KDM5C is overexpressed in prostate cancer and is a prognostic marker for prostate-specific antigen-relapse following radical prostatectomy

Prostate cancer epigenetics - from pathophysiology to clinical application

Prostate cancer is a multifactorial disease influenced by various molecular features. Over the past decades, epigenetics, which is the study of changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, has been recognized as a major driver of this disease. In the past 50 years, advancements in technological tools to characterize the epigenome have highlighted crucial roles of epigenetic mechanisms throughout the entire spectrum of prostate cancer, from initiation to progression, including localized disease, metastatic dissemination, castration resistance and neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. Substantial advances in the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer have been carried out, but translating preclinical achievements into clinical practice remains challenging. Ongoing research and biomarker-oriented clinical trials are expected to increase the likelihood of successfully integrating epigenetics into prostate cancer clinical management.

Sex chromosome-encoded protein homologs: current progress and open questions

The complexity of biological sex differences is markedly evident in human physiology and pathology. Although many of these differences can be ascribed to the expression of sex hormones, another contributor to sex differences lies in the sex chromosomes beyond their role in sex determination. Although largely nonhomologous, the human sex chromosomes express seventeen pairs of homologous genes, referred to as the 'X-Y pairs.' The X chromosome-encoded homologs of these Y-encoded proteins are crucial players in several cellular processes, and their dysregulation frequently results in disease development. Many diseases related to these X-encoded homologs present with sex-biased incidence or severity. By contrast, comparatively little is known about the differential functions of the Y-linked homologs. Here, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of five of these X-Y paired proteins, with recent evidence of differential functions and of having a potential link to sex biases in disease, highlighting how amino acid-level sequence differences may differentiate their functions and contribute to sex biases in human disease.

Clinical implications of AGR2 in primary prostate cancer: Results from a large-scale study

Human anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) has been implicated in carcinogenesis of various solid tumours, but the expression data in prostate cancer are contradictory regarding its prognostic value. The objective of this study is to evaluate the expression of AGR2 in a large prostate cancer cohort and to correlate it with clinicopathological data. AGR2 protein expression was analysed immunohistochemically in 1023 well-characterized prostate cancer samples with a validated antibody. AGR2 expression levels in carcinomas were compared with matched tissue samples of adjacent normal glands. AGR2 expression levels were dichotomized and tested for statistical significance. Increased AGR2 expression was found in 93.5% of prostate cancer cases. AGR2 levels were significantly higher in prostate cancer compared with normal prostate tissue. A gradual loss of AGR2 expression was associated with increasing tumour grade (ISUP), and AGR2 expression is inversely related to patient survival, however, multivariable significance is not achieved. AGR2 is clearly upregulated in the majority of prostate cancer cases, yet a true diagnostic value appears unlikely. In spite of the negative correlation of AGR2 expression with increasing tumour grade, no independent prognostic significance was found in this large-scale study.

Elevated PSPC1 and KDM5C expression indicates poor prognosis in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and is still the second leading cause of cancer-related death. One major cause of PCa development is epigenetic aberration, including histone modification. We have previously demonstrated that Lysine Demethylase 5C (KDM5C) plays an essential role in the development of PCa and drives PCa progression by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Epigenetic regulators often work in concert, for example, to regulate transcription. We identified Paraspeckle Component 1 (PSPC1) as an interacting protein of KDM5C, suggesting that these proteins might function together in PCa. Here, we systematically investigate the expression patterns of KDM5C and PSPC1 in 2 independent prostate cohorts (432 and 205 prostate tumors in total for PSPC1 and KDM5C, respectively) by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrate that the expression of PSPC1 correlates with that of KDM5C. In addition, PSPC1 is up-regulated in primary and metastatic PCa. Elevated PSPC1 expression correlates with a higher-grade group and an advanced T-stage. Patients with high PSPC1 expression have a worse biochemical recurrence-free survival. In addition, PSPC1 expression is an independent prognostic parameter. Our data indicate that KDM5C and PSPC1 are involved in PCa progression, and therapeutic inhibition of KDM5C and PSPC1 by selective compounds might be a promising approach for the treatment of PCa.

H3 histone methylation landscape in male urogenital cancers: from molecular mechanisms to epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

During the last decades, male urogenital cancers (including prostate, renal, bladder and testicular cancers) have become one of the most frequently encountered malignancies affecting all ages. While their great variety has promoted the development of various diagnosis, treatment and monitoring strategies, some aspects such as the common involvement of epigenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Epigenetic processes have come into the spotlight in the past years as important players in the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to a plethora of studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and even as therapeutic targets. Thus, fostering research on the various epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in cancer remains a priority for the scientific community. This review focuses on one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, namely, the methylation of the histone H3 at various sites and its involvement in male urogenital cancers. This histone modification presents a great interest due to its modulatory effect on gene expression, leading either to activation (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K36me3) or repression (e.g., H3K27me3, H3K9me3). In the last few years, growing evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of enzymes that methylate/demethylate histone H3 in cancer and inflammatory diseases, that might contribute to the initiation and progression of such disorders. We highlight how these particular epigenetic modifications are emerging as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of urogenital cancers.

Identification of F-Box/SPRY Domain-Containing Protein 1 (FBXO45) as a Prognostic Biomarker for TMPRSS2-ERG-Positive Primary Prostate Cancers

BACKGROUND

F-box/SPRY domain-containing protein 1 (FBXO45) plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis via the ubiquitylation and degradation of specific targets. Recent studies indicate the prognostic potential of FBXO45 in several cancers. However, its specific role in prostate carcinoma remains unclear.

METHODS

A systematic analysis of FBXO45 mRNA expression in PCA was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and a publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus progression PCA cohort. Subsequently, FBXO45 protein expression was assessed via immunohistochemical analysis of a comprehensive tissue microarray cohort. The expression data were correlated with the clinicopathological parameters and biochemical-free survival. The immunohistochemical analyses were stratified according to the TMPRSS2-ERG rearrangement status. To assess the impact of FBXO45 knockdown on the tumour proliferation capacity of cells and metastatic potential, transfection with antisense-oligonucleotides was conducted within a cell culture model.

RESULTS

FBXO45 mRNA expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological parameters in the TCGA cohort and was enhanced throughout progression to distant metastasis. FBXO45 was associated with shortened biochemical-free survival, which was pronounced for the TMPRSS2-ERG-positive tumours. In vitro, FBXO45 knockdown led to a significant reduction in migration capacity in the PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cell cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive expression analysis and functional data suggest FBXO45 as a prognostic biomarker in PCA.

