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D’Silva SZ, Singh M, Pinto AS. NK cell defects: implication in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112059. [PMID: 37228595 PMCID: PMC10203541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with rapid progression and poor/unsatisfactory outcomes. In the past few years, the focus has been on developing newer therapies for AML; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Natural Killer cells have strong anti-tumor potential against AML. This NK-mediated cytotoxicity is often restricted by cellular defects caused by disease-associated mechanisms, which can lead to disease progression. A stark feature of AML is the low/no expression of the cognate HLA ligands for the activating KIR receptors, due to which these tumor cells evade NK-mediated lysis. Recently, different Natural Killer cell therapies have been implicated in treating AML, such as the adoptive NK cell transfer, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy, antibodies, cytokine, and drug treatment. However, the data available is scarce, and the outcomes vary between different transplant settings and different types of leukemia. Moreover, remission achieved by some of these therapies is only for a short time. In this mini-review, we will discuss the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, particularly the expression of different cell surface markers, the available NK cell therapies, and the results from various preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Z. D’Silva
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Andrea S. Pinto
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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Zhao X, Liu HQ, Wang LN, Yang L, Liu XL. Current and emerging molecular and epigenetic disease entities in acute myeloid leukemia and a critical assessment of their therapeutic modalities. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:121-135. [PMID: 33242577 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most frequently diagnosed acute leukemia, and its incidence increases with age. Although the etiology of AML remains unknown, exposure to genotoxic agents or some prior hematologic disorders could lead to the development of this condition. The pathogenesis of AML involves the development of malignant transformation of hematopoietic stem cells that undergo successive genomic alterations, ultimately giving rise to a full-blown disease. From the disease biology perspective, AML is considered to be extremely complex with significant genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic variations. Molecular and cytogenetic alterations in AML include mutations in those subsets of genes that are involved in normal cell proliferation, maturation and survival, thus posing significant challenge to targeting these pathways without attendant toxicity. In addition, multiple malignant cells co-exist in the majority of AML patients. Individual subclones are characterized by unique genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, which contribute to the differences in their response to treatment. As a result, despite a dramatic progress in our understanding of the pathobiology of AML, not much has changed in therapeutic approaches to treat AML in the past four decades. Dose and regimen modifications with improved supportive care have contributed to improved outcomes by reducing toxicity-related side effects. Several drug candidates are currently being developed, including targeted small-molecule inhibitors, cytotoxic chemotherapies, monoclonal antibodies and epigenetic drugs. This review summarizes the current state of affairs in the pathobiological and therapeutic aspects of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Paediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huan-Qiu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li-Na Wang
- Department of Paediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, China.
| | - Xiao-Liang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Wang H, Bai J, Pei Z, Zhang B, Wang J, Lian X, Song Q. Venetoclax + hypomethylating agents combined with dose-adjusted HAG for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: Two case reports. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e23265. [PMID: 33217852 PMCID: PMC7676608 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are unresponsive to treatment or have remission followed by worsening of disease (known as relapsed/refractory AML [R/RAML]) after standardized treatment. The CAG/HAG regimen is not often used clinically because heterogenous patient responses, resistance, and hematopoietic bone marrow dysfunction have been reported with its use. We present 2 cases of R/RAML treated with a new combined therapy (venetoclax+ hypomethylating agents [HMAs]) in which the HAG dose was adjusted and effective in the first course of treatment. PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS Case 1 involved a 23-year-old man who had suffered from AML for >4 years, and his FLT3 mutation status was positive at the initial diagnosis. After the first course of treatment with the standard-dose "Da" plan, the patient experienced complete remission. During the subsequent courses of treatment, the patient experienced 6 recurrences and was treated with the "ID Ara-C + MIT + sidaaniline" and "CAG + sidaaniline" regimens. However, the disease did not respond. Case 2 involved a 26-year-old man who received chemotherapy with the "Da," "ID Ara-C," "decitabine + half-dose CAG," and "HAE" regimens. In this patients, remission could not be achieved. Reintroduction of the "ia" scheme also failed after treatment in our hospital. DIAGNOSIS Two patients were diagnosed with R/RAML. INTERVENTIONS The patient in case 2 received chemotherapy interventions, whereas the patient in case 1 refused to receive medical services at our hospital. OUTCOMES The patient in case 1 was discharged after complete response treatment due to economic reasons and relapsed 2 months later. The patient ultimately died of infection and heart failure. The patient in case 2 is receiving a second cycle of chemotherapy. LESSONS We recommend the "venetoclax + HMAs combined with dose-adjusted CAH/HAG" regimen as an effective treatment for adult R/RAML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Wang
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
| | - Junjun Bai
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
| | - Zhixin Pei
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
| | - Xingli Lian
- Pharmacy Intravennous Admixture Service, Second People's Hospital of Jiaozuo, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Qinglin Song
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People's Hospital
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Yu X, Li H, Hu P, Qing Y, Wang X, Zhu M, Wang H, Wang Z, Xu J, Guo Q, Hui H. Natural HDAC-1/8 inhibitor baicalein exerts therapeutic effect in CBF-AML. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e154. [PMID: 32898337 PMCID: PMC7449246 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although targeting histone deacetylases (HDACs) may be an effective strategy for core binding factor-acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML) harboring t(8;21) or inv(16), HDAC inhibitors are reported to be limited by drug-resistant characteristic. Our purpose is to evaluate the anti-leukemia effects of Baicalein on CBF-AML and clarify its underlying mechanism. METHODS Enzyme activity assay was used to measure the activity inhibition of HDACs. Rhodamine123 and RT-qPCR were employed to evaluate the distribution of drugs and the change of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes. CCK8, Annexin V/PI, and FACS staining certified the effects of Baicalein on cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. Duolink and IP assay assessed the interaction between HDAC-1 and ubiquitin, HSP90 and AML1-ETO, and Ac-p53 and CBFβ-MYH11. AML cell lines and primary AML cells-bearing NOD/SCID mice models were used to evaluate the anti-leukemic efficiency and potential mechanism of Baicalein in vivo. RESULTS Baicalein showed HDAC-1/8 inhibition to trigger growth suppression and differentiation induction of AML cell lines and primary AML cells. Although the inhibitory action on HDAC-1 was mild, Baicalein could induce the degradation of HDAC-1 via ubiquitin proteasome pathway, thereby upregulating the acetylation of Histone H3 without promoting ABC transporter genes expression. Meanwhile, Baicalein increased the acetylation of HSP90 and lessened its connection to AML1/ETO, consequently leading to degradation of AML1-ETO in t(8;21)q(22;22) AML cells. In inv(16) AML cells, Baicalein possessed the capacity of apoptosis induction accompanied with p53-mediated apoptosis genes expression. Moreover, CBFβ-MYH11-bound p53 acetylation was restored via HDAC-8 inhibition induced by Baicalein contributing the diminishing of survival of CD34+ inv(16) AML cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings improved the understanding of the epigenetic regulation of Baicalein, and warrant therapeutic potential of Baicalein for CBF-AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Department of PharmacologySchool of medicine & Holostic integrative medicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Po Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yingjie Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Xiangyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Hongzheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Zhanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jingyan Xu
