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Li T, Xu L, Wei Z, Zhang S, Liu X, Yang Y, Gu Y, Zhang J. ELF5 drives angiogenesis suppression though stabilizing WDTC1 in renal cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:184. [PMID: 37980532 PMCID: PMC10656961 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Angiogenesis is a main contributing factor for tumorigenesis. E74-like transcription factor 5 (ELF5) has been verified to participate in the progression of different cancers and can regulate angiogenesis. This study was aimed to explore the functions of ELF5 in RCC. METHODS Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the expression of ELF5 in RCC. RT-qPCR was applied for testing ELF5 expression in RCC cells. Cell behaviors were evaluated by colony formation, CCK-8, and transwell assays. The tube formation assay was used for determining angiogenesis. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was utilized for measuring the methylation level of ELF5 in RCC cells. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied for assessing the binding of ELF5 and ubiquitin-specific protease 3 (USP3). Co-IP and GST pull-down were utilized for detecting the interaction of WD40 and tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (WDTC1) and USP3. Ubiquitination level of WDTC1 was determined by ubiquitination assay. RESULTS ELF5 was lowly expressed in RCC cells and tissues. High expression of ELF5 expression notably suppressed RCC cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities, and inhibited angiogenesis. The tumor growth in mice was inhibited by ELF5 overexpression. ELF5 was highly methylated in RCC samples, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) can promote hypermethylation level of ELF5 in RCC cells. ELF5 was further proved to transcriptionally activate USP3 in RCC. Moreover, USP3 inhibited WDTC1 ubiquitination. ELF5 can promote USP3-mediated WDTC1 stabilization. Additionally, WDTC1 silencing reversed the functions of ELF5 overexpression on RCC progression. CONCLUSION Downregulation of ELF5 due to DNA hypermethylation inhibits RCC development though the USP3/WDTC1axis in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushuai Li
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, 99 Southern Sanhuan Road, Suzhou, 215500, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214013, China
| | - Longjiang Xu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Zhe Wei
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214013, China
| | - Shaomei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, 99 Southern Sanhuan Road, Suzhou, 215500, China
| | - Yanzi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yue Gu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, 99 Southern Sanhuan Road, Suzhou, 215500, China.
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Sergeeva A, Davydova K, Perenkov A, Vedunova M. Mechanisms of human DNA methylation, alteration of methylation patterns in physiological processes and oncology. Gene 2023:147487. [PMID: 37211289 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications of the genome, the essence of which is the attachment of a methyl group to nitrogenous bases. In the eukaryote genome, cytosine is methylated in the vast majority of cases. About 98% of cytosines are methylated as part of CpG dinucleotides. They, in turn, form CpG islands, which are clusters of these dinucleotides. Islands located in the regulatory elements of genes are in particular interest. They are assumed to play an important role in the regulation of gene expression in humans. Besides that, cytosine methylation serves the functions of genomic imprinting, transposon suppression, epigenetic memory maintenance, X- chromosome inactivation, and embryonic development. Of particular interest are the enzymatic processes of methylation and demethylation. The methylation process always depends on the work of enzymatic complexes and is very precisely regulated. The methylation process largely depends on the functioning of three groups of enzymes: writers, readers and erasers. Writers include proteins of the DNMT family, readers are proteins containing the MBD, BTB/POZ or SET- and RING-associated domains and erasers are proteins of the TET family. Whereas demethylation can be performed not only by enzymatic complexes, but also passively during DNA replication. Hence, the maintenance of DNA methylation is important. Changes in methylation patterns are observed during embryonic development, aging, and cancers. In both aging and cancer, massive hypomethylation of the genome with local hypermethylation is observed. In this review, we will review the current understanding of the mechanisms of DNA methylation and demethylation in humans, the structure and distribution of CpG islands, the role of methylation in the regulation of gene expression, embryogenesis, aging, and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sergeeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
| | - K Davydova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
| | - A Perenkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
