1
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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Meng J, Tang L, Lyu S. Epigenetics: Mechanisms, potential roles, and therapeutic strategies in cancer progression. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101020. [PMID: 38988323 PMCID: PMC11233905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations or abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to cause cancer. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications are key drivers of cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the role of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells and non-cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and recent research advances in cancer epigenetic drugs. In addition, we discussed the great potential of epigenetic combination therapies in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, there are still some challenges in the field of cancer epigenetics, such as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity, epigenetic drug heterogeneity, and crosstalk between epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, which may be the focus and difficulty of cancer treatment in the future. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications in the tumor microenvironment are essential for future epigenetic drug development and the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Epigenetic combination therapy may be a novel strategy for the future clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuhua Lyu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
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2
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Hirst DJ, Bamborough P, Al-Mahdi N, Angell DC, Barnett HA, Baxter A, Bit RA, Brown JA, Chung CW, Craggs PD, Davis RP, Demont EH, Ferrie A, Gordon LJ, Harada I, Ho TCT, Holyer ID, Hooper-Greenhill E, Jones KL, Lindon MJ, Lovatt C, Lugo D, Maller C, McGonagle G, Messenger C, Mitchell DJ, Pascoe DD, Patel VK, Patten C, Poole DL, Shah RR, Rioja I, Stafford KAJ, Tape D, Taylor S, Theodoulou NH, Tomlinson L, Wall ID, Wellaway CR, White G, Prinjha RK, Humphreys PG. Structure- and Property-Based Optimization of Efficient Pan-Bromodomain and Extra Terminal Inhibitors to Identify Oral and Intravenous Candidate I-BET787. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10464-10489. [PMID: 38866424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) family of bromodomain-containing proteins are important epigenetic regulators that elicit their effect through binding histone tail N-acetyl lysine (KAc) post-translational modifications. Recognition of such markers has been implicated in a range of oncology and immune diseases and, as such, small-molecule inhibition of the BET family bromodomain-KAc protein-protein interaction has received significant interest as a therapeutic strategy, with several potential medicines under clinical evaluation. This work describes the structure- and property-based optimization of a ligand and lipophilic efficient pan-BET bromodomain inhibitor series to deliver candidate I-BET787 (70) that demonstrates efficacy in a mouse model of inflammation and suitable properties for both oral and intravenous (IV) administration. This focused two-phase explore-exploit medicinal chemistry effort delivered the candidate molecule in 3 months with less than 100 final compounds synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Hirst
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Bamborough
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Niam Al-Mahdi
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Davina C Angell
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Heather A Barnett
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Andrew Baxter
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rino A Bit
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Jack A Brown
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Peter D Craggs
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Robert P Davis
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Alan Ferrie
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Laurie J Gordon
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Isobel Harada
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Tim C T Ho
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian D Holyer
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | | | - Katherine L Jones
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Matthew J Lindon
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Cerys Lovatt
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - David Lugo
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Claire Maller
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Grant McGonagle
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Cassie Messenger
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Darren J Mitchell
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - David D Pascoe
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | | | | | - Darren L Poole
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rishi R Shah
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | | | - Daniel Tape
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Simon Taylor
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | | | - Laura Tomlinson
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian D Wall
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | | | - Gemma White
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
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3
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Gold S, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of BET bromodomain and other epigenetic acetylrecognition domain-containing factors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102181. [PMID: 38564841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapies targeting chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulatory factors is rapidly expanding to include new targets and novel targeting strategies. At the same time, basic molecular research continues to refine our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating transcription, gene expression, and oncogenesis. This mini-review focuses on cancer therapies targeting the chromatin-associated factors that recognize histone lysine acetylation. Recently reported safety and efficacy are discussed for inhibitors targeting the bromodomains of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins. In light of recent results indicating that the transcriptional regulator BRD4-PTEFb can function independently of BRD4's bromodomains, the clinical trial performance of these BET inhibitors is placed in a broader context of existing and potential strategies for targeting BRD4-PTEFb. Recently developed therapies targeting bromodomain-containing factors within the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed, as is the potential for targeting the bromodomain-containing transcription factor TAF1 and the YEATS acetylrecognition domain-containing factor GAS41. Recent findings regarding the selectivity and combinatorial specificity of acetylrecognition are highlighted. In conclusion, the potential for further development is discussed with a focus on proximity-based therapies targeting this class of epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. https://twitter.com/@rwx_life
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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4
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Sotiriadis S, Beil J, Berchtold S, Smirnow I, Schenk A, Lauer UM. Multimodal Therapy Approaches for NUT Carcinoma by Dual Combination of Oncolytic Virus Talimogene Laherparepvec with Small Molecule Inhibitors. Viruses 2024; 16:775. [PMID: 38793657 PMCID: PMC11125747 DOI: 10.3390/v16050775] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