- Department of HematologyThe Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Hui Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and InterventionKey Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and PharmacovigilanceMinistry of EducationJiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and OptimizationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
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Ardestani MT, Kazemi A, Chahardouli B, Mohammadi S, Nikbakht M, Rostami S, Jalili M, Vaezi M, Alimoghaddam K, Ghavamzadeh A. FLT3-ITD Compared with DNMT3A R882 Mutation Is a More Powerful Independent Inferior Prognostic Factor in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Turk J Haematol 2018; 35:158-167. [PMID: 29786546 PMCID: PMC6110452 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2018.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate DNMT3A exon 23 mutations and their prognostic impacts in the presence of NPM1 and FLT3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Materials and Methods This study comprised 128 adult AML patients referred to the Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Center of Shariati Hospital. NPM1 and FLT3-ITD mutations were detected by fragment analysis. For DNMT3A exon 23 mutation analysis, we used Sanger sequencing. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used to calculate differences between groups. Results The prevalence of DNMT3A exon 23 mutations was 15.6% and hotspot region R882 mutations were prominent. RFS and OS were compared in patients with and without DNMT3A exon 23 mutations using univariate analysis and there was no significant difference between these groups of patients. On the contrary, the FLT3-ITD mutation significantly reduced the OS (p=0.009) and RFS (p=0.006) in AML patients after allogeneic HSCT. In the next step, patients with AML were divided into four groups regarding FLT3-ITD and DNMT3A mutations. Patients with DNMT3A R882mut/FLT3-ITDpos had the worst OS and RFS. These results indicate that DNMT3A mutations alone do not affect the clinical outcomes of AML patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, but when accompanied by FLT3-ITD mutations, the OS was significantly reduced (5-year OS 0% for DNMT3A R882mut/FLT3-ITDpos patients vs. 62% DNMT3A R882wt/FLT3-ITDneg, p=0.025) and the relapse rate increased. Conclusion It can be deduced that DNMT3A R882mut/FLT3-ITDpos is an unfavorable prognostic factor in AML patients even after allogeneic HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Teremmahi Ardestani
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Department of Hematology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Kazemi
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Department of Hematology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Chahardouli
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nikbakht
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrbano Rostami
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalili
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vaezi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Alimoghaddam
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center; Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran, Iran
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Sobieszkoda D, Czech J, Gablo N, Kopanska M, Tabarkiewicz J, Kolacinska A, Robak T, Zawlik I. MGMT promoter methylation as a potential prognostic marker for acute leukemia. Arch Med Sci 2017; 13:1433-1441. [PMID: 29181075 PMCID: PMC5701700 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2017.71067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has been proved that genetic and epigenetic changes play a significant role in the development and progression of acute leukemia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency and prognostic implications of genetic and epigenetic alterations in p15, MGMT, DNMT3A and TP53 genes in acute leukemias. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included in the study 59 patients with acute leukemia. Evaluation of TP53 and DNMT3A mutations was performed using sequencing analysis and PCR-RFLP, respectively. Methylation status of MGMT and p15 genes was evaluated using MSP and COBRA, respectively. For assessment of global DNA methylation ELISA-based kit was used. RESULTS We found that overall survival was higher for ALL patients. MGMT promoter methylation was significantly associated with patients age at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.03). TP53 and DNMT3A mutations were observed only in AML patients (16.67% and 8.8%, respectively). Patients with acute leukemia and p15 promoter methylation had significantly more frequently mutated TP53 gene (p = 0.04) and AML patients with p15 promoter methylation had significantly more frequently detected global hypomethylation of DNA (p = 0.009). In the group of ALL patients we noted an opposite trend: only patients negative for p15 promoter methylation were characterized by global DNA hypomethylation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that MGMT promoter methylation can have a considerable impact on the development of acute leukemia in older patients. DNMT3A and TP53 mutations may play a significant role in AML development. However, further studies conducted in a larger cohort of patients are needed to determine its clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Sobieszkoda
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Joanna Czech
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Chair of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Natalia Gablo
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Chair of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Marta Kopanska
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Chair of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek Tabarkiewicz
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Immunology, Chair of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kolacinska
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | - Izabela Zawlik
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Chair of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
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DNA Methylation Events as Markers for Diagnosis and Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. DISEASE MARKERS 2017; 2017:5472893. [PMID: 29038614 PMCID: PMC5606093 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5472893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During the onset and progression of hematological malignancies, many changes occur in cellular epigenome, such as hypo- or hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoter regions. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and is a key event for tumorigenesis. The continuous search for biomarkers that signal early disease, indicate prognosis, and act as therapeutic targets has led to studies investigating the role of DNA in cancer onset and progression. This review focuses on DNA methylation changes as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, response to treatment, and early toxicity in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Here, we report that distinct changes in DNA methylation may alter gene function and drive malignant cellular transformation during several stages of leukemogenesis. Most of these modifications occur at an early stage of disease and may predict myeloid/lymphoid transformation or response to therapy, which justifies its use as a biomarker for disease onset and progression. Methylation patterns, or its dynamic change during treatment, may also be used as markers for patient stratification, disease prognosis, and response to treatment. Further investigations of methylation modifications as therapeutic biomarkers, which may correlate with therapeutic response and/or predict treatment toxicity, are still warranted.
