Novel epigenetic therapeutic strategies and targets in cancer

Unravelling the epigenetic based mechanism in discovery of anticancer phytomedicine: Evidence based studies

Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the normal development and maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression patterns in mammals. Disruption of these processes can result in changes to gene function and the transformation of cells into a malignant state. Cancer is characterized by widespread alterations in the epigenetic landscape, revealing that it involves not only genetic mutations but also epigenetic abnormalities. Recent progress in the field of cancer epigenetics has demonstrated significant reprogramming of various components of the epigenetic machinery in cancer, such as DNA methylation, modifications to histones, positioning of nucleosomes, and the expression of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs. The ability to reverse epigenetic abnormalities has given rise to the hopeful field of epigenetic therapy, which has shown advancement with the recent approval by the FDA of three drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms for the treatment of cancer. In the present manuscript, a comprehensive review has been presented about the role of understanding the epigenetic link between cancer and mechanisms by which phytomedicine offers treatment avenues. Further, this review deciphers the significance of natural products in the identification of epigenetic therapeutics, the diversity of their molecular targets, the use of nanotechnology, and the creation of new strategies for overcoming the inherent clinical challenges associated with developing these drug leads.

PAQR4: From spatial regulation of cell signaling to physiological homeostasis and diseases

Progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 4 (PAQR4) gene is a recently discovered seven-transmembrane protein-coding gene that belongs to the PAQR family. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that PAQR4 is upregulated in multiple tumors and participates in tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance via different signaling pathways; PAQR4 regulates cellular ceramide homeostasis by influencing sphingolipid metabolism and glycerol metabolism, and plays a significant role in adipose tissue remodeling. Meanwhile, it is known that the differential expression of PAQR4 is associated with the occurrence of various diseases and is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This article conducts a systematic review of the subcellular localization of PAQR4, its topological structure characteristics, and its functions in cancer occurrence, metabolic diseases, and fertility, and provides clues for the future research and translational application of PAQR4.

Epigenetic drugs in cancer therapy

Genetic and epigenetic modifications of DNA are involved in cancer initiation and progression. Epigenetic modifications change chromatin structure and DNA accessibility and thus affect DNA replication, DNA repair and transcription. Epigenetic modifications are reversible and include DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation. DNA methylation is catalysed by DNA methyltransferases, histone acetylation and deacetylation are catalysed by histone acetylases and deacetylases, while histone methylation is catalysed by histone methyltransferases. Epigenetic modifications are dysregulated in several cancers, making them cancer therapeutic targets. Epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) which are inhibitors of epigenetic modifications and include DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi) and bromodomain and extra-terminal motif protein inhibitors (BETi), have demonstrated clinical success as anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, the combination of epi-drugs with standard chemotherapeutic agents has demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects in pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we discuss the role of epi-drugs in cancer therapy and explore their current and future use in combination with other anti-cancer agents used in the clinic. We further highlight the side effects and limitations of epi-drugs. We additionally discuss novel delivery methods and novel tumour epigenetic biomarkers for the screening, diagnosis and development of personalised cancer treatments, in order to reduce off-target toxicity and improve the specificity and anti-tumour efficacy of epi-drugs.

Isothiocyanates Enhance the Anti-Melanoma Effect of Zebularine Through Modulation of Apoptosis and Regulation of DNMTs' Expression, Chromatin Configuration and Histone Posttranslational Modifications Associated with Altered Gene Expression Patterns

