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Alqazzaz MA, Luciani GM, Vu V, Machado RAC, Szewczyk MM, Adamson EC, Cheon S, Li F, Arrowsmith CH, Minden MD, Barsyte-Lovejoy D. Epigenetic vulnerabilities of leukemia harboring inactivating EZH2 mutations. Exp Hematol 2024; 130:104135. [PMID: 38072134 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulators, such as the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), play a critical role in both normal development and carcinogenesis. Mutations and functional dysregulation of PRC2 complex components, such as EZH2, are implicated in various forms of cancer and associated with poor prognosis. This study investigated the epigenetic vulnerabilities of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders (MDS/MPN) by performing a chemical probe screen in patient cells. Paradoxically, we observed increased sensitivity to EZH2 and embryonic ectoderm development (EED) inhibitors in AML and MDS/MPN patient cells harboring EZH2 mutations. Expression analysis indicated that EZH2 inhibition elicited upregulation of pathways responsible for cell death and growth arrest, specifically in patient cells with mutant EZH2. The identified EZH2 mutations had drastically reduced catalytic activity, resulting in lower cellular H3K27me3 levels, and were associated with decreased EZH2 and PRC2 component EED protein levels. Overall, this study provides an important understanding of the role of EZH2 dysregulation in blood cancers and may indicate disease etiology for these poor prognosis AML and MDS/MPN cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Alqazzaz
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Genna M Luciani
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Vu
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raquel A C Machado
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ella C Adamson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sehyun Cheon
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Jahoriya V, Mishra A, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. Dual inhibitors of HDAC and other epigenetic regulators: A novel strategy for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115938. [PMID: 37989059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant advancement in the field of epigenetic drug discovery has been evidenced in recent years. Epigenetic alterations are hereditary, nevertheless reversible variations to DNA or histone adaptations that regulate gene function individualistically of the fundamental sequence. The design and synthesis of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators open a new door for epigenetic-targeted therapies to parade worthwhile therapeutic potential for haematological and solid malignancies. Several ongoing clinical trials on dual targeting strategy are being conducted comprising HDAC inhibitory component and an epigenetic regulating agent. In this perspective, the review discusses the pharmacological aspects of HDAC and other epigenetic regulating factors as dual inhibitors as an emerging alternative approach for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Varsha Jahoriya
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Aditya Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India.
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3
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Zhang W, Nie Q, Zhang X, Huang L, Pang G, Chu J, Yuan X. miR-26a-5p restoration via EZH2 silencing blocks the IL-6/STAT3 axis to repress the growth of prostate cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1285-1297. [PMID: 38155599 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2293750] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the activation of several oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer. However, its upstream trans-signaling pathway remains largely unknown. This work proposes a mechanistic explanation of IL-6's upstream effectors in prostate carcinogenesis. RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS Samples were harvested to validate the expression of EZH2, miR-26a-5p, and IL-6. Moreover, the protein and its phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and transcription activator 3) were assessed in prostate cancer cells. We explored the effects of these effectors on malignant phenotypes in vitro and tumor growth in vivo using functional assays. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine their binding relationships. RESULTS Overexpression of EZH2 and IL-6, and under expression of miR-26a-5p was observed in prostate cancer. Silencing IL-6 repressed STAT3 to suppress the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, EZH2 inhibited miR-26a-5p expression by promoting H3K27 histone methylation, and miR-26a-5p restricted the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer by targeting IL-6. Ectopic EZH2 expression reduced xenograft growth by inhibiting miR-26a-5p and activating the IL-6/STAT3 axis. CONCLUSION EZH2 May potentially be involved in regulating its expression by recruiting H3K27me3 to the miR-26a-5p promoter region, which could further impact the IL6/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qiwei Nie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xuling Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guofu Pang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Aerospace Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yuan
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
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4
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Bhuvanadas S, Devi A. JARID2 and EZH2, The Eminent Epigenetic Drivers In Human Cancer. Gene 2023:147584. [PMID: 37353042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become a prominent cause of death, accounting for approximately 10 million death worldwide as per the World Health Organization reports 2020. Epigenetics deal with the alterations of heritable phenotypes, except for DNA alterations. Currently, we are trying to comprehend the role of utmost significant epigenetic genes involved in the burgeoning of human cancer. A sundry of studies reported the Enhancer of Zeste Homologue2 (EZH2) as a prime catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex2, which is involved in several pivotal activities, including embryogenesis. In addition, EZH2 has detrimental effects leading to the onset and metastasis of several cancers. Jumonji AT Rich Interacting Domain2 (JARID2), an undebated crucial nuclear factor, has strong coordination with the PRC2 family. In this review, we discuss various epigenetic entities, primarily focusing on the possible role and mechanism of EZH2 and the significant contribution of JARID2 in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeshma Bhuvanadas
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203
| | - Arikketh Devi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203.
