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Chandrashekar DS, Afaq F, Karthikeyan SK, Athar M, Shrestha S, Singh R, Manne U, Varambally S. Bromodomain inhibitor treatment leads to overexpression of multiple kinases in cancer cells. Neoplasia 2024; 57:101046. [PMID: 39241280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins show altered expression across various cancers. The members of the bromodomain (BRD) family contain epigenetic reader domains that bind to acetylated lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. Since BRD proteins are involved in cancer initiation and progression, therapeutic targeting of these proteins has recently been an area of interest. In experimental settings, JQ1, a commonly used BRD inhibitor, is the first known inhibitor to target BRD-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a ubiquitously expressed BRD and extraterminal family protein. BRD4 is necessary for a normal cell cycle, and its aberrant expression activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to tumor initiation and progression. Various BRD4 inhibitors have been developed recently and tested in preclinical settings and are now in clinical trials. However, as with many targeted therapies, BRD inhibitor treatment can lead to resistance to treatment. Here, we investigated the kinases up-regulated on JQ1 treatment that may serve as target for combination therapy along with BRD inhibitors. To identify kinase targets, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression data using RNA from BRD inhibitor-treated cells or BRD-modulated cells and identified overexpression of several kinases, including FYN, NEK9, and ADCK5. We further validated, by immunoblotting, the overexpression of FYN tyrosine kinase; NEK9 serine/threonine kinase and ADCK5, an atypical kinase, to confirm their overexpression after BRD inhibitor treatment. Importantly, our studies show that targeting FYN or NEK9 along with BRD inhibitor effectively reduces proliferation of cancer cells. Therefore, our research emphasizes a potential approach of utilizing inhibitors targeting some of the overexpressed kinases in conjunction with BRD inhibitors to enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Afaq
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sadeep Shrestha
- Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Upender Manne
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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2
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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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Gu F, Lin B, Peng ZH, Liu S, Wu Y, Luo M, Ding N, Zhan Q, Cao P, Zhou Z, Cao T. Ring Transformation of Cyclopropenes to Benzo-Fused Five-Membered Oxa- and Aza-Heterocycles via a Formal [4+1] Cyclization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2407931. [PMID: 39206752 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202407931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In the context of the growing importance of heterocyclic compounds across various disciplines, numerous strategies for their construction have emerged. Exploiting the distinctive properties of cyclopropenes, this study introduces an innovative approach for the synthesis of benzo-fused five-membered oxa- and aza-heterocycles through a formal [4+1] cyclization and subsequent acid-catalyzed intramolecular O- to N- rearrangement. These transformations exhibit mild reaction conditions and a wide substrate scope. The applications in the late-stage modification of complex molecules and in the synthesis of a potential PD-L1 gene down-regulator, make this method highly appealing in related fields. Combined experimental mechanistic studies and DFT calculations demonstrate Rh(III)-mediated sequential C─H coupling/π-allylation/dynamically favorable O-attack route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Binyan Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhi-Huan Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology & State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Mei Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Qichen Zhan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Peng Cao
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medicinal Innovation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, China
- Gaoyou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225600, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology & State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Tao Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
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Ding J, Lu Y, Zhao X, Long S, Du J, Sun W, Fan J, Peng X. Activating Iterative Revolutions of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle in Hypoxic Tumors with a Smart Nano-Regulator. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400196. [PMID: 38734875 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The activation of sequential events in the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) is crucial for achieving effective antitumor immunity. However, formidable challenges, such as innate and adaptive immune resistance, along with the off-target adverse effects of nonselective immunomodulators, persist. In this study, a tumor-selective nano-regulator named PNBJQ has been presented, focusing on targeting two nonredundant immune nodes: inducing immunogenic cancer cell death and abrogating immune resistance to fully activate endogenous tumor immunity. PNBJQ is obtained by encapsulating the immunomodulating agent JQ1 within a self-assembling system formed by linking a Type-I photosensitizer to polyethylene glycol through a hypoxia-sensitive azo bond. Benefiting from the Type-I photosensitive mechanism, PNBJQ triggers the immunogenic cell death of hypoxic tumors under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. This process resolves innate immune resistance by stimulating sufficient cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Simultaneously, PNBJQ smartly responds to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment for precise drug delivery, adeptly addressing adaptive immune resistance by using JQ1 to downregulate programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and sustaining the response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The activatable synergic photoimmunotherapy promotes an immune-promoting tumor microenvironment by activating an iterative revolution of the CIC, which remarkably eradicates established hypoxic tumors and suppresses distal lesions under low light dose irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xueze Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Saran Long
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jianjun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, 315016, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, 315016, China
| | - Jiangli Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, 315016, China
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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5
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Yang M, Cui M, Sun Y, Liu S, Jiang W. Mechanisms, combination therapy, and biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:338. [PMID: 38898505 PMCID: PMC11186190 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies exert significant antitumor effects by overcoming tumor cell immune evasion and reversing T-cell exhaustion. However, the emergence of drug resistance causes most patients to respond poorly to these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Studies have shown that insufficient T-cell infiltration, lack of PD-1 expression, deficient interferon signaling, loss of tumor antigen presentation, and abnormal lipid metabolism are all considered to be closely associated with immunotherapy resistance. To address drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy, a lot of research has concentrated on developing combination therapy strategies. Currently, ICIs such as anti-PD-1 /PD-L1 antibody combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been approved for clinical treatment. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in terms of the tumor microenvironment, gut microbiota, epigenetic regulation, and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors. We also discuss various promising combination therapeutic strategies to address resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, including combining these therapies with traditional Chinese medicine, non-coding RNAs, targeted therapy, other ICIs, and personalized cancer vaccines. Moreover, we focus on biomarkers that predict resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy as well as combination therapy efficacy. Finally, we suggest ways to further expand the application of immunotherapy through personalized combination strategies using biomarker systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manshi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Shui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Weibo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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6
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Zhou L, Yu CW. Epigenetic modulations in triple-negative breast cancer: Therapeutic implications for tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107205. [PMID: 38719195 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107205] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and lacks HER2 overexpression. This absence of critical molecular targets poses significant challenges for conventional therapies. Immunotherapy, remarkably immune checkpoint blockade, offers promise for TNBC treatment, but its efficacy remains limited. Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and imbalances in regulators such as BET proteins, plays a crucial role in TNBC development and resistance to treatment. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters and the imbalance of histone methyltransferases such as EZH2 and histone deacetylases (HDACs) profoundly influence tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. In addition, epigenetic alterations critically shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cell composition, cytokine signaling, and immune checkpoint expression, ultimately contributing to immune evasion. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms with specific inhibitors such as EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy represents a compelling strategy to remodel the TME, potentially overcoming immune evasion and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in TNBC. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current understanding of epigenetic modulation in TNBC, its influence on the TME, and the potential of combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy to overcome the challenges posed by this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhou
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chen-Wei Yu
- Department of Statistics and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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7
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Smith AL, Skupa SA, Eiken AP, Reznicek TE, Schmitz E, Williams N, Moore DY, D’Angelo CR, Kallam A, Lunning MA, Bociek RG, Vose JM, Mohamed E, Mahr AR, Denton PW, Powell B, Bollag G, Rowley MJ, El-Gamal D. BET inhibition reforms the immune microenvironment and alleviates T cell dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177054. [PMID: 38775157 PMCID: PMC11141939 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177054] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Redundant tumor microenvironment (TME) immunosuppressive mechanisms and epigenetic maintenance of terminal T cell exhaustion greatly hinder functional antitumor immune responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins regulate key pathways contributing to CLL pathogenesis and TME interactions, including T cell function and differentiation. Herein, we report that blocking BET protein function alleviates immunosuppressive networks in the CLL TME and repairs inherent CLL T cell defects. The pan-BET inhibitor OPN-51107 reduced exhaustion-associated cell signatures resulting in improved T cell proliferation and effector function in the Eμ-TCL1 splenic TME. Following BET inhibition (BET-i), TME T cells coexpressed significantly fewer inhibitory receptors (IRs) (e.g., PD-1, CD160, CD244, LAG3, VISTA). Complementary results were witnessed in primary CLL cultures, wherein OPN-51107 exerted proinflammatory effects on T cells, regardless of leukemic cell burden. BET-i additionally promotes a progenitor T cell phenotype through reduced expression of transcription factors that maintain terminal differentiation and increased expression of TCF-1, at least in part through altered chromatin accessibility. Moreover, direct T cell effects of BET-i were unmatched by common targeted therapies in CLL. This study demonstrates the immunomodulatory action of BET-i on CLL T cells and supports the inclusion of BET inhibitors in the management of CLL to alleviate terminal T cell dysfunction and potentially enhance tumoricidal T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nolan Williams
