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Serritelli EN, Sartini D, Campagna R, Pozzi V, Martin NI, van Haren MJ, Salvolini E, Cecati M, Rubini C, Emanuelli M. Targeting nicotinamide N-methyltransferase decreased aggressiveness of osteosarcoma cells. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14185. [PMID: 38426563 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy that mostly affects young people, characterized by high metastatic potential, and a marked chemoresistance that is responsible for disease relapse in most patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel molecules to setup targeted strategies to improve the clinical outcome. The enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyses the N-methylation of nicotinamide and other analogs, playing a crucial role in the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics. NNMT overexpression was reported in a wide variety of cancers, and several studies demonstrated that is able to promote cell proliferation, migration and resistance to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to explore the potential involvement of NNMT in OS. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses have been performed to evaluate NNMT expression in selected OS and healthy bone tissue samples. Subsequently, OS cell lines have been transfected with vectors targeting NNMT mRNA (shRNAs) and the impact of this downregulation on migration, cell proliferation, and response to chemotherapeutic treatment was also analysed by wound healing, MTT, SRB and Trypan blue assays, respectively. RESULTS Results showed that OS samples display a significantly higher NNMT expression compared with healthy tissue. Preliminary results suggest that NNMT silencing in OS cell lines is associated to a decrease of cell proliferation and migration, as well as to enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Data obtained showed that NNMT may represent an interesting marker for OS detection and a promising target for effective anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Serritelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - D Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - R Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - N I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M J van Haren
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Cecati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - C Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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2
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Pozzi V, Molinelli E, Campagna R, Serritelli EN, Cecati M, De Simoni E, Sartini D, Goteri G, Martin NI, van Haren MJ, Salvolini E, Simonetti O, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Knockdown of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase suppresses proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance of Merkel cell carcinoma cells in vitro. Hum Cell 2024; 37:729-738. [PMID: 38504052 PMCID: PMC11016511 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01047-0] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, with a propensity for early metastasis. Therefore, early diagnosis and the identification of novel targets become fundamental. The enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the reaction of N-methylation of nicotinamide and other analogous compounds. Although NNMT overexpression was reported in many malignancies, the significance of its dysregulation in cancer cell phenotype was partly clarified. Several works demonstrated that NNMT promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of this enzyme in MCC. Preliminary immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate NNMT expression in MCC tissue specimens. To explore the enzyme function in tumor cell metabolism, MCC cell lines have been transfected with plasmids encoding for short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting NNMT mRNA. Preliminary immunohistochemical analyses showed elevated NNMT expression in MCC tissue specimens. The effect of enzyme downregulation on cell proliferation, migration, and chemosensitivity was then evaluated through MTT, trypan blue, and wound healing assays. Data obtained clearly demonstrated that NNMT knockdown is associated with a decrease of cell proliferation, viability, and migration, as well as with enhanced sensitivity to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, these results suggest that NNMT could represent an interesting MCC biomarker and a promising target for targeted anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Emma N Serritelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monia Cecati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Edoardo De Simoni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nathaniel I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J van Haren
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oriana Simonetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020, Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
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Harikrishna AS, Venkitasamy K. Identification of novel human nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitors: a structure-based pharmacophore modeling and molecular dynamics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14638-14650. [PMID: 36856058 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2183714] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Human nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (hNNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme associated in the phase-II metabolism, belonging to the S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases family. Overexpression of hNNMT was observed in diseases such as metabolic disorders and different types of cancers, which suggest NNMT as a prospective therapeutic target. In this study we propose a structure-based pharmacophore model to understand the structural features responsible for the pharmacological activity. The generated model was validated using the ROC curve (AUC), goodness of hit score (GH), specificity, sensitivity and enrichment factor (EF). The pharmacophore was employed to retrieve active molecules from the ZINC database, followed by virtual-screening and molecular docking. Six molecules with the best pharmfit score, binding energy and ADMET properties were identified in this study. A 150 ns molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the selected molecules complexed with hNNMT protein to validate the results. The molecules ZINC35464499, ZINC13311192, ZINC31159282, ZINC14650833, ZINC14819515 and ZINC00303881 were identified, which could be act as the potential hNNMT inhibitors and can also be used as direct hits for developing novel hNNMT antagonists.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Harikrishna
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kesavan Venkitasamy