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5
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Dou F, Tian Z, Yang X, Li J, Wang R, Gao J. Valemetostat: First approval as a dual inhibitor of EZH1/2 to treat adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Drug Discov Ther 2022; 16:297-299. [PMID: 36310058 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Accumulating trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) caused by upregulated function of either enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) or its homolog EZH1 plays an essential role in the maintenance of transcriptional repression in ATL. Selective inhibition of EZH2 may complementarily induce EZH1 activation, so dual targeting EZH1/2 is a rational strategy in developing potent antitumor agents. Valemetostat is the first dual EZH1/2 inhibitor approved for treatment of aggressive ATL in Japan in September 2022. Several other dual EZH1/2 inhibitors such as HH2853, HM97594, and HM97662 have also demonstrated potential in treating malignant tumors. Dual targeting EZH1/2 may have promising antitumor action in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Dou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenxue Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ruquan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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6
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Hou C, Xiao L, Ren X, Cheng L, Guo B, Zhang M, Yan N. EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 is a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in uveal melanoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1013475. [PMID: 36276954 PMCID: PMC9582331 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1013475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gene mutations and aberrant chromosomes are associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of uveal melanoma (UM), potential therapeutic targets still need to be explored. We aim to determine the predictive value and potential therapeutic target of EZH2 in uveal melanoma. Eighty-five uveal melanoma samples were recruited in our study, including 19 metastatic and 66 nonmetastatic samples. qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and western blotting were applied to detect the expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3. We found that EZH2 (41/85, 48.24%) and H3K27me3 (49/85, 57.65%) were overexpressed in uveal melanoma. The expression of EZH2 was not significantly associated with metastasis. High H3K27me3 expression was correlated with poor patient prognosis. UNC 1999, an EZH2 inhibitor, can downregulate H3K27me3 expression and has the most potency to inhibit OMM1 cell growth by the cell cycle and ferroptosis pathway. These results indicate that H3K27me3 can be a biomarker predicting a poor prognosis of UM. EZH2 is the potential therapeutic target for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hou
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Bo Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Naihong Yan
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Naihong Yan,
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7
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Zhao J, Wang W, Yan L, Chen X, Li W, Li W, Chen T, Chen L. Case report: A rare case of acute myeloid leukemia with CPSF6–RARG fusion resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1011023. [PMID: 36185228 PMCID: PMC9523789 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) gene rearrangement has been reported in several acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. They resemble classical acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients in clinical features, morphology, and immunophenotype but do not carry the promyelocytic leukemia (PML)–RARA fusion gene. Importantly, almost all these APL-like AML patients show resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and no effective treatment is recommended for them. Here, we identified a case of AML resembling APL in clinical presentation and experimental findings carrying a rare cleavage and polyadenylation-specific factor 6 (CPSF6)-RARG fusion gene. The patient was insensitive to ATRA and ATO but responded well to homoharringtonine and cytarabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanying Li
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lunhua Chen
- Department of Hematology, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Lunhua Chen,
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8
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Inhibition of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP47 as a novel targeted therapy for hematologic malignancies expressing mutant EZH2. Leukemia 2022; 36:1048-1057. [PMID: 35034955 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01494-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations in EZH2, the catalytic component of PRC2, promote cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis through enzymatic or non-enzymatic activity. The EZH2-Y641 gain-of-function mutation is one of the most significant in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although EZH2 kinase inhibitors, such as EPZ-6438, provide clinical benefit, certain cancer cells are resistant to the enzymatic inhibition of EZH2 because of the inability to functionally target mutant EZH2, or because of cells' dependence on the non-histone methyltransferase activity of EZH2. Consequently, destroying mutant EZH2 protein may be more effective in targeting EZH2 mutant cancers that are dependent on the non-catalytic activity of EZH2. Here, using extensive selectivity profiling, combined with genetic and animal model studies, we identified USP47 as a novel regulator of mutant EZH2. Inhibition of USP47 would be anticipated to block the function of mutated EZH2 through induction of EZH2 degradation by promoting its ubiquitination. Moreover, targeting of USP47 leads to death of mutant EZH2-positive cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we propose targeting USP47 with a small molecule inhibitor as a novel potential therapy for DLBCL and other hematologic malignancies characterized by mutant EZH2 expression.
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Takahashi H, Okayama N, Yamaguchi N, Nomura M, Miyahara Y, Mahbub MH, Hase R, Morishima Y, Suehiro Y, Yamasaki T, Tamada K, Takahashi S, Tojo A, Tanabe T. Analysis of Relationships between Immune Checkpoint and Methylase Gene Polymorphisms and Outcomes after Unrelated Bone Marrow Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112752. [PMID: 34206082 PMCID: PMC8199545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for blood disorders. Unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) is a type of allogeneic HSCT that uses the bone marrow of an unrelated donor. While HLA mismatch is a risk factor for poor outcomes in HSCT, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the importance of non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remains unclear. The clinical application of immune checkpoint and chromatin methylation inhibitors to cancer has been attracting attention. In the present study, we retrospectively genotyped five SNPs in four immune checkpoint genes, BTLA, PD-1, LAG3, and CTLA4, and two SNPs in methylase genes, DNMT1 and EZH2, in 999 uBMT pairs. Although no correlations were observed between these SNPs and post-uBMT outcomes, recipient EZH2 SNP exhibited a low p-value in the analysis of grade 2–4 acute GVHD (p = 0.010). This SNP may be useful for outcome predictions and needs to be confirmed in a larger-scale study. Abstract Unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) is performed to treat blood disorders, and it uses bone marrow from an unrelated donor as the transplant source. Although the importance of HLA matching in uBMT has been established, that of other genetic factors, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), remains unclear. The application of immunoinhibitory receptors as anticancer drugs has recently been attracting attention. This prompted us to examine the importance of immunoinhibitory receptor SNPs in uBMT. We retrospectively genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the immune checkpoint genes, BTLA, PD-1, LAG3, and CTLA4, and two SNPs in the methylase genes, DNMT1 and EZH2, in 999 uBMT donor–recipient pairs coordinated through the Japan Marrow Donor Program matched at least at HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1. No correlations were observed between these SNPs and post-uBMT outcomes (p > 0.005). This result questions the usefulness of these immune checkpoint gene polymorphisms for predicting post-BMT outcomes. However, the recipient EZH2 histone methyltransferase gene SNP, which encodes the D185H substitution, exhibited a low p-value in regression analysis of grade 2–4 acute graft-versus-host disease (p = 0.010). Due to a low minor allele frequency, this SNP warrants further investigation in a larger-scale study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
| | - Naoko Okayama
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (N.O.); (Y.M.); (T.Y.)
| | - Natsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
| | - Moe Nomura
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
| | - Yuta Miyahara
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (N.O.); (Y.M.); (T.Y.)
| | - MH Mahbub
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
| | - Ryosuke Hase
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
| | - Yasuo Morishima
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya 464-8681, Japan;
| | - Yutaka Suehiro
- Department of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan;
| | - Takahiro Yamasaki
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (N.O.); (Y.M.); (T.Y.)