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
| | - Dalia Y. Moore
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
| | - Christopher R. D’Angelo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Avyakta Kallam
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Matthew A. Lunning
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - R. Gregory Bociek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Julie M. Vose
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eslam Mohamed
- College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, California, USA
| | - Anna R. Mahr
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul W. Denton
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ben Powell
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Dalia El-Gamal
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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8
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Lin X, Kang K, Chen P, Zeng Z, Li G, Xiong W, Yi M, Xiang B. Regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:108. [PMID: 38762484 PMCID: PMC11102195 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02023-w] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion contributes to cancer growth and progression. Cancer cells have the ability to activate different immune checkpoint pathways that harbor immunosuppressive functions. The programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligands (PD-Ls) are considered to be the major immune checkpoint molecules. The interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 negatively regulates adaptive immune response mainly by inhibiting the activity of effector T cells while enhancing the function of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), largely contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis that prevents dysregulated immunity and harmful immune responses. However, cancer cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to cause immune escape in cancer development and progression. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 by neutralizing antibodies restores T cells activity and enhances anti-tumor immunity, achieving remarkable success in cancer therapy. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers have attracted an increasing attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in human autoimmune diseases and cancers. We summarize all aspects of regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression and activity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancers, including genetic, epigenetic, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. In addition, we further summarize the progress in clinical research on the antitumor effects of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies alone and in combination with other therapeutic approaches, providing new strategies for finding new tumor markers and developing combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Kuan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Yi
- Department of Dermotology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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9
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Bai L, Liu H, You R, Jiang X, Zhang T, Li Y, Shan T, Qian Z, Wang Y, Liu Y, Li C. Combination Nano-Delivery Systems Remodel the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2148-2162. [PMID: 38536949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00242] [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: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer for which effective therapies are lacking. Targeted remodeling of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and activation of the body's immune system to fight tumors with well-designed nanoparticles have emerged as pivotal breakthroughs in tumor treatment. To simultaneously remodel the immunosuppressive TME and trigger immune responses, we designed two potential therapeutic nanodelivery systems to inhibit TNBC. First, the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib (CXB) were coloaded into chondroitin sulfate (CS) to obtain CS@JQ1/CXB nanoparticles (NPs). Then, the biomimetic nanosystem MM@P3 was prepared by coating branched polymer poly(β-amino ester) self-assembled NPs with melittin embedded macrophage membranes (MM). Both in vitro and in vivo, the CS@JQ1/CXB and MM@P3 NPs showed excellent immune activation efficiencies. Combination treatment exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity, antimigration ability, and apoptosis-inducing and immune activation effects on TNBC cells and effectively suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC tumor-bearing mice by activating the tumor immune response and inhibiting angiogenesis. In summary, this study offers a novel combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategy for the clinical TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ran You
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yunan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Tianhe Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhanyin Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yinsong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, International Medical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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10
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Wang X, Xu W, Wang Z, Yu Q, Yuan L, Liu Y, Sang J, Li W, Zhu S, Jiang W, Li Z, Zhang W, Dang Y. Sokotrasterol Sulfate Suppresses IFN-γ-Induced PD-L1 Expression by Inhibiting JAK Activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:713-721. [PMID: 38417168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies exhibit promising therapeutic effectiveness in multiple cancers. However, developing a simple and efficient non-antibody treatment strategy using the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway still remains challenging. In this study, we developed a flow cytometry assay to screen bioactive compounds with PD-L1 inhibitory activity. A total of 409 marine natural products were screened, and sokotrasterol sulfate (SKS) was found to efficiently suppress the IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression. SKS sensitizes the tumor cells to antigen-specific T-cell killing in the T cell-tumor cell coculture system. Mechanistically, SKS directly targeted Janus kinase (JAK) to inhibit the downstream activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and the subsequent transcription of PDL1. Our findings highlight the immunological role of SKS that may act as a basis for a potential immunotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengyiyi Wang
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1238 Si-Ping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guo-He Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihang Liu
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Chongqing 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinpeng Sang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Sanyong Zhu
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Chongqing 400010, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1238 Si-Ping Road, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guo-He Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Dang
- Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, Chongqing 400010, People's Republic of China
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11
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Wang Z, Yuan L, Liao X, Guo X, Chen J. Reducing PD-L1 Expression by Degraders and Downregulators as a Novel Strategy to Target the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6027-6043. [PMID: 38598179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02143] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway has evolved into one of the most promising strategies for tumor immunotherapy. Thus far, multiple monoclonal antibody drugs have been approved for treating a variety of tumors, while the development of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has lagged far behind, with only a few small-molecule inhibitors entering clinical trials. In addition to antibody drugs and small-molecule inhibitors, reducing the expression levels of PD-L1 has attracted extensive research interest as another promising strategy to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Herein, we analyze the structures and mechanisms of molecules that reduce PD-L1 expression and classify them as degraders and downregulators according to whether they directly bind to PD-L1. Moreover, we discuss the potential prospects for developing PD-L1-targeting drugs based on these molecules. It is hoped that this perspective will provide profound insights into the discovery of potent antitumor immunity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaotong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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12
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Deng D, Wang M, Su Y, Fang H, Chen Y, Su Z. Iridium(III)-Based PD-L1 Agonist Regulates p62 and ATF3 for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6810-6821. [PMID: 38613772 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00404] [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: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, a new lung cancer treatment, is limited to a few patients due to low PD-L1 expression and tumor immunosuppression. To address these challenges, the upregulation of PD-L1 has the potential to elevate the response rate and efficiency of anti-PD-L1 and alleviate the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we developed a novel usnic acid-derived Iridium(III) complex, Ir-UA, that boosts PD-L1 expression and converts "cold tumors" to "hot". Subsequently, we administered Ir-UA combined with anti-PD-L1 in mice, which effectively inhibited tumor growth and promoted CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration. To our knowledge, Ir-UA is the first iridium-based complex to stimulate the expression of PD-L1 by explicitly regulating its transcription factors, which not only provides a promising platform for immune checkpoint blockade but, more importantly, provides an effective treatment strategy for patients with low PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Deng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Su
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Hongbao Fang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuncong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhi Su
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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13
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Liu C, Qian X, Yu C, Xia X, Li J, Li Y, Xie Y, Gao G, Song Y, Zhang M, Xue H, Wang X, Sun H, Liu J, Deng W, Guo X. Inhibition of ATM promotes PD-L1 expression by activating JNK/c-Jun/TNF-α signaling axis in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216642. [PMID: 38278470 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216642] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment for advanced TNBC is still limited to PD-L1-positive patients. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a switch molecule for homologous recombination and repair. In this study, we found a significant negative correlation between ATM and PD-L1 in 4 TNBC clinical specimens by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), which was confirmed by immunochemical staining in 86 TNBC specimens. We then established ATM knockdown TNBC stable cell lines to perform in vitro studies and animal experiments, proving the negative regulation of PD-L1 by ATM via suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which was confirmed by cytokine array analysis of TNBC cell line and analysis of clinical specimens. We further found that ATM inhibits TNF-α via inactivating JNK/c-Jun by scRNA-seq, Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. Finally, we identified a negative correlation between changes in phospho-ATMS1981 and PD-L1 levels in TNBC post- and pre-neoadjuvant therapy. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which ATM negatively regulates PD-L1 by downregulating JNK/c-Jun/TNF-α in TNBC, shedding light on the wide application of immune checkpoint blockade therapy for treating multi-line-resistant TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Liu