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Tossetta G, Marzioni D. Targeting the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cervical and endometrial cancers. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 941:175503. [PMID: 36641100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cervical and endometrial cancers are among the most dangerous gynaecological malignancies, with high fatality and recurrence rates due to frequent diagnosis at an advanced stage and chemoresistance onset. The NRF2/KEAP1 signalling pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. NRF2, activated by ROS, induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which neutralize ROS, protecting cells against oxidative stress damage. However, activation of NRF2/KEAP1 signalling in cancer cells results in chemoresistance, inactivating drug-mediated oxidative stress and protecting cancer cells from drug-induced cell death. We review the literature on the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cervical and endometrial cancers, with a focus on the expression of its components and downstream genes. We also examine the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in chemotherapy resistance and how this pathway can be modulated by natural and synthetic modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
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Mabrouk AA, El-Mezayen NS, Awaad AK, Tadros MI, El-Gazayerly ON, El-Refaie WM. Novel celecoxib-loaded chitosan-fucoidan nanoparticles as potential immunotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma: Mechanistic insights. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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6
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Memè L, Sartini D, Pozzi V, Emanuelli M, Strappa EM, Bittarello P, Bambini F, Gallusi G. Epithelial Biological Response to Machined Titanium vs. PVD Zirconium-Coated Titanium: An In Vitro Study. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15207250. [PMID: 36295315 PMCID: PMC9610795 DOI: 10.3390/ma15207250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the epithelial biological response to machined titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 and titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 coated with zirconia (ZrN) by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Human keratinocytes were cultured in six-well plates. Machined titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T1) and ZrN-coated titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T2) discs were placed in two different wells. The remaining two wells served as control (C). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to compare the T1 and T2 surfaces. Subsequent analyses were performed to explore the effect of T1 and T2 contact with human keratinocyte HUKE cell lines. Cell viability was evaluated using a trypan blue exclusion test and MTT assay. Cell lysates from C, T1, and T2 were Western blotted to evaluate E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expression. SEM revealed that T2 was smoother and more homogeneous than T1. EDS showed homogeneous and uniform distribution of ZrN coating on T2. Cell viability analyses did not show significant differences between T1 and T2. Furthermore, E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expressions of the epithelial cells cultured in T1 and T2 were similar. Therefore, titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 surfaces coated with ZrN by PVD seem to be similar substrates to the uncoated surfaces for keratinocyte adhesion and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Memè
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Strappa
- Department of Health Technologies, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Bambini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianni Gallusi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Tossetta G, Marzioni D. Natural and synthetic compounds in Ovarian Cancer: A focus on NRF2/KEAP1 pathway. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106365. [PMID: 35901941 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Among gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous, with a high fatality rate and relapse due to the occurrence of chemoresistance. Many researchers demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in tumor occurrence, development and procession. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is an important transcription factor playing an important role in protecting against oxidative damage. Increased levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) activate NRF2 signaling inducing the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase (HO-1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) that protect cells against oxidative stress. However, NRF2 activation in cancer cells is responsible for the development of chemoresistance inactivating drug-mediated oxidative stress that normally leads cancer cells to death. In this review we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating NRF2/KEAP1 (Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1) pathway in in vitro models of ovarian cancer. In particular, we reported how these compounds can modulate chemotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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8
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High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073483. [PMID: 35408843 PMCID: PMC8998945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by an incidence of 650,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths per year worldwide and a male to female ratio of 3:1. The main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HNSCC cases are divided into two subgroups, the HPV-negative (HPV−) and the HPV-positive (HPV+) which have different clinicopathological and molecular profiles. However, patients are still treated with the same therapeutic regimens. It is thus of utmost importance to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences to find new biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets towards personalized therapies. Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of cancer and can be exploited as both promising biomarkers and potential new targets. E6 and E7 HPV oncoviral proteins besides targeting p53 and pRb, impair the expression and the activity of several epigenetic regulators. While alterations in DNA methylation patterns have been well described in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC, accurate histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) characterization is still missing. Herein, we aim to provide an updated overview on the impact of HPV on the hPTMs landscape in HNSCC. Moreover, we will also discuss the sex and gender bias in HNSCC and how the epigenetic machinery could be involved in this process, and the importance of taking into account sex and/or gender also in this field.
