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Vojnits K, Feng Z, Johnson P, Porras D, Manocha E, Vandersluis S, Pfammatter S, Thibault P, Bhatia M. Targeting of human cancer stem cells predicts efficacy and toxicity of FDA-approved oncology drugs. Cancer Lett 2024; 599:217108. [PMID: 38986735 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217108] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide with approved oncology drugs continuing to have heterogenous patient responses and accompanied adverse effects (AEs) that limits effectiveness. Here, we examined >100 FDA-approved oncology drugs in the context of stemness using a surrogate model of transformed human pluripotent cancer stem cells (CSCs) vs. healthy stem cells (hSCs) capable of distinguishing abnormal self-renewal and differentiation. Although a proportion of these drugs had no effects (inactive), a larger portion affected CSCs (active), and a unique subset preferentially affected CSCs over hSCs (selective). Single cell gene expression and protein profiling of each drug's FDA recognized target provided a molecular correlation of responses in CSCs vs. hSCs. Uniquely, drugs selective for CSCs demonstrated clinical efficacy, measured by overall survival, and reduced AEs. Our findings reveal that while unintentional, half of anticancer drugs are active against CSCs and associated with improved clinical outcomes. Based on these findings, we suggest ability to target CSC targeting should be included as a property of early onco-therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zhuohang Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paige Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Deanna Porras
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ekta Manocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Vandersluis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sibylle Pfammatter
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mick Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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2
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Zhao H, Zhao P, Huang C. Targeted inhibition of SUMOylation: treatment of tumors. Hum Cell 2024; 37:1347-1354. [PMID: 38856883 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01092-9] [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: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
SUMOylation is a dynamic and reversible post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins involved in the regulation of biological processes such as protein homeostasis, DNA repair and cell cycle in normal and tumor cells. In particular, overexpression of SUMOylation components in tumor cells increases the activity of intracellular SUMOylation, protects target proteins against ubiquitination degradation and activation, promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, providing immune evasion and increasing tolerance to chemotherapy and antitumor drugs. However, with the continuous research on SUMOylation and with the continued development of SUMOylation inhibitors, it has been found that tumor initiation and progression can be inhibited by blocking SUMOylation and/or in combination with drugs. SUMOylation is not a bad target when trying to treat tumor. This review introduces SUMOylation cycle pathway and summarizes the role of SUMOylation in tumor initiation and progression and SUMOylation inhibitors and their functions in tumors and provides a prospective view of SUMOylation as a new therapeutic target for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Chao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China.
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3
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Han X, Qin H, Lu Y, Chen H, Yuan Z, Zhang Y, Yang X, Zheng L, Yan S. Post-translational modifications: The potential ways for killing cancer stem cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34015. [PMID: 39092260 PMCID: PMC11292267 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34015] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
While strides in cancer treatment continue to advance, the enduring challenges posed by cancer metastasis and recurrence persist as formidable contributors to the elevated mortality rates observed in cancer patients. Among the multifaceted factors implicated in tumor recurrence and metastasis, cancer stem cells (CSCs) emerge as noteworthy entities due to their inherent resistance to conventional therapies and heightened invasive capacities. Characterized by their notable abilities for self-renewal, differentiation, and initiation of tumorigenesis, the eradication of CSCs emerges as a paramount objective. Recent investigations increasingly emphasize the pivotal role of post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) in governing the self-renewal and replication capabilities of CSCs. This review accentuates the critical significance of several prevalent PTMs and the intricate interplay of PTM crosstalk in regulating CSC behavior. Furthermore, it posits that the manipulation of PTMs may offer a novel avenue for targeting and eliminating CSC populations, presenting a compelling perspective on cancer therapeutics with substantial potential for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang City, 550014, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yu Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhengdong Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xuena Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Simin Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Lachiondo-Ortega S, Rejano-Gordillo CM, Simon J, Lopitz-Otsoa F, C Delgado T, Mazan-Mamczarz K, Goikoetxea-Usandizaga N, Zapata-Pavas LE, García-Del Río A, Guerra P, Peña-Sanfélix P, Hermán-Sánchez N, Al-Abdulla R, Fernandez-Rodríguez C, Azkargorta M, Velázquez-Cruz A, Guyon J, Martín C, Zalamea JD, Egia-Mendikute L, Sanz-Parra A, Serrano-Maciá M, González-Recio I, Gonzalez-Lopez M, Martínez-Cruz LA, Pontisso P, Aransay AM, Barrio R, Sutherland JD, Abrescia NGA, Elortza F, Lujambio A, Banales JM, Luque RM, Gahete MD, Palazón A, Avila MA, G Marin JJ, De S, Daubon T, Díaz-Quintana A, Díaz-Moreno I, Gorospe M, Rodríguez MS, Martínez-Chantar ML. SUMOylation controls Hu antigen R posttranscriptional activity in liver cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113924. [PMID: 38507413 PMCID: PMC11025316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113924] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The posttranslational modification of proteins critically influences many biological processes and is a key mechanism that regulates the function of the RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR), a hub in liver cancer. Here, we show that HuR is SUMOylated in the tumor sections of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in contrast to the surrounding tissue, as well as in human cell line and mouse models of the disease. SUMOylation of HuR promotes major cancer hallmarks, namely proliferation and invasion, whereas the absence of HuR SUMOylation results in a senescent phenotype with dysfunctional mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Mechanistically, SUMOylation induces a structural rearrangement of the RNA recognition motifs that modulates HuR binding affinity to its target RNAs, further modifying the transcriptomic profile toward hepatic tumor progression. Overall, SUMOylation constitutes a mechanism of HuR regulation that could be potentially exploited as a therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lachiondo-Ortega