- Department of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan;
| | - Koji Tamada
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan;
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Tsuyoshi Tanabe
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (H.T.); (N.Y.); (M.N.); (M.M.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Zhong L, Li Y, Xiong L, Wang W, Wu M, Yuan T, Yang W, Tian C, Miao Z, Wang T, Yang S. Small molecules in targeted cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and future perspectives. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:201. [PMID: 34054126 PMCID: PMC8165101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 547] [Impact Index Per Article: 182.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the advantages in efficacy and safety compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapeutic drugs have become mainstream cancer treatments. Since the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib was approved to enter the market by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, an increasing number of small-molecule targeted drugs have been developed for the treatment of malignancies. By December 2020, 89 small-molecule targeted antitumor drugs have been approved by the US FDA and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. Despite great progress, small-molecule targeted anti-cancer drugs still face many challenges, such as a low response rate and drug resistance. To better promote the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs, we conducted a comprehensive review of small-molecule targeted anti-cancer drugs according to the target classification. We present all the approved drugs as well as important drug candidates in clinical trials for each target, discuss the current challenges, and provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yuan
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Huang Y, Yu SH, Zhen WX, Cheng T, Wang D, Lin JB, Wu YH, Wang YF, Chen Y, Shu LP, Wang Y, Sun XJ, Zhou Y, Yang F, Hsu CH, Xu PF. Tanshinone I, a new EZH2 inhibitor restricts normal and malignant hematopoiesis through upregulation of MMP9 and ABCG2. Theranostics 2021; 11:6891-6904. [PMID: 34093860 PMCID: PMC8171091 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Tanshinone, a type of diterpenes derived from salvia miltiorrhiza, is a particularly promising herbal medicine compound for the treatment of cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the therapeutic function and the underlying mechanism of Tanshinone in AML are not clear, and the toxic effect of Tanshinone limits its clinical application. Methods: Our work utilizes human leukemia cell lines, zebrafish transgenics and xenograft models to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how Tanshinone affects normal and abnormal hematopoiesis. WISH, Sudan Black and O-Dianisidine Staining were used to determine the expression of hematopoietic genes on zebrafish embryos. RNA-seq analysis showed that differential expression genes and enrichment gene signature with Tan I treatment. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method was used with a BIAcore T200 (GE Healthcare) to measure the binding affinities of Tan I. In vitro methyltransferase assay was performed to verify Tan I inhibits the histone enzymatic activity of the PRC2 complex. ChIP-qPCR assay was used to determine the H3K27me3 level of EZH2 target genes. Results: We found that Tanshinone I (Tan I), one of the Tanshinones, can inhibit the proliferation of human leukemia cells in vitro and in the xenograft zebrafish model, as well as the normal and malignant definitive hematopoiesis in zebrafish. Mechanistic studies illustrate that Tan I regulates normal and malignant hematopoiesis through direct binding to EZH2, a well-known histone H3K27 methyltransferase, and inhibiting PRC2 enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we identified MMP9 and ABCG2 as two possible downstream genes of Tan I's effects on EZH2. Conclusions: Together, this study confirmed that Tan I is a novel EZH2 inhibitor and suggested MMP9 and ABCG2 as two potential therapeutic targets for myeloid malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan-He Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Zhen
- Department of biophysics and Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie-Bo Lin
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Han Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh united Institute
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Shu
- Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National & Guizhou Joint Engineering Laboratory for Cell Engineering and Biomedicine Technique, Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, 550004
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University
| | - Xiao-Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of biophysics and Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Miller HE, Bishop AJR. Correlation AnalyzeR: functional predictions from gene co-expression correlations. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:206. [PMID: 33879054 PMCID: PMC8056587 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-expression correlations provide the ability to predict gene functionality within specific biological contexts, such as different tissue and disease conditions. However, current gene co-expression databases generally do not consider biological context. In addition, these tools often implement a limited range of unsophisticated analysis approaches, diminishing their utility for exploring gene functionality and gene relationships. Furthermore, they typically do not provide the summary visualizations necessary to communicate these results, posing a significant barrier to their utilization by biologists without computational skills. RESULTS We present Correlation AnalyzeR, a user-friendly web interface for exploring co-expression correlations and predicting gene functions, gene-gene relationships, and gene set topology. Correlation AnalyzeR provides flexible access to its database of tissue and disease-specific (cancer vs normal) genome-wide co-expression correlations, and it also implements a suite of sophisticated computational tools for generating functional predictions with user-friendly visualizations. In the usage example provided here, we explore the role of BRCA1-NRF2 interplay in the context of bone cancer, demonstrating how Correlation AnalyzeR can be effectively implemented to generate and support novel hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS Correlation AnalyzeR facilitates the exploration of poorly characterized genes and gene relationships to reveal novel biological insights. The database and all analysis methods can be accessed as a web application at https://gccri.bishop-lab.uthscsa.edu/correlation-analyzer/ and as a standalone R package at https://github.com/Bishop-Laboratory/correlationAnalyzeR .
