1
|
Estevão-Pereira H, Guimarães-Teixeira C, Flores BCT, Moreira-Silva F, Tavares NT, Guimarães R, Braga I, Maurício J, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Lobo J. EHMT2/G9a and EZH2: Epimarkers in testicular germ cell tumors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38380739 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors remain the most frequent solid malignancies in young males. Despite excellent prognosis, the fact that only 60% of patients at diagnosis have elevated serum tumor markers (dependent on stage and histology) and the poor quality of life of patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy cannot be neglected. Consequently, it is mandatory to bring out novel biomarkers. OBJECTIVES The main goal was to evaluate EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression in a well-characterized patients' cohort of primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumors, seeking associations with clinicopathological features and discovering differential immunoexpression patterns among specific subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, an in silico analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database was performed regarding EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a. Then, immunohistochemistry for EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a was carried out in a cohort of testicular germ cell tumor patients, comprising 155 chemo-naïve primary tumors and 11 chemo-treated metastases. Immunoexpression was evaluated using a digital pathology analysis software. RESULTS Higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a expression levels were found in non-seminoma in the in silico analysis, particularly in embryonal carcinoma. Through digital pathology analysis, non-seminomas showed significantly higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression, with embryonal carcinoma showing higher expression. Moreover, mixed tumors with 50% or more of embryonal carcinoma component revealed the highest nuclei positivity for both biomarkers. Cisplatin-exposed metastases demonstrated a higher EZH2-positive nuclei and H-score, as well as higher EHMT2/G9a-positive nuclei. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest that EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a might be associated with greater aggressiveness and, eventually, involved in the metastatic setting, paving the way for testing targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Estevão-Pereira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bianca C T Flores
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moreira-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Oncology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nuñez-Corona D, Contreras-Sanzón E, Puente-Rivera J, Arreola R, Camacho-Nuez M, Cruz Santiago J, Estrella-Parra EA, Torres-Romero JC, López-Camarillo C, Alvarez-Sánchez ME. Epigenetic Factors and ncRNAs in Testicular Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12194. [PMID: 37569569 PMCID: PMC10418327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most prevalent tumor among males aged 15 to 35, resulting in a significant number of newly diagnosed cases and fatalities annually. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in various cellular processes and pathologies, including testicular cancer. Their involvement in gene regulation, coding, decoding, and overall gene expression control suggests their potential as targets for alternative treatment approaches for this type of cancer. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, and the regulation by microRNA (miRNA), have been implicated in testicular tumor progression and treatment response. Epigenetics may also offer critical insights for prognostic evaluation and targeted therapies in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). This comprehensive review aims to present the latest discoveries regarding the involvement of some proteins and ncRNAs, mainly miRNAs and lncRNA, in the epigenetic aspect of testicular cancer, emphasizing their relevance in pathogenesis and their potential, given the fact that their specific expression holds promise for prognostic evaluation and targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nuñez-Corona
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - Estefania Contreras-Sanzón
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | | | - Rodrigo Arreola
- Departamento De Genética, Instituto Nacional De Psiquiatría “Ramón De la Fuente Muñiz”, Calz. Mexico, Xochimilco 101, Col. Huipulco, Tlalpan, México City 14370, Mexico
| | - Minerva Camacho-Nuez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - José Cruz Santiago
- Hospital De Especialidades Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, México City 02990, Mexico
| | - Edgar Antonio Estrella-Parra
- Laboratorio De Fitoquímica, UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, Unidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios No.1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Julio César Torres-Romero
