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Emerging role of G9a in cancer stemness and promises as a therapeutic target. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:76. [PMID: 34775469 PMCID: PMC8590690 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase G9a is well-documented for its implication in neoplastic growth. However, recent investigations have demonstrated a key involvement of this chromatin writer in maintaining the self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacities of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Direct inhibition of G9a’s catalytic activity was reported as a promising therapeutic target in multiple preclinical studies. Yet, none of the available pharmacological inhibitors of G9a activity have shown success at the early stages of clinical testing. Here, we discuss central findings of oncogenic expression and activation of G9a in CSCs from different origins, as well as the impact of the suppression of G9a histone methyltransferase activity in such contexts. We will explore the challenges posed by direct and systemic inhibition of G9a activity in the perspective of clinical translation of documented small molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in drug discovery as viable strategies to develop context-specific drugs, selectively targeting G9a in CSC populations.
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Fan Q, Li L, Wang TL, Emerson RE, Xu Y. A Novel ZIP4-HDAC4-VEGFA Axis in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153821. [PMID: 34359722 PMCID: PMC8345154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153821] [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: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite tremendous research efforts, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the most difficult cancers to detect early and treat successfully for >5-year survival. We have recently shown that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is a novel cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and a therapeutic target for EOC. The current work focuses on developing new strategies to target ZIP4 and inhibit its CSC activities in EOC. We found that cells expressing high levels of ZIP4 were supersensitive to a group of inhibitors called HDACis. One of the major targets of these inhibitors is a protein called HDAC4. We revealed the new molecular bases for the ZIP4-HDAC4 axis and tested the efficacies of targeting this axis in the lab and in mouse models. Our study provides a new mechanistic-based targeting strategy for EOC. Abstract We have recently identified ZIP4 as a novel cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). While it converts drug-resistance to cisplatin (CDDP), we unexpectedly found that ZIP4 induced sensitization of HGSOC cells to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Mechanistically, ZIP4 selectively upregulated HDAC IIa HDACs, with little or no effect on HDACs in other classes. HDAC4 knockdown (KD) and LMK-235 inhibited spheroid formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo, with hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) and endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) as functional downstream mediators of HDAC4. Moreover, we found that ZIP4, HDAC4, and HIF1α were involved in regulating secreted VEGFA in HGSOC cells. Furthermore, we tested our hypothesis that co-targeting CSC via the ZIP4-HDAC4 axis and non-CSC using CDDP is necessary and highly effective by comparing the effects of ZIP4-knockout/KD, HDAC4-KD, and HDACis, in the presence or absence of CDDP on tumorigenesis in mouse models. Our results showed that the co-targeting strategy was highly effective. Finally, data from human HGSOC tissues showed that ZIP4 and HDAC4 were upregulated in a subset of recurrent tumors, justifying the clinical relevance of the study. In summary, our study provides a new mechanistic-based targeting strategy for HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qipeng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut St. R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Lihong Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Oncology, and Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA;
| | - Robert E. Emerson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health Pathology Laboratory, 350 W. 11th Street, Room 4010, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut St. R2-E380, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(317)-274-3972
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Role of the Microenvironment in Regulating Normal and Cancer Stem Cell Activity: Implications for Breast Cancer Progression and Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091240. [PMID: 31450577 PMCID: PMC6770706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cells in an adult woman’s breast tissue are continuously replaced throughout their reproductive life during pregnancy and estrus cycles. Such extensive epithelial cell turnover is governed by the primitive mammary stem cells (MaSCs) that proliferate and differentiate into bipotential and lineage-restricted progenitors that ultimately generate the mature breast epithelial cells. These cellular processes are orchestrated by tightly-regulated paracrine signals and crosstalk between breast epithelial cells and their tissue microenvironment. However, current evidence suggests that alterations to the communication between MaSCs, epithelial progenitors and their microenvironment plays an important role in breast carcinogenesis. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the role of the breast tissue microenvironment in regulating the special functions of normal and cancer stem cells. Understanding the crosstalk between MaSCs and their microenvironment will provide new insights into how an altered breast tissue microenvironment could contribute to breast cancer development, progression and therapy response and the implications of this for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target cancer stem cells.
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Sun Y, Lai X, Yu Y, Li J, Cao L, Lin W, Huang C, Liao J, Chen W, Li C, Yang C, Ying M, Chen Q, Ye Y. Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) mediates stemness of colorectal cancer cells through the Id1-c-Myc-PLAC8 axis via the Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:6855-6869. [PMID: 31440083 PMCID: PMC6664424 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s207167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) is upregulated in multiple cancers, and Id1overexpression correlates with cancer aggressiveness and poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients. However, its roles in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are still elusive. Purpose This study aimed to examine the role of Id1 on the mediation of CRC stemness and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Id1 and CD133 expression was detected by qPCR assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal mucosal and primary colorectal cancer (CRC) specimens. Id1 was stably knocked down (KD) in human CRC cell lines. Spheres forming assay and tumorigenic assay were performed to evaluate self-renewal capacity and tumor initiation. Expression of CSC- and EMT-related markers and TCF/LEF activity were assessed in HCT116 cells after Id1 KD. Results qPCR assay showed higher Id1 and CD133 expression in CRC specimens than in normal mucosal specimens (P<0.05). IHC detected high cytoplasmic Id1 expression in 35 CRC specimens (46.7%), and high CD133 expression in 22 CRC specimens (29.3%) and negative expression in 18 normal mucosal specimens. High Id1 expression positively correlated with poor differentiation (P=0.034), and CD133 expression correlated with T category in CRC patients (P=0.002). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between Id1 and CD133 expression in CRC patients (P<0.05). Id1 KD resulted in suppression of proliferation, cell-colony formation, self-renewal capability and CSC-like features in HCT116 cells, and impaired the tumor-initiating capability in CRC cells. In addition, Id1 maintained the stemness of CRC cells via the Id1-c-Myc-PLAC8 axis through activating the Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways. Conclusions Id1 expression significantly correlates with CD133 expression in CRC patients, and Id1 KD impairs CSC-like capacity and reverses EMT traits, partially via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Id1 may be a promising therapeutic target against colon CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Lai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine , Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine , Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanzhong Huang
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine , Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Liao
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine , Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunkang Yang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingang Ying
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine , Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
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Shi CJ, Zhao Y, Wang M, Tian R, Li X, Guo XJ, Peng F, Zhang H, Feng YC, Qin RY. Clinical significance of expression of olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily W member 3 in human pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2018; 26:1229-1233. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v26.i20.1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the expression of olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily W member 3 (OR2W3) in human pancreatic cancer (PC) and to analyze its clinical significance.
METHODS The expression of OR2W3 in 50 paraffin-embedded PC tissues and tumor adjacent tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between the expression of OR2W3 protein and the clinicopathological factors was analyzed.
RESULTS The high expression and low expression rates of OR2W3 protein in PC tissues and tumor adjacent tissues were 78% (39/50) vs 12% (6/50) and 22% (11/50) vs 88% (44/50), respectively, and the differences between them were statistically significant (χ2 = 44.00, P < 0.05). Single factor analysis showed that the expression of OR2W3 was closely related to the degree of tissue differentiation, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis of PC (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION Overexpression of OR2W3 may play an important role in the development and progression of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jian Shi
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xing-Jun Guo
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Feng Peng
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ye-Chen Feng
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ren-Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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