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Qu X, Lin Z, Jayawickramarajah J, Alsager JS, Schmidt E, Nephew KP, Fang F, Balasubramanian S, Shan B. G-quadruplex is critical to epigenetic activation of the lncRNA HOTAIR in cancer cells. iScience 2023; 26:108559. [PMID: 38144452 PMCID: PMC10746524 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer-promoting lncRNA HOTAIR has multiple isoforms. Which isoform of HOTAIR accounts for its expression and functions in cancer is unknown. Unlike HOTAIR's canonical intergenic isoform NR_003716 (HOTAIR-C), the novel isoform NR_047517 (HOTAIR-N) forms an overlapping antisense transcription locus with HOXC11. We identified HOTAIR-N as the dominant isoform that regulates the gene expression programs and networks for cell proliferation, survival, and death in cancer cells. The CpG island in the HOTAIR-N promoter was marked with epigenetic markers for active transcription. We identified a G-quadruplex (G4) motif rich region in the HOTAIR-N CpG island. Our findings indicate that G4s in HOTAIR-N CpG island is critical for expression of HOTAIR-N in cancer cells. Disruption of G4 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for cancer. The transcriptomes regulated by HOTAIR-N and Bloom in cancer cells as provided herein are important resources for the exploration of lncRNA, DNA helicases, and G4 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Qu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- Deparmtent of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - John S. Alsager
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Emily Schmidt
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Medical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Medical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Bin Shan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
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2
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Dardis GJ, Wang J, Simon JM, Wang GG, Baldwin AS. An EZH2-NF-κB regulatory axis drives expression of pro-oncogenic gene signatures in triple negative breast cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107115. [PMID: 37416481 PMCID: PMC10319845 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 has been studied most extensively in the context of PRC2-dependent gene repression. Accumulating evidence indicates non-canonical functions for EZH2 in cancer contexts including promoting paradoxical gene expression through interactions with transcription factors, including NF-κB in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We profile EZH2 and NF-κB factor co-localization and positive gene regulation genome-wide, and define a subset of NF-κB targets and genes associated with oncogenic functions in TNBC that is enriched in patient datasets. We demonstrate interaction between EZH2 and RelA requiring the recently identified transactivation domain (TAD) which mediates EZH2 recruitment to, and activation of certain NF-κB-dependent genes, and supports downstream migration and stemness phenotypes in TNBC cells. Interestingly, EZH2-NF-κB positive regulation of genes and stemness does not require PRC2. This study provides new insight into pro-oncogenic regulatory functions for EZH2 in breast cancer through PRC2-independent, and NF-κB-dependent regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle J. Dardis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Albert S. Baldwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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3
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Macrae TA, Fothergill-Robinson J, Ramalho-Santos M. Regulation, functions and transmission of bivalent chromatin during mammalian development. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:6-26. [PMID: 36028557 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cells differentiate and progress through development guided by a dynamic chromatin landscape that mediates gene expression programmes. During development, mammalian cells display a paradoxical chromatin state: histone modifications associated with gene activation (trimethylated histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4me3)) and with gene repression (trimethylated H3 Lys27 (H3K27me3)) co-occur at promoters of developmental genes. This bivalent chromatin modification state is thought to poise important regulatory genes for expression or repression during cell-lineage specification. In this Review, we discuss recent work that has expanded our understanding of the molecular basis of bivalent chromatin and its contributions to mammalian development. We describe the factors that establish bivalency, especially histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2B (KMT2B) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and consider evidence indicating that PRC1 shapes bivalency and may contribute to its transmission between generations. We posit that bivalency is a key feature of germline and embryonic stem cells, as well as other types of stem and progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of bivalent chromtin to human development and cancer, and outline avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A Macrae
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Julie Fothergill-Robinson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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4