Background: In the present study, we aimed to characterize the cytotoxic efficacy of Zebularine either as a single agent or in combination with various isothiocyanates in an in vitro model consisting of human melanoma (A375, Colo-679) as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Methods: In this model, we have evaluated the anti-melanoma effect of Zebularine (in single and combinatorial protocols) in terms of cell viability, apoptotic induction and alterations in ultrastructural chromatin configuration, protein expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and associated histone epigenetic marks capable of mediating gene expression. Results: Exposure to Zebularine resulted in dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity through apoptotic induction in malignant melanoma cells, while neighboring non-tumorigenic keratinocytes remained unaffected. A more profound response was observed in combinational protocols, as evidenced by a further decline in cell viability leading to an even more robust apoptotic induction followed by a differential response (i.e., activation/de-activation) of various apoptotic genes. Furthermore, combined exposure protocols caused a significant decrease of DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B protein expression levels together with alterations in ultrastructural chromatin configuration and protein expression levels of specific histone modification marks capable of modulating gene expression. Conclusions: Overall, we have developed a novel experimental approach capable of potentiating the cytotoxic efficacy of Zebularine against human malignant melanoma cells while at the same time maintaining a non-cytotoxic profile against neighboring non-tumorigenic keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells.

Harnessing omics data for drug discovery and development in ovarian aging

BACKGROUND

Ovarian aging occurs earlier than the aging of many other organs and has a lasting impact on women's overall health and well-being. However, effective interventions to slow ovarian aging remain limited, primarily due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and drug targets. Recent advances in omics data resources, combined with innovative computational tools, are offering deeper insight into the molecular complexities of ovarian aging, paving the way for new opportunities in drug discovery and development.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review aims to synthesize the expanding multi-omics data, spanning genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome, related to ovarian aging, from both tissue-level and single-cell perspectives. We will specially explore how the analysis of these emerging omics datasets can be leveraged to identify novel drug targets and guide therapeutic strategies for slowing and reversing ovarian aging.

SEARCH METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed database using a range of relevant keywords: ovarian aging, age at natural menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, DNA methylation, RNA modification, histone modification, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, microbiome, single-cell, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), whole-exome sequencing, phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS), Mendelian randomization (MR), epigenetic target, drug target, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and multi-omics. The search was restricted to English-language articles published up to September 2024.

OUTCOMES

Multi-omics studies have uncovered key mechanisms driving ovarian aging, including DNA damage and repair deficiencies, inflammatory and immune responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. By integrating multi-omics data, researchers can identify critical regulatory factors and mechanisms across various biological levels, leading to the discovery of potential drug targets. Notable examples include genetic targets such as BRCA2 and TERT, epigenetic targets like Tet and FTO, metabolic targets such as sirtuins and CD38+, protein targets like BIN2 and PDGF-BB, and transcription factors such as FOXP1.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The advent of cutting-edge omics technologies, especially single-cell technologies and spatial transcriptomics, has provided valuable insights for guiding treatment decisions and has become a powerful tool in drug discovery aimed at mitigating or reversing ovarian aging. As technology advances, the integration of single-cell multi-omics data with AI models holds the potential to more accurately predict candidate drug targets. This convergence offers promising new avenues for personalized medicine and precision therapies, paving the way for tailored interventions in ovarian aging.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Epigenomic Echoes-Decoding Genomic and Epigenetic Instability to Distinguish Lung Cancer Types and Predict Relapse

Genomic and epigenomic instability are defining features of cancer, driving tumor progression, heterogeneity, and therapeutic resistance. Central to this process are epigenetic echoes, persistent and dynamic modifications in DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA regulation, and chromatin remodeling that mirror underlying genomic chaos and actively influence cancer cell behavior. This review delves into the complex relationship between genomic instability and these epigenetic echoes, illustrating how they collectively shape the cancer genome, affect DNA repair mechanisms, and contribute to tumor evolution. However, the dynamic, context-dependent nature of epigenetic changes presents scientific and ethical challenges, particularly concerning privacy and clinical applicability. Focusing on lung cancer, we examine how specific epigenetic patterns function as biomarkers for distinguishing cancer subtypes and monitoring disease progression and relapse.

