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Zhang B, Guan Y, Zeng D, Wang R. Arginine methylation and respiratory disease. Transl Res 2024; 272:140-150. [PMID: 38453053 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Arginine methylation, a vital post-translational modification, plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular functions such as signal transduction, DNA damage response and repair, regulation of gene transcription, mRNA splicing, and protein interactions. Central to this modification is the role of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which have been increasingly recognized for their involvement in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases. This review begins with an exploration of the biochemical underpinnings of arginine methylation, shedding light on the intricate molecular regulatory mechanisms governed by PRMTs. It then delves into the impact of arginine methylation and the dysregulation of arginine methyltransferases in diverse pulmonary disorders. Concluding with a focus on the therapeutic potential and recent advancements in PRMT inhibitors, this article aims to offer novel perspectives and therapeutic avenues for the management and treatment of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Youhong Guan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, PR China
| | - Daxiong Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui Province, PR China.
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2
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Li Y, Zuo C, Wu X, Ding Y, Wei Y, Chen S, Lu X, Xu J, Liu S, Zhou G, Cai L. FBXL8 inhibits post-myocardial infarction cardiac fibrosis by targeting Snail1 for ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:263. [PMID: 38615011 PMCID: PMC11016067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal cardiac fibrosis is the main pathological change of post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure. Although the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXL8 is a key regulator in the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and inflammation, its role in post-MI ventricular fibrosis and heart failure remains unknown. FBXL8 was primarily expressed in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and remarkably decreased in CFs treated by TGFβ and heart subjected to MI. The echocardiography and histology data suggested that adeno-associated viruses (AAV9)-mediated FBXL8 overexpression had improved cardiac function and ameliorated post-MI cardiac fibrosis. In vitro, FBXL8 overexpression prevented TGFβ-induced proliferation, migration, contraction, and collagen secretion in CFs, while knockdown of FBXL8 demonstrated opposite effects. Mechanistically, FBXL8 interacted with Snail1 to promote Snail1 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system and decreased the activation of RhoA. Moreover, the FBXL8ΔC3 binding domain was indispensable for Snail1 interaction and degradation. Ectopic Snail1 expression partly abolished the effects mediated by FBXL8 overexpression in CFs treated by TGFβ. These results characterized the role of FBXL8 in regulating the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Snail1 and revealed the underlying molecular mechanism of how MI up-regulated the myofibroblasts differentiation-inducer Snail1 and suggested that FBXL8 may be a potential curative target for improving post-MI cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caojian Zuo
- Department of Key Laboratory, Lianshui County People's Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Songwen Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaowen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Genqing Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lidong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Franco-Valls H, Tusquets-Uxó E, Sala L, Val M, Peña R, Iaconcig A, Villarino Á, Jiménez-Arriola M, Massó P, Trincado JL, Eyras E, Muro AF, Otero J, García de Herreros A, Baulida J. Formation of an invasion-permissive matrix requires TGFβ/SNAIL1-regulated alternative splicing of fibronectin. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:143. [PMID: 37964360 PMCID: PMC10647173 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As in most solid cancers, the emergence of cells with oncogenic mutations in the mammary epithelium alters the tissue homeostasis. Some soluble factors, such as TGFβ, potently modify the behavior of healthy stromal cells. A subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing a TGFβ target, the SNAIL1 transcription factor, display myofibroblastic abilities that rearrange the stromal architecture. Breast tumors with the presence of SNAIL1 in the stromal compartment, and with aligned extracellular fiber, are associated with poor survival prognoses. METHODS We used deep RNA sequencing and biochemical techniques to study alternative splicing and human tumor databases to test for associations (correlation t-test) between SNAIL1 and fibronectin isoforms. Three-dimensional extracellular matrices generated from fibroblasts were used to study the mechanical properties and actions of the extracellular matrices on tumor cell and fibroblast behaviors. A metastatic mouse model of breast cancer was used to test the action of fibronectin isoforms on lung metastasis. RESULTS In silico studies showed that SNAIL1 correlates with the expression of the extra domain A (EDA)-containing (EDA+) fibronectin in advanced human breast cancer and other types of epithelial cancers. In TGFβ-activated fibroblasts, alternative splicing of fibronectin as well as of 500 other genes was modified by eliminating SNAIL1. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that SNAIL1 favors the inclusion of the EDA exon by modulating the activity of the SRSF1 splicing factor. Similar to Snai1 knockout fibroblasts, EDA- fibronectin fibroblasts produce an extracellular matrix that does not sustain TGFβ-induced fiber organization, rigidity, fibroblast activation, or tumor cell invasion. The presence of EDA+ fibronectin changes the action of metalloproteinases on fibronectin fibers. Critically, in an mouse orthotopic breast cancer model, the absence of the fibronectin EDA domain completely prevents lung metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the requirement of EDA+ fibronectin in the generation of a metastasis permissive stromal architecture in breast cancers and its molecular control by SNAIL1. From a pharmacological point of view, specifically blocking EDA+ fibronectin deposition could be included in studies to reduce the formation of a pro-metastatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Franco-Valls
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elsa Tusquets-Uxó
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sala
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institutes of Health: Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Val
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Vall Hebron Institute of Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Peña
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Iaconcig
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Álvaro Villarino
- Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Jiménez-Arriola
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Massó
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan L Trincado
- Research Program of Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- Research Program of Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Andrés F Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Baulida
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ning J, Chen L, Xiao G, Zeng Y, Shi W, Tanzhu G, Zhou R. The protein arginine methyltransferase family (PRMTs) regulates metastases in various tumors: From experimental study to clinical application. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115456. [PMID: 37696085 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the leading cause of mortality among advanced cancer patients. Understanding its mechanisms and treatment strategies is vital for clinical application. Arginine methylation, a post-translational modification catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), is implicated in diverse physiological processes and disease progressions. Previous research has demonstrated PRMTs' involvement in tumor occurrence, progression, and metastasis. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the relationship between PRMTs, prognosis, and metastasis in various cancers. Our focus centers on elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which PRMTs regulate tumor metastasis. We also discuss relevant clinical trials and effective PRMT inhibitors, including chemical compounds, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and nanomaterials, for treating tumor metastasis. While a few studies present conflicting results, the overall trajectory suggests that inhibiting arginine methylation exhibits promise in curtailing tumor metastasis across various cancers. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms and molecular interactions are diverse. The development of inhibitors targeting arginine methylation, along with the progression of clinical trials, holds substantial potential in the field of tumor metastasis, meriting sustained attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Liu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, China.
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5
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Kehrberg RJ, Bhyravbhatla N, Batra SK, Kumar S. Epigenetic regulation of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188901. [PMID: 37120098 PMCID: PMC10375465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), contribute to cancer progression through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, and metabolites. It is now well recognized that CAFs are a heterogenous population with ablation experiments leading to reduced tumor growth and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrating CAF subgroups. CAFs lack genetic mutations yet substantially differ from their normal stromal precursors. Here, we review epigenetic changes in CAF maturation, focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation changes in CAFs have been demonstrated globally, while roles of methylation at specific genes affect tumor growth. Further, loss of CAF histone methylation and gain of histone acetylation has been shown to promote CAF activation and tumor promotion. Many CAF activating factors, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), lead to these epigenetic changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as targets and orchestrators of epigenetic modifications that influence gene expression. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET), an epigenetic reader, recognizes histone acetylation and activates the transcription of genes leading to the pro-tumor phenotype of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Kehrberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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6