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaolong Qian
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Chunyan Yu
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Diseases and Microenvironment of Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xia
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jiazhen Li
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangshen Gao
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuanming Song
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Meiyan Zhang
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Huiqin Xue
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaozi Wang
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Weimin Deng
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Diseases and Microenvironment of Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiaojing Guo
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology and Research Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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14
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Zhao L, Zheng R, Rao X, Huang C, Zhou H, Yu X, Jiang X, Li S. Chemotherapy-Enabled Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy of Self-Delivery Nano-PROTACs by Inhibiting Tumor Glycolysis and Avoiding Adaptive Immune Resistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309204. [PMID: 38239040 PMCID: PMC11022706 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The chemo-regulation abilities of chemotherapeutic medications are appealing to address the low immunogenicity, immunosuppressive lactate microenvironment, and adaptive immune resistance of colorectal cancer. In this work, the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) of BRD4 (dBET57) is found to downregulate colorectal cancer glycolysis through the transcription inhibition of c-Myc, which also inhibits the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to reverse immune evasion and avoid adaptive immune resistance. Based on this, self-delivery nano-PROTACs (designated as DdLD NPs) are further fabricated by the self-assembly of doxorubicin (DOX) and dBET57 with the assistance of DSPE-PEG2000. DdLD NPs can improve the stability, intracellular delivery, and tumor targeting accumulation of DOX and dBET57. Meanwhile, the chemotherapeutic effect of DdLD NPs can efficiently destroy colorectal cancer cells to trigger a robust immunogenic cell death (ICD). More importantly, the chemo-regulation effects of DdLD NPs can inhibit colorectal cancer glycolysis to reduce the lactate production, and downregulate the PD-L1 expression through BRD4 degradation. Taking advantages of the chemotherapy and chemo-regulation ability, DdLD NPs systemically activated the antitumor immunity to suppress the primary and metastatic colorectal cancer progression without inducing any systemic side effects. Such self-delivery nano-PROTACs may provide a new insight for chemotherapy-enabled tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin‐Ping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting DiagnosisTherapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education InstitutesThe Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510700P. R. China
| | - Rong‐Rong Zheng
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Na Rao
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
| | - Chu‐Yu Huang
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
| | - Hang‐Yu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting DiagnosisTherapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education InstitutesThe Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510700P. R. China
| | - Xi‐Yong Yu
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
| | - Xue‐Yan Jiang
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
| | - Shi‐Ying Li
- The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacologythe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseasethe School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P. R. China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510280P. R. China
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15
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Zhang J, Joshua AM, Li Y, O'Meara CH, Morris MJ, Khachigian LM. Targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and small molecules and peptidomimetics as emerging immunoregulatory agents for melanoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216633. [PMID: 38281663 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216633] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary cutaneous melanoma is the most lethal of all skin neoplasms and its incidence is increasing. Clinical management of advanced melanoma in the last decade has been revolutionised by the availability of immunotherapies and targeted therapies, used alone and in combination. This article summarizes advances in the treatment of late-stage melanoma including use of protein kinase inhibitors, antibody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive immunotherapy, vaccines and more recently, small molecules and peptidomimetics as emerging immunoregulatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yue Li
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Connor H O'Meara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, ANU Medical School and Canberra Health Services, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Margaret J Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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16
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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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17
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Reggiani F, Talarico G, Gobbi G, Sauta E, Torricelli F, Manicardi V, Zanetti E, Orecchioni S, Falvo P, Piana S, Lococo F, Paci M, Bertolini F, Ciarrocchi A, Sancisi V. BET inhibitors drive Natural Killer activation in non-small cell lung cancer via BRD4 and SMAD3. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2567. [PMID: 38519469 PMCID: PMC10960013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer and one of the pioneer tumors in which immunotherapy has radically changed patients' outcomes. However, several issues are emerging and their implementation is required to optimize immunotherapy-based protocols. In this work, we investigate the ability of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal protein inhibitors (BETi) to stimulate a proficient anti-tumor immune response toward NSCLC. By using in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo models, we demonstrate that these epigenetic drugs specifically enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. BETi down-regulate a large set of NK inhibitory receptors, including several immune checkpoints (ICs), that are direct targets of the transcriptional cooperation between the BET protein BRD4 and the transcription factor SMAD3. Overall, BETi orchestrate an epigenetic reprogramming that leads to increased recognition of tumor cells and the killing ability of NK cells. Our results unveil the opportunity to exploit and repurpose these drugs in combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Reggiani
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Talarico
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gobbi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sauta
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Veronica Manicardi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zanetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Falvo
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Filippo Lococo
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Paci
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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18
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Gao Y, Feng C, Ma J, Yan Q. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs): Orchestrators of cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy dynamics, and drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116048. [PMID: 38346542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116048] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) are a family of enzymes regulating protein arginine methylation, which is a post-translational modification crucial for various cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the mechanistic role of PRMTs in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. PRMTs are involved in diverse oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. They exert their effects by methylation of histones, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins, resulting in altered gene expression patterns. PRMT-mediated histone methylation can lead to aberrant chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes that drive oncogenesis. Additionally, PRMTs can directly interact with key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, thereby modulating cell survival and proliferation. In the context of cancer immunotherapy, PRMTs have emerged as critical regulators of immune responses. They modulate immune checkpoint molecules, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), through arginine methylation. Drug resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, and PRMTs have been implicated in this phenomenon. PRMTs can contribute to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms, including the epigenetic regulation of drug efflux pumps, altered DNA damage repair, and modulation of cell survival pathways. In conclusion, PRMTs play critical roles in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. In this overview, we have endeavored to illuminate the mechanistic intricacies of PRMT-mediated processes. Shedding light on these aspects will offer valuable insights into the fundamental biology of cancer and establish PRMTs as promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Chongchong Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Jingru Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Qingzhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
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19
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Bhat GR, Sethi I, Sadida HQ, Rah B, Mir R, Algehainy N, Albalawi IA, Masoodi T, Subbaraj GK, Jamal F, Singh M, Kumar R, Macha MA, Uddin S, Akil ASAS, Haris M, Bhat AA. Cancer cell plasticity: from cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:197-228. [PMID: 38329598 PMCID: PMC11016008 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10172-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease displaying a variety of cell states and phenotypes. This diversity, known as cancer cell plasticity, confers cancer cells the ability to change in response to their environment, leading to increased tumor diversity and drug resistance. This review explores the intricate landscape of cancer cell plasticity, offering a deep dive into the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. Cancer cell plasticity is intertwined with processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. These processes are pivotal in the development and progression of tumors, contributing to the multifaceted nature of cancer and the challenges associated with its treatment. Despite significant advancements in targeted therapies, cancer cell adaptability and subsequent therapy-induced resistance remain persistent obstacles in achieving consistent, successful cancer treatment outcomes. Our review delves into the array of mechanisms cancer cells exploit to maintain plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, alterations in signaling pathways, and environmental interactions. We discuss strategies to counteract cancer cell plasticity, such as targeting specific cellular pathways and employing combination therapies. These strategies promise to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and mitigate therapy resistance. In conclusion, this review offers a holistic, detailed exploration of cancer cell plasticity, aiming to bolster the understanding and approach toward tackling the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. As articulated in this review, the delineation of cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance seeks to contribute substantially to the progress in cancer therapeutics and the advancement of precision medicine, ultimately enhancing the prospects for effective cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Itty Sethi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Rah
