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Galassi C, Chan TA, Vitale I, Galluzzi L. The hallmarks of cancer immune evasion. Cancer Cell 2024:S1535-6108(24)00358-1. [PMID: 39393356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
According to the widely accepted "three Es" model, the host immune system eliminates malignant cell precursors and contains microscopic neoplasms in a dynamic equilibrium, preventing cancer outgrowth until neoplastic cells acquire genetic or epigenetic alterations that enable immune escape. This immunoevasive phenotype originates from various mechanisms that can be classified under a novel "three Cs" conceptual framework: (1) camouflage, which hides cancer cells from immune recognition, (2) coercion, which directly or indirectly interferes with immune effector cells, and (3) cytoprotection, which shields malignant cells from immune cytotoxicity. Blocking the ability of neoplastic cells to evade the host immune system is crucial for increasing the efficacy of modern immunotherapy and conventional therapeutic strategies that ultimately activate anticancer immunosurveillance. Here, we review key hallmarks of cancer immune evasion under the "three Cs" framework and discuss promising strategies targeting such immunoevasive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Galassi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ilio Vitale
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Plaugher DR, Childress AR, Gosser CM, Esoe DP, Naughton KJ, Hao Z, Brainson CF. Therapeutic potential of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 605:217281. [PMID: 39369769 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217281] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with poor outcomes even for those diagnosed at early stages. Current standard-of-care for most non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients involves an array of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical resection depending on the stage and location of the cancer. While patient outcomes have certainly improved, advances in highly personalized care remain limited. However, there is growing excitement around harnessing the power of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) through the use of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy. These TILs are naturally occurring, may already recognize tumor-specific antigens, and can have direct anti-cancer effect. In this review, we highlight comparisons of various ACTs, including a brief TIL history, show current advances and successes of TIL therapy in NSCLC, discuss the potential roles for epigenetics in T cell expansion, and highlight challenges and future directions of the field to combat NSCLC in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Plaugher
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Avery R Childress
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christian M Gosser
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Dave-Preston Esoe
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Kassandra J Naughton
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Zhonglin Hao
- Department of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christine F Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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3
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Esteller M, Dawson MA, Kadoch C, Rassool FV, Jones PA, Baylin SB. The Epigenetic Hallmarks of Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1783-1809. [PMID: 39363741 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease in which several molecular and cellular pathways converge to foster the tumoral phenotype. Notably, in the latest iteration of the cancer hallmarks, "nonmutational epigenetic reprogramming" was newly added. However, epigenetics, much like genetics, is a broad scientific area that deserves further attention due to its multiple roles in cancer initiation, progression, and adaptive nature. Herein, we present a detailed examination of the epigenetic hallmarks affected in human cancer, elucidating the pathways and genes involved, and dissecting the disrupted landscapes for DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin architecture that define the disease. Significance: Cancer is a disease characterized by constant evolution, spanning from its initial premalignant stages to the advanced invasive and disseminated stages. It is a pathology that is able to adapt and survive amidst hostile cellular microenvironments and diverse treatments implemented by medical professionals. The more fixed setup of the genetic structure cannot fully provide transformed cells with the tools to survive but the rapid and plastic nature of epigenetic changes is ready for the task. This review summarizes the epigenetic hallmarks that define the ecological success of cancer cells in our bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cigall Kadoch
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Feyruz V Rassool
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter A Jones
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Stephen B Baylin
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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Krenz B, Lee J, Kannan T, Eilers M. Immune evasion: An imperative and consequence of MYC deregulation. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:2338-2355. [PMID: 38957016 PMCID: PMC11459038 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide range of human tumors and has been described for many years as a transcription factor that regulates genes with pleiotropic functions to promote tumorigenic growth. However, despite extensive efforts to identify specific target genes of MYC that alone could be responsible for promoting tumorigenesis, the field is yet to reach a consensus whether this is the crucial function of MYC. Recent work shifts the view on MYC's function from being a gene-specific transcription factor to an essential stress resilience factor. In highly proliferating cells, MYC preserves cell integrity by promoting DNA repair at core promoters, protecting stalled replication forks, and/or preventing transcription-replication conflicts. Furthermore, an increasing body of evidence demonstrates that MYC not only promotes tumorigenesis by driving cell-autonomous growth, but also enables tumors to evade the host's immune system. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how MYC impairs antitumor immunity and why this function is evolutionarily hard-wired to the biology of the MYC protein family. We show why the cell-autonomous and immune evasive functions of MYC are mutually dependent and discuss ways to target MYC proteins in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Krenz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTheodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career CenterWürzburgGermany
| | - Jongkuen Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTheodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Toshitha Kannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTheodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTheodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWürzburgGermany
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Huang Y, Yu W. Advances in Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2024; 85:1-21. [PMID: 39347660 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2024.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The incidence and lethality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are increasing annually, and traditional treatments have been proven to be ineffective for patients with advanced stages of the disease. In recent years, immune checkpoint therapy has rapidly evolved, demonstrating promising results across a wide range of cancers and offering new hope for cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in HCC varies greatly among individuals, with only a small proportion of HCC patients responding positively. A major cause of immune resistance and poor efficacy in HCC patients is immune evasion, which is often due to insufficient infiltration of immune cells. Understanding the mechanisms underlying immune evasion is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of immune therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms of immune evasion observed during immune checkpoint therapy and discuss future directions for this therapeutic approach. Our goal is to provide insights that could help overcome immune evasion, thereby improving the efficacy of immune therapies and extending patient survival time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiping Yu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Chang Y, Guo H, Li X, Zong L, Wei J, Li Z, Luo C, Yang X, Fang H, Kong X, Hou X. Development of a First-in-Class DNMT1/HDAC Inhibitor with Improved Therapeutic Potential and Potentiated Antitumor Immunity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16480-16504. [PMID: 39264152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic therapies have emerged as a key paradigm for treating malignancies. In this study, a series of DNMT1/HDAC dual inhibitors were obtained by fusing the key pharmacophores from DNMT1 inhibitors (DNMT1i) and HDAC inhibitors (HDACi). Among them, compound (R)-23a demonstrated significant DNMT1 and HDAC inhibition both in vitro and in cells and largely phenocopied the synergistic effects of combined DNMT1i and HDACi in reactivating epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). This translated into a profound tumor growth inhibition (TGI = 98%) of (R)-23a in an MV-4-11 xenograft model, while displaying improved tolerability compared with single agent combination. Moreover, in a syngeneic MC38 mouse colorectal tumor model, (R)-23a outperformed the combinatory treatment in reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and inducing tumor regression. Collectively, the novel DNMT1/HDAC dual inhibitor (R)-23a effectively reverses the cancer-specific epigenetic abnormalities and holds great potential for further development into cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Chang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Huahui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Liangyi Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiale Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhihai Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinying Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiangqian Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China
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7
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Jiang G, Zou Y, Zhao D, Yu J. Optimising vaccine immunogenicity in ageing populations: key strategies. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00497-3. [PMID: 39326424 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination has been shown to be the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases, although older people commonly have a suboptimal immune response to vaccines and thus impaired protection against subsequent adverse outcomes. This Review provides an overview of the existing mechanistic insights into compromised vaccine response for respiratory infectious diseases in older people, defined as aged 65 years and older, including immunosenescence, epigenetic regulation, trained immunity, and gut microbiota. We further summarise the latest proven or potential strategies to strengthen weakened immunogenicity. Insights from these analyses will be conducive to the development of the next generation of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhen Jiang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, China; School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yushu Zou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jingyou Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Tsai DE, Lovanov A, Abdelmaksoud A, Akhtar J, Dar MS, Luff M, McKinnon K, Kim S, Robbins Y, Huynh A, Murali M, Bernard B, Sinkoe A, Luo X, B K, Allen CT, Saloura V. Smyd3-mediated immuno-modulation in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma mouse models. iScience 2024; 27:110854. [PMID: 39310755 PMCID: PMC11416682 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
SET and MYND-domain containing protein 3 (SMYD3) mediates epigenetic repression of type I IFN response genes in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC cells, and Smyd3 depletion using anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs) increases the sensitivity of syngeneic mouse oral carcinoma (MOC1) models to anti-PD-1 therapy. In this study, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq of MOC1 tumors treated with Smyd3 ASOs and found enrichment of type I IFN response pathways in cancer cells, a shift of CD8+ T-cells toward an activated/memory phenotype, and a shift of neutrophils toward an anti-tumorigenic phenotype. Mechanisms of resistance to the Smyd3 ASO and anti-PD-1 combination were derived from cancer cells, macrophages, and CD8+ T-cells, including neutrophil enrichment through the upregulation of Cxcl2, repression of Cxcl9, and defective antigen presentation. This study sheds light on the immunomodulatory functions of Smyd3 in vivo and provides insight into actionable mechanisms of resistance to improve the efficacy of Smyd3 ASOs and anti-PD-1 combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Tsai
