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Wang Y, Zhang N, Shang W, Peng H, Hu Z, Yang Y, Tan L, Zhang L, He F, Rao X. Dexamethasone Inhibits the Growth of B-Lymphoma Cells by Downregulating DOT1L. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2150. [PMID: 39307938 PMCID: PMC11417011 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), has been widely applied to treat leukemia and lymphoma; however, the precise mechanism underlying Dex action is still not well elucidated. DOT1L, a histone H3-lysine79 (H3K79) methyltransferase, has been linked to multiple cancer types, particularly mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearranged leukemia, but its contribution to lymphoma is yet to be delineated. Analysis from the TCGA database displayed that DOT1L was highly expressed in lymphoma and leukemia. RESULTS We initially demonstrated that DOT1L served as a new target gene controlled by GR, and the downregulation of DOT1L was critical for the killing of B-lymphoma cells by Dex. Further study revealed that Dex had no impact on the transcriptional activity of the DOT1L promoter, rather it reduced the mRNA level of DOT1L at the posttranscriptional level. In addition, knockdown of DOT1L remarkably inhibited the B-lymphoma cell growth. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings indicated that DOT1L may serve as a potential drug target and a promising biomarker of Dex sensitivity when it comes to treating B lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of HematologyPeople's Liberation Army the General Hospital of Western Theater CommandChengduChina
| | - Weilong Shang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Huagang Peng
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of OncologyXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Xiancai Rao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in ChongqingArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Alhedyan F, Kabekkodu SP, Radhakrishnan R. HOXA9 transcription factor is a double-edged sword: from development to cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:709-728. [PMID: 38062297 PMCID: PMC11156722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The HOXA9 transcription factor serves as a molecular orchestrator in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and generation of the tumor microenvironment in hematological and solid malignancies. However, the multiple modes of regulation, multifaceted functions, and context-dependent interactions responsible for the dual role of HOXA9 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer remain obscure. Hence, unravelling its molecular complexities, binding partners, and interacting signaling molecules enables us to comprehend HOXA9-mediated transcriptional programs and molecular crosstalk. However, it is imperative to understand its central role in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis, foetus implantation, hematopoiesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and tissue homeostasis before designing targeted therapies. Indeed, it presents an enormous challenge for clinicians to selectively target its oncogenic functions or restore tumor-suppressive role without altering normal cellular functions. In addition to its implications in cancer, the present review also focuses on the clinical applications of HOXA9 in recurrence and drug resistance, which may provide a broader understanding beyond oncology, open new avenues for clinicians for accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, we have also discussed the existing therapeutic options and accompanying challenges in HOXA9-targeted therapies in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Faisal Alhedyan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Schneider P, Crump NT, Arentsen-Peters STCJM, Smith AL, Hagelaar R, Adriaanse FRS, Bos RS, de Jong A, Nierkens S, Koopmans B, Milne TA, Pieters R, Stam RW. Modelling acquired resistance to DOT1L inhibition exhibits the adaptive potential of KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:81. [PMID: 37740239 PMCID: PMC10517487 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive malignancy, oncogenic KMT2A-fusion proteins inappropriately recruit DOT1L to promote leukemogenesis, highlighting DOT1L as an attractive therapeutic target. Unfortunately, treatment with the first-in-class DOT1L inhibitor pinometostat eventually leads to non-responsiveness. To understand this we established acquired pinometostat resistance in pediatric KMT2A::AFF1+ B-ALL cells. Interestingly, these cells became mostly independent of DOT1L-mediated H3K79 methylation, but still relied on the physical presence of DOT1L, HOXA9 and the KMT2A::AFF1 fusion. Moreover, these cells selectively lost the epigenetic regulation and expression of various KMT2A-fusion target genes such as PROM1/CD133, while other KMT2A::AFF1 target genes, including HOXA9 and CDK6 remained unaffected. Concomitantly, these pinometostat-resistant cells showed upregulation of several myeloid-associated genes, including CD33 and LILRB4/CD85k. Taken together, this model comprehensively shows the adaptive potential of KMT2A-rearranged ALL cells upon losing dependency on one of its main oncogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Schneider