| | - M Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
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Mehdi A, Attias M, Arakelian A, Szyf M, Piccirillo CA, Rabbani SA. S-adenosylmethionine blocks tumorigenesis and with immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances anti-cancer efficacy against BRAF mutant and wildtype melanomas. Neoplasia 2023; 36:100874. [PMID: 36638586 PMCID: PMC9840362 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite marked success in treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), only a third of patients are responsive. Thus, melanoma still has one of the highest prevalence and mortality rates; which has led to a search for novel combination therapies that might complement CPI. Aberrant methylomes are one of the mechanisms of resistance to CPI therapy. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), methyl donor of important epigenetic processes, has significant anti-cancer effects in several malignancies; however, SAM's effect has never been extensively investigated in melanoma. We demonstrate that SAM modulates phenotype switching of melanoma cells and directs the cells towards differentiation indicated by increased melanogenesis (melanin and melanosome synthesis), melanocyte-like morphology, elevated Mitf and Mitf activators' expression, increased antigen expression, reduced proliferation, and reduced stemness genes' expression. Consistently, providing SAM orally, reduced tumor growth and progression, and metastasis of syngeneic BRAF mutant and wild-type (WT) melanoma mouse models. Of note, SAM and anti-PD-1 antibody combination treatment had enhanced anti-cancer efficacy compared to monotherapies, showed significant reduction in tumor growth and progression, and increased survival. Furthermore, SAM and anti-PD-1 antibody combination triggered significantly higher immune cell infiltration, higher CD8+ T cells infiltration and effector functions, and polyfunctionality of CD8+ T cells in YUMMER1.7 tumors. Therefore, SAM combined with CPI provides a novel therapeutic strategy against BRAF mutant and WT melanomas and provides potential to be translated into clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mehdi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - M Attias
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - A Arakelian
- Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - M Szyf
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - C A Piccirillo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - S A Rabbani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Co-Targeting Luminal B Breast Cancer with S-Adenosylmethionine and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Reduces Primary Tumor Growth and Progression, and Metastasis to Lungs and Bone. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010048. [PMID: 36612044 PMCID: PMC9818024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most prevalent cancer in females and has a high rate of mortality, especially due to increased metastasis to skeletal and non-skeletal sites. Despite the marked clinical accomplishment of immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy in patients with several cancers, it has had limited success in luminal subtypes of BCa. Accordingly, recent efforts have focused on combination therapy with CPI, including epigenetic modulators, to increase response rates of CPI in luminal BCa. We have previously shown that S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the ubiquitous methyl donor, has strong anti-cancer effects in various cancers, including all subtypes of BCa. In the current study, we took a novel approach and examined the effect of CPI alone and in combination with SAM on tumor growth and metastasis in a syngeneic mouse model of luminal B BCa. We showed that SAM decreases cell proliferation, colony-formation (survival), and invasion of luminal B BCa cell lines (Eo771, R221A) in vitro. In in vivo studies, in Eo771 tumor-bearing mice, either SAM or anti-PD-1 antibody treatment alone significantly reduced tumor growth and progression, while the SAM+anti-PD-1 combination treatment had the highest anti-cancer efficacy of all groups. The SAM+anti-PD-1 combination reduced the percentage of animals with lung metastasis, as well as total metastatic lesion area, compared to control. Additionally, the SAM+anti-PD-1 combination significantly reduced the skeletal lesion area and protected tibial integrity to a greater extent than the monotherapies in an Eo771 bone metastasis model. Transcriptome analysis of Eo771 primary tumors revealed significant downregulation of pro-metastatic genes, including Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and related pathways. On the other hand, CD8+ T cell infiltration, CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity (elevated granzymes), and immunostimulatory genes and pathways were significantly upregulated by the combination treatment. The results presented point to a combination of SAM with CPI as a possible treatment for luminal B BCa that should be tested in clinical studies.
