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Yu X, Zhao H, Wang R, Chen Y, Ouyang X, Li W, Sun Y, Peng A. Cancer epigenetics: from laboratory studies and clinical trials to precision medicine. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38225241 PMCID: PMC10789753 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of a myriad of human diseases, particularly cancer. Defining the epigenetic defects associated with malignant tumors has become a focus of cancer research resulting in the gradual elucidation of cancer cell epigenetic regulation. In fact, most stages of tumor progression, including tumorigenesis, promotion, progression, and recurrence are accompanied by epigenetic alterations, some of which can be reversed by epigenetic drugs. The main objective of epigenetic therapy in the era of personalized precision medicine is to detect cancer biomarkers to improve risk assessment, diagnosis, and targeted treatment interventions. Rapid technological advancements streamlining the characterization of molecular epigenetic changes associated with cancers have propelled epigenetic drug research and development. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation and discusses past and present examples of epigenetic inhibitors in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on the development of epigenetic enzyme inhibitors or drugs. In the final part, the prospect of precise diagnosis and treatment is considered based on a better understanding of epigenetic abnormalities in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Yichang Central People's Hospital Affiliated with China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yingyin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xumei Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yihao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Anghui Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Implication of microRNAs in Carcinogenesis with Emphasis on Hematological Malignancies and Clinical Translation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105838. [PMID: 35628648 PMCID: PMC9143361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs, that are involved in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, contributing to all established hallmarks of cancer. In this review, implications of miRNAs in hematological malignancies and their clinical utilization fields are discussed. As components of the complex regulatory network of gene expression, influenced by the tissue microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, miRNAs are “micromanagers” of all physiological processes including the regulation of hematopoiesis and metabolic pathways. Dysregulated miRNA expression levels contribute to both the initiation and progression of acute leukemias, the metabolic reprogramming of malignantly transformed hematopoietic precursors, and to the development of chemoresistance. Since they are highly stable and can be easily quantified in body fluids and tissue specimens, miRNAs are promising biomarkers for the early detection of hematological malignancies. Besides novel opportunities for differential diagnosis, miRNAs can contribute to advanced chemoresistance prediction and prognostic stratification of acute leukemias. Synthetic oligonucleotides and delivery vehicles aim the therapeutic modulation of miRNA expression levels. However, major challenges such as efficient delivery to specific locations, differences of miRNA expression patterns between pediatric and adult hematological malignancies, and potential side effects of miRNA-based therapies should be considered.
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Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells curbs the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through T-cell immune response. Cytotechnology 2021; 73:593-604. [PMID: 34349349 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-021-00480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Exo) are effective in modulating immunity. However, the role of MSC-Exo in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unclear. Our study was performed to identify if exosomal microRNA (miRNA) can be used as potential noninvasive biomarkers for ccRCC therapy. An orthotopic ccRCC mouse model was established, followed by MSC-Exo injection (1 mL, 20 μg/mL). The metastases of tumors were observed using HE staining, while number of dendritic cells, natural killing (NK) T cells and CD8+ T cells was measured using flow cytometry. It was observed that MSC-Exo treatment significantly inhibited metastasis and growth of tumors, and improved immune response in vivo. As for in vitro assay, naive T cells were treated with MSC-Exo, followed by detection of T cell proliferation using EdU staining and CFSE assay. Results also showed that MSC-Exo facilitated sensitivity of ccRCC cells to NK T cells. Our experimental data further showed that miR-182 could be delivered by MSC-Exo in ccRCC, which targeted vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as dual-luciferase reporter assays validated. In conclusion, miR-182 contained in MSC-Exo promoted immune response of T cells by suppressing VEGFA expression, thus alleviating ccRCC development.