NUT (nuclear-protein-in-testis) carcinoma (NC) is a highly aggressive tumor disease. Given that current treatment regimens offer a median survival of six months only, it is likely that this type of tumor requires an extended multimodal treatment approach to improve prognosis. In an earlier case report, we could show that an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (T-VEC) is functional in NC patients. To identify further combination partners for T-VEC, we have investigated the anti-tumoral effects of T-VEC and five different small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) alone and in combination in human NC cell lines. Dual combinations were found to result in higher rates of tumor cell reductions when compared to the respective monotherapy as demonstrated by viability assays and real-time tumor cell growth monitoring. Interestingly, we found that the combination of T-VEC with SMIs resulted in both stronger and earlier reductions in the expression of c-Myc, a main driver of NC cell proliferation, when compared to T-VEC monotherapy. These results indicate the great potential of combinatorial therapies using oncolytic viruses and SMIs to control the highly aggressive behavior of NC cancers and probably will pave the way for innovative multimodal clinical studies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Sotiriadis
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Julia Beil
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Irina Smirnow
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Schenk
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Zhu X, Fu Z, Dutchak K, Arabzadeh A, Milette S, Steinberger J, Morin G, Monast A, Pilon V, Kong T, Adams BN, Prando Munhoz E, Hosein HJB, Fang T, Su J, Xue Y, Rayes R, Sangwan V, Walsh LA, Chen G, Quail DF, Spicer JD, Park M, Dankort D, Huang S. Cotargeting CDK4/6 and BRD4 Promotes Senescence and Ferroptosis Sensitivity in Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1333-1351. [PMID: 38277141 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are approved for breast cancer treatment and show activity against other malignancies, including KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the clinical efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors is limited due to frequent drug resistance and their largely cytostatic effects. Through a genome-wide cDNA screen, we identified that bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) overexpression conferred resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells. Inhibition of BRD4, either by RNA interference or small-molecule inhibitors, synergized with palbociclib to induce senescence in NSCLC cells and tumors, and the combination prolonged survival in a KRAS-mutant NSCLC mouse model. Mechanistically, BRD4-inhibition enhanced cell-cycle arrest and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, both of which are necessary for senescence induction; this in turn elevated GPX4, a peroxidase that suppresses ROS-triggered ferroptosis. Consequently, GPX4 inhibitor treatment selectively induced ferroptotic cell death in the senescent cancer cells, resulting in tumor regression. Cotargeting CDK4/6 and BRD4 also promoted senescence and ferroptosis vulnerability in pancreatic and breast cancer cells. Together, these findings reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities and effective combinations to enhance the clinical utility of CDK4/6 inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE The combination of cytostatic CDK4/6 and BRD4 inhibitors induces senescent cancer cells that are primed for activation of ferroptotic cell death by targeting GPX4, providing an effective strategy for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbing Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kendall Dutchak
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Azadeh Arabzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Milette
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jutta Steinberger
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Morin
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anie Monast
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Virginie Pilon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tim Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bianca N Adams
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erika Prando Munhoz
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hannah J B Hosein
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tianxu Fang
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yibo Xue
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roni Rayes
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Veena Sangwan
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Logan A Walsh
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guojun Chen
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniela F Quail
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Spicer
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Dankort
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sidong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Yao Z, Song P, Jiao W. Pathogenic role of super-enhancers as potential therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1383580. [PMID: 38681203 PMCID: PMC11047458 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1383580] [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] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is still one of the deadliest malignancies today, and most patients with advanced lung cancer pass away from disease progression that is uncontrollable by medications. Super-enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of enhancers in the genome's non-coding sequences that actively trigger transcription. Although SEs have just been identified over the past 10 years, their intricate structure and crucial role in determining cell identity and promoting tumorigenesis and progression are increasingly coming to light. Here, we review the structural composition of SEs, the auto-regulatory circuits, the control mechanisms of downstream genes and pathways, and the characterization of subgroups classified according to SEs in lung cancer. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic targets, several small-molecule inhibitors, and available treatment options for SEs in lung cancer. Combination therapies have demonstrated considerable advantages in preclinical models, and we anticipate that these drugs will soon enter clinical studies and benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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7
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Wang SY, Wang YX, Shen A, Yang XQ, Liang CC, Huang RJ, Jian R, An N, Xiao YL, Wang LS, Zhao Y, Lin C, Wang CP, Yuan ZP, Yuan SQ. Construction of a gene model related to the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer receiving immunotherapy and exploration of COX7A1 gene function. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:180. [PMID: 38494472 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01783-x] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GC is a highly heterogeneous tumor with different responses to immunotherapy, and the positive response depends on the unique interaction between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the currently available methods for prognostic prediction are not satisfactory. Therefore, this study aims to construct a novel model that integrates relevant gene sets to predict the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy and the prognosis of GC patients based on machine learning. METHODS Seven GC datasets were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and literature sources. Based on the immunotherapy cohort, we first obtained a list of immunotherapy related genes through differential expression analysis. Then, Cox regression analysis was applied to divide these genes with prognostic significancy into protective and risky types. Then, the Single Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to score the two categories of gene sets separately, and the scores differences between the two gene sets were used as the basis for constructing the prognostic model. Subsequently, Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Cytoscape were applied to further screen the gene sets of the constructed model, and finally COX7A1 was selected for the exploration and prediction of the relationship between the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy for GC. The correlation between COX7A1 and immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity scoring, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to initially understand the potential role of COX7A1 in the development and progression of GC. Finally, the differential expression of COX7A1 was verified in those GC patients receiving immunotherapy. RESULTS First, 47 protective genes and 408 risky genes were obtained, and the ssGSEA algorithm was applied for model construction, showing good prognostic discrimination ability. In addition, the patients with high model scores showed higher TMB and MSI levels, and lower tumor heterogeneity scores. Then, it is found that the COX7A1 expressions in GC tissues were significantly lower than those in their corresponding paracancerous tissues. Meanwhile, the patients with high COX7A1 expression showed higher probability of cancer invasion, worse clinical efficacy of immunotherapy, worse overall survival (OS) and worse disease-free survival (DFS). CONCLUSIONS The ssGSEA score we constructed can serve as a biomarker for GC patients and provide important guidance for individualized treatment. In addition, the COX7A1 gene can accurately distinguish the prognosis of GC patients and predict the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ao Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Qi Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Cheng-Cai Liang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Run-Jie Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rui Jian