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Barciszewska AM, Belter A, Gawrońska I, Giel-Pietraszuk M, Naskręt-Barciszewska MZ. Cross-reactivity between histone demethylase inhibitor valproic acid and DNA methylation in glioblastoma cell lines. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1033035. [PMID: 36465345 PMCID: PMC9709419 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1033035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, valproic acid (VPA) is known as an inhibitor of histone deacetylase (epigenetic drug) and is used for the clinical treatment of epileptic events in the course of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Which improves the clinical outcome of those patients. We analyzed the level of 5-methylcytosine, a DNA epigenetic modulator, and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine, an cellular oxidative damage marker, affected with VPA administration, alone and in combination with temozolomide (TMZ), of glioma (T98G, U118, U138), other cancer (HeLa), and normal (HaCaT) cell lines. We observed the VPA dose-dependent changes in the total DNA methylation in neoplastic cell lines and the lack of such an effect in a normal cell line. VPA at high concentrations (250-500 μM) induced hypermethylation of DNA in a short time frame. However, the exposition of GBM cells to the combination of VPA and TMZ resulted in DNA hypomethylation. At the same time, we observed an increase of genomic 8-oxo-dG, which as a hydroxyl radical reaction product with guanosine residue in DNA suggests a red-ox imbalance in the cancer cells and radical damage of DNA. Our data show that VPA as an HDAC inhibitor does not induce changes only in histone acetylation, but also changes in the state of DNA modification. It shows cross-reactivity between chromatin remodeling due to histone acetylation and DNA methylation. Finally, total DNA cytosine methylation and guanosine oxidation changes in glioma cell lines under VPA treatment suggest a new epigenetic mechanism of that drug action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Barciszewska
- Intraoperative Imaging Unit, Chair and Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, Heliodor Swiecicki Clinical Hospital, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Belter
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Iwona Gawrońska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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SMYD5 acts as a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2022; 414:113076. [PMID: 35218722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Determining the prognosis of patients remains a challenge due to the phenotypic and molecular diversities of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). We aimed to evaluate the role of SMYD5 in HCC. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression analyzed the relationship between clinical pathologic features and SMYD5. We found that increased expression of SMYD5 in HCC was closely associated with high histologic grade, stage, T stage and nodal stage. Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis detected overall survival of TCGA-HCC patients. It turned out that high expression of SMYD5 predicted a worse prognosis in HCC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was applied via TCGA data set, which indicated that complement and coagulation cascades, fatty acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, drug metabolism cytochrome P450, PPAR signaling pathway and retinol metabolism were differentially enriched in SMYD5 high expression phenotype. Interestingly, we proved that SMYD5 upregulation in HCC cells was induced by promoter hypo-methylation. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrated that SMYD5 silencing abrogated cell proliferation, migration and invasion and enhanced paclitaxel sensitivity in HCC. All findings implied that SMYD5 might be an underlying biomarker for prognosis and treatment of HCC.
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Ferreté-Bonastre AG, Cortés-Hernández J, Ballestar E. What can we learn from DNA methylation studies in lupus? Clin Immunol 2022; 234:108920. [PMID: 34973429 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the past twenty years, a wide range of studies have established the existence of epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation changes, in lupus. Epigenetic changes might have different contributions in children-onset versus adult-onset lupus. DNA methylation alterations have been identified and characterized in relation to disease activity and damage, different lupus subtypes and responses to drugs. However, to date there has been no practical application of these findings in the clinical milieu. In this article, we provide a review of key studies showing the relationship between DNA methylation and the many clinical aspects related to lupus. We also propose several options, in relation to the range of methodological developments and experimental design, that could optimize these findings and make them amenable for use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain; Epigenetics in Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, Health Science Center (HSC), East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Jiang AC, Buckingham L, Bishehsari F, Sutherland S, Ma K, Melson JE. Correlation of LINE-1 Hypomethylation With Size and Pathologic Extent of Dysplasia in Colorectal Tubular Adenomas. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00369. [PMID: 34060495 PMCID: PMC8162511 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional adenomas (tubular adenoma [TA] or tubulovillous adenoma) and sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are neoplastic precancerous lesions frequently detected in patients undergoing average risk screening colonoscopy and polyp surveillance. Metachronous risk stratification of adenomas is currently limited to histologic features and size of polyps. We report long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) methylation levels in SSL in comparison to TA and the impact of TA size and presence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) on LINE-1 methylation. METHODS LINE-1 methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA. We compared LINE-1 methylation between TA and SSL, among varying sizes of TA, and between TA with HGD and low-grade dysplasia (LGD). RESULTS LINE-1 methylation declined with increasing polyp size in TA when comparing those <5 mm (72.31 ± 6.11), 5 to <10 mm (67.50 ± 7.00), and ≥10 mm (66.75 ± 11.89). There were lower LINE-1 methylation levels in TA with LGD (n = 119) compared with SSLs (n = 29) (69.11 ± 8.62 vs 81.41 ± 2.43, P < 0.001). TA containing HGD (n = 26) had lower LINE-1 methylation levels than those with LGD (n = 119) (59.86 ± 7.93 vs 69.11 ± 8.62, P < 0.001). DISCUSSION HGD and increasing size of TA/tubulovillous adenoma were associated with lower LINE-1 methylation. This supports a hypothesis that LINE-1 hypomethylation in TAs indicates advancement along the CRC tumorigenesis pathway. Lower LINE-1 methylation and greater variance of global DNA methylation was seen in TA compared with SSL. LINE-1 methylation in adenomas correlates with polyp size and degree of dysplasia and deserves further study as a predictor of metachronous colorectal cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. Jiang