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Cao QG, Guo Q, Bai J, Dong Y, Zhang XH, Hong WL. The apoptosis mechanisms of HepG2 cells induced by bitter melon seed. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13683. [PMID: 33844303 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) is well known for anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) is considered as a regulator of cancer initiation, tumor metastasis, and progression, interfering with transcription of the mRNAs responsible for the cancer pathogenesis. HepG2 cells were treated with BMS water extract (BMSW) for 24 hr, and the IC50 was 586.27 ± 0.07 µg/ml. The ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, the protein expression, and the nuclear fragmentation after the treatment of BMSW were respectively detected. The increase of ROS resulted in the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, which induced the apoptosis of cells subsequently. BMSW inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by blocking cell cycle in the S phase and influenced the nuclei and the expression of protein, leading to cellular laxity and apoptosis. The expression level of miR-421 in HepG2 was distinctly down-regulated by 13.74 fold with 600 µg/ml of BMSW. Comprehensive microarray and RT-PCR analysis identified six putative target genes of miR-421 (GADD45B, DUSP6, DUSP3, DUSP10, CASP3, and CAPN2). The relationships of DUSP6, CASP3, and miR-421 were further confirmed by miR-421 mimics/inhibitor transfection by RT-PCR and western blot. The CASP3 was identified as target gene of miR-421. BMSW induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cell by regulating miR-421 and CASP3. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour with the fourth highest mortality rate in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) as edible and medical food has significant anticancer activity. Our study indicated the anticancer mechanisms of BMS and provided the scientific basis for the application of BMS in healthy or novel functional foods. BMS can be used as dietary supplements or nutritional fortifiers to improve the survival status of patients with liver cancer due to safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Guo Cao
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qin Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Bai
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ying Dong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wen-Long Hong
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
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Kabekkodu SP, Shukla V, Varghese VK, Adiga D, Vethil Jishnu P, Chakrabarty S, Satyamoorthy K. Cluster miRNAs and cancer: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic opportunities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1563. [PMID: 31436881 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MiRNAs are class of noncoding RNA important for gene expression regulation in many plants, animals and viruses. MiRNA clusters contain a set of two or more miRNA encoding genes, transcribed together as polycistronic miRNAs. Currently, there are approximately 159 miRNA clusters reported in the human genome consisting of miRNAs ranging from two or more miRNA genes. A large proportion of clustered miRNAs resides in and around the fragile sites or cancer associated genomic hotspots and plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Altered expression of miRNA cluster can be pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic and can be targeted for clinical management of cancer. Over the past few years, manipulation of miRNA clusters expression is attempted for experimental purpose as well as for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications in cancer. Re-expression of miRNAs by epigenetic therapy, genome editing such as clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and miRNA mowers showed promising results in cancer therapy. In this review, we focused on the potential of miRNA clusters as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, targeted therapy as well as strategies for modulating their expression in a therapeutic context. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vaibhav Shukla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vinay Koshy Varghese
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Padacherri Vethil Jishnu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Adibzadeh Sereshgi MM, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Mahdavi M, Ranjbar R, Ahmadi K, Taheri RA, Fasihi-Ramandi M. Immunologic balance of regulatory T cell/T helper 17 responses in gastrointestinal infectious diseases: Role of miRNAs. Microb Pathog 2019; 131:135-143. [PMID: 30914387 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal Infectious diseases (GIDs) are the second cause of death worldwide. T helper17 cells (Th17) play an important role in GIDs through production of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 cytokines. Because of their increased activities in GID, Th17 and its inflammatory cytokines can inhibit the progression and eliminate the infection. Actually, although Th17 have the best performance in the acute phase, regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are enhanced in the chronic phase and infection progress through its suppressive function. In addition, Treg cells prevent undesirable inflammatory damages developed by immune system components. On the other hand, miRNAs have important roles in the regulation of immune responses to eliminate bacterial infections