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Nan An
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yu-Long Xiao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Li-Shuai Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Chuan Lin
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Chang-Ping Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Yuan
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No. 65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Shu-Qiang Yuan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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8
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Flaadt T, Wild H, Abele M, Frühwald M, Dirksen U, Classen CF, Seitz C, Redlich A, Lauer UM, Kloker L, Kratz C, Schneider DT, Brecht IB. NUT carcinoma in pediatric patients: Characteristics, therapeutic regimens, and outcomes of 11 cases registered with the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30821. [PMID: 38148490 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor defined by the presence of a somatic NUTM1 rearrangement, occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. We analyzed the clinical and biological features of German pediatric patients (≤18 years) with NC. METHODS This study describes the characteristics and outcome of 11 children with NC registered in the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP). RESULTS Eleven patients with a median age of 13.2 years (range 6.6-17.8) were analyzed. Malignant misdiagnoses were made in three patients. Thoracic/mediastinal tumors were found to be the primary in six patients, head/neck in four cases; one patient had multifocal tumor with an unknown primary. All patients presented with regional lymph node involvement, eight patients (72.7%) with distant metastases. Seven patients underwent surgery, eight radiotherapy with curative intent; polychemotherapy was administered in all patients. Novel treatment strategies including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and virotherapy were applied in three patients. Median event-free survival and overall survival were 1.5 and 6.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Every undifferentiated or poorly differentiated carcinoma should undergo testing for the specific rearrangement of NUTM1, in order to initiate an intense therapeutic regimen as early as possible. As in adults, only few pediatric patients with NC achieve prolonged survival. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies should be included and tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Flaadt
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Hannah Wild
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Michael Abele
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Michael Frühwald
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Children's Hospital, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Pediatrics III, West German Cancer Centre Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) site Essen, National Center for Tumordiseases (NCT) site Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carl F Classen
- Pediatric Haematology/Oncology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Seitz
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Antje Redlich
- Pediatric Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Linus Kloker
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Kratz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ines B Brecht
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
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9
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Kloker LD, Sidiras M, Flaadt T, Brecht IB, Deinzer CKW, Groß T, Benzler K, Zender L, Lauer UM. Clinical management of NUT carcinoma (NC) in Germany: Analysis of survival, therapy response, tumor markers and tumor genome sequencing in 35 adult patients. Lung Cancer 2024; 189:107496. [PMID: 38301600 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107496] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
NUT carcinomas (NC) are very rare and highly aggressive tumors, molecularly defined by an aberrant gene fusion involving the NUTM1 gene. NCs preferentially arise intrathoracically or in the head and neck region, having a highly adverse prognosis with almost no long-term survivors. Here, we report on a cohort of 35 adult NC patients who were evaluated at University Hospital Tuebingen in an eight year time span, i.e. between 2016 and 2023. Primary objectives were overall survival (OS) and influence of primary tumor locations, fusion gene types and staging on OS. Secondary objectives were patient baseline characteristics, risk factors, tumor markers, treatment decisions and responses to therapy comparing thoracic vs non-thoracic origins. Further, data from tumor genome sequencing were analyzed. In this monocentric German cohort, 54 % of patients had thoracic tumors and 65 % harbored a BRD4-NUTM1 fusion gene. Median OS was 7.5 months, being significantly dependent on primary tumor location and nodal status. Initial misdiagnosis was a problem in 31 % of the cases. Surgery was the first treatment in most patients (46 %) and 80 % were treated with polychemotherapies, showing longer progression free survival (PFS) with ifosfamide-based than with platinum-based regimens. Patients treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in addition to first-line chemotherapy tended to have longer OS. Initial LDH levels could be identified as a prognostic measure for survival prognosis. Sequencing data highlight aberrant NUTM1 fusion genes as unique tumor driver genes. This is the largest adult European cohort of this orphan tumor disease, showing epidemiologic and molecular features as well as relevant clinical data. Awareness to prevent misdiagnosis, fast contact to a specialized nation-wide center and referral to clinical studies are essential as long-term survival is rarely achieved with any of the current therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus D Kloker
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Mirjana Sidiras
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tim Flaadt
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ines B Brecht
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christoph K W Deinzer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thorben Groß
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Benzler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany; DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Tuebingen, a partnership between DKFZ and the University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Medical University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tuebingen, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Tuebingen, a partnership between DKFZ and the University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
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10
