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Lai Y, Han X, Xie B, Xu Y, Yang Z, Wang D, Li W, Xie Y, Song W, Zhang X, Xia JQ, Zhang P. EZH2 suppresses ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma and reduces sorafenib sensitivity through epigenetic regulation of TFR2. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2220-2234. [PMID: 38623968 PMCID: PMC11247551 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16186] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing sensitivity to sorafenib can significantly extend the duration of resistance to it, offering substantial benefits for treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of ferroptosis in influencing sorafenib sensitivity within HCC remains pivotal. The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays a significant role in promoting malignant progression in HCC, yet the relationship between ferroptosis, sorafenib sensitivity, and EZH2 is not entirely clear. Bioinformatic analysis indicates elevated EZH2 expression in HCC, predicting an unfavorable prognosis. Overexpressing EZH2 can drive HCC cell proliferation while simultaneously reducing ferroptosis. Further analysis reveals that EZH2 amplifies the modification of H3K27 me3, thereby influencing TFR2 expression. This results in decreased RNA polymerase II binding within the TFR2 promoter region, leading to reduced TFR2 expression. Knocking down EZH2 amplifies sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells. In sorafenib-resistant HepG2(HepG2-SR) cells, the expression of EZH2 is increased. Moreover, combining tazemetostat-an EZH2 inhibitor-with sorafenib demonstrates significant synergistic ferroptosis-promoting effects in HepG2-SR cells. In conclusion, our study illustrates how EZH2 epigenetically regulates TFR2 expression through H3K27 me3, thereby suppressing ferroptosis. The combination of the tazemetostat with sorafenib exhibits superior synergistic effects in anticancer therapy and sensitizes the HepG2-SR cells to sorafenib, shedding new light on delaying and ameliorating sorafenib resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- Sorafenib/therapeutic use
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism
- Humans
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ferroptosis/drug effects
- Ferroptosis/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Hep G2 Cells
- Mice
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Animals
- Pyridones/pharmacology
- Pyridones/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Transferrin/genetics
- Receptors, Transferrin/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Benzamides
- Biphenyl Compounds
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Lai
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Xu Han
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Bo Xie
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Zhengyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Didi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Wei Li
- School of Clinical MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Yaohong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Wenqi Song
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Basic MedicineJiangsu Vocational College of MedicineYanchengChina
| | - Jia Qi Xia
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
| | - Pengxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microecology‐Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic MedicineJiamusi UniversityJiamusiChina
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Bian W, Li H, Chen Y, Yu Y, Lei G, Yang X, Li S, Chen X, Li H, Yang J, Yang C, Li Y, Zhou Y. Ferroptosis mechanisms and its novel potential therapeutic targets for DLBCL. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116386. [PMID: 38492438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116386] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a heterogeneous lymphoid malignancy, poses a significant threat to human health. The standard therapeutic regimen for patients with DLBCL is rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP), with a typical cure rate of 50-70%. However, some patients either relapse after complete remission (CR) or exhibit resistance to R-CHOP treatment. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are imperative for managing high-risk or refractory DLBCL. Ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, a process that relies on the transition metal iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids-containing phospholipids (PUFA-PLs). Research indicates that ferroptosis is implicated in various carcinogenic and anticancer pathways. Several hematological disorders exhibit heightened sensitivity to cell death induced by ferroptosis. DLBCL cells, in particular, demonstrate an increased demand for iron and an upregulation in the expression of fatty acid synthase. Additionally, there exists a correlation between ferroptosis-associated genes and the prognosis of DLBCL. Therefore, ferroptosis may be a promising novel target for DLBCL therapy. In this review, we elucidate ferroptosis mechanisms, its role in DLBCL, and the potential therapeutic targets in DLBCL. This review offers novel insights into the application of ferroptosis in treatment strategies for DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Bian
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhua Yu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guojie Lei
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sainan Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanjuan Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Hashemi M, Nazdari N, Gholamiyan G, Paskeh MDA, Jafari AM, Nemati F, Khodaei E, Abyari G, Behdadfar N, Raei B, Raesi R, Nabavi N, Hu P, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Entezari M. EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target for gastrointestinal cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154988. [PMID: 38118215 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154988] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Understanding the molecular pathways associated with cancer progression and severity is essential for creating effective cancer treatments. In cancer research, there is a notable emphasis on Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a key player in gene expression influenced by its irregular expression and capacity to attach to promoters and