The role of lactylation in tumor growth and cancer progression

Background

Lactate's perception of lactate has changed over the last 30 years from a straightforward metabolic byproduct to a complex chemical with important biological activities, such as signal transduction, gluconeogenesis, and mitochondrial respiration. In addition to its metabolic contributions, lactate has far-reaching repercussions. This review highlights the role of lactate in the course of cancer by highlighting lactylation as a unique epigenetic alteration. The purpose of this review is to clarify the functions of lactate in the biology of tumors, with a particular focus on the translational potential of lactylation pathways in cancer diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Methods

This review summarizes research on the relationship between lactate and cancer, with an emphasis on histone lactylation, its effect on gene expression, and its influence on the tumor microenvironment. By establishing a connection between metabolic byproducts and epigenetic gene regulation, we investigated how lactylation affects immune regulation, inflammation, and cellular repair.

Findings

Histone lactylation, or the addition of lactate to lysine residues on histone proteins, increases transcriptional activity and facilitates the expression of genes involved in homeostasis and repair. These findings have important implications for cancer treatment. Lactylation, for example, activates genes such as Arg1, which is a hallmark of the M2 macrophage phenotype implicated in immunosuppression and tumor growth. The ability of lactate to dynamically alter gene expression is further supported by its function as a histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitor and its impact on histone acetylation. Its wide-ranging involvement in cellular metabolism and epigenetic control has been demonstrated by the discovery of particular lactylation sites on histones in various cell types, including cancer cells.

Landscape of targeted therapies for lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung cancer, a common type of malignant neoplasm, has seen significant advancements in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the management of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) continues to pose challenges. Traditional treatment methods for LSCC encompass surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The introduction of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has greatly benefited LSCC patients, but issues such as limited immune response rates and adverse reactions persist. Therefore, gaining a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanisms holds immense importance. This review provides an in-depth overview of classical signaling pathways and therapeutic targets, including the PI3K signaling pathway, CDK4/6 pathway, FGFR1 pathway and EGFR pathway. Additionally, we delve into alternative signaling pathways and potential targets that could offer new therapeutic avenues for LSCC. Lastly, we summarize the latest advancements in targeted therapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for LSCC and discuss the prospects and challenges in this field.

An updated patent review of BRD4 degraders

INTRODUCTION

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an important epigenetic reader, is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including various cancers, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Targeting BRD4 inhibition or protein elimination with small molecules represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer therapy.

AREAS COVERED

The recent advances of patented BRD4 degraders were summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing novel potent and selective BRD4 degraders are also discussed. The patents of BRD4 degraders were searched using the SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence database.

EXPERT OPINION

BRD4 degraders exhibit superior efficacy and selectivity to BRD4 inhibitors, given their unique mechanism of protein degradation instead of protein inhibition. Excitingly, RNK05047 is now in phase I/II clinical trials, indicating that selective BRD4 protein degradation may offer a viable therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer. Targeting BRD4 with small-molecule degraders provides a promising approach with the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance for treating various BRD4-associated diseases.

Role of Phytochemicals in Treatment of Aging and Cancer: Focus on Mechanism of FOXO3 Activation

There have been many studies reporting that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risks of cancer and age-related chronic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammation by phytochemicals derived from natural sources can extend lifespans in a range of model organisms. Phytochemicals derived from fruits and vegetables have been known to display both preventative and suppressive activities against various types of cancer via in vitro and in vivo research by interfering with cellular processes critical for tumor development. The current challenge lies in creating tailored supplements containing specific phytochemicals for individual needs. Achieving this goal requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which phytochemicals affect human health. In this review, we examine recently (from 2010 to 2024) reported plant extracts and phytochemicals with established anti-aging and anti-cancer effects via the activation of FOXO3 transcriptional factor. Additionally, we provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these molecules exert their anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in specific model systems. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of the current research approach and outline for potential future directions in this field.