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lela Buckingham
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Faraz Bishehsari
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Karen Ma
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joshua E. Melson
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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A novel therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Immunomodulatory mechanisms of selenium and/or selenoproteins on a shift towards anti-cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107790. [PMID: 34162153 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace chemical element that is widely distributed worldwide. Se exerts its immunomodulatory and nutritional activities in the human body in the form of selenoproteins. Se has increasingly appeared as a potential trace element associated with many human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that Se and selenoproteins exert their immunomodulatory effects on HCC by regulating the molecules of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, cell proliferation and growth, angiogenesis, signaling pathways, apoptosis, and other processes in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal studies. Se concentrations are generally low in tissues of patients with HCC, such as blood, serum, scalp hair, and toenail. However, Se concentrations were higher in HCC patient tissues after Se supplementation than before supplementation. This review summarizes the significant relationship between Se and HCC, and details the role of Se as a novel immunomodulatory or immunotherapeutic approach against HCC.
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. Fibrinolytic System and Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094358. [PMID: 33921923 PMCID: PMC8122389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrinolysis is a crucial physiological process that helps to maintain a hemostatic balance by counteracting excessive thrombosis. The components of the fibrinolytic system are well established and are associated with a wide array of physiological and pathophysiological processes. The aberrant expression of several components, especially urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its cognate receptor uPAR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), has shown a direct correlation with increased tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. As a result, targeting the fibrinolytic system has been of great interest in the field of cancer biology. Even though there is a plethora of encouraging preclinical evidence on the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the key oncogenic components of the fibrinolytic system, none of them made it from “bench to bedside” due to a limited number of clinical trials on them. This review summarizes our existing understanding of the various diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the fibrinolytic system during cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Szu J, Wojcinski A, Jiang P, Kesari S. Impact of the Olig Family on Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:659601. [PMID: 33859549 PMCID: PMC8042229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.659601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Olig genes encode members of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. Olig1, Olig2, and Olig3 are expressed in both the developing and mature central nervous system (CNS) and strictly regulate cellular specification and differentiation. Extensive studies have established functional roles of Olig1 and Olig2 in directing neuronal and glial formation during different stages in development. Recently, Olig2 overexpression was implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders down syndrome (DS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but its influence on cognitive and intellectual defects remains unknown. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of the Olig family and how it uniquely promotes cellular diversity in the CNS. This is followed up with a discussion on how abnormal Olig2 expression impacts brain development and function in DS and ASD. Collectively, the studies described here emphasize vital features of the Olig members and their distinctive potential roles in neurodevelopmental disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Szu
- Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Alexandre Wojcinski
- Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Santosh Kesari
- Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, United States.,Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, United States
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Development of a novel prognostic signature for predicting the overall survival of bladder cancer patients. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:224923. [PMID: 32441304 PMCID: PMC7286875 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20194432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies. So far, no effective biomarker for bladder cancer prognosis has been identified. Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently observed in the bladder cancer and holds considerable promise as a biomarker for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients. Materials and methods: We downloaded the DNA methylation and transcriptome data for bladder cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a public database, screened hypo-methylated and up-regulated genes, similarly, hyper-methylation with low expression genes, then retrieved the relevant methylation sites. Cox regression analysis was used to identify a nine-methylation site signature of a training group. Predictive ability was validated in a test group by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: We identified nine bladder cancer-specific methylation sites as potential prognostic biomarkers and established a risk score system based on the methylation site signature to evaluate the OS. The performance of the signature was accurate, with area under curve was 0.73 in the training group and 0.71 in the test group. Taking clinical features into consideration, we constructed a nomogram consisting of the nine-methylation site signature and patients’ clinical variables, and found that the signature was an independent risk factor. Conclusions: Overall, the significant nine methylation sites could be novel prediction biomarkers, which could aid in treatment and also predict the overall survival likelihoods of bladder cancer patients.