- Iron Biology Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseh Algehainy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Farrukh Jamal
- Dr. Rammanohar, Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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20
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Murphy LA, Winters AC. Emerging and Future Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Targeting the Leukemia Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3248. [PMID: 38137469 PMCID: PMC10741170 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123248] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare subtype of acute leukemia in the pediatric and adolescent population but causes disproportionate morbidity and mortality in this age group. Standard chemotherapeutic regimens for AML have changed very little in the past 3-4 decades, but the addition of targeted agents in recent years has led to improved survival in select subsets of patients as well as a better biological understanding of the disease. Currently, one key paradigm of bench-to-bedside practice in the context of adult AML is the focus on leukemia stem cell (LSC)-targeted therapies. Here, we review current and emerging immunotherapies and other targeted agents that are in clinical use for pediatric AML through the lens of what is known (and not known) about their LSC-targeting capability. Based on a growing understanding of pediatric LSC biology, we also briefly discuss potential future agents on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Amanda C. Winters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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21
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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22
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Alečković M, Li Z, Zhou N, Qiu X, Lulseged B, Foidart P, Huang XY, Garza K, Shu S, Kesten N, Li R, Lim K, Garrido-Castro AC, Guerriero JL, Qi J, Long HW, Polyak K. Combination Therapies to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1304-1318. [PMID: 37676980 PMCID: PMC10618734 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0303] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition combined with chemotherapy is currently approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, a significant proportion of metastatic TNBC is PD-L1-negative and, in this population, chemotherapy alone largely remains the standard-of-care and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a triple combination of anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, epigenetic modulation thorough bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain inhibition (BBDI), and chemotherapy with paclitaxel that effectively inhibits both primary and metastatic tumor growth in two different syngeneic murine models of TNBC. Detailed cellular and molecular profiling of tumors from single and combination treatment arms revealed increased T- and B-cell infiltration and macrophage reprogramming from MHCIIlow to a MHCIIhigh phenotype in mice treated with triple combination. Triple combination also had a major impact on gene expression and chromatin profiles shifting cells to a more immunogenic and senescent state. Our results provide strong preclinical evidence to justify clinical testing of BBDI, paclitaxel, and immune checkpoint blockade combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Alečković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ningxuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bethlehem Lulseged
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pierre Foidart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiao-Yun Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kodie Garza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Klothilda Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ana C. Garrido-Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L. Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry W. Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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23
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Ma T, Chen Y, Yi ZG, Li YH, Bai J, Li LJ, Zhang LS. BET in hematologic tumors: Immunity, pathogenesis, clinical trials and drug combinations. Genes Dis 2023; 10:2306-2319. [PMID: 37554207 PMCID: PMC10404881 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins act as "readers" for lysine acetylation and facilitate the recruitment of transcriptional elongation complexes. BET protein is associated with transcriptional elongation of genes such as c-MYC and BCL-2, and is involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. Meanwhile, BET inhibitors (BETi) have regulatory effects on immune checkpoints, immune cells, and cytokine expression. The role of BET proteins and BETi in a variety of tumors has been studied. This paper reviews the recent research progress of BET and BETi in hematologic tumors (mainly leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma) from cellular level studies, animal studies, clinical trials, drug combination, etc. BETi has a promising future in hematologic tumors, and future research directions may focus on the combination with other drugs to improve the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Yi
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yan-Hong Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Lian-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
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24
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Wahi A, Manchanda N, Jain P, Jadhav HR. Targeting the epigenetic reader "BET" as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106833. [PMID: 37683545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106833] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins have the ability to bind to acetylated lysine residues present in both histones and non-histone proteins. This binding is facilitated by the presence of tandem bromodomains. The regulatory role of BET proteins extends to chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease progression. The BET family comprises of BRD 2, 3, 4 and BRDT. The BET proteins are a class of epigenetic readers that regulate the transcriptional activity of a multitude of genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, targeting BET proteins has been identified as a potentially efficacious approach for the treatment of cancer. BET inhibitors (BETis) are known to interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin, thereby leading to the suppression of transcription of several genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Here in this review, we focus on role of Bromodomain and extra C-terminal (BET) proteins in cancer progression. Furthermore, numerous small-molecule inhibitors with pan-BET activity have been documented, with certain compounds currently undergoing clinical assessment. However, it is apparent that the clinical effectiveness of the present BET inhibitors is restricted, prompting the exploration of novel technologies to enhance their clinical outcomes and mitigate undesired adverse effects. Thus, strategies like development of selective BET-BD1, & BD2 inhibitors, dual and acting BET are also presented in this review and attempts to cover the chemistry needed for proper establishment of designed molecules into BRD have been made. Moreover, the review attempts to summarize the details of research till date and proposes a space for future development of BET inhibitor with diminished side effects. It can be concluded that discovery of isoform selective BET inhibitors can be a way forward in order to develop BET inhibitors with negligible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Wahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Namish Manchanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Hemant R Jadhav
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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25
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Wang Q, Xin X, Dai Q, Sun M, Chen J, Mostafavi E, Shen Y, Li X. Medulloblastoma targeted therapy: From signaling pathways heterogeneity and current treatment dilemma to the recent advances in development of therapeutic strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108527. [PMID: 37703952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a major pediatric malignant brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum. MB tumors exhibit highly heterogeneous driven by diverse genetic alterations and could be divided into four major subgroups based on their different biological drivers and molecular features (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), group 3, and group 4 MB). Even though the therapeutic strategies for each MB subtype integrate their pathogenesis and were developed to focus on their specific target sites, the unexpected drug non-selective cytotoxicity, low drug accumulation in the brain, and complexed MB tumor microenvironment still be huge obstacles to achieving satisfied MB therapeutic efficiency. This review discussed the current advances in modern MB therapeutic strategy development. Through the recent advances in knowledge of the origin, molecular pathogenesis of MB subtypes and their current therapeutic barriers, we particularly reviewed the current development in advanced MB therapeutic strategy committed to overcome MB treatment obstacles, focusing on novel signaling pathway targeted therapeutic agents and their combination discovery, advanced drug delivery systems design, and MB immunotherapy strategy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qihao Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Mengjuan Sun
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Yan Shen
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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26
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Arechaga-Ocampo E. Epigenetics as a determinant of radiation response in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:145-190. [PMID: 38359968 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.008] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. Treatment is based on depositing focal radiation to the tumor to inhibit cell growth, proliferation and metastasis, and to promote the death of cancer cells. In addition, radiation also affects non-tumor cells in the tumor microenvironmental (TME). Radiation resistance of the tumor cells is the most common cause of treatment failure, allowing survival of cancer cell and subsequent tumor growing. Molecular radioresistance comprises genetic and epigenetic characteristics inherent in cancer cells, or characteristics acquired after exposure to radiation. Furthermore, cancer stem cells (CSCs) and non-tumor cells into the TME as stromal and immune cells have a role in promoting and maintaining radioresistant tumor phenotypes. Different regulatory molecules and pathways distinctive of radiation resistance include DNA repair, survival signaling and cell death pathways. Epigenetic mechanisms are one of the most relevant events that occur after radiotherapy to regulate the expression and function of key genes and proteins in the differential radiation-response. This article reviews recent data on the main molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to the biological response to radiotherapy in cancer; highlighting the epigenetic control exerted by DNA methylation, histone marks, chromatin remodeling and m6A RNA methylation on gene expression and activation of signaling pathways related to radiation therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Arechaga-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico.