Case Report: Pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma 16 years after nephrectomy

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal malignancy, and may metastasize to different sites in the body via hematogenous and lymphomatous routes. The pancreas is a rare metastatic site of metastatic RCC (mRCC) and isolated pancreatic metastasis of RCC (isPMRCC) is even rarer.

Results

The present report describes a case of isPMRCC that recurred 16 years after surgery. The patient responded well to the treatment with pancreaticoduodenectomy and systemic therapy, and no recurrence was recorded after 2 years.

Conclusions

isPMRCC is a distinct subgroup of RCC with unique clinical characteristics that may be explained by its underlying molecular mechanisms. Surgery and systemic therapy confer survival benefits to patients with isPMRCCs, although the recurrence problem has to be paid attention to.

Jumonji domain-containing protein RIOX2 is overexpressed and associated with worse survival outcomes in prostate cancers

Background

Histone demethylase RIOX2 was cloned as a c-Myc downstream gene involved in cell proliferation and has been implicated as an oncogenic factor in multiple tumor types. Its expression profiles and correlation with disease progression in prostate cancers are unknown.

Methods

Transcriptomic profiles of Jumanji domain-containing protein genes were assessed using multiple public expression datasets generated from RNA-seq and cDNA microarray assays. RIOX2 protein expression was assessed using an immunohistochemistry approach on a tissue section array from benign and malignant prostate tissues. Gene expression profiles were analyzed using the bioinformatics software R package. Western blot assay examined androgen stimulation on RIOX2 protein expression in LNCaP cells.

Results

Among 35 Jumanji domain-containing protein genes, 12 genes were significantly upregulated in prostate cancers compared to benign compartments. COX regression analysis identified that the ribosomal oxygenase 2 (RIOX2) gene was the only one significantly associated with disease-specific survival outcomes in prostate cancer patients. RIOX2 upregulation was confirmed at the protein levels using immunohistochemical assays on prostate cancer tissue sections. Meanwhile, RIOX2 upregulation was associated with clinicopathological features, including late-stage diseases, adverse Gleason scores, TP53 gene mutation, and disease-free status. In castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC), RIOX2 expression was positively correlated with AR signaling index but negatively correlated with the neuroendocrinal progression index. However, androgen treatment had no significant stimulatory effect on RIOX2 expression, indicating a parallel but not a causative effect of androgen signaling on RIOX2 gene expression. Further analysis discovered that RIOX2 expression was tightly correlated with its promoter hypomethylation and MYC gene expression, consistent with the notion that RIOX2 was a c-Myc target gene.

Conclusion

The Jumanji domain-containing protein RIOX2 was significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer, possibly due to c-Myc upregulation. RIOX2 upregulation was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival.

The epigenetic function of androgen receptor in prostate cancer progression

Androgen and androgen deprivation (castration) therapies, including androgen receptor antagonists, are clinically used to treat patients with prostate cancer. However, most hormone-dependent prostate cancer patients progress into a malignant state with loss of hormone-dependency, known as castration (drug)-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), after prolong androgen-based treatments. Even in the CRPC state with irreversible malignancy, androgen receptor (AR) expression is detectable. An epigenetic transition to CRPC induced by the action of AR-mediated androgen could be speculated in the patients with prostate cancer. Androgen receptors belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily with 48 members in humans, and acts as a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor, leading to local chromatin reorganization for ligand-dependent gene regulation. In this review, we discussed the transcriptional/epigenetic regulatory functions of AR, with emphasis on the clinical applications of AR ligands, AR protein co-regulators, and AR RNA coregulator (enhancer RNA), especially in chromatin reorganization, in patients with prostate cancer.

The KDM5B and KDM1A lysine demethylases cooperate in regulating androgen receptor expression and signalling in prostate cancer

Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is key epigenetic mark associated with active transcription and is a substrate for the KDM1A/LSD1 and KDM5B/JARID1B lysine demethylases. Increased expression of KDM1A and KDM5B is implicated in many cancer types, including prostate cancer (PCa). Both KDM1A and KDM5B interact with AR and promote androgen regulated gene expression. For this reason, there is great interested in the development of new therapies targeting KDM1A and KDM5B, particularly in the context of castrate resistant PCa (CRPC), where conventional androgen deprivation therapies and androgen receptor signalling inhibitors are no longer effective. As there is no curative therapy for CRPC, new approaches are urgently required to suppress androgen signalling that prevent, delay or reverse progression to the castrate resistant state. While the contribution of KDM1A to PCa is well established, the exact contribution of KDM5B to PCa is less well understood. However, there is evidence that KDM5B is implicated in numerous pro-oncogenic mechanisms in many different types of cancer, including the hypoxic response, immune evasion and PI3/AKT signalling. Here we elucidate the individual and cooperative functions of KDM1A and KDM5B in PCa. We show that KDM5B mRNA and protein expression is elevated in localised and advanced PCa. We show that the KDM5 inhibitor, CPI-455, impairs androgen regulated transcription and alternative splicing. Consistent with the established role of KDM1A and KDM5B as AR coregulators, we found that individual pharmacologic inhibition of KDM1A and KDM5 by namoline and CPI-455 respectively, impairs androgen regulated transcription. Notably, combined inhibition of KDM1A and KDM5 downregulates AR expression in CRPC cells. Furthermore, combined KDM1A and KDM5 inhibition impairs PCa cell proliferation and invasion more than individual inhibition of KDM1A and KDM5B. Collectively our study has identified individual and cooperative mechanisms involving KDM1A and KDM5 in androgen signalling in PCa. Our findings support the further development of KDM1A and KDM5B inhibitors to treat advanced PCa. Further work is now required to confirm the therapeutic feasibility of combined inhibition of KDM1A and KDM5B as a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting AR positive CRPC.

Epigenetic (De)regulation in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease exhibiting both genetic and epigenetic deregulations. Epigenetic alterations are defined as changes not based on DNA sequence, which include those of DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. Androgen receptor (AR) is the main driver for PCa and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains a backbone treatment for patients with PCa; however, ADT resistance almost inevitably occurs and advanced diseases develop termed castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), due to both genetic and epigenetic changes. Due to the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, inhibitors targeting epigenetic factors have become promising anti-cancer agents. In this chapter, we focus on recent studies about the dysregulation of epigenetic regulators crucially involved in the initiation, development, and progression of PCa and discuss the potential use of inhibitors targeting epigenetic modifiers for treatment of advanced PCa.