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Mehdi A, Rabbani SA. Role of Methylation in Pro- and Anti-Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030545. [PMID: 33535484 PMCID: PMC7867049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA methylation play a vital role in the transcriptional regulation of various cell types including the differentiation and function of immune cells involved in pro- and anti-cancer immunity. Interactions of tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are complex. TME shapes the fate of tumors by modulating the dynamic DNA (and RNA) methylation patterns of these immune cells to alter their differentiation into pro-cancer (e.g., regulatory T cells) or anti-cancer (e.g., CD8+ T cells) cell types. This review considers the role of DNA and RNA methylation in myeloid and lymphoid cells in the activation, differentiation, and function that control the innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and non-cancer contexts. Understanding the complex transcriptional regulation modulating differentiation and function of immune cells can help identify and validate therapeutic targets aimed at targeting DNA and RNA methylation to reduce cancer-associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-843-1632
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14
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Mao XH, Ye Q, Zhang GB, Jiang JY, Zhao HY, Shao YF, Ye ZQ, Xuan ZX, Huang P. Identification of differentially methylated genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:29. [PMID: 33499882 PMCID: PMC7839189 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant DNA methylation is significantly associated with breast cancer. Methods In this study, we aimed to determine novel methylation biomarkers using a bioinformatics analysis approach that could have clinical value for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Firstly, differentially methylated DNA patterns were detected in breast cancer samples by comparing publicly available datasets (GSE72245 and GSE88883). Methylation levels in 7 selected methylation biomarkers were also estimated using the online tool UALCAN. Next, we evaluated the diagnostic value of these selected biomarkers in two independent cohorts, as well as in two mixed cohorts, through ROC curve analysis. Finally, prognostic value of the selected methylation biomarkers was evaluated breast cancer by the Kaplan-Meier plot analysis. Results In this study, a total of 23 significant differentially methylated sites, corresponding to 9 different genes, were identified in breast cancer datasets. Among the 9 identified genes, ADCY4, CPXM1, DNM3, GNG4, MAST1, mir129-2, PRDM14, and ZNF177 were hypermethylated. Importantly, individual value of each selected methylation gene was greater than 0.9, whereas predictive value for all genes combined was 0.9998. We also found the AUC for the combined signature of 7 genes (ADCY4, CPXM1, DNM3, GNG4, MAST1, PRDM14, ZNF177) was 0.9998 [95% CI 0.9994–1], and the AUC for the combined signature of 3 genes (MAST1, PRDM14, and ZNF177) was 0.9991 [95% CI 0.9976–1]. Results from additional validation analyses showed that MAST1, PRDM14, and ZNF177 had high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for breast cancer diagnosis. Lastly, patient survival analysis revealed that high expression of ADCY4, CPXM1, DNM3, PRDM14, PRKCB, and ZNF177 were significantly associated with better overall survival. Conclusions Methylation pattern of MAST1, PRDM14, and ZNF177 may represent new diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer, while methylation of ADCY4, CPXM1, DNM3, PRDM14, PRKCB, and ZNF177 may hold prognostic potential for breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02124-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Mao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Bing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Ying Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Fei Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Qi Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Xue Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Wang L, Zhang C, Hong Y, Li X, Li T, Gao A, Pan S, Liu B, Jin H, Cui D. Integrating Epigenetic Modulators in Nanofibers for Synergistic Gastric Cancer Therapy via Epigenetic Reprogramming. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:298-307. [PMID: 33356327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulations resulting from the defects of epigenetic regulators are often reversible in tumorigenesis, making them promising cancer therapeutic targets. However, the limited specificity of action, short-term stability, and low retention of the epigenetic drugs greatly impede their clinical efficacy against solid tumors. Herein a method of combinatorial delivery of epigenetic modulatory drugs via a molecular self-assembly strategy was developed using inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases. The drug-drug conjugates can self-assemble into nanofibers with enhanced chemical stability. The nanofibers synergistically regulate aberrant DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, subsequently reprogram the gene expression profiles, and finally inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. The superior in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the nanofibers could be ascribed to the prolonged retention and accumulation in tumors and the minimized off-target effects. Therefore, this design of epigenetic-drug-based nanofiber formulation may provide a valuable paradigm for cancer therapy through epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirui Wang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yuping Hong
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Tangan Li
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Ang Gao