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27
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Oh DH, Ma X, Hogg SJ, He J, Kearney C, Brasacchio D, Susanto O, Maher B, Jennings IG, Newbold A, Fraser P, Gruber E, Kats LM, Gregory GP, Johnstone RW, Thompson PE, Shortt J. Rationally designed chimeric PI3K-BET bromodomain inhibitors elicit curative responses in MYC-driven lymphoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306414120. [PMID: 37643213 PMCID: PMC10483632 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306414120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibitors of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET)-bromodomains and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling demonstrate potent but self-limited antilymphoma activity as single agents in the context of cellular Myelocytomatosis (cMYC) oncogene-dysregulation. However, combined PI3K and BET inhibition imparts synergistic anticancer activity with the potential for more sustained disease responses due to the mutual antagonism of compensatory epigenetic and signaling networks. Here, we describe the mechanistic and therapeutic validation of rationally designed dual PI3K/BET bromodomain inhibitors, built by linkage of established PI3K and BET inhibitor pharmacophores. The lead candidate demonstrates high selectivity, nanomolar range cellular potency, and compelling in vivo efficacy, including curative responses in the aggressive Eµ-Myc lymphoma model. These studies further support the therapeutic strategy of combined PI3K and BET inhibition and provide a potential step-change in approach to orthogonal MYC antagonism using optimized chimeric small-molecule technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle H. Oh
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Monash Haematology, Monash Health, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Xiao Ma
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, ParkvilleVIC3052, Australia
- Department of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Simon J. Hogg
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Oncology Discovery Research, Abbvie, South San Francisco, CA94080
| | - Jackson He
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, ParkvilleVIC3052, Australia
| | - Conor Kearney
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, HeidelbergVIC3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, HeidelbergVIC3084, Australia
| | - Daniella Brasacchio
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
| | - Olivia Susanto
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
| | - Belinda Maher
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
| | - Ian G. Jennings
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, ParkvilleVIC3052, Australia
| | - Andrea Newbold
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Peter Fraser
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Emily Gruber
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Lev M. Kats
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Gareth P. Gregory
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Monash Haematology, Monash Health, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Ricky W. Johnstone
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
| | - Philip E. Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, ParkvilleVIC3052, Australia
| | - Jake Shortt
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Monash Haematology, Monash Health, MelbourneVIC3168, Australia
- Cancer Biology Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC3000, Australia
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House IG, Derrick EB, Sek K, Chen AXY, Li J, Lai J, Todd KL, Munoz I, Michie J, Chan CW, Huang YK, Chan JD, Petley EV, Tong J, Nguyen D, Engel S, Savas P, Hogg SJ, Vervoort SJ, Kearney CJ, Burr ML, Lam EYN, Gilan O, Bedoui S, Johnstone RW, Dawson MA, Loi S, Darcy PK, Beavis PA. CRISPR-Cas9 screening identifies an IRF1-SOCS1-mediated negative feedback loop that limits CXCL9 expression and antitumor immunity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113014. [PMID: 37605534 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113014] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CXCL9 expression is a strong predictor of response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Accordingly, we sought to develop therapeutic strategies to enhance the expression of CXCL9 and augment antitumor immunity. To perform whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 screening for regulators of CXCL9 expression, a CXCL9-GFP reporter line is generated using a CRISPR knockin strategy. This approach finds that IRF1 limits CXCL9 expression in both tumor cells and primary myeloid cells through induction of SOCS1, which subsequently limits STAT1 signaling. Thus, we identify a subset of STAT1-dependent genes that do not require IRF1 for their transcription, including CXCL9. Targeting of either IRF1 or SOCS1 potently enhances CXCL9 expression by intratumoral macrophages, which is further enhanced in the context of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. We hence show a non-canonical role for IRF1 in limiting the expression of a subset of STAT1-dependent genes through induction of SOCS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran G House
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Emily B Derrick
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kevin Sek
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Amanda X Y Chen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jasmine Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kirsten L Todd
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Isabelle Munoz
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica Michie
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Cheok Weng Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Yu-Kuan Huang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jack D Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Emma V Petley
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Junming Tong
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - DatMinh Nguyen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sven Engel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Savas
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon J Hogg
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Conor J Kearney
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marian L Burr
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Enid Y N Lam
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Omer Gilan
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sammy Bedoui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Sherene Loi
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Paul A Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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29
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Romeo MA, Gilardini Montani MS, Santarelli R, Benedetti R, Arena A, Cirone M. Acetylation increases expression, interaction with TRAPPC4 and surface localization of PD-L1. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:152. [PMID: 37603071 PMCID: PMC10442048 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00766-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, whose surface expression may be exploited by cancer cells to escape T cell-mediated immune recognition. PD-L1 expression and nuclear localization can be affected by epigenetic modifications, such as acetylation. In this study, we showed that VPA, a class I/IIa HDAC inhibitor, upregulated PD-L1 expression on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells. To this effect contributed the increased transcription, in correlation with histone acetylation of the PD-L1 gene and the acetylation of PD-L1 protein, which led to an increased interaction with TRAPPC4, molecule involved in PD-L1 recycling to the cell membrane. Interestingly, the BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1, counteracted PD-L1 transcription and reduced its surface expression, suggesting that such a combination could improve the outcome of VPA treatment, also because it increased the cytotoxic effect of VPA. Also considering that this HDACi did not upregulate PD-L2 and that the supernatant of VPA-treated cancer cells did not increase PD-L1 expression on the surface of macrophages exposed to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Santarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Tao H, Zhong X, Zeng A, Song L. Unveiling the veil of lactate in tumor-associated macrophages: a successful strategy for immunometabolic therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208870. [PMID: 37564659 PMCID: PMC10411982 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactate, traditionally regarded as a metabolic waste product at the terminal of the glycolysis process, has recently been found to have multifaceted functional roles in metabolism and beyond. A metabolic reprogramming phenomenon commonly seen in tumor cells, known as the "Warburg effect," sees high levels of aerobic glycolysis result in an excessive production of lactate. This lactate serves as a substrate that sustains not only the survival of cancer cells but also immune cells. However, it also inhibits the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a group of innate immune cells ubiquitously present in solid tumors, thereby facilitating the immune evasion of malignant tumor cells. Characterized by their high plasticity, TAMs are generally divided into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the pro-tumour M2 phenotype. Through a process of 'education' by lactate, TAMs tend to adopt an immunosuppressive phenotype and collaborate with tumor cells to promote angiogenesis. Additionally, there is growing evidence linking metabolic reprogramming with epigenetic modifications, suggesting the participation of histone modification in diverse cellular events within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we delve into recent discoveries concerning lactate metabolism in tumors, with a particular focus on the impact of lactate on the function of TAMs. We aim to consolidate the molecular mechanisms underlying lactate-induced TAM polarization and angiogenesis and explore the lactate-mediated crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells. Finally, we also touch upon the latest progress in immunometabolic therapies and drug delivery strategies targeting glycolysis and lactate production, offering new perspectives for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuansheng Zhong
- Clinical Medicine Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Anqi Zeng
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology and Clinical Application, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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31
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Lin Q, Wang X, Hu Y. The opportunities and challenges in immunotherapy: Insights from the regulation of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023:216318. [PMID: 37454966 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive molecule programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is frequently upregulated in human cancers. Binding of PD-L1 to its receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), on activated T cells facilitates cancer cells to evade the host immune system. Antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interaction allowing reactivate cytotoxic T cells to eradicate advanced cancer cells. However, the majority of cancer patients fail to respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies and the molecular mechanisms for this remain poorly understood. Recent studies show that PD-L1 expression level on tumor cells affect the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies. Thus, furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells will be critical to improve clinical response rates and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 immune therapies. Here we review recent studies, primarily focusing on the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and protein level, with the purpose to drive the development of more targeted and effective anti-PD-1/PD-L1 cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Xingwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Ying Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China.