From microscopes to molecules: The evolution of prostate cancer diagnostics

In the ever-evolving landscape of oncology, the battle against prostate cancer (PCa) stands at a transformative juncture, propelled by the integration of molecular diagnostics into traditional cytopathological frameworks. This synthesis not only heralds a new epoch of precision medicine but also significantly enhances our understanding of the disease's genetic intricacies. Our comprehensive review navigates through the latest advancements in molecular biomarkers and their detection technologies, illuminating the potential these innovations hold for the clinical realm. With PCa persisting as one of the most common malignancies among men globally, the quest for early and precise diagnostic methods has never been more critical. The spotlight in this endeavor shines on the molecular diagnostics that reveal the genetic underpinnings of PCa, offering insights into its onset, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. Among the genetic aberrations, the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and mutations in genes such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) are identified as significant players in the disease's pathology, providing not only diagnostic markers but also potential therapeutic targets. This review underscores a multimodal diagnostic approach, merging molecular diagnostics with cytopathology, as a cornerstone in managing PCa effectively. This strategy promises a future where treatment is not only tailored to the individual's genetic makeup but also anticipates the disease's trajectory, offering hope for improved prognosis and quality of life for patients.

Research advances on signaling pathways regulating the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in lung cancer microenvironment

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely related to the stages of tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis. Macrophages are plastic and can differentiate into different phenotypes and functions under the influence of different signaling pathways in TME. The classically activated (M1-like) and alternatively activated (M2-like) represent the two polarization states of macrophages. M1 macrophages exhibit anti-tumor functions, while M2 macrophages are considered to support tumor cell survival and metastasis. Macrophage polarization involves complex signaling pathways, and blocking or regulating these signaling pathways to enhance macrophages' anti-tumor effects has become a research hotspot in recent years. At the same time, there have been new discoveries regarding the modulation of TAMs towards an anti-tumor phenotype by synthetic and natural drug components. Nanotechnology can better achieve combination therapy and targeted delivery of drugs, maximizing the efficacy of the drugs while minimizing side effects. Up to now, nanomedicines targeting the delivery of various active substances for reprogramming TAMs have made significant progress. In this review, we primarily provided a comprehensive overview of the signaling crosstalk between TAMs and various cells in the LC microenvironment. Additionally, the latest advancements in novel drugs and nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) that target macrophages were also reviewed. Finally, we discussed the prospects of macrophages as therapeutic targets and the barriers to clinical translation.

Strategy of combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with other therapies and mechanisms of resistance

Cell cycle-dependent protein kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) is a crucial kinase that regulates the cell cycle, essential for cell division and proliferation. Hence, combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with other anti-tumor drugs is a pivotal clinical strategy. This strategy can efficiently inhibit the growth and division of tumor cells, reduce the side effects, and improve the quality of life of patients by reducing the dosage of combined anticancer drugs. Furthermore, the combination therapy strategy of CDK4/6 inhibitors could ameliorate the drug resistance of combined drugs and overcome the CDK4/6 resistance caused by CDK4/6 inhibitors. Various tumor treatment strategies combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors have entered the clinical trial stage, demonstrating their substantial clinical potential. This study reviews the research progress of CDK4/6 inhibitors from 2018 to 2022, the related resistance mechanism of CDK4/6 inhibitors, and the strategy of combination medication.

Alteration in DNA methylation patterns: Epigenetic signatures in gastrointestinal cancers

Abnormalities in epigenetic modifications can cause malignant transformations in cells, leading to cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which accounts for 20% of all cancers worldwide. Among the epigenetic alterations, DNA hypomethylation is associated with genomic instability. In addition, CpG methylation and promoter hypermethylation have been recognized as biomarkers for different malignancies. In GI cancers, epigenetic alterations affect genes responsible for cell cycle control, DNA repair, apoptosis, and tumorigenic-specific signaling pathways. Understanding the pattern of alterations in DNA methylation in GI cancers could help scientists discover new molecular-based pharmaceutical treatments. This study highlights alterations in DNA methylation in GI cancers. Understanding epigenetic differences among GI cancers may improve targeted therapies and lead to the discovery of new diagnostic biomarkers.