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexei Lovanov
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jawad Akhtar
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mohd Saleem Dar
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marie Luff
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine McKinnon
- Center for Cancer Research Vaccine Branch Flow Cytometry Core, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sohyoung Kim
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Yvette Robbins
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Angel Huynh
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Madhavi Murali
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Bernard
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew Sinkoe
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Karim B
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Clint T. Allen
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Vassiliki Saloura
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Senapedis W, Gallagher KM, Figueroa E, Farelli JD, Lyng R, Hodgson JG, O'Donnell CW, Newman JV, Pacaro M, Siecinski SK, Chen J, McCauley TG. Targeted transcriptional downregulation of MYC using epigenomic controllers demonstrates antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma models. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7875. [PMID: 39285180 PMCID: PMC11405918 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of master regulator c-MYC (MYC) plays a central role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers but remains an elusive target for therapeutic intervention. MYC expression is epigenetically modulated within naturally occurring DNA loop structures, Insulated Genomic Domains (IGDs). We present a therapeutic approach using an epigenomic controller (EC), a programmable epigenomic mRNA medicine, to precisely modify MYC IGD sub-elements, leading to methylation of MYC regulatory elements and durable downregulation of MYC mRNA transcription. Significant antitumor activity is observed in preclinical models of HCC treated with the MYC-targeted EC, as monotherapy or in combination with tyrosine kinase or immune checkpoint inhibitors. These findings pave the way for clinical development of MYC-targeting epigenomic controllers in HCC patients and provide a framework for programmable epigenomic mRNA therapeutics for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elmer Figueroa
- Omega Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Robert Lyng
- Omega Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- SalioGen Therapeutics, Lexington, MA, USA
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Lu S, Wang C, Ma J, Wang Y. Metabolic mediators: microbial-derived metabolites as key regulators of anti-tumor immunity, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1456030. [PMID: 39351241 PMCID: PMC11439727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1456030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The human microbiome has recently emerged as a focal point in cancer research, specifically in anti-tumor immunity, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. This review explores microbial-derived metabolites, emphasizing their crucial roles in shaping fundamental aspects of cancer treatment. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), and Tryptophan Metabolites take the spotlight, underscoring their diverse origins and functions and their profound impact on the host immune system. The focus is on SCFAs' remarkable ability to modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and enhance anti-tumor immunity within the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME). The review critically evaluates TMAO, intricately tied to dietary choices and gut microbiota composition, assessing its implications for cancer susceptibility, progression, and immunosuppression. Additionally, the involvement of tryptophan and other amino acid metabolites in shaping immune responses is discussed, highlighting their influence on immune checkpoints, immunosuppression, and immunotherapy effectiveness. The examination extends to their dynamic interaction with chemotherapy, emphasizing the potential of microbial-derived metabolites to alter treatment protocols and optimize outcomes for cancer patients. A comprehensive understanding of their role in cancer therapy is attained by exploring their impacts on drug metabolism, therapeutic responses, and resistance development. In conclusion, this review underscores the pivotal contributions of microbial-derived metabolites in regulating anti-tumor immunity, immunotherapy responses, and chemotherapy outcomes. By illuminating the intricate interactions between these metabolites and cancer therapy, the article enhances our understanding of cancer biology, paving the way for the development of more effective treatment options in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of General Practice, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Medical Affairs Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingru Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yichao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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11
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Li S, Liang X, Shao Q, Wang G, Huang Y, Wen P, Jiang D, Zeng X. Research hotspots and trends of epigenetic therapy in oncology: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1465954. [PMID: 39329125 PMCID: PMC11424529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1465954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetics denotes heritable alterations in gene expression patterns independent of changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetic therapy seeks to reprogram malignant cells to a normal phenotype and has been extensively investigated in oncology. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of epigenetic therapy in cancer, providing a comprehensive overview of current research, identifying trends, and highlighting key areas of investigation. Methods Publications concerning epigenetic inhibitors in cancer spanning 2004 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer assessed current status and focal points. Evolutionary trends and bursts in the knowledge domain were analyzed using CiteSpace. Bibliometrix facilitated topic evolution and revealed trends in keywords. National, institutional, and author affiliations and collaborations were also examined. Results A total of 2,153 articles and reviews on epigenetic therapy in oncology were identified, demonstrating a consistent upward trend over time. The United States (745 papers), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (57 papers), and Stephen B. Baylin (27 papers) emerged as the most productive country, institution, and author, respectively. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified five primary clusters: tumor, DNA methylation, epigenetic therapy, expression, and immunotherapy. In the past 5 years, newly emerging themes with increased centrality and density include "drug resistance," "immunotherapy," and "combination therapy." The most cited publication reviewed current understanding of potential causes of epigenetic diseases and proposed future therapeutic strategies. Conclusion In the past two decades, the importance of epigenetic therapy in cancer research has become increasingly prominent. The United States occupies a key position in this field, while China, despite having published a large number of related papers, still has relatively limited influence. Current research focuses on the "combination therapy" of epigenetic drugs. Future studies should further explore the sequencing and scheduling of combination therapies, optimize trial designs and dosing regimens to improve clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Li
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Intelligent Oncology in Breast Cancer (iCQBC), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinrui Liang
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Shao
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Intelligent Oncology in Breast Cancer (iCQBC), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanwen Wang
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Intelligent Oncology in Breast Cancer (iCQBC), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Wen
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongping Jiang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohua Zeng
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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12
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Hojjatipour T, Ajeli M, Maali A, Azad M. Epigenetic-modifying agents: The potential game changers in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 204:104498. [PMID: 39244179 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies are lethal diseases arising from accumulated leukemic cells with substantial genetic or epigenetic defects in their natural development. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are critical in hematologic malignancy formation, propagation, and treatment response. Both mutations and aberrant recruitment of epigenetic modifiers are reported in different hematologic malignancies, which regarding the reversible nature of epigenetic regulations, make them a potential target for cancer treatment. Here, we have first outlined a comprehensive overview of current knowledge related to epigenetic regulation's impact on the development and prognosis of hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, we have presented an updated overview regarding the current status of epigenetic-based drugs in hematologic malignancies treatment. And finally, discuss current challenges and ongoing clinical trials based on the manipulation of epigenetic modifies in hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Cancer Immunology Group, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Ajeli
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
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13
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Galassi C, Esteller M, Vitale I, Galluzzi L. Epigenetic control of immunoevasion in cancer stem cells. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00171-7. [PMID: 39244477 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a poorly differentiated population of malignant cells that (at least in some neoplasms) is responsible for tumor progression, resistance to therapy, and disease relapse. According to a widely accepted model, all stages of cancer progression involve the ability of neoplastic cells to evade recognition or elimination by the host immune system. In line with this notion, CSCs are not only able to cope with environmental and therapy-elicited stress better than their more differentiated counterparts but also appear to better evade tumor-targeting immune responses. We summarize epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones through which CSCs evade immune recognition or elimination, and propose that such alterations constitute promising therapeutic targets to increase the sensitivity of some malignancies to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Galassi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ilio Vitale
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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Naso J, Desai A, Smith CJ, Ashara YP, Yip S, Lo YC. Predictive value and molecular correlates of MYC immunohistochemistry and copy number gain in non-small cell lung carcinomas treated with immunotherapy. Lung Cancer 2024; 195:107927. [PMID: 39173231 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accurately predicting which patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will respond to immunotherapy remains a clinical challenge. This study aims to determine the associations between MYC immunoreactivity, MYC copy number gain (CNG), driver mutations and survival following immunotherapy treatment, to provide insight into whether clinical MYC assessment may have predictive value. MATERIALS AND METHODS MYC copy number status was determined in 82 patients with NSCLC treated with immunotherapy, and MYC immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 80 of these cases. MYC staining in ≥ 40 % of tumor cells was considered positive. Driver gene alterations, PD-L1 status and survival outcomes were assessed through retrospective chart review. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were calculated from the date of immunotherapy initiation. RESULTS Nine (11 %) of 82 cases had MYC CNG and 56 (70 %) of the 80 immunostained cases were positive for MYC. MYC CNG was significantly associated with STK11 mutation (P=0.023), whereas positive MYC IHC was significantly associated with KRAS mutation (P=0.0076) and current/former smoking (P=0.0007). MYC CNG and positive MYC IHC were not significantly associated with each other (P=0.42), or with PD-L1 ≥ 1 % (MYC CNG: P=0.10; MYC IHC: P=0.09). Positive MYC IHC and PD-L1 ≥ 1 % were both significant predictors of OS (MYC: HR 2.7, 95 % CI 1.1-6.4, P=0.026; PD-L1: HR 0.33, 95 % CI 0.15-0.72, P=0.0055). MYC IHC positive/PD-L1 < 1 % cases had the shortest OS (median 230 versus 918 days, P=0.00069) and PFS (median 84 versus 254 days, P=0.0087). MYC CNG was not associated with OS or PFS. CONCLUSION We find that positive MYC IHC is an independent predictor of shorter OS after immunotherapy treatment, with MYC positive/PD-L1 < 1 % status predictive of particularly poor immunotherapy response. We identify positive MYC IHC as a feature of possible relevance to NSCLC treatment selection and of interest for future therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Naso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Aakash Desai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Caleb J Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yash P Ashara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephen Yip