KDM5 Lysine Demethylases in Pathogenesis, from Basic Science Discovery to the Clinic

The histone lysine demethylase 5 (KDM5) family proteins are Fe2+ and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, with jumonji C (JmjC) domain as their catalytic core and several plant homeodomains (PHDs) to bind different histone methylation marks. These enzymes are capable of demethylating tri-, di- and mono-methylated lysine 4 in histone H3 (H3K4me3/2/1), the key epigenetic marks for active chromatin. Thus, this H3K4 demethylase family plays critical roles in cell fate determination during development as well as malignant transformation. KDM5 demethylases have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions in a cancer type-dependent manner. In solid tumors, KDM5A/B are generally oncogenic, whereas KDM5C/D have tumor suppressive roles. Their involvement in de-differentiation, cancer metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor immunoevasion indicated that KDM5 family proteins are promising drug targets for cancer therapy. Significant efforts from both academia and industry have led to the development of potent and selective KDM5 inhibitors for preclinical experiments and phase I clinical trials. However, a better understanding of the roles of KDM5 demethylases in different physiological and pathological conditions is critical for further developing KDM5 modulators for clinical applications.

Elevated histone demethylase KDM5C increases recurrent miscarriage risk by preventing trophoblast proliferation and invasion

KDM5C is a histone H3K4-specific demethylase, which has been shown to play a key role in biological disease and development. However, the role of KDM5C in trophoblasts at early pregnancy is currently unknown. Here, we showed that KDM5C was upregulated in placental trophoblasts from recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients compared with healthy controls (HCs). Trophoblast proliferation and invasion was inhibited by KDM5C overexpression and was promoted by KDM5C knockdown. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that elevated KDM5C exerted anti-proliferation and anti-invasion effects by repressing the expression of essential regulatory genes. The combination analysis of RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and CUT&Tag assay showed that KDM5C overexpression leads to the reduction of H3K4me3 on the promoters and the corresponding downregulation of expression of several regulatory genes in trophoblasts. Among these genes, TGFβ2 and RAGE are essential for the proliferation and invasion of trophoblasts. Importantly, overexpression of KDM5C by a systemically delivered KDM5C adenovirus vector (Ad-KDM5C) promoted embryo resorption rate in mouse. Our results support that KDM5C is an important regulator of the trophoblast function during early pregnancy, and suggesting that KDM5C activity could be responsible for epigenetic alterations seen RM disease.

The Chromatin-Oxygen Sensor Gene KDM5C Associates with Novel Hypoxia-Related Signatures in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fatal brain tumor without effective drug treatment. In this study, we highlight, for the first time, the contribution of chromatin remodeling gene Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5C (KDM5C) in GBM via an extensive analysis of clinical, expression, and functional data, integrated with publicly available omic datasets. The expression analysis on GBM samples (N = 37) revealed two informative subtypes, namely KDM5C^High and KDM5C^Low, displaying higher/lower KDM5C levels compared to the controls. The former subtype displays a strong downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a negative KDM5C target—and a robust overexpression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1A (HIF1A) gene, a KDM5C modulator. Additionally, a significant co-expression among the prognostic markers HIF1A, Survivin, and p75 was observed. These results, corroborated by KDM5C overexpression and hypoxia-related functional assays in T98G cells, suggest a role for the HIF1A-KDM5C axis in the hypoxic response in this tumor. Interestingly, fluorescence-guided surgery on GBM sections further revealed higher KDM5C and HIF1A levels in the tumor rim niche compared to the adjacent tumor margin, indicating a regionally restricted hyperactivity of this regulatory axis. Analyzing the TCGA expression and methylation data, we found methylation changes between the subtypes in the genes, accounting for the hypoxia response, stem cell differentiation, and inflammation. High NANOG and IL6 levels highlight a distinctive stem cell-like and proinflammatory signature in the KDM5C^High subgroup and GBM niches. Taken together, our results indicate HIF1A-KDM5C as a new, relevant cancer axis in GBM, opening a new, interesting field of investigation based on KDM5C as a potential therapeutic target of the hypoxic microenvironment in GBM.

Expression, Prognostic Value, and Functional Mechanism of the KDM5 Family in Pancreatic Cancer

Background: The histone lysine demethylase KDM5 family is an important epigenetic state-modifying enzyme family. Increasing evidence supports that epigenetic abnormalities in the KDM5 family are related to multiple cancers in humans. However, the role of the KDM5 family in pancreatic cancer is not clear, and related research is very scarce.

Methods: R software, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, TIMER, LinkedOmics, STRING, Metascape, TISIDB, and the GSCA Lite online tool were utilized for bioinformatics analysis.

Results: KDM5A/B/C was significantly overexpressed in many kinds of tumor tissues, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), while the expression of KDM5D was significantly downregulated. The high expression of KDM5A/B/C was related to poor clinical features, such as worse treatment efficacy, higher tumor grade, and more advanced clinical stage. Patients with a family history of breast cancer and melanoma, history of drinking or history chronic pancreatitis were more likely to have KDM5A/B/C gene abnormalities, which were related to a variety of adverse clinical features. The results of gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the KDM5 family and its 800 co-expressed genes showed that many gene terms related to cell proliferation, migration and many carcinogenic pathways. Notably, we found that the expression level of KDM5A/B/C was positively correlated with the expression of multiple key driver genes such as KRAS, BRCA1, and BRCA2 etc. In addition, PPI network analysis showed KDM5 family proteins have strong interactions with histone deacetylase family 1 (HDAC1), which could modify the lysines of histone H3, and co-act on many pathways, including the “longevity-regulating pathway” and “Notch signaling pathway”. Moreover, the upregulation of KDM5A/B/C expression was associated with an increase in the infiltration of B cells, CD8⁺ T cells and other infiltrating immune lymphocytes and the expression levels of immune molecules such as NT5E and CD274. Interestingly, the overexpression of KDM5A/C was also corelated with reduced sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to many kinds of pancreatic cancer-targeting or chemotherapeutic drugs, including axitinib and gemcitabine.