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Claudia M Rejano-Gordillo
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, University Institute of Biosanitary Research of Extremadura (INUBE), 06071 Badajoz, Spain; Biofisika Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jorge Simon
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Lopitz-Otsoa
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Teresa C Delgado
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naroa Goikoetxea-Usandizaga
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - L Estefanía Zapata-Pavas
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana García-Del Río
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Pietro Guerra
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Patricia Peña-Sanfélix
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Natalia Hermán-Sánchez
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology of University of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ruba Al-Abdulla
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain; Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carmen Fernandez-Rodríguez
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Mikel Azkargorta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Proteomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Carlos III Networked Proteomics Platform (ProteoRed-ISCIII), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Velázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja (cicCartuja), Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joris Guyon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - César Martín
- Biofisika Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Juan Diego Zalamea
- Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leire Egia-Mendikute
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Arantza Sanz-Parra
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Marina Serrano-Maciá
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Irene González-Recio
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Monika Gonzalez-Lopez
- Genome Analysis Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Luis Alfonso Martínez-Cruz
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Ana M Aransay
- Genome Analysis Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rosa Barrio
- Ubiquitin-likes and Development Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - James D Sutherland
- Ubiquitin-likes and Development Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Félix Elortza
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Proteomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Carlos III Networked Proteomics Platform (ProteoRed-ISCIII), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology of University of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel D Gahete
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology of University of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Asís Palazón
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Matias A Avila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose J G Marin
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Supriyo De
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Daubon
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio Díaz-Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja (cicCartuja), Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja (cicCartuja), Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manuel S Rodríguez
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination (LCC), UPR 8241, CNRS; IPBS-University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - María Luz Martínez-Chantar
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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da Silva AM, Yevdokimova V, Benoit YD. Sam68 is a druggable vulnerability point in cancer stem cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:441-456. [PMID: 37792222 PMCID: PMC11016129 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Sam68 (Src associated in mitosis of 68 kDa) is an RNA-binding and multifunctional protein extensively characterized in numerous cellular functions, such as RNA processing, cell cycle regulation, kinase- and growth factor signaling. Recent investigations highlighted Sam68 as a primary target of a class of reverse-turn peptidomimetic drugs, initially developed as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin mediated transcription. Further investigations on such compounds revealed their capacity to selectively eliminate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity upon engaging Sam68. This work highlighted previously unappreciated roles for Sam68 in the maintenance of neoplastic self-renewal and tumor-initiating functions. Here, we discuss the implication of Sam68 in tumorigenesis, where central findings support its contribution to chromatin regulation processes essential to CSCs. We also review advances in CSC-targeting drug discovery aiming to modulate Sam68 cellular distribution and protein-protein interactions. Ultimately, Sam68 constitutes a vulnerability point of CSCs and an attractive therapeutic target to impede neoplastic stemness in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Veronika Yevdokimova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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6