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada; Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ying-Chun Lo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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15
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Gualandi N, Minisini M, Bertozzo A, Brancolini C. Dissecting transposable elements and endogenous retroviruses upregulation by HDAC inhibitors in leiomyosarcoma cells: Implications for the interferon response. Genomics 2024; 116:110909. [PMID: 39103003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are of interest as immunomodulators for cancer therapies. TEs can fold into dsRNAs that trigger the interferon response. Here, we investigated the effect of different HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) on the expression of TEs in leiomyosarcoma cells. Our data show that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), especially ERV1 elements, are upregulated after treatment with HDAC1/2/3-specific inhibitors. Surprisingly, the interferon response was not activated. We observed an increase in A-to-I editing of upregulated ERV1. This could have an impact on the stability of dsRNAs and the activation of the interferon response. We also found that H3K27ac levels are increased in the LTR12 subfamilies, which could be regulatory elements controlling the expression of proapoptotic genes such as TNFRSF10B. In summary, we provide a detailed characterization of TEs modulation in response to HDACIs and suggest the use of HDACIs in combination with ADAR inhibitors to induce cell death and support immunotherapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Gualandi
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Minisini
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alessio Bertozzo
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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16
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Aljabali AAA, Alkaraki AK, Gammoh O, Tambuwala MM, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Hassan SS, El-Tanani M. Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:638. [PMID: 39194576 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Omar Gammoh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Ohtani H, Liu M, Liang G, Jang HJ, Jones PA. Efficient activation of hundreds of LTR12C elements reveals cis-regulatory function determined by distinct epigenetic mechanisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8205-8217. [PMID: 38874474 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Long terminal repeats (LTRs), which often contain promoter and enhancer sequences of intact endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), are known to be co-opted as cis-regulatory elements for fine-tuning host-coding gene expression. Since LTRs are mainly silenced by the deposition of repressive epigenetic marks, substantial activation of LTRs has been found in human cells after treatment with epigenetic inhibitors. Although the LTR12C family makes up the majority of ERVs activated by epigenetic inhibitors, how these epigenetically and transcriptionally activated LTR12C elements can regulate the host-coding gene expression remains unclear due to genome-wide alteration of transcriptional changes after epigenetic inhibitor treatments. Here, we specifically transactivated >600 LTR12C elements by using single guide RNA-based dCas9-SunTag-VP64, a site-specific targeting CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system, with minimal off-target events. Interestingly, most of the transactivated LTR12C elements acquired the H3K27ac-marked enhancer feature, while only 20% were co-marked with promoter-associated H3K4me3 modifications. The enrichment of the H3K4me3 signal was intricately associated with downstream regions of LTR12C, such as internal regions of intact ERV9 or other types of retrotransposons. Here, we leverage an optimized CRISPRa system to identify two distinct epigenetic signatures that define LTR12C transcriptional activation, which modulate the expression of proximal protein-coding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Ohtani
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Minmin Liu
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - H Josh Jang
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Peter A Jones
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Koirala M, DiPaola M. Overcoming Cancer Resistance: Strategies and Modalities for Effective Treatment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1801. [PMID: 39200265 PMCID: PMC11351918 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer drugs is a complex phenomenon that poses a significant challenge in the treatment of various malignancies. This review comprehensively explores cancer resistance mechanisms and discusses emerging strategies and modalities to overcome this obstacle. Many factors contribute to cancer resistance, including genetic mutations, activation of alternative signaling pathways, and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Innovative approaches, such as targeted protein degradation, immunotherapy combinations, precision medicine, and novel drug delivery systems, hold promise for improving treatment outcomes. Understanding the intricacies of cancer resistance and leveraging innovative modalities are essential for advancing cancer therapy.
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19
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Yang Z, Chu B, Tu Y, Li L, Chen D, Huang S, Huang W, Fan W, Li Q, Zhang C, Yuan Z, Huang J, Leung ELH, Jiang Y. Dual inhibitors of DNMT and HDAC remodels the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107271. [PMID: 38906202 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent and deadly cancer worldwide. The emergence of immune checkpoint therapy has provided a revolutionary strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. However, less than 5 % of colorectal cancer patients respond to immune checkpoint therapy. Thus, it is of great scientific significance to develop "potentiators" for immune checkpoint therapy. In this study, we found that knocking down different DNMT and HDAC isoforms could increase the expression of IFNs in colorectal cancer cells, which can enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapy. Therefore, the combined inhibition of DNMT and HDAC cloud synergistically enhance the effect of immunotherapy. We found that dual DNMT and HDAC inhibitors C02S could inhibit tumor growth in immunocompetent mice but not in immunocompromised nude mice, which indicates that C02S exerts its antitumor effects through the immune system. Mechanistically, C02S could increase the expression of ERVs, which generated the intracellular levels of dsRNA in tumor cells, and then promotes the expression of IFNs through the RIG-I/MDA5-MAVS signaling pathway. Moreover, C02S increased the immune infiltration of DCs and T cells in microenvironment, and enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy in MC38 and CT26 mice model. These results confirmed that C02S can activate IFNs through the RIG-I/MDA5-MAVS signaling pathway, remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy, which provides new evidence and solutions for the development of "potentiator" for colorectal cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanbo Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bizhu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yao Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Shouhui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weiwen Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qinyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Cunlong Zhang
- Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jumin Huang
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China; Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China; Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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20
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Pan D, Wang Q, Shen A, Qi Z, Zheng C, Hu B. When DNA damage responses meet tumor immunity: From mechanism to therapeutic opportunity. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:384-399. [PMID: 38655783 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage is a prevalent phenomenon in the context of cancer progression. Evidence suggests that DNA damage responses (DDR) are pivotal in overcoming tumor immune evasion. Alternatively, traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy operate by inducing DNA damage, consequently stimulating the immune system to target tumors. The intricate interplay between signaling pathways involved in DDR and immune activation underscores the significance of considering both factors in developing improved immunotherapies. By delving deeper into the mechanisms underlying immune activation brought on by DNA damage, it becomes possible to identify novel treatment approaches that boost the anticancer immune response while minimizing undesirable side effects. This review explores the mechanisms behind DNA damage-induced antitumor immune responses, the importance of DNA damage in antitumor immunity, and potential therapeutic approaches for cancer immunotherapy targeting DDR. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of combination therapy and strategies for integrating DNA damage-targeting therapies with current cancer immunotherapy. In summary, this review highlights the critical role of DNA damage in tumor immunology, underscoring the potential of DDR inhibitors as promising therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Pan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aihua Shen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Burong Hu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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21
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Liu X, Chen Y, Li Y, Shen Y, Dong S, Tan J. A Novel Class I HDAC Inhibitor, AW01178, Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7234. [PMID: 39000339 PMCID: PMC11241290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to the transformation of polar epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells under specific physiological or pathological conditions, thus promoting the metastasis of cancer cells. Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) is a protein that plays an important role in the acquisition of tumor cell motility and serves as a key EMT epithelial marker. In the present study, AW01178, a small-molecule compound with potential therapeutic efficacy, was identified via in-cell Western high-throughput screening technology using E-cadherin as the target. The compound induced the upregulation of E-cadherin at both mRNA and protein levels and inhibited the EMT of breast cancer cells in vitro as well as metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, AW01178 is a novel benzacetamide histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) mainly targeting class I histone deacetylases. AW01178 promoted the transcription and expression of E-cadherin through enhancing the acetylation level of histone H3 in the E-cadherin promoter region, thereby inhibiting the metastasis of breast cancer cells. The collective findings support the potential utility of the novel HDACi compound identified in this study, AW01178, as a therapeutic drug for breast cancer and highlight its value for the future development of HDACi structures as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxiang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Yawen Chen
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yang Li
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ying Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Shasha Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Jiang Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (X.L.); (Y.S.); (S.D.)