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Tumor stromal nicotinamide N-methyltransferase overexpression as a prognostic biomarker for poor clinical outcome in early-stage colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2767. [PMID: 35177765 PMCID: PMC8854702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06772-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In a quest for prognostic biomarkers in early-stage colorectal cancer, we investigated NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) in large cohorts of patients. Immunohistochemical examination of 679 patients illustrates that NNMT protein is predominantly expressed in the cancer stroma at varying levels, and about 20% of cancer tissues overexpress NNMT when compared to levels observed in normal colorectal mucosa. Clinical correlation analyses of 572 patients with early-stage cancers reveal that NNMT protein overexpression is significantly associated with shorter overall and disease-free survival, but no such correlation is found in late-stage colorectal cancer. Analyses of TCGA and CPTAC colorectal cancer cohorts show that NNMT mRNA expression is positively correlated with protein levels, is significantly higher in CIMP-high or MSI subtypes than in CIMP-low or MSS subtypes, and is positively correlated with its paralog INMT but not with its interaction partners such as PNMT, ADK, APP, ATF6, BMF, BRD4, CDC37, or CRYZ. In early-stage cancers, NNMT expression is higher in BRAF-mutated than in BRAF wild type tumors but is not affected by KRAS or PIK3CA mutation status. As a cancer stromal protein with important roles in metabolism and cancer epigenetics, NNMT is emerging as a promising biomarker for risk stratification of early-stage cancers.
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Jiang W, de Jong JM, van Hillegersberg R, Read M. Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040996. [PMID: 35205743 PMCID: PMC8869950 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Oesophageal cancers are often late-presenting and have a poor 5-year survival rate. The standard treatment of oesophageal adenocarcinomas involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy followed by surgery. However, less than one third of patients respond to neoadjuvant therapy, thereby unnecessarily exposing patients to toxicity and deconditioning. Hence, there is an urgent need for biomarkers to predict response to neoadjuvant therapy. This review explores the current biomarker landscape. (2) Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and ClinicalTrial databases were searched with key words relating to “predictive biomarker”, “neoadjuvant therapy” and “oesophageal adenocarcinoma” and screened as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All peer-reviewed full-text articles and conference abstracts were included. (3) Results: The search yielded 548 results of which 71 full-texts, conference abstracts and clinical trials were eligible for review. A total of 242 duplicates were removed, 191 articles were screened out, and 44 articles were excluded. (4) Discussion: Biomarkers were discussed in seven categories including imaging, epigenetic, genetic, protein, immunologic, blood and serum-based with remaining studies grouped in a miscellaneous category. (5) Conclusion: Although promising markers and novel methods have emerged, current biomarkers lack sufficient evidence to support clinical application. Novel approaches have been recommended to assess predictive potential more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jiang
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Correspondence: (W.J.); (M.R.)
| | - Jelske M. de Jong
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Department, The University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.M.d.J.); (R.v.H.)
| | - Richard van Hillegersberg
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Department, The University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.M.d.J.); (R.v.H.)
| | - Matthew Read
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Correspondence: (W.J.); (M.R.)
