1
|
Wang C, Chen S, Zhang R, Chen M, Yang X, He Y, Shangguan Z, Mao Q, Zhang Z, Ying S. Apolipoprotein A-1 downregulation promotes basal-like breast cancer cell proliferation and migration associated with DNA methylation. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:295. [PMID: 38737975 PMCID: PMC11082839 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) performs different roles in different subtypes of breast cancer. It is hypothesized to function as a tumor suppressor in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). However, the specific role of APOA1 in BLBC and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The findings of the present study demonstrated a positive correlation between the expression level of APOA1 and the overall survival of patients with BLBC. Ectopic expression of APOA1 effectively inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of BLBC cells in vitro, and these effects are closely related to DNA methylation. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report increased methylation of the promoter region and decreased methylation of the structural genes of APOA1 in BLBC cells. These alterations resulted in the downregulation of APOA1 expression and suppression of BLBC tumor growth. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that APOA1 mRNA expression is negatively regulated by DNA methylation in BLBC. Therefore, low expression of APOA1 may be a potential risk biomarker to predict survival in patients with BLBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Shiliang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Mengqing Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yibo He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Zuifei Shangguan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Qifen Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Zhezhong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Sunke Ying
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yongkang, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321300, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Younesian S, Mohammadi MH, Younesian O, Momeny M, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. DNA methylation in human diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32366. [PMID: 38933971 PMCID: PMC11200359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of human diseases. The current review aims to reveal the role of aberrant DNA methylation in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases and to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. In the review, we mainly summarize the studies exploring the role of aberrant DNA methylation as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a broad range of human diseases, including monogenic epigenetics, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, hematologic neoplasms, and solid tumors. The last section provides a general overview of the possibility of the DNA methylation machinery from the perspective of pharmaceutic approaches. In conclusion, the study of DNA methylation machinery is a phenomenal intersection that each of its ways can reveal the mysteries of various diseases, introduce new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and propose a new patient-tailored therapeutic approach for diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samareh Younesian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Ommolbanin Younesian
- School of Medicine, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, 46841-61167 Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, 77030 TX, USA
| | - Seyed H. Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411713135 Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jacobberger JW, Woost PG. A pharmacodynamic assay to monitor treatment with the hypomethylating cytosine analogs, decitabine and azacitidine. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 186:131-150. [PMID: 38705597 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.016] [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
Hypomethylating therapies using decitabine or azacitidine are actively investigated to treat acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, as maintenance therapy after allogenic stem cell transplant and hemoglobinopathies. The therapeutic mechanism is to de-repress genes that have been turned off through oncogenesis or development via methylation. The therapy can be non-cytotoxic at low dosage, sparing healthy stem cells and operating on committed precursors. Because the methods of determining maximum tolerated dose are not well suited to this paradigm, and because the mechanism of action, which is depletion of DNA methylase 1 (DNMT1), is complex and dependent on passing through a cell cycle, a pharmacodynamic assay that measures DNMT1 can inform clinical trials aimed at establishing and improving therapy. Herein, we provide an assay that measures DNMT1 relative levels in circulating T cells of peripheral blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip G Woost
- Cleveland Cytometry Services Co., Novelty, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang H, Tiche SJ, He CJ, Jedoui M, Forgo B, Zhao M, He B, Li Y, Li AM, Truong AT, Ho J, Simmermaker C, Yang Y, Zhou MN, Hu Z, Cuthbertson DJ, Svensson KJ, Hazard FK, Shimada H, Chiu B, Ye J. Mitochondrial uncoupler and retinoic acid synergistically induce differentiation and inhibit proliferation in neuroblastoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576741. [PMID: 38328117 PMCID: PMC10849550 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a leading cause of death in childhood cancer cases. Unlike adult malignancies, which typically develop from aged cells through accumulated damage and mutagenesis, neuroblastoma originates from neural crest cells with disrupted differentiation. This distinct feature provides novel therapeutic opportunities beyond conventional cytotoxic methods. Previously, we reported that the mitochondrial uncoupler NEN (niclosamide ethanolamine) activated mitochondria respiration to reprogram the epigenome, promoting neuronal differentiation. In the current study, we further combine NEN with retinoic acid (RA) to promote neural differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. The treatment increased the expression of RA signaling and neuron differentiation-related genes, resulting in a global shift in the transcriptome towards a more favorable prognosis. Overall, these results suggest that the combination of a mitochondrial uncoupler and the differentiation agent RA is a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Clifford JiaJun He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Jedoui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Balint Forgo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meng Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bo He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Albert M. Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Jestine Ho
- Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | | | - Yanan Yang
- Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Ning Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhen Hu
- Olivia Consulting Service, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Katrin J. Svensson
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Bill Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sadida HQ, Abdulla A, Marzooqi SA, Hashem S, Macha MA, Akil ASAS, Bhat AA. Epigenetic modifications: Key players in cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101821. [PMID: 37931371 PMCID: PMC10654239 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101821] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance remain pivotal obstacles in effective cancer treatment and management. One major contributor to these challenges is epigenetic modifications - gene regulation that does not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself but significantly impacts gene expression. As we elucidate these phenomena, we underscore the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in regulating gene expression, contributing to cellular diversity, and driving adaptive changes that can instigate therapeutic resistance. This review dissects essential epigenetic modifications - DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling - illustrating their significant yet complex contributions to cancer biology. While these changes offer potential avenues for therapeutic intervention due to their reversible nature, the interplay of epigenetic and genetic changes in cancer cells presents unique challenges that must be addressed to harness their full potential. By critically analyzing the current research landscape, we identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions, exploring the potential of epigenetic therapies and discussing the obstacles in translating these concepts into effective treatments. This comprehensive review aims to stimulate further research and aid in developing innovative, patient-centered cancer therapies. Understanding the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance is critical for scientific advancement and paves the way towards improving patient outcomes in the fight against this formidable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Q Sadida
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Alanoud Abdulla
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Sara Al Marzooqi
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Woost PG, William BM, Cooper BW, Ueda Oshima M, Otegbeye F, De Lima MJ, Wald D, Mahfouz RZ, Saunthararajah Y, Stefan T, Jacobberger JW. Flow cytometry of DNMT1 as a biomarker of hypomethylating therapies. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2024; 106:11-24. [PMID: 38345160 PMCID: PMC11000818 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22158] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The 5-azacytidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC) are noncytotoxic, differentiation-inducing therapies approved for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemias (AML), and under evaluation as maintenance therapy for AML postallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and to treat hemoglobinapathies. Malignant cell cytoreduction is thought to occur by S-phase specific depletion of the key epigenetic regulator, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) that, in the case of cancers, thereby releases terminal-differentiation programs. DNMT1-targeting can also elevate expression of immune function genes (HLA-DR, MICA, MICB) to stimulate graft versus leukemia effects. In vivo, there is a large inter-individual variability in DEC and 5-AZA activity because of pharmacogenetic factors, and an assay to quantify the molecular pharmacodynamic effect of DNMT1-depletion is a logical step toward individualized or personalized therapy. We developed and analytically validated a flow cytometric assay for DNMT1 epitope levels in blood and bone marrow cell subpopulations defined by immunophenotype and cell cycle state. Wild type (WT) and DNMT1 knock out (DKO) HC116 cells were used to select and optimize a highly specific DNMT1 monoclonal antibody. Methodologic validation of the assay consisted of cytometry and matching immunoblots of HC116-WT and -DKO cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; flow cytometry of H116-WT treated with DEC, and patient samples before and after treatment with 5-AZA. Analysis of patient samples demonstrated assay reproducibility, variation in patient DNMT1 levels prior to treatment, and DNMT1 depletion posttherapy. A flow-cytometry assay has been developed that in the research setting of clinical trials can inform studies of DEC or 5-AZA treatment to achieve targeted molecular pharmacodynamic effects and better understand treatment-resistance/failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip G Woost
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Basem M William
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brenda W Cooper
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Masumi Ueda Oshima
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Folashade Otegbeye
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcos J De Lima
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David Wald
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Reda Z Mahfouz
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tammy Stefan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - James W Jacobberger