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Cescon DW, Hilton J, Morales Murilo S, Layman RM, Pluard T, Yeo B, Park IH, Provencher L, Kim SB, Im YH, Wyce A, Krishnatry AS, Hicks K, Zhang Q, Barbash O, Khaled A, Horner T, Dhar A, Oliveira M, Sparano JA. A Phase I/II Study of GSK525762 Combined with Fulvestrant in Patients with Hormone Receptor-positive/HER2-negative Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:334-343. [PMID: 37992310 PMCID: PMC10792358 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine-based therapy is the initial primary treatment option for hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). However, patients eventually experience disease progression due to resistance to endocrine therapy. Molibresib (GSK525762) is a small-molecule inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT). Preclinical data suggested that the combination of molibresib with endocrine therapy might overcome endocrine resistance. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy [objective response rate (ORR)] of molibresib combined with fulvestrant in women with HR+/HER2- mBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase I/II dose-escalation and dose-expansion study, patients received oral molibresib 60 or 80 mg once daily in combination with intramuscular fulvestrant. Patients enrolled had relapsed/refractory, advanced/metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer with disease progression on prior treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, with or without a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor. RESULTS The study included 123 patients. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) were nausea (52%), dysgeusia (49%), and fatigue (45%). At a 60-mg dosage of molibresib, >90% of patients experienced treatment-related AE. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AE were observed in 47% and 48% of patients treated with molibresib 60 mg and molibresib 80 mg, respectively. The ORR was 13% [95% confidence interval (CI), 8-20], not meeting the 25% threshold for proceeding to phase II. Among 82 patients with detected circulating tumor DNA and clinical outcome at study enrollment, a strong association was observed between the detection of copy-number amplification and poor progression-free survival (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.73-4.83; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Molibresib in combination with fulvestrant did not demonstrate clinically meaningful activity in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Hilton
- Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Belinda Yeo
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research and Wellness Centre and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - In Hae Park
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of South Korea
- Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | | | - Sung-Bae Kim
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Icahn School of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, New York (formerly Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York)
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11
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Zhao D, Cao W, Zha S, Wang Y, Pan Z, Zhang J, Hu K. Primary pulmonary nuclear protein of the testis midline carcinoma: case report and systematic review with pooled analysis. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1308432. [PMID: 38264746 PMCID: PMC10803636 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1308432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare tumor, with particularly low incidence in the lungs, and a correspondingly poor prognosis. To determine the clinicopathological characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of primary pulmonary NMC, a case was reported and a systematic review was performed. Twenty-nine records, including ours, involving 62 cases, were finally included. The median age at diagnosis was 29.5 years. At presentation, the most common symptoms at presentation were cough (47.50%) and chest/back pain (37.50%). In terms of diagnosis, 32.14% of NMC cases were identified through immunohistochemistry (IHC); However, a greater number of cases may be misdiagnosed initially, and ultimately, the diagnosis of NMC was confirmed through a combination of IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Despite the clinical application of various chemotherapy-based treatments, the actual effectiveness remains unsatisfactory. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis of multiple factors identified male gender and concurrent presence of pleural effusion as indicators of shorter survival time in patients. These results emphasize the importance of increased diagnostic awareness among clinical and pathology practitioners concerning NMC. While there is currently no established standard for treating NMC, a treatment approach combining multiple methods shows promise for future research. Concurrently, clinical and foundational investigations addressing variables such as gender and the presence of pleural effusion may yield valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of NMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqian Zha
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Qian H, Zhu M, Tan X, Zhang Y, Liu X, Yang L. Super-enhancers and the super-enhancer reader BRD4: tumorigenic factors and therapeutic targets. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:470. [PMID: 38135679 PMCID: PMC10746725 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01775-6] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional super-enhancers and the BET bromodomain protein BRD4 are emerging as critical drivers of tumorigenesis and therapeutic targets. Characterized by substantial accumulation of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) signals at the loci of cell identity genes and critical oncogenes, super-enhancers are recognized, bound and activated by BRD4, resulting in considerable oncogene over-expression, malignant transformation, cancer cell proliferation, survival, tumor initiation and progression. Small molecule compound BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors block BRD4 binding to super-enhancers, suppress oncogene transcription and expression, reduce cancer cell proliferation and survival, and repress tumor progression in a variety of cancer types. Like other targeted therapy agents, BRD4 inhibitors show moderate anticancer effects on their own, and exert synergistic anticancer effects in vitro and in preclinical models, when combined with other anticancer agents including CDK7 inhibitors, CBP/p300 inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors. More recently, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors have been developed and shown better anticancer efficacy and/or safety profile. Importantly, more than a dozen BRD4 inhibitors have entered clinical trials in patients with cancer of various organ origins. In summary, super-enhancers and their reader BRD4 are critical tumorigenic drivers, and BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, PROTAC BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors are promising novel anticancer agents for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Qian
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xinyu Tan
- Department of Dentistry, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yixing Zhang
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Li Yang
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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13
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. The potential of BRD4 inhibition in tumour mechanosignaling. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:4215-4218. [PMID: 37994501 PMCID: PMC10746939 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biopathology, ‘Eginition’ Hospital, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
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14