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22
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Shi K, Chen Y, Liu R, Fu X, Guo H, Gao T, Wang S, Dou L, Wang J, Wu Y, Yu J, Yu H. NFIC mediates m6A mRNA methylation to orchestrate transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation to represses malignant phenotype of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:223. [PMID: 38943137 PMCID: PMC11212411 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03414-1] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are crucial in the development and tumorigenesis process. Transcriptional regulation often involves intricate relationships and networks with post-transcriptional regulatory molecules, impacting the spatial and temporal expression of genes. However, the synergistic relationship between transcription factors and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in regulating gene expression, as well as their influence on the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), requires further investigation. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic relationship between transcription factors and m6A modification on NSCLC. METHODS The transcription factor NFIC and its potential genes was screened by analyzing publicly available datasets (ATAC-seq, DNase-seq, and RNA-seq). The association of NFIC and its potential target genes were validated through ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, the roles of NFIC and its potential genes in NSCLC were detected in vitro and in vivo through silencing and overexpression assays. RESULTS Based on multi-omics data, the transcription factor NFIC was identified as a potential tumor suppressor of NSCLC. NFIC was significantly downregulated in both NSCLC tissues and cells, and when NFIC was overexpressed, the malignant phenotype and total m6A content of NSCLC cells was suppressed, while the PI3K/AKT pathway was inactivated. Additionally, we discovered that NFIC inhibits the expression of METTL3 by directly binding to its promoter region, and METTL3 regulates the expression of KAT2A, a histone acetyltransferase, by methylating the m6A site in the 3'UTR of KAT2A mRNA in NSCLC cells. Intriguingly, NFIC was also found to negatively regulate the expression of KAT2A by directly binding to its promoter region. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that NFIC suppresses the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells by regulating gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. A deeper comprehension of the genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in tumorigenesis would be beneficial for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yani Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ruihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xinyao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Tian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Le Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiale Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Haiquan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China.
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23
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Marchesini M, Gherli A, Simoncini E, Tor LMD, Montanaro A, Thongon N, Vento F, Liverani C, Cerretani E, D'Antuono A, Pagliaro L, Zamponi R, Spadazzi C, Follini E, Cambò B, Giaimo M, Falco A, Sammarelli G, Todaro G, Bonomini S, Adami V, Piazza S, Corbo C, Lorusso B, Mezzasoma F, Lagrasta CAM, Martelli MP, La Starza R, Cuneo A, Aversa F, Mecucci C, Quaini F, Colla S, Roti G. Orthogonal proteogenomic analysis identifies the druggable PA2G4-MYC axis in 3q26 AML. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4739. [PMID: 38834613 PMCID: PMC11150407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of the ecotropic viral integration site-1 gene (EVI1/MECOM) marks the most lethal acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subgroup carrying chromosome 3q26 abnormalities. By taking advantage of the intersectionality of high-throughput cell-based and gene expression screens selective and pan-histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) emerge as potent repressors of EVI1. To understand the mechanism driving on-target anti-leukemia activity of this compound class, here we dissect the expression dynamics of the bone marrow leukemia cells of patients treated with HDACi and reconstitute the EVI1 chromatin-associated co-transcriptional complex merging on the role of proliferation-associated 2G4 (PA2G4) protein. PA2G4 overexpression rescues AML cells from the inhibitory effects of HDACis, while genetic and small molecule inhibition of PA2G4 abrogates EVI1 in 3q26 AML cells, including in patient-derived leukemia xenografts. This study positions PA2G4 at the crosstalk of the EVI1 leukemogenic signal for developing new therapeutics and urges the use of HDACis-based combination therapies in patients with 3q26 AML.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Mice
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus Protein/metabolism
- MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus Protein/genetics
- Proteogenomics/methods
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marchesini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea Gherli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisa Simoncini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Lucas Moron Dalla Tor
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Montanaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Natthakan Thongon
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Federica Vento
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Liverani
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerretani
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna D'Antuono
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zamponi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Spadazzi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Elena Follini
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda USL Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Benedetta Cambò
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Giaimo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Angela Falco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sammarelli
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giannalisa Todaro
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bonomini
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Computational Biology group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudia Corbo
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery, NANOMIB Center, Monza, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Lorusso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Mezzasoma
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncology Research, University of Perugia and Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Paola Martelli
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncology Research, University of Perugia and Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta La Starza
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncology Research, University of Perugia and Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Cuneo
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria S.ANNA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Mecucci
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato-Oncology Research, University of Perugia and Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Quaini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Colla
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics Laboratory, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Hematology and BMT Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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24
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Fan W, Li W, Li L, Qin M, Mao C, Yuan Z, Wang P, Chu B, Jiang Y. Bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor induces viral mimicry activates the innate immune response in triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 197:106767. [PMID: 38636781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a unique breast cancer subtype characterized by a lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Since TNBC lacks ER, PR, and HER2, there are currently no drugs that specifically target TNBC. Therefore, the development of new drugs or effective treatment strategies to target TNBC has become an urgent clinical need. Research has shown that the application of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors leads to genomic and epigenomic instability. This, in turn, triggers the activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequently activates downstream interferon (IFN) signalling pathways. In this study, the bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor J208 exhibited antitumour activity in TNBC cell lines. J208 effectively induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, inhibiting cell migration and invasion in TNBC. Moreover, this bifunctional inhibitor induced the expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and elicited a viral mimicry response, which increased the intracellular levels of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to activate the innate immune signalling pathway in TNBC. In summary, we demonstrated that the bifunctional inhibitor J208, which is designed to inhibit HDAC and DNMT, has potent anticancer effects, providing a new research basis for reactivating antitumour immunity by triggering innate immune signalling and offering a promising strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenkai Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meirong Qin
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Chengzhou Mao
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Bizhu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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25
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Guo W, Wang T, Huai Q, Guo L, Wang X, He J. KIAA1429 regulates lung adenocarcinoma proliferation and metastasis through the PI3K/AKT pathway by modulating ARHGAP30 expression. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:1397-1409. [PMID: 38717936 PMCID: PMC11194123 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in epigenetic factors are recognized as key contributors to the emergence of human cancer. The active and reversible alteration of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA is crucial for controlling gene activity and determining cellular destiny. Even with these insights, the triggering of KIAA1429 (also called VIRMA) and its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is mostly unclear. As a result, the objective of this study was to elucidate how KIAA1429 contributes to cancer development in LUAD. METHODS This study utilized multiple methods for investigation, encompassing the in vitro functional examination of KIAA1429 in lung adenocarcinoma cells, transcriptome sequencing, methylation RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), as well as RNA stability tests to ascertain the half-life and stability of the target genes. RESULTS The results indicated that modifying the expression of KIAA1429 regulated the proliferation and metastasis of LUAD. By employing transcriptome sequencing alongside MeRIP-seq analysis, the research pinpointed genes affected by m6A alterations triggered by KIAA1429. In a more detailed manner, it was discovered that KIAA1429 plays a regulatory role in the expression of ARHGAP30. Suppressing KIAA1429 results in reduced m6A levels in the mRNA of the target gene ARHGAP30, boosting its stability and expression, thus inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis. CONCLUSION This study revealed the activation mechanism and pivotal function of KIAA1429 in LUAD tumor development, paving the way for molecular-based interventions for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung CancerChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Qilin Huai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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26