alter methylation status. This review explores the impact of EZH2 signaling on various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatocellular, esophageal, and cholangiocarcinoma. The primary function of EZH2 signaling is to facilitate the accelerated progression of cancer cells. Additionally, EZH2 has the capacity to modulate the reaction of GI cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Numerous pathways, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, serve as upstream regulators of EZH2 in these types of cancer. EZH2's enzymatic activity enables it to attach to target gene promoters, resulting in methylation that modifies their expression. EZH2 could be considered as an independent prognostic factor, with increased expression correlating with a worse disease prognosis. Additionally, a range of gene therapies including small interfering RNA, and anti-tumor agents are being explored to target EZH2 for cancer treatment. This comprehensive review underscores the current insights into EZH2 signaling in gastrointestinal cancers and examines the prospect of therapies targeting EZH2 to enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Nazdari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Gholamiyan
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Moghadas Jafari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Nemati
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Khodaei
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazal Abyari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Behdadfar
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Buinzahra Branch, Islamic Azad University, Buinzahra, Iran
| | - Behnaz Raei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6 Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Yu L, Wang YF, Xiao J, Shen QQ, Chi SS, Gao YL, Lin DZ, Ding J, Fang YF, Chen Y. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis by TfR-1 renders EZH2 wild type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma resistance to EZH2 inhibition. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2113-2124. [PMID: 37225847 PMCID: PMC10545686 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01097-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2 has been regarded as an efficient target for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the clinical benefits of EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) are limited. To date, only EPZ-6438 has been approved by FDA for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and epithelioid sarcoma. We have discovered a novel EZH1/2 inhibitor HH2853 with a better antitumor effect than EPZ-6438 in preclinical studies. In this study we explored the molecular mechanism underlying the primary resistance to EZH2 inhibitors and sought for combination therapy strategy to overcome it. By analyzing EPZ-6438 and HH2853 response profiling, we found that EZH2 inhibition increased intracellular iron through upregulation of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR-1), ultimately triggered resistance to EZH2i in DLBCL cells. We demonstrated that H3K27ac gain by EZH2i enhanced c-Myc transcription, which contributed to TfR-1 overexpression in insensitive U-2932 and WILL-2 cells. On the other hand, EZH2i impaired the occurrence of ferroptosis by upregulating the heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (HSPA5) and stabilizing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a ferroptosis suppressor; co-treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin effectively overrode the resistance of DLBCL to EZH2i in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, this study reveals iron-dependent resistance evoked by EZH2i in DLBCL cells, and suggests that combination with ferroptosis inducer may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ya-Fang Wang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian-Qian Shen
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shuai-Shuai Chi
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying-Lei Gao
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dong-Ze Lin
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264117, China.
| | - Yan-Fen Fang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264117, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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5
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Wang YF, Yu L, Hu ZL, Fang YF, Shen YY, Song MF, Chen Y. Regulation of CCL2 by EZH2 affects tumor-associated macrophages polarization and infiltration in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:748. [PMID: 36038549 PMCID: PMC9424193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumorigenesis, development and anti-cancer drug therapy. However, very few epigenetic compounds have been elucidated to affect tumor growth by educating TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we identified that EZH2 performs a crucial role in the regulation of TAMs infiltration and protumoral polarization by interacting with human breast cancer (BC) cells. We showed that EZH2 inhibitors-treated BC cells induced M2 macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo, while EZH2 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. Mechanistically, inhibition of EZH2 histone methyltransferase alone by EZH2 inhibitors in breast cancer cells could reduce the enrichment of H3K27me3 on CCL2 gene promoter, elevate CCL2 transcription and secretion, contributing to the induction of M2 macrophage polarization and recruitment in TME, which reveal a potential explanation behind the frustrating results of EZH2 inhibitors against breast cancer. On the contrary, EZH2 depletion led to DNA demethylation and subsequent upregulation of miR-124-3p level, which inhibited its target CCL2 expression in the tumor cells, causing arrest of TAMs M2 polarization. Taken together, these data suggested that EZH2 can exert opposite regulatory effects on TAMs polarization through its enzymatic or non-enzymatic activities. Our results also imply that the effect of antitumor drugs on TAMs may affect its therapeutic efficacy, and the combined application with TAMs modifiers should be warranted to achieve great clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-fang Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Yu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-long Hu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-fen Fang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-yan Shen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Min-fang Song
