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Moore LL, Houchen CW. Epigenetic Landscape and Therapeutic Implication of Gene Isoforms of Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 for Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16407. [PMID: 38003596 PMCID: PMC10671580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216407] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant strides have been made in understanding cancer biology, the enhancement in patient survival is limited, underscoring the urgency for innovative strategies. Epigenetic modifications characterized by hereditary shifts in gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence play a critical role in producing alternative gene isoforms. When these processes go awry, they influence cancer onset, growth, spread, and cancer stemness. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic and isoform nuances of the protein kinase, doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Recognized as a hallmark of tumor stemness, DCLK1 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and DCLK1 isoforms, shaped by alternative promoter usage and splicing, can reveal potential therapeutic touchpoints. Our discussion centers on recent findings pertaining to the specific functions of DCLK1 isoforms and the prevailing understanding of its epigenetic regulation via its two distinct promoters. It is noteworthy that all DCLK1 isoforms retain their kinase domain, suggesting that their unique functionalities arise from non-kinase mechanisms. Consequently, our research has pivoted to drugs that specifically influence the epigenetic generation of these DCLK1 isoforms. We posit that a combined therapeutic approach, harnessing both the epigenetic regulators of specific DCLK1 isoforms and DCLK1-targeted drugs, may prove more effective than therapies that solely target DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Moreta-Moraleda C, Queralt C, Vendrell-Ayats C, Forcales S, Martínez-Balibrea E. Chromatin factors: Ready to roll as biomarkers in metastatic colorectal cancer? Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106924. [PMID: 37709185 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally and stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in 2020. Survival rates for metastatic disease have slightly improved in recent decades, with clinical trials showing median overall survival of approximately 24-30 months. This progress can be attributed to the integration of chemotherapeutic treatments alongside targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Despite these modest improvements, the primary obstacle to successful treatment for advanced CRC lies in the development of chemoresistance, whether inherent or acquired, which remains the major cause of treatment failure. Epigenetics has emerged as a hallmark of cancer, contributing to master transcription regulation and genome stability maintenance. As a result, epigenetic factors are starting to appear as potential clinical biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response in CRC.In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the influence of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodelers on responses to chemotherapeutic treatments. While there is accumulating evidence indicating their significant involvement in various types of cancers, the exact relationship between chromatin landscapes and treatment modulation in CRC remains elusive. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the most pertinent and extensively researched epigenetic-associated mechanisms described between 2015 and 2022 and their potential usefulness as predictive biomarkers in the metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Moreta-Moraleda
- Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, c/Feixa Llarga s/n, 08917 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Group of Inflammation, Immunity and Cancer, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute ( IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals 3a Planta, Av. Gran Via de l'Hospitalet 199, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Cristina Queralt
- ProCURE Program, Catalan Instiute of Oncology, Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Carla Vendrell-Ayats
- ProCURE Program, Catalan Instiute of Oncology, Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain; CARE Program, Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Sonia Forcales
- Serra Húnter Programme, Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, c/Feixa Llarga s/n, 08917 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Group of Inflammation, Immunity and Cancer, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute ( IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals 3a Planta, Av. Gran Via de l'Hospitalet 199, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Eva Martínez-Balibrea
- ProCURE Program, Catalan Instiute of Oncology, Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain; CARE Program, Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Carretera de Can Ruti, camí de les escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
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Liang T, Sun X, Li W, Hou G, Gao F. 1,2,3-Triazole-Containing Compounds as Anti-Lung Cancer Agents: Current Developments, Mechanisms of Action, and Structure-Activity Relationship. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:661173. [PMID: 34177578 PMCID: PMC8226129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.661173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common malignancy and leads to around one-quarter of all cancer deaths. Great advances have been achieved in the treatment of lung cancer with novel anticancer agents and improved technology. However, morbidity and mortality rates remain extremely high, calling for an urgent need to develop novel anti-lung cancer agents. 1,2,3-Triazole could be readily interact with diverse enzymes and receptors in organisms through weak interaction. 1,2,3-Triazole can not only be acted as a linker to tether different pharmacophores but also serve as a pharmacophore. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in 1,2,3-triazole-containing compounds with anti-lung cancer potential, and their structure-activity relationship (SAR) together with mechanisms of action is also discussed to pave the way for the further rational development of novel anti-lung cancer candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Biomedical Isotope Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyang Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guihua Hou
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Biomedical Isotope Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Biomedical Isotope Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Hu S, Cao P, Kong K, Han P, Deng Y, Li F, Zhao B. MicroRNA-449a delays lung cancer development through inhibiting KDM3A/HIF-1α axis. J Transl Med 2021; 19:224. [PMID: 34044859 PMCID: PMC8157436 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02881-8] [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: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been established that microRNA (miR)-449a is anti-tumorigenic in cancers, including lung cancer. Therefore, this study further explored miR-449a-mediated mechanism in lung cancer, mainly focusing on lysine demethylase 3A/hypoxia-induced factor-1α (KDM3A/HIF-1α) axis. Methods miR-449a, KDM3A and HIF-1α levels in lung cancer tissues and cell lines (A549, H1299 and H460) were measured. Loss- and gain-of-function assays were performed and then cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and migration were traced. The relationship between KDM3A, miR-449a and HIF-1α was verified. Tumor growth in vivo was also monitored. Results Both lung cancer tissues and cells exhibited reduced miR-449a and raised KDM3A and HIF-1α levels. miR-449a interacted with KDM3A; HIF-1α could bind with KDM3A. Up-regulating miR-449a hindered while suppressing miR-449a induced lung cancer development via mediating HIF-1α. Elevating KDM3A promoted cellular aggression while down-regulating KDM3A had the opposite effects. Up-regulating KDM3A or HIF-1α negated up-regulated miR-449a-induced effects on cellular growth in lung cancer. Restoring miR-449a impaired tumorigenesis in vivo in lung cancer. Conclusion It is eventually concluded that miR-449a delays lung cancer development through suppressing KDM3A/HIF-1α axis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02881-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Kangle Kong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Maurya SK, Lakshmanan I, Jain M, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic landscape of small cell lung cancer: small image of a giant recalcitrant disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:57-76. [PMID: 33220460 PMCID: PMC8218609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particular subtype of lung cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in understanding SCLC genomics and breakthroughs of immunotherapy have substantially expanded existing knowledge and treatment modalities. However, challenges associated with SCLC remain enigmatic and elusive. Most of the conventional drug discovery approaches targeting altered signaling pathways in SCLC end up in the 'grave-yard of drug discovery', which mandates exploring novel approaches beyond inhibiting cell signaling pathways. Epigenetic modifications have long been documented as the key contributors to the tumorigenesis of almost all types of cancer, including SCLC. The last decade witnessed an exponential increase in our understanding of epigenetic modifications for SCLC. The present review highlights the central role of epigenetic regulations in acquiring neoplastic phenotype, metastasis, aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches of SCLC. Different types of epigenetic modifications (DNA/histone methylation or acetylation) that can serve as predictive biomarkers for prognostication, treatment stratification, neuroendocrine lineage determination, and development of potential SCLC therapies are also discussed. We also review the utility of epigenetic targets/epidrugs in combination with first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy that are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies. Altogether, the information presents the inclusive landscape of SCLC epigenetics and epidrugs that will help to improve SCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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