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shaojun Pan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Han Jin
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- National Engineering Center for Nanotechnology, Collaborative Innovational Center for System Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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16
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Obrador E, Salvador R, Villaescusa JI, Soriano JM, Estrela JM, Montoro A. Radioprotection and Radiomitigation: From the Bench to Clinical Practice. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E461. [PMID: 33142986 PMCID: PMC7692399 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of protective agents against harmful radiations has been a subject of investigation for decades. However, effective (ideal) radioprotectors and radiomitigators remain an unsolved problem. Because ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage is primarily attributed to free radicals, radical scavengers are promising as potential radioprotectors. Early development of such agents focused on thiol synthetic compounds, e.g., amifostine (2-(3-aminopropylamino) ethylsulfanylphosphonic acid), approved as a radioprotector by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA) but for limited clinical indications and not for nonclinical uses. To date, no new chemical entity has been approved by the FDA as a radiation countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). All FDA-approved radiation countermeasures (filgrastim, a recombinant DNA form of the naturally occurring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF; pegfilgrastim, a PEGylated form of the recombinant human G-CSF; sargramostim, a recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF) are classified as radiomitigators. No radioprotector that can be administered prior to exposure has been approved for ARS. This differentiates radioprotectors (reduce direct damage caused by radiation) and radiomitigators (minimize toxicity even after radiation has been delivered). Molecules under development with the aim of reaching clinical practice and other nonclinical applications are discussed. Assays to evaluate the biological effects of ionizing radiations are also analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Rosario Salvador
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Juan I. Villaescusa
- Service of Radiological Protection, Clinical Area of Medical Image, La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Health Research Institute (IISLaFe), La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain;
- Joint Research Unit in Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute IISLaFe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Estrela
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Alegría Montoro
- Service of Radiological Protection, Clinical Area of Medical Image, La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Health Research Institute (IISLaFe), La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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17
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Li L, Li N, Liu N, Huo F, Zheng J. MBD2 Correlates with a Poor Prognosis and Tumor Progression in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10001-10012. [PMID: 33116585 PMCID: PMC7548338 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s256226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating gene expression. Methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins recognize and bind to methylated DNA, which mediate gene silencing by the interaction with deacetylases and histone methyltransferases. MBD2 has been reported in various human cancers; however, its clinical implication and potential regulatory role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been elaborated. Materials and Methods In the study, we estimated the expression and prognostic value of MBD2 in RCC cell lines and tissues by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The associations of MBD2 expression and pathological characters and survival in RCC patients were performed using χ2 and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, respectively. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses suggested the independent predictors in RCC prognosis. The functional role of MBD2 in RCC progression was assessed by in vitro cell experiments. In addition, we identified the MBD2-mediated alterations of protein-related proliferation and EMT markers in RCC cells after MBD2 overexpression and knockdown. Results We found that the protein levels of MBD2 were upregulated in RCC cells and tissues. High MBD2 expression was related to TNM stage and predicted poorer survival in RCC. Enforced expression of MBD2 significantly promoted the proliferation, cycle progress, invasion and migration of RCC cells in vitro. However, downregulating MBD2 remarkably weakened the above cell functions. Mechanistically, the promotive effect of MBD2 overexpression may be regulated by its effects onp21, p53 and Cyclin D1 expression and EMT process. Conclusion These results indicated that MBD2confers an oncogenic function in the malignant progression of RCC. MBD2 could be served as a meaningful prognostic biomarker and a latent therapeutic target in RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liantao Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Nianli Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Huo
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, People's Republic of China
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18