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Dogan S, Cilic A, Marjanovic D, Kurtovic-Kozaric A. Detection of cytosine and CpG density in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in promoter sequences of acute myeloid leukemia. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 36:302-316. [PMID: 28323522 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2017.1279738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant methylation is one of the driving forces of cancer genome development. Although the rate of methylation appears massively variable across the genome, it is mainly observed in histone modification, chromatin organization, DNA accessibility, or promoter sequence. Methylation of promoter sequence occurs mostly to cytosine nucleotides, which can affect transcription factors' binding affinities. In this study, we demonstrated that cytosine repeats (C types density), consisting of CC, CCC, CCCC, CCCCC, CCCCCC, CCCCCCC motifs and CpG islands density in 25 proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and control genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia. The promoter sequences were divided into a 100 nucleotide window from -500 to +100 nucleotides and 20 nucleotide window from -100 to +100. Each window is analyzed to find the higher C type and CpG islands density, which may cause the increased methylation in the promoter sequence. Our novel findings show that promoter sequence cytosine repeats and CpG density increase closer to transcription sites, especially just before and after the transcription start site (TSS). The results demonstrate that cytosine density increases while proto-oncogenes and TSG promoter sequences are closer to TSS 50.8% and 41.0% respectively, if (-500 to -200) and (-100 to +100) windows of the nucleotide sequences are compared. This proves that around TSS location has special nucleotide motifs and could be an important implication for our understanding of potential methylating locations in promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senol Dogan
- a Department of Genetics and Bioengineering , International Burch University , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Anis Cilic
- a Department of Genetics and Bioengineering , International Burch University , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Damir Marjanovic
- a Department of Genetics and Bioengineering , International Burch University , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Kurtovic-Kozaric
- a Department of Genetics and Bioengineering , International Burch University , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Epigenetic Guardian: A Review of the DNA Methyltransferase DNMT3A in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Clonal Haematopoiesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5473197. [PMID: 28286768 PMCID: PMC5329657 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5473197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy characterized by clonal stem cell proliferation and aberrant block in differentiation. Dysfunction of epigenetic modifiers contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of AML. One frequently mutated gene involved in epigenetic modification is DNMT3A (DNA methyltransferase-3-alpha), a DNA methyltransferase that alters gene expression by de novo methylation of cytosine bases at CpG dinucleotides. Approximately 22% of AML and 36% of cytogenetically normal AML cases carry DNMT3A mutations and around 60% of these mutations affect the R882 codon. These mutations have been associated with poor prognosis and adverse survival outcomes for AML patients. Advances in whole-exome sequencing techniques have recently identified a large number of DNMT3A mutations present in clonal cells in normal elderly individuals with no features of haematological malignancy. Categorically distinct from other preleukaemic conditions, this disorder has been termed clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Further insight into the mutational landscape of CHIP may illustrate the consequence of particular mutations found in DNMT3A and identify specific “founder” mutations responsible for clonal expansion that may contribute to leukaemogenesis. This review will focus on current research and understanding of DNMT3A mutations in both AML and CHIP.
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10
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Mutant DNA methylation regulators endow hematopoietic stem cells with the preleukemic stem cell property, a requisite of leukemia initiation and relapse. Front Med 2016; 9:412-20. [PMID: 26482067 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-015-0423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mutations are considered to drive the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With therapid progress in sequencing technologies, many newly reported genes that are recurrently mutated in AML have been found to govern the initiation and relapse of AML. These findings suggest the need to distinguish the driver mutations, especially the most primitive single mutation, from the subsequent passenger mutations. Recent research on DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) mutations provides the first proof-of-principle investigation on the identification of preleukemic stem cells (pre-LSCs) in AML patients. Although DNMT3A mutations alone may only transform hematopoietic stem cells into pre-LSCs without causing the full-blown leukemia, the function of this driver mutation appear to persist from AML initiation up to relapse. Therefore, identifying and targeting preleukemic mutations, such as DNMT3A mutations, in AML is a promising strategy for treatment and reduction of relapse risk.
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Giotopoulos G, Chan WI, Horton SJ, Ruau D, Gallipoli P, Fowler A, Crawley C, Papaemmanuil E, Campbell PJ, Göttgens B, Van Deursen JM, Cole PA, Huntly BJP. The epigenetic regulators CBP and p300 facilitate leukemogenesis and represent therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncogene 2016; 35:279-89. [PMID: 25893291 PMCID: PMC4729186 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence links abnormal epigenetic control to the development of hematological malignancies. Accordingly, inhibition of epigenetic regulators is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. The acetylation status of lysine residues in histone tails is one of a number of epigenetic post-translational modifications that alter DNA-templated processes, such as transcription, to facilitate malignant transformation. Although histone deacetylases are already being clinically targeted, the role of histone lysine acetyltransferases (KAT) in malignancy is less well characterized. We chose to study this question in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where, using in vitro and in vivo genetic ablation and knockdown experiments in murine models, we demonstrate a role for the epigenetic regulators CBP and p300 in the induction and maintenance of AML. Furthermore, using selective small molecule inhibitors of their lysine acetyltransferase activity, we validate CBP/p300 as therapeutic targets in vitro across a wide range of human AML subtypes. We proceed to show that growth retardation occurs through the induction of transcriptional changes that induce apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in leukemia cells and finally demonstrate the efficacy of the KAT inhibitors in decreasing clonogenic growth of primary AML patient samples. Taken together, these data suggest that CBP/p300 are promising therapeutic targets across multiple subtypes in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giotopoulos
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - W-I Chan
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
- State Key laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - SJ Horton
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - D Ruau
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - P Gallipoli
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Fowler
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Crawley
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - PJ Campbell
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - B Göttgens
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - JM Van Deursen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - PA Cole
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - BJP Huntly
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Zhou JD, Zhang TJ, Wang YX, Yang DQ, Yang L, Ma JC, Wen XM, Yang J, Lin J, Qian J. DLX4 hypermethylation is a prognostically adverse indicator in de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:8951-60. [PMID: 26753961 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4364-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypermethylation of distal-less homeobox 4 (DLX4) has been increasingly identified in several cancers. Our study was aimed to determine the role of DLX4 methylation in regulating DLX4 expression and further analyze its clinical significance in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. DLX4 methylation level was detected by real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR. Treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) was used for demethylation studies. Clinical significance of DLX4 methylation was obtained by the comparison between the patients with and without DLX4 methylation. DLX4 was significantly methylated in AML patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). DLX4 methylation was negatively associated with DLX7 (the shorter DLX4 isoform) (R = -0.202, P = 0.021) but not BP1 (the longer DLX4 isoform) (R = -0.049, P = 0.582) expression in AML patients. DLX7 and BP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) were significantly increased after 5-aza-dC treatment in leukemic cell lines THP1 and Kasumi-1. DLX4 methylated patients showed significantly higher frequency of U2AF1 mutation compared with DLX4 unmethylated patients (P = 0.043). Both all AML and non-M3 patients with DLX4 methylation presented significantly lower complete remission rate than those with DLX4 unmethylation (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). DLX4 methylated cases had significantly shorter overall survival than DLX4 unmethylated cases among both all AML (P = 0.003), non-M3 AML (P = 0.001), and cytogenetically normal AML (P = 0.032). Multivariate analysis confirmed that DLX4 methylation was independent risk factor in both all AML and non-M3 patients. Our study indicates that DLX4 hypermethylation is negatively associated with DLX7 expression and predicts poor clinical outcome in de novo AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Dong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Juan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Qin Yang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Chun Ma