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Hillyar CR, Kanabar SS, Rallis KS, Varghese JS. Complex cross-talk between EZH2 and miRNAs confers hallmark characteristics and shapes the tumor microenvironment. Epigenomics 2022; 14:699-709. [PMID: 35574589 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer epigenetic mechanisms support the acquisition of hallmark characteristics during oncogenesis. EZH2 - an important histone methyltransferase that writes histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation marks - is known to be dysregulated in cancer cells. However, the interactions between EZH2 and miRNAs that form a complex network of cross-talk and reciprocal regulation that enable cancer cells to acquire hallmark characteristics have been relatively poorly appreciated. The specific functions of EZH2 appear to be regulated by a vast array of miRNAs, which direct EZH2 toward regulation over the development of specific hallmark characteristics. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of EZH2, focusing on its collaboration with miRNAs to orchestrate oncogenesis. These epigenetic processes promote the evasion of apoptosis/cell cycle arrest, cellular dedifferentiation and the establishment of a tumor microenvironment that facilitates local cancer cell invasion, anti-cancer drug resistance and evasion of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Rt Hillyar
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6HG, UK.,Surgery, Women's and Oncology Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Shivani S Kanabar
- University of Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kathrine S Rallis
- Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AD, UK
| | - Jajini S Varghese
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, NW3 2QG, UK
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5
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Du Y, Qian C. Non‐canonical bivalent H3K4me3K9me3 recognition by Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100229. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Du
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pok Fu Lam Hong Kong
| | - Chengmin Qian
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pok Fu Lam Hong Kong
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6
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Fritz AJ, El Dika M, Toor RH, Rodriguez PD, Foley SJ, Ullah R, Nie D, Banerjee B, Lohese D, Glass KC, Frietze S, Ghule PN, Heath JL, Imbalzano AN, van Wijnen A, Gordon J, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS, Stein GS. Epigenetic-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression for Biological Control and Cancer: Cell and Tissue Structure, Function, and Phenotype. Results Probl Cell Differ 2022; 70:339-373. [PMID: 36348114 PMCID: PMC9753575 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06573-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms play a central role in the biological control of cell and tissue structure, function, and phenotype. Identification of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer provides mechanistic into tumor initiation and progression and may prove valuable for a variety of clinical applications. We present an overview of epigenetically driven mechanisms that are obligatory for physiological regulation and parameters of epigenetic control that are modified in tumor cells. The interrelationship between nuclear structure and function is not mutually exclusive but synergistic. We explore concepts influencing the maintenance of chromatin structures, including phase separation, recognition signals, factors that mediate enhancer-promoter looping, and insulation and how these are altered during the cell cycle and in cancer. Understanding how these processes are altered in cancer provides a potential for advancing capabilities for the diagnosis and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Fritz
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Mohammed El Dika
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rabail H. Toor
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | | - Stephen J. Foley
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rahim Ullah
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Daijing Nie
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Bodhisattwa Banerjee
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Dorcas Lohese
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Karen C. Glass
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Seth Frietze
- University of Vermont, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jessica L. Heath
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405,University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Anthony N. Imbalzano
- UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Andre van Wijnen
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jonathan Gordon
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jane B. Lian
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Janet L. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
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7