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry E Miller
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health At San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA. .,Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health At San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Alexander J R Bishop
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health At San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health At San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health At San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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13
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Yang L, Ma DW, Cao YP, Li DZ, Zhou X, Feng JF, Bao J. PRMT5 functionally associates with EZH2 to promote colorectal cancer progression through epigenetically repressing CDKN2B expression. Theranostics 2021; 11:3742-3759. [PMID: 33664859 PMCID: PMC7914347 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a type II arginine methyltransferase that symmetrically di-methylates arginine residues on both histone and non-histone protein substrates. Accumulating evidence suggests that PRMT5 exerts its oncogenic properties in a wide spectrum of human malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PRMT5 contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be defined. Methods: Western blot and real-time PCR were used to analyze the expression of CDKN2B. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), immunofluorescence and GST pulldown assays were employed to investigate the interaction between PRMT5 and EZH2. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed to validate CDKN2B as a direct target of PRMT5/EZH2. DNA methylation status at the CpG islands of promoter region of CDKN2B gene was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. The effect of PRMT5/EZH2 on malignant phenotypes was examined through in vitro and in vivo assays. PRMT5 and EZH2 protein expression levels in CRC tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Results: We observed that PRMT5-deficient CRC cells exhibit proliferation defects in vitro. PRMT5 was identified as a major transcriptional repressor of CDKN2B (p15INK4b) for determining CRC progression. Mechanistically, PRMT5-mediated histone marks H4R3me2s and H3R8me2s were predominantly deposited at the promoter region of CDKN2B gene in CRC cells. Knockdown of PRMT5 in CRC cells decreased the accumulation of H4R3me2s and H3R8me2s marks and reduced the CpG methylation level of CDKN2B promoter, then re-activated CDKN2B expression. Strikingly, silencing of CDKN2B partially abrogated the proliferation defects caused by PRMT5 depletion in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we proved that PRMT5 interacted with Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), leading to enhanced EZH2 binding and H3K27me3 deposition together with decreased transcriptional output of CDKN2B gene. Importantly, we found that the combined interventions exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect of combined treatment with PRMT5i (GSK591) and EZH2i (GSK126) on the growth of CRC cells/xenografts in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PRMT5 and EZH2 were found to be significantly elevated and associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Conclusion: PRMT5 functionally associates with EZH2 to promote CRC progression through epigenetically repressing CDKN2B expression. Thus, our findings raise the possibility that combinational intervention of PRMT5 and EZH2 may be a promising strategy for CRC therapy.
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Saul D, Kosinsky RL. Epigenetics of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010401. [PMID: 33401659 PMCID: PMC7794926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging represents the multifactorial decline in physiological function of every living organism. Over the past decades, several hallmarks of aging have been defined, including epigenetic deregulation. Indeed, multiple epigenetic events were found altered across different species during aging. Epigenetic changes directly contributing to aging and aging-related diseases include the accumulation of histone variants, changes in chromatin accessibility, loss of histones and heterochromatin, aberrant histone modifications, and deregulated expression/activity of miRNAs. As a consequence, cellular processes are affected, which results in the development or progression of several human pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on epigenetic mechanisms underlying aging-related processes in various species and describe how these deregulations contribute to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Saul
- Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Trauma, Orthopedics and Reconstructive Surgery, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Robyn Laura Kosinsky
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-507-293-2386
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15
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PRC2 insufficiency causes p53-dependent dyserythropoiesis in myelodysplastic syndrome. Leukemia 2020; 35:1156-1165. [PMID: 32820269 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
EZH1 and EZH2 are enzymatic components of polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 2, which catalyzes histone H3K27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) to repress the transcription of PRC2 target genes. We previously reported that the hematopoietic cell-specific Ezh2 deletion (Ezh2Δ/Δ) induced a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-like disease in mice. We herein demonstrated that severe PRC2 insufficiency induced by the deletion of one allele Ezh1 in Ezh2-deficient mice (Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ) caused advanced dyserythropoiesis accompanied by a differentiation block and enhanced apoptosis in erythroblasts. p53, which is activated by impaired ribosome biogenesis in del(5q) MDS, was specifically activated in erythroblasts, but not in hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells in Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ mice. Cdkn2a, a major PRC2 target encoding p19Arf, which activates p53 by inhibiting MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase, was de-repressed in Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ erythroblasts. The deletion of Cdkn2a as well as p53 rescued dyserythropoiesis in Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ mice, indicating that PRC2 insufficiency caused p53-dependent dyserythropoiesis via the de-repression of Cdkn2a. Since PRC2 insufficiency is often involved in the pathogenesis of MDS, the present results suggest that p53-dependent dyserythropoiesis manifests in MDS in the setting of PRC2 insufficiency.
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16
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Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is enzymatic catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that can alter downstream target genes expression by trimethylation of Lys-27 in histone 3 (H3K27me3). EZH2 could also regulate gene expression in ways besides H3K27me3. Functions of EZH2 in cells proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence have been identified. Its important roles in the pathophysiology of cancer are now widely concerned. Therefore, targeting EZH2 for cancer therapy is a hot research topic now and different types of EZH2 inhibitors have been developed. In this review, we summarize the structure and action modes of EZH2, focusing on up-to-date findings regarding the role of EZH2 in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunity regulation. Furtherly, we highlight the advance of targeting EZH2 therapies in experiments and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfang Du
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Rinke J, Chase A, Cross NCP, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. EZH2 in Myeloid Malignancies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071639. [PMID: 32650416 PMCID: PMC7407223 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the significance of epigenetic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies has greatly advanced in the past decade. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic core component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), which is responsible for gene silencing through trimethylation of H3K27. EZH2 dysregulation is highly tumorigenic and has been observed in various cancers, with EZH2 acting as an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor depending on cellular context. While loss-of-function mutations of EZH2 frequently affect patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome and myelofibrosis, cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) seem to be largely characterized by EZH2 overexpression. A variety of other factors frequently aberrant in myeloid leukemia can affect PRC2 function and disease pathogenesis, including Additional Sex Combs Like 1 (ASXL1) and splicing gene mutations. As the genetic background of myeloid malignancies is largely heterogeneous, it is not surprising that EZH2 mutations act in conjunction with other aberrations. Since EZH2 mutations are considered to be early events in disease pathogenesis, they are of therapeutic interest to researchers, though targeting of EZH2 loss-of-function does present unique challenges. Preliminary research indicates that combined tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and EZH2 inhibitor therapy may provide a strategy to eliminate the residual disease burden in CML to allow patients to remain in treatment-free remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Rinke
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.R.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrew Chase
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (A.C.); (N.C.P.C.)
- Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury SP2 8BJ, UK
| | - Nicholas C. P. Cross
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (A.C.); (N.C.P.C.)
- Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury SP2 8BJ, UK
| | - Andreas Hochhaus
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.R.); (A.H.)
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.R.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-9324201; Fax: +49-3641-9324202
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18
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Epigenetic regulation of protein translation in KMT2A-rearranged AML. Exp Hematol 2020; 85:57-69. [PMID: 32437908 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the H3K79 histone methyltransferase DOT1L has exhibited encouraging preclinical and early clinical activity in KMT2A (MLL)-rearranged leukemia, supporting the development of combinatorial therapies. Here, we investigated two novel combinations: dual inhibition of the histone methyltransferases DOT1L and EZH2, and the combination with a protein synthesis inhibitor. EZH2 is the catalytic subunit in the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and inhibition of EZH2 has been reported to have preclinical activity in KMT2A-r leukemia. When combined with DOT1L inhibition, however, we observed both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Interestingly, antagonistic effects were not due to PRC2-mediated de-repression of HOXA9. HOXA cluster genes are key canonical targets of both KMT2A and the PRC2 complex. The independence of the HOXA cluster from PRC2 repression in KMT2A-r leukemia thus affords important insights into leukemia biology. Further studies revealed that EZH2 inhibition counteracted the effect of DOT1L inhibition on ribosomal gene expression. We thus identified a previously unrecognized role of DOT1L in regulating protein production. Decreased translation was one of the earliest effects measurable after DOT1L inhibition and specific to KMT2A-rearranged cell lines. H3K79me2 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing patterns over ribosomal genes were similar to those of the canonical KMT2A-fusion target genes in primary AML patient samples. The effects of DOT1L inhibition on ribosomal gene expression prompted us to evaluate the combination of EPZ5676 with a protein translation inhibitor. EPZ5676 was synergistic with the protein translation inhibitor homoharringtonine (omacetaxine), supporting further preclinical/clinical development of this combination. In summary, we discovered a novel epigenetic regulation of a metabolic process-protein synthesis-that plays a role in leukemogenesis and affords a combinatorial therapeutic opportunity.
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19
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Zhang P, Xu M, Yang FC. The Role of ASXL1/2 and Their Associated Proteins in Malignant Hematopoiesis. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-020-00168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Conserva MR, Redavid I, Anelli L, Zagaria A, Specchia G, Albano F. RARG Gene Dysregulation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:114. [PMID: 31709264 PMCID: PMC6822255 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00114] [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: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and shares 90% homology with retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) and retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ). RARA rearrangements are well-known to be involved in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but RARG rearrangements can also resemble this kind of leukemia. In this review we trace the role of RARγ, considering both its physiological and oncogenic contribution; from 2011 to date, nine cases of patients harboring RARG fusions have been reported. These patients showed typical APL features, including the clinical presentation, coagulation abnormalities and morphological features of bone marrow (BM), but are not responsive to APL standard therapy. We stress the urgent need for a better comprehension of the critical role of RARG dysregulation in the leukemogenesis process, since optimum therapy strategies have not yet been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Conserva
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Immacolata Redavid
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Anelli
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Zagaria
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgina Specchia
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Koubi M, Poplineau M, Vernerey J, N'Guyen L, Tiberi G, Garciaz S, El-Kaoutari A, Maqbool MA, Andrau JC, Guillouf C, Saurin AJ, Duprez E. Regulation of the positive transcriptional effect of PLZF through a non-canonical EZH2 activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:3339-3350. [PMID: 29425303 PMCID: PMC5909434 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor PLZF (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein) acts as an epigenetic regulator balancing self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic cells through binding to various chromatin-modifying factors. First described as a transcriptional repressor, PLZF is also associated with active transcription, although the molecular bases underlying the differences are unknown. Here, we reveal that in a hematopoietic cell line, PLZF is predominantly associated with transcribed genes. Additionally, we identify a new association between PLZF and the histone methyltransferase, EZH2 at the genomic level. We find that co-occupancy of PLZF and EZH2 on chromatin at PLZF target genes is not associated with SUZ12 or trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) but with the active histone mark H3K4me3 and active transcription. Removal of EZH2 leads to an increase of PLZF binding and increased gene expression. Our results suggest a new role of EZH2 in restricting PLZF positive transcriptional activity independently of its canonical PRC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Koubi
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Mathilde Poplineau
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Julien Vernerey
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Lia N'Guyen
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Guillaume Tiberi
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Sylvain Garciaz
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Abdessamad El-Kaoutari
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
| | - Muhammad A Maqbool
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Andrau
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
| | - Christel Guillouf
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm U1170, CNRS Villejuif, France
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, 13288 Marseille, Cedex 9, France
| | - Estelle Duprez
- Epigenetic Factors in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, 13273 Marseille Cedex 9, France
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Sashida G, Oshima M, Iwama A. Deregulated Polycomb functions in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Int J Hematol 2019; 110:170-178. [PMID: 30706327 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-019-02600-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb proteins function in the maintenance of gene silencing via post-translational modifications of histones and chromatin compaction. Genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that the repressive function of Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) in transcription is counteracted by the activating function of Trithorax-group complexes; this balance fine-tunes the expression of genes critical for development and tissue homeostasis. The function of PRCs is frequently dysregulated in various cancer cells due to altered expression or recurrent somatic mutations in PRC genes. The tumor suppressive functions of EZH2-containing PRC2 and a PRC2-related protein ASXL1 have been investigated extensively in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). BCOR, a component of non-canonical PRC1, suppresses various hematological malignancies including MPN. In this review, we focus on recent findings on the role of PRCs in the pathogenesis of MPN and the therapeutic impact of targeting the pathological functions of PRCs in MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goro Sashida