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Bergin CJ, Zouggar A, Mendes da Silva A, Fenouil T, Haebe JR, Masibag AN, Agrawal G, Shah MS, Sandouka T, Tiberi M, Auer RC, Ardolino M, Benoit YD. The dopamine transporter antagonist vanoxerine inhibits G9a and suppresses cancer stem cell functions in colon tumors. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:463-480. [PMID: 38351181 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00727-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), functionally characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating activity, contribute to decreased tumor immunogenicity, while fostering tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting G9a histone methyltransferase (HMTase) effectively blocks CSC functions in colorectal tumors by altering pluripotent-like molecular networks; however, existing molecules directly targeting G9a HMTase activity failed to reach clinical stages due to safety concerns. Using a stem cell-based phenotypic drug-screening pipeline, we identified the dopamine transporter (DAT) antagonist vanoxerine, a compound with previously demonstrated clinical safety, as a cancer-specific downregulator of G9a expression. Here we show that gene silencing and chemical antagonism of DAT impede colorectal CSC functions by repressing G9a expression. Antagonizing DAT also enhanced tumor lymphocytic infiltration by activating endogenous transposable elements and type-I interferon response. Our study unveils the direct implication of the DAT-G9a axis in the maintenance of CSC populations and an approach to improve antitumor immune response in colon tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Bergin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aïcha Zouggar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tanguy Fenouil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Institut de Pathologie Multisite des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Site Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Bron, France
| | - Joshua R Haebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelique N Masibag
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gautam Agrawal
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad S Shah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamara Sandouka
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Tiberi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca C Auer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Gabellier L, De Toledo M, Chakraborty M, Akl D, Hallal R, Aqrouq M, Buonocore G, Recasens-Zorzo C, Cartron G, Delort A, Piechaczyk M, Tempé D, Bossis G. SUMOylation inhibitor TAK-981 (subasumstat) synergizes with 5-azacytidine in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:98-114. [PMID: 37608777 PMCID: PMC10772526 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are severe hematomalignancies with dismal prognosis. The post-translational modification SUMOylation plays key roles in leukemogenesis and AML response to therapies. Here, we show that TAK-981 (subasumstat), a first-in-class SUMOylation inhibitor, is endowed with potent anti-leukemic activity in various preclinical models of AML. TAK-981 targets AML cell lines and patient blast cells in vitro and in vivo in xenografted mice with minimal toxicity on normal hematopoietic cells. Moreover, it synergizes with 5-azacytidine (AZA), a DNA-hypomethylating agent now used in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax to treat AML patients unfit for standard chemotherapies. Interestingly, TAK-981+AZA combination shows higher anti-leukemic activity than AZA+venetoclax combination both in vitro and in vivo, at least in the models tested. Mechanistically, TAK-981 potentiates the transcriptional reprogramming induced by AZA, promoting apoptosis, alteration of the cell cycle and differentiation of the leukemic cells. In addition, TAK-981+AZA treatment induces many genes linked to inflammation and immune response pathways. In particular, this leads to the secretion of type-I interferon by AML cells. Finally, TAK-981+AZA induces the expression of natural killer-activating ligands (MICA/B) and adhesion proteins (ICAM-1) at the surface of AML cells. Consistently, TAK-981+AZA-treated AML cells activate natural killer cells and increase their cytotoxic activity. Targeting SUMOylation with TAK-981 may thus be a promising strategy to both sensitize AML cells to AZA and reduce their immune-escape capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Gabellier
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091 Montpellier
| | | | | | - Dana Akl
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier
| | | | | | | | | | - Guillaume Cartron
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091 Montpellier
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8
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Rérolle D, de Thé H. The PML hub: An emerging actor of leukemia therapies. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20221213. [PMID: 37382966 PMCID: PMC10309189 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PML assembles into nuclear domains that have attracted considerable attention from cell and cancer biologists. Upon stress, PML nuclear bodies modulate sumoylation and other post-translational modifications, providing an integrated molecular framework for the multiple roles of PML in apoptosis, senescence, or metabolism. PML is both a sensor and an effector of oxidative stress. Emerging data has demonstrated its key role in promoting therapy response in several hematological malignancies. While these membrane-less nuclear hubs can enforce efficient cancer cell clearance, their downstream pathways deserve better characterization. PML NBs are druggable and their known modulators may have broader clinical utilities than initially thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domitille Rérolle
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Inserm, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U944, CNRS, GenCellDis, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Hugues de Thé
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Inserm, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U944, CNRS, GenCellDis, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
- Chaire d'Oncologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Collège de France, Paris, France
- Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital St. Louis, Paris, France
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9
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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10