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wang MY, Liow P, Guzman MIT, Qi J. Exploring Methods of Targeting Histone Methyltransferases and Their Applications in Cancer Therapeutics. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:744-755. [PMID: 35363464 PMCID: PMC9336197 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that catalyze the methylation of lysine or arginine residues of histone proteins, a key post-translational modification (PTM). Aberrant expression or activity of these enzymes can lead to abnormal histone methylation of cancer-related genes and thus promote tumorigenesis. Histone methyltransferases have been implicated in chemotherapeutic resistance and immune stimulation, making these enzymes potential therapeutic targets of interest, and chemically targeting these proteins provides an avenue for novel drug development in cancer therapy. This Review aims to discuss the evolution of chemical approaches that have emerged in the past five years to design probes targeting these enzymes, including inhibition through noncovalent inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, and targeted protein degradation through proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). This Review also highlights how these compounds have been used to study the myriad of HMT functions in cancer progression and treatment response. The recent advancement of some of these drugs into human clinical investigation and even to regulatory approval highlights HMTs as a promising class of targets for chemical intervention and novel therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Y. Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Priscilla Liow
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Maria I. Tarazona Guzman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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7
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A phase 1b dose-escalation/expansion study of BET inhibitor RO6870810 in patients with advanced multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:149. [PMID: 34480019 PMCID: PMC8417099 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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8
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Claringbould A, Zaugg JB. Enhancers in disease: molecular basis and emerging treatment strategies. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:1060-1073. [PMID: 34420874 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enhancers are genomic sequences that play a key role in regulating tissue-specific gene expression levels. An increasing number of diseases are linked to impaired enhancer function through chromosomal rearrangement, genetic variation within enhancers, or epigenetic modulation. Here, we review how these enhancer disruptions have recently been implicated in congenital disorders, cancers, and common complex diseases and address the implications for diagnosis and treatment. Although further fundamental research into enhancer function, target genes, and context is required, enhancer-targeting drugs and gene editing approaches show great therapeutic promise for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annique Claringbould
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith B Zaugg
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Jiang Y, Wang G, Mu H, Ma X, Wang Z, Lv Y, Zhang T, Xu J, Wang J, Li Y, Han J, Yang M, Wang Z, Zeng K, Jin X, Xue S, Yin M, Sun W, Hua Y, Cai Z. Bromodomain Inhibition Attenuates the Progression and Sensitizes the Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma by Repressing GP130/STAT3 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:642134. [PMID: 34168981 PMCID: PMC8219214 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.642134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, and there are few ideal clinically available drugs. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein is an emerging target for aggressive cancer, but therapies targeting the BET in osteosarcoma have been unsuccessful in clinical trials to date, and further exploration of specific BET inhibitors is of great significance. In our study, we demonstrated that NHWD-870, a potent BET inhibitor in a phase I clinical trial, significantly inhibited tumor proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis by reversing the oncogenic signature in osteosarcoma. More importantly, we identified NHWD-870 impeded binding of BRD4 to the promoter of GP130 leading to diminished activation of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, GP130 knockdown significantly sensitizes the chemosensitivity in vitro. In OS cell-derived xenografts, NHWD-870 effectively inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma. Beyond that, NHWD-870 effectively inhibited the differentiation and maturation of precursor osteoclasts in vitro and attenuated osteoclast-mediated bone loss in vivo. Finally, we confirmed the efficacy of synthetic lethal effects of NHWD-870 and cisplatin in antagonizing osteosarcoma in a preclinical PDX model. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that NHWD-870, as an effective BET inhibitor, may be a potential candidate for osteosarcoma intervention linked to its STAT3 signaling inhibitory activity. In addition, NHWD-870 appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for bone-associated tumors, as it interferes with the vicious cycle of tumor progression and bone destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Mu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoying Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinzeng Wang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunqi Li
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengkai Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongyi Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmeng Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengdong Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
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11