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32
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Wang C, Yuan X, Xue J. Targeted therapy for rare lung cancers: Status, challenges, and prospects. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1960-1978. [PMID: 37179456 PMCID: PMC10362419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.007] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, molecular and immunohistochemical techniques have rapidly developed, further inaugurating an era of personalized medicine for lung cancer. The rare subset of lung cancers accounts for approximately 10%, each displaying distinct clinical characteristics. Treatments for rare lung cancers are mainly based on evidence from common counterparts, which may lead to unsolid clinical benefits considering intertumoral heterogeneity. The increasing knowledge of molecular profiling of rare lung cancers has made targeting genetic alterations and immune checkpoints a powerful strategy. Additionally, cellular therapy has emerged as a promising way to target tumor cells. In this review, we first discuss the current status of targeted therapy and preclinical models for rare lung cancers, as well as provide mutational profiles by integrating the results of existing cohorts. Finally, we point out the challenges and future directions for developing targeted agents for rare lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsen Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Olson BM, Chaudagar K, Bao R, Saha SS, Hong C, Li M, Rameshbabu S, Chen R, Thomas A, Patnaik A. BET Inhibition Sensitizes Immunologically Cold Rb-Deficient Prostate Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:751-764. [PMID: 37014264 PMCID: PMC10239341 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0369] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Non-T-cell-inflamed immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironments (TME) are associated with poor responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and can be sculpted by tumor cell genomics. Here, we evaluated how retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor-suppressor loss-of-function (LOF), one of the most frequent alterations in human cancer and associated with lineage plasticity, poor prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes, alters the TME, and whether therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular consequences of Rb loss enhance ICB efficacy. We performed bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the impact of endogenous Rb LOF on the immune TME in human primary and metastatic tumors. Next, we used isogenic murine models of Rb-deficient prostate cancer for in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies to examine how Rb loss and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibition (BETi) reprograms the immune landscape, and evaluated in vivo therapeutic efficacy of BETi, singly and in combination with ICB and androgen deprivation therapy. Rb loss was enriched in non-T-cell-inflamed tumors, and Rb-deficient murine tumors demonstrated decreased immune infiltration in vivo. The BETi JQ1 increased immune infiltration into the TME through enhanced tumor cell STING/NF-κB activation and type I IFN signaling within tumor cells, resulting in differential macrophage and T-cell-mediated tumor growth inhibition and sensitization of Rb-deficient prostate cancer to ICB. BETi can reprogram the immunologically cold Rb-deficient TME via STING/NF-κB/IFN signaling to sensitize Rb-deficient prostate cancer to ICB. These data provide the mechanistic rationale to test combinations of BETi and ICB in clinical trials of Rb-deficient prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Olson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology; Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kiranj Chaudagar
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Riyue Bao
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Cancer Bioinformatics Services, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sweta Sharma Saha
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Hong
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology; Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marguerite Li
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology; Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Srikrishnan Rameshbabu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Raymond Chen
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Alison Thomas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology; Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Akash Patnaik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Yang J, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Yu X, Shi S. Epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:210. [PMID: 37217462 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades, researchers have focused on the epigenetic control of DNA-templated processes. Histone modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, RNA modification, and noncoding RNAs modulate many biological processes that are crucial to the development of cancers. Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programs. A growing body of evidence suggests that the mechanisms of epigenetic modification are dysregulated in human cancers and might be excellent targets for tumor treatment. Epigenetics has also been shown to influence tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses. Thus, the development and application of epigenetic therapy and cancer immunotherapy and their combinations may have important implications for cancer treatment. Here, we present an up-to-date and thorough description of how epigenetic modifications in tumor cells influence immune cell responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and how epigenetics influence immune cells internally to modify the TME. Additionally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer immunotherapy. Harnessing the complex interplay between epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop therapeutics that combine thereof is challenging but could yield significant benefits. The purpose of this review is to assist researchers in understanding how epigenetics impact immune responses in the TME, so that better cancer immunotherapies can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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35
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Zhao Y, Qu Y, Hao C, Yao W. PD-1/PD-L1 axis in organ fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145682. [PMID: 37275876 PMCID: PMC10235450 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145682] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological tissue repair activity in which many myofibroblasts are activated and extracellular matrix are excessively accumulated, leading to the formation of permanent scars and finally organ failure. A variety of organs, including the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, can undergo fibrosis under the stimulation of various exogenous or endogenous pathogenic factors. At present, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is still not fully elucidated, but it is known that the immune system plays a key role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. Immune checkpoint molecules are key regulators to maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis, among which the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis has attracted much attention. The exciting achievements of tumor immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 provide new insights into its use as a therapeutic target for other diseases. In recent years, the role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in fibrosis has been preliminarily explored, further confirming the close relationship among PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, immune regulation, and fibrosis. This review discusses the structure, expression, function, and regulatory mechanism of PD-1 and PD-L1, and summarizes the research progress of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wu Yao
- *Correspondence: Wu Yao, ; Changfu Hao,
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36
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Ivanov D, Milosevic Feenstra JD, Sadovnik I, Herrmann H, Peter B, Willmann M, Greiner G, Slavnitsch K, Hadzijusufovic E, Rülicke T, Dahlhoff M, Hoermann G, Machherndl‐Spandl S, Eisenwort G, Fillitz M, Sliwa T, Krauth M, Bettelheim P, Sperr WR, Koller E, Pfeilstöcker M, Gisslinger H, Keil F, Kralovics R, Valent P. Phenotypic characterization of disease-initiating stem cells in JAK2- or CALR-mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:770-783. [PMID: 36814396 PMCID: PMC10952374 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are characterized by uncontrolled expansion of myeloid cells, disease-related mutations in certain driver-genes including JAK2, CALR, and MPL, and a substantial risk to progress to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). Although behaving as stem cell neoplasms, little is known about disease-initiating stem cells in MPN. We established the phenotype of putative CD34+ /CD38- stem cells and CD34+ /CD38+ progenitor cells in MPN. A total of 111 patients with MPN suffering from polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were examined. In almost all patients tested, CD34+ /CD38- stem cells expressed CD33, CD44, CD47, CD52, CD97, CD99, CD105, CD117, CD123, CD133, CD184, CD243, and CD274 (PD-L1). In patients with PMF, MPN stem cells often expressed CD25 and sometimes also CD26 in an aberrant manner. MPN stem cells did not exhibit substantial amounts of CD90, CD273 (PD-L2), CD279 (PD-1), CD366 (TIM-3), CD371 (CLL-1), or IL-1RAP. The phenotype of CD34+ /CD38- stem cells did not change profoundly during progression to sAML. The disease-initiating capacity of putative MPN stem cells was confirmed in NSGS mice. Whereas CD34+ /CD38- MPN cells engrafted in NSGS mice, no substantial engraftment was produced by CD34+ /CD38+ or CD34- cells. The JAK2-targeting drug fedratinib and the BRD4 degrader dBET6 induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in MPN stem cells. Together, MPN stem cells display a unique phenotype, including cytokine receptors, immune checkpoint molecules, and other clinically relevant target antigens. Phenotypic characterization of neoplastic stem cells in MPN and sAML should facilitate their enrichment and the development of stem cell-eradicating (curative) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ivanov
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Irina Sadovnik
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Harald Herrmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Radiation OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Peter
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Willmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department for Companion Animals, Clinical Unit for Internal MedicineUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic LaboratoriesViennaAustria
| | - Katharina Slavnitsch
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department for Companion Animals, Clinical Unit for Internal MedicineUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- MLL Munich Leukemia LaboratoryMunichGermany
| | - Sigrid Machherndl‐Spandl
- Hospital Ordensklinikum Elisabethinen LinzLinzAustria
- Johannes Kepler University, Medical FacultyLinzAustria
| | - Gregor Eisenwort
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Fillitz
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thamer Sliwa
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maria‐Theresa Krauth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Wolfgang R. Sperr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Elisabeth Koller
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Pfeilstöcker
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Heinz Gisslinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Felix Keil
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and OncologyHanusch Hospital ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Robert Kralovics
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and HemostaseologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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37
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Liu D, Li K, Gong L, Fu L, Yang D. Charge reversal yolk-shell liposome co-loaded JQ1 and doxorubicin with high drug loading and optimal ratio for synergistically enhanced tumor chemo-immunotherapy via blockade PD-L1 pathway. Int J Pharm 2023; 635:122728. [PMID: 36796659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Antitumor immunotherapy has become a powerful therapeutic modality to identify and kill various malignant tumors by harnessing the immune system. However, it is hampered by the immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor immunogenicity in malignant tumors. Herein, in order to achieve multi-loading of drugs with different pharmacokinetic properties and targets, a charge reversal yolk-shell liposome co-loaded with JQ1 and doxorubicin (DOX) into the poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) yolk and the lumen of the liposome respectively was engineered to increase hydrophobic drug loading capacity and stability under physiological conditions and further enhance tumor chemotherapy via blockade programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway. This nanoplatform could release less JQ1 compared to traditional liposomes to avoid drug leakage under physiological conditions due to the protection of liposomes on JQ1 loaded PLGA nanoparticles while the release of JQ1 increased in an acidic environment. In the tumor microenvironment, released DOX promoted immunogenic cell death (ICD), and JQ1 blocked the PD-L1 pathway to strengthen chemo-immunotherapy. The in vivo antitumor results demonstrated the collaborative treatment of DOX and JQ1 in B16-F10 tumor-bearing mice models with minimized systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the orchestrated yolk-shell nanoparticle system could enhance the ICD effect, caspase 3 activation, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration while inhibiting PD-L1 expression, provoking a strong antitumor effect, whereas yolk-shell liposomes encapsulating only JQ1 or DOX showed modest tumor therapeutic effects. Hence, the cooperative yolk-shell liposome strategy provides a potential candidate for enhancement of hydrophobic drug loading and stability, showing potential for clinic application and synergistic cancer chemo-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dechun Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127, West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China.