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas T Crump
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Hugh and Josseline Langmuir Centre for Myeloma Research, Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alastair L Smith
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rico Hagelaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Romy S Bos
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anja de Jong
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Koopmans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas A Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald W Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Sahafnejad Z, Ramazi S, Allahverdi A. An Update of Epigenetic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers and Brain Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040873. [PMID: 37107631 PMCID: PMC10137918 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has long been recognized as a significant field in biology and is defined as the investigation of any alteration in gene expression patterns that is not attributed to changes in the DNA sequences. Epigenetic marks, including histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in gene regulation. Numerous studies in humans have been carried out on single-nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation, the CpG island, new histone modifications, and genome-wide nucleosome positioning. These studies indicate that epigenetic mutations and aberrant placement of these epigenetic marks play a critical role in causing the disease. Consequently, significant development has occurred in biomedical research in identifying epigenetic mechanisms, their interactions, and changes in health and disease conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about the different types of diseases caused by alterations in epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation. Recent studies reported that epigenetics could influence the evolution of human cancer via aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions, which is associated with reduced gene function. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the DNA methylation process as well as histone acetyltransferases (HATs)/histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs)/demethylases (HDMs) in histone modifications play important roles both in the catalysis and inhibition of target gene transcription and in many other DNA processes such as repair, replication, and recombination. Dysfunction in these enzymes leads to epigenetic disorders and, as a result, various diseases such as cancers and brain diseases. Consequently, the knowledge of how to modify aberrant DNA methylation as well as aberrant histone acetylation or methylation via inhibitors by using epigenetic drugs can be a suitable therapeutic approach for a number of diseases. Using the synergistic effects of DNA methylation and histone modification inhibitors, it is hoped that many epigenetic defects will be treated in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetic marks and their effects on brain and cancer diseases. Designing appropriate drugs could provide novel strategies for the management of these diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sahafnejad
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
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5
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Tang L, Peng L, Tan C, Liu H, Chen P, Wang H. Role of HOXA9 in solid tumors: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:349. [PMID: 36376832 PMCID: PMC9664671 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXA9 functioning as a transcription factor is one of the members of HOX gene family, which governs multiple cellular activities by facilitating cellular signal transduction. In addition to be a driver in AML which has been widely studied, the role of HOXA9 in solid tumor progression has also received increasing attention in recent years, where the aberrant expression of HOXA9 is closely associated with the prognosis of patient. This review details the signaling pathways, binding partners, post-transcriptional regulation of HOXA9, and possible inhibitors of HOXA9 in solid tumors, which provides a reference basis for further study on the role of HOXA9 in solid tumors.