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Mei Wen
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, 8 Dianli Rd., 212002, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Lowder JN, Taverna P, Issa JPJ. Will next-generation agents deliver on the promise of epigenetic hypomethylation therapy? Epigenomics 2015; 7:1083-8. [PMID: 26541345 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James N Lowder
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 4420 Rosewood Drive, Suite 200, Pleasanton, CA 92488, USA
| | - Pietro Taverna
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 4420 Rosewood Drive, Suite 200, Pleasanton, CA 92488, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute, Temple University School of Medicine & Cancer Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, 3307 North Broad Street, Room 154, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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The dual epigenetic role of PRMT5 in acute myeloid leukemia: gene activation and repression via histone arginine methylation. Leukemia 2015; 30:789-99. [PMID: 26536822 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the enzymatic activity of protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 5 have been associated with cancer; however, the protein's role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not been fully evaluated. Here, we show that increased PRMT5 activity enhanced AML growth in vitro and in vivo while PRMT5 downregulation reduced it. In AML cells, PRMT5 interacted with Sp1 in a transcription repressor complex and silenced miR-29b preferentially via dimethylation of histone 4 arginine residue H4R3. As Sp1 is also a bona fide target of miR-29b, the miR silencing resulted in increased Sp1. This event in turn led to transcription activation of FLT3, a gene that encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. Inhibition of PRMT5 via sh/siRNA or a first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor (HLCL-61) resulted in significantly increased expression of miR-29b and consequent suppression of Sp1 and FLT3 in AML cells. As a result, significant antileukemic activity was achieved. Collectively, our data support a novel leukemogenic mechanism in AML where PRMT5 mediates both silencing and transcription of genes that participate in a 'yin-yang' functional network supporting leukemia growth. As FLT3 is often mutated in AML and pharmacologic inhibition of PRMT5 appears feasible, the PRMT5-miR-29b-FLT3 network should be further explored as a novel therapeutic target for AML.
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Chandran P, Pavithran K, Sidharthan N, Sasidharan A, Nair S, Koyakutty M. Protein Nanomedicine Exerts Cytotoxicity toward CD34 + CD38 - CD123 + Leukemic Stem Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2015; 1:1194-1199. [PMID: 33429669 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5b00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of protein-vorinostat nanomedicine (NV) is demonstrated in leukemic stem cells (LSC) isolated from refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples, where it successfully ablated both CD34+ CD38- CD123+ LSC and non-LSC "leukemic blast" compartments, without inducing myelosuppression or hemotoxicity. Besides, NV also exerted excellent synergistic lethality against leukemic bone marrow cells (BMC) at lower concentrations (0.1 μM) in combination with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, decitabine. Considering the extermination of resilient LSC and synergism with decitabine, NV shows promise for clinical translation in the setting of a more tolerable and effective epigenetic targeted therapy for leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parwathy Chandran
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Keechilat Pavithran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Neeraj Sidharthan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Abhilash Sasidharan
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Shantikumar Nair
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
| | - Manzoor Koyakutty
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India
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Gupta N, Miller A, Gandhi S, Ford LA, Vigil CE, Griffiths EA, Thompson JE, Wetzler M, Wang ES. Comparison of epigenetic versus standard induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients ≥60 years old. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:639-46. [PMID: 25808347 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have poor outcomes with standard induction chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed our institute's experience with epigenetic (Epi) versus cytarabine- and anthracycline-based intensive chemotherapy (IC) as induction in newly diagnosed AML patients aged 60 years and older. One hundred sixty-seven patients (n = 84, IC; n = 83, Epi) were assessed; 69 patients received decitabine and 14 azacitidine. Baseline characteristics between the IC and Epi patient cohorts were not statistically different except for age, initial white blood cell count, and comorbidity index. Overall response rate (ORR, 50% vs. 28%, respectively, P < 0.01) and complete response rate (CRR, 43% vs. 20%, respectively, P < 0.01) were superior following IC vs. Epi. Although univariate analysis demonstrated longer overall survival after IC (10.7 vs. 9.1 months, P = 0.012), multivariate analysis showed no independent impact of induction treatment. Treatment-related mortality was not statistically different in the two groups. Outcomes of patients with secondary, poor cytogenetic risk, FLT-3 mutated AML, or relapsed/refractory disease after IC or Epi were not significantly different. Outcomes of patients receiving IC versus a 10-day decitabine regimen (n = 63) also were not significantly different. Our results suggest that IC and Epi therapy are clinically equivalent approaches for upfront treatment of older patients with AML and that other factors (feasibility, toxicity, cost, etc.) should drive treatment decisions. Prospective randomized trials to determine the optimal induction approach for specific patient subsets are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gupta
- Department of Medicine; SUNY-UB School of Medicine; Buffalo New York
| | - Austin Miller
- Department of Biostatistics; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - Shipra Gandhi
- Department of Medicine; SUNY-UB School of Medicine; Buffalo New York
| | - Laurie A. Ford
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - Carlos E. Vigil
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - Elizabeth A. Griffiths
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - James E. Thompson
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - Meir Wetzler
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
| | - Eunice S. Wang
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo New York
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Kim TK, Gore SD, Zeidan AM. Epigenetic Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current and Future Directions. Semin Hematol 2015; 52:172-83. [PMID: 26111464 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications affect gene expression without changes in the actual DNA sequence. Two of the most important mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone tail modifications (especially acetylation and methylation). Epigenetic modulation is a part of normal physiologic development; its dysregulation is an important mechanism of pathogenesis of some cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of AML, therapeutic options remain quite limited. Technological advances have facilitated understanding of aberrant DNA methylation and histone methylation/acetylation as key elements in the development of AML and uncovered several recurrent mutations in genes important for epigenetic regulation. However, much remains to be learned about how to exploit this knowledge for epigenetic therapeutic targeting. Currently, no epigenetic therapy is approved for the treatment of AML, although two DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (azacitidine and decitabine) are commonly used in clinical practice. Among the other epigenetic modifiers undergoing research in AML, the histone deacetylase inhibitors are the most studied. Other promising drugs, such as inhibitors of histone methylation (eg, EZH2 and DOT1L inhibitors), inhibitors of histone demethylases (eg, LSD1 inhibitors), inhibitors of bromodomain-containing epigenetic "reader" BET proteins, and inhibitors of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenases, are at early stages of clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kon Kim
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
| | - Steven D Gore
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.