- Laboratorio De Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad De Química, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Calle 43 s/n x Calle 96, Paseo De las Fuentes y 40, Col. Inalambrica, Yucatán 97069, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| | - María Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma De México (UACM), San Lorenzo 290, Col. Del Valle, México City 03100, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun L, Li X, Luo H, Guo H, Zhang J, Chen Z, Lin F, Zhao G. EZH2 can be used as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115594. [PMID: 37207700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115594] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of polycomb repressor complex 2 and plays important roles in endothelial cell homeostasis. EZH2 functionally methylates lysine 27 of histone H3 and represses gene expression through chromatin compaction. EZH2 mediates the effects of environmental stimuli by regulating endothelial functions, such as angiogenesis, endothelial barrier integrity, inflammatory signaling, and endothelial mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the significance of EZH2 in endothelial function. The aim of this review is to provide a concise summary of the roles EZH2 plays in endothelial function and elucidate its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Xuefang Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Huige Guo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
| | - Guoan Zhao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Burlibasa L, Nicu AT, Chifiriuc MC, Medar C, Petrescu A, Jinga V, Stoica I. H3 histone methylation landscape in male urogenital cancers: from molecular mechanisms to epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181764. [PMID: 37228649 PMCID: PMC10203431 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, male urogenital cancers (including prostate, renal, bladder and testicular cancers) have become one of the most frequently encountered malignancies affecting all ages. While their great variety has promoted the development of various diagnosis, treatment and monitoring strategies, some aspects such as the common involvement of epigenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Epigenetic processes have come into the spotlight in the past years as important players in the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to a plethora of studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and even as therapeutic targets. Thus, fostering research on the various epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in cancer remains a priority for the scientific community. This review focuses on one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, namely, the methylation of the histone H3 at various sites and its involvement in male urogenital cancers. This histone modification presents a great interest due to its modulatory effect on gene expression, leading either to activation (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K36me3) or repression (e.g., H3K27me3, H3K9me3). In the last few years, growing evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of enzymes that methylate/demethylate histone H3 in cancer and inflammatory diseases, that might contribute to the initiation and progression of such disorders. We highlight how these particular epigenetic modifications are emerging as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of urogenital cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amelia Petrescu
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fujii H, Yamada Y, Yamamura K, Ishida Y, Tsujimura M, Matsumoto K, Tanaka S, Date H, Nishikawa T, Yoshida Y, Kashima J, Yatabe Y, Ogawa S, Marx A, Ulbright TM, Haga H. A case of vasculogenic mesenchymal tumor in the mediastinum: whole-exome sequencing reveals origin from pre-existing germ cell tumor. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:923-927. [PMID: 36943470 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03529-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mesenchymal tumor (VMT), a primitive mesenchymal neoplasm enriched by various-sized atypical vessels, is a new entity that develops in mediastinal germ cell tumors (GCTs) with yolk sac tumor (YST) components after chemotherapy. Notably, patients with VMT in the residual GCT have increased risk of developing sarcomas or hematopoietic malignancies. Here, we report a late-teenage male patient with residual teratoma and high-grade VMT after chemotherapy for a mediastinal mixed GCT, including YST. Whole-exome sequencing revealed biallelic inactivation of TP53 and extensive copy number alterations that suggested whole-genome doubling. The biopsy tissue of the mixed GCT before chemotherapy exhibited overlapping genetic alterations to those in the VMT. Immunohistochemical analyses of the VMT showed that the abnormal vessels were positive for cytokeratin, glypican 3, EZH2, and IMP3. The findings that VMT inherits the genetic alterations of pre-existing mixed GCT and exhibits a partly YST-like immunophenotype might contribute to its clinical aggressiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotake Fujii
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Yamamura
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ishida
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Marina Tsujimura
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | | | - Satona Tanaka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Nishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yoshida
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jumpei Kashima
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yatabe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medical Centre, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas M Ulbright
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