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6
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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7
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Lee C, Kim J. Genome maintenance in retinoblastoma: Implications for therapeutic vulnerabilities (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:192. [PMID: 35527780 PMCID: PMC9073582 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric ocular malignancy that is initiated mostly by biallelic inactivation of the RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) tumor suppressor gene in the developing retina. Unlike the prevailing prediction based on multiple studies involving RB1 gene disruption in experimental models, human RB tumors have been demonstrated to possess a relatively stable genome, characterized by a low mutation rate and a few recurrent chromosomal alterations related to somatic copy number changes. This suggests that RB may harbor heightened genome maintenance mechanisms to counteract or compensate for the risk of massive genome instability, which can potentially be driven by the early RB1 loss as a tumor-initiating event. Although the genome maintenance mechanisms might have been evolved to promote RB cell survival by preventing lethal genomic defects, emerging evidence suggests that the dependency of RB cells on these mechanisms also exposes their unique vulnerability to chemotherapy, particularly when the genome maintenance machineries are tumor cell-specific. This review summarizes the genome maintenance mechanisms identified in RB, including findings on the roles of chromatin regulators in DNA damage response/repair and protein factors involved in maintaining chromosome stability and promoting survival in RB. In addition, advantages and challenges for exploiting these therapeutic vulnerabilities in RB are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsik Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jong Kim
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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8
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Yi Y, Ge S. Targeting the histone H3 lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L in MLL-rearranged leukemias. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:35. [PMID: 35331314 PMCID: PMC8944089 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disrupting the methylation of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L)-mediated histone H3 lysine 79 has been implicated in MLL fusion-mediated leukemogenesis. Recently, DOT1L has become an attractive therapeutic target for MLL-rearranged leukemias. Rigorous studies have been performed, and much progress has been achieved. Moreover, one DOT1L inhibitor, EPZ-5676, has entered clinical trials, but its clinical activity is modest. Here, we review the recent advances and future trends of various therapeutic strategies against DOT1L for MLL-rearranged leukemias, including DOT1L enzymatic activity inhibitors, DOT1L degraders, protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors, and combinatorial interventions. In addition, the limitations, challenges, and prospects of these therapeutic strategies are discussed. In summary, we present a general overview of DOT1L as a target in MLL-rearranged leukemias to provide valuable guidance for DOT1L-associated drug development in the future. Although a variety of DOT1L enzymatic inhibitors have been identified, most of them require further optimization. Recent advances in the development of small molecule degraders, including heterobifunctional degraders and molecular glues, provide valuable insights and references for DOT1L degraders. However, drug R&D strategies and platforms need to be developed and preclinical experiments need to be performed with the purpose of blocking DOT1L-associated PPIs. DOT1L epigenetic-based combination therapy is worth considering and exploring, but the therapy should be based on a thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanism of DOT1L epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yi
- Departments of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglei Ge
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renmin Middle Street, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Epigenetic Mechanism of Depression after Early Life Stress. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:692-694. [PMID: 35224707 PMCID: PMC9206051 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00831-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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10
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Disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like promotes ovarian cancer tumor growth by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:48. [PMID: 34253709 PMCID: PMC8275629 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological malignancy-related deaths. Current therapies for ovarian cancer do not provide meaningful and sustainable clinical benefits, highlighting the need for new therapies. We show that the histone H3K79 methyltransferase disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and that a higher level of DOT1L expression correlates with shorter progression-free and overall survival (OS). Pharmacological inhibition of DOT1L (EPZ-5676, EPZ004777, and SGC0946) or genetic inhibition of DOT1L attenuates the growth of ovarian cancer cells in cell culture and in a mouse xenograft model of ovarian cancer. Transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling shows that DOT1L inhibition results in the downregulation of genes involved in cellular biosynthesis pathways and the upregulation of proapoptotic genes. Consistent with the results of transcriptome analysis, the unbiased large-scale metabolomic analysis showed reduced levels of several metabolites of the amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways after DOT1L inhibition. DOT1L inhibition also resulted in the upregulation of the NKG2D ligand ULBP1 and subsequent increase in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated ovarian cancer eradication. Collectively, our results demonstrate that DOT1L promotes ovarian cancer tumor growth by regulating apoptotic and metabolic pathways as well as NK cell-mediated eradication of ovarian cancer and identifies DOT1L as a new pharmacological target for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Quinlan RBA, Brennan PE. Chemogenomics for drug discovery: clinical molecules from open access chemical probes. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:759-795. [PMID: 34458810 PMCID: PMC8341094 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00016k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years chemical probes have proved valuable tools for the validation of disease-modifying targets, facilitating investigation of target function, safety, and translation. Whilst probes and drugs often differ in their properties, there is a belief that chemical probes are useful for translational studies and can accelerate the drug discovery process by providing a starting point for small molecule drugs. This review seeks to describe clinical candidates that have been inspired by, or derived from, chemical probes, and the process behind their development. By focusing primarily on examples of probes developed by the Structural Genomics Consortium, we examine a variety of epigenetic modulators along with other classes of probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B A Quinlan
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Old Road Campus Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Old Road Campus Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
- Alzheimer's Research (UK) Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
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12
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Mondal R, Agbaria M, Nairoukh Z. Fluorinated Rings: Conformation and Application. Chemistry 2021; 27:7193-7213. [PMID: 33512034 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202005425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of fluorine atoms into molecules and materials across many fields of academic and industrial research is now commonplace, owing to their unique properties. A particularly interesting feature is the impact of fluorine substitution on the relative orientation of a C-F bond when incorporated into organic molecules. In this Review, we will be discussing the conformational behavior of fluorinated aliphatic carbo- and heterocyclic systems. The conformational preference of each system is associated with various interactions introduced by fluorine substitution such as charge-dipole, dipole-dipole, and hyperconjugative interactions. The contribution of each interaction on the stabilization of the fluorinated alicyclic system, which manifests itself in low conformations, will be discussed in detail. The novelty of this feature will be demonstrated by presenting the most recent applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajarshi Mondal
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Mohamed Agbaria
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Zackaria Nairoukh
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
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13
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Long-term behavioral and cell-type-specific molecular effects of early life stress are mediated by H3K79me2 dynamics in medium spiny neurons. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:667-676. [PMID: 33723435 PMCID: PMC8216773 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00814-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Animals susceptible to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) exhibit depression-related behaviors, with aberrant transcription across several limbic brain regions, most notably in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Early life stress (ELS) promotes susceptibility to CSDS in adulthood, but associated enduring changes in transcriptional control mechanisms in the NAc have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined long-lasting changes to histone modifications in the NAc of male and female mice exposed to ELS. Dimethylation of lysine 79 of histone H3 (H3K79me2) and the enzymes (DOT1L and KDM2B) that control this modification are enriched in D2-type medium spiny neurons and are shown to be crucial for the expression of ELS-induced stress susceptibility. We mapped the site-specific regulation of this histone mark genome wide to reveal the transcriptional networks it modulates. Finally, systemic delivery of a small molecule inhibitor of DOT1L reversed ELS-induced behavioral deficits, indicating the clinical relevance of this epigenetic mechanism.
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14
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Novel Approaches to Epigenetic Therapies: From Drug Combinations to Epigenetic Editing. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020208. [PMID: 33572577 PMCID: PMC7911730 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development involves both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Aberrant epigenetic modifications are reversible, allowing excellent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Nowadays, several epigenetic drugs are used worldwide to treat, e.g., myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias. However, overcoming resistance and widening the therapeutic profiles are the most important challenges faced by traditional epigenetic drugs. Recently, novel approaches to epigenetic therapies have been proposed. Next-generation epigenetic drugs, with longer half-life and better bioavailability, are being developed and tested. Since epigenetic phenomena are interdependent, treatment modalities include co-administration of two different epigenetic drugs. In order to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, epigenetic drugs are administered prior to chemotherapy, or both epigenetic drug and chemotherapy are used together to achieve synergistic effects and maximize treatment efficacy. The combinations of epigenetic drug with immunotherapy are being tested, because they have proved to enhance antitumor immune responses. The next approach involves targeting the metabolic causes of epigenetic changes, i.e., enzymes which, when mutated, produce oncometabolites. Finally, epigenome editing makes it possible to modify individual chromatin marks at a defined region with unprecedented specificity and efficiency. This review summarizes the above attempts in fulfilling the promise of epigenetic drugs in the effective cancer treatment.