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Bonneaud TL, Lefebvre CC, Nocquet L, Basseville A, Roul J, Weber H, Campone M, Juin PP, Souazé F. Targeting of MCL-1 in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts reverses their myofibroblastic phenotype and pro-invasive properties. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:787. [PMID: 36104324 PMCID: PMC9474880 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major cellular component of epithelial tumors. In breast cancers in particular these stromal cells have numerous tumorigenic effects in part due to their acquisition of a myofibroblastic phenotype. Breast CAFs (bCAFs) typically express MCL-1. We show here that pharmacological inhibition or knock down of this regulator of mitochondrial integrity in primary bCAFs directly derived from human samples mitigates myofibroblastic features. This decreases expression of genes involved in actomyosin organization and contractility (associated with a cytoplasmic retention of the transcriptional regulator, yes-associated protein-YAP) and decreases bCAFs ability to promote cancer cells invasion in 3D coculture assays. Our findings underscore the usefulness of targeting MCL-1 in breast cancer ecosystems, not only to favor death of cancer cells but also to counteract the tumorigenic activation of fibroblasts with which they co-evolve. Mechanistically, pharmacological inhibition of MCL-1 with a specific BH3 mimetic promotes mitochondrial fragmentation in bCAFs. Inhibition of the mitochondrial fission activity of DRP-1, which interacts with MCL-1 upon BH3 mimetic treatment, allows the maintenance of the myofibroblastic phenotype of bCAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Bonneaud
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Chloé C. Lefebvre
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Lisa Nocquet
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Agnes Basseville
- grid.418191.40000 0000 9437 3027Omics Data Science Unit, ICO, Angers, France
| | - Julie Roul
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Hugo Weber
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Mario Campone
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Philippe P. Juin
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Frédérique Souazé
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
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Wang C, Yang J. Mechanical forces: The missing link between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Han L, Seward C, Leone G, Ostrowski MC. Origin, activation and heterogeneity of fibroblasts associated with pancreas and breast cancers. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:169-201. [PMID: 35459469 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreas and breast cancers both contain abundant stromal components within the tumor tissues. A prominent cell type within the stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play critical and complex roles establishing the tumor microenvironment to either promote or prevent tumor progression. Recently, complex genetic models and single cell-based techniques have provided emerging insights on the precise functions and cellular heterogeneity of CAFs. The transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs is a key event during tumor initiation and progression. Such coordination between tumor cells and fibroblasts plays an important role in cancer development. Reprograming fibroblasts is currently being explored for therapeutic benefits. In this review, we will discuss recent literature shedding light on the tissues of origin, activation mechanisms, and heterogeneity of CAFs comparing pancreas and breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Cara Seward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Medical college of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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9
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Molecular pathways and role of epigenetics in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Life Sci 2022; 291:120283. [PMID: 34998839 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with unknown etiological factors that can progress to other dangerous diseases like lung cancer. Environmental and genetic predisposition are the two major etiological or risk factors involved in the pathology of the IPF. Among the environmental risk factors, smoking is one of the major causes for the development of IPF. Epigenetic pathways like nucleosomes remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA mediated genes play a crucial role in development of IPF. Mutations in the genes make the epigenetic factors as important drug targets in IPF. Transcriptional changes due to environmental factors are also involved in the progression of IPF. The mutations in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) have shown decreased life expectancy in IPF patients. The TERT-gene is highly expressed in chronic smokers and makes the role of epigenetics evident. Drug like nintedanib acts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), while drug pirfenidone acts through transforming growth factor (TGF), which is useful in IPF. Gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR, is useful as an anti-fibrosis agent in preclinical models. Newer drugs such as Celgene-CC90001 and FibroGen-FG-3019 are currently under investigations acts through the modulating epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, the study on epigenetics opens a wide window for the discovery of newer drugs. This study provides an elementary analysis of multiple regulators of epigenetics and their roles associated with the pathology of IPF. Further, this review also includes epigenetic drugs under development in preclinical and clinical stages.