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Durall RT, Huang J, Wojenski L, Huang Y, Gokhale PC, Leeper BA, Nash JO, Ballester PL, Davidson S, Shlien A, Sotirakis E, Bertaux F, Dubus V, Luo J, Wu CJ, Keskin DB, Eagen KP, Shapiro GI, French CA. The BRD4-NUT Fusion Alone Drives Malignant Transformation of NUT Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3846-3860. [PMID: 37819236 PMCID: PMC10690098 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive squamous carcinoma defined by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein. Routinely effective systemic treatments are unavailable for most NC patients. The lack of an adequate animal model precludes identifying and leveraging cell-extrinsic factors therapeutically in NC. Here, we created a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of NC that forms a Brd4::NUTM1 fusion gene upon tamoxifen induction of Sox2-driven Cre. The model displayed complete disease penetrance, with tumors arising from the squamous epithelium weeks after induction and all mice succumbing to the disease shortly thereafter. Closely resembling human NC (hNC), GEMM tumors (mNC) were poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas with high expression of MYC that metastasized to solid organs and regional lymph nodes. Two GEMM-derived cell lines were developed whose transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes harbored key features of primary GEMM tumors. Importantly, GEMM tumor and cell line transcriptomes co-classified with those of human NC. BRD4-NUT also blocked differentiation and maintained the growth of mNC as in hNC. Mechanistically, GEMM primary tumors and cell lines formed large histone H3K27ac-enriched domains, termed megadomains, that were invariably associated with the expression of key NC-defining proto-oncogenes, Myc and Trp63. Small-molecule BET bromodomain inhibition (BETi) of mNC induced differentiation and growth arrest and prolonged survival of NC GEMMs, as it does in hNC models. Overall, tumor formation in the NC GEMM is definitive evidence that BRD4-NUT alone can potently drive the malignant transformation of squamous progenitor cells into NC. SIGNIFICANCE The development of an immunocompetent model of NUT carcinoma that closely mimics the human disease provides a valuable global resource for mechanistic and preclinical studies to improve treatment of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Taylor Durall
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julianna Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brittaney A. Leeper
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua O. Nash
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory of Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pedro L. Ballester
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Davidson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam Shlien
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory of Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Jia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Derin B. Keskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle P. Eagen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher A. French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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Alečković M, Li Z, Zhou N, Qiu X, Lulseged B, Foidart P, Huang XY, Garza K, Shu S, Kesten N, Li R, Lim K, Garrido-Castro AC, Guerriero JL, Qi J, Long HW, Polyak K. Combination Therapies to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1304-1318. [PMID: 37676980 PMCID: PMC10618734 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition combined with chemotherapy is currently approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, a significant proportion of metastatic TNBC is PD-L1-negative and, in this population, chemotherapy alone largely remains the standard-of-care and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a triple combination of anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, epigenetic modulation thorough bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain inhibition (BBDI), and chemotherapy with paclitaxel that effectively inhibits both primary and metastatic tumor growth in two different syngeneic murine models of TNBC. Detailed cellular and molecular profiling of tumors from single and combination treatment arms revealed increased T- and B-cell infiltration and macrophage reprogramming from MHCIIlow to a MHCIIhigh phenotype in mice treated with triple combination. Triple combination also had a major impact on gene expression and chromatin profiles shifting cells to a more immunogenic and senescent state. Our results provide strong preclinical evidence to justify clinical testing of BBDI, paclitaxel, and immune checkpoint blockade combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Alečković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ningxuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bethlehem Lulseged
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pierre Foidart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiao-Yun Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kodie Garza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Klothilda Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ana C. Garrido-Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L. Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry W. Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Hamilton EP, Wang JS, Oza AM, Patel MR, Ulahannan SV, Bauer T, Karlix JL, Zeron-Medina J, Fabbri G, Marco-Casanova P, Moorthy G, Hattersley MM, Littlewood GM, Mitchell P, Saeh J, Pouliot GP, Moore KN. First-in-human Study of AZD5153, A Small-molecule Inhibitor of Bromodomain Protein 4, in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Malignant Solid Tumors and Lymphoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1154-1165. [PMID: 37486983 PMCID: PMC10544002 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
AZD5153, a reversible, bivalent inhibitor of the bromodomain and extraterminal family protein BRD4, has preclinical activity in multiple tumors. This first-in-human, phase I study investigated AZD5153 alone or with olaparib in patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors or lymphoma. Adults with relapsed tumors intolerant of, or refractory to, prior therapies received escalating doses of oral AZD5153 once daily or twice daily continuously (21-day cycles), or AZD5153 once daily/twice daily continuously or intermittently plus olaparib 300 mg twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Between June 30, 2017 and April 19, 2021, 34 patients received monotherapy and 15 received combination therapy. Dose-limiting toxicities were thrombocytopenia/platelet count decreased (n = 4/n = 2) and diarrhea (n = 1). The recommended phase II doses (RP2D) were AZD5153 30 mg once daily or 15 mg twice daily (monotherapy) and 10 mg once daily (intermittent schedule) with olaparib. With AZD5153 monotherapy, common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) included fatigue (38.2%), thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea (each 32.4%); common grade ≥ 3 TEAEs were thrombocytopenia (14.7%) and anemia (8.8%). With the combination, common TEAEs included nausea (66.7%) and fatigue (53.3%); the most common grade ≥ 3 TEAE was thrombocytopenia (26.7%). AZD5153 had dose-dependent pharmacokinetics, with minimal accumulation, and demonstrated dose-dependent modulation of peripheral biomarkers, including upregulation of HEXIM1. One patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving combination treatment had a partial response lasting 4.2 months. These results show AZD5153 was tolerable as monotherapy and in combination at the RP2Ds; common toxicities were fatigue, hematologic AEs, and gastrointestinal AEs. Strong evidence of peripheral target engagement was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika P. Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Judy S. Wang
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, Florida
| | - Amit M. Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network/Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manish R. Patel
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, Florida
| | - Susanna V. Ulahannan
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Todd Bauer
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | | | - Ganesh Moorthy
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Jamal Saeh
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Kathleen N. Moore
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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17
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Kaplan HG, Subramaniam S, Vallières E, Barnett T. Prolonged Survival of NUT Midline Carcinoma and Current Approaches to Treatment. Oncologist 2023; 28:765-770. [PMID: 37311046 PMCID: PMC10485280 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