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15
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Zhang BJ, Chen D, Dekker FJ, Quax WJ. Improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:791-803. [PMID: 35582230 PMCID: PMC8992553 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Jie Zhang
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
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16
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Gibbons GS, Chakraborty A, Grigsby SM, Umeano AC, Liao C, Moukha-Chafiq O, Pathak V, Mathew B, Lee YT, Dou Y, Schürer SC, Reynolds RC, Snowden TS, Nikolovska-Coleska Z. Identification of DOT1L inhibitors by structure-based virtual screening adapted from a nucleoside-focused library. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112023. [PMID: 31978781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.112023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disruptor of Telomeric Silencing 1-Like (DOT1L), the sole histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79) methyltransferase, is required for leukemogenic transformation in a subset of leukemias bearing chromosomal translocations of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene, as well as other cancers. Thus, DOT1L is an attractive therapeutic target and discovery of small molecule inhibitors remain of high interest. Herein, we are presenting screening results for a unique focused library of 1200 nucleoside analogs originally produced under the aegis of the NIH Pilot Scale Library Program. The complete nucleoside set was screened virtually against DOT1L, resulting in 210 putative hits. In vitro screening of the virtual hits resulted in validation of 11 compounds as DOT1L inhibitors clustered into two distinct chemical classes, adenosine-based inhibitors and a new chemotype that lacks adenosine. Based on the developed DOT1L ligand binding model, a structure-based design strategy was applied and a second-generation of non-nucleoside DOT1L inhibitors was developed. Newly synthesized compound 25 was the most potent DOT1L inhibitor in the new series with an IC50 of 1.0 μM, showing 40-fold improvement in comparison with hit 9 and exhibiting reasonable on target effects in a DOT1L dependent murine cell line. These compounds represent novel chemical probes with a unique non-nucleoside scaffold that bind and compete with the SAM binding site of DOT1L, thus providing foundation for further medicinal chemistry efforts to develop more potent compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett S Gibbons
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Amarraj Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Sierrah M Grigsby
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Afoma C Umeano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Omar Moukha-Chafiq
- Southern Research Institute, Drug Discovery Division, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Vibha Pathak
- Southern Research Institute, Drug Discovery Division, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Bini Mathew
- Southern Research Institute, Drug Discovery Division, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Young-Tae Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Stephan C Schürer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Center for Computational Science, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Robert C Reynolds
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Timothy S Snowden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
| | - Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center at University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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17
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Marcos-Villar L, Nieto A. The DOT1L inhibitor Pinometostat decreases the host-response against infections: Considerations about its use in human therapy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16862. [PMID: 31727944 PMCID: PMC6856118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia frequently present translocations of MLL gene. Rearrangements of MLL protein (MLL-r) in complexes that contain the histone methyltransferase DOT1L are common, which elicit abnormal methylation of lysine 79 of histone H3 at MLL target genes. Phase 1 clinical studies with pinometostat (EPZ-5676), an inhibitor of DOT1L activity, demonstrated the therapeutic potential for targeting DOT1L in MLL-r leukemia patients. We previously reported that down-regulation of DOT1L increases influenza and vesicular stomatitis virus replication and decreases the antiviral response. Here we show that DOT1L inhibition also reduces Sendai virus-induced innate response and its overexpression decreases influenza virus multiplication, reinforcing the notion of DOT1L controlling viral replication. Accordingly, genes involved in the host innate response against pathogens (RUBICON, TRIM25, BCL3) are deregulated in human lung epithelial cells treated with pinometostat. Concomitantly, deregulation of some of these genes together with that of the MicroRNA let-7B, may account for the beneficial effects of pinometostat treatment in patients with MLL-r involving DOT1L. These results support a possible increased vulnerability to infection in MLL-r leukemia patients undergoing pinometostat treatment. Close follow up of infection should be considered in pinometostat therapy to reduce some severe side effects during the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marcos-Villar
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Darwin 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias CIBERES, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amelia Nieto