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Tahara S, Nojima S, Ohshima K, Hori Y, Sato K, Kurashige M, Matsui T, Okuzaki D, Morii E. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is related to MELF pattern invasion in endometrioid carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:8630-8640. [PMID: 34655178 PMCID: PMC8633241 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Grade 1 (G1) endometrioid carcinoma (EC) is relatively a good prognosis. However, in a minority of cases, G1 shows an aggressive histological pattern known as the microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) pattern. We previously reported that EC with high expression levels of S100A4 and serum deprivation-response protein (SDPR) was related to MELF pattern invasion. However, the molecular features of the invasive front area of the MELF pattern have not been investigated. In this study, we searched for genes preferentially expressed in the invasive front area of EC with the MELF pattern using laser microdissection and RNA sequencing, and showed that nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is related to MELF pattern invasiveness. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed high NNMT expression in the invasive front area of the MELF pattern. Moreover, NNMT promoted migration, invasion, colony formation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance using EC cell lines. We speculate that depletion of NNMT promotes histone methylation and leads to tumor suppression because NNMT consumes S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which is an essential methylation cofactor. NNMT knockout cells showed enhanced expression of H3K9me2. RNA sequencing using NNMT knockout cell lines suggested that methylation of H3K9 leads to repression of the transcription of various oncogenic genes. Our findings demonstrate the possibility that NNMT inhibitors, which are expected to be used for the treatment of metabolic disorders, would be effective for the treatment of aggressive EC. This is the first report of gene analyses focusing on the morphological changes associated with MELF pattern invasion of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Tahara
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Satoshi Nojima
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Kenji Ohshima
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yumiko Hori
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Kazuaki Sato
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Masako Kurashige
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Takahiro Matsui
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Daisuke Okuzaki
- Single Cell GenomicsHuman ImmunologyWPI Immunology Frontier Research CenterOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
- Genome Information Research CenterResearch Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research InitiativesOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of PathologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
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Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase in Head and Neck Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11111594. [PMID: 34827592 PMCID: PMC8615955 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The head and neck tumors (HNT) are a heterogeneous group of diseases ranging from benign to malignant lesions, with distinctive molecular and clinical behaviors. Several studies have highlighted the presence of an altered metabolic phenotype in HNT, such as the upregulation of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). However, its biological effects have not been completely disclosed and the role of NNMT in cancer cell metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, this comprehensive review aims to evaluate the available literature regarding the biological, diagnostic, and prognostic role of NNMT in HNT. NNMT was shown to be significantly overexpressed in all of the evaluated HNT types. Moreover, its upregulation has been correlated with cancer cell migration and adverse clinical outcomes, such as high-pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and locoregional recurrences. However, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) these associations are still debated, and several studies have failed to demonstrate the prognostic significance of NNMT. The shRNA-mediated gene silencing efficiently suppressed the NNMT gene expression and exhibited a clear inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, promoting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and modulating the cell cycle. NNMT could represent a new molecular biomarker and a new target of molecular-based therapy, although further studies on larger patient cohorts are needed to explore its biological role in HNT.
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Beyond Nicotinamide Metabolism: Potential Role of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Biomarker in Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194943. [PMID: 34638427 PMCID: PMC8508019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers (SC) collectively represent the most common type of malignancy in white populations. SC includes two main forms: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC includes different subtypes, namely, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and keratoacanthoma (KA), together with the two pre-neoplastic conditions Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Both malignant melanoma and NMSC are showing an increasing incidence rate worldwide, thus representing an important challenge for health care systems, also because, with some exceptions, SC are generally characterized by an aggressive behavior and are often diagnosed late. Thus, identifying new biomarkers suitable for diagnosis, as well as for prognosis and targeted therapy is mandatory. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that is emerging as a crucial player in the progression of several malignancies, while its substrate, nicotinamide, is known to exert chemopreventive effects. Since there is increasing evidence regarding the involvement of this enzyme in the malignant behavior of SC, the current review aims to summarize the state of the art as concerns NNMT role in SC and to support future studies focused on exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NNMT in skin malignancies and its suitability for targeted therapy.
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The Utility of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Potential Biomarker to Predict the Oncological Outcomes for Urological Cancers: An Update. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081214. [PMID: 34439880 PMCID: PMC8393883 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the N-methylation reaction of nicotinamide, using S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the methyl donor. Enzyme overexpression has been described in many non-neoplastic diseases, as well as in a wide range of solid malignancies. This review aims to report and discuss evidence available in scientific literature, dealing with NNMT expression and the potential involvement in main urologic neoplasms, namely, renal, bladder and prostate cancers. Data illustrated in the cited studies clearly demonstrated NNMT upregulation (pathological vs. normal tissue) in association with these aforementioned tumors. In addition to this, enzyme levels were also found to correlate with key prognostic parameters and patient survival. Interestingly, NNMT overexpression also emerged in peripheral body fluids, such as blood and urine, thus leading to candidate the enzyme as promising biomarker for the early and non-invasive detection of these cancers. Examined results undoubtedly showed NNMT as having the capacity to promote cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness, as well as its potential participation in fundamental events highlighting cancer progression, metastasis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. In the light of this evidence, it is reasonable to attribute to NNMT a promising role as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of urologic neoplasms, as well as a molecular target for effective anti-cancer treatment.