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Georgiev PG, Erokhin MM. Genetic Impairments of PRC2 Activity in Oncology: Problems and Prospects. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Roboz GJ, Desai P, Lee S, Ritchie EK, Winer ES, DeMario M, Brennan B, Nüesch E, Chesne E, Brennan L, Lechner K, Kornacker M, DeAngelo DJ. A dose escalation study of RO6870810/TEN-10 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:1740-1748. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1881509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gail J. Roboz
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pinkal Desai
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen K. Ritchie
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mark DeMario
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara Brennan
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eveline Nüesch
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Chesne
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Brennan
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katharina Lechner
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kornacker
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Tamiro F, Weng AP, Giambra V. Targeting Leukemia-Initiating Cells in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4165-4173. [PMID: 33414170 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept that different leukemias are developmentally distinct and, like in normal hematopoiesis, generated by restricted populations of cells named leukemia-initiating cells (LIC), is becoming more established. These cancer stem-like cells have been assumed to have unique properties, including the capability of self-renewing and giving rise to "differentiated" or non-LICs that make up the whole tumor. Cell populations enriched with LIC activity have been characterized in different hematopoietic malignancies, including human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Related studies have also demonstrated that LICs are functionally distinct from bulk cells and modulated by distinct molecular signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms. Here we review several biological and clinical aspects related to LICs in ALL, including (i) immunophenotypic characterization of LIC-enriched subsets in human and mouse models of ALL, (ii) emerging therapeutics against regulatory signaling pathways involved in LIC progression and maintenance in T- and B-cell leukemias, (iii) novel epigenetic and age-related mechanisms of LIC propagation, and (iv) ongoing efforts in immunotherapy to eradicate LIC-enriched cell subsets in relapsed and refractory ALL cases. Current conventional treatments do not efficiently eliminate LICs. Therefore, innovative therapeutics that exclusively target LICs hold great promise for developing an effective cure for ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tamiro
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Andrew P Weng
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Giambra
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
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14
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Quan C, Chen Y, Wang X, Yang D, Wang Q, Huang Y, Petersen RB, Liu X, Zheng L, Li Y, Huang K. Loss of histone lysine methyltransferase EZH2 confers resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 495:41-52. [PMID: 32920200 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment is the first-line therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI occurs almost inevitably. Aberrant activation of proto-oncogene MET has been known to confer EGFR-TKI resistance; however, the mechanisms involved remains unclear. Recent evidence implicates epigenetic heterogeneity as playing roles in cancer drug resistance, whereas links involving epigenetic heterogeneity and MET in NSCLC remain poorly understood. We found that expression of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase, was negatively correlated with MET activation and EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC cells and clinical samples, suggesting the potential for EZH2 to be used as a biomarker for EGFR-TKI sensitivity. Knockdown or inhibition of EZH2 up-regulated MET expression and phosphorylation, and elevated proliferation and EGFR-TKI resistance of cells in vitro. Meanwhile, inhibition of MET or PI3K/AKT enhanced EZH2 levels and restored sensitivity to EGFR-TKI. These findings indicate a "MET-AKT-EZH2" feedback loop regulating EGFR-TKI-resistance. Furthermore, combination therapy of PI3K/AKT inhibition and EGFR-TKI, which interrupts the loop, enhanced tumor-suppressive effects in an EGFR-TKI-resistant xenograft model, indicating a potential approach against drug resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Quan
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaomu Wang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yixue Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Robert B Petersen
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | - Xinran Liu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ling Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yangkai Li
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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15
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Kulikowski E, Rakai BD, Wong NCW. Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins for treating multiple human diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:223-245. [PMID: 32926459 PMCID: PMC7756446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical development of bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) protein inhibitors differs from the traditional course of drug development. These drugs are simultaneously being evaluated for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases due to their novel mechanism of action. BET proteins are epigenetic “readers,” which play a primary role in transcription. Here, we briefly describe the BET family of proteins, of which BRD4 has been studied most extensively. We discuss BRD4 activity at latent enhancers as an example of BET protein function. We examine BRD4 redistribution and enhancer reprogramming in embryonic development, cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, presenting hallmark studies that highlight BET proteins as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the currently available approaches to targeting BET proteins, methods of selectively targeting individual bromodomains, and review studies that compare the effects of selective BET inhibition to those of pan‐BET inhibition. Lastly, we examine the current clinical landscape of BET inhibitor development.