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Darwin 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias CIBERES, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Gao Y, van Haren MJ, Moret EE, Rood JJM, Sartini D, Salvucci A, Emanuelli M, Craveur P, Babault N, Jin J, Martin NI. Bisubstrate Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) with Enhanced Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6597-6614. [PMID: 31265285 PMCID: PMC6713424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide to form N-methylnicotinamide. Overexpression of NNMT is associated with a variety of diseases, including a number of cancers and metabolic disorders, suggesting a role for NNMT as a potential therapeutic target. By structural modification of a lead NNMT inhibitor previously developed in our group, we prepared a diverse library of inhibitors to probe the different regions of the enzyme's active site. This investigation revealed that incorporation of a naphthalene moiety, intended to bind the hydrophobic nicotinamide binding pocket via π-π stacking interactions, significantly increases the activity of bisubstrate-like NNMT inhibitors (half-maximal inhibitory concentration 1.41 μM). These findings are further supported by isothermal titration calorimetry binding assays as well as modeling studies. The most active NNMT inhibitor identified in the present study demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of the HSC-2 human oral cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Gao
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J van Haren
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Pierrick Craveur
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France.,Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Nathaniel I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
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19
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Zhang HH, Wang HS, Qian XW, Fan CQ, Li J, Miao H, Zhu XH, Yu Y, Meng JH, Cao P, Le J, Jiang JY, Jiang WJ, Wang P, Zhai XW. Genetic variants and clinical significance of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:296. [PMID: 31475166 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.04.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood malignancy, is characterized by molecular aberrations. Recently, genetic profiling has been fully investigated on ALL; however, the interaction between its genetic alterations and clinical features is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of genetic variants on ALL phenotypes and clinical outcomes. Methods Targeted exome sequencing technology was used to detect molecular profiling of 140 Chinese pediatric patients with ALL. Correlation of genetic features and clinical outcomes was analyzed. Results T-cell ALL (T-ALL) patients had higher initial white blood cell (WBC) count (34.8×109/L), higher incidence of mediastinal mass (26.9%), more relapse (23.1%), and enriched NOTCH1 (23.1%), FBXW7 (23.1%) and PHF6 (11.5%) mutations. Among the 18 recurrently mutated genes, SETD2 and TP53 mutations occurred more in female patients (P=0.041), NOTCH1 and SETD2 mutants were with higher initial WBC counts (≥50×109/L) (P=0.047 and P=0.041), JAK1 mutants were with higher minimal residual disease (MRD) level both on day 19 and day 46 (day 19 MRD ≥1%, P=0.039; day 46 MRD ≥0.01%, P=0.031) after induction chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that initial WBC counts (≥50×109/L), MLLr, and TP53 mutations were independent risk factors for 3-year relapse free survival (RFS) in ALL. Furthermore, TP53 mutations, age (<1 year or ≥10 years), and MLLr were independently associated with adverse outcome in B-cell ALL (B-ALL). Conclusions MLLr and TP53 mutations are powerful predictors for adverse outcome in pediatric B-ALL and ALL. Genetic profiling can contribute to the improvement of prognostication and management in ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Hong Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Qian
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Cui-Qing Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jian-Hua Meng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ping Cao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jun Le
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jun-Ye Jiang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wen-Jing Jiang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zhai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
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20
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Targeting epigenetic modifications in cancer therapy: erasing the roadmap to cancer. Nat Med 2019; 25:403-418. [PMID: 30842676 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of most cancers, often occurring directly through alteration of epigenetic machinery. Over the last several years, a new generation of drugs directed at epigenetic modulators have entered clinical development, and results from these trials are now being disclosed. Unlike first-generation epigenetic therapies, these new agents are selective, and many are targeted to proteins which are mutated or translocated in cancer. This review will provide a summary of the epigenetic modulatory agents currently in clinical development and discuss the opportunities and challenges in their development. As these drugs advance in the clinic, drug discovery has continued with a focus on both novel and existing epigenetic targets. We will provide an overview of these efforts and the strategies being employed.