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiong R, Du Y, Chen S, Liu T, Ding X, Zhou J, Wang Z, Yang Q. Hypermethylation of the ADIRF promoter regulates its expression level and is involved in NNK-induced malignant transformation of lung bronchial epithelial cells. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:3243-3258. [PMID: 37777989 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The carcinogenic mechanism of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), a well-known tobacco carcinogen, has not been fully elucidated in epigenetic studies. 5-Methylcytosine (5mC) modification plays a major role in epigenetic regulation. In this study, the 5mC level increased in both BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelium cells treated with 100 mg/L NNK for 24 h and NNK-induced malignant-transformed BEAS-2B cells (2B-NNK cells), suggesting that 5mC modification is associated with the malignant transformation mechanism of NNK. Using a combination of Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeDIP-seq), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and bioinformatics analysis of data from the Genomic Data Commons database, we found that the Adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF) promoter region was abnormally hypermethylated, yielding low ADIRF mRNA expression, and that ADIRF overexpression could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 2B-NNK cells. This finding suggests that ADIRF plays a tumor suppressor role in the NNK-induced malignant transformation of cells. Subsequently, using 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-2'-dC) and the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Catalytically Dead Cas9 (dCas9 system), we verified that the demethylation of the ADIRF promoter region in 2B-NNK cells inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of the cells and increased their apoptosis ability. These results suggest that abnormal 5mC modification of the ADIRF promoter plays a positive regulatory role in the pathogenesis of NNK-induced lung cancer. This study offers a new experimental basis for the epigenetic mechanism of NNK-induced lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiong
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiheng Du
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Sili Chen
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Ding
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Zhou
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, 1 Tianqiang St., Huangpu West Ave, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Yang
- The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Omar A, Govan D, Penny C. Epigenetic regulation in colorectal cancer: The susceptibility of microRNAs 145, 143 and 133b to DNA demethylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289800. [PMID: 37561735 PMCID: PMC10414600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289800] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern. Despite improvements in CRC treatment, mortality rates remain high. Genetic instability and epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression are instigators of CRC development that result in genotypic differences, leading to often variable and unpredictable treatment responses. Three miRNAs, miR-143, -145 and -133b, are most commonly downregulated in CRC and are proposed here as potential tumour suppressors. Although the downregulation of these miRNAs in CRC is largely unexplained, epigenetic silencing has been postulated to be a causative regulatory mechanism. Potential epigenetic modulation of miRNA expression, by means of histone acetylation and DNA methylation, was assessed in this study by treating early (SW1116) and late stage (DLD1) CRC cells with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-2'C) and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), respectively. Subsequent quantification of miRNA expression revealed that while all the selected miRNAs were susceptible to DNA demethylation in early- and late-stage CRC cells, susceptibility to DNA demethylation was significantly pronounced in late-stage DLD1 cells. Conversely, although histone acetylation moderately affected miRNA expression in early-stage CRC, it had a marginal effect on the expression of miRNAs in late-stage CRC cells. Overall, this study provides further understanding of the contribution of epigenetics to the regulation of putative tumour suppressor miRNAs in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aadilah Omar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa (RSA)
| | - Drishna Govan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa (RSA)
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa (RSA)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zheng Q, Wang H, Yan A, Yin F, Qiao X. DNA Methylation in Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10130. [PMID: 37373281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive drinking damages the central nervous system of individuals and can even cause alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Genes determine susceptibility to alcohol, and the dysregulation of epigenome drives the abnormal transcription program and promotes the occurrence and development of AUD. DNA methylation is one of the earliest and most widely studied epigenetic mechanisms that can be inherited stably. In ontogeny, DNA methylation pattern is a dynamic process, showing differences and characteristics at different stages. DNA dysmethylation is prevalent in human cancer and alcohol-related psychiatric disorders, resulting in local hypermethylation and transcriptional silencing of related genes. Here, we summarize recent findings on the roles and regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation, the development of methyltransferase inhibitors, methylation alteration during alcohol exposure at different stages of life, and possible therapeutic options for targeting methylation in human and animal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingmeng Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - An Yan
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fangyuan Yin