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Xiao S, Ma S, Sun B, Pu W, Duan S, Han J, Hong Y, Zhang J, Peng Y, He C, Yi P, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. The tumor-intrinsic role of the m 6A reader YTHDF2 in regulating immune evasion. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadl2171. [PMID: 38820140 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adl2171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Tumors evade attacks from the immune system through various mechanisms. Here, we identify a component of tumor immune evasion mediated by YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2), a reader protein that usually destabilizes m6A-modified mRNA. Loss of tumoral YTHDF2 inhibits tumor growth and prolongs survival in immunocompetent tumor models. Mechanistically, tumoral YTHDF2 deficiency promotes the recruitment of macrophages via CX3CL1 and enhances mitochondrial respiration of CD8+ T cells by impairing tumor glycolysis metabolism. Tumoral YTHDF2 deficiency promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization and antigen presentation in the presence of IFN-γ. In addition, IFN-γ induces autophagic degradation of tumoral YTHDF2, thereby sensitizing tumor cells to CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Last, we identified a small molecule compound that preferentially induces YTHDF2 degradation, which shows a potent antitumor effect alone but a better effect when combined with anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 antibodies. Collectively, YTHDF2 appears to be a tumor-intrinsic regulator that orchestrates immune evasion, representing a promising target for enhancing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Xiao
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Baofa Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenchen Pu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Songqi Duan
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yaqun Hong
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ping Yi
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
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27
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Li J, Zhao Q, Zhang N, Wu L, Wang Q, Li J, Pan Q, Pu Y, Luo K, Gu Z, He B. Triune Nanomodulator Enables Exhausted Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Rejuvenation for Cancer Epigenetic Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13226-13240. [PMID: 38712706 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activation and epigenome dysregulation drive tumor initiation and progression, contributing to tumor immune evasion and compromising the clinical response to immunotherapy. Epigenetic immunotherapy represents a promising paradigm in conquering cancer immunosuppression, whereas few relevant drug combination and delivery strategies emerge in the clinic. This study presents a well-designed triune nanomodulator, termed ROCA, which demonstrates robust capabilities in tumor epigenetic modulation and immune microenvironment reprogramming for cancer epigenetic immunotherapy. The nanomodulator is engineered from a nanoscale framework with epigenetic modulation and cascaded catalytic activity, which self-assembles into a nanoaggregate with tumor targeting polypeptide decoration that enables loading of the immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing agent. The nanomodulator releases active factors specifically triggered in the tumor microenvironment, represses oncogene expression, and initiates the type 1 T helper (TH1) cell chemokine axis by reversing DNA hypermethylation. This process, together with ICD induction, fundamentally reprograms the tumor microenvironment and significantly enhances the rejuvenation of exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs, CD8+ T cells), which synergizes with the anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade and results in a boosted antitumor immune response. Furthermore, this strategy establishes long-term immune memory and effectively prevents orthotopic colon cancer relapse. Therefore, the nanomodulator holds promise as a standalone epigenetic immunotherapy agent or as part of a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models, broadening the array of combinatorial strategies in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lihuang Wu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Qiusheng Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jing Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yuji Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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28
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Beretta GL, Alampi D, Corno C, Carenini N, Corna E, Perego P. KiSS-1 Modulation by Epigenetic Agents Improves the Cisplatin Sensitivity of Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5048. [PMID: 38732265 PMCID: PMC11084743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations my play a role in the aggressive behavior of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat) has been reported to interfere with the proliferative and invasive potential of NSCLC cells. In addition, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacytidine (AZA, vidaza) can modulate the levels of the metastasis suppressor KiSS-1. Thus, since cisplatin is still clinically available for NSCLC therapy, the aim of this study was to evaluate drug combinations between cisplatin and SAHA as well as AZA using cisplatin-sensitive H460 and -resistant H460/Pt NSCLC cells in relation to KiSS-1 modulation. An analysis of drug interaction according to the Combination-Index values indicated a more marked synergistic effect when the exposure to SAHA or AZA preceded cisplatin treatment with respect to a simultaneous schedule. A modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis (p53, Bax) was found in both sensitive and resistant cells, and compared to the treatment with epigenetic agents alone, the combination of cisplatin and SAHA or AZA increased apoptosis induction. The epigenetic treatments, both as single agents and in combination, increased the release of KiSS-1. Finally, the exposure of cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cells to the kisspeptin KP10 enhanced cisplatin induced cell death. The efficacy of the combination of SAHA and cisplatin was tested in vivo after subcutaneous inoculum of parental and resistant cells in immunodeficient mice. A significant tumor volume inhibition was found when mice bearing advanced tumors were treated with the combination of SAHA and cisplatin according to the best schedule identified in cellular studies. These results, together with the available literature, support that epigenetic drugs are amenable for the combination treatment of NSCLC, including patients bearing cisplatin-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.C.); (N.C.); (E.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.C.); (N.C.); (E.C.)
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Stokes ME, Vasciaveo A, Small JC, Zask A, Reznik E, Smith N, Wang Q, Daniels J, Forouhar F, Rajbhandari P, Califano A, Stockwell BR. Subtype-selective prenylated isoflavonoids disrupt regulatory drivers of MYCN-amplified cancers. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:805-819.e9. [PMID: 38061356 PMCID: PMC11031350 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors have proven difficult to target with small molecules because they lack pockets necessary for potent binding. Disruption of protein expression can suppress targets and enable therapeutic intervention. To this end, we developed a drug discovery workflow that incorporates cell-line-selective screening and high-throughput expression profiling followed by regulatory network analysis to identify compounds that suppress regulatory drivers of disease. Applying this approach to neuroblastoma (NBL), we screened bioactive molecules in cell lines representing its MYC-dependent (MYCNA) and mesenchymal (MES) subtypes to identify selective compounds, followed by PLATESeq profiling of treated cells. This revealed compounds that disrupt a sub-network of MYCNA-specific regulatory proteins, resulting in MYCN degradation in vivo. The top hit was isopomiferin, a prenylated isoflavonoid that inhibited casein kinase 2 (CK2) in cells. Isopomiferin and its structural analogs inhibited MYC and MYCN in NBL and lung cancer cells, highlighting the general MYC-inhibiting potential of this unique scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Stokes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Alessandro Vasciaveo
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonnell Candice Small
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Arie Zask
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Eduard Reznik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nailah Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jacob Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Farhad Forouhar
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource (PMCSR), Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Presha Rajbhandari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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30
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Zhang M, Zhao Y, Umar A, Zhang H, Yang L, Huang J, Long Y, Yu Z. Comparative analysis of microbial composition and functional characteristics in dental plaque and saliva of oral cancer patients. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:411. [PMID: 38575895 PMCID: PMC10993480 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral cavity is home to various ecological niches, each with its own unique microbial composition. Understanding the microbial communities and gene composition in different ecological niches within the oral cavity of oral cancer (OC) patients is crucial for determining how these microbial populations contribute to disease progression. METHODS In this study, saliva and dental plaque samples were collected from patients with OC. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze the microbial community classification and functional composition of the different sample groups. RESULTS The results of the study revealed significant differences in both the function and classification of microbial communities between saliva and dental plaque samples. The diversity of microbial species in saliva was found to be higher compared to that in plaque samples. Notably, Actinobacteria were enriched in the dental plaque of OC patients. Furthermore, the study identified several inter-group differential marker species, including Prevotella intermedia, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Actinomyces radius, Corynebacterium matruchitii, and Veillonella atypica. Additionally, 1,353 differential genes were annotated into 23 functional pathways. Interestingly, a significant correlation was observed between differentially labeled species and Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, which may be related to the occurrence and development of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences in the microbial and genetic composition of saliva and dental plaque samples were observed in OC patients. Furthermore, pathogenic bacteria associated with oral diseases were predominantly enriched in saliva. The identification of inter-group differential biomarkers and pathways provide insights into the relationship between oral microbiota and the occurrence and development of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Abdulrahim Umar
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lirong Yang
- Translational Medicine Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Long
- Translational Medicine Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zheng Yu