Conclusion: KDM5 family members may be prognostic markers and new therapeutic targets for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Histone Demethylase KDM5C Drives Prostate Cancer Progression by Promoting EMT

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. During prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the epithelial cells can undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we show that the histone demethylase KDM5C is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer. We establish that stable clones silence KDM5C in prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of KDM5C leads to a reduced migratory and invasion capacity. This is associated with changes by multiple molecular mechanisms. This signaling subsequently modifies the expression of various transcription factors like Snail, Twist, and Zeb1/2, which are also known as master regulators of EMT. Taken together, our results indicate the potential to therapeutically target KDM5C either alone or in combination with Akt/mTOR-inhibitor in prostate cancer patients by targeting the EMT signaling pathways.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) poses a major public health problem in men. Metastatic PCa is incurable, and ultimately threatens the life of many patients. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes are important for PCa progression, whereas the role of epigenetic factors in prostate carcinogenesis is insufficiently examined. The histone demethylase KDM5C exerts important roles in tumorigenesis. KDM5C has been reported to be highly expressed in various cancer cell types, particularly in primary PCa. Here, we could show that KDM5C is highly upregulated in metastatic PCa. Functionally, in KDM5C knockdown cells migratory and invasion capacity was reduced. Interestingly, modulation of KDM5C expression influences several EMT signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR), expression of EMT transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and miR-205, resulting in increased expression of E-cadherin and reduced expression of N-cadherin. Mouse xenografts of KDM5C knockdown cells showed reduced tumor growth. In addition, the Akt/mTOR pathway is one of the classic signaling pathways to mediate tumor metabolic homeostasis, which is beneficial for tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings indicate that a combination of a selective KDM5C- and Akt/mTOR-inhibitor might be a new promising therapeutic strategy to reduce metastatic burden in PCa.

Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Control in Prostate Cancer

The initiation of prostate cancer has been long associated with DNA copy-number alterations, the loss of specific chromosomal regions and gene fusions, and driver mutations, especially those of the Androgen Receptor. Non-mutational events, particularly DNA and RNA epigenetic dysregulation, are emerging as key players in tumorigenesis. In this review we summarize the molecular changes linked to epigenetic and epitranscriptomic dysregulation in prostate cancer and the role that alterations to DNA and RNA modifications play in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer.

Identification of the Cysteine Protease Legumain as a Potential Chronic Hypoxia-Specific Multiple Myeloma Target Gene

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, which is characterized by clonal proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow. This microenvironment is characterized by low oxygen levels (1–6% O₂), known as hypoxia. For MM cells, hypoxia is a physiologic feature that has been described to promote an aggressive phenotype and to confer drug resistance. However, studies on hypoxia are scarce and show little conformity. Here, we analyzed the mRNA expression of previously determined hypoxia markers to define the temporal adaptation of MM cells to chronic hypoxia. Subsequent analyses of the global proteome in MM cells and the stromal cell line HS-5 revealed hypoxia-dependent regulation of proteins, which directly or indirectly upregulate glycolysis. In addition, chronic hypoxia led to MM-specific regulation of nine distinct proteins. One of these proteins is the cysteine protease legumain (LGMN), the depletion of which led to a significant growth disadvantage of MM cell lines that is enhanced under hypoxia. Thus, herein, we report a methodologic strategy to examine MM cells under physiologic hypoxic conditions in vitro and to decipher and study previously masked hypoxia-specific therapeutic targets such as the cysteine protease LGMN.

Epigenetic Editing in Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities

Epigenome editing consists of fusing a predesigned DNA recognition unit to the catalytic domain of a chromatin modifying enzyme leading to the introduction or removal of an epigenetic mark at a specific locus. These platforms enabled the study of the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic changes in several research domains such as those addressing pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Despite the continued efforts required to overcome some limitations, which include specificity, off-target effects, efficacy, and longevity, these tools have been rapidly progressing and improving.Since prostate cancer is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect different signalling pathways, epigenetic editing constitutes a promising strategy to hamper cancer progression. Therefore, by modulating chromatin structure through epigenome editing, its conformation might be better understood and events that drive prostate carcinogenesis might be further unveiled.This review describes the different epigenome engineering tools, their mechanisms concerning gene's expression and regulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities concerning prostate cancer research.

KDM5A and KDM5B histone-demethylases contribute to HU-induced replication stress response and tolerance

KDM5A and KDM5B histone-demethylases are overexpressed in many cancers and have been involved in drug tolerance. Here, we describe that KDM5A, together with KDM5B, contribute to replication stress (RS) response and tolerance. First, they positively regulate RRM2, the regulatory subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Second, they are required for optimal levels of activated Chk1, a major player of the intra-S phase checkpoint that protects cells from RS. We also found that KDM5A is enriched at ongoing replication forks and associates with both PCNA and Chk1. Because RRM2 is a major determinant of replication stress tolerance, we developed cells resistant to HU, and show that KDM5A/B proteins are required for both RRM2 overexpression and tolerance to HU. Altogether, our results indicate that KDM5A/B are major players of RS management. They also show that drugs targeting the enzymatic activity of KDM5 proteins may not affect all cancer-related consequences of KDM5A/B overexpression.

The Dual Function of KDM5C in Both Gene Transcriptional Activation and Repression Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Tumorigenesis

Emerging evidence suggested that epigenetic regulators can exhibit both activator and repressor activities in gene transcriptional regulation and disease development, such as cancer. However, how these dual activities are regulated and coordinated in specific cellular contexts remains elusive. Here, it is reported that KDM5C, a repressive histone demethylase, unexpectedly activates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-target genes, and meanwhile suppresses type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) to promote ERα-positive breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. KDM5C-interacting protein, ZMYND8, is found to be involved in both processes. Mechanistically, KDM5C binds to active enhancers and recruits the P-TEFb complex to activate ERα-target genes, while inhibits TBK1 phosphorylation in the cytosol to repress type I IFNs and ISGs. Pharmacological inhibition of both ERα and KDM5C is effective in inhibiting cell growth and tumorigenesis. Taken together, it is revealed that the dual activator and repressor nature of an epigenetic regulator together contributes to cancer development.