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16
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Lee C, Kim JK. Chromatin regulators in retinoblastoma: Biological roles and therapeutic applications. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2318-2332. [PMID: 32840881 PMCID: PMC7891620 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric ocular tumor mostly occurring due to the biallelic loss of RB1 gene in the developing retina. Early studies of genomic aberrations in RB have provided a valuable insight into how RB can progress following the tumor-initiating RB1 mutations and have established a notion that inactivation of RB1 gene is critical to initiate RB but this causative genetic lesion alone is not sufficient for malignant progression. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, we now have access to the comprehensive genomic and epigenetic landscape of RB and have come to appreciate that RB tumorigenesis requires both genetic and epigenetic alterations that might be directly or indirectly driven by RB1 loss. This integrative perspective on RB tumorigenesis has inspired research efforts to better understand the types and functions of epigenetic mechanisms contributing to RB development, leading to the identification of multiple epigenetic regulators misregulated in RB in recent years. A complete understanding of the intricate network of genetic and epigenetic factors in modulation of gene expression during RB tumorigenesis remains a major challenge but would be crucial to translate these findings into therapeutic interventions. In this review, we will provide an overview of chromatin regulators identified to be misregulated in human RB among the numerous epigenetic factors implicated in RB development. For a subset of these chromatin regulators, recent findings on their functions in RB development and potential therapeutic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsik Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jong Kyong Kim
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Identification of a stemness-related gene panel associated with BET inhibition in triple negative breast cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:431-444. [PMID: 32166583 PMCID: PMC7214516 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are enriched in cells bearing stem-like features, i.e., cancer stem cells (CSCs), which underlie cancer progression. Thus, targeting stemness may be an interesting treatment approach. The epigenetic machinery is crucial for maintaining the stemness phenotype. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) epigenetic reader family members are emerging as novel targets for cancer therapy, and have already shown preclinical effects in breast cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1 on stemness in TNBC. Methods Transcriptomic, functional annotation and qRT-PCR studies were performed on JQ1-exposed TNBC cells in culture. The results obtained were confirmed in spheroids and spheroid-derived tumours. In addition, limiting dilution, secondary and tertiary tumour sphere formation, matrigel invasion, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the effect of JQ1 on CSC features. For clinical outcome analyses, the online tool Kaplan-Meier Plotter and an integrated response database were used. Results We found that JQ1 modified the expression of stemness-related genes in two TNBC-derived cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and BT549. Among these changes, the CD44 Antigen/CD24 Antigen (CD44/CD24) ratio and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A1 (ALDH1A1) expression level, i.e., both classical stemness markers, were found to be decreased by JQ1. Using a validated spheroid model to mimic the intrinsic characteristics of CSCs, we found that JQ1 decreased surface CD44 expression, inhibited self-renewal and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1, thereby altering the stemness phenotype. We also found associations between four of the identified stemness genes, Gap Junction Protein Alpha 1 (GJA1), CD24, Epithelial Adhesion Molecule (EPCAM) and SRY-related HMG-box gene 9 (SOX9), and a worse TNBC patient outcome. The expression of another two of the stemness-related genes was found to be decreased by JQ1, i.e., ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2) and RUNX2, and predicted a low response to chemotherapy in TNBC patients, which supports a role for RUNX2 as a potential predictive marker for chemotherapy response in TNBC. Conclusions We identified a stemness-related gene panel associated with JQ1 and describe how this inhibitor modifies the stemness landscape in TNBC. Therefore, we propose a novel role for JQ1 as a stemness-targeting drug. Loss of the stem cell phenotype via JQ1 treatment could lead to less aggressive and more chemo-sensitive tumours, reflecting a better patient prognosis. Thus, the identified gene panel may be of interest for the clinical management of patients with aggressive TNBC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s13402-020-00497-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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18
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Targeting the Cancer Epigenome with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Osteosarcoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1258:55-75. [PMID: 32767234 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-43085-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic deregulation is an emerging hallmark of cancer that enables tumor cells to escape surveillance by tumor suppressors and ultimately progress. The structure of the epigenome consists of covalent modifications of chromatin components, including acetylation by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylation by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Targeting these enzymes with inhibitors to restore epigenetic homeostasis has been explored for many cancers. Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone malignancy that primarily affects children and young adults, is notable for widespread genetic and epigenetic instability. This may explain why therapy directed at unique molecular pathways has failed to substantially improve outcomes in osteosarcoma over the past four decades. In this review, we discuss the potential of targeting the cancer epigenome, with a focus on histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) for osteosarcoma. We additionally highlight the safety and tolerance of HDACi, combination chemotherapy with HDACi, and the ongoing challenges in the development of these agents.