DNMT1-targeting remodeling global DNA hypomethylation for enhanced tumor suppression and circumvented toxicity in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The faithful maintenance of DNA methylation homeostasis indispensably requires DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in cancer progression. We previously identified DNMT1 as a potential candidate target for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, how the DNMT1- associated global DNA methylation is exploited to regulate OSCC remains unclear.

METHODS

The shRNA-specific DNMT1 knockdown was employed to target DNMT1 on oral cancer cells in vitro, as was the use of DNMT1 inhibitors. A xenografted OSCC mouse model was established to determine the effect on tumor suppression. High-throughput microarrays of DNA methylation, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, multiplex immunohistochemistry, functional sphere formation and protein immunoblotting were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism involved. Analysis of human samples revealed associations between DNMT1 expression, global DNA methylation and collaborative molecular signaling with oral malignant transformation.

RESULTS

We investigated DNMT1 expression boosted steadily during oral malignant transformation in human samples, and its inhibition considerably minimized the tumorigenicity in vitro and in a xenografted OSCC model. DNMT1 overexpression was accompanied by the accumulation of cancer-specific DNA hypomethylation during oral carcinogenesis; conversely, DNMT1 knockdown caused atypically extensive genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in cancer cells and xenografted tumors. This novel DNMT1-remodeled DNA hypomethylation pattern hampered the dual activation of PI3K-AKT and CDK2-Rb and inactivated GSK3β collaboratively. When treating OSCC mice, targeting DNMT1 achieved greater anticancer efficacy than the PI3K inhibitor, and reduced the toxicity of blood glucose changes caused by the PI3K inhibitor or combination of PI3K and CDK inhibitors as well as adverse insulin feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting DNMT1 remodels a novel global DNA hypomethylation pattern to facilitate anticancer efficacy and minimize potential toxic effects via balanced signaling synergia. Our study suggests DNMT1 is a crucial gatekeeper regarding OSCC destiny and treatment outcome.

Targeting histone deacetylases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

The onerous health and economic burden associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global predicament. Despite the advent of novel surgical techniques and therapeutic protocols, there is an incessant need for efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic targets to monitor the invasion, metastasis and recurrence of HNSCC due to its substantial morbidity and mortality. The differential expression patterns of histone deacetylases (HDACs), a group of enzymes responsible for modifying histones and regulating gene expression, have been demonstrated in neoplastic tissues. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the role of HDACs in HNSCC. Consequently, this review aims to summarize the existing research findings and explore the potential association between HDACs and HNSCC, offering fresh perspectives on therapeutic approaches targeting HDACs that could potentially enhance the efficacy of HNSCC treatment. Additionally, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, CPTAC, HPA, OmicShare, GeneMANIA and STRING databases are utilized to provide supplementary evidence on the differential expression of HDACs, their prognostic significance and predicting functions in HNSCC patients.

Initiation of Cancer: The Journey From Mutations in Somatic Cells to Epigenetic Changes in Tissue-resident VSELs

Multiple theories exist to explain cancer initiation, although a consensus on this is crucial for developing effective therapies. 'Somatic mutation theory' suggests that mutations in somatic cells during DNA repair initiates cancer but this concept has several attached paradoxes. Research efforts to identify quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive therapy and result in metastasis and recurrence have remained futile. In solid cancers, CSCs are suggested to appear during epithelial-mesenchymal transition by the dedifferentiation and reprogramming of epithelial cells. Pluripotent and quiescent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) exist in multiple tissues but remain elusive owing to their small size and scarce nature. VSELs are developmentally connected to primordial germ cells, undergo rare, asymmetrical cell divisions and are responsible for the regular turnover of cells to maintain tissue homeostasis throughout life. VSELs are directly vulnerable to extrinsic endocrine insults because they express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors. VSELs undergo epigenetic changes due to endocrine insults and transform into CSCs. CSCs exhibit genomic instability and develop mutations due to errors during DNA replication while undergoing excessive proliferation and clonal expansion to form spheroids. Thus tissue-resident VSELs offer a connection between extrinsic insults and variations in cancer incidence reported in various body tissues. To conclude, cancer is indeed a stem cell disease with mutations occurring as a consequence. In addition to immunotherapy, targeting mutations, and Lgr5 + organoids for developing new therapeutics, targeting CSCs (epigenetically altered VSELs) by improving their niche and epigenetic status could serve as a promising strategy to treat cancer.