Regulation of ZMYND8 to Treat Cancer

Zinc finger myeloid, nervy, and deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1-type containing 8 (Zinc finger MYND-type containing 8, ZMYND8) is a transcription factor, a histone H3-interacting protein, and a putative chromatin reader/effector that plays an essential role in regulating transcription during normal cellular growth. Mutations and altered expression of ZMYND8 are associated with the development and progression of cancer. Increased expression of ZMYND8 is linked to breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers. It exerts pro-oncogenic effects in breast and prostate cancers, and it promotes angiogenesis in zebrafish, as well as in breast and prostate cancers. In contrast, downregulation of ZMYND8 is also reported in breast, prostate, and nasopharyngeal cancers. ZMYND8 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast and prostate cancers, and it inhibits tumor growth by promoting differentiation; inhibiting proliferation, cell-cycle progression, invasiveness, and metastasis; and maintaining the epithelial phenotype in various types of cancers. These data together suggest that ZMYND8 is important in tumorigenesis; however, the existing data are contradictory. More studies are necessary to clarify the exact role of ZMYND8 in tumorigenesis. In the future, regulation of expression/activity of ZMYND8 and/or its binding partners may become useful in treating cancer.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Lysine Demethylase 5 C Degraders

Lysine demethylase 5 C (KDM5C) controls epigenetic gene expression and is attracting great interest in the field of chemical epigenetics. KDM5C has emerged as a therapeutic target for anti-prostate cancer agents, and recently we identified triazole 1 as an inhibitor of KDM5C. Compound 1 exhibited highly potent KDM5C-inhibitory activity in in vitro enzyme assays, but did not show strong anticancer effects. Therefore, a different approach is needed for the development of anticancer agents targeting KDM5C. Here, we attempted to identify KDM5C degraders by focusing on a protein-knockdown strategy. Compound 3 b, which was designed based on compound 1, degraded KDM5C and inhibited the growth of prostate cancer PC-3 cells more strongly than compound 1. These findings suggest that KDM5C degraders are more effective as anticancer agents than compounds that only inhibit the catalytic activity of KDM5C.

ELK1 activated-long noncoding RNA LBX2-AS1 aggravates the progression of ovarian cancer through targeting miR-4784/KDM5C axis

As one of the most common cancers in female, ovarian cancer (OC) has become a serious public burden now. Mounting researches have indicated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can affect many biological processes including cancer development. LncRNA LBX2-AS1 was identified to be an oncogene in some cancers, but the role of LBX2-AS1 in OC remains to be elucidated. Bioinformatics analysis and experiments including ChIP, RT-qPCR, RIP, luciferase reporter, western blot and CCK-8 were performed to explore the role of LBX2-AS1 in OC. LBX2-AS1 expression was markedly increased in OC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, LBX2-AS1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation, migration and stemness but facilitated cell apoptosis in OC. Moreover, depletion of LBX2-AS1 suppressed tumor growth of OC in vivo. Mechanically, LBX2-AS1 was activated by transcriptional factor ELK1. ELK1 enhanced the expression of LBX2-AS1 in OC cells. In addition, miR-4784 was confirmed to be sponged by LBX2-AS1. There was a negative expression correlation between LBX2-AS1 and miR-4784 in OC tissues. Subsequently, KDM5C was identified to be a direct target of miR-4784 in OC cells. KDM5C was negatively regulated by miR-4784 and positively regulated by LBX2-AS1 in terms of expression level. Upregulation of KDM5C reversed the inhibitory effect of LBX2-AS1 depletion on the progression of OC. This study proved that ELK1 activated-LBX2-AS1 aggravated the progression of OC by targeting the miR-4784/KDM5C axis, suggesting that LBX2-AS2 may be a promising diagnostic biomarker of OC.

A UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of JIB-04 in rat plasma: Development, validation and application to pharmacokinetics study

Methylation of lysine by histone methyltransferases can be reversed by lysine demethylases (KDMs). Different KDMs have distinct oncogenic functions based on their cellular localization, stimulating cancer cell proliferation, reducing the expression of tumor suppressors, and/or promoting the development of drug resistance. JIB-04 is a small molecule that pan-selectively inhibits KDMs, showing maximal inhibitory activity against KDM5A, and as secondary targets, KDM4D/4B/4A/6B/4C. Recently, it was found that JIB-04 also potently and selectively blocks HIV-1 Tat expression, transactivation, and virus replication in T cell lines via the inhibition of a new target, serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2. Pharmacokinetic characterization and an analytical method for the quantification of JIB-04 are necessary for the further development of this small molecule. Herein, a sensitive, specific, fast and reliable UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of JIB-04 in rat plasma samples was developed and fully validated using a SCIEX 6500+ triple QUAD LC-MS system equipped with an ExionLC UHPLC unit. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reverse phase ACE Excel 2 Super C18 column with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min under gradient elution. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.999) over concentrations from 0.5 to 1000 ng/mL. The accuracy (RE%) was between -7.4% and 3.7%, and the precision (CV%) was 10.2% or less. The stability data showed that no significant degradation occurred under the experimental conditions. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of JIB-04 in rat plasma after intravenous and oral administration and the oral bioavailability of JIB-04 was found to be 44.4%.

Downstream Neighbor of SON (DONSON) Expression Is Enhanced in Phenotypically Aggressive Prostate Cancers

Simple Summary

Downstream neighbor of SON (DONSON) plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and in maintaining genomic stability. We identified DONSON to be associated with an aggressive histopathological phenotype and unfavorable survival in prostate cancer (PCa) in different transcriptomic cohorts and on the protein level in our tissue microarray cohort. DONSON expression in the primary tumor was particularly strong in locally advanced, metastasized, and dedifferentiated carcinomas (TNM Stage, Gleason). Highly proliferating tumors exhibited a significant correlation to DONSON expression, and DONSON expression was notably upregulated in distant metastases and androgen-deprivation resistant metastases. In vitro, specific DONSON-knockdown significantly reduced the migration capacity in PC-3 and LNCaP, which further suggests a tumor-promoting role of DONSON in PCa. The results of our comprehensive expression analyses, as well as the functional data obtained after DONSON-depletion, lead us to the conclusion that DONSON is a promising prognostic biomarker with oncogenic properties in PCa.

Abstract

Downstream neighbor of Son (DONSON) plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and in maintaining genomic stability, but its role in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression is still underinvestigated. Methods: DONSON mRNA expression was analyzed with regard to clinical-pathological parameters and progression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets of PCa. Afterwards, DONSON protein expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry on a comprehensive tissue microarray (TMA). Subsequently, the influence of a DONSON-knockdown induced by the transfection of antisense-oligonucleotides on proliferative capacity and metastatic potential was investigated. DONSON was associated with an aggressive phenotype in the PCa TCGA cohort, two GEO PCa cohorts, and our PCa TMA cohort as DONSON expression was particularly strong in locally advanced, metastasized, and dedifferentiated carcinomas. Thus, DONSON expression was notably upregulated in distant and androgen-deprivation resistant metastases. In vitro, specific DONSON-knockdown significantly reduced the migration capacity in the PCa cell lines PC-3 and LNCaP, which further suggests a tumor-promoting role of DONSON in PCa. In conclusion, the results of our comprehensive expression analyses, as well as the functional data obtained after DONSON-depletion, lead us to the conclusion that DONSON is a promising prognostic biomarker with oncogenic properties in PCa.