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation in Leukemogenesis, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Motohiko Oshima
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwama
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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Liu J, Liang L, Huang S, Nong L, Li D, Zhang B, Li T. Aberrant differential expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3 in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is associated with disease progression and prognosis. Hum Pathol 2019; 83:166-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ezh1 Targets Bivalent Genes to Maintain Self-Renewing Stem Cells in Ezh2-Insufficient Myelodysplastic Syndrome. iScience 2018; 9:161-174. [PMID: 30396150 PMCID: PMC6223231 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 2 represses transcription through histone H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). We previously reported that the hematopoietic-cell-specific deletion of Ezh2, encoding a PRC2 enzyme, induced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in mice, whereas the concurrent Ezh1 deletion depleted hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We herein demonstrated that mice with only one Ezh1 allele (Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ) maintained HSPCs. A chromatin immunopreciptation sequence analysis revealed that residual PRC2 preferentially targeted genes with high levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub1) in HSPCs (designated as Ezh1 core target genes), which were mostly developmental regulators, and maintained H3K27me3 levels in Ezh1+/-Ezh2Δ/Δ HSPCs. Even upon the complete depletion of Ezh1 and Ezh2, H2AK119ub1 levels were largely retained, and only a minimal number of Ezh1 core targets were de-repressed. These results indicate that genes marked with high levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub1 are the core targets of polycomb complexes in HSPCs as well as MDS stem cells. One allele of Ezh1 is enough to maintain self-renewing HSCs and MDS stem cells Ezh1 core targets are marked with high levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub1 in HSPCs Ezh1 core targets are mostly bivalent developmental regulators and critical for HSCs
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Coccaro N, Zagaria A, Orsini P, Anelli L, Tota G, Casieri P, Impera L, Minervini A, Minervini CF, Cumbo C, Parciante E, Mestice A, Delia M, Brunetti C, Specchia G, Albano F. RARA and RARG gene downregulation associated with EZH2 mutation in acute promyelocytic-like morphology leukemia. Hum Pathol 2018; 80:82-86. [PMID: 29530751 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients express PML-RARA fusion; in rare cases, RARA is rearranged with partner genes other than PML. To date, only 2 patients presenting features similar to APL showing the RARG gene rearrangement have been described. We report an acute myeloid leukemia patient with morphology resembling APL without involvement of the RARA gene. Molecular and fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses excluded PML-RARA fusion and variant rearrangements involving RARA and RARG loci. Targeted next-generation sequencing showed EZH2- D185H mutation. As this mutation involved the region of interaction with DNA methyltransferases, we speculate an epigenetic alteration of genes involved in the APL-like phenotype. Expression analysis by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction revealed downregulation of the RARA and RARG genes. We hypothesize a novel mechanism of EZH2 function alteration, which may be responsible for an acute myeloid leukemia with APL-like phenotype featuring dysregulation of the RARA and RARG genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Coccaro
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Zagaria
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Orsini
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Anelli
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tota
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Casieri
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luciana Impera
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Minervini
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Crescenzio F Minervini
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimo Cumbo
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Elisa Parciante
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Mestice
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Delia
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Brunetti
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgina Specchia
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Gallipoli P, Huntly BJP. Novel epigenetic therapies in hematological malignancies: Current status and beyond. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 51:198-210. [PMID: 28782607 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade transcriptional dysregulation and altered epigenetic programs have emerged as a hallmark in the majority of hematological cancers. Several epigenetic regulators are recurrently mutated in many hematological malignancies. In addition, in those cases that lack epigenetic mutations, altered function of epigenetic regulators has been shown to play a central role in the pathobiology of many hematological neoplasms, through mechanisms that are becoming increasingly understood. This, in turn, has led to the development of small molecule inhibitors of dysregulated epigenetic pathways as novel targeted therapies for hematological malignancies. In this review, we will present the most recent advances in our understanding of the role played by dysregulated epigenetic programs in the development and maintenance of hematological neoplasms. We will describe novel therapeutics targeting altered epigenetic programs and outline their mode of action. We will then discuss their use in specific conditions, identify potential limitations and putative toxicities while also providing an update on their current clinical development. Finally, we will highlight the opportunities presented by epigenetically targeted therapies in hematological malignancies and introduce the challenges that need to be tackled by both the research and clinical communities to best translate these novel therapies into clinical practice and to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gallipoli
- Department of Hematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian J P Huntly
- Department of Hematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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EZH2 inhibitors sensitize myeloma cell lines to panobinostat resulting in unique combinatorial transcriptomic changes. Oncotarget 2018; 9:21930-21942. [PMID: 29774113 PMCID: PMC5955152 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a largely incurable hematologic cancer due to an inability to broadly target inevitable drug-resistant relapse. Epigenetic abnormalities are abundantly present in multiple myeloma and have increasingly demonstrated critical roles for tumor development and relapse to standard therapies. Accumulating evidence suggests that the histone methyltransferase EZH2 is aberrantly active in MM. We tested the efficacy of EZH2 specific inhibitors in a large panel of human MM cell lines (HMCLs) and found that only a subset of HMCLs demonstrate single agent sensitivity despite ubiquitous global H3K27 demethylation. Pre-treatment with EZH2 inhibitors greatly enhanced the sensitivity of HMCLs to the pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat in nearly all cases regardless of single agent EZH2 inhibitor sensitivity. Transcriptomic profiling revealed large-scale transcriptomic alteration by EZH2 inhibition highly enriched for cancer-related pathways. Combination treatment greatly increased the scale of gene expression change with a large portion of differentially expressed genes being unique to the combination. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that combination treatment further perturbed oncogenic pathways and signaling nodes consistent with an antiproliferative/pro-apoptotic state. We conclude that combined inhibition of HDAC and EZH2 inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy to broadly target the epigenetic landscape of aggressive MM.