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15
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Camuzi D, Buexm LA, Lourenço SDQC, Esposti DD, Cuenin C, Lopes MDSA, Manara F, Talukdar FR, Herceg Z, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Soares-Lima SC. HPV Infection Leaves a DNA Methylation Signature in Oropharyngeal Cancer Affecting Both Coding Genes and Transposable Elements. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3621. [PMID: 34298834 PMCID: PMC8306428 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HPV oncoproteins can modulate DNMT1 expression and activity, and previous studies have reported both gene-specific and global DNA methylation alterations according to HPV status in head and neck cancer. However, validation of these findings and a more detailed analysis of the transposable elements (TEs) are still missing. Here we performed pyrosequencing to evaluate a 5-CpG methylation signature and Line1 methylation in an oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cohort. We further evaluated the methylation levels of the TEs, their correlation with gene expression and their impact on overall survival (OS) using the TCGA cohort. In our dataset, the 5-CpG signature distinguished HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC with 66.67% sensitivity and 84.33% specificity. Line1 methylation levels were higher in HPV-positive cases. In the TCGA cohort, Line1, Alu and long terminal repeats (LTRs) showed hypermethylation in a frequency of 60.5%, 58.9% and 92.3%, respectively. ZNF541 and CCNL1 higher expression was observed in HPV-positive OPSCC, correlated with lower methylation levels of promoter-associated Alu and LTR, respectively, and independently associated with better OS. Based on our findings, we may conclude that a 5-CpG methylation signature can discriminate OPSCC according to HPV status with high accuracy and TEs are differentially methylated and may regulate gene expression in HPV-positive OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Camuzi
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20231-050, Brazil; (D.C.); (L.A.B.); (M.d.S.A.L.); (L.F.R.P.)
| | - Luisa Aguirre Buexm
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20231-050, Brazil; (D.C.); (L.A.B.); (M.d.S.A.L.); (L.F.R.P.)
| | - Simone de Queiroz Chaves Lourenço
- Department of Pathology, Dental School, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Mario Santos Braga, 30, Centro, Niterói CEP 24040-110, Brazil;
| | - Davide Degli Esposti
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (D.D.E.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (F.R.T.); (Z.H.)
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (D.D.E.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (F.R.T.); (Z.H.)
| | - Monique de Souza Almeida Lopes
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20231-050, Brazil; (D.C.); (L.A.B.); (M.d.S.A.L.); (L.F.R.P.)
| | - Francesca Manara
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (D.D.E.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (F.R.T.); (Z.H.)
| | - Fazlur Rahman Talukdar
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (D.D.E.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (F.R.T.); (Z.H.)
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, CEDEX 08, 69372 Lyon, France; (D.D.E.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (F.R.T.); (Z.H.)
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20231-050, Brazil; (D.C.); (L.A.B.); (M.d.S.A.L.); (L.F.R.P.)
| | - Sheila Coelho Soares-Lima
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20231-050, Brazil; (D.C.); (L.A.B.); (M.d.S.A.L.); (L.F.R.P.)