Current trends in clinical trials and the development of small molecule epigenetic inhibitors as cancer therapeutics

Epigenetic mechanisms control and regulate normal chromatin structure and gene expression patterns, with epigenetic dysregulation observed in many different cancer types. Importantly, epigenetic modifications are reversible, offering the potential to silence oncogenes and reactivate tumor suppressors. Small molecule drugs manipulating these epigenetic mechanisms are at the leading edge of new therapeutic options for cancer treatment. The clinical use of histone deacetyltransferases inhibitors (HDACi) demonstrates the effectiveness of targeting epigenetic mechanisms for cancer treatment. Notably, the development of new classes of inhibitors, including lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors (KATi), are the future of epigenetic-based therapeutics. We outline the progress of current classes of small molecule epigenetic drugs for use against cancer (preclinical and clinical) and highlight the potential market growth in epigenetic-based therapeutics.

A Computational Approach for the Discovery of Novel DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Nowadays, the explosion of knowledge in the field of epigenetics has revealed new pathways toward the treatment of multifactorial diseases, rendering the key players of the epigenetic machinery the focus of today's pharmaceutical landscape. Among epigenetic enzymes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are first studied as inhibition targets for cancer treatment. The increasing clinical interest in DNMTs has led to advanced experimental and computational strategies in the search for novel DNMT inhibitors. Considering the importance of epigenetic targets as a novel and promising pharmaceutical trend, the present study attempted to discover novel inhibitors of natural origin against DNMTs using a combination of structure and ligand-based computational approaches. Particularly, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening was performed, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations in order to establish an accurate and robust selection methodology. Our screening protocol prioritized five natural-derived compounds, derivatives of coumarins, flavones, chalcones, benzoic acids, and phenazine, bearing completely diverse chemical scaffolds from FDA-approved "Epi-drugs". Their total DNMT inhibitory activity was evaluated, revealing promising results for the derived hits with an inhibitory activity ranging within 30-45% at 100 µM of the tested compounds.

Targeting epigenetic and posttranslational modifications regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of diseases

Ferroptosis, a unique modality of cell death with mechanistic and morphological differences from other cell death modes, plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis and offers a new opportunity for modulating anticancer drug resistance. Aberrant epigenetic modifications and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) promote anticancer drug resistance, cancer progression, and metastasis. Accumulating studies indicate that epigenetic modifications can transcriptionally and translationally determine cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis and that ferroptosis functions as a driver in nervous system diseases (NSDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases. In this review, we first summarize the core molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then, the roles of epigenetic processes, including histone PTMs, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA regulation and PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, are concisely discussed. The roles of epigenetic modifications and PTMs in ferroptosis regulation in the genesis of diseases, including cancers, NSD, CVDs, liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases, as well as the application of epigenetic and PTM modulators in the therapy of these diseases, are then discussed in detail. Elucidating the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation mediated by epigenetic modifications and PTMs in cancer and other diseases will facilitate the development of promising combination therapeutic regimens containing epigenetic or PTM-targeting agents and ferroptosis inducers that can be used to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer and could be used to prevent other diseases. In addition, these mechanisms highlight potential therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in cancer or halt the genesis of other diseases.