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18
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O'Brien EC, Brewin J, Chevassut T. DNMT3A: the DioNysian MonsTer of acute myeloid leukaemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2014; 5:187-96. [PMID: 25469209 DOI: 10.1177/2040620714554538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mythology of Ancient Greece, there was often a creative tension between the opposing forces of the gods Apollo and Dionysius, the two sons of Zeus. The Apollonian force was considered to be rational and lifegiving, whilst Dionysian forces were chaotic and elemental. Acute myeloid leukaemia is characterised by the clash of these forces: the chaotic proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow overcomes the normal, orderly production of healthy blood cells. DNMT3A mutations occur early in the leukaemogenic process and may even act as "founder" mutations - the first step in a pathway towards malignant transformation. As such, these mutations may represent a Dionysian agent of disorder, inciting the chaotic myeloid proliferation and arrest of differentiation which are hallmarks of AML. This review will focus on the role of DNMT3A mutations in leukaemia pathogenesis, their influence on prognosis, and the potential for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Conway O'Brien
- Medical Research Building, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | - John Brewin
- Medical Research Building, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | - Timothy Chevassut
- Medical Research Building, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9PS, UK
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19
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Mehdipour P, Santoro F, Minucci S. Epigenetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemias. FEBS J 2014; 282:1786-800. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Mehdipour
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Santoro
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
- Department of Biosciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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Abstract
Key Points
5hmC levels vary considerably in patients with AML. High levels of 5hmC independently correlate with inferior overall survival in AML.
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Miller AL, Geng C, Golovko G, Sharma M, Schwartz JR, Yan J, Sowers L, Widger WR, Fofanov Y, Vedeckis WV, Thompson EB. Epigenetic alteration by DNA-demethylating treatment restores apoptotic response to glucocorticoids in dexamethasone-resistant human malignant lymphoid cells. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:35. [PMID: 24795534 PMCID: PMC4008436 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-14-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often included in the therapy of lymphoid malignancies because they kill several types of malignant lymphoid cells. GCs activate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), to regulate a complex genetic network, culminating in apoptosis. Normal lymphoblasts and many lymphoid malignancies are sensitive to GC-driven apoptosis. Resistance to GCs can be a significant clinical problem, however, and correlates with resistance to several other major chemotherapeutic agents. Methods We analyzed the effect of treatment with the cytosine analogue 5 aza-2’ deoxycytidine (AZA) on GC resistance in two acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T or pre-T ALL) cell lines- CEM and Molt-4- and a (B-cell) myeloma cell line, RPMI 8226. Methods employed included tissue culture, flow cytometry, and assays for clonogenicity, cytosine extension, immunochemical identification of proteins, and gene transactivation. High throughput DNA sequencing was used to confirm DNA methylation status. Conclusions Treatment of these cells with AZA resulted in altered DNA methylation and restored GC-evoked apoptosis in all 3 cell lines. In CEM cells the altered epigenetic state resulted in site-specific phosphorylation of the GR, increased GR potency, and GC-driven induction of the GR from promoters that lie in CpG islands. In RPMI 8226 cells, expression of relevant coregulators of GR function was altered. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is central to a feed-forward mechanism of site-specific GR phosphorylation and ultimately, apoptosis, occurred in all 3 cell lines. These data show that in certain malignant hematologic B- and T-cell types, epigenetically controlled GC resistance can be reversed by cell exposure to a compound that causes DNA demethylation. The results encourage studies of application to in vivo systems, looking towards eventual clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Miller
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, (ALM present address, Department. of Pediatrics, & Assay Devel. Service Division Galveston National Lab.), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Chuandong Geng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA CG present address, Depts. of Medicine and of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Georgiy Golovko
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Centers for Biomedical & Environmental Genomics and/or Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA ; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Meenakshi Sharma
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Centers for Biomedical & Environmental Genomics and/or Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason R Schwartz
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA CG present address, Depts. of Medicine and of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA ; Present address St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jiabin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Lawrence Sowers
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - William R Widger
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Centers for Biomedical & Environmental Genomics and/or Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Centers for Biomedical & Environmental Genomics and/or Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA ; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, Univ. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Wayne V Vedeckis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA CG present address, Depts. of Medicine and of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E Brad Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, (ALM present address, Department. of Pediatrics, & Assay Devel. Service Division Galveston National Lab.), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA ; Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Centers for Biomedical & Environmental Genomics and/or Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Karlic H, Herrmann H, Varga F, Thaler R, Reitermaier R, Spitzer S, Ghanim V, Blatt K, Sperr WR, Valent P, Pfeilstöcker M. The role of epigenetics in the regulation of apoptosis in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 90:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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23
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The epigenetic landscape of acute myeloid leukemia. Adv Hematol 2014; 2014:103175. [PMID: 24778653 PMCID: PMC3980839 DOI: 10.1155/2014/103175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Certain cytogenetic and molecular genetic mutations are recognized to have an impact on prognosis, leading to their inclusion in some prognostic stratification systems. Recently, the advent of high-throughput whole genome or exome sequencing has led to the identification of several novel recurrent mutations in AML, a number of which have been found to involve genes concerned with epigenetic regulation. These genes include in particular DNMT3A, TET2, and IDH1/2, involved with regulation of DNA methylation, and EZH2 and ASXL-1, which are implicated in regulation of histones. However, the precise mechanisms linking these genes to AML pathogenesis have yet to be fully elucidated as has their respective prognostic relevance. As massively parallel DNA sequencing becomes increasingly accessible for patients, there is a need for clarification of the clinical implications of these mutations. This review examines the literature surrounding the biology of these epigenetic modifying genes with regard to leukemogenesis and their clinical and prognostic relevance in AML when mutated.