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Borkiewicz L. Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation Signature in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12853. [PMID: 34884658 PMCID: PMC8657745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and progression rely on complicated genetic and also epigenetic changes which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by lncRNAs alter protein expression by either promoting gene transcription or repressing it. The presence of so-called chromatin modification marks at various gene promoters and gene bodies is associated with normal cell development but also with tumorigenesis and progression of different types of cancer, including the most frequently diagnosed breast cancer. This review is focused on the significance of one of the abundant post-translational modifications of histone 3- trimethylation of lysine 27 (H3K27me3), which was shown to participate in tumour suppressor genes' silencing. Unlike other reviews in the field, here the overview of existing evidence linking H3K27me3 status with breast cancer biology and the tumour outcome is presented especially in the context of diverse breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, the potential of agents that target H3K27me3 for the treatment of this complex disease as well as H3K27 methylation in cross-talk with other chromatin modifications and lncRNAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Borkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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8
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Tetraarsenic oxide affects non-coding RNA transcriptome through deregulating polycomb complexes in MCF7 cells. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100809. [PMID: 33932728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100809] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important and diverse roles in mammalian cell biology and pathology. Although the functions of an increasing number of ncRNAs have been identified, the mechanisms underlying ncRNA gene expression remain elusive and are incompletely understood. Here, we investigated ncRNA gene expression in Michigan cancer foundation 7 (MCF7), a malignant breast cancer cell line, on treatment of tetraarsenic oxide (TAO), a potential anti-cancer drug. Our genomic analyses found that TAO up- or down-regulated ncRNA genes genome-wide. A subset of identified ncRNAs with critical biological and clinical functions were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Intriguingly, these TAO-regulated genes included CDKN2B-AS, HOXA11-AS, SHH, and DUSP5 that are known to interact with or be targeted by polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs). In addition, the PRC subunits were enriched in these TAO-regulated ncRNA genes and TAO treatment deregulated the expression of PRC subunits. Strikingly, TAO decreased the cellular and gene-specific levels of EZH2 expression and H3K27me3. In particular, TAO reduced EZH2 and H3K27me3 and increased transcription at MALAT1 gene. Inhibiting the catalytic activity of EZH2 using GSK343 increased representative TAO-inducible ncRNA genes. Together, our findings suggest that the expression of a subset of ncRNA genes is regulated by PRC2 and that TAO could be a potent epigenetic regulator through PRCs to modulate the ncRNA gene expression in MCF7 cells.
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9
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Abstract
Cancer has traditionally been hailed a genetic disease, dictated by successive genetic aberrations which alter gene expression. Yet, recent advances in molecular sequencing technologies, enabling the characterisation of cancer patient phenotypes on a large scale, have highlighted epigenetic changes as a hallmark of cancer. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and demethylation and histone modifications, have been found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of cancers through the regulation of chromatin state, gene expression and other nuclear events. Targeting epigenetic aberrations offers remarkable promise as a potential anti-cancer therapy given the reversible nature of epigenetic changes. Hence, epigenetic therapy has emerged as a rapidly advancing field of cancer research. A plethora of epigenetic therapies which inhibit enzymes of post-translational histone modifications, so-called 'writers', 'erasers' and 'readers', have been developed, with several epigenetic inhibitor agents approved for use in routine clinical practice. Epigenetic therapeutics inhibit the methylation or demethylation and acetylation or deacetylation of DNA and histone proteins. Their targets include writers (DNA methyltransferases [DNMT], histone acetyltransferases [HAT] and histone deacetylases [HDAC]) and erasers (histone demethylases [HDM] and histone methylases [HMT]). With new epigenetic mechanisms increasingly being elucidated, a vast array of targets and therapeutics have been brought to the fore. This review discusses recent advances in cancer epigenetics with a focus on molecular targets and mechanisms of action of epigenetic cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hillyar
- Oncology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, GBR
| | - Kathrine S Rallis
- Oncology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, GBR
| | - Jajini Varghese
- Breast and Plastic Surgery, University College London Institute of Surgery and Interventional Science & Royal Free NHS Trust, London, GBR
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10
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Leite ML, Oliveira KBS, Cunha VA, Dias SC, da Cunha NB, Costa FF. Epigenetic Therapies in the Precision Medicine Era. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Lopes Leite
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program UCB ‐ Brasilia, SgAN 916, Modulo B, Bloco C, 70790‐160 Brasília DF Brazil
| | | | - Victor Albuquerque Cunha