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Lu X, Li Y, Yang W, Tao M, Dai Y, Xu J, Xu Q. Inhibition of NF-κB is required for oleanolic acid to downregulate PD-L1 by promoting DNA demethylation in gastric cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 35:e22621. [PMID: 32894642 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Immunotherapy via programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has shown benefits for gastric cancer. Epigenetic DNA methylation critically regulates cancer immune checkpoints. We investigated how the natural compound oleanolic acid (OA) affected PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at 20 ng/mL was used to stimulate human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells. IL-1β significantly increased PD-L1 expression, which was abolished by OA. Next, OA-treated MKN-45 cells were co-cultured with activated and PD-1-overexpressing Jurkat T cells. OA restored IL-2 levels in the co-culture system and increased T cell killing toward MKN-45 cells. Overexpression of PD-L1 eliminated OA-enhanced T cell killing capacity; however, PD-1 blocking antibody abrogated the cytotoxicity of T cells. Moreover, OA abolished IL-1β-increased DNA demethylase activity in MKN-45 cells. DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine rescued OA-reduced PD-L1 expression; whereas DNA demethylation inhibitor gemcitabine inhibited PD-L1 expression, and, in combination with OA, provided more potent inhibitory effects. Furthermore, OA selectively reduced the expression of DNA demethylase TET3 in IL-1β-treated MKN-45 cells, and overexpression of TET3 restored OA-reduced PD-L1 expression. Finally, OA disrupted nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling IL-1β-treated MKN-45 cells, and overexpression of NF-κB restored OA downregulation of TET3 and PD-L1. The cytotoxicity of T cells toward MKN-45 cells was also weakened by NF-κB overexpression. Altogether, OA blocked the IL-1β/NF-κB/TET3 axis in gastric cancer cells, leading to DNA hypomethylation and downregulation of PD-L1. Our discoveries suggested OA as an epigenetic modulator for immunotherapy or an adjuvant therapy against gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirong Lu
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, The Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuyi Li
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, The Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minghao Tao
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanmiao Dai
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinkang Xu
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, The Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianfei Xu
- Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, The Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Spleen and Stomach and Hepatology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Mehdi A, Attias M, Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Mihalcioiu C, Piccirillo CA, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. Enhanced Anticancer Effect of a Combination of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICPi) in a Syngeneic Mouse Model of Advanced Melanoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1361. [PMID: 32983966 PMCID: PMC7492272 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown marked success in patients with advanced melanoma. However, 60-70% of patients fail to respond, warranting a therapeutic intervention that could increase response rates. We and others have shown that S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a universal methyl donor, has significant anticancer effects in numerous cancers previously; however, its effect on melanoma progression has not been evaluated. Interestingly, SAM was reported to be essential for T cell activation and proliferation and, thus, could potentially cooperate with ICPi and block melanoma progression. In this study, we examined the antitumor effects of SAM and ICPi alone and in combination in a well-established melanoma mouse model wherein syngeneic C57BL/6 mouse were subcutaneously (orthotopic) injected with B16-F1 cells. Treatment of mice with either SAM or anti-PD-1 antibody alone resulted in significant reduction in tumor volumes and weights; effects that were highest in mice treated with a combination of SAM+anti-PD-1. RNA-sequencing analysis of the primary tumors showed numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following treatment with SAM+anti-PD-1, which was shown to downregulate cancer, MAPK, and tyrosine kinase pathways. Indeed, SAM+anti-PD-1 reversed the aberrant expression of some known melanoma genes. Tumor immunophenotyping revealed the SAM+anti-PD-1 combination was significantly more effective than either SAM or anti-PD-1 as the CD8+ T cells had higher activation, proliferation, and cytokine production compared to all other groups. This study shows that the combination of currently approved agents SAM and ICPi can effectively block melanoma via alteration of key genes/pathways implicated in cancer and immune response pathways, providing the rationale for the initiation of clinical trials with SAM and ICPi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mikhael Attias
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat Ahmed Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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20