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Alcaraz J, Ikemori R, Llorente A, Díaz-Valdivia N, Reguart N, Vizoso M. Epigenetic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts in Lung Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153782. [PMID: 34359678 PMCID: PMC8345093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, partly due to limited therapy responses. New avenues of knowledge are indicating that lung cancer cells do not form a tumor in isolation but rather obtain essential support from their surrounding host tissue rich in altered fibroblasts. Notably, there is growing evidence that tumor progression and even the current limited responses to therapies could be prevented by rescuing the normal behavior of fibroblasts, which are critical housekeepers of normal tissue function. For this purpose, it is key to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathologic alterations of fibroblasts in cancer. This work provides a comprehensive review of the main molecular mechanisms involved in fibroblast transformation based on epigenetic reprogramming, and summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches to prevent or overcome the pathologic effects of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The desmoplastic stroma of lung cancer and other solid tumors is rich in tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) exhibiting an activated/myofibroblast-like phenotype. There is growing awareness that TAFs support key steps of tumor progression and are epigenetically reprogrammed compared to healthy fibroblasts. Although the mechanisms underlying such epigenetic reprogramming are incompletely understood, there is increasing evidence that they involve interactions with either cancer cells, pro-fibrotic cytokines such as TGF-β, the stiffening of the surrounding extracellular matrix, smoking cigarette particles and other environmental cues. These aberrant interactions elicit a global DNA hypomethylation and a selective transcriptional repression through hypermethylation of the TGF-β transcription factor SMAD3 in lung TAFs. Likewise, similar DNA methylation changes have been reported in TAFs from other cancer types, as well as histone core modifications and altered microRNA expression. In this review we summarize the evidence of the epigenetic reprogramming of TAFs, how this reprogramming contributes to the acquisition and maintenance of a tumor-promoting phenotype, and how it provides novel venues for therapeutic intervention, with a special focus on lung TAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Rafael Ikemori
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Alejandro Llorente
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Natalia Díaz-Valdivia
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
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Anand A, Fang HY, Mohammad-Shahi D, Ingermann J, Baumeister T, Strangmann J, Schmid RM, Wang TC, Quante M. Elimination of NF-κB signaling in Vimentin+ stromal cells attenuates tumorigenesis in a mouse model of Barrett's Esophagus. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:405-413. [PMID: 33068426 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation induces Barrett's Esophagus (BE) which can advance to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 together with activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), have been identified as important mediators of tumorigenesis. The inflammatory milieu apart from cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells contains myofibroblasts (MFs) that express aSMA and Vimentin. As we observed that increased NF-κB activation and inflammation correlates with increased MF recruitment and an accelerated phenotype we here analyze the role of NF-κB in MF during esophageal carcinogenesis in our L2-IL-1B mouse model. To analyze the effect of NF-κB signaling in MFs, we crossed L2-IL-1B mice to tamoxifen inducible Vim-Cre (Vim-CreTm) mice and floxed RelA (p65fl/fl) mice to specifically eliminate NF-κB signaling in MF (IL-1b.Vim-CreTm.p65fl/fl). The interaction of epithelial cells and stromal cells was further analyzed in mouse BE organoids and patient-derived human organoids. Histological scoring of IL-1b.Vim-CreTm.p65fl/fl mice showed a significantly attenuated phenotype compared with L2-IL-1B mice, with mild inflammation, decreased metaplasia and no dysplasia. This correlated with decreased proliferation and increased differentiation in cardia tissue of IL-1b.Vim-CreTm.p65fl/fl compared with L2-IL-1B mice. Distinct changes of cytokines and chemokines within the local microenvironment in IL-1b.Vim-CreTm.p65fl/fl mice reflected the histopathological abrogated phenotype. Co-cultured NF-κB inhibitor treated MF with mouse BE organoids demonstrated NF-κB-dependent growth and migration. MFs are essential to form an inflammatory and procarcinogenic microenvironment and NF-κB signaling in stromal cells emerges as an important driver of esophageal carcinogenesis. Our data suggest anti-inflammatory approaches as preventive strategies during surveillance of BE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Anand
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Hsin-Yu Fang
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Donja Mohammad-Shahi
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Jonas Ingermann
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Theresa Baumeister
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Julia Strangmann
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Quante
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), München, Germany.,Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hugstetter Straße 55, Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Wood S, Willbanks A, Cheng JX. The Role of RNA Modifications and RNA-modifying Proteins in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:326-352. [PMID: 33504307 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210127092828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The advent of new genome-wide sequencing technologies has uncovered abnormal RNA modifications and RNA editing in a variety of human cancers. The discovery of reversible RNA N6-methyladenosine (RNA: m6A) by fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) demethylase has led to exponential publications on the pathophysiological functions of m6A and its corresponding RNA modifying proteins (RMPs) in the past decade. Some excellent reviews have summarized the recent progress in this field. Compared to the extent of research into RNA: m6A and DNA 5-methylcytosine (DNA: m5C), much less is known about other RNA modifications and their associated RMPs, such as the role of RNA: m5C and its RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RCMTs) in cancer therapy and drug resistance. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress surrounding the function, intramolecular distribution and subcellular localization of several major RNA modifications, including 5' cap N7-methylguanosine (m7G) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), m6A, m5C, A-to-I editing, and the associated RMPs. We will then discuss dysregulation of those RNA modifications and RMPs in cancer and their role in cancer therapy and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Wood