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program UCB ‐ Brasilia, SgAN 916, Modulo B, Bloco C, 70790‐160 Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program UCB ‐ Brasilia, SgAN 916, Modulo B, Bloco C, 70790‐160 Brasília DF Brazil
- Animal Biology DepartmentUniversidade de Brasília UnB, Campus Darcy Ribeiro. Brasilia DF 70910‐900 Brazil
| | - Nicolau Brito da Cunha
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program UCB ‐ Brasilia, SgAN 916, Modulo B, Bloco C, 70790‐160 Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Fabricio F. Costa
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics ProgramAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine 2430 N. Halsted St., Box 220 Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine 2430 N. Halsted St., Box 220 Chicago IL 60611 USA
- MATTER Chicago 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 12th Floor Chicago IL 60654 USA
- Genomic Enterprise (www.genomicenterprise.com) San Diego, CA 92008 and New York NY 11581 USA
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11
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Kaukonen D, Kaukonen R, Polit L, Hennessy BT, Lund R, Madden SF. Analysis of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 bivalent promotors in HER2+ breast cancer cell lines reveals variations depending on estrogen receptor status and significantly correlates with gene expression. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:92. [PMID: 32620123 PMCID: PMC7333309 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-00749-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of histone modifications is poorly characterized in breast cancer, especially within the major subtypes. While epigenetic modifications may enhance the adaptability of a cell to both therapy and the surrounding environment, the mechanisms by which this is accomplished remains unclear. In this study we focus on the HER2 subtype and investigate two histone trimethylations that occur on the histone 3; the trimethylation located at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) found in active promoters and the trimethylation located at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) that correlates with gene repression. A bivalency state is the result of the co-presence of these two marks at the same promoter. METHODS In this study we investigated the relationship between these histone modifications in promoter regions and their proximal gene expression in HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. In addition, we assessed these patterns with respect to the presence or absence of the estrogen receptor (ER). To do this, we utilized ChIP-seq and matching RNA-seq from publicly available data for the AU565, SKBR3, MB361 and UACC812 cell lines. In order to visualize these relationships, we used KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and Kaplan-Meyer plots. RESULTS We found that the correlation between the three types of promoter trimethylation statuses (H3K4me3, H3K27me3 or both) and the expression of the proximal genes was highly significant overall, while roughly a third of all genes are regulated by this phenomenon. We also show that there are several pathways related to cancer progression and invasion that are associated with the bivalent status of the gene promoters, and that there are specific differences between ER+ and ER- HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. These specific differences that are differentially trimethylated are also shown to be differentially expressed in patient samples. One of these genes, HIF1AN, significantly correlates with patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of looking at epigenetic markings at a subtype specific level by characterizing the relationship between the bivalent promoters and gene expression. This provides a deeper insight into a mechanism that could lead to future targets for treatment and prognosis, along with oncogenesis and response to therapy of HER2+ breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Kaukonen
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Riina Kaukonen
- Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Lélia Polit
- Institute Cochin, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Riikka Lund
- Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Stephen F Madden
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Lu Y, Chan YT, Tan HY, Li S, Wang N, Feng Y. Epigenetic regulation in human cancer: the potential role of epi-drug in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:79. [PMID: 32340605 PMCID: PMC7184703 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is dynamic and heritable modifications to the genome that occur independently of DNA sequence. It requires interactions cohesively with various enzymes and other molecular components. Aberrant epigenetic alterations can lead to inappropriate onset of genetic expressions and promote tumorigenesis. As the epigenetic modifiers are susceptible to extrinsic factors and reversible, they are becoming promising targets in multiple cancer therapies. Recently, various epi-drugs have been developed and implicated in clinical use. The use of epi-drugs alone, or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, has shown compelling outcomes, including augmentation of anti-tumoral effects, overcoming drug resistance, and activation of host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pofulam, 000000, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China.