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19
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Potjewyd F, Turner AMW, Beri J, Rectenwald JM, Norris-Drouin JL, Cholensky SH, Margolis DM, Pearce KH, Herring LE, James LI. Degradation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 with an EED-Targeted Bivalent Chemical Degrader. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 27:47-56.e15. [PMID: 31831267 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein degradation via the use of bivalent chemical degraders provides an alternative strategy to block protein function and assess the biological roles of putative drug targets. This approach capitalizes on the advantages of small-molecule inhibitors while moving beyond the restrictions of traditional pharmacology. Here, we report a chemical degrader (UNC6852) that targets polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). UNC6852 contains an EED226-derived ligand and a ligand for VHL which bind to the WD40 aromatic cage of EED and CRL2VHL, respectively, to induce proteasomal degradation of PRC2 components, EED, EZH2, and SUZ12. Degradation of PRC2 with UNC6852 blocks the histone methyltransferase activity of EZH2, decreasing H3K27me3 levels in HeLa cells and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells containing EZH2 gain-of-function mutations. UNC6852 degrades both wild-type and mutant EZH2, and additionally displays anti-proliferative effects in this cancer model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Potjewyd
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Anne-Marie W Turner
- UNC HIV Cure Center, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joshua Beri
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Justin M Rectenwald
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline L Norris-Drouin
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie H Cholensky
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David M Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, School Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kenneth H Pearce
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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20
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The emerging role of epigenetic therapeutics in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 17:75-90. [PMID: 31548600 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen the emergence of immunotherapy as a prime approach to cancer treatment, revolutionizing the management of many types of cancer. Despite the promise of immunotherapy, most patients do not have a response or become resistant to treatment. Thus, identifying combinations that potentiate current immunotherapeutic approaches will be crucial. The combination of immune-checkpoint inhibition with epigenetic therapy is one such strategy that is being tested in clinical trials, encompassing a variety of cancer types. Studies have revealed key roles of epigenetic processes in regulating immune cell function and mediating antitumour immunity. These interactions make combined epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy an attractive approach to circumvent the limitations of immunotherapy alone. In this Review, we highlight the basic dynamic mechanisms underlying the synergy between immunotherapy and epigenetic therapies and detail current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefit for patients.
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21
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Xiao L, Zhou Z, Li W, Peng J, Sun Q, Zhu H, Song Y, Hou JL, Sun J, Cao HC, Zhongyi D, Wu D, Liu L. Chromobox homolog 8 (CBX8) Interacts with Y-Box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to promote cellular proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:7123-7149. [PMID: 31495785 PMCID: PMC6756871 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins have recently been identified as critical regulators in tumor initiation and development. However, the function of CBX8 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Our study was designed to explore the biological function and clinical implication of CBX8 in HCC. We investigated the interplay between CBX8 and cell cycle through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and western blotting. Bioinformatics tools and co-immunoprecipitation were used to explore cell cycle regulation. Finally, we studied the expression and clinical significance of CBX8 in HCC through 3 independent datasets. CBX8 was upregulated in HCC and its expression correlated with cell cycle progression. CyclinD1 was downregulated by CBX8 knockdown but upregulated by CBX8 overexpression. YBX1 interacted with CBX8 and regulated the cell cycle. Moreover, targeting YBX1 with specific siRNA impaired CBX8-mediated regulation of CyclinD1. CBX8 overexpression boosted HCC cell growth, while CBX8 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation. Further, YBX1 interacted with CBX8. YBX1 knockdown compromised the proliferation of CBX8 overexpressing cells. CBX8 promotes HCC cell proliferation through YBX1 mediated cell cycle progression and is related to poor HCC prognoses. Therefore, CBX8 may serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zixiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, P.R. China
| | - Qingcan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jin-Lin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dong Zhongyi
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dehua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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22