von Eyben FE, Kristiansen K, Kapp DS, Hu R, Preda O, Nogales FF. Epigenetic Regulation of Driver Genes in Testicular Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044148. [PMID: 36835562 PMCID: PMC9966837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In testicular germ cell tumor type II (TGCT), a seminoma subtype expresses an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) panel with four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX17, KLF4, and MYC, and embryonal carcinoma (EC) has four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX2, LIN28, and NANOG. The EC panel can reprogram cells into iPSC, and both iPSC and EC can differentiate into teratoma. This review summarizes the literature on epigenetic regulation of the genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylations of cytosines on the DNA string and methylations and acetylations of histone 3 lysines, regulate expression of these driver genes between the TGCT subtypes. In TGCT, the driver genes contribute to well-known clinical characteristics and the driver genes are also important for aggressive subtypes of many other malignancies. In conclusion, epigenetic regulation of the driver genes are important for TGCT and for oncology in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Finn E. von Eyben
- Center for Tobacco Control Research, Birkevej 17, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-66145862
| | - Karsten Kristiansen
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, August Krogh Building Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518120, China
- Institute of Metagenomics, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 166555, China
| | - Daniel S. Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Ovidiu Preda
- Department of Pathology, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
| | - Francisco F. Nogales
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University Granada, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lv W, Yu M, Su Y. miR-22-5p regulates the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells by targeting EZH2. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:556-565. [PMID: 35415251 PMCID: PMC8932390 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs play an important role in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the basic function of miR-22-5p in cryptorchidism. The results of RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry showed that miR-22-5p was increased while EZH2 decreased in the testicular tissues of patients with cryptorchidism. Overexpression of miR-22-5p inhibited the proliferation of SSCs, increased cell apoptosis rate, and reduced expression of SSC marker proteins (GDNF and DAZL); however, knockout of miR-22-5p has the opposite effect. The Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that EZH2 is a direct target of miR-22-5p. Moreover, EZH2 overexpression could reverse the effect of miR-22-5p mimic on SSCs’ proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of SSC marker proteins. Our results demonstrated that miR-22-5p regulates SSCs’ self-renewal by targeting EZH2, which indicated that miR-22-5p may serve as a biological marker for the treatment of infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Pediatrician, Binhu District of Hefei First People’s Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University) , Hefei 230000 , Anhui , China
| | - Yilin Su
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang H, Ma J, Wan Z, Wang Q, Wang Z, Zhao J, Wang F, Zhang Y. Characterization of sheep spermatogenesis through single-cell RNA sequencing. FASEB J 2020; 35:e21187. [PMID: 33197070 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001035rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an important biological process in male reproduction. The interaction between male germ cells and somatic cells during spermatogenesis, is necessary for male reproductive activities. This cellular heterogeneity has made it difficult to profile distinct cell types at different stages of development. Here, we present the first comprehensive, unbiased single-cell transcriptomic study of sheep spermatogenesis using 10× genomics single cell sequencing (scRNA-seq). We collected scRNA-seq data from 11 772 cells from the adult sheep testis and identified all known germ cells (including early primary spermatocytes, late primary spermatocytes, round spermatids, elongated spermatids, and sperm), and somatic cells (Sertoli cells and Leydig cells), as well as one somatic cell that unexpectedly contained leukocytes. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that several pathways of cell cycle, gamete generation, protein processing, and mRNA surveillance pathways were significantly enriched in testicular germ cell types, and ribosome pathway was significantly enriched in testicular somatic cell types. Further analysis identified several stage-specific marker genes of sheep germ cells, such as EZH2, SOX18, SCP2, PCNA, and PRKCD. Our research explored for the first time of the changes in the transcription level of various cell types during the process of sheep spermatogenesis, providing new insights for sheep spermatogenesis and spermatogenic cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jianyu Ma
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cardoso AR, Lobo J, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic alterations as therapeutic targets in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours : current and future application of 'epidrugs'. Epigenetics 2020; 16:353-372. [PMID: 32749176 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1805682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are heterogeneous neoplasms mostly affecting young-adult men. Despite high survival rates, some patients with disseminated disease acquire cisplatin resistance, entailing the need for less toxic therapies. Epigenetic alterations constitute an important feature of TGCTs, which are also implicated in resistance mechanism(s). These alterations might be used as potential targets to design epigenetic drugs. To date, several compounds have been explored and evaluated regarding therapeutic efficacy, making use of pre-clinical studies with in vitro and in vivo models, and some have already been explored in clinical trials. This review summarizes the several epigenetic mechanisms at play in these neoplasms, the current challenges in the field of TGCTs and critically reviews available data on 'epidrugs' in those tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Cardoso