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13
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Fritz AJ, Gillis NE, Gerrard DL, Rodriguez PD, Hong D, Rose JT, Ghule PN, Bolf EL, Gordon JA, Tye CE, Boyd JR, Tracy KM, Nickerson JA, van Wijnen AJ, Imbalzano AN, Heath JL, Frietze SE, Zaidi SK, Carr FE, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS. Higher order genomic organization and epigenetic control maintain cellular identity and prevent breast cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:484-499. [PMID: 30873710 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells establish and sustain structural and functional integrity of the genome to support cellular identity and prevent malignant transformation. In this review, we present a strategic overview of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms including histone modifications and higher order chromatin organization (HCO) that are perturbed in breast cancer onset and progression. Implications for dysfunctions that occur in hormone regulation, cell cycle control, and mitotic bookmarking in breast cancer are considered, with an emphasis on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell activities. The architectural organization of regulatory machinery is addressed within the contexts of translating cancer-compromised genomic organization to advances in breast cancer risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and identification of novel therapeutic targets with high specificity and minimal off target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Fritz
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - N E Gillis
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pharmacology, Larner college of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - D L Gerrard
- Cellular Molecular Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - P D Rodriguez
- Cellular Molecular Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - D Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - J T Rose
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - P N Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - E L Bolf
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pharmacology, Larner college of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - J A Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - C E Tye
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - J R Boyd
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - K M Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - J A Nickerson
- Division of Genes and Development of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - A J van Wijnen
- Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - A N Imbalzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - J L Heath
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - S E Frietze
- Cellular Molecular Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - S K Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - F E Carr
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Pharmacology, Larner college of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - J B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - J L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - G S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
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14
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Kastenhuber ER, Craig J, Ramsey J, Sullivan KM, Sage J, de Oliveira S, Riehle KJ, Scott JD, Gordan JD, Bardeesy N, Abou-Alfa GK. Road map for fibrolamellar carcinoma: progress and goals of a diversified approach. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2019; 6:41-48. [PMID: 30951568 PMCID: PMC6362920 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s194764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma is a rare liver cancer, which primarily afflicts adolescents and young adults worldwide and is frequently lethal. Given the rarity of this disease, patient recruitment for clinical trials remains a challenge. In November 2017, the Second Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation Scientific Summit (Stamford, CT, USA) provided an opportunity for investigators to discuss recent advances in the characterization of the disease and its surrounding liver and immune context. The Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation has thus set out a road map to identify and test therapeutic targets in the most efficient possible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Kastenhuber
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA, .,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Craig
- Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation, Greenwich, CT, USA
| | - Jon Ramsey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Kevin M Sullivan
- Northwest Liver Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sofia de Oliveira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Northwest Liver Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Northwest Liver Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA, .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,
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15
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Zaidi SK, Fritz AJ, Tracy KM, Gordon JA, Tye CE, Boyd J, Van Wijnen AJ, Nickerson JA, Imbalzano AN, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS. Nuclear organization mediates cancer-compromised genetic and epigenetic control. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 69:1-10. [PMID: 29759441 PMCID: PMC6102062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear organization is functionally linked to genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression for biological control and is modified in cancer. Nuclear organization supports cell growth and phenotypic properties of normal and cancer cells by facilitating physiologically responsive interactions of chromosomes, genes and regulatory complexes at dynamic three-dimensional microenvironments. We will review nuclear structure/function relationships that include: 1. Epigenetic bookmarking of genes by phenotypic transcription factors to control fidelity and plasticity of gene expression as cells enter and exit mitosis; 2. Contributions of chromatin remodeling to breast cancer nuclear morphology, metabolism and effectiveness of chemotherapy; 3. Relationships between fidelity of nuclear organization and metastasis of breast cancer to bone; 4. Dynamic modifications of higher-order inter- and intra-chromosomal interactions in breast cancer cells; 5. Coordinate control of cell growth and phenotype by tissue-specific transcription factors; 6. Oncofetal epigenetic control by bivalent histone modifications that are functionally related to sustaining the stem cell phenotype; and 7. Noncoding RNA-mediated regulation in the onset and progression of breast cancer. The discovery of components to nuclear organization that are functionally related to cancer and compromise gene expression have the potential for translation to innovative cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed K Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Andrew J Fritz
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Kirsten M Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Jonathan A Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Coralee E Tye
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Joseph Boyd
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Andre J Van Wijnen
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Nickerson
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Antony N Imbalzano
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States.