Epigenetic modulation of ferroptosis in cancer: Identifying epigenetic targets for novel anticancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of oxidative-regulated cell death resulting from iron-mediated lipid peroxidation accumulation. Radical-trapping antioxidant systems can eliminate these oxidized lipids and prevent disrupting the integrity of cell membranes. Epigenetic modifications can regulate ferroptosis by altering gene expression or cell phenotype without permanent sequence changes. These mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic alterations in cancer can control the expression of ferroptosis regulators or related pathways, leading to changes in cell sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers or cancer progression. Epigenetic alterations in cancer are influenced by a wide range of cancer hallmarks, contributing to therapeutic resistance. Targeting epigenetic alterations is a promising approach to overcoming cancer resilience. However, the exact mechanisms involved in different types of cancer remain unresolved. Discovering more ferroptosis-associated epigenetic targets and interventions can help overcome current barriers in anticancer therapy. Many papers on epigenetic modifications of ferroptosis have been continuously published, making it essential to summarize the current state-of-the-art in the epigenetic regulation of ferroptosis in human cancer.

Gut microbiota: key facilitator in metastasis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence among all kinds of cancer. The main cause of death is metastasis. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota could facilitate cancer metastasis by promoting cancer cells proliferation, invasion, dissemination, and survival. Multiple mechanisms have been implicated, such as RNA-mediated targeting effects, activation of tumor signaling cascades, secretion of microbiota-derived functional substances, regulation of mRNA methylation, facilitated immune evasion, increased intravasation of cancer cells, and remodeling of tumor microenvironment (TME). The understanding of CRC metastasis was further deepened by the mechanisms mentioned above. In this review, the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota participates in the process of CRC metastasis were reviewed as followed based on recent studies.

Cytotoxic Activity of Amaryllidaceae Plants against Cancer Cells: Biotechnological, In Vitro, and In Silico Approaches

Cancer is a major cause of death and an impediment to increasing life expectancy worldwide. With the aim of finding new molecules for chemotherapeutic treatment of epidemiological relevance, ten alkaloid fractions from Amaryllidaceae species were tested against six cancer cell lines (AGS, BT-549, HEC-1B, MCF-7, MDA-MB 231, and PC3) with HaCat as a control cell line. Some species determined as critically endangered with minimal availability were propagated using in vitro plant tissue culture techniques. Molecular docking studies were carried out to illustrate binding orientations of the 30 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids identified in the active site of some molecular targets involved with anti-cancer activity for potential anti-cancer drugs. In gastric cancer cell line AGS, the best results (lower cell viability percentages) were obtained for Crinum jagus (48.06 ± 3.35%) and Eucharis bonplandii (45.79 ± 3.05%) at 30 µg/mL. The research focused on evaluating the identified alkaloids on the Bcl-2 protein family (Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL) and HK2, where the in vitro, in silico and statistical results suggest that powelline and buphanidrine alkaloids could present cytotoxic activity. Finally, combining experimental and theoretical assays allowed us to identify and characterize potentially useful alkaloids for cancer treatment.

Promise of dostarlimab in cancer therapy: Advancements and cross-talk considerations

In recent years, immunotherapy for cancer treatment using monoclonal antibodies has shown clinical success, particularly with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Dostarlimab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, interacts with adaptive immunity by binding to human PD-1, inhibiting PD-L1 and PD-L2 interactions, and cross-talk with adaptive immunity. Recent clinical trials have shown that dostarlimab is effective in treating mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) in endometrial cancer patients, leading to its approval in the United States and the European Union in 2021. This article provides a comprehensive overview of dostarlimab, its therapeutic ability, and the different indications for which it is being used. Dostarlimab could serve as a potential alternative to many cancer treatments that frequently have severe consequences on patients' quality of life. Teaser The comprehensive story behind dostarlimab is how it cured all 18 cancer patients who took part in the experimental clinical trial, ultimately leading to its approval by the US FDA.