| | - Kunwei Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127, West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Linlin Gong
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127, West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Luyao Fu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127, West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Weiyang University Park, Xi'an 710021, China
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38
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Alvanou M, Lysandrou M, Christophi P, Psatha N, Spyridonidis A, Papadopoulou A, Yannaki E. Empowering the Potential of CAR-T Cell Immunotherapies by Epigenetic Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071935. [PMID: 37046597 PMCID: PMC10093039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell-based, personalized immunotherapy can nowadays be considered the mainstream treatment for certain blood cancers, with a high potential for expanding indications. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), an ex vivo genetically modified T-cell therapy product redirected to target an antigen of interest, have achieved unforeseen successes in patients with B-cell hematologic malignancies. Frequently, however, CAR-T cell therapies fail to provide durable responses while they have met with only limited success in treating solid cancers because unique, unaddressed challenges, including poor persistence, impaired trafficking to the tumor, and site penetration through a hostile microenvironment, impede their efficacy. Increasing evidence suggests that CAR-Ts' in vivo performance is associated with T-cell intrinsic features that may be epigenetically altered or dysregulated. In this review, we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on T-cell differentiation, exhaustion, and tumor infiltration and discuss how epigenetic reprogramming may enhance CAR-Ts' memory phenotype, trafficking, and fitness, contributing to the development of a new generation of potent CAR-T immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alvanou
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Memnon Lysandrou
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Panayota Christophi
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Psatha
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Spyridonidis
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Anastasia Papadopoulou
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2100, USA
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39
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Romine KA, MacPherson K, Cho HJ, Kosaka Y, Flynn PA, Byrd KH, Coy JL, Newman MT, Pandita R, Loo CP, Scott J, Adey AC, Lind EF. BET inhibitors rescue anti-PD1 resistance by enhancing TCF7 accessibility in leukemia-derived terminally exhausted CD8 + T cells. Leukemia 2023; 37:580-592. [PMID: 36681742 PMCID: PMC9991923 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Many acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients exhibit hallmarks of immune exhaustion, such as increased myeloid-derived suppressor cells, suppressive regulatory T cells and dysfunctional T cells. Similarly, we have identified the same immune-related features, including exhausted CD8+ T cells (TEx) in a mouse model of AML. Here we show that inhibitors that target bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins affect tumor-intrinsic factors but also rescue T cell exhaustion and ICB resistance. Ex vivo treatment of cells from AML mice and AML patients with BET inhibitors (BETi) reversed CD8+ T cell exhaustion by restoring proliferative capacity and expansion of the more functional precursor-exhausted T cells. This reversal was enhanced by combined BETi and anti-PD1 treatment. BETi synergized with anti-PD1 in vivo, resulting in the reduction of circulating leukemia cells, enrichment of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow, and increase in expression of Tcf7, Slamf6, and Cxcr5 in CD8+ T cells. Finally, we profiled the epigenomes of in vivo JQ1-treated AML-derived CD8+ T cells by single-cell ATAC-seq and found that JQ1 increases Tcf7 accessibility specifically in Tex cells, suggesting that BETi likely acts mechanistically by relieving repression of progenitor programs in Tex CD8+ T cells and maintaining a pool of anti-PD1 responsive CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Romine
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kevin MacPherson
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hyun-Jun Cho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yoko Kosaka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Patrick A Flynn
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kaelan H Byrd
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jesse L Coy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Matthew T Newman
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ravina Pandita
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher P Loo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jaime Scott
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew C Adey
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Center for Early Detection Advanced Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Evan F Lind
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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40
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Akce M, El-Rayes BF, Wajapeyee N. Combinatorial targeting of immune checkpoints and epigenetic regulators for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1051-1057. [PMID: 36854723 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The five-year survival rate of patients with unresectable HCC is about 12%. The liver tumor microenvironment (TME) is immune tolerant and heavily infiltrated with immunosuppressive cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in some cases, can reverse tumor cell immune evasion and enhance antitumor immunity. Rapidly evolving ICIs have expanded systemic treatment options in advanced HCC; however, single-agent ICIs achieve a limited 15-20% objective response rate in advanced HCC. Therefore, other combinatorial approaches that amplify the efficacy of ICIs or suppress other tumor-promoting pathways may enhance clinical outcomes. Epigenetic alterations (e.g., changes in chromatin states and non-genetic DNA modifications) have been shown to drive HCC tumor growth and progression as well as their response to ICIs. Recent studies have combined ICIs and epigenetic inhibitors in preclinical and clinical settings to contain several cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline current ICI treatments for HCC, the mechanism behind their successes and failures, and how ICIs can be combined with distinct epigenetic inhibitors to increase the durability of ICIs and potentially treat "immune-cold" HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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41
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Chen J, Li M, Lu H. Nuclear protein in testis carcinoma of the lung. Transl Oncol 2023; 30:101640. [PMID: 36780749 PMCID: PMC9947104 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a kind of highly aggressive and fatal solid tumor characterized by a rearrangement of the NUT carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene located on chromosome 15 q l4, where the most common form of fusion is BRD4-NUT. NUT carcinoma occurred in different organs and was most commonly found in the midline organs and the lungs. NUT carcinoma can occur in patients of almost all ages, having a roughly consistent incidence in both sexes. Most of the patients were diagnosed in advanced stages with an extremely poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatment. After years of research, the mechanism of NUT carcinoma is still not fully clear, and its therapeutic approaches need to be further studied and explored. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of NUT carcinoma and explore the effective treatments, this review aimed to summarize the clinical features, pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, P.R. China
| | - Meihui Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, P.R. China
| | - Hongyang Lu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China; Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China.
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42
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Gao K, Shi Q, Gu Y, Yang W, He Y, Lv Z, Ding Y, Cao W, Wang C, Wan X. SPOP mutations promote tumor immune escape in endometrial cancer via the IRF1-PD-L1 axis. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:475-487. [PMID: 36481790 PMCID: PMC9950446 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) has evolved into one of the most promising immunotherapy strategies for cancer patients. Tumor cells frequently overexpress PD-L1 to evade T cell-mediated immune surveillance. However, the specific genetic alterations that drive aberrant overexpression of PD-L1 in cancer cells remain poorly understood. The gene encoding the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate-binding adaptor SPOP is frequently mutated in endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we report that SPOP negatively regulates PD-L1 expression at the transcriptional level. Wild-type SPOP binds to IRF1, a primary transcription factor responsible for the inducible expression of PD-L1, and subsequently triggers its ubiquitin- proteasomal degradation to suppress IRF1-mediated transcriptional upregulation of PD-L1. In contrast, EC-associated SPOP mutants lose their capacity to degrade IRF1 but stabilize IRF1, and upregulate PD-L1 expression. EC-associated SPOP mutations accelerate xenograft tumor growth partially by increasing IRF1 and PD-L1 expression. Together, we identify SPOP as a negative regulator of the IRF1-PD-L1 axis and characterize the critical roles of IRF1 and PD-L1 in SPOP mutation-driven tumor immune evasion in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Qing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ye Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wanqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yuanlong He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zeheng Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenxin Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chenji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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43
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Moon Y, Jeon SI, Shim MK, Kim K. Cancer-Specific Delivery of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020411. [PMID: 36839734 PMCID: PMC9965039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rapidly emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy by inducing the degradation of tumor-overexpressing oncogenic proteins. They can specifically catalyze the degradation of target oncogenic proteins by recruiting E3 ligases and utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Since their mode of action is universal, irreversible, recyclable, long-lasting, and applicable to 'undruggable' proteins, PROTACs are gradually replacing the role of conventional small molecular inhibitors. Moreover, their application areas are being expanded to cancer immunotherapy as various types of oncogenic proteins that are involved in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. However, poor water solubility and low cell permeability considerably restrict the pharmacokinetic (PK) property, which necessitates the use of appropriate delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the general characteristics, developmental status, and PK of PROTACs are first briefly covered. Next, recent studies on the application of various types of passive or active targeting delivery systems for PROTACs are introduced, and their effects on the PK and tumor-targeting ability of PROTACs are described. Finally, recent drug delivery systems of PROTACs for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The adoption of an adequate delivery system for PROTAC is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PROTACs, as well as improve its efficacy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujeong Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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44