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States.
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16
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Zaidi SK, Nickerson JA, Imbalzano AN, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS. Mitotic Gene Bookmarking: An Epigenetic Program to Maintain Normal and Cancer Phenotypes. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:1617-1624. [PMID: 30002192 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Reconfiguration of nuclear structure and function during mitosis presents a significant challenge to resume the next cell cycle in the progeny cells without compromising structural and functional identity of the cells. Equally important is the requirement for cancer cells to retain the transformed phenotype, that is, unrestricted proliferative potential, suppression of cell phenotype, and activation of oncogenic pathways. Mitotic gene bookmarking retention of key regulatory proteins that include sequence-specific transcription factors, chromatin-modifying factors, and components of RNA Pol (RNAP) I and II regulatory machineries at gene loci on mitotic chromosomes plays key roles in coordinate control of cell phenotype, growth, and proliferation postmitotically. There is growing recognition that three distinct protein types, mechanistically, play obligatory roles in mitotic gene bookmarking: (i) Retention of phenotypic transcription factors on mitotic chromosomes is essential to sustain lineage commitment; (ii) Select chromatin modifiers and posttranslational histone modifications/variants retain competency of mitotic chromatin for gene reactivation as cells exit mitosis; and (iii) Functional components of RNAP I and II transcription complexes (e.g., UBF and TBP, respectively) are retained on genes poised for reactivation immediately following mitosis. Importantly, recent findings have identified oncogenes that are associated with target genes on mitotic chromosomes in cancer cells. The current review proposes that mitotic gene bookmarking is an extensively utilized epigenetic mechanism for stringent control of proliferation and identity in normal cells and hypothesizes that bookmarking plays a pivotal role in maintenance of tumor phenotypes, that is, unrestricted proliferation and compromised control of differentiation. Mol Cancer Res; 16(11); 1617-24. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed K Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Centre, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont
| | - Jeffrey A Nickerson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony N Imbalzano
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Centre, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Centre, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Centre, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont.
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17
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Tracy KM, Tye CE, Ghule PN, Malaby HLH, Stumpff J, Stein JL, Stein GS, Lian JB. Mitotically-Associated lncRNA (MANCR) Affects Genomic Stability and Cell Division in Aggressive Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:587-598. [PMID: 29378907 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive breast cancer is difficult to treat as it is unresponsive to many hormone-based therapies; therefore, it is imperative to identify novel, targetable regulators of progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are important regulators in breast cancer and have great potential as therapeutic targets; however, little is known about how the majority of lncRNAs function within breast cancer. This study characterizes a novel lncRNA, MANCR (mitotically-associated long noncoding RNA; LINC00704), which is upregulated in breast cancer patient specimens and cells. Depletion of MANCR in triple-negative breast cancer cells significantly decreases cell proliferation and viability, with concomitant increases in DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis, based on RNA sequencing, following MANCR knockdown reveals significant differences in the expression of >2,000 transcripts, and gene set enrichment analysis identifies changes in multiple categories related to cell-cycle regulation. Furthermore, MANCR expression is highest in mitotic cells by both RT-qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization. Consistent with a role in cell-cycle regulation, MANCR-depleted cells have a lower mitotic index and higher incidences of defective cytokinesis and cell death. Taken together, these data reveal a role for the novel lncRNA, MANCR, in genomic stability of aggressive breast cancer, and identify it as a potential therapeutic target.Implications: The novel lncRNA, MANCR (LINC00704), is upregulated in breast cancer and is functionally linked with cell proliferation, viability, and genomic stability. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 587-98. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Coralee E Tye
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Prachi N Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Heidi L H Malaby
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jason Stumpff
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont.