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Hu X, Zhao M, Bai M, Xue Z, Wang F, Zhu Z, Yu J, Yue J. PARP inhibitor plus radiotherapy reshape the immune suppressive microenvironment and potentiate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in tumors with IDH1 mutation. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216676. [PMID: 38278469 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutant (IDH1mut) tumors respond poorly to immunotherapy, but are more sensitive to chemoradiotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition (PARPi). Accordingly, some efforts have aimed to capitalize on the IDH1 mutation rather than reverse it. Moreover, radiotherapy (RT) and PARPi can stimulate antitumor immunity, raising the possibility of reversing the immunosuppression caused by IDH1 mutation while killing the tumor. To assess this possibility, we treated IDH1mut tumors and cells with RT + PARPi. RT + PARPi showed enhanced efficacy over either modality alone both in vitro and in vivo. RT + PARPi induced more DNA damage and activated the cGAS-STING pathway more. IFNβ, CXCL10, and CCL5 were also more highly expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels. In two different tumor models, RT + PARPi increased infiltration and cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells, with one model also showing increased CD8+T cell proliferation. RT+PARPi also increased PD-L1 expression and enhanced checkpoint inhibition. Knocking out cGAS reversed the increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and the antitumor effect of RT+PARPi. We conclude that RT + PARPi reshapes the IDH1mut tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby augmenting checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mengyu Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Menglin Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuang Xue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Jinbo Yue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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Chomiak AA, Tiedemann RL, Liu Y, Kong X, Cui Y, Wiseman AK, Thurlow KE, Cornett EM, Topper MJ, Baylin SB, Rothbart SB. Select EZH2 inhibitors enhance viral mimicry effects of DNMT inhibition through a mechanism involving NFAT:AP-1 signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk4423. [PMID: 38536911 PMCID: PMC10971413 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) efficacy in solid tumors is limited. Colon cancer cells exposed to DNMTi accumulate lysine-27 trimethylation on histone H3 (H3K27me3). We propose this Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2)-dependent repressive modification limits DNMTi efficacy. Here, we show that low-dose DNMTi treatment sensitizes colon cancer cells to select EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2is). Integrative epigenomic analysis reveals that DNMTi-induced H3K27me3 accumulates at genomic regions poised with EZH2. Notably, combined EZH2i and DNMTi alters the epigenomic landscape to transcriptionally up-regulate the calcium-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT):activating protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway. Blocking this pathway limits transcriptional activating effects of these drugs, including transposable element and innate immune response gene expression involved in viral defense. Analysis of primary human colon cancer specimens reveals positive correlations between DNMTi-, innate immune response-, and calcium signaling-associated transcription profiles. Collectively, we show that compensatory EZH2 activity limits DNMTi efficacy in colon cancer and link NFAT:AP-1 signaling to epigenetic therapy-induced viral mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison A. Chomiak
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Yanqing Liu
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Xiangqian Kong
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ashley K. Wiseman
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Kate E. Thurlow
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Evan M. Cornett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael J. Topper
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stephen B. Baylin
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Scott B. Rothbart
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Huang W, Zhu Q, Shi Z, Tu Y, Li Q, Zheng W, Yuan Z, Li L, Zu X, Hao Y, Chu B, Jiang Y. Dual inhibitors of DNMT and HDAC induce viral mimicry to induce antitumour immunity in breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:143. [PMID: 38490978 PMCID: PMC10943227 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01895-7] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The existing conventional treatments for breast cancer, including immune checkpoint blockade, exhibit limited effects in some cancers, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. Epigenetic alterations, specifically DNMT and HDAC alterations, are implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis. We demonstrated that DNMTs and HDACs are overexpressed and positively correlated in breast cancer. The combination of DNMT and HDAC inhibitors has shown synergistic antitumour effects, and our previously designed dual DNMT and HDAC inhibitor (termed DNMT/HDACi) 15a potently inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, 15a induces a viral mimicry response by promoting the expression of endogenous retroviral elements in breast cancer cells, thus increasing the intracellular level of double-stranded RNA to activate the RIG-I-MAVS pathway. This in turn promotes the production of interferons and chemokines and augments the expression of interferon-stimulated genes and PD-L1. The combination of 15a and an anti-PD-L1 antibody had an additive effect in vivo. These findings indicate that this DNMT/HDACi has immunomodulatory functions and enhances the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. A novel dual DNMT and HDAC inhibitor induces viral mimicry, which induces the accumulation of dsRNA to activate tumoral IFN signalling and cytokine production to enhance the immune response in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qingyun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Zhichao Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Yao Tu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qinyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenwen Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Bizhu Chu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Di Giorgio E, Ranzino L, Tolotto V, Dalla E, Burelli M, Gualandi N, Brancolini C. Transcription of endogenous retroviruses in senescent cells contributes to the accumulation of double-stranded RNAs that trigger an anti-viral response that reinforces senescence. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:157. [PMID: 38383514 PMCID: PMC10882003 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
An important epigenetic switch marks the onset and maintenance of senescence. This allows transcription of the genetic programs that arrest the cell cycle and alter the microenvironment. Transcription of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) is also a consequence of this epigenetic switch. In this manuscript, we have identified a group of ERVs that are epigenetically silenced in proliferating cells but are upregulated during replicative senescence or during various forms of oncogene-induced senescence, by RAS and Akt, or after HDAC4 depletion. In a HDAC4 model of senescence, removal of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 is the plausible mechanism that allows the transcription of intergenic ERVs during senescence. We have shown that ERVs contribute to the accumulation of dsRNAs in senescence, which can initiate the antiviral response via the IFIH1-MAVS signaling pathway and thus contribute to the maintenance of senescence. This pathway, and MAVS in particular, plays an active role in shaping the microenvironment and maintaining growth arrest, two essential features of the senescence program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Liliana Ranzino
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Vanessa Tolotto
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Emiliano Dalla
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Matteo Burelli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Nicolò Gualandi
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
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Ibrahim ML, Zheng H, Barlow ML, Latif Y, Chen Z, Yu X, Beg AA. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Directly Modulate T Cell Gene Expression and Signaling and Promote Development of Effector-Exhausted T Cells in Murine Tumors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:737-747. [PMID: 38169329 PMCID: PMC10872871 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer, including the regulation of antitumor immunity. The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications offers potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. In particular, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACis) have been shown to promote antitumor T cell immunity by regulating myeloid cell types, enhancing tumor Ag presentation, and increasing expression of chemokines. HDACis are currently being evaluated to determine whether they can increase the response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients. Although the potential direct effect of HDACis on T cells likely impacts antitumor immunity, little is known about how HDAC inhibition alters the transcriptomic profile of T cells. In this article, we show that two clinical-stage HDACis profoundly impact gene expression and signaling networks in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Specifically, HDACis promoted T cell effector function by enhancing expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ and increasing CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Consistently, in a murine tumor model, HDACis led to enrichment of CD8+ T cell subsets with high expression of effector molecules (Prf1, Ifng, Gzmk, and Grmb) but also molecules associated with T cell exhaustion (Tox, Pdcd1, Lag3, and Havcr2). HDACis further generated a tumor microenvironment dominated by myeloid cells with immune suppressive signatures. These results indicate that HDACis directly and favorably augment T cell effector function but also increase their exhaustion signal in the tumor microenvironment, which may add a layer of complexity for achieving clinical benefit in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed L Ibrahim
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Yousuf Latif
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Amer A Beg
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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Venkatraman S, Balasubramanian B, Thuwajit C, Meller J, Tohtong R, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting MYC at the intersection between cancer metabolism and oncoimmunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324045. [PMID: 38390324 PMCID: PMC10881682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC activation is a known hallmark of cancer as it governs the gene targets involved in various facets of cancer progression. Of interest, MYC governs oncometabolism through the interactions with its partners and cofactors, as well as cancer immunity via its gene targets. Recent investigations have taken interest in characterizing these interactions through multi-Omic approaches, to better understand the vastness of the MYC network. Of the several gene targets of MYC involved in either oncometabolism or oncoimmunology, few of them overlap in function. Prominent interactions have been observed with MYC and HIF-1α, in promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism and activation of antigen presentation on regulatory T cells, and its subsequent metabolic reprogramming. This review explores existing knowledge of the role of MYC in oncometabolism and oncoimmunology. It also unravels how MYC governs transcription and influences cellular metabolism to facilitate the induction of pro- or anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, considering the significant roles MYC holds in cancer development, the present study discusses effective direct or indirect therapeutic strategies to combat MYC-driven cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Venkatraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaroslaw Meller
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Milk, microbiome, Immunity and Lactation research for Child Health (MILCH) and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Mishra DK, Popovski D, Morris SM, Bondoc A, Senthil Kumar S, Girard EJ, Rutka J, Fouladi M, Huang A, Olson JM, Drissi R. Preclinical pediatric brain tumor models for immunotherapy: Hurdles and a way forward. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:226-235. [PMID: 37713135 PMCID: PMC10836771 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Over the last few years, improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of children with Central Nervous System tumors. Unfortunately, for many patients with high-grade tumors, the overall prognosis remains poor. Lower survival rates are partly attributed to the lack of efficacious therapies. The advent and success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in adults have sparked interest in investigating the utility of these therapies alone or in combination with other drug treatments in pediatric patients. However, to achieve improved clinical outcomes, the establishment and selection of relevant and robust preclinical pediatric high-grade brain tumor models is imperative. Here, we review the information that influenced our model selection as we embarked on an international collaborative study to test ICIs in combination with epigenetic modifying agents to enhance adaptive immunity to treat pediatric brain tumors. We also share challenges that we faced and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar Mishra
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dean Popovski
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Onatario, Canada
| | - Shelli M Morris
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Bondoc
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Onatario, Canada
| | - Shiva Senthil Kumar
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily J Girard
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Rutka
