetic aberration common to parathyroid adenomas, secondary hyperplastic parathyroid glands, and parathyroid carcinomas. This supports the possibility of a common pathway in parathyroid tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Svedlund
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Endocrine Unit, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 70, 3 tr, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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50
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SUZ12 is involved in progression of non-small cell lung cancer by promoting cell proliferation and metastasis. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:6073-82. [PMID: 24633887 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1804-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The suppressor of zeste-12 protein (SUZ12), a core component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is implicated in transcriptional silencing by generating di- and tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27Me3). Although SUZ12 is known to be of great importance in several human cancer tumorigenesis, limited data are available on the expression profile and functional role of SUZ12 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we determined the expression level of SUZ12 in 40 paired clinical NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that SUZ12 was anomalously expressed in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues (P<0.05) and was highly correlated to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stages (P<0.05). Additionally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of SUZ12 could inhibit tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion, indicating that SUZ12 might function as an oncogene in NSCLC initiation and progression. Furthermore, we found that SUZ12 silencing significantly reduced the expression levels of transcription factor transcription factor E2F1 (E2F1) as well as potential metastasis promoters Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and roundabout homolog 1 (ROBO1) through Western blot analysis. Altogether, we provide evidences suggesting that SUZ12 is an oncogene in NSCLC and can regulate NSCLC cells proliferation and metastasis partly via reducing E2F1, ROCK1, and ROBO1. Thus, SUZ12 may represent a new potential diagnostic marker for NSCLC and may be a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC intervention.
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