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Role of DNA/Histone Modifying Enzymes and Chromatin Remodeling Complexes in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 11:cancers11010006. [PMID: 30577487 PMCID: PMC6357018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that cancer cells exhibit alterations in chromatin structure and accessibility. Indeed, the dysregulation of many protein-coding players with enzymatic activity (DNA and histone-modifying enzymes) and chromatin remodelers have been depicted in various tumor models in recent years. Still, little attention has been directed towards testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs)-representing the most common neoplasm among young adult Caucasian men-with most studies focusing on exploring the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and DNA demethylases (TETs). TGCTs represent a complex tumor model, associated with developmental and embryogenesis-related phenomena, and display seldom (cyto)genetic aberrations, leaving room for Epigenetics to explain such morphological and clinical diversity. Herein, we have summarized the major findings that were reported in literature regarding the dysregulation of DNA/histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers in TGCTs. Additionally, we performed in silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database to find the most relevant of those players in TGCTs. We concluded that several DNA/histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers may serve as biomarkers for subtyping, dictating prognosis and survival, and, possibly, for serving as targets of directed, less toxic therapies.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin C, Zhang Y, Wang ZP, Wang XX, Sun TC, Li XY, Tang JX, Cheng JM, Li J, Chen SR, Deng SL, Liu YX. EZH2 deletion promotes spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis. Reproduction 2018; 154:615-625. [PMID: 28982932 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is crucial for male fertility and is therefore tightly controlled by a variety of epigenetic regulators. However, the function of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in spermatogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that deleting EZH2 promoted spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis. EZH2 is expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids from stage 9 to 11 but not in leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes. Knocking down Ezh2 in vitro using a lentivirus impaired self-renewal in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and the conditional knockout of Ezh2 in spermatogonial progenitors promoted precocious spermatogonial differentiation. EZH2 functions to balance self-renewal and differentiation in spermatogonia by suppressing NEUROG3 and KIT via a direct interaction that is independent of its histone methyltransferase activity. Moreover, deleting Ezh2 enhanced the activation of CASP3 in spermatids, resulting in reduced spermatozoa production. Collectively, these data demonstrate that EZH2 plays a nonclassical role in the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation and apoptosis in murine spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Cheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lhuissier E, Aury-Landas J, Bouet V, Bazille C, Repesse Y, Freret T, Boumédiene K, Baugé C. Evaluation of the impact of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase inhibitor, 3-deazaneplanocin A, on tissue injury and cognitive function in mice. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20698-20708. [PMID: 29755682 PMCID: PMC5945538 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients display cognitive impairment due, at least partly, to the treatments. Additionally, chemotherapeutic treatments can lead to organ injury, limiting their use, and are likely to have negative impacts on patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) on several tissues and organs, as well as on cognitive functions. DZNep is an inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (in particular of the histone methyltransferase EZH2) which showed antitumoral functions in preclinical trials but whose effects on behavior and on organs (side effects) are not known. Chronic injections of DZNep were performed intraperitoneally in male NMRI mice (2 mg/kg; i.p.; three times per week) during 8 weeks. A follow-up of body weight was assessed during all experiments. Histological analysis were performed on several organs. EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 were assayed by western-blot. Several behavioral tests were performed during treatment and 2 weeks after. A particular focus was made on spontaneous locomotor activity, cognitive functions (spontaneous alternation and recognition memory), and anxiety- and depression-related behavior. Hematological modifications were also assessed. Chronic DZNep treatment transiently reduced animal growth. It had no effect on most organs but provoked a reversible splenomegaly, and persistent testis reduction and erythropoiesis. DZNep administration did not alter animal behavior. In conclusion, this study is encouraging for the use of DZNep for cancer treatment. Indeed, it has no effect on animal behavior, conferring an advantageous safety, and induces irreversible side effects limited on testis which are unfortunately found in most chemotherapy treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Céline Bazille
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, BioConnecT, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Service d'Anatomie Pathologie, Caen, France