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Fouladi
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Annie Huang
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Onatario, Canada
| | - James M Olson
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rachid Drissi
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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39
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Deutzmann A, Sullivan DK, Dhanasekaran R, Li W, Chen X, Tong L, Mahauad-Fernandez WD, Bell J, Mosley A, Koehler AN, Li Y, Felsher DW. Nuclear to cytoplasmic transport is a druggable dependency in MYC-driven hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:963. [PMID: 38302473 PMCID: PMC10834515 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is often dysregulated in human cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MYC is considered undruggable to date. Here, we comprehensively identify genes essential for survival of MYChigh but not MYClow cells by a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screen in a MYC-conditional HCC model. Our screen uncovers novel MYC synthetic lethal (MYC-SL) interactions and identifies most MYC-SL genes described previously. In particular, the screen reveals nucleocytoplasmic transport to be a MYC-SL interaction. We show that the majority of MYC-SL nucleocytoplasmic transport genes are upregulated in MYChigh murine HCC and are associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Inhibiting Exportin-1 (XPO1) in vivo induces marked tumor regression in an autochthonous MYC-transgenic HCC model and inhibits tumor growth in HCC patient-derived xenografts. XPO1 expression is associated with poor prognosis only in HCC patients with high MYC activity. We infer that MYC may generally regulate and require altered expression of nucleocytoplasmic transport genes for tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Deutzmann
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Delaney K Sullivan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - John Bell
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Adriane Mosley
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Yulin Li
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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40
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Liang Y, Qu X, Shah NM, Wang T. Towards targeting transposable elements for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:123-140. [PMID: 38228901 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) represent almost half of the human genome. Historically deemed 'junk DNA', recent technological advancements have stimulated a wave of research into the functional impact of TEs on gene-regulatory networks in evolution and development, as well as in diseases including cancer. The genetic and epigenetic evolution of cancer involves the exploitation of TEs, whereby TEs contribute directly to cancer-specific gene activities. This Review provides a perspective on the role of TEs in cancer as being a 'double-edged sword', both promoting cancer evolution and representing a vulnerability that could be exploited in cancer therapy. We discuss how TEs affect transcriptome regulation and other cellular processes in cancer. We highlight the potential of TEs as therapeutic targets for cancer. We also summarize technical hurdles in the characterization of TEs with genomic assays. Last, we outline open questions and exciting future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Liang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuan Qu
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nakul M Shah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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41
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Jacobs C, Shah S, Lu WC, Ray H, Wang J, Hockaden N, Sandusky G, Nephew KP, Lu X, Cao S, Carpenter RL. HSF1 Inhibits Antitumor Immune Activity in Breast Cancer by Suppressing CCL5 to Block CD8+ T-cell Recruitment. Cancer Res 2024; 84:276-290. [PMID: 37890164 PMCID: PMC10790131 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a stress-responsive transcription factor that promotes cancer cell malignancy. To provide a better understanding of the biological processes regulated by HSF1, here we developed an HSF1 activity signature (HAS) and found that it was negatively associated with antitumor immune cells in breast tumors. Knockdown of HSF1 decreased breast tumor size and caused an influx of several antitumor immune cells, most notably CD8+ T cells. Depletion of CD8+ T cells rescued the reduction in growth of HSF1-deficient tumors, suggesting HSF1 prevents CD8+ T-cell influx to avoid immune-mediated tumor killing. HSF1 suppressed expression of CCL5, a chemokine for CD8+ T cells, and upregulation of CCL5 upon HSF1 loss significantly contributed to the recruitment of CD8+ T cells. These findings indicate that HSF1 suppresses antitumor immune activity by reducing CCL5 to limit CD8+ T-cell homing to breast tumors and prevent immune-mediated destruction, which has implications for the lack of success of immune modulatory therapies in breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE The stress-responsive transcription factor HSF1 reduces CD8+ T-cell infiltration in breast tumors to prevent immune-mediated killing, indicating that cellular stress responses affect tumor-immune interactions and that targeting HSF1 could improve immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curteisha Jacobs
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Sakhi Shah
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Wen-Cheng Lu
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Haimanti Ray
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - John Wang
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Natasha Hockaden
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - George Sandusky
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xin Lu
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Sha Cao
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Richard L. Carpenter
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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42
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Jahoriya V, Mishra A, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. Dual inhibitors of HDAC and other epigenetic regulators: A novel strategy for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115938. [PMID: 37989059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant advancement in the field of epigenetic drug discovery has been evidenced in recent years. Epigenetic alterations are hereditary, nevertheless reversible variations to DNA or histone adaptations that regulate gene function individualistically of the fundamental sequence. The design and synthesis of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators open a new door for epigenetic-targeted therapies to parade worthwhile therapeutic potential for haematological and solid malignancies. Several ongoing clinical trials on dual targeting strategy are being conducted comprising HDAC inhibitory component and an epigenetic regulating agent. In this perspective, the review discusses the pharmacological aspects of HDAC and other epigenetic regulating factors as dual inhibitors as an emerging alternative approach for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Varsha Jahoriya
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Aditya Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India.
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43
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Zhu Q, Dai Q, Zhao L, Zheng C, Li Q, Yuan Z, Li L, Xie Z, Qiu Z, Huang W, Liu G, Zu X, Chu B, Jiang Y. Novel dual inhibitors of PARP and HDAC induce intratumoral STING-mediated antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:10. [PMID: 38182579 PMCID: PMC10770036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06303-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
PARP inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors have been approved for the clinical treatment of malignancies, but acquired resistance of or limited effects on solid tumors with a single agent remain as challenges. Bioinformatics analyses and a combination of experiments had demonstrated the synergistic effects of PARP and HDAC inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer. A series of novel dual PARP and HDAC inhibitors were rationally designed and synthesized, and these molecules exhibited high enzyme inhibition activity with excellent antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, dual PARP and HDAC inhibitors induced BRCAness to restore synthetic lethality and promoted cytosolic DNA accumulation, which further activates the cGAS-STING pathway and produces proinflammatory chemokines through type I IFN-mediated JAK-STAT pathway. Moreover, these inhibitors promoted neoantigen generation, upregulated antigen presentation genes and PD-L1, and enhanced antitumor immunity when combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. These results indicated that novel dual PARP and HDAC inhibitors have antitumor immunomodulatory functions in triple-negative breast cancer. Novel dual PARP and HDAC inhibitors induce BRCAness to restore synthetic lethality, activating tumoral IFN signaling via the cGAS-STING pathway and inducing cytokine production, promoting neoantigen generation and presentation to enhance the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qiuzi Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Academics Working Station, Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chang Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Qinyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhuoye Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zixuan Qiu
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guowen Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Bizhu Chu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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44
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Tetens AR, Martin AM, Arnold A, Novak OV, Idrizi A, Tryggvadottir R, Craig-Schwartz J, Liapodimitri A, Lunsford K, Barbato MI, Eberhart CG, Resnick AC, Raabe EH, Koldobskiy MA. DNA methylation landscapes in DIPG reveal methylome variability that can be modified pharmacologically. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae023. [PMID: 38468866 PMCID: PMC10926944 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a uniformly lethal brainstem tumor of childhood, driven by histone H3 K27M mutation and resultant epigenetic dysregulation. Epigenomic analyses of DIPG have shown global loss of repressive chromatin marks accompanied by DNA hypomethylation. However, studies providing a static view of the epigenome do not adequately capture the regulatory underpinnings of DIPG cellular heterogeneity and plasticity. Methods To address this, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a large panel of primary DIPG specimens and applied a novel framework for analysis of DNA methylation variability, permitting the derivation of comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation potential energy landscapes that capture intrinsic epigenetic variation. Results We show that DIPG has a markedly disordered epigenome with increasingly stochastic DNA methylation at genes regulating pluripotency and developmental identity, potentially enabling cells to sample diverse transcriptional programs and differentiation states. The DIPG epigenetic landscape was responsive to treatment with the hypomethylating agent decitabine, which produced genome-wide demethylation and reduced the stochasticity of DNA methylation at active enhancers and bivalent promoters. Decitabine treatment elicited changes in gene expression, including upregulation of immune signaling such as the interferon response, STING, and MHC class I expression, and sensitized cells to the effects of histone deacetylase inhibition. Conclusions This study provides a resource for understanding the epigenetic instability that underlies DIPG heterogeneity. It suggests the application of epigenetic therapies to constrain the range of epigenetic states available to DIPG cells, as well as the use of decitabine in priming for immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Tetens
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison M Martin
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Antje Arnold
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Orlandi V Novak
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian Idrizi
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rakel Tryggvadottir
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordyn Craig-Schwartz