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Fan R, Deng A, Qi B, Zhang S, Sang R, Luo L, Gou J, Liu Y, Lin R, Zhao M, Liu Y, Yang L, Cheng M, Wei G. CJ2: A Novel Potent Platinum(IV) Prodrug Enhances Chemo-Immunotherapy by Facilitating PD-L1 Degradation in the Cytoplasm and Cytomembrane. J Med Chem 2023; 66:875-889. [PMID: 36594812 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Platinum drugs as primary chemotherapy drugs have been applied to various cancer patients. However, their therapeutic applicability is limited due to the adverse effects and immunosuppression. To minimize the side effects and boost the immune response, we designed and synthesized platinum(IV) prodrugs that introduced BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1. Among them, CJ2 had the most potent therapeutic activity and less toxicity. With the introduction of ligand JQ-1, CJ2-reduced PD-L1 protein was found in the cytoplasm and cytomembrane for the first time. By interfering with the PD-L1 synthesis, CJ2 could arouse the immune system and promote CD8+ T cell infiltration. Meanwhile, CJ2 could accelerate PD-L1 degradation in the cytoplasm to block DNA damage repair. In vivo, CJ2 markedly suppressed tumor growth by reversing the immunosuppression microenvironment and enhancing DNA damage. These findings provide an effective approach to improve the selectivity and activity of the platinum drugs with elevated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renming Fan
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong518057, P. R. China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710072, P. R. China
| | - Aohua Deng
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong518057, P. R. China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710072, P. R. China
| | - Bing Qi
- Institute of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710038, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxi Sang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong518057, P. R. China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710072, P. R. China
| | - Lanxin Luo
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiakui Gou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, P. R. China
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, P. R. China
| | - Ruizhuo Lin
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong518057, P. R. China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710072, P. R. China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, P. R. China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, P. R. China
| | - Gaofei Wei
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong518057, P. R. China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710072, P. R. China
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45
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Tien FM, Lu HH, Lin SY, Tsai HC. Epigenetic remodeling of the immune landscape in cancer: therapeutic hurdles and opportunities. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:3. [PMID: 36627707 PMCID: PMC9832644 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment represents a sophisticated ecosystem where various immune cell subtypes communicate with cancer cells and stromal cells. The dynamic cellular composition and functional characteristics of the immune landscape along the trajectory of cancer development greatly impact the therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcome in patients receiving systemic antitumor therapy. Mounting evidence has suggested that epigenetic mechanisms are the underpinning of many aspects of antitumor immunity and facilitate immune state transitions during differentiation, activation, inhibition, or dysfunction. Thus, targeting epigenetic modifiers to remodel the immune microenvironment holds great potential as an integral part of anticancer regimens. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic profiles and key epigenetic modifiers in individual immune cell types that define the functional coordinates of tumor permissive and non-permissive immune landscapes. We discuss the immunomodulatory roles of current and prospective epigenetic therapeutic agents, which may open new opportunities in enhancing cancer immunotherapy or overcoming existing therapeutic challenges in the management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ming Tien
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Hsuan Lu
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Center for Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yung Lin
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chen Tsai
- grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Center for Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Jen Ai Road Section 1, Rm542, Taipei, 100233 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100225 Taiwan
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46
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Huang Y. Targeting glycolysis for cancer therapy using drug delivery systems. J Control Release 2023; 353:650-662. [PMID: 36493949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is close crosstalk between cancer metabolism and immunity. Cancer metabolism regulation is a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Warburg effect is characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism that includes common features of increased glucose uptake and lactate production. The aerobic glycolysis can reprogram the cancer cells and promote the formation of a suppressive immune microenvironment. As a case in point, lactate plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, which is the end product of glycolysis as well as serves as a fuel supporting cancer cell survival. Meanwhile, it is also an important immune regulator that drives immunosuppression in tumors. Immunometabolic therapy is to intervene tumor metabolism and regulate the related metabolites that participate in the innate and acquired immunity, thereby reinstalling the immune balance and eliciting anticancer immune responses. In this contribution to the Orations - New Horizons of the Journal of controlled Release I will provide an overview of glucose metabolism in tumors and its effects on drug resistance and tumor metastasis, and present the advance of glycolysis-targeting therapy strategies with drug delivery techniques, as well as discuss the challenges in glycolysis-targeting immunometabolic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhuo Huang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, SIMM, CAS, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Science, China.
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47
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Saadi W, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL, Mena-Molla S. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010184. [PMID: 36612180 PMCID: PMC9819025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, predominantly in the shift towards immunotherapeutic strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the clinical efficacy of many of these inhibitors, the overall response rate remains modest, and immunotherapies for many cancers have proved ineffective, highlighting the importance of knowing the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity of each malignancy in patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention for their ability to control various biological processes by targeting different molecular pathways. Some lncRNAs have a regulatory role in immune checkpoints, suggesting they might be utilized as a target for immune checkpoint treatment. The focus of this review is to describe relevant lncRNAs and their targets and functions to understand key regulatory mechanisms that may contribute in regulating immune checkpoints. We also provide the state of the art on super-enhancers lncRNAs (selncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which have recently been reported as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules within the framework of human cancer. Other feasible mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs and immune checkpoints are also reported, along with the use of miRNAs and circRNAs, in generating new tumor immune microenvironments, which can further help avoid tumor evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
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48
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Regulation of programmed cell death by Brd4. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1059. [PMID: 36539410 PMCID: PMC9767942 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic factor Brd4 has emerged as a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation. Targeted inhibition of Brd4 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis of various cancer cells. In addition to apoptosis, Brd4 has also been shown to regulate several other forms of programmed cell death (PCD), including autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, with different biological outcomes. PCD plays key roles in development and tissue homeostasis by eliminating unnecessary or detrimental cells. Dysregulation of PCD is associated with various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. In this review, we discussed some recent findings on how Brd4 actively regulates different forms of PCD and the therapeutic potentials of targeting Brd4 in PCD-related human diseases. A better understanding of PCD regulation would provide not only new insights into pathophysiological functions of PCD but also provide new avenues for therapy by targeting Brd4-regulated PCD.
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49
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Novel plasma exosome biomarkers for prostate cancer progression in co-morbid metabolic disease. ADVANCES IN CANCER BIOLOGY - METASTASIS 2022; 6:100073. [PMID: 36644690 PMCID: PMC9836031 DOI: 10.1016/j.adcanc.2022.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Comorbid Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a metabolic complication of obesity, associates with worse cancer outcomes for prostate, breast, head and neck, colorectal and several other solid tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence shows that exosomes carry miRNAs in blood that encode the metabolic status of originating tissues and deliver their cargo to target tissues to modulate expression of critical genes. Exosomal communication potentially connects abnormal metabolism to cancer progression. Here, we hypothesized that T2D plasma exosomes induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune checkpoints in prostate cancer cells. We demonstrate that plasma exosomes from subjects with T2D induce EMT features in prostate cancer cells and upregulate the checkpoint genes CD274 and CD155. We demonstrate that specific exosomal miRNAs that are differentially abundant in plasma of T2D adults compared to nondiabetic controls (miR374a-5p, miR-93-5p and let-7b-3p) are delivered to cancer cells, thereby regulating critical target genes. We build on our previous reports showing BRD4 controls migration and dissemination of castration-resistant prostate cancer, and transcription of key EMT genes, to show that T2D exosomes require BRD4 to drive EMT and immune ligand expression. We validate our findings with gene set enrichment analysis of human prostate tumor tissue in TGCA genomic data. These results suggest novel, non-invasive approaches to evaluate and potentially block progression of prostate and other cancers in patients with comorbid T2D.
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50
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Luo J, Liu K, Wang Y, Li H. Divergent roles of PD-L1 in immune regulation during ischemia-reperfusion injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1021452. [PMID: 36479124 PMCID: PMC9720307 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1021452] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a type of pathological injury that commonly arises in various diseases. Various forms of immune response are involved in the process of I/R injury. As a member of the B7 costimulatory molecule family, programmed death 1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important target for immune regulation. Therefore, PD-L1 may be implicated in the regulation of I/R injury. This review briefly describes the immune response during I/R injury and how PD-L1 is involved in its regulation by focusing on findings from various I/R models. Despite the limited number of studies in this field of research, PD-L1 has shown sufficient potential as a clinical therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yong Wang
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Hongge Li,
| | - Hongge Li
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Hongge Li,
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