NUT midline carcinoma is a rare malignancy most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. The disease presents most often in the lung or head and neck area but can be seen occasionally elsewhere. The diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high degree of suspicion with demonstration of the classic fusion rearrangement mutation of the NUTM1 gene with one of a variety of partners by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization, or genomic analysis. Survival is usually only a number of months with few long-term survivors. Here we report one of the longest-known survivors of this disease treated with surgery and radiation without additional therapy. Systemic treatment approaches including the use of chemotherapy and BET and histone deacetylase inhibitors have yielded modest results. Further studies of these, as well as p300 and CDK9 inhibitors and combinations of BET inhibitors with chemotherapy or CDK 4/6 inhibitors, are being evaluated. Recent reports suggest there may be a role for immune checkpoint inhibitors, even in the absence of high tumor mutation burden or PD-L1 positivity. RNA sequencing of this patient's tumor demonstrated overexpression of multiple potentially targetable genes. Given the altered transcription that results from the causative mutation multi-omic evaluation of these tumors may uncover druggable targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Kaplan
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Eric Vallières
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Todd Barnett
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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18
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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19
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Mandl A, Markowski MC, Carducci MA, Antonarakis ES. Role of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins in prostate cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:213-228. [PMID: 36857796 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2186851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are epigenetic readers of acetylated histones and are critical activators of oncogenic networks across many cancers. Therapeutic targeting of BET proteins has been an attractive area of clinical development for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In recent years, many structurally diverse BET inhibitors have been discovered and tested. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity of BET inhibitors against prostate cancer. However, their clinical success as monotherapies has been limited by treatment-associated toxicities, primary and acquired drug resistance, and a lack of predictive biomarkers of benefit. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of advancements in BET inhibitor design, preclinical research, and conclusions from clinical trials in prostate cancer. We speculate on incorporating BET inhibitors into combination regimens with other agents to improve the therapeutic index of BET inhibition in treating prostate cancer. EXPERT OPINION The therapeutic potential of BET inhibitors for prostate cancer has been demonstrated in preclinical studies. However, further research is needed to identify biomarkers that can predict sensitivity to BET inhibitors and to develop novel, highly selective inhibitors to reduce toxicities. Finally, BET inhibitors are likely to hold the most clinical potential in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mandl
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark C Markowski
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Carducci
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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20
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Zhang J, Huang L, Ge G, Hu K. Emerging Epigenetic-Based Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206169. [PMID: 36599655 PMCID: PMC9982594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic modifications dynamically drive the abnormal transcription process to affect the tumor microenvironment; thus, promoting cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Nowadays, therapies targeting epigenetic dysregulation of tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment appear to be promising adjuncts to other cancer therapies. However, the clinical results of combination therapies containing epigenetic agents are disappointing due to systemic toxicities and limited curative effects. Here, the role of epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and noncoding RNAs is discussed, followed by detailed descriptions of epigenetic regulation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the application of epigenetic modulators in antitumor therapy, with an emphasis on the epigenetic-based advanced drug delivery system in targeting the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular PharmaceuticsEshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
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21
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Guo J, Zheng Q, Peng Y. BET proteins: Biological functions and therapeutic interventions. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 243:108354. [PMID: 36739915 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family member proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) play a pivotal role in interpreting the epigenetic information of histone Kac modification, thus controlling gene expression, remodeling chromatin structures and avoid replicative stress-induced DNA damages. Abnormal activation of BET proteins is tightly correlated to various human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, BET bromodomain inhibitors (BBIs) were considered as promising therapeutics to treat BET-related diseases, raising >70 clinical trials in the past decades. Despite preliminary effects achieved, drug resistance and adverse events represent two major challenges for current BBIs development. In this review, we will introduce the biological functions of BET proteins in both physiological and pathological conditions; and summarize the progress in current BBI drug development. Moreover, we will also discuss the major challenges in the front of BET inhibitor development and provide rational strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingquan Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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22
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Qian Y, Zhang X, Mao S, Wei W, Lin X, Ling Q, Ye W, Li F, Pan J, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Huang X, Huang J, Tong H, Sun J, Jin J. ACC010, a novel BRD4 inhibitor, synergized with homoharringtonine in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD. Mol Oncol 2022. [PMID: 36567628 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13368] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitors have been clinically developed to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but their application is limited by the possibility of drug resistance, which is reportedly associated with the activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Meanwhile, homoharringtonine (HHT), a classic antileukemia drug, possibly inhibits the WNT/β-catenin pathway. In this study, we attempted to combine a novel BRD4 inhibitor (ACC010) and HHT to explore their synergistic lethal effects in treating AML. Here, we found that co-treatment with ACC010 and HHT synergistically inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD)-positive AML cells in vitro, and significantly inhibiting AML progression in vivo. Mechanistically, ACC010 and HHT cooperatively downregulated MYC and inhibited FLT3 activation. Further, when HHT was added, ACC010-resistant cells demonstrated a good synergy. We also extended our study to the mouse BaF3 cell line with FLT3-inhibitor-resistant FLT3-ITD/tyrosine kinase domain mutations and AML cells without FLT3-ITD. Collectively, our results suggested that the combination treatment of ACC010 and HHT might be a promising strategy for AML patients, especially those carrying FLT3-ITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shihui Mao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjie Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenle Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fenglin Li
- The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, China
| | - Jiajia Pan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanchun Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiansong Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Tong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disorders, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China.,Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, China
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23
