1
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Freire NH, Jaeger MDC, de Farias CB, Nör C, Souza BK, Gregianin L, Brunetto AT, Roesler R. Targeting the epigenome of cancer stem cells in pediatric nervous system tumors. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2241-2255. [PMID: 36637615 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, and pediatric glioma account for almost 30% of all cases of pediatric cancers. Recent evidence indicates that pediatric nervous system tumors originate from stem or progenitor cells and present a subpopulation of cells with highly tumorigenic and stem cell-like features. These cancer stem cells play a role in initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment of pediatric nervous system tumors. Histone modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA regulation display a range of regulatory activities involved in cancer origin and progression, and cellular identity, especially those associated with stem cell features, such as self-renewal and pluripotent differentiation potential. Here, we review the contribution of different epigenetic mechanisms in pediatric nervous system tumor cancer stem cells. The choice between a differentiated and undifferentiated state can be modulated by alterations in the epigenome through the regulation of stemness genes such as CD133, SOX2, and BMI1 and the activation neuronal of differentiation markers, RBFOX3, GFAP, and S100B. Additionally, we highlighted the stage of development of epigenetic drugs and the clinical benefits and efficacy of epigenetic modulators in pediatric nervous system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Hogetop Freire
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Setor IV - Campus do Vale), Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lauro Gregianin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Tesainer Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Setor IV - Campus do Vale), Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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2
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Larsson S, Kettunen P, Carén H. Orthotopic Transplantation of Human Paediatric High-Grade Glioma in Zebrafish Larvae. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050625. [PMID: 35625011 PMCID: PMC9139401 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumours are the most common cause of death among children with solid tumours, and high-grade gliomas (HGG) are among the most devastating forms with very poor outcomes. In the search for more effective treatments for paediatric HGG, there is a need for better experimental models. To date, there are no xenograft zebrafish models developed for human paediatric HGG; existing models rely on adult cells. The use of paediatric models is of great importance since it is well known that the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind adult and paediatric disease differ greatly. In this study, we present a clinically relevant in vivo model based on paediatric primary glioma stem cell (GSC) cultures, which after orthotopic injection into the zebrafish larvae, can be monitored using confocal imaging over time. We show that cells invade the brain tissue and can be followed up to 8 days post-injection while they establish in the fore/mid brain. This model offers an in vivo system where tumour invasion can be monitored and drug treatments quickly be evaluated. The possibility to monitor patient-specific cells has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of cellular behaviour and personalised treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Larsson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Petronella Kettunen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Neuropathology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Helena Carén
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-31-786-3838
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3
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Medeiros M, Candido MF, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6161-6200. [PMID: 34333711 PMCID: PMC11072991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Medeiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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4
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Epigenetic-Based Therapy-A Prospective Chance for Medulloblastoma Patients' Recovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094925. [PMID: 34066495 PMCID: PMC8124462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most frequent and malignant brain tumors in children. The prognosis depends on the advancement of the disease and the patient's age. Current therapies, which include surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation, despite being quite effective, cause significant side effects that influence the central nervous system's function and cause neurocognitive deficits. Therefore, they substantially lower the quality of life, which is especially severe in a developing organism. Thus, there is a need for new therapies that are less toxic and even more effective. Recently, knowledge about the epigenetic mechanisms that are responsible for medulloblastoma development has increased. Epigenetics is a phenomenon that influences gene expression but can be easily modified by external factors. The best known epigenetic mechanisms are histone modifications, DNA methylation, or noncoding RNAs actions. Epigenetic mechanisms comprehensively explain the complex phenomena of carcinogenesis. At the same time, they seem to be a potential key to treating medulloblastoma with fewer complications than past therapies. This review presents the currently known epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in medulloblastoma pathogenesis and the potential therapies that use epigenetic traits to cure medulloblastoma while maintaining a good quality of life and ensuring a higher median overall survival rate.
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5
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Natural products in the reprogramming of cancer epigenetics. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 417:115467. [PMID: 33631231 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the technological advancements, including next generation sequencing, the significance of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in cancer initiation, progression and treatment has become evident. The accumulating knowledge relating to the epigenetic markers viz. DNA methylation, Histone modifications and non-coding RNAs make them one of the most interesting candidates for developing anti-cancer therapies. The reversibility of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms through environmental and dietary factors opens numerous avenues in the field of chemoprevention and drug development. Recent studies have proven that plant-derived natural products encompass a great potential in targeting epigenetic signatures in cancer and numerous natural products are being explored for their possibility to be considered as "epi-drug". This review intends to highlight the major aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and summarizes the essential functions of natural products like Resveratrol, Quercetin, Genistein, EGCG, Curcumin, Sulforaphane, Apigenin, Parthenolide and Berberine in modulating these aberrations. This knowledge along with the challenges and limitations in this field has potential and wider implications in developing novel and successful therapeutic strategies. The increased focus in the area will possibly provide a better understanding for the development of dietary supplements and/or drugs either alone or in combination. The interaction of epigenetics with different hallmarks of cancer and how natural products can be utilized to target them will also be interesting in the future therapeutic approaches.