and protect host organisms from harmful effects. Actually, miRNAs can reinforce innate and adaptive immunity to remove infections. Of note, miRNAs can develop a regulatory network with the immune system. Additionally, miRNAs can also serve in favor of bacteria to reduce immune responses. Therefore, balance of immune responses in Treg and Th17 cells can influence outcome of many infectious diseases. In conclusion, there is an imbalance in the Treg/Th17 ratio in GIDs; importantly, sets of miRNAs, particularly miR155 and miR146, were determined to be involved clearly in GIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Immunotherapy Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Recombinant Vaccine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, System Biology and Poisoning Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, System Biology and Poisoning Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramezan Ali Taheri
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, System Biology and Poisoning Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wang L, Wang L, Chang W, Li Y, Wang L. MicroRNA-373 promotes the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting LATS2 and OXR1. Int J Biol Markers 2019; 34:148-155. [PMID: 30852977 DOI: 10.1177/1724600819827964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MicroRNA373 was highly expressed in many tumors including esophageal cancer. However, its molecular mechanism is still unclear, especially epigenetic modification, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS In this study, we investigated serum levels of the miR-371-373 cluster in ESCC patients before and after surgical removal, and further focused on the expression level of miR-373-3p in tumor tissues of ESCC patients and its target genes. In addition, the epigenetic alterations of miR-373-3p promoter was analyzed. RESULTS The expression levels of miR-371-5p and miR-373-3p were significantly increased in preoperative serum of ESCC patients compared with that of healthy volunteers (P<0.01); however, they dropped significantly after surgical removal (P<0.01). Compared with adjacent normal tissues, miR-373-3p also showed significant up-regulation in cancer tissues (P<0.05). The methylation levels of miR-373-3p promoter were 42.86% in ESCC cancer tissue and 66.67% in adjacent normal tissues. The low methylation of the miR-373-3p promoter may promote the expression of miR-373-3p. Large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and oxidation resistance 1(OXR1) are predicted to be targets of miR-373-3p by the bioinformatics method. They are the genes in the Hippo and the p53 signaling pathway, respectively. Their respective upstream genes, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and Jun Kinase, and the downstream genes, transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and caspase 9, were also detected. The expression of all these genes were significantly decreased in ESCC cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that DNA epigenetic modification in the miR-373-3p promoter region and the Hippo and p53 signaling pathways play important roles during the miR-373-3p mediating ESCC development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Chang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Yongfang Li
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Linsong Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P.R. China
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Clinical utility of miR-143/miR-182 levels in prognosis and risk stratification specificity of BFM-treated childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:1169-1182. [PMID: 29556721 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by high remission rates, there are still patients who experience poor response to therapy or toxic effects due to intensive treatment. In the present study, we examined the expression profile of miR-143 and miR-182 in childhood ALL and evaluated their clinical significance for patients receiving Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) protocol. Bone marrow specimens from 125 childhood ALL patients upon diagnosis and the end-of-induction (EoI; day 33), as well as from 64 healthy control children undergone RNA extraction, polyadenylation, and reverse transcription. Expression levels of miRNAs were quantified by qPCR analysis. Patients' cytogenetic, immunohistotype and MRD evaluation was performed according to international guidelines. Median follow-up time was 86.0 months (95% CI 74.0-98.0), while patients' mean DFS and OS intervals were 112.0 months (95% CI 104.2-119.8) and 109.2 months (95% CI 101.2-117.3), respectively. Bone marrow levels of miR-143/miR-182 were significantly decreased in childhood ALL patients at diagnosis and increased in more than 90% of patients at the EoI. Patients' survival analysis highlighted that children overexpressing miR-143/miR-182 at the EoI presented significantly higher risk for short-term relapse (log-rank test: p = 0.021; Cox regression: HR = 4.911, p = 0.038) and death (log-rank test: p = 0.028; Cox regression: HR = 4.590, p = 0.046). Finally, the evaluation of the miR-143/miR-182 EoI levels along with the established disease prognostic markers resulted to improved prediction of BFM-treated patients' survival outcome and response to therapy and additionally to superior BFM risk stratification specificity. Concluding, miR-143 and miR-182 could serve as novel prognostic molecular markers for pediatric ALL treated with BFM chemotherapy.
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