Epigenetic modifications in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. In addition to genomic alterations, epigenetic alterations accumulated in prostate cancer have been elucidated. While aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid hypermethylation in promoter CpG islands inactivates crucial genes associated with deoxyribonucleic acid repair, cell cycle, apoptosis or cell adhesion, aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid hypomethylation can lead to oncogene activation. Acetylation of histone is also deregulated in prostate cancer, which could cause aberrant super-enhancer formation and activation of genes associated with cancer development. Deregulations of histone methylation, such as an increase of trimethylation at position 27 of histone H3 by enhancer of zeste homolog2 overexpression, or other modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, are also involved in prostate cancer development, and inhibitors targeting these epigenomic aberrations might be novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of epigenetic alterations in the development and progression of prostate cancer, focusing on deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and histone modifications.

X- and Y-Linked Chromatin-Modifying Genes as Regulators of Sex-Specific Cancer Incidence and Prognosis

Biological sex profoundly conditions organismal development and physiology, imposing wide-ranging effects on cell signaling, metabolism, and immune response. These effects arise from sex-specified differences in hormonal exposure, and from intrinsic genetic and epigenetic differences associated with the presence of an XX versus XY chromosomal complement. In addition, biological sex is now recognized to be a determinant of the incidence, presentation, and therapeutic response of multiple forms of cancer, including cancers not specifically associated with male or female anatomy. Although multiple factors contribute to sex-based differences in cancer, a growing body of research emphasizes a role for differential activity of X- and Y-linked tumor-suppressor genes in males and females. Among these, the X-linked KDM6A/UTX and KDM5C/JARID1C/SMCX, and their Y-linked paralogs UTY/KDM6C and KDM5D/JARID1D/SMCY encode lysine demethylases. These epigenetic modulators profoundly influence gene expression, based on enzymatic activity in demethylating H3K27me3 and H3K4me3, and nonenzymatic scaffolding roles for large complexes that open and close chromatin for transcription. In a growing number of cases, mutations affecting these proteins have been recognized to strongly influence cancer risk, prognosis, and response to specific therapies. However, sex-specific patterns of mutation, expression, and activity of these genes, coupled with tissue-specific requirement for their function as tumor suppressors, together exemplify the complex relationship between sex and cancer vulnerabilities. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current state of the literature on the roles of these proteins in contributing to sex bias in cancer, and the status of clinical agents relevant to their function.

KDM5C Represses FASN-Mediated Lipid Metabolism to Exert Tumor Suppressor Activity in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Background: KDM5C is a histone H3K4-specific demethylase, which has multiple biological functions during development and disease. However, the role of KDM5C in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unknown. Methods: Expression levels of KDM5C in ICC patients were determined by qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical assay. The functions of KDM5C in cell proliferation and invasion were determined in human ICC cells and mouse xenograft model using KDM5C overexpression and knockdown strategies in vivo. RNA-seq analysis was applied to investigate the transcriptional program of KDM5C. In addition, ChIP-qPCR was used to determine the regulation of FASN by KDM5C. Results: Here, we show that KDM5C was downregulated in human ICC, where its diminished expression was associated with poor prognosis. ICC cell proliferation and invasion were inhibited by KDM5C overexpression. Moreover, KDM5C suppressed ICC proliferation and metastasis in vivo. RNA-sequencing showed that KDM5C inhibits key signal pathways of cell proliferation, cell invasion and fatty acid metabolism. ChIP-qPCR revealed that overexpression of KDM5C led to the reduction of H3K4me3 on the promoter and the corresponding downregulation of the expression of FASN, which represents the major target gene of KDM5C to mediate the proliferation and invasion of ICC cells. Conclusions: Our results revealed the role of KDM5C as a novel tumor suppressor in ICC largely by repressing FASN-mediated lipid acid metabolism and thus KDM5C may contribute to the pathogenesis of ICC.

Emerging of lysine demethylases (KDMs): From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities

In recent years, there have been remarkable scientific advancements in the understanding of lysine demethylases (KDMs) because of their demethylation of diverse substrates, including nucleic acids and proteins. Novel structural architectures, physiological roles in the gene expression regulation, and ability to modify protein functions made KDMs the topic of interest in biomedical research. These structural diversities allow them to exert their function either alone or in complex with numerous other bio-macromolecules. Impressive number of studies have demonstrated that KDMs are localized dynamically across the cellular and tissue microenvironment. Their dysregulation is often associated with human diseases, such as cancer, immune disorders, neurological disorders, and developmental abnormalities. Advancements in the knowledge of the underlying biochemistry and disease associations have led to the development of a series of modulators and technical compounds. Given the distinct biophysical and biochemical properties of KDMs, in this review we have focused on advances related to the structure, function, disease association, and therapeutic targeting of KDMs highlighting improvements in both the specificity and efficacy of KDM modulation.

Epigenetic Metalloenzymes

Epigenetics controls the expression of genes and is responsible for cellular phenotypes. The fundamental basis of these mechanisms involves in part the post-translational modifications (PTMs) of DNA and proteins, in particular, the nuclear histones. DNA can be methylated or demethylated on cytosine. Histones are marked by several modifications including acetylation and/or methylation, and of particular importance are the covalent modifications of lysine. There exists a balance between addition and removal of these PTMs, leading to three groups of enzymes involved in these processes: the writers adding marks, the erasers removing them, and the readers able to detect these marks and participating in the recruitment of transcription factors. The stimulation or the repression in the expression of genes is thus the result of a subtle equilibrium between all the possibilities coming from the combinations of these PTMs. Indeed, these mechanisms can be deregulated and then participate in the appearance, development and maintenance of various human diseases, including cancers, neurological and metabolic disorders. Some of the key players in epigenetics are metalloenzymes, belonging mostly to the group of erasers: the zinc-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs), the iron-dependent lysine demethylases of the Jumonji family (JMJ or KDM) and for DNA the iron-dependent ten-eleven-translocation enzymes (TET) responsible for the oxidation of methylcytosine prior to the demethylation of DNA. This review presents these metalloenzymes, their importance in human disease and their inhibitors.