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Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Cheishvili D, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. S-adenosylmethionine in combination with decitabine shows enhanced anti-cancer effects in repressing breast cancer growth and metastasis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10322-10337. [PMID: 32720467 PMCID: PMC7521255 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DNA methylation orchestrates many of the cancer‐related gene expression irregularities such as the inactivation of tumour suppressor genes through hypermethylation as well as activation of prometastatic genes through hypomethylation. The fact that DNA methylation abnormalities can be chemically reversed positions the DNA methylation machinery as an attractive target for anti‐cancer drug development. However, although in vitro studies suggested that targeting concordantly hypo‐ and hypermethylation is of benefit in suppressing both oncogenic and prometastatic functions of breast cancer cells, this has never been tested in a therapeutic setting in vivo. In this context, we investigated the combined therapeutic effects of an approved nutraceutical agent S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) and FDA‐approved hypomethylating agent decitabine using the MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft model of breast cancer and found a pronounced reduction in mammary tumour volume and lung metastasis compared to the animals in the control and monotherapy treatment arms. Immunohistochemical assessment of the primary breast tumours showed a significantly reduced expression of proliferation (Ki‐67) and angiogenesis (CD31) markers following combination therapy as compared to the control group. Global transcriptome and methylome analyses have revealed that the combination therapy regulates genes from several key cancer‐related pathways that are abnormally expressed in breast tumours. To our knowledge, this is the first preclinical study demonstrating the anti‐cancer therapeutic potential of using a combination of methylating (SAM) and demethylating agent (decitabine) in vivo. Results from this study provide a molecularly founded rationale for clinically testing a combination of agents targeting the epigenome to reduce the morbidity and mortality from breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David Cheishvili
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,HKG Epitherapeutics, Hong Kong, China
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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21
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Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Muller WJ, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. An enhanced chemopreventive effect of methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine in combination with 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blocking mammary tumor growth and metastasis. Bone Res 2020; 8:28. [PMID: 32714613 PMCID: PMC7376160 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-020-0103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of metastatic breast cancer still remains a challenge as the tumor cells are highly heterogenous and exploit multiple pathways for their growth and metastatic spread that cannot always be targeted by a single-agent monotherapy regimen. Therefore, a rational approach through simultaneous targeting of several pathways may provide a better anti-cancer therapeutic effect. We tested this hypothesis using a combination of two nutraceutical agents S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and Vitamin D (Vit. D) prohormone [25-hydroxyvitamin D; '25(OH)D'] that are individually known to exert distinct changes in the expression of genes involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Our results show that both SAM and 25(OH)D monotherapy significantly reduced proliferation and clonogenic survival of a panel of breast cancer cell lines in vitro and inhibited tumor growth, lung metastasis, and breast tumor cell colonization to the skeleton in vivo. However, these effects were significantly more pronounced in the combination setting. RNA-Sequencing revealed that the transcriptomic footprint on key cancer-related signaling pathways is broader in the combination setting than any of the monotherapies. Furthermore, comparison of the differentially expressed genes from our transcriptome analyses with publicly available cancer-related dataset demonstrated that the combination treatment upregulates genes from immune-related pathways that are otherwise downregulated in bone metastasis in vivo. Since SAM and Vit. D are both approved nutraceuticals with known safety profiles, this combination treatment may serve as a novel strategy to reduce breast cancer-associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1 Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1 Canada
| | - William J. Muller
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3 Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6 Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1 Canada
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Epigenetic Alterations in Oesophageal Cancer: Expression and Role of the Involved Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103522. [PMID: 32429269 PMCID: PMC7278932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal cancer is a life-threatening disease, accounting for high mortality rates. The poor prognosis of this malignancy is mostly due to late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies for advanced disease. Epigenetic alterations may constitute novel and attractive therapeutic targets, owing to their ubiquity in cancer and their reversible nature. Herein, we offer an overview of the most important studies which compared differences in expression of enzymes that mediate epigenetic alterations between oesophageal cancer and normal mucosa, as well as in vitro data addressing the role of these genes/proteins in oesophageal cancer. Furthermore, The Cancer Genome Atlas database was interrogated for the correlation between expression of these epigenetic markers and standard clinicopathological features. We concluded that most epigenetic players studied thus far are overexpressed in tumours compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, functional assays suggest an oncogenic role for most of those enzymes, supporting their potential as therapeutic targets in oesophageal cancer.
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