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Navakauskienė R, Borutinskaitė VV, Treigytė G, Savickienė J, Matuzevičius D, Navakauskas D, Magnusson KE. Epigenetic changes during hematopoietic cell granulocytic differentiation--comparative analysis of primary CD34+ cells, KG1 myeloid cells and mature neutrophils. BMC Cell Biol 2014; 15:4. [PMID: 24443786 PMCID: PMC3900736 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-15-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic regulation is known to affect gene expression, and recent research shows that aberrant DNA methylation patterning and histone modifications may play a role in leukemogenesis. In order to highlight the co-operation of epigenetic mechanisms acting during the latter process it is important to clarify their potential as biomarkers of granulocytic differentiation. Results In this study we investigated epigenetic alterations in human hematopoietic cells at a distinct differentiation stages: primary hematopoietic CD34+ cells, KG1 myeloid leukemic cells, whose development is stopped at early stage of differentiation, and mature neutrophils. We focused on the epigenetic status of cell cycle regulating (p15, p16) and differentiation related (E-cadherin and RARβ) genes. We found that the methylation level in promoter regions of some of these genes was considerably higher in KG1 cells and lower in CD34+ cells and human neutrophils. As examined and evaluated by computer-assisted methods, histone H3 and H4 modifications, i.e. H3K4Me3, H3K9Ac, H3K9Ac/S10Ph and H4 hyperAc, were similar in CD34+ cells and human mature neutrophils. By contrast, in the KG1 cells, histone H3 and H4 modifications were quite high and increased after induction of granulocytic differentiation with the HDAC inhibitor phenyl butyrate. Conclusions We found the methylation status of the examined gene promoters and histone modifications to be characteristically associated with the hematopoietic cell progenitor state, induced to differentiate myeloid KG1 cells and normal blood neutrophils. This could be achieved through epigenetic regulation of E-cadherin, p15, p16 and RARβ genes expression caused by DNA methylation/demethylation, core and linker histones distribution in stem hematopoietic cells, induced to differentiation KG1 cells and mature human neutrophils, as well as the histone modifications H3K4Me3, H3K9Ac, H3K9Ac/S10Ph and H4 hyperAc in relation to hematopoietic cell differentiation to granulocyte. These findings also suggest them as potentially important biomarkers of hematopoietic cell granulocytic differentiation and could be valuable for leukemia induced differentiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rūta Navakauskienė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, LT-08662 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Govindaraj C, Tan P, Walker P, Wei A, Spencer A, Plebanski M. Reducing TNF receptor 2+ regulatory T cells via the combined action of azacitidine and the HDAC inhibitor, panobinostat for clinical benefit in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 20:724-35. [PMID: 24297862 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) provides an environment that enables immune suppression, resulting in functionally defective effector T cells; regulatory T cells (Treg) are significant contributors to the impaired antitumor immune response. As TNF is present at high levels in AML and TNF receptor-2 (TNFR2)-expressing Tregs identify highly functional Tregs, we examine the hypothesis that TNFR2(+) Tregs are a relevant Treg subset in this cancer. We also determine the effect of the novel combinatorial therapy of the demethylating agent, azacitidine with the histone deacetylase inhibitor, panobinostat on Tregs, particularly TNFR2(+) Tregs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Thirty healthy donors and 14 patients with AML were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with azacitidine and panobinostat for 28-day cycles. The frequency and functional relevance of TNFR2(+) Tregs were analyzed subsequently. RESULTS We report that TNFR2(+) Tregs are increased in AML and have a high migration potential toward the bone marrow. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the level of TNFR2(+) Tregs in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow of patients are decreased in vivo after exposure to panobinostat and azacitidine. Reductions in TNFR2(+) Tregs were associated with increases in Interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2 production by effector T cells within the bone marrow and beneficial clinical responses. In vitro mechanistic studies indicated panobinostat as the primary driver for the reduction of Tregs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides for the first time, in vivo validation of the ability of panobinostat in combination with azacitidine to suppress prevalent TNFR2(+) Tregs, resulting in clinical benefits within patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chindu Govindaraj
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School; and Department of Clinical Hematology, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Faridi F, Ponnusamy K, Quagliano-Lo Coco I, Chen-Wichmann L, Grez M, Henschler R, Wichmann C. Aberrant epigenetic regulators control expansion of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Front Genet 2013; 4:254. [PMID: 24348510 PMCID: PMC3842847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription is a tightly regulated process ensuring the proper expression of numerous genes regulating all aspects of cellular behavior. Transcription factors regulate multiple genes including other transcription factors that together control a highly complex gene network. The transcriptional machinery can be “hijacked” by oncogenic transcription factors, thereby leading to malignant cell transformation. Oncogenic transcription factors manipulate a variety of epigenetic control mechanisms to fulfill gene regulatory and cell transforming functions. These factors assemble epigenetic regulators at target gene promoter sequences, thereby disturbing physiological gene expression patterns. Retroviral vector technology and the availability of “healthy” human hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells enable the generation of pre-leukemic cell models for the analysis of aberrant human hematopoietic progenitor cell expansion mediated by leukemogenic transcription factors. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the mechanism by which leukemogenic gene products control human hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cell expansion by disrupting the normal epigenetic program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Faridi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany
| | - Kanagaraju Ponnusamy
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany ; Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Linping Chen-Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Biomedical Research Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Reinhard Henschler
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany
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Petrini M, Felicetti F, Bottero L, Errico MC, Morsilli O, Boe A, De Feo A, Carè A. HOXB1 restored expression promotes apoptosis and differentiation in the HL60 leukemic cell line. Cancer Cell Int 2013; 13:101. [PMID: 24148231 PMCID: PMC3874656 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-13-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox (HOX) genes deregulation has been largely implicated in the development of human leukemia. Among the HOXB cluster, HOXB1 was silent in a number of analyzed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) primary cells and cell lines, whereas it was expressed in normal terminally differentiated peripheral blood cells. METHODS We evaluated the biological effects and the transcriptome changes determined by the retroviral transduction of HOXB1 in the human promyelocytic cell line HL60. RESULTS Our results suggest that the enforced expression of HOXB1 reduces cell growth proliferation, inducing apoptosis and cell differentiation along the monocytic and granulocytic lineages. Accordingly, gene expression analysis showed the HOXB1-dependent down-regulation of some tumor promoting genes, paralleled by the up-regulation of apoptosis- and differentiation-related genes, thus supporting a tumor suppressor role for HOXB1 in AML. Finally, we indicated HOXB1 promoter hypermethylation as a mechanism responsible for HOXB1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS We propose HOXB1 as an additional member of the HOX family with tumour suppressor properties suggesting a HOXB1/ATRA combination as a possible future therapeutic strategy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Petrini