C8-substituted pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones: Studies towards the identification of potent, cell penetrant Jumonji C domain containing histone lysine demethylase 4 subfamily (KDM4) inhibitors, compound profiling in cell-based target engagement assays

Residues in the histone substrate binding sites that differ between the KDM4 and KDM5 subfamilies were identified. Subsequently, a C8-substituted pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one series was designed to rationally exploit these residue differences between the histone substrate binding sites in order to improve affinity for the KDM4-subfamily over KDM5-subfamily enzymes. In particular, residues E169 and V313 (KDM4A numbering) were targeted. Additionally, conformational restriction of the flexible pyridopyrimidinone C8-substituent was investigated. These approaches yielded potent and cell-penetrant dual KDM4/5-subfamily inhibitors including 19a (KDM4A and KDM5B Ki = 0.004 and 0.007 μM, respectively). Compound cellular profiling in two orthogonal target engagement assays revealed a significant reduction from biochemical to cell-based activity across multiple analogues; this decrease was shown to be consistent with 2OG competition, and suggests that sub-nanomolar biochemical potency will be required with C8-substituted pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one compounds to achieve sub-micromolar target inhibition in cells.

KDM5C is transcriptionally regulated by BRD4 and promotes castration-resistance prostate cancer cell proliferation by repressing PTEN

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, and it is almost incurable once it has developed into castration-resistance prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis of PCa and CRPC remain elusive. Lysine-specific histone demethylase 5C (KDM5C) is an important member of lysine demethylase family and has recently been found highly expressed in multiple cancer types. In this study, we reported that KDM5C was highly expressed in PCa and CRPC specimens, and the high expression promoted CRPC cell proliferation through repressing phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene epigenetically. Moreover, KDM5C was transcriptionally upregulated by bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), and knockdown KDM5C sensitized the therapeutic effects of CRPC cells to the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitor. Taken together, our study uncovers that the BRD4-KDM5C-PTEN may be a new oncogenic pathway in CRPC development, and KDM5C is a critical protein and could be an ideal target for CRPC treatment in this oncogenic pathway.

Biology and targeting of the Jumonji-domain histone demethylase family in childhood neoplasia: a preclinical overview

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulatory control play fundamental roles in developmental morphogenesis, and, as more recently appreciated, are heavily implicated in the onset and progression of neoplastic disease, including cancer. Many epigenetic mechanisms are therapeutically targetable, providing additional incentive for understanding of their contribution to cancer and other types of neoplasia. Areas covered: The Jumonji-domain histone demethylase (JHDM) family exemplifies many of the above traits. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the functions and pharmacologic targeting of JHDMs in cancer and other neoplastic processes, with an emphasis on diseases affecting the pediatric population. Expert opinion: To date, the JHDM family has largely been studied in the context of normal development and adult cancers. In contrast, comparatively few studies have addressed JHDM biology in cancer and other neoplastic diseases of childhood, especially solid (non-hematopoietic) neoplasms. Encouragingly, the few available examples support important roles for JHDMs in pediatric neoplasia, as well as potential roles for JHDM pharmacologic inhibition in disease management. Further investigations of JHDMs in cancer and other types of neoplasia of childhood can be expected to both enlighten disease biology and inform new approaches to improve disease outcomes.

Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin in Prostate Cancer

Epigenetics refers to mitotically/meiotically heritable mechanisms that regulate gene transcription without a need for changes in the DNA code. Covalent modifications of DNA, in the form of methylation, and histone post-translational modifications, in the form of acetylation and methylation, constitute the epigenetic code of a cell. Both DNA and histone modifications are highly dynamic and often work in unison to define the epigenetic state of a cell. Most epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene transcription by affecting localized/genome-wide transitions between heterochromatin and euchromatin states, thereby altering the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery and in turn, reduce/increase transcriptional output. Altered chromatin structure is associated with cancer progression, and epigenetic plasticity primarily governs the resistance of cancer cells to therapeutic agents. In this chapter, we specifically focus on regulators of histone methylation and acetylation, the two well-studied chromatin post-translational modifications, in the context of prostate cancer.

KDM5 demethylases and their role in cancer cell chemoresistance

Histone methylation is important in the regulation of genes expression, and thus its dysregulation has been observed in various cancers. KDM5 enzymes are capable of removing tri- and di- methyl marks from lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4) which makes them potential players in the downregulation of tumor suppressors, but could also suggest that their activity repress oncogenes. Depending on the methylation site, their effect on transcription can be either activating or repressing. There is emerging evidence for deregulation of KDM5A/B/C/D and important phenotypic consequences in various types of cancer. It has been suggested that the KDM5 family of demethylases plays a role in the appearance of drug tolerance. Drug resistance remains a challenge to successful cancer treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the functions of KDM5 histone demethylases in cancer chemoresistance and potential therapeutic targeting of these enzymes, which seems to prevent the emergence of a drug-resistant population.

Histone demethylase KDM7A controls androgen receptor activity and tumor growth in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer can be controlled by androgen-hormone treatment until the cancer becomes refractory. It is believed that hormone sensitivity is largely dependent on androgen receptor (AR) activity. Here, we found the histone demethylase KDM7A which demethylates histone H3K27 to be overexpressed in enzalutamide resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line C4-2b, and investigated the molecular mechanism whereby androgen receptor activity is regulated by KDM7A. We engineered AR-positive LNCaP cells to stably express a short-hairpin RNA against KDM7A mRNA from a lentiviral vector. By measuring AR downstream gene expression after androgen stimulation, we found that a KDM7A-deficient cell line showed lower AR downstream gene expression compared to a control cell. KDM7A knock-down in LNCaP cell line caused decreased cell proliferation. Western blot analysis with modified-histone antibody revealed that the KDM7A-knock-down LNCaP cell line had increased H3K27 di-methylation. We confirmed KDM7A binding on AR target-gene promoters after hormone stimulation in chromatin-immunoprecipitation experiments. And increased H3K27 di-methylation was observed in KDM7A knock-down LNCaP stable cell. Treatment with KDM7A inhibitor, TC-E 5002, reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. Finally, we observed that the KDM7A protein was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer tissue, and that this difference correlated with the Gleason score. These data suggested that KDM7A is potentially a good therapeutic target for prostate cancer drugs and can be used as potentially a good prognostic indicator for prostate cancer and related treatment strategies.