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21
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Depauw S, Lambert M, Jambon S, Paul A, Peixoto P, Nhili R, Morongiu L, Figeac M, Dassi C, Paul-Constant C, Billoré B, Kumar A, Farahat AA, Ismail MA, Mineva E, Sweat DP, Stephens CE, Boykin DW, Wilson WD, David-Cordonnier MH. Heterocyclic Diamidine DNA Ligands as HOXA9 Transcription Factor Inhibitors: Design, Molecular Evaluation, and Cellular Consequences in a HOXA9-Dependant Leukemia Cell Model. J Med Chem 2019; 62:1306-1329. [PMID: 30645099 PMCID: PMC6561105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Most transcription factors were for a long time considered as undruggable targets because of the absence of binding pockets for direct targeting. HOXA9, implicated in acute myeloid leukemia, is one of them. To date, only indirect targeting of HOXA9 expression or multitarget HOX/PBX protein/protein interaction inhibitors has been developed. As an attractive alternative by inhibiting the DNA binding, we selected a series of heterocyclic diamidines as efficient competitors for the HOXA9/DNA interaction through binding as minor groove DNA ligands on the HOXA9 cognate sequence. Selected DB818 and DB1055 compounds altered HOXA9-mediated transcription in luciferase assays, cell survival, and cell cycle, but increased cell death and granulocyte/monocyte differentiation, two main HOXA9 functions also highlighted using transcriptomic analysis of DB818-treated murine Hoxa9-transformed hematopoietic cells. Altogether, these data demonstrate for the first time the propensity of sequence-selective DNA ligands to inhibit HOXA9/DNA binding both in vitro and in a murine Hoxa9-dependent leukemic cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Depauw
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Mélanie Lambert
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Samy Jambon
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Ananya Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Paul Peixoto
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Raja Nhili
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Laura Morongiu
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Martin Figeac
- Functional and Structural Genomic Platform, Lille University, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Christelle Dassi
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Charles Paul-Constant
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Benjamin Billoré
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Abdelbasset A. Farahat
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Ismail
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ekaterina Mineva
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Daniel P. Sweat
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30904, United States
| | - Chad E. Stephens
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30904, United States
| | - David W. Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - W. David Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), INSERM, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut pour la recherché sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), F-59045 Lille, France
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22
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Ungerstedt JS. Epigenetic Modifiers in Myeloid Malignancies: The Role of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103091. [PMID: 30304859 PMCID: PMC6212943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [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: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid hematological malignancies are clonal bone marrow neoplasms, comprising of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and systemic mastocytosis (SM). The field of epigenetic regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis is rapidly growing. In recent years, heterozygous somatic mutations in genes encoding epigenetic regulators have been found in all subtypes of myeloid malignancies, supporting the rationale for treatment with epigenetic modifiers. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are epigenetic modifiers that, in vitro, have been shown to induce growth arrest, apoptotic or autophagic cell death, and terminal differentiation of myeloid tumor cells. These effects were observed both at the bulk tumor level and in the most immature CD34+38− cell compartments containing the leukemic stem cells. Thus, there is a strong rationale supporting HDACi therapy in myeloid malignancies. However, despite initial promising results in phase I trials, HDACi in monotherapy as well as in combination with other drugs, have failed to improve responses or survival. This review provides an overview of the rationale for HDACi in myeloid malignancies, clinical results and speculations on why clinical trials have thus far not met the expectations, and how this may be improved in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna S Ungerstedt
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and Hematology Center, and Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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23
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Abstract
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent and crippling joint disease, and lacks curative treatment, as the underlying molecular basis is unclear. Here, we show that DOT1L, an enzyme involved in histone methylation, is a master protector of cartilage health. Loss of DOT1L disrupts the molecular signature of healthy chondrocytes in vitro and causes osteoarthritis in mice. Mechanistically, the protective function of DOT1L is attributable to inhibition of Wnt signalling, a pathway that when hyper-activated can lead to joint disease. Unexpectedly, DOT1L suppresses Wnt signalling by inhibiting the activity of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), an important regulator of gene transcription. Inhibition of SIRT1 protects against osteoarthritis triggered by loss of DOT1L activity. Modulating the DOT1L network might therefore be a therapeutic approach to protect the cartilage against osteoarthritis.
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