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Khoueiry P, Ward Gahlawat A, Petretich M, Michon AM, Simola D, Lam E, Furlong EE, Benes V, Dawson MA, Prinjha RK, Drewes G, Grandi P. BRD4 bimodal binding at promoters and drug-induced displacement at Pol II pause sites associates with I-BET sensitivity. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:39. [PMID: 31266503 PMCID: PMC6604197 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deregulated transcription is a major driver of diseases such as cancer. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) are chromatin readers essential for maintaining proper gene transcription by specifically binding acetylated lysine residues. Targeted displacement of BET proteins from chromatin, using BET inhibitors (I-BETs), is a promising therapy, especially for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and evaluation of resistance mechanisms is necessary to optimize the clinical efficacy of these drugs. Results To uncover mechanisms of intrinsic I-BET resistance, we quantified chromatin binding and displacement for BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4 after dose response treatment with I-BET151, in sensitive and resistant in vitro models of leukemia, and mapped BET proteins/I-BET interactions genome wide using antibody- and compound-affinity capture methods followed by deep sequencing. The genome-wide map of BET proteins sensitivity to I-BET revealed a bimodal pattern of binding flanking transcription start sites (TSSs), in which drug-mediated displacement from chromatin primarily affects BRD4 downstream of the TSS and prolongs the pausing of RNA Pol II. Correlation of BRD4 binding and drug-mediated displacement at RNA Pol II pause sites with gene expression revealed a differential behavior of sensitive and resistant tumor cells to I-BET and identified a BRD4 signature at promoters of sensitive coding and non-coding genes. Conclusions We provide evidence that I-BET-induced shift of Pol II pausing at promoters via displacement of BRD4 is a determinant of intrinsic I-BET sensitivity. This finding may guide pharmacological treatment to enhance the clinical utility of such targeted therapies in AML and potentially other BET proteins-driven diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13072-019-0286-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Khoueiry
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK Company, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | | - M Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK Company, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A M Michon
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK Company, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Simola
- Target Science Computational Biology, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Upper Providence, USA
| | - E Lam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E E Furlong
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V Benes
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genomics Core Facility, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R K Prinjha
- Epigenetics DPU, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - G Drewes
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK Company, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK Company, Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Schulze AB, Evers G, Kerkhoff A, Mohr M, Schliemann C, Berdel WE, Schmidt LH. Future Options of Molecular-Targeted Therapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E690. [PMID: 31108964 PMCID: PMC6562929 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With a focus on histology, there are two major subtypes: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (the more frequent subtype), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (the more aggressive one). Even though SCLC, in general, is a chemosensitive malignancy, relapses following induction therapy are frequent. The standard of care treatment of SCLC consists of platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with etoposide that is subsequently enhanced by PD-L1-inhibiting atezolizumab in the extensive-stage disease, as the addition of immune-checkpoint inhibition yielded improved overall survival. Although there are promising molecular pathways with potential therapeutic impacts, targeted therapies are still not an integral part of routine treatment. Against this background, we evaluated current literature for potential new molecular candidates such as surface markers (e.g., DLL3, TROP-2 or CD56), apoptotic factors (e.g., BCL-2, BET), genetic alterations (e.g., CREBBP, NOTCH or PTEN) or vascular markers (e.g., VEGF, FGFR1 or CD13). Apart from these factors, the application of so-called 'poly-(ADP)-ribose polymerases' (PARP) inhibitors can influence tumor repair mechanisms and thus offer new perspectives for future treatment. Another promising therapeutic concept is the inhibition of 'enhancer of zeste homolog 2' (EZH2) in the loss of function of tumor suppressors or amplification of (proto-) oncogenes. Considering the poor prognosis of SCLC patients, new molecular pathways require further investigation to augment our therapeutic armamentarium in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik Bernard Schulze
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Georg Evers
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Andrea Kerkhoff
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Michael Mohr
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Christoph Schliemann
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang E Berdel
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Lars Henning Schmidt
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
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