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Elevated expression of the EZH2 gene in CALR-mutated patients with primary myelofibrosis. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:1193-1208. [PMID: 29560522 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is one of the BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), characterized by the diffuse fibrous hyperproliferation, bone marrow osteosclerosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and marked splenomegaly. The patients with PMF have an insidious onset, a long duration of clinical course, and the deteriorated quality of life. It has been reported that the CALR gene 9 exon mutations were detected in 25-30% PMF patients, particularly as high as 80% in the JAK2/MPL-negative ones. As the second most common mutation in BCR/ABL-negative MPNs, CALR mutation has been included in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria as one of the main diagnostic criteria for both essential thrombocythemia (ET) and PMF. Moreover, the CALR mutations indicated a favorable prognosis, which the mechanism is still under investigation. It was demonstrated that a characterized high expression of EZH2 and SUZ12 in CALR-mutated patients. Taking EZH2 as the research entry point, we initially discussed the mechanism that the CALR-positive patients with PMF exhibited a better prognosis in the current study.
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Diets IJ, Waanders E, Ligtenberg MJ, van Bladel DAG, Kamping EJ, Hoogerbrugge PM, Hopman S, Olderode-Berends MJ, Gerkes EH, Koolen DA, Marcelis C, Santen GW, van Belzen MJ, Mordaunt D, McGregor L, Thompson E, Kattamis A, Pastorczak A, Mlynarski W, Ilencikova D, van Silfhout AV, Gardeitchik T, de Bont ES, Loeffen J, Wagner A, Mensenkamp AR, Kuiper RP, Hoogerbrugge N, Jongmans MC. High Yield of Pathogenic Germline Mutations Causative or Likely Causative of the Cancer Phenotype in Selected Children with Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:1594-1603. [PMID: 29351919 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: In many children with cancer and characteristics suggestive of a genetic predisposition syndrome, the genetic cause is still unknown. We studied the yield of pathogenic mutations by applying whole-exome sequencing on a selected cohort of children with cancer.Experimental Design: To identify mutations in known and novel cancer-predisposing genes, we performed trio-based whole-exome sequencing on germline DNA of 40 selected children and their parents. These children were diagnosed with cancer and had at least one of the following features: (1) intellectual disability and/or congenital anomalies, (2) multiple malignancies, (3) family history of cancer, or (4) an adult type of cancer. We first analyzed the sequence data for germline mutations in 146 known cancer-predisposing genes. If no causative mutation was found, the analysis was extended to the whole exome.Results: Four patients carried causative mutations in a known cancer-predisposing gene: TP53 and DICER1 (n = 3). In another 4 patients, exome sequencing revealed mutations causing syndromes that might have contributed to the malignancy (EP300-based Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, ARID1A-based Coffin-Siris syndrome, ACTB-based Baraitser-Winter syndrome, and EZH2-based Weaver syndrome). In addition, we identified two genes, KDM3B and TYK2, which are possibly involved in genetic cancer predisposition.Conclusions: In our selected cohort of patients, pathogenic germline mutations causative or likely causative of the cancer phenotype were found in 8 patients, and two possible novel cancer-predisposing genes were identified. Therewith, our study shows the added value of sequencing beyond a cancer gene panel in selected patients, to recognize childhood cancer predisposition. Clin Cancer Res; 24(7); 1594-603. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illja J Diets
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Esmé Waanders
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn J Ligtenberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Diede A G van Bladel
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline J Kamping
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Saskia Hopman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maran J Olderode-Berends
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erica H Gerkes
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - David A Koolen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Carlo Marcelis
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs W Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martine J van Belzen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dylan Mordaunt
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lesley McGregor
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Thompson
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Agata Pastorczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology, Hematology and Diabetology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Mlynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology, Hematology and Diabetology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Denisa Ilencikova
- 2nd Pediatric Department, Children's University Hospital, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Thatjana Gardeitchik
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline S de Bont
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Wagner
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen R Mensenkamp
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roland P Kuiper
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicoline Hoogerbrugge
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn C Jongmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Boostani F, Dolatkhah R, Fakhrjou A, Farassati F, Sanaat Z. Association of clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes with EZH2 expression in patients with breast cancer in East Azerbaijan, Iran. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:449-457. [PMID: 29403289 PMCID: PMC5783027 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s149210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, it was found that the overexpression and mutation status of EZH2 affect cancer progression and patient outcome in several human tumors. We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic significance of EZH2 in patients with breast cancer. Methods This was an analytical descriptive study of surgical specimens of primary breast tumors. Specimens were analyzed immunohistochemically for EZH2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, P53, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressions. Regression analysis was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression models were used to estimate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results We included 100 patients with breast cancer (mean age 51.05±9.54 years). The multivariate regression analysis showed that HER2-positive patients had approximately twice the levels of EZH2 expression compared with HER2-negative patients (HR 2.16, 95% CI 0.48–11.49). The likelihood of EZH2 expression was significantly higher in patients with lymph node involvement than in those without (HR 8.44, 95% CI 3.06–23.33; P≤0.05). EZH2 expression did not have any significant effect on the OS, although the mean OS in high EZH2 expression was shorter than for those with low EZH2 expression (655 vs 787 days; log-rank P=0.336). The mean DFS was 487 days for patients with high EZH2 expression compared with 908 days for those with low EZH2 expression (log-rank P=0.188). Conclusion There was no association found between EZH2 expression and OS and DFS in our patients. Further studies involving larger sample sizes, and conducted in different populations, are needed to validate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Boostani