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6
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Uddin MS, Mamun AA, Alghamdi BS, Tewari D, Jeandet P, Sarwar MS, Ashraf GM. Epigenetics of glioblastoma multiforme: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:100-120. [PMID: 33370605 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer and one of the most aggressive cancers found in humans. Most of the signs and symptoms of GBM can be mild and slowly aggravated, although other symptoms might demonstrate it as an acute ailment. However, the precise mechanisms of the development of GBM remain unknown. Due to the improvement of molecular pathology, current researches have reported that glioma progression is strongly connected with different types of epigenetic phenomena, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and aberrant microRNA. Furthermore, the genes and the proteins that control these alterations have become novel targets for treating glioma because of the reversibility of epigenetic modifications. In some cases, gene mutations including P16, TP53, and EGFR, have been observed in GBM. In contrast, monosomies, including removals of chromosome 10, particularly q23 and q25-26, are considered the standard markers for determining the development and aggressiveness of GBM. Recently, amid the epigenetic therapies, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have been used for treating tumors, either single or combined. Specifically, HDACIs are served as a good choice and deliver a novel pathway to treat GBM. In this review, we focus on the epigenetics of GBM and the consequence of its mutations. We also highlight various treatment approaches, namely gene editing, epigenetic drugs, and microRNAs to combat GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, PO Box 1039, 51687, Reims Cedex 2, France
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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7
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Parthenolide as Cooperating Agent for Anti-Cancer Treatment of Various Malignancies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13080194. [PMID: 32823992 PMCID: PMC7466132 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary and acquired resistance of cancer to therapy is often associated with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Parthenolide (PN) has been shown to inhibit NF-κB signaling and other pro-survival signaling pathways, induce apoptosis and reduce a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells in several cancers. Multimodal therapies that include PN or its derivatives seem to be promising approaches enhancing sensitivity of cancer cells to therapy and diminishing development of resistance. A number of studies have demonstrated that several drugs with various targets and mechanisms of action can cooperate with PN to eliminate cancer cells or inhibit their proliferation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on PN activity and its potential utility as complementary therapy against different cancers.
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8
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Perla A, Fratini L, Cardoso PS, Nör C, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, de Farias CB, Jaeger M, Roesler R. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Pediatric Brain Cancers: Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:546. [PMID: 32754588 PMCID: PMC7365945 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Biological changes in these tumors likely include epigenetic deregulation during embryonal development of the nervous system. Histone acetylation is one of the most widely investigated epigenetic processes, and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are increasingly important candidate treatments in many cancer types. Here, we review advances in our understanding of how HDACis display antitumor effects in experimental models of specific pediatric brain tumor types, i.e., medulloblastoma (MB), ependymoma (EPN), pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs), and rhabdoid and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs). We also discuss clinical perspectives for the use of HDACis in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Perla
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lívia Fratini
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paula S Cardoso
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - André T Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Algemir L Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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9
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Guo Y, Huang P, Ning W, Zhang H, Yu C. Identification of Core Genes and Pathways in Medulloblastoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1702-1712. [PMID: 32535713 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01556-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common intracranial malignancies in children. The present study applied integrated bioinformatics to identify potential core genes associated with the pathogenesis of MB and reveal potential molecular mechanisms. Through the integrated analysis of multiple data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), 414 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Combining the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), eight core genes, including CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNB2, AURKA, CDK1, MAD2L1, BUB1B, and RRM2, as well as four core pathways, including "cell cycle", "oocyte meiosis", "p53 pathway" and "DNA replication" were selected. In independent data sets, the core genes showed superior diagnostic values and significant prognostic correlations. Moreover, in the pan-caner data of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), the core genes were also widely abnormally expressed. In conclusion, this study identified core genes and pathways of MB through integrated analysis to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the MB and provide potential targets and pathways for diagnosis and treatment of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuduo Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihai Ning
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chunjiang Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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10