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Federica Felicetti
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Lisabianca Bottero
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Errico
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Ornella Morsilli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Feo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
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Abstract
The outlook for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia has improved in the past 30 years. Unlike other cancers, much of this progress is attributable to refinement of supportive treatment, rather than the introduction of new drugs. New antibacterial and antifungal agents, antiemetics, and improved transfusion support have decreased the rate of early death, and morbidity and mortality from allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been substantially reduced. However, more than half of young adult patients and about 90% of older patients still die from their disease. Refractoriness to initial induction treatment and, more frequently, relapse after complete remission, are still the main obstacles to cure. Accordingly, new treatment approaches with mechanisms of action different from those of conventional chemotherapy are needed. Our knowledge of the various chromosomal and molecular abnormalities implicated in the pathogenesis of the many subtypes of the disease has greatly expanded; as a result, clinical research is moving towards the investigation of new non-cytotoxic agents in combination with chemotherapy. The goal is to target the molecular abnormalities identified at diagnosis; however, several aberrations can coexist in subclones of acute myeloid leukaemia, making the disease less likely to be inhibited by a single agent.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Age of Onset
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Bone Marrow Transplantation/methods
- Bone Marrow Transplantation/mortality
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/mortality
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/epidemiology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/therapy
- Prognosis
- Risk Assessment
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sex Factors
- Survival Analysis
- Transplantation, Autologous
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicetto Ferrara
- Division of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Naples, Italy.
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30
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Savickiene J, Treigyte G, Borutinskaite VV, Navakauskiene R. Antileukemic activity of combined epigenetic agents, DNMT inhibitors zebularine and RG108 with HDAC inhibitors, against promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2012; 17:501-25. [PMID: 22820861 PMCID: PMC6275587 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-012-0024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNMT inhibitors are promising new drugs for cancer therapies. In this study, we have observed the antileukemic action of two diverse DNMT inhibitors, the nucleoside agent zebularine and the non-nucleoside agent RG108, in human promyelocytic leukemia (PML) HL-60 cells. Zebularine but not RG108 caused dose- and time-dependent cell growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis. However, co-treatment with either drug at a non-toxic dose and all trans retinoic acid (RA) reinforced differentiation to granulocytes, while 24 or 48 h-pretreatment with zebularine or RG108 followed by RA alone or in the presence of HDAC inhibitors (sodium phenyl butyrate or BML-210) significantly accelerated and enhanced cell maturation to granulocytes. This occurs in parallel with the expression of a surface biomarker, CD11b, and early changes in histone H4 acetylation and histone H3K4me3 methylation. The application of both drugs to HL-60 cells in continuous or sequential fashion decreased DNMT1 expression, and induced E-cadherin promoter demethylation and reactivation at both the mRNA and the protein levels in association with the induction of granulocytic differentiation. The results confirmed the utility of zebularine and RG108 in combinations with RA and HDAC inhibitors to reinforce differentiation effects in promyelocytic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurate Savickiene
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Mokslininkų 12, Vilnius, LT 08662 Lithuania
| | - Grazina Treigyte
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Mokslininkų 12, Vilnius, LT 08662 Lithuania
| | - Veronika-Viktorija Borutinskaite
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Mokslininkų 12, Vilnius, LT 08662 Lithuania
| | - Ruta Navakauskiene
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Mokslininkų 12, Vilnius, LT 08662 Lithuania
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31
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Thaler R, Spitzer S, Karlic H, Berger C, Klaushofer K, Varga F. Ibandronate increases the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene FAS by epigenetic mechanisms in tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 85:173-85. [PMID: 23103563 PMCID: PMC3557391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that aminobisphosphonates like ibandronate show anticancer activity by an unknown mechanism. Biochemically, they prevent posttranslational isoprenylation of small GTPases, thus inhibiting their activity. In tumor cells, activated RAS-GTPase, the founding member of the gene family, down-regulates the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene FAS via epigenetic DNA-methylation by DNMT1. We compared ibandronate treatment in neoplastic human U-2 osteosarcoma and in mouse CCL-51 breast cancer cells as well as in the immortalized non-neoplastic MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Ibandronate attenuated cell proliferation in all cell lines tested. In the neoplastic cells we found up-regulation of caspases suggesting apoptosis. Further we found stimulation of FAS-expression as a result of epigenetic DNA demethylation that was due to down-regulation of DNMT1, which was rescued by re-isoprenylation by both geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate and farnesylpyrophosphate. In contrast, ibandronate did not affect FAS and DNMT1 expression in MC3T3-E1 non-neoplastic cells. Data suggest that bisphosphonates via modulation of the activity of small-GTPases induce apoptosis in neoplastic cells by DNA-CpG-demethylation and stimulation of FAS-expression. In conclusion the shown epigenetic mechanism underlying the anti-neoplastic activity of farnesyl-transferase-inhibition, also explains the clinical success of other drugs, which target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Thaler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at the Hanusch Hospital of WGKK and AUVA Trauma Center Meidling, 1st Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Spitzer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at the Hanusch Hospital of WGKK and AUVA Trauma Center Meidling, 1st Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - H. Karlic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology and Institute for Leukemia Research and Hematology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - C. Berger
- Department of Orthopedics, SMZ-OST, Danube Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - K. Klaushofer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at the Hanusch Hospital of WGKK and AUVA Trauma Center Meidling, 1st Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - F. Varga
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at the Hanusch Hospital of WGKK and AUVA Trauma Center Meidling, 1st Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author at: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, 1st Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Heinrich Collin-Str. 30, A-1140 Vienna, Austria. Tel.: +43 1 91021 86933; fax: +43 1 91021 86929.