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16
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Campagna R, Salvolini E, Pompei V, Pozzi V, Salvucci A, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Sartini D, Campanati A, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase gene silencing enhances chemosensitivity of melanoma cell lines. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:1039-1048. [PMID: 34018676 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma accounts for less than 5% of all cutaneous neoplasms but is responsible for the greater part of skin cancer-related deaths. Therefore, the identification of molecules that could serve as the therapeutic target is urgent. This study focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). The effect of NNMT knockdown on cell proliferation and migration of A375 melanoma cells was evaluated by MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. Viability of A375 cells downregulating NNMT was also explored under treatment with dacarbazine, a chemotherapeutic drug approved for advanced melanoma treatment. The impact of enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity was also investigated in WM-115 melanoma cells. Results obtained demonstrated that NNMT silencing led to a significant reduction of cell proliferation and migration of A375 cells. Moreover, enzyme downregulation was associated with an increase of melanoma cells sensitivity to treatment with dacarbazine. Analogous effects induced by enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity were also found in the WM-115 cell line. Our data seem to demonstrate that NNMT could represent a promising molecular target for the effective treatment of this form of skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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17
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Santonocito S, Polizzi A, De Pasquale R, Ronsivalle V, Lo Giudice A, Isola G. Analysis of the Efficacy of Two Treatment Protocols for Patients with Symptomatic Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E56. [PMID: 33374791 PMCID: PMC7794703 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease, which can alter the quality of life of patients. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of clobetasol oral gel 0.05% versus an anti-inflammatory in oral solution (mouthwash) in the management of patients suffering from symptomatic OLP. The secondary objective was to analyze which one of the two treatments induced a greater risk of developing side effects. Forty patients were assigned (20 patients for group), through a randomized design, to receive clobetasol gel 0.05% or an anti-inflammatory mouthwash, which contains calcium hydroxide, hyaluronic acid, umbelliferone and oligomeric pro-anthocyanidins) for three months. At baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1), patients underwent dental and dermatological examinations to assess their symptoms (Numerical Pain Scale (NRS) score) and signs (Thongprasom score). Data were calculated using T-test for the dependent variable, Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney u test. Both clobetasol and anti-inflammatory resulted in a statistically significant reduction of signs, (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) and symptoms (p < 0.001 for clobetasol and p = 0.02 for anti-inflammatory). In conclusion, the results evidenced that, compared to clobetasol, the anti-inflammatory was less effective in determining the reduction of signs and symptom in OLP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Santonocito
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Alessandro Polizzi
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Rocco De Pasquale
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Dermatology, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Ronsivalle
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Antonino Lo Giudice
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Gaetano Isola
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (A.L.G.)
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18
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Wu M, Hu W, Wang G, Yao Y, Yu XF. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Gastric Cancer. Front Genet 2020; 11:580299. [PMID: 33193702 PMCID: PMC7655872 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.580299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the word. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment of cancer. However, it is unclear which GC subpopulation would benefit most from immunotherapy and it is necessary to develop effective biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a metabolic regulator of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) differentiation and cancer progression. In this study, we explored the correlations of NNMT to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and immune marker sets in The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma STAD (TCGA-STAD). Subsequently, we screened the NNMT correlated genes and performed the enrichment analysis of these genes. We eventually predicted the 19 most potential small-molecule drugs using the connectivity map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Also, nadolol, tranexamic acid, felbinac and dapsone were considered the four most promising drugs for GC. In summary, NNMT can be used as a prognostic biomarker that reflect immune infiltration level and a novel therapeutic target in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaowei Wu
- Cancer Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilei Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Du T, Zhang J. Solvent inhibition profiles and inverse solvent isotope effects for enzymatic methyl transfer catalyzed by nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase. J PHYS ORG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/poc.4093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Yiting Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Tianshu Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin China
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin China
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20