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Scherman N, Wassermann J, Tlemsani C, Guillerm E, Deniziaut G, Cochand-Priollet B, Shan L, Chereau N, Gaujoux S, Simon JM, Leenhardt L, Groussin L, Buffet C. Possible Primary Thyroid Nuclear Protein in Testis Carcinomas with NSD3::NUTM1 Translocation Revealed by RNA Sequencing: A Report of Two Cases. Thyroid 2022; 32:1271-1276. [PMID: 35880417 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0136] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinomas (NC) are a rare, highly aggressive, subset of squamous cell carcinomas, characterized by a translocation involving the NUTM1 gene. Thyroid location of NUT carcinomas has rarely been described. Methods: We report here two cases of thyroid NC with NSD3::NUTM1 translocation. Results: The first case presented as a very aggressive undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma in a 38-year-old man who died 21 months after the diagnosis. The second case was diagnosed after multiple lymphadenopathy recurrences mainly in the neck in a 37-year-old woman 7 years after total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma with a classic and a solid/trabecular component. Conclusions: Our case reports highlight the challenges in diagnosing these exceptional carcinomas. The therapeutic impact of the administration of pharmacological compounds with epigenetic action, in line with the physiopathology of these carcinomas, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Scherman
- Thyroid and Endocrine Tumors Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Johanna Wassermann
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Oncology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Camille Tlemsani
- Medical Oncology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris Cancer Institute CARPEM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Erell Guillerm
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Oncogenetic Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Gabrielle Deniziaut
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Pathology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Larrys Shan
- Endocrine Department, Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, Papeete, French Polynesia
| | - Nathalie Chereau
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Department of Endocrine Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Gaujoux
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Department of Endocrine Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Simon
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Radiotherapy Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Leenhardt
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Thyroid and Endocrine Tumors Department; Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Groussin
- Endocrine Department; Cochin Hospital, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camille Buffet
- GRC No. 16, GRC Tumeurs Thyroïdiennes, Thyroid and Endocrine Tumors Department; Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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24
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Kim YH, Jo DS, Park NY, Bae JE, Kim JB, Lee HJ, Kim SH, Kim SH, Lee S, Son M, Park K, Jeong K, Yeom E, Cho DH. Inhibition of BRD4 Promotes Pexophagy by Increasing ROS and ATM Activation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182839. [PMID: 36139416 PMCID: PMC9497081 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although autophagy regulates the quality and quantity of cellular compartments, the regulatory mechanisms underlying peroxisomal autophagy (pexophagy) remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified several BRD4 inhibitors, including molibresib, a novel pexophagy inducer, via chemical library screening. Treatment with molibresib promotes loss of peroxisomes selectively, but not mitochondria, ER, or Golgi apparatus in HeLa cells. Consistently, depletion of BRD4 expression also induced pexophagy in RPE cells. In addition, the inhibition of BRD4 by molibresib increased autophagic degradation of peroxisome ATG7-dependency. We further found that molibresib produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which potentiates ATM activation. Inhibition of ROS or ATM suppressed the loss of peroxisomes in molibresib-treated cells. Taken together, our data suggest that inhibition of BRD4 promotes pexophagy by increasing ROS and ATM activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hwan Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Doo Sin Jo
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Na Yeon Park
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Bae
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Joon Bum Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Ha Jung Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - So Hyun Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Sunwoo Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Mikyung Son
- Orgasis Corp., Suwon 16229, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Kyuhee Park
- Bio-Center, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Kwiwan Jeong
- Bio-Center, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eunbyul Yeom
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Orgasis Corp., Suwon 16229, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-5382
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25
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Roles of Bromodomain Extra Terminal Proteins in Metabolic Signaling and Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15081032. [PMID: 36015180 PMCID: PMC9414451 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which recognize and bind to acetylated histones, play a key role in transcriptional regulation. The development of chemical BET inhibitors in 2010 greatly facilitated the study of these proteins. BETs play crucial roles in cancer, inflammation, heart failure, and fibrosis. In particular, BETs may be involved in regulating metabolic processes, such as adipogenesis and metaflammation, which are under tight transcriptional regulation. In addition, acetyl-CoA links energy metabolism with epigenetic modification through lysine acetylation, which creates docking sites for BET. Given this, it is possible that the ambient energy status may dictate metabolic gene transcription via a BET-dependent mechanism. Indeed, recent studies have reported that various BET proteins are involved in both metabolic signaling regulation and disease. Here, we discuss some of the most recent information on BET proteins and their regulation of the metabolism in both cellular and animal models. Further, we summarize data from some randomized clinical trials evaluating BET inhibitors for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Lauer UM, Hinterleitner M, Horger M, Ohnesorge PV, Zender L. NUT Carcinoma—An Underdiagnosed Malignancy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:914031. [PMID: 35957893 PMCID: PMC9360329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.914031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis and a median survival of 6–9 months only. Although very few cases of NC are reported each year, the true prevalence is estimated to be much higher, with NC potentially widely underdiagnosed due to the lack of awareness. NC primarily occurs in midline structures including thorax, head, and neck; however, other sites such as pancreas and kidney are also affected, albeit at lower frequencies. NC is characterized by a single translocation involving the NUTM1 (NUT midline carcinoma family member 1) gene and different partner genes. The resulting fusion proteins initiate tumorigenesis through a mechanism involving BET (bromo-domain and extra-terminal motif) proteins such as Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and inordinate acetylation of chromatin, leading to the dysregulation of growth and differentiation genes. While no clinical characteristics are specific for NC, some histologic features can be indicative; therefore, patients with these tumor characteristics should be routinely tested for NUTM1. The diagnosis of NC using immunohistochemistry with a highly specific antibody is straightforward. There are currently no standard-of-care treatment options for patients with NC. However, novel therapies specifically addressing the unique tumorigenic mechanism are under investigation, including BET inhibitors. This review aims to raise awareness of this underdiagnosed cancer entity and provide all patients the opportunity to be properly diagnosed and referred to a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich M. Lauer
- Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ulrich M. Lauer,