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32
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Liu S. Epigenetics advancing personalized nanomedicine in cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2012; 64:1532-43. [PMID: 22921595 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Personalized medicine aims to deliver the right drug to a right patient at the right time. It offers unique opportunities to integrate new technologies and concepts to disease prognosis, diagnosis and therapeutics. While selective personalized therapies are conceptually impressive, the majority of cancer therapies have dismal outcome. Such therapeutic failure could result from no response, drug resistance, disease relapse or severe side effect from improper drug delivery. Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology in medicine, has a potential to advance the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and the delivery of right drug to disease sites. Epigenetic aberrations dynamically contribute to cancer pathogenesis. Given the individualized traits of epigenetic biomarkers, epigenetic considerations would significantly refine personalized nanomedicine. This review aims to dissect the interface of personalized medicine with nanomedicine and epigenetics. I will outline the progress and highlight challenges and areas that can be further explored perfecting the personalized health care.
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33
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Paredes J, Figueiredo J, Albergaria A, Oliveira P, Carvalho J, Ribeiro AS, Caldeira J, Costa AM, Simões-Correia J, Oliveira MJ, Pinheiro H, Pinho SS, Mateus R, Reis CA, Leite M, Fernandes MS, Schmitt F, Carneiro F, Figueiredo C, Oliveira C, Seruca R. Epithelial E- and P-cadherins: role and clinical significance in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1826:297-311. [PMID: 22613680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
E-cadherin and P-cadherin are major contributors to cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues, playing pivotal roles in important morphogenetic and differentiation processes during development, and in maintaining integrity and homeostasis in adult tissues. It is now generally accepted that alterations in these two molecules are observed during tumour progression of most carcinomas. Genetic or epigenetic alterations in E- and P-cadherin-encoding genes (CDH1 and CDH3, respectively), or alterations in their proteins expression, often result in tissue disorder, cellular de-differentiation, increased invasiveness of tumour cells and ultimately in metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the major properties of E- and P-cadherin molecules, its regulation in normal tissue, and their alterations and role in cancer, with a specific focus on gastric and breast cancer models.
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34
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Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is frequent in the myeloid malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Promoter CpG methylation is correlated with silencing of tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) in specific pathways that are also targets of mutation or other mechanisms of inactivation, and is thought to contribute to disease progression and poor prognosis. Epigenetic contributions to myeloid pathogenesis are more complex. Examples include TSG inactivation and oncogenic activation associated with formation of altered chromatin separate from CpG methylation. Epigenetic dysregulation occurs at multiple disease stages and at non-CpG island genomic sites, and also includes genomic hypomethylation and small RNA mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. Identification of recurrent mutations in potential epigenetic regulators, including TET2, IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A, UTX, and ASXL1, were recently described. Accordingly, therapeutics directed towards epigenetic mechanisms including methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have had some clinical success when applied to MDS and AML. However, identification of the underlying mechanisms associated with clinical responses and drug resistance remain enigmatic. Remarkably, in spite of significant molecular and translational progress, there are currently no epigenetic biomarkers in widespread clinical use. In this review, we explore the potential applications of epigenetic biomarker discovery, including epigenetic profiling for myeloid malignancy pathogenesis understanding, diagnostic classification, and development of effective treatment paradigms for these generally considered poor prognosis disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McDevitt
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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35
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Li XQ, Guo YY, De W. DNA methylation and microRNAs in cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:882-8. [PMID: 22408346 PMCID: PMC3297046 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i9.882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a type of epigenetic modification in the human genome, which means that gene expression is regulated without altering the DNA sequence. Methylation and the relationship between methylation and cancer have been the focus of molecular biology researches. Methylation represses gene expression and can influence embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. In different tissues and at different stages of life, the level of methylation of DNA varies, implying a fundamental but distinct role for methylation. When genes are repressed by abnormal methylation, the resulting effects can include instability of that gene and inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene. MicroRNAs have some aspects in common with this regulation of gene expression. Here we reviewed the influence of gene methylation on cancer and analyzed the methods used to profile methylation. We also assessed the correlation between methylation and other epigenetic modifications and microRNAs. About 55 845 research papers have been published about methylation, and one-fifth of these are about the appearance of methylation in cancer. We conclude that methylation does play a role in some cancer types.
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Prebet T, Vey N. Vorinostat in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2010; 20:287-95. [PMID: 21192773 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2011.542750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION the results of conventional treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remain poor and innovative strategies are warranted. With this aim, epigenetic modulation became a promising approach over the last years. Vorinostat is an epigenetic targeted drug belonging to the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors family. It is the second-generation HDAC inhibitor that has been more extensively studied in AML and MDS. AREAS COVERED in this review, we will present the rationale for its use in AML and MDS, describe the drug pharmacologic properties and review the current data available from clinical trials. The data presented here will allow the reader to overview the common mechanisms of action of this class of compounds in AML and MDS, as well as to better understand the biological specificities of vorinostat, and its current and future clinical development in the field. EXPERT OPINION vorinostat has shown an acceptable toxicity profile with mainly gastrointestinal and constitutional side effects. Efficacy as a single agent is limited in that group of patients, but promising results are currently observed with combinations of vorinostat and either conventional chemotherapy or investigational agents, including demethylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Prebet
- Institut Paoli Calmettes, Department of Haematology, 232 Boulevard Sainte Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
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