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Amber Willbanks
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
| | - Jason X Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637, United States
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13
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Bartczak K, Białas AJ, Kotecki MJ, Górski P, Piotrowski WJ. More than a Genetic Code: Epigenetics of Lung Fibrosis. Mol Diagn Ther 2020; 24:665-681. [PMID: 32926347 PMCID: PMC7677145 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-020-00490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At the end of the last century, genetic studies reported that genetic information is not transmitted solely by DNA, but is also transmitted by other mechanisms, named as epigenetics. The well-described epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, biochemical modifications of histones, and microRNAs. The role of altered epigenetics in the biology of various fibrotic diseases is well-established, and recent advances demonstrate its importance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis-predominantly referring to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most lethal of the interstitial lung diseases. The deficiency in effective medications suggests an urgent need to better understand the underlying pathobiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning epigenetic changes in pulmonary fibrosis and associations of these changes with several cellular pathways of known significance in its pathogenesis. It also designates the most promising substances for further research that may bring us closer to new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystian Bartczak
- Department of Pneumology and Allergology, The Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Adam J Białas
- Department of Pathobiology of Respiratory Diseases, The Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz J Kotecki
- Department of Pneumology and Allergology, The Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Górski
- Department of Pneumology and Allergology, The Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech J Piotrowski
- Department of Pneumology and Allergology, The Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland
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14
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Silva LR, da Silva Santos-Júnior PF, de Andrade Brandão J, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ, Xavier de Araújo-Júnior J, Cardoso SH, da Silva-Júnior EF. Druggable targets from coronaviruses for designing new antiviral drugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115745. [PMID: 33007557 PMCID: PMC7836322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe respiratory infections were highlighted in the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002, as well as MERS-CoV, in 2012. Recently, the novel CoV (COVID-19) has led to severe respiratory damage to humans and deaths in Asia, Europe, and Americas, which allowed the WHO to declare the pandemic state. Notwithstanding all impacts caused by Coronaviruses, it is evident that the development of new antiviral agents is an unmet need. In this review, we provide a complete compilation of all potential antiviral agents targeting macromolecular structures from these Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae), providing a medicinal chemistry viewpoint that could be useful for designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rocha Silva
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia de Andrade Brandão
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Letícia Anderson
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; CESMAC University Center, Cônego Machado Street, Maceió 57051-160, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Helena Cardoso
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil.
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15
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The role of protein arginine methyltransferases in kidney diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2037-2051. [PMID: 32766778 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The methylation of arginine residues by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is a crucial post-translational modification for many biological processes, including DNA repair, RNA processing, and transduction of intra- and extracellular signaling. Previous studies have reported that PRMTs are extensively involved in various pathologic states, including cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress reaction. However, the role of PRMTs has not been well described in kidney diseases. Recent studies have shown that aberrant function of PRMTs and its metabolic products-symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)-are involved in several renal pathological processes, including renal fibrosis, acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertension, graft rejection and renal tumors. We aim in this review to elucidate the possible roles of PRMTs in normal renal function and various kidney diseases.
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16
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Decultot L, Policarpo RL, Wright BA, Huang D, Shair MD. Asymmetric Total Synthesis of C9'- epi-Sinefungin. Org Lett 2020; 22:5594-5599. [PMID: 32628491 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The natural nucleoside (+)-sinefungin, structurally similar to cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine, inhibits various SAM-dependent methyltransferases (MTs). Access to sinefungin analogues could serve as the basis for the rational design of small molecule methyltransferase inhibitors. We developed a route to the unnatural C9' epimer of sinefungin that employed a diastereoselective Overman rearrangement to install the key C6' amino stereocenter. The ability for late-stage modification is highlighted, opening an avenue for the discovery of new MT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Decultot
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Rocco L Policarpo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Brandon A Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Danny Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Matthew D Shair
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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