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Dzobo K. Epigenomics-Guided Drug Development: Recent Advances in Solving the Cancer Treatment "jigsaw puzzle". OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 23:70-85. [PMID: 30767728 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human epigenome plays a key role in determining cellular identity and eventually function. Drug discovery undertakings have focused mainly on the role of genomics in carcinogenesis, with the focus turning to the epigenome recently. Drugs targeting DNA and histone modifications are under development with some such as 5-azacytidine, decitabine, vorinostat, and panobinostat already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This expert review offers a critical analysis of the epigenomics-guided drug discovery and development and the opportunities and challenges for the next decade. Importantly, the coupling of epigenetic editing techniques, such as clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) and APOBEC-coupled epigenetic sequencing (ACE-seq) with epigenetic drug screens, will allow the identification of small-molecule inhibitors or drugs able to reverse epigenetic changes responsible for many diseases. In addition, concrete and sustainable innovation in cancer treatment ought to integrate epigenome targeting drugs with classic therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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da Cunha Jaeger M, Ghisleni EC, Cardoso PS, Siniglaglia M, Falcon T, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, de Farias CB, Taylor MD, Nör C, Ramaswamy V, Roesler R. HDAC and MAPK/ERK Inhibitors Cooperate To Reduce Viability and Stemness in Medulloblastoma. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:981-992. [PMID: 32056089 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01505-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), which originates from embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) or neural precursors in the developing cerebellum, is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Recurrent and metastatic disease is the principal cause of death and may be related to resistance within cancer stem cells (CSCs). Chromatin state is involved in maintaining signaling pathways related to stemness, and inhibition of histone deacetylase enzymes (HDAC) has emerged as an experimental therapeutic strategy to target this cell population. Here, we observed antitumor actions and changes in stemness induced by HDAC inhibition in MB. Analyses of tumor samples from patients with MB showed that the stemness markers BMI1 and CD133 are expressed in all molecular subgroups of MB. The HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) NaB reduced cell viability and expression of BMI1 and CD133 and increased acetylation in human MB cells. Enrichment analysis of genes associated with CD133 or BMI1 expression showed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK signaling as the most enriched processes in MB tumors. MAPK/ERK inhibition reduced expression of the stemness markers, hindered MB neurosphere formation, and its antiproliferative effect was enhanced by combination with NaB. These results suggest that combining HDAC and MAPK/ERK inhibitors may be a novel and more effective approach in reducing MB proliferation when compared to single-drug treatments, through modulation of the stemness phenotype of MB cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Chiesa Ghisleni
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paula Schoproni Cardoso
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marialva Siniglaglia
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiago Falcon
- Bioinformatics Core, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André T Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Algemir L Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500 (ICBS, Campus Centro/UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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12
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Jensen IS, Yuan J, He J, Lin L, Sander B, Golas MM. The FlpTRAP system for purification of specific, endogenous chromatin regions. Anal Biochem 2019; 587:113418. [PMID: 31520595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.113418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) binds to repressor element 1/neuron-restrictive silencer element (RE1/NRSE) sites in the genome and recruits effector proteins to repress its target genes. Here, we developed the FlpTRAP system to isolate endogenously assembled DNA-protein complexes such as the REST/NRSF complex. In the FlpTRAP system, we take advantage of the step-arrest variant of the Flp recombinase, FlpH305L, which, in the presence of Flp recognition target (FRT) DNA, accumulates as FRT DNA-protein adduct. The FlpTRAP system consists of three elements: (i) FlpH305L-containing cell extracts or isolates, (ii) a cell line engineered to harbor the DNA motif of interest flanked by FRT sites, and (iii) affinity selection steps to isolate the target chromatin. Specifically, 3×FLAG-tagged FlpH305L was expressed in insect cell cultures infected with baculovirus, and cell lysates were prepared. The lysate was used to capture the FRT-SNAP25 RE1/NRSE-FRT chromatin from a human medulloblastoma cell line, and the target RE1/NRSE chromatin was isolated by anti-FLAG immunoaffinity chromatography. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and chromatin immunopurification (ChIP), we show that FlpH305L recognized and bound to the FRT sites. Overall, we suggest the FlpTRAP system as a tool to purify endogenous, specific chromatin loci from eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida S Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Juan Yuan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jin He
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bjoern Sander
- Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Monika M Golas
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, Building 1233, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Nadeem Abbas M, Kausar S, Wang F, Zhao Y, Cui H. Advances in Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway by Synthetic Products and Its Regulation by Epigenetic Modulators As a Therapy for Glioblastoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040350. [PMID: 31013819 PMCID: PMC6523687 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary tumor of the nervous system, and approximately 50% of patients exhibit the most aggressive form of the cancer, glioblastoma. The biological function of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumorigenesis and progression has been established in various types of cancers, since it is overexpressed, mutated, or dysregulated. Its overexpression has been shown to be associated with enhanced metastatic potential in glioblastoma, with EGFR at the top of a downstream signaling cascade that controls basic functional properties of glioblastoma cells such as survival, cell proliferation, and migration. Thus, EGFR is considered as an important therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Many anti-EGFR therapies have been investigated both in vivo and in vitro, making their way to clinical studies. However, in clinical trials, the potential efficacy of anti-EGFR therapies is low, primarily because of chemoresistance. Currently, a range of epigenetic drugs including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, DNA methylation and histone inhibitors, microRNA, and different types of EGFR inhibitor molecules are being actively investigated in glioblastoma patients as therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe recent knowledge on the signaling pathways mediated by EGFR/EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) with regard to current therapeutic strategies to target EGFR/EGFRvIII amplified glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yongju Zhao
