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Inhibition of histone demethylase KDM4 by ML324 induces apoptosis through the unfolded protein response and Bim upregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 353:109806. [PMID: 34999051 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109806] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely aggressive malignancy that ranks as the sixth-leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Recently, various epigenetic mechanisms including gene methylation were reported to be potential next era HCC therapeutics and biomarkers. Although inhibition of epigenetic enzymes including histone lysine demethylase 4 (KDM4) enhanced cell death in HCC cells, the detailed mechanism of cell death machinery is poorly understood. In this study, we found that ML324, a small molecule KDM4-specific inhibitor, induced the death of HCC cells in a general cell culture system and 3D spheroid culture with increased cleavage of caspase-3. Mechanistically, we identified that unfolded protein responses (UPR) were involved in ML324-induced HCC cell death. Incubation of HCC cells with ML324 upregulated death receptor 5 (DR5) expression through the activation transcription factor 3 (ATF3)-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)-dependent pathway. Moreover, we identified BIM protein as a mediator of ML324-induced apoptosis using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout analysis. We showed that the loss of Bim suppressed ML324-induced apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis, colony formation assay, and caspase-3 activation assay. Interestingly, BIM protein expression by ML324 was regulated by ATF3, CHOP, and DR5 which are factors involved in UPR. Specifically, we confirmed the regulating roles of KDM4E in Bim and CHOP expression using a chromatin immune precipitation (ChIP) assay. Physical binding of KDM4E to Bim and CHOP promoters decreased the response to ML324. Our findings suggest that KDM4 inhibition is a potent anti-tumor therapeutic strategy for human HCC, and further studies of UPR-induced apoptosis and the associated epigenetic functional mechanisms may lead to the discovery of novel target for future cancer therapy.
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Lin HY, Wu HJ, Chen SY, Hou MF, Lin CS, Chu PY. Epigenetic therapy combination of UNC0638 and CI-994 suppresses breast cancer via epigenetic remodeling of BIRC5 and GADD45A. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112431. [PMID: 34798471 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently a growing interest in the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapies associated with precision oncology for breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical significance of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC2 in BC, to evaluate the antitumor effectiveness of a combination of the selective inhibitors UNC0638 and CI-994 (U+C), and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Multi-omic analysis was used to study the clinical significance of the biomarkers of interest. The effects of U+C treatment were evaluated by detecting cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and representative gene expressions. RNA-Seq and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were employed to identify over-represented genes associated with the treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) assay were applied to verify epigenetic profiling on the identified promoters. RESULTS The significance of elevated expressions of EHMT2, HDAC1, and HDAC2 in tumor tissue and BC basal-like subtype in predicting a poor prognosis was noted. The U+C combined treatment showed an enhanced suppressive effect as compared to single agent treatment, perturbed the cell cycle, induced apoptosis, reduced expressions of the genes representing anti-apoptosis, stemness, drug resistance and basal-like state, while increasing luminal-like state genes. In addition, the combined U+C treatment suppressed xenograft tumor growth. The epigenetic reprogramming of histones was identified in the down-regulated BIRC5 and upregulated GADD45A. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that selectively targeting EHMT2, HDAC1, and HDAC2 by concurrent U+C treatment suppresses BC tumor progression via epigenetic remodeling of BIRC5 and GADD45A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yu Lin
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Hsing-Ju Wu
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Si-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yet-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; Department of Health Food, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua 510, Taiwan; National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
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3
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Li W, Wu H, Sui S, Wang Q, Xu S, Pang D. Targeting Histone Modifications in Breast Cancer: A Precise Weapon on the Way. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736935. [PMID: 34595180 PMCID: PMC8476812 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications (HMs) contribute to maintaining genomic stability, transcription, DNA repair, and modulating chromatin in cancer cells. Furthermore, HMs are dynamic and reversible processes that involve interactions between numerous enzymes and molecular components. Aberrant HMs are strongly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer (BC), although the specific mechanisms are not completely understood. Moreover, there is no comprehensive overview of abnormal HMs in BC, and BC therapies that target HMs are still in their infancy. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing evidence regarding HMs that are involved in BC and the potential mechanisms that are related to aberrant HMs. Moreover, this review examines the currently available agents and approved drugs that have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate their effects on HMs. Finally, this review covers the barriers to the clinical application of therapies that target HMs, and possible strategies that could help overcome these barriers and accelerate the use of these therapies to cure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyao Sui