KDM5 histone demethylases repress immune response via suppression of STING

Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) stimulator of interferon genes (STING) senses pathogen-derived or abnormal self-DNA in the cytosol and triggers an innate immune defense against microbial infection and cancer. STING agonists induce both innate and adaptive immune responses and are a new class of cancer immunotherapy agents tested in multiple clinical trials. However, STING is commonly silenced in cancer cells via unclear mechanisms, limiting the application of these agonists. Here, we report that the expression of STING is epigenetically suppressed by the histone H3K4 lysine demethylases KDM5B and KDM5C and is activated by the opposing H3K4 methyltransferases. The induction of STING expression by KDM5 blockade triggered a robust interferon response in a cytosolic DNA-dependent manner in breast cancer cells. This response resulted in resistance to infection by DNA and RNA viruses. In human tumors, KDM5B expression is inversely associated with STING expression in multiple cancer types, with the level of intratumoral CD8+ T cells, and with patient survival in cancers with a high level of cytosolic DNA, such as human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive head and neck cancer. These results demonstrate a novel epigenetic regulatory pathway of immune response and suggest that KDM5 demethylases are potential targets for antipathogen treatment and anticancer immunotherapy.

Epigenetics in ovarian cancer: premise, properties, and perspectives

Malignant ovarian tumors bear the highest mortality rate among all gynecological cancers. Both late tumor diagnosis and tolerance to available chemical therapy increase patient mortality. Therefore, it is both urgent and important to identify biomarkers facilitating early identification and novel agents preventing recurrence. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that epigenetic aberrations (particularly histone modifications) are crucial in tumor initiation and development. Histone acetylation and methylation are respectively regulated by acetyltransferases-deacetylases and methyltransferases-demethylases, both of which are implicated in ovarian cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the most recent discoveries pertaining to ovarian cancer development arising from the imbalance of histone acetylation and methylation, and provide insight into novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Epigenetic Regulation in Prostate Cancer Progression

Purpose of Review

An important number of newly identified molecular alterations in prostate cancer affect gene encoding master regulators of chromatin biology epigenetic regulation. This review will provide an updated view of the key epigenetic mechanisms underlying prostate cancer progression, therapy resistance, and potential actionable mechanisms and biomarkers.

Recent Findings

Key players in chromatin biology and epigenetic master regulators has been recently described to be crucially altered in metastatic CRPC and tumors that progress to AR independency. As such, epigenetic dysregulation represents a driving mechanism in the reprograming of prostate cancer cells as they lose AR-imposed identity.

Summary

Chromatin integrity and accessibility for transcriptional regulation are key features altered in cancer progression, and particularly relevant in nuclear hormone receptor-driven tumors like prostate cancer. Understanding how chromatin remodeling dictates prostate development and how its deregulation contributes to prostate cancer onset and progression may improve risk stratification and treatment selection for prostate cancer patients.

Targeting JARID1B's demethylase activity blocks a subset of its functions in oral cancer

Upregulation of the H3K4me3 demethylase JARID1B is linked to acquisition of aggressive, stem cell-like features by many cancer types. However, the utility of emerging JARID1 family inhibitors remains uncertain, in part because JARID1B’s functions in normal development and malignancy are diverse and highly context-specific. In this study, responses of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) to catalytic inhibition of JARID1B were assessed using CPI-455, the first tool compound with true JARID1 family selectivity. CPI-455 attenuated clonal sphere and tumor formation by stem-like cells that highly express JARID1B while also depleting the CD44-positive and Aldefluor-high fractions conventionally used to designate OSCC stem cells. Silencing JARID1B abrogated CPI-455’s effects on sphere formation, supporting that the drug acted through this isoform. To further delineate CPI-455’s capacity to block JARID1B’s functions, its biologic effects were compared against those indicated by pathway analysis of the transcriptional profile produced by JARID1B knockdown. Downregulation of multiple gene sets related to stem cell function was consistent with the drug’s observed actions. However, strong E-Cadherin upregulation seen upon silencing JARID1B surprisingly could not be reproduced using CPI-455. Expressing a demethylase-inactive mutant of JARID1B demonstrated suppression of this transcript to be demethylase-independent, and the capacity of mutant JARID1B but not CPI-455 to modulate invasion provided a functional correlate of this finding. These results show that JARID1B catalytic inhibition effectively targets some stem cell-like features of malignancy but also reveal demethylase-independent actions refractory to inhibition. Future application of JARID1 inhibitors in combinatorial use for cancer therapy may be guided by these findings.

JARID1 Histone Demethylases: Emerging Targets in Cancer

JARID1 proteins are histone demethylases that both regulate normal cell fates during development and contribute to the epigenetic plasticity that underlies malignant transformation. This H3K4 demethylase family participates in multiple repressive transcriptional complexes at promoters and has broader regulatory effects on chromatin that remain ill-defined. There is growing understanding of the oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions of JARID1 proteins, which are contingent on cell context and the protein isoform. Their contributions to stem cell-like dedifferentiation, tumor aggressiveness, and therapy resistance in cancer have sustained interest in the development of JARID1 inhibitors. Here we review the diverse and context-specific functions of the JARID1 proteins that may impact the utilization of emerging targeted inhibitors of this histone demethylase family in cancer therapy.

A comprehensive review of lysine-specific demethylase 1 and its roles in cancer

Histone methylation plays a key role in the regulation of chromatin structure, and its dynamics regulates important cellular processes. The investigation of the role of alterations in histone methylation in cancer has led to the identification of histone methyltransferases and demethylases as promising novel targets for therapy. Lysine-specific demethylase 1(LSD1, also known as KDM1A) is the first discovered histone lysine demethylase, with the ability to demethylase H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2 at target loci in a context-dependent manner. LSD1 regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells, and is highly expressed in various cancers, playing an important role in differentiation and self-renewal of tumor cells. In this review, we summarize recent studies about the LSD1, its role in normal and tumor cells, and the potential use of small molecule LSD1 inhibitors in therapy.

The long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 overexpression as a poor prognostic biomarker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 has previously played important roles in cancer. However, its role is still unknown in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We utilized the most recent molecular and clinical data of clear cell renal cell carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas project, and the relationship between urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 expression and the clinicopathological features was analyzed. Our results indicated that urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 overexpression was associated with male ( p = 0.003), wild-type PBRM1 ( p = 0.021), and BAP1 mutation ( p = 0.022) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, although lower expression was found in tumors compared with normal controls, validated in tumor tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 21 clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients at our hospital. Moreover, urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 overexpression indicated poor prognosis independently (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.92, p = 0.000) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma; it might be a potential detrimental gene considered as a predictive biomarker involved in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.