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Cook MA, Pallant D, Ejim L, Sutherland AD, Wang X, Johnson JW, McCusker S, Chen X, George M, Chou S, Koteva K, Wang W, Hobson C, Hackenberger D, Waglechner N, Ejim O, Campbell T, Medina R, MacNeil LT, Wright GD. Lessons from assembling a microbial natural product and pre-fractionated extract library in an academic laboratory. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad042. [PMID: 38052426 PMCID: PMC10724011 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad042] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial natural products are specialized metabolites that are sources of many bioactive compounds including antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, anticancer agents, and probes of biology. The assembly of libraries of producers of natural products has traditionally been the province of the pharmaceutical industry. This sector has gathered significant historical collections of bacteria and fungi to identify new drug leads with outstanding outcomes-upwards of 60% of drug scaffolds originate from such libraries. Despite this success, the repeated rediscovery of known compounds and the resultant diminishing chemical novelty contributed to a pivot from this source of bioactive compounds toward more tractable synthetic compounds in the drug industry. The advent of advanced mass spectrometry tools, along with rapid whole genome sequencing and in silico identification of biosynthetic gene clusters that encode the machinery necessary for the synthesis of specialized metabolites, offers the opportunity to revisit microbial natural product libraries with renewed vigor. Assembling a suitable library of microbes and extracts for screening requires the investment of resources and the development of methods that have customarily been the proprietary purview of large pharmaceutical companies. Here, we report a perspective on our efforts to assemble a library of natural product-producing microbes and the establishment of methods to extract and fractionate bioactive compounds using resources available to most academic labs. We validate the library and approach through a series of screens for antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. This work serves as a blueprint for establishing libraries of microbial natural product producers and bioactive extract fractions suitable for screens of bioactive compounds. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY Natural products are key to discovery of novel antimicrobial agents: Here, we describe our experience and lessons learned in constructing a microbial natural product and pre-fractionated extract library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cook
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Daniel Pallant
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Linda Ejim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Arlene D Sutherland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jarrod W Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Susan McCusker
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Xuefei Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Maya George
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sommer Chou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kalinka Koteva
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Wenliang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Christian Hobson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Dirk Hackenberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Nicholas Waglechner
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Obi Ejim
- College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State, PMB 01660, Nigeria
| | - Tracey Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ricardo Medina
- Department of Microbiology, Chemical Bioactive Center, Central University Marta Abreu de las Villas, Santa Clara 54830, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Gerard D Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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11
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Zhu Q, Liang P, Chu C, Zhang A, Zhou W. Protein sumoylation in normal and cancer stem cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1095142. [PMID: 36601585 PMCID: PMC9806136 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1095142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells with the capacity of self-renewal and differentiation play pivotal roles in normal tissues and malignant tumors. Whereas stem cells are supposed to be genetically identical to their non-stem cell counterparts, cell stemness is deliberately regulated by a dynamic network of molecular mechanisms. Reversible post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) are rapid and reversible non-genetic processes that regulate essentially all physiological and pathological process. Numerous studies have reported the involvement of post-translational protein modifications in the acquirement and maintenance of cell stemness. Recent studies underscore the importance of protein sumoylation, i.e., the covalent attachment of the small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO), as a critical post-translational protein modification in the stem cell populations in development and tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the functions of protein sumoylation in different kinds of normal and cancer stem cells. In addition, we describe the upstream regulators and the downstream effectors of protein sumoylation associated with cell stemness. We also introduce the translational studies aiming at sumoylation to target stem cells for disease treatment. Finally, we propose future directions for sumoylation studies in stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Zhu
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Panpan Liang
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cuiying Chu
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Aili Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Aili Zhang, ; Wenchao Zhou,
| | - Wenchao Zhou
- Intelligent Pathology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Aili Zhang, ; Wenchao Zhou,
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12
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García-Gutiérrez P, García-Domínguez M. SUMO control of nervous system development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:203-212. [PMID: 34848148 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, the post-translational modification system by covalent attachment of the SUMO polypeptide to proteins has emerged as an essential mechanism controlling virtually all the physiological processes in the eukaryotic cell. This includes vertebrate development. In the nervous system, SUMO plays crucial roles in synapse establishment and it has also been linked to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. However, to date, the involvement of the modification of specific targets in key aspects of nervous system development, like patterning and differentiation, has remained largely elusive. A number of recent works confirm the participation of target-specific SUMO modification in critical aspects of nervous system development. Here, we review pioneering and new findings demonstrating the essential role SUMO plays in neurogenesis and other facets of neurodevelopment, which will help to precisely understand the variety of mechanisms SUMO utilizes to control most fundamental processes in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo García-Gutiérrez
- Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Av. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Mario García-Domínguez
- Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Av. Américo Vespucio 24, 41092 Seville, Spain.