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
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4
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Pan S, Fan M, Liu Z, Li X, Wang H. Serine, glycine and one‑carbon metabolism in cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:158-170. [PMID: 33491748 PMCID: PMC7864012 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine/glycine biosynthesis and one‑carbon metabolism are crucial in sustaining cancer cell survival and rapid proliferation, and of high clinical relevance. Excessive activation of serine/glycine biosynthesis drives tumorigenesis and provides a single carbon unit for one‑carbon metabolism. One‑carbon metabolism, which is a complex cyclic metabolic network based on the chemical reaction of folate compounds, provides the necessary proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules to support tumor growth. Moreover, one‑carbon metabolism also maintains the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment and provides substrates for the methylation reaction. The present study reviews the role of key enzymes with tumor‑promoting functions and important intermediates that are physiologically relevant to tumorigenesis in serine/glycine/one‑carbon metabolism pathways. The related regulatory mechanisms of action of the key enzymes and important intermediates in tumors are also discussed. It is hoped that investigations into these pathways will provide new translational opportunities for human cancer drug development, dietary interventions, and biomarker identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijing Pan
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, P.R. China
| | - Ming Fan
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, P.R. China
| | - Zhangnan Liu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, P.R. China
| | - Xia Li
- Correspondence to: Dr Huijuan Wang or Dr Xia Li, Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Huijuan Wang
- Correspondence to: Dr Huijuan Wang or Dr Xia Li, Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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5
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Li Y, Qiao L, Chen C, Wang Z, Fu X. Comparative study of Danshen and Siwu decoction based on the molecular structures of the components and predicted targets. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:42. [PMID: 33482800 PMCID: PMC7821527 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sentence of "Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and Siwu decoction are similar in function" was first recorded in an ancient Chinese medical book "Fu Ren Ming Li Lun". This theory has far-reaching influence on the clinical practice of Chinese medicine and is highly respected by Chinese medical doctors. However, the theory has limitations and controversial part for there is no in-depth and system comparative study. METHODS We collected the molecular structures of 129 compounds of Danshen and 81 compounds of Siwu decoction from the literatures. MACCS fingerprints and Tanimoto similarity were calculated based on the molecular structures for comparing the structural feature. Molecular descriptors which represent physical and chemical properties were calculated by Discovery Studio. Principal component analysis (PCA) of was performed based on the descriptors. The ADMET properties were predicted by FAF-Drugs4. The effect targets for the compounds with good ADMET properties were confirmed from experimental data and predicted using the algorithm comprising Bernoulli Naive Bayes profiling. RESULTS Based on the molecular structures, the presented study compared the structural feature, physical and chemical properties, ADMET properties, and effect targets of compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction. It is found that Danshen and Siwu decoction do not have the same main active components. Moreover, the 2D structure of compounds from Danshen and Siwu decoction is not similar. Some of the compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in 3D structure. The compounds with good ADMET properties of Danshen and Siwu decoction have same predicted targets, but some have different targets. CONCLUSIONS It can be inferred from the result that Danshen and Siwu decoction have some similarities, but also present differences from each other in the structure of the compounds and predicted targets. This may be the material basis of the similar and different traditional efficacy of Danshen and Siwu decoction. The setence of " Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in function. " which is used in clinical has its material basis and target connotation to some extent. However, the traditional effects of Danshen and Siwu decoction are not exactly the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- College of Intelligence and Information Engineering, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China
| | - Li Qiao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China
| | - Xianjun Fu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China.
- Center for Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Qingdao, 260000, Shandong, China.
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Network Pharmacology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Research Center of Engineering and Technology for omics of TCM, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong, China.