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Li L, Xu Y, Wang Y, Liu M, Deng S, Yu X, Cong B, Wang W. Effects of Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Dysplastic Oral Keratinocyte and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20921681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence, rapid progress, and high mortality. There are still some defects in the treatments of OSCC, which seriously affect the quality of patients’ life. Therefore, it is urgent to find a safer and more effective treatment for OSCC. Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) has various biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic, and has no obvious side effects, but the effect of LMWF on OSCC has not been reported. In this study, the effects of LMWF on dysplastic oral keratinocyte (DOK) and OSCC cells SCC-9 and SCC-25 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL, colony formation, and wound healing assay, and the expression levels of Notch-1 and Jagged-1 treated with LMWF were detected by RT-qPCR. The results showed that LMWF could inhibit the proliferation and migration of DOK and SCC-9, and promote apoptosis. Low molecular weight fucoidan upregulated the expression of Notch-1 and Jagged-1 in DOK and SCC-9 cells. It indicated that LMWF might promote the apoptosis of DOK and SCC-9 by upregulating the Notch signal pathway, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and playing an antitumor role. It provided theoretical basis to develop LMWF as a novel therapeutic drug for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Li
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Yixue Wang
- School of Stomatology of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengjia Liu
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Songsong Deng
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Xixi Yu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Beibei Cong
- Department of Oral Medicine, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Wanchun Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital, Shandong, China
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21
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Mascitti M, Sartini D, Togni L, Pozzi V, Rubini C, Santarelli A, Emanuelli M. Differential expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in primary and recurrent ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13220. [PMID: 32129473 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Odontogenic tumours are a group of rare heterogeneous diseases that range from hamartomatous tissue proliferations to benign and malignant neoplasms. Recurrences can occur after 10 years, so long-term clinical and radiological follow-up is required. The study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of these lesions is necessary to identify new prognostic markers. In this study, we evaluate the possible role of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in ameloblastomas (AM) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 105 surgical specimens of primary and recurrent lesions were obtained from 55 patients (25 AM, 30 OKC). In particular, 50 AMs (25 primary, 25 recurrences) and 55 OKCs (30 primary, 25 recurrences) were retrieved. We carried out immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate the cytoplasmic expression of NNMT, measuring the percentage of positive cells and the value of NNMT expression intensity. RESULTS NNMT expression was significantly higher in recurrent than primary AMs (P = .0430). This result was confirmed by staining intensity, showing more cases with moderate/intense staining in recurrent AMs (P = .0470). NNMT expression was significantly lower in recurrent than primary OKC (P = .0014). Staining intensity showed more cases with moderate/intense staining in primary OKCs (P = .0276). CONCLUSIONS This report is the first to evaluate NNMT expression in odontogenic lesions and to demonstrate a differential expression in recurrent AMs and OKCs, suggesting that there is potential for use of NNMT as prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mascitti
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Togni
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Santarelli
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,Dentistry Clinic, National Institute of Health and Science of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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22
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Pozzi V, Salvolini E, Lucarini G, Salvucci A, Campagna R, Rubini C, Sartini D, Emanuelli M. Cancer stem cell enrichment is associated with enhancement of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase expression. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1415-1425. [PMID: 32150326 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell theory states that a subset of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), has the ability to self-renew and differentiate within the tumors. According to this theory, CSCs would be mainly responsible for tumor initiation, progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and metastasis. In this study, a culture system was setup to enrich CSCs from bladder cancer (T24), lung cancer (A549), colorectal cancer (CaCo-2), and osteosarcoma (MG63) cell lines, through sphere formation. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was also used to further increase CSC enrichment. Subsequently, molecular characterization of CSC-enriched cell populations and parental cells was carried out, by exploring the expression levels of stem markers and the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Results obtained showed a significant upregulation of stem cell markers in CSC-enriched populations, obtained upon sphere formation, compared with parental counterparts. Moreover, NNMT expression levels were markedly increased in samples enriched with CSCs with respect to control cells. Considering the fundamental role played by CSCs in carcinogenesis, reported data strengthen the hypothesis that sustains a pivotal role of NNMT in cancer growth and metastasis. In addition, these findings could represent an important achievement for the development of new and effective anticancer therapies, based on CSC-associated targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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23
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Pompei V, Salvolini E, Rubini C, Lucarini G, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Pozzi V, Sartini D, Campanati A, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in nonmelanoma skin cancers. Eur J Clin Invest 2019; 49:e13175. [PMID: 31571214 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represent the most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Although successful treatment of these neoplasms is based on surgical excision, an increasing number of BCCs relapses and many SCCs display high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme, which was found to be upregulated in different solid tumours. However, there are no data regarding enzyme expression in NMSCs. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the potential involvement of NNMT in BCCs and SCCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses were carried out on 40 BCC cases and 39 SCC cases, to evaluate enzyme expression in tumour and surrounding healthy margins. Moreover, the relationship between NNMT intratumour levels and clinico-pathological parameters were explored. RESULTS Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase was found to be overexpressed in BCCs compared with control tissues, while a significant enzyme downregulation was detected in SCCs with respect to corresponding healthy margins. In addition, NNMT levels were negatively related to aggressiveness of both BCCs (distinguishing between infiltrative and nodular tumours) and SCCs (considering head and neck forms and tumours of the extremities and trunk). CONCLUSIONS These evidences seem to demonstrate that the different NNMT dysregulation detected in BCC and SCC may be the result of important biological traits distinctively characterizing these two forms within NMSCs. In addition, enzyme levels seem to be inversely correlated with tumour aggressiveness, thus suggesting the potential suitability of the enzyme as a prognostic biomarker for both neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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24