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13
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Vertegaal ACO. Signalling mechanisms and cellular functions of SUMO. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:715-731. [PMID: 35750927 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sumoylation is an essential post-translational modification that is catalysed by a small number of modifying enzymes but regulates thousands of target proteins in a dynamic manner. Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) can be attached to target proteins as one or more monomers or in the form of polymers of different types. Non-covalent readers recognize SUMO-modified proteins via SUMO interaction motifs. SUMO simultaneously modifies groups of functionally related proteins to regulate predominantly nuclear processes, including gene expression, the DNA damage response, RNA processing, cell cycle progression and proteostasis. Recent progress has increased our understanding of the cellular and pathophysiological roles of SUMO modifications, extending their functions to the regulation of immunity, pluripotency and nuclear body assembly in response to oxidative stress, which partly occurs through the recently characterized mechanism of liquid-liquid phase separation. Such progress in understanding the roles and regulation of sumoylation opens new avenues for the targeting of SUMO to treat disease, and indeed the first drug blocking sumoylation is currently under investigation in clinical trials as a possible anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred C O Vertegaal
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
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14
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Bergin CJ, Benoit YD. Protocol for serial organoid formation assay using primary colorectal cancer tissues to evaluate cancer stem cell activity. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101218. [PMID: 35265864 PMCID: PMC8899043 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids can enable the study of solid tumors initiated from a single cancer stem cell (CSC) ex vivo. We describe a serial tumor organoid plating protocol using primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues as a rapid and cost-efficient approach to evaluate the impact of therapeutic interventions on CSC functions. We detail the isolation of primary colorectal CSCs, organoid embedding, serial passaging, and CSC-related analytical techniques. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Masibag et al. (2021) and Bergin et al. (2021). Rapid and cost-efficient assessment of tumor-initiating cell activity ex vivo Preclinical tool evaluating the impact of drugs on cancer stem cell populations Describes cancer stem cell enrichment and culture from primary colon tumor tissues Compatible with complementary quantitative protocols to study tumor heterogeneity
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Bergin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Corresponding author
| | - Yannick D. Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Corresponding author
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15
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Masibag AN, Bergin CJ, Haebe JR, Zouggar A, Shah MS, Sandouka T, Mendes da Silva A, Desrochers FM, Fournier-Morin A, Benoit YD. Pharmacological targeting of Sam68 functions in colorectal cancer stem cells. iScience 2021; 24:103442. [PMID: 34877499 PMCID: PMC8633986 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are documented to play a key role in tumorigenesis and therapy resistance. Despite significant progress in clinical oncology, CSC reservoirs remain elusive and difficult to eliminate. Reverse-turn peptidomimetics were characterized as disruptors of CBP/beta-Catenin interactions and represent a promising avenue to curb hyperactive canonical Wnt/beta-Catenin signaling in CSCs. Recent studies suggested Sam68 as a critical mediator of reverse-turn peptidomimetics response in CSC populations. Using computational and biochemical approaches we confirmed Sam68 as a primary target of reverse-turn peptidomimetics. Furthermore, we executed an in silico drug discovery pipeline to identify yet uncharacterized reverse-turn peptidomimetic structures displaying superior anti-CSC activity in transformed pluripotent and colorectal cancer cell models. Thus, we identified YB-0158 as a reverse-turn peptidomimetic small molecule with enhanced translational potential, altering key hallmarks of human colorectal CSCs in patient-derived ex vivo organoids and in vivo serial tumor transplantation. Sam68 is a direct protein target of reverse-turn peptidomimetic small molecules YB-0158 is a peptidomimetic structure with high predicted affinity for Sam68 YB-0158 elicits a cancer-selective response impeding main cancer stem cell hallmarks YB-0158 blocks cancer stem cell activity in tumor organoids and in vivo systems
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique N Masibag
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Christopher J Bergin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Joshua R Haebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aïcha Zouggar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Muhammad S Shah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Tamara Sandouka
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - François M Desrochers
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aube Fournier-Morin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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16
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Emerging role of G9a in cancer stemness and promises as a therapeutic target. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:76. [PMID: 34775469 PMCID: PMC8590690 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase G9a is well-documented for its implication in neoplastic growth. However, recent investigations have demonstrated a key involvement of this chromatin writer in maintaining the self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacities of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Direct inhibition of G9a’s catalytic activity was reported as a promising therapeutic target in multiple preclinical studies. Yet, none of the available pharmacological inhibitors of G9a activity have shown success at the early stages of clinical testing. Here, we discuss central findings of oncogenic expression and activation of G9a in CSCs from different origins, as well as the impact of the suppression of G9a histone methyltransferase activity in such contexts. We will explore the challenges posed by direct and systemic inhibition of G9a activity in the perspective of clinical translation of documented small molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in drug discovery as viable strategies to develop context-specific drugs, selectively targeting G9a in CSC populations.
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