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18
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Falank C, Fairfield H, Reagan MR. Reflections on Cancer in the Bone Marrow: Adverse Roles of Adipocytes. CURRENT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 3:254-262. [PMID: 29399440 PMCID: PMC5791905 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights the recent advances in our understanding of adipocyte contributions to carcinogenesis or cancer disease progression for cancers in the bone. PURPOSE In this review, we aim to describe bone marrow adipose tissue and discuss the soluble adipocyte-derived cytokines (adipokines) or endocrine factors, adipocyte-derived lipids, and the actual or putative juxtacrine signaling between bone marrow adipocytes and tumor cells in the bone marrow. This relationship likely affects tumor cell initiation, proliferation, metastasis, and/or drug resistance. RECENT FINDINGS Bone marrow adipose may affect tumor proliferation, drug resistance, or cancer-induced bone disease and hence may be a new target in the fight against cancer. SUMMARY Overall, evidence is mixed regarding the role of bone marrow adipose and adipocytes in cancer progression, and more research in this arena is necessary to determine how these bone marrow microenvironmental cells contribute to malignancies in the marrow to identify novel, potentially targetable pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyne Falank
- Maine Medical Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather Fairfield
- Maine Medical Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michaela R. Reagan
- Maine Medical Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Abstract
Multiple mechanisms of epigenetic control that include DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs, and mitotic gene bookmarking play pivotal roles in stringent gene regulation during lineage commitment and maintenance. Experimental evidence indicates that bivalent chromatin domains, i.e., genome regions that are marked by both H3K4me3 (activating) and H3K27me3 (repressive) histone modifications, are a key property of pluripotent stem cells. Bivalency of developmental genes during the G1 phase of the pluripotent stem cell cycle contributes to cell fate decisions. Recently, some cancer types have been shown to exhibit partial recapitulation of bivalent chromatin modifications that are lost along with pluripotency, suggesting a mechanism by which cancer cells reacquire properties that are characteristic of undifferentiated, multipotent cells. This bivalent epigenetic control of oncofetal gene expression in cancer cells may offer novel insights into the onset and progression of cancer and may provide specific and selective options for diagnosis as well as for therapeutic intervention.
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20
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vel Szic KS, Declerck K, Crans RA, Diddens J, Scherf DB, Gerhäuser C, Berghe WV. Epigenetic silencing of triple negative breast cancer hallmarks by Withaferin A. Oncotarget 2017; 8:40434-40453. [PMID: 28467815 PMCID: PMC5522326 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by poor prognosis and a DNA hypomethylation profile. Withaferin A (WA) is a plant derived steroidal lactone which holds promise as a therapeutic agent for treatment of breast cancer (BC). We determined genome-wide DNA methylation changes in weakly-metastatic and aggressive, metastatic BC cell lines, following 72h treatment to a sub-cytotoxic concentration of WA. In contrast to the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC), WA treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells rather tackles an epigenetic cancer network through gene-specific DNA hypermethylation of tumor promoting genes including ADAM metallopeptidase domain 8 (ADAM8), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU), tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 12 (TNFSF12), and genes related to detoxification (glutathione S-transferase mu 1, GSTM1), or mitochondrial metabolism (malic enzyme 3, ME3). Gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis further reveals epigenetic suppression of multiple cancer hallmarks associated with cell cycle regulation, cell death, cancer cell metabolism, cell motility and metastasis. Remarkably, DNA hypermethylation of corresponding CpG sites in PLAU, ADAM8, TNSF12, GSTM1 and ME3 genes correlates with receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 amplification (HER2)/estrogen receptor (ESR)/progesterone receptor (PR) status in primary BC tumors. Moreover, upon comparing differentially methylated WA responsive target genes with DNA methylation changes in different clinical subtypes of breast cancer patients in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), we found that WA silences HER2/PR/ESR-dependent gene expression programs to suppress aggressive TNBC characteristics in favor of luminal BC hallmarks, with an improved therapeutic sensitivity. In this respect, WA may represent a novel and attractive phyto-pharmaceutical for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Szarc vel Szic
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Current address: Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Center for Translational Cell Research, The University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ken Declerck
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - René A.J Crans
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Current address: Laboratory for GPCR Expression and Signal Transduction (L-GEST), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Diddens