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roya Dolatkhah
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Faris Farassati
- Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Vilorio-Marqués L, Martín V, Diez-Tascón C, González-Sevilla MF, Fernández-Villa T, Honrado E, Davila-Batista V, Molina AJ. The role of EZH2 in overall survival of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13806. [PMID: 29061982 PMCID: PMC5653815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalitic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 and mediates gene silencing. EZH2 is overexpressed in many cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. The role of the gene EZH2 in colorectal cancer survival is uncertainly, the aim of this study is clear this relationship. Relevant literaure was searched from electronic databases. A meta-analysis was performed with elegible studies which quantitatively evaluated the relationship between EZH2 overexpression and survival of patients with colorectal cancer. Survival data were aggregated and quantitatively analyzed. We performed a meta-analysis of 8 studies (n = 1059 patients) that evaluated the correlation between EZH2 overexpression and survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Combined hazard ratios suggested that EZH2 overexpression was associated with better prognosis of overall survival (OS) HR(hazard ratio) = 0.61 95% CI (0.38-0.84) We performed bias analysis according Egger and Begg,s test and we did not find publication bias. EZH2 overexpression indicates a better prognosis for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vilorio-Marqués
- GIIGAS: Grupo de Investigación en Interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Leon, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín
- GIIGAS: Grupo de Investigación en Interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Leon, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Diez-Tascón
- Banco de Tumores, Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Leon, Spain
| | - María Francisca González-Sevilla
- GIIGAS: Grupo en interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Physiology, University of León, Leon, Spain
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- GIIGAS: Grupo de Investigación en Interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Leon, Spain
| | - Emiliano Honrado
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Leon, Spain
| | - Veronica Davila-Batista
- GIIGAS: Grupo de Investigación en Interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Leon, Spain
| | - Antonio J Molina
- GIIGAS: Grupo de Investigación en Interacción Gen-Ambiente-Salud, Dpt of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Leon, Spain.
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Honma D, Kanno O, Watanabe J, Kinoshita J, Hirasawa M, Nosaka E, Shiroishi M, Takizawa T, Yasumatsu I, Horiuchi T, Nakao A, Suzuki K, Yamasaki T, Nakajima K, Hayakawa M, Yamazaki T, Yadav AS, Adachi N. Novel orally bioavailable EZH1/2 dual inhibitors with greater antitumor efficacy than an EZH2 selective inhibitor. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:2069-2078. [PMID: 28741798 PMCID: PMC5623739 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) methylates histone H3 lysine 27 and represses gene expression to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) or its close homolog EZH1 functions as a catalytic subunit of PRC2, so there are two PRC2 complexes containing either EZH2 or EZH1. Tumorigenic functions of EZH2 and its synthetic lethality with some subunits of SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes have been observed. However, little is known about the function of EZH1 in tumorigenesis. Herein, we developed novel, orally bioavailable EZH1/2 dual inhibitors that strongly and selectively inhibited methyltransferase activity of both EZH2 and EZH1. EZH1/2 dual inhibitors suppressed trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 in cells more than EZH2 selective inhibitors. They also showed greater antitumor efficacy than EZH2 selective inhibitor in vitro and in vivo against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells harboring gain-of-function mutation in EZH2. A hematological cancer panel assay indicated that EZH1/2 dual inhibitor has efficacy against some lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and leukemia with fusion genes such as MLL-AF9, MLL-AF4, and AML1-ETO. A solid cancer panel assay demonstrated that some cancer cell lines are sensitive to EZH1/2 dual inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. No clear correlation was detected between sensitivity to EZH1/2 dual inhibitor and SWI/SNF mutations, with a few exceptions. Severe toxicity was not seen in rats treated with EZH1/2 dual inhibitor for 14 days at drug levels higher than those used in the antitumor study. Our results indicate the possibility of EZH1/2 dual inhibitors for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Honma
- Oncology Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Kanno
- Medicinal Chemistry Function, Asubio Pharma Co, Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Oncology Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junzo Kinoshita
- Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hirasawa
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emi Nosaka
- Oncology Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Takizawa
- Biological Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isao Yasumatsu
- Biological Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Horiuchi
- Oncology Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Nakao
- End-Organ Disease Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Suzuki
- Pain & Neuroscience Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Miho Hayakawa
- Pharmacovigilance Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Yamazaki
- New Drug Regulatory Affairs Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nobuaki Adachi
- Oncology Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
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Kelly AD, Issa JPJ. The promise of epigenetic therapy: reprogramming the cancer epigenome. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 42:68-77. [PMID: 28412585 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to heritable molecular determinants of phenotype independent of DNA sequence. Epigenetic features include DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin structure. The epigenetic status of cells plays a crucial role in determining their differentiation state and proper function within multicellular organisms. Disruption of these processes is now understood to be a major contributor to cancer development and progression, and recent efforts have attempted to pharmacologically reverse such altered epigenetics. In this mini-review we introduce the concept of epigenetic drivers of cancer and discuss how aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin states are being targeted using drugs either in preclinical, or clinical development, and how they fit in the context of existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Kelly
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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