| | - Yohann Repesse
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, EFS, PhIND, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Hématologie biologique, Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, Caen, France.,Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CURB-BRP, Caen, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bile Acid Alters Male Mouse Fertility in Metabolic Syndrome Context. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139946. [PMID: 26439743 PMCID: PMC4595338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids have recently been demonstrated as molecules with endocrine activities controlling several physiological functions such as immunity and glucose homeostases. They act mainly through two receptors, the nuclear receptor Farnesol-X-Receptor alpha (FXRα) and the G-protein coupled receptor (TGR5). These recent studies have led to the idea that molecules derived from bile acids (BAs) and targeting their receptors must be good targets for treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity or diabetes. Thus it might be important to decipher the potential long term impact of such treatment on different physiological functions. Indeed, BAs have recently been demonstrated to alter male fertility. Here we demonstrate that in mice with overweight induced by high fat diet, BA exposure leads to increased rate of male infertility. This is associated with the altered germ cell proliferation, default of testicular endocrine function and abnormalities in cell-cell interaction within the seminiferous epithelium. Even if the identification of the exact molecular mechanisms will need more studies, the present results suggest that both FXRα and TGR5 might be involved. We believed that this work is of particular interest regarding the potential consequences on future approaches for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hayashi A, Morikawa T, Kawai T, Kume H, Ishikawa S, Homma Y, Fukayama M. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of EZH2 expression in upper urinary tract carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:463-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
15
|
Xu B, Abourbih S, Sircar K, Kassouf W, Mansure JJ, Aprikian A, Tanguay S, Brimo F. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression is associated with metastasis and adverse clinical outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a comparative study and review of the literature. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2013; 137:1326-36. [PMID: 24079759 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2012-0525-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase mediating chromatin condensation and epigenetic modulation, is overexpressed in various human carcinomas and is associated with adverse clinicopathologic characteristics and biologic behavior. The expression of EZH2 in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) has not been fully characterized yet. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prognostic role of EZH2 in RCC by analyzing the immunohistochemical staining pattern of the marker in relation to pathologic features and clinical outcome. DESIGN We correlated the immunolabeling of EZH2 with multiple clinicopathologic features, including Fuhrman nuclear grade, pathologic stage, metastatic status, and clinical outcome in 223 clear cell RCCs (CRCCs) and 21 papillary RCCs, by using tissue microarrays of primary and metastatic cases. RESULTS Most CRCCs (75%) showed positive EZH2 staining, with most primary tumors showing focal staining in comparison to nonfocal staining in metastatic cases. In primary tumors, EZH2 expression was associated with higher nuclear grade and lower pathologic stage. Metastatic tumors showed a higher number of positive cases (81% versus 67%) and a more diffuse and more intense pattern of staining than primary CRCCs. For the 22 locally advanced primary tumors (T3/4) and 43 metastatic RCCs, patients who experienced RCC-related deaths significantly overexpressed the marker in comparison to patients who did not experience RCC-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS By showing that EZH2 expression is associated with increased metastatic potential and a worse clinical outcome, this study suggests that EZH2 can serve as a prognostic biomarker for RCC, thus confirming it as a key molecule driving oncogenesis and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Xu and Brimo) and Urology (Drs Abourbih, Kassouf, Mansure, Aprikian, and Tanguay), McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and the Department of Pathology (Dr Sircar), The University of Texas Maryland Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schmid R, Grellscheid SN, Ehrmann I, Dalgliesh C, Danilenko M, Paronetto MP, Pedrotti S, Grellscheid D, Dixon RJ, Sette C, Eperon IC, Elliott DJ. The splicing landscape is globally reprogrammed during male meiosis. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:10170-84. [PMID: 24038356 PMCID: PMC3905889 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis requires conserved transcriptional changes, but it is not known whether there is a corresponding set of RNA splicing switches. Here, we used RNAseq of mouse testis to identify changes associated with the progression from mitotic spermatogonia to meiotic spermatocytes. We identified ∼150 splicing switches, most of which affect conserved protein-coding exons. The expression of many key splicing regulators changed in the course of meiosis, including downregulation of polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP1) and heterogeneous nuclear RNP A1, and upregulation of nPTB, Tra2β, muscleblind, CELF proteins, Sam68 and T-STAR. The sequences near the regulated exons were significantly enriched in target sites for PTB, Tra2β and STAR proteins. Reporter minigene experiments investigating representative exons in transfected cells showed that PTB binding sites were critical for splicing of a cassette exon in the Ralgps2 mRNA and a shift in alternative 5′ splice site usage in the Bptf mRNA. We speculate that nPTB might functionally replace PTBP1 during meiosis for some target exons, with changes in the expression of other splicing factors helping to establish meiotic splicing patterns. Our data suggest that there are substantial changes in the determinants and patterns of alternative splicing in the mitotic-to-meiotic transition of the germ cell cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Schmid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK, Department of Health Sciences, University of 00135 Rome 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy, Laboratories of Neuroembryology and of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy, Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy, Institute of Particle Physics Phenomenology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK and Life Technologies Ltd., Paisley PA4 9RF, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
O'Rourke CJ, Knabben V, Bolton E, Moran D, Lynch T, Hollywood D, Perry AS. Manipulating the epigenome for the treatment of urological malignancies. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 138:185-96. [PMID: 23353098 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Urological malignancies (cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testes) account for 15% of all human cancers and more than 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. This group of malignancies is spread across multiple generations, affecting the young (testicular) through middle and old-age (kidney, prostate and bladder). Like most human cancers, urological cancers are characterized by widespread epigenetic insult, causing changes in DNA hypermethylation and histone modifications leading to silencing of tumor suppressor genes and genomic instability. The inherent stability yet dynamic plasticity of the epigenome lends itself well to therapeutic manipulation. Epigenetic changes are amongst the earliest lesions to occur during carcinogenesis and are essentially reversible (unlike mutations). For this reason, much attention has been placed over the past two decades on deriving pharmacological compounds that can specifically target and reverse such epi-mutations, either halting cancer on its developmental trajectory or reverting fully formed cancers to a more clinically manageable state. This review discusses DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors that have been extensively studied in preclinical models and clinical trials for advanced and metastatic urological cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colm J O'Rourke
- Prostate Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vega A, Baptissart M, Caira F, Brugnon F, Lobaccaro JMA, Volle DH. Epigenetic: a molecular link between testicular cancer and environmental exposures. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:150. [PMID: 23230429 PMCID: PMC3515880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, studies in rodents have highlighted links between in utero and/or neonatal exposures to molecules that alter endocrine functions and the development of genital tract abnormalities, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and impaired spermatogenesis. Most of these molecules, called endocrine disrupters exert estrogenic and/or antiandrogenic activities. These data led to the hypothesis of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome which postulates that these disorders are one clinical entity and are linked by epidemiological and pathophysiological relations. Furthermore, infertility has been stated as a risk factor for testicular cancer (TC). The incidence of TC has been increasing over the past decade. Most of testicular germ cell cancers develop through a pre-invasive carcinoma in situ from fetal germ cells (primordial germ cell or gonocyte). During their development, fetal germ cells undergo epigenetic modifications. Interestingly, several lines of evidence have shown that gene regulation through epigenetic mechanisms (DNA and histone modifications) plays an important role in normal development as well as in various diseases, including TC. Here we will review chromatin modifications which can affect testicular physiology leading to the development of TC; and highlight potential molecular pathways involved in these alterations in the context of environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie Vega
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Baptissart
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Françoise Caira
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Marc A. Lobaccaro
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David H. Volle
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103Aubière, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Clermont Université, Université Blaise PascalClermont-Ferrand, France
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, CNRS, UMR 6293Aubière, France
- Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d’AuvergneClermont-Ferrand, France
- *Correspondence: David H. Volle, Génétique Reproduction et Développement, INSERM U 1103, CNRS, UMR 6293, Clermont Université, 24 avenue des Landais, BP 80026, 63171 Aubière Cedex, France. e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Current World Literature. Curr Opin Oncol 2011; 23:303-10. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e328346cbfa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|