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David B. Scherf
- Workgroup Cancer Chemoprevention and Epigenomics, Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clarissa Gerhäuser
- Workgroup Cancer Chemoprevention and Epigenomics, Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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21
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Tracy KM, Tye CE, Page NA, Fritz AJ, Stein JL, Lian JB, Stein GS. Selective expression of long non-coding RNAs in a breast cancer cell progression model. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1291-1299. [PMID: 28488769 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are acknowledged as regulators of cancer biology and pathology. Our goal was to perform a stringent profiling of breast cancer cell lines that represent disease progression. We used the MCF-10 series, which includes the normal-like MCF-10A, HRAS-transformed MCF-10AT1 (pre-malignant), and MCF-10CA1a (malignant) cells, to perform transcriptome wide sequencing. From these data, we have identified 346 lncRNAs with dysregulated expression across the progression series. By comparing lncRNAs from these datasets to those from an additional set of cell lines that represent different disease stages and subtypes, MCF-7 (early stage, luminal), and MDA-MB-231 (late stage, basal), 61 lncRNAs that are associated with breast cancer progression were identified. Querying breast cancer patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we selected a lncRNA, IGF-like family member 2 antisense RNA 1 (IGFL2-AS1), of potential clinical relevance for functional characterization. Among the 61 lncRNAs, IGFL2-AS1 was the most significantly decreased. Our results indicate that this lncRNA plays a role in downregulating its nearest neighbor, IGFL1, and affects migration of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the lncRNAs we identified provide a valuable resource to mechanistically and clinically understand the contribution of lncRNAs in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Coralee E Tye
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Natalie A Page
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Andrew J Fritz
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Janet L Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
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22
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Raj U, Aier I, Semwal R, Varadwaj PK. Identification of novel dysregulated key genes in Breast cancer through high throughput ChIP-Seq data analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3229. [PMID: 28607444 PMCID: PMC5468232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women both in the developed and less developed countries, and it imposes a considerable threat to human health. Therefore, in order to develop effective targeted therapies against Breast cancer, a deep understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms is required. The application of deep transcriptional sequencing has been found to be reported to provide an efficient genomic assay to delve into the insights of the diseases and may prove to be useful in the study of Breast cancer. In this study, ChIP-Seq data for normal samples and Breast cancer were compared, and differential peaks identified, based upon fold enrichment (with P-values obtained via t-tests). The Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was carried out, following which the highly connected genes were screened and studied, and the most promising ones were selected. Biological pathway involved in the process were then identified. Our findings regarding potential Breast cancer-related genes enhances the understanding of the disease and provides prognostic information in addition to standard tumor prognostic factors for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh Raj
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Imlimaong Aier
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Semwal
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pritish Kumar Varadwaj
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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23
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Reagan MR, Lian JB, Rosen CJ, Stein GS. A perspective on malignancy in the marrow. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:3218-3220. [PMID: 28206683 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25860] [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: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Malignancies that grow in the bone marrow cause a cascade of devastating consequences and are almost always fatal. For researchers to make significant headway in finding cures and treatments for these tumors and the subsequent devastation of cancer-induced bone disease, novel strategies and creative solutions will have to be considered. Great progress has been made in treating hematologic and sold tumor malignancies that ultimately affect the bone marrow, although it is also obvious that multi-disciplinary teams are required to ultimately win the war on cancers that affect the bone. In this perspective, we review recent advances in the identification of molecular and cellular targets in the bone marrow niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela R Reagan
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Maine
| | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Clifford J Rosen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Maine
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
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