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Zhu N, Ding L, Fu Y, Yang Y, Chen S, Chen W, Zhao M, Zhao X, Lu Z, Ni Y, Hu Q. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte-derived MLL2 independently predicts disease-free survival for patients with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2019; 49:126-136. [PMID: 31660637 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MLL2 (mixed-lineage leukemia 2) is recognized as an essential role in regulating histone 3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) in mammalian cells. It is frequently mutated to promote developmental diseases and tumor initiation. However, the expression pattern of MLL2 and its clinical significance for patients with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain totally unknown. METHODS Eighty-five samples of primary early-stage OSCC were enrolled in this retrospective study, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect the spatial pattern of MLL2. The diagnostic and prognostic value of MLL2 were assessed. RESULTS MLL2 was widely expressed in tumor cells (TCs), fibroblast-like cells (FLCs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), both in tumor center and invasive tumor front, and showed no distributive heterogeneity. Moreover, regardless of cell types and microlocalization, patients with high expressed MLL2 had increased depth invasion of tumor (DOI). Besides, upregulation of MLL2TC and MLL2TIL in tumor center were both associated with poor differentiation, but showed no correlation with tumor growth with comparable Ki-67 levels. Prognostic analysis indicated that early-stage OSCC patients with enhanced MLL2TIL in invasive tumor front were susceptible to occur postoperative metastasis and recurrence. Indeed, patients with higher expressed MLL2TIL showed shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and MLL2TIL in invasive tumor front was an independent risk factor of DFS. CONCLUSION TIL-derived MLL2 in invasive tumor front was an independent prognostic factor of DFS for early-stage OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Zhu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Ding
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Fu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxiang Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingxing Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanyi Lu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingang Hu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Guanylate-binding protein 6 is a novel biomarker for tumorigenesis and prognosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Oral Investig 2019; 24:2673-2682. [PMID: 31707626 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-019-03129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guanylate-binding protein 6 (GBP6) is a member of the guanylate-binding protein family, and its role in cancer has not yet been reported. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of GBP6 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Next-generation sequencing was applied for analyzing differential gene expression profiling between corresponding tumor adjacent normal (CTAN) and tumor tissue from two paired OSCC patients. Real-time PCRs (RT-PCRs) were used to investigate the gene expression level of GBP6 of CTAN and tumor tissue samples from 14 TSCC patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the protein expression level of GBP6 in tumor tissues and paired CTAN tissues from 488 OSCC patients, including 183 buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC), 245 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), and 60 lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients. RESULTS Compared with CTAN tissues of OSCC patients, GBP6 is identified as a downregulated gene using the NGS platform, which was confirmed in 14 OSCC patients by RT-PCR. Moreover, protein expression level of GBP6 in tumor tissues was lower than that in CTAN tissues and the low GBP6 expression was correlated with poor cell differentiation/lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients. In addition, TSCC patients with low expression levels of GBP6 had poor disease-specific survival rate. CONCLUSION The low expression of GBP6 was associated with tumorigenesis and poor prognosis in OSCC patients, especially in TSCC patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE GBP6 may serve as a novel favorable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in TSCC patients.
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26
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Gao Y, van Haren MJ, Moret EE, Rood JJM, Sartini D, Salvucci A, Emanuelli M, Craveur P, Babault N, Jin J, Martin NI. Bisubstrate Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) with Enhanced Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6597-6614. [PMID: 31265285 PMCID: PMC6713424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide to form N-methylnicotinamide. Overexpression of NNMT is associated with a variety of diseases, including a number of cancers and metabolic disorders, suggesting a role for NNMT as a potential therapeutic target. By structural modification of a lead NNMT inhibitor previously developed in our group, we prepared a diverse library of inhibitors to probe the different regions of the enzyme's active site. This investigation revealed that incorporation of a naphthalene moiety, intended to bind the hydrophobic nicotinamide binding pocket via π-π stacking interactions, significantly increases the activity of bisubstrate-like NNMT inhibitors (half-maximal inhibitory concentration 1.41 μM). These findings are further supported by isothermal titration calorimetry binding assays as well as modeling studies. The most active NNMT inhibitor identified in the present study demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of the HSC-2 human oral cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Gao
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J van Haren
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Pierrick Craveur
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France.,Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Nathaniel I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
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