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Xu L, Gao X, Yang P, Sang W, Jiao J, Niu M, Liu M, Qin Y, Yan D, Song X, Sun C, Tian Y, Zhu F, Sun X, Zeng L, Li Z, Xu K. EHMT2 inhibitor BIX-01294 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated apoptosis and autophagy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. J Cancer 2021; 12:1011-1022. [PMID: 33442400 PMCID: PMC7797660 DOI: 10.7150/jca.48310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancement in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), many patients tend to relapse or become refractory after initial therapy. Therefore, it is essential to identify novel therapeutic targets and drugs, understand the molecular pathogenesis mechanism of DLBCL, and find ways to prevent and treat relapsed or refractory DLBCL. BIX-01294 is a small molecule compound that specifically inhibits EHMT2 activity. In this study, we demonstrate that BIX-01294 triggered the inhibition of human DLBCL cell proliferation, lead to G1 phase arrest via increasing P21 level and reducing cyclin E level. BIX-01294 also induced apoptosis via endogenous and exogenous apoptotic pathways. Moreover, BIX-01294 triggered autophagy and activated ER stress in human DLBCL cells. Furthermore, we showed that both key components of ER stress, ATF3, and ATF4, are required for BIX-01294-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Hence, this study provides new evidence that EHMT2 may be a new therapeutic target, and BIX-01294 may be a potential therapeutic drug for treating DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pu Yang
- Department of Hematology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Wei Sang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingshan Niu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengdi Liu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongmei Yan
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuguang Song
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cai Sun
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoshen Sun
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Saha N, Muntean AG. Insight into the multi-faceted role of the SUV family of H3K9 methyltransferases in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188498. [PMID: 33373647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence implicates histone H3 lysine 9 methylation in tumorigenesis. The SUV family of H3K9 methyltransferases, which include G9a, GLP, SETDB1, SETDB2, SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 deposit H3K9me1/2/3 marks at euchromatic and heterochromatic regions, catalyzed by their conserved SET domain. In cancer, this family of enzymes can be deregulated by genomic alterations and transcriptional mis-expression leading to alteration of transcriptional programs. In solid and hematological malignancies, studies have uncovered pro-oncogenic roles for several H3K9 methyltransferases and accordingly, small molecule inhibitors are being tested as potential therapies. However, emerging evidence demonstrate onco-suppressive roles for these enzymes in cancer development as well. Here, we review the role H3K9 methyltransferases play in tumorigenesis focusing on gene targets and biological pathways affected due to misregulation of these enzymes. We also discuss molecular mechanisms regulating H3K9 methyltransferases and their influence on cancer. Finally, we describe the impact of H3K9 methylation on therapy induced resistance in carcinoma. Converging evidence point to multi-faceted roles for H3K9 methyltransferases in development and cancer that encourages a deeper understanding of these enzymes to inform novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Saha
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States of America
| | - Andrew G Muntean
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States of America.
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Hwang S, Kim S, Kim K, Yeom J, Park S, Kim I. Euchromatin histone methyltransferase II (EHMT2) regulates the expression of ras-related GTP binding C (RRAGC) protein. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 32684241 PMCID: PMC7704221 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimethylation of the histone H3 protein at lysine residue 9 (H3K9) is mediated by euchromatin histone methyltransferase II (EHMT2) and results in transcriptional repression of target genes. Recently, chemical inhibition of EHMT2 was shown to induce various physiological outcomes, including endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated genes transcription in cancer cells. To identify genes that are transcriptionally repressed by EHMT2 during apoptosis, and cell stress responses, we screened genes that are upregulated by BIX-01294, a chemical inhibitor of EHMT2. RNA sequencing analyses revealed 77 genes that were upregulated by BIX-01294 in all four hepatic cell carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. These included genes that have been impli-cated in apoptosis, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and others. Among these genes, the one encoding the stress-response protein Ras-related GTPase C (RRAGC) was upregulated in all BIX-01294-treated HCC cell lines. We confirmed the regulatory roles of EHMT2 in RRAGC expression in HCC cell lines using proteomic analyses, chromatin immune precipitation (ChIP) assay, and small guide RNA-mediated loss-of-function experiments. Upregulation of RRAGC was limited by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), suggesting that ROS are involved in EHMT2-mediated transcriptional regulation of stress-response genes in HCC cells. Finally, combined treatment of cells with BIX-01294 and 5-Aza-cytidine induced greater upregulation of RRAGC protein expression. These findings suggest that EHMT2 suppresses expression of the RRAGC gene in a ROS-dependent manner and imply that EHMT2 is a key regulator of stress-responsive gene expression in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supyong Hwang
- Biomedical Research Center, ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Biomedical Research Center, ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Kyungkon Kim
- Biomedical Research Center, ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Convergence Medicine Research Center (CREDIT), ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Jeonghun Yeom
- Convergence Medicine Research Center (CREDIT), ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Sojung Park
- Biomedical Research Center, ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Biomedical Research Center, ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Convergence Medicine Research Center (CREDIT), ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
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9
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Zhang BJ, Chen D, Dekker FJ, Quax WJ. Improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:791-803. [PMID: 35582230 PMCID: PMC8992553 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Jie Zhang
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
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10
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Li SS, Jiang WL, Xiao WQ, Li K, Zhang YF, Guo XY, Dai YQ, Zhao QY, Jiang MJ, Lu ZJ, Wan R. KMT2D deficiency enhances the anti-cancer activity of L48H37 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2019; 11:599-621. [PMID: 31435462 PMCID: PMC6700028 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v11.i8.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for patients with a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in order to improve their chances of survival. Recent studies have shown potent anti-neoplastic effects of curcumin and its analogues. In addition, the role of histone methyltransferases on cancer therapeutics has also been elucidated. However, the relationship between these two factors in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Our working hypothesis was that L48H37, a novel curcumin analog, has better efficacy in pancreatic cancer cell growth inhibition in the absence of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D).