- College of Animal and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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14
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β-Catenin gene promoter hypermethylation by reactive oxygen species correlates with the migratory and invasive potentials of colon cancer cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2018; 41:569-580. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-018-0391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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15
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Zwergel C, Romanelli A, Stazi G, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Tafani M, Valente S, Mai A. Application of Small Epigenetic Modulators in Pediatric Medulloblastoma. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:370. [PMID: 30560106 PMCID: PMC6286966 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most frequent among pediatric brain tumors, and it has been classified in various subgroups. Some of them already benefit from quite good therapeutic options, whereas others urgently need novel therapeutic approaches. Epigenetic modulators have long been studied in various types of cancer. Within this review, we summarize the main preclinical studies regarding epigenetic targets (such as HDAC, SIRT, BET, EZH2, G9a, LSD1, and DNMT) inhibitors in medulloblastoma. Furthermore, we shed light on the increasing number of applications of drug combinations as well as hybrid compounds involving epigenetic mechanisms. Nevertheless, in the studies published so far, mainly un-specific or old modulators have been used, and the PKs (brain permeability) have not been well-evaluated. Thus, these findings should be considered as a starting point for further improvement and not as a final result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Romanelli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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16
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Manfrão-Netto JHC, Mello-de-Sousa TM, Mach-Aigner AR, Mach RL, Poças-Fonseca MJ. The DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine affects Humicola grisea enzyme activities and the glucose-mediated gene repression. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 58:144-153. [PMID: 29193198 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201700415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Humicola grisea var. thermoidea (Hgvt) is a thermophilic ascomycete that produces lignocellulolytic enzymes and it is proposed for the conversion of agricultural residues into useful byproducts. Drugs that inhibit the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) activity are employed in epigenetic studies but nothing is known about a possible effect on the production of fungal enzymes. We evaluated the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza; a chemical inhibitor of DNMTs activity) on the secreted enzyme activity and on the transcription of cellulase and xylanase genes from Hgvt grown in agricultural residues and in glucose. Upon cultivation on wheat bran (WB), the drug provoked an increase in the xylanase activity at 96 h. When Hgvt was grown in glucose (GLU), a repressor of Hgvt glycosyl hydrolase genes, 5-Aza led to increased transcript accumulation for the cellobiohydrolases and for the xyn2 xylanase genes. In WB, 5-Aza enhanced the expression of the transcription factor CreA gene. Growth on WB or GLU, in presence of 5-Aza, led to a significant increase in transcripts of the pH-response regulator PacC gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of a DNMT inhibitor in the production of fungal plant cell wall degradation enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago M Mello-de-Sousa
- Research Area of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid R Mach-Aigner
- Research Area of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert L Mach
- Research Area of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcio J Poças-Fonseca
- Graduation Program in Molecular Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.,Department of Genetics and Morphology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil
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17
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Inui K, Zhao Z, Yuan J, Jayaprakash S, Le LTM, Drakulic S, Sander B, Golas MM. Stepwise assembly of functional C-terminal REST/NRSF transcriptional repressor complexes as a drug target. Protein Sci 2017; 26:997-1011. [PMID: 28218430 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In human cells, thousands of predominantly neuronal genes are regulated by the repressor element 1 (RE1)-silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF). REST/NRSF represses transcription of these genes in stem cells and non-neuronal cells by tethering corepressor complexes. Aberrant REST/NRSF expression and intracellular localization are associated with cancer and neurodegeneration in humans. To date, detailed molecular analyses of REST/NRSF and its C-terminal repressor complex have been hampered largely by the lack of sufficient amounts of purified REST/NRSF and its complexes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to express and purify human REST/NRSF and its C-terminal interactors in a baculovirus multiprotein expression system as individual proteins and coexpressed complexes. All proteins were enriched in the nucleus, and REST/NRSF was isolated as a slower migrating form, characteristic of nuclear REST/NRSF in mammalian cells. Both REST/NRSF alone and its C-terminal repressor complex were functionally active in histone deacetylation and histone demethylation and bound to RE1/neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE) sites. Additionally, the mechanisms of inhibition of the small-molecule drugs 4SC-202 and SP2509 were analyzed. These drugs interfered with the viability of medulloblastoma cells, where REST/NRSF has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Thus, a resource for molecular REST/NRSF studies and drug development has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Inui
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Zongpei Zhao
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Juan Yuan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Le T M Le
- Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Srdja Drakulic
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bjoern Sander
- Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Monika M Golas
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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