| | - Martina Hinterleitner
- Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Horger
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paul V. Ohnesorge
- Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Ferrara AL, Liotti A, Pezone A, De Rosa V. Therapeutic opportunities to modulate immune tolerance through the metabolism-chromatin axis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:507-521. [PMID: 35508518 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.04.002] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ability of the immune system to discriminate external stimuli from self-components - namely immune tolerance - occurs through a coordinated cascade of events involving a dense network of immune cells. Among them, CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells are crucial to balance immune homeostasis and function. Growing evidence supports the notion that energy metabolites can dictate T cell fate and function via epigenetic modifications, which affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Moreover, changes in cellular metabolism couple with activation of immune pathways and epigenetic remodeling to finely tune the balance between T cell activation and tolerance. This Review summarizes these aspects and critically evaluates novel possibilities for developing therapeutic strategies to modulate immune tolerance through metabolism via epigenetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lise Ferrara
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Liotti
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Veronica De Rosa
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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Karimi Kelaye S, Najafi F, Kazemi B, Foruzandeh Z, Seif F, Solali S, Alivand MR. The contributing factors of resistance or sensitivity to epigenetic drugs in the treatment of AML. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1250-1261. [PMID: 35076883 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02776-0] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is the drug-effectiveness reduction in treatment and is a serious problem in oncology and infections. In oncology, drug resistance is a complicated process resulting from enhancing the function of a pump that transports drugs out of tumor cells, or acquiring mutations in drug target. Surprisingly, most drugs are very effective in the early stages, but the response to the drug wears off over time and resistance eventually develops. Drug resistance is caused by genetic and epigenetic changes that affect cancer cells and the tumor environment. The study of inherited changes in the phenotype without changes in the DNA sequence is called epigenetics. Because of reversible changes in epigenetics, they are an attractive target for therapy. Some of these epigenetic drugs are effective in treating cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of immature hematopoietic cells in the blood and bone marrow. In this article, we outlined the various contributing factors involved in resistance or sensitivity to epigenetic drugs in the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohre Karimi Kelaye
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Najafi
- Division of Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kazemi
- Division of Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Foruzandeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Seif
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Solali
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Reza Alivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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French CA, Cheng ML, Hanna GJ, DuBois SG, Chau NG, Hann CL, Storck S, Salgia R, Trucco M, Tseng J, Stathis A, Piekarz R, Lauer UM, Massard C, Bennett K, Coker S, Tontsch-Grunt U, Sos ML, Liao S, Wu CJ, Polyak K, Piha-Paul SA, Shapiro GI. Report of the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2493-2505. [PMID: 35417004 PMCID: PMC9197941 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer defined by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene. No routinely effective treatments of NUT carcinoma exist, despite harboring a targetable oncoprotein, most commonly BRD4-NUT. The vast majority of cases are fatal. Poor awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to progress in the treatment of NUT carcinoma. While the incidence likely exceeds that of Ewing sarcoma, and BRD4-NUT heralded the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor class of selective epigenetic modulators, NUT carcinoma is incorrectly perceived as "impossibly rare," and therefore receives comparatively little private or governmental funding or prioritization by pharma. To raise awareness, propagate scientific knowledge, and initiate a consensus on standard and targeted treatment of NUT carcinoma, we held the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma on March 3, 2021. This virtual event had more than eighty attendees from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Patients with NUT carcinoma and family members were represented and shared perspectives. Broadly, the four areas discussed by experts in the field included (1) the biology of NUT carcinoma; (2) standard approaches to the treatment of NUT carcinoma; (3) results of clinical trials using BET inhibitors; and (4) future directions, including novel BET bromodomain inhibitors, combinatorial approaches, and immunotherapy. It was concluded that standard chemotherapeutic approaches and first-generation BET bromodomain inhibitors, the latter complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, are only modestly effective in a minority of cases. Nonetheless, emerging second-generation targeted inhibitors, novel rational synergistic combinations, and the incorporation of immuno-oncology approaches hold promise to improve the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Simone Storck
- Swabian Children’s Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Christophe Massard
- Gustave Roussy-Molecular Radiotherapy INSERM U1030, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin-Bicêtre and Paris-Saclay University , France
| | | | - Shodeinde Coker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Sos
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sida Liao
- TScan Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarina A. Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Suzuki T, Aoshima K, Yamazaki J, Kobayashi A, Kimura T. Manipulating Histone Acetylation Leads to Antitumor Effects in Hemangiosarcoma Cells. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:805-816. [PMID: 35568976 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumor derived from endothelial cells. No effective treatment has yet been developed because of the lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. Histone acetylation, an epigenetic modification, is highly associated with cancer pathogenesis. Manipulating histone acetylation by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) or bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETi) is one approach to treat various cancers. However, the role of histone acetylation in HSA remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate how histone acetylation functions in HSA pathogenesis using two HDACi, suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) and valproic acid (VPA), and one BETi, JQ1, in vitro and in vivo. Histone acetylation levels were high in cell lines and heterogeneous in clinical cases. SAHA and JQ1 induced apoptosis in HSA cell lines. HSA cell lines treated with SAHA and VPA upregulated inflammatory-related genes and attracted macrophage cell line RAW264 cells, which suggests that SAHA and VPA can affect immune responses. JQ1 stimulated autophagy and inhibited the cell cycle in HSA cell lines. Finally, we demonstrated that JQ1 suppressed HSA tumor cell proliferation in vivo although SAHA and VPA did not affect tumor growth. These results suggest that BETi can be alternative drugs for HSA treatment. Although further research is required, our study indicated that dysregulation of histone acetylation is likely to be involved in HSA malignancy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamami Suzuki
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keisuke Aoshima
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jumpei Yamazaki
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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