AIM To determine the anti-cancer effects of L48H37 in PDAC, and the role of KMT2D on its therapeutic efficacy.
METHODS The viability and proliferation of primary (PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2) and metastatic (SW1990 and ASPC-1) PDAC cell lines treated with L48H37 was determined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell cycle profile were determined by staining the cells with Annexin-V/7-AAD, JC-1, DCFH-DA, and PI respectively, as well as flow cytometric acquisition. In vitro migration was assessed by the wound healing assay. The protein and mRNA levels of relevant factors were analyzed using Western blotting, immunofluorescence and real time-quantitative PCR. The in situ expression of KMT2D in both human PDAC and paired adjacent normal tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. In vivo tumor xenografts were established by injecting nude mice with PDAC cells. Bioinformatics analyses were also conducted using gene expression databases and TCGA.
RESULTS L48H37 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in SW1990 and ASPC-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while also reducing MMP, increasing ROS levels, arresting cell cycle at the G2/M stages and activating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/CHOP signaling pathway. Knocking down ATF4 significantly upregulated KMT2D in PDAC cells, and also decreased L48H37-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing KMT2D in L48H37-treated cells significantly augmented apoptosis and the ER stress pathway, indicating that KMT2D depletion is essential for the anti-neoplastic effects of L48H37. Administering L48H37 to mice bearing tumors derived from control or KMT2D-knockdown PDAC cells significantly decreased the tumor burden. We also identified several differentially expressed genes in PDAC cell lines expressing very low levels of KMT2D that were functionally categorized into the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway. The KMT2D high- and low-expressing PDAC patients from the TCGA database showed similar survival rates,but higher KMT2D expression was associated with poor tumor grade in clinical and pathological analyses.
CONCLUSION L48H37 exerts a potent anti-cancer effect in PDAC, which is augmented by KMT2D deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wei-Liang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wen-Qin Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ye-Fei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xing-Ya Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yi-Qi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ming-Jie Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
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Cao H, Li L, Yang D, Zeng L, Yewei X, Yu B, Liao G, Chen J. Recent progress in histone methyltransferase (G9a) inhibitors as anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:537-546. [PMID: 31276898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence - a change in phenotype without a change in genotype. Epigenetic abnormalities can lead to serious diseases such as cancer in organisms. Histone methylation is one of the several manifestations of epigenetics, and requires specific enzymes to catalyze, for example, G9a, which is a histone methyl transferase. G9a catalyzes the methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27). In addition, G9a also plays an essential role in DNA replication, damage and repair, and gene expression by regulating DNA methylation. Moreover, G9a has been found to be overexpressed in many tumor cells and is associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. Because of its unique characteristics, G9a has become a very promising target for anti-cancer agents. Over the last decade, dozens of G9a inhibitors have been discovered as potential anticancer therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize and classify current G9a inhibitors, the challenges and future direction are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Deying Yang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Liming Zeng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xie Yewei
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Guochao Liao
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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12
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Elmallah MIY, Micheau O. Epigenetic Regulation of TRAIL Signaling: Implication for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060850. [PMID: 31248188 PMCID: PMC6627638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main characteristics of carcinogenesis relies on genetic alterations in DNA and epigenetic changes in histone and non-histone proteins. At the chromatin level, gene expression is tightly controlled by DNA methyl transferases, histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and acetyl-binding proteins. In particular, the expression level and function of several tumor suppressor genes, or oncogenes such as c-Myc, p53 or TRAIL, have been found to be regulated by acetylation. For example, HATs are a group of enzymes, which are responsible for the acetylation of histone proteins, resulting in chromatin relaxation and transcriptional activation, whereas HDACs by deacetylating histones lead to chromatin compaction and the subsequent transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. Direct acetylation of suppressor genes or oncogenes can affect their stability or function. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have thus been developed as a promising therapeutic target in oncology. While these inhibitors display anticancer properties in preclinical models, and despite the fact that some of them have been approved by the FDA, HDACi still have limited therapeutic efficacy in clinical terms. Nonetheless, combined with a wide range of structurally and functionally diverse chemical compounds or immune therapies, HDACi have been reported to work in synergy to induce tumor regression. In this review, the role of HDACs in cancer etiology and recent advances in the development of HDACi will be presented and put into perspective as potential drugs synergizing with TRAIL's pro-apoptotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed I Y Elmallah
- INSERM, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LNC UMR1231, F-21079 Dijon, France.
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan 11795 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Olivier Micheau
- INSERM, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LNC UMR1231, F-21079 Dijon, France.
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