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Athanasia Liapodimitri
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayleigh Lunsford
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael I Barbato
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Koldobskiy
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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45
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Xiong D, Zhang L, Sun ZJ. Targeting the epigenome to reinvigorate T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:59. [PMID: 38044445 PMCID: PMC10694991 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment; however, ICI efficacy is constrained by progressive dysfunction of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which is termed T cell exhaustion. This process is driven by diverse extrinsic factors across heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Simultaneously, tumorigenesis entails robust reshaping of the epigenetic landscape, potentially instigating T cell exhaustion. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor microenvironmental cues leading to T cell exhaustion, and discuss therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for immunotherapies. Finally, we outline conceptual and technical advances in developing potential treatment paradigms involving immunostimulatory agents and epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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46
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Rocha GIY, Gomes JEM, Leite ML, da Cunha NB, Costa FF. Epigenome-Driven Strategies for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:1351-1367. [PMID: 38058537 PMCID: PMC10697012 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s272031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fighting cancer remains one of the greatest challenges for science in the 21st century. Advances in immunotherapy against different types of cancer have greatly contributed to the treatment, remission, and cure of patients. In this context, knowledge of epigenetic phenomena, their relationship with tumor cells and how the immune system can be epigenetically modulated represent some of the greatest advances in the development of anticancer therapies. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing field that studies how environmental factors can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Epigenomic changes include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, which impact cellular function. Epigenetics has shown promise in developing cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, which aims to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. For example, PD-1 and PD-L1 are biomarkers that regulate the immune response to cancer cells and recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications can affect their expression, potentially influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy. New therapies targeting epigenetic modifications, such as histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, are being developed for cancer treatment, and some have shown promise in preclinical studies and clinical trials. With growing understanding of epigenetic regulation, we can expect more personalized and effective cancer immunotherapies in the future. This review highlights key advances in the use of epigenetic and epigenomic tools and modern immuno-oncology strategies to treat several types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Lopes Leite
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nicolau B da Cunha
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Agronomy, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fabricio F Costa
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Genomic Enterprise, San FranciscoCA, USA
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Munteanu R, Tomuleasa C, Iuga CA, Gulei D, Ciuleanu TE. Exploring Therapeutic Avenues in Lung Cancer: The Epigenetic Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5394. [PMID: 38001653 PMCID: PMC10670535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, primarily non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), is distinguished by its high prevalence and marked mortality rates. Traditional therapeutic approaches, encompassing chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, frequently show limited efficacy due to acquired resistance and notable side effects. The objective of this review is to introduce a fresh perspective on the therapeutic strategies for lung cancer, emphasizing interventions targeting the epigenetic alterations often seen in this malignancy. This review presents the most recent advancements in the field, focusing on both past and current clinical trials related to the modulation of methylation patterns using diverse molecular agents. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the challenges and advantages of these methylation-modifying drugs will be provided, assessing their efficacy as individual treatments and their potential for synergy when integrated with prevailing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Munteanu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.M.); (C.T.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.M.); (C.T.)
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, 400124 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina-Adela Iuga
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MEDFUTURE, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Tudor Eliade Ciuleanu
- Department of Oncology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Oncology, Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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48
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Voutsadakis IA. Molecular Characteristics and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of Claudin-low Breast Cancers Derived from Cell Line Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:539-555. [PMID: 37889067 PMCID: PMC10614063 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Breast cancers constitute heterogeneous tumor groups and their categorization in subtypes based on the expression of the estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and HER2 receptors has advanced therapeutics. Claudin-low breast cancer has been proposed as an additional subtype which is mostly ER, PR and HER2 negative, but its identification has not led to corresponding specific treatments yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast cancer cell lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) were assessed for mRNA suppression of claudins and mRNA expression of ER and ERBB2 (the gene encoding HER2). The set of identified claudin-low cell lines were compared with representative ER-/ERBB2- cell lines for associated molecular alterations, gene dependencies through CRISPR and microRNA arrays and in vitro drug sensitivities using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) project. RESULTS Claudin-low cell lines display up-regulation of mRNA expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators. Methylation sensitive genes are down-regulated in claudin-low lines compared with other cell lines, without associated up-regulation of DNA methyltransferases. Dependency screen microarrays reveal dependencies of claudin-low cell lines on components of the cytoskeleton but no consistent dependencies in known oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Potential drug sensitivities revealed in the drug screens included sensitivities to WNT pathway modulators, tyrosine kinase cascade inhibitors and BET inhibitors. On the other hand, claudin-low cell lines showed resistance to deacetylase inhibitors. CONCLUSION Claudin-low cell line models duplicate features of claudin-low breast cancers and may serve as guides for identification of drugs worth exploring for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada;
- Section of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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49
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Wang X, Zhao S, Pei Y, Luo Z, Xie L, Yan Y, Yin E. The increasing instance of negative emotion reduce the performance of emotion recognition. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1180533. [PMID: 37900730 PMCID: PMC10611512 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1180533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotion recognition plays a crucial role in affective computing. Recent studies have demonstrated that the fuzzy boundaries among negative emotions make recognition difficult. However, to the best of our knowledge, no formal study has been conducted thus far to explore the effects of increased negative emotion categories on emotion recognition. Methods A dataset of three sessions containing consistent non-negative emotions and increased types of negative emotions was designed and built which consisted the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) recording of 45 participants. Results The results revealed that as negative emotion categories increased, the recognition rates decreased by more than 9%. Further analysis depicted that the discriminative features gradually reduced with an increase in the negative emotion types, particularly in the θ, α, and β frequency bands. Discussion This study provided new insight into the balance of emotion-inducing stimuli materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Wang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaokai Zhao
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Pei
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Luo
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
| | - Ye Yan
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
| | - Erwei Yin
- Defense Innovation Institute, Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing, China
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50
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Nguyen A, Brown D, Krishnan R, Bastin D, Deng L, Chen L, Salem O, Walsh SR, Bramson JL, Wan Y. HDACi-dependent Microenvironmental Normalization Overcomes Tumor Burden-induced T-cell Exhaustion. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4289-4305. [PMID: 37561398 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE T-cell exhaustion limits immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors. Although immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) can mediate tumor regression, their potency is often determined by tumor burden. Here, we identified tumor burden-related pathway changes that are conducive to T-cell exhaustion. We then determined whether microenvironmental reprogramming via epigenetic modulation could reverse T-cell exhaustion and improve immunotherapeutic responsiveness. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a murine syngeneic tumor model wherein an increased burden ablated therapeutic responsiveness to ACT, which corresponded with systemic induction of T-cell exhaustion. Transcriptome analysis of these large tumors allowed us to characterize changes to immunosuppressive pathway expression during class I histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 treatment. We then measured the therapeutic impact of MS-275 during ACT and assessed T-cell exhaustion by transcriptome/phenotypic analysis. RESULTS ACT durably regressed small tumors but failed to control large tumors, which were associated with systemic T-cell exhaustion and ablation of T-cell responses. Large tumors were defined by an immunosuppressive pathway signature. MS-275 reversed this pathway signature and promoted durable regression of large tumors during ACT. Prototypical exhaustion marker Tim-3 was selectively upregulated in transferred T cells despite displaying a reduced exhaustion signature. Instead, we observed enhanced activation-dependent signaling correlating with enrichment of the IL2-STAT5 signaling axis. Activated CD8+ T-cell responses were predominantly skewed toward terminal effector cell-like CD44+ Tim-3hi TCF1- CD127- KLRG1+ differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Tumor burden-induced pathway changes can be reversed through epigenetic reprogramming, enabling the conversion from T-cell exhaustion to effector lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dominique Brown
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ramya Krishnan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Donald Bastin
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Omar Salem
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Scott R Walsh
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jonathan L Bramson
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yonghong Wan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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