- School of Medicine, College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li X, Shen D, Zhu Z, Lyu D, He C, Sun Y, Li J, Lu Q, Wang G. Dual roles of demethylation in cancer treatment and cardio-function recovery. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102785. [PMID: 37343447 PMCID: PMC10363477 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no effective therapeutic targets or strategies that simultaneously inhibit tumour growth and promote cardiac function recovery. Here, we analyzed targets for cancer treatments and cardiac repair, with demethylation emerging as a common factor in these candidate lists. As DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) majorly responds to methylation, a natural compound library is screened, identifying dioscin as a novel agent targeted at DNMT1, widely used for heart diseases. Dioscin was found to reduce DNMT activities and inhibits growth in breast cancer cells. Combined with analyses of RNA-seq and MeDIP-seq, the promoters of antioxidant genes were demethylated after dioscin, recruiting NRF2 and elevating their expression. In Nrf2 knockout mice, the cardiac protection role of dioscin was blocked by Nrf2-loss. Furthermore, in tumour-bearing mice with hypertrophy, dioscin was observed to inhibit tumour growth and alleviate cardiac injury simultaneously. This study is the first to identify dioscin as a novel demethylation agent with dual functions of anti-cancer and cardio-protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dehong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Dayin Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiulun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guangji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shin HJ, Hua JT, Li H. Recent advances in understanding DNA methylation of prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1182727. [PMID: 37234978 PMCID: PMC10206257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1182727] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, is widely studied in cancer. DNA methylation patterns have been shown to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors in various cancers, including prostate cancer. It may also contribute to oncogenesis, as it is frequently associated with downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. Aberrant patterns of DNA methylation, in particular the CpG island hypermethylator phenotype (CIMP), have shown associative evidence with distinct clinical features and outcomes, such as aggressive subtypes, higher Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and overall tumor stage, overall worse prognosis, as well as reduced survival. In prostate cancer, hypermethylation of specific genes is significantly different between tumor and normal tissues. Methylation patterns could distinguish between aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer, including neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) and castration resistant prostate adenocarcinoma. Further, DNA methylation is detectable in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and is reflective of clinical outcome, making it a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding DNA methylation alterations in cancers with the focus on prostate cancer. We discuss the advanced methodology used for evaluating DNA methylation changes and the molecular regulators behind these changes. We also explore the clinical potential of DNA methylation as prostate cancer biomarkers and its potential for developing targeted treatment of CIMP subtype of prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jin Shin
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Junjie T Hua
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Haolong Li
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang N, Gao X, Yuan Q, Fu X, Wang P, Cai F, Liu H, Zhang J, Liang H, Nie Y, Deng J. E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF180 prevents excessive PCDH10 methylation to suppress the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by promoting ubiquitination of DNMT1. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:77. [PMID: 37147733 PMCID: PMC10163782 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Downregulation of certain tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) by aberrant methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region contributes a great deal to the oncogenesis and progression of several cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). Protocadherin 10 (PCDH10) is a newly identified TSG in various cancers and is downregulated in GC; however, the specific mechanisms of PCDH10 in GC remain elusive. Here, we elucidated a novel epigenetic regulatory signaling pathway involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF180 and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), responsible for modulating PCDH10 expression by affecting its promoter methylation. RESULTS We revealed that PCDH10 was downregulated in GC cells and tissues, and low PCDH10 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with GC. Additionally, PCDH10 overexpression suppressed GC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, DNMT1-mediated promoter hypermethylation resulted in decreased expression of PCDH10 in GC tissues and cells. Further analysis revealed that RNF180 can bind directly to DNMT1 and was involved in DNMT1 degradation via ubiquitination. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between RNF180 and PCDH10 expression and an inverse association between DNMT1 and PCDH10 expression showed considerable prognostic significance. CONCLUSION Our data showed that RNF180 overexpression upregulated PCDH10 expression via ubiquitin-dependent degradation of DNMT1, thus suppressing GC cell proliferation, indicating that the RNF180/DNMT1/PCDH10 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer and Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaoliang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qiangqiang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Pengliang Wang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer and Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Fenglin Cai
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer and Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer and Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jingyu Deng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer and Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheon H, Hur JK, Hwang W, Yang HJ, Son JH. Epigenetic modification of gene expression in cancer cells by terahertz demethylation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4930. [PMID: 36967404 PMCID: PMC10040409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31828-w] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) radiation can affect the degree of DNA methylation, the spectral characteristics of which exist in the terahertz region. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification in which a methyl (CH3) group is attached to cytosine, a nucleobase in human DNA. Appropriately controlled DNA methylation leads to proper regulation of gene expression. However, abnormal gene expression that departs from controlled genetic transcription through aberrant DNA methylation may occur in cancer or other diseases. In this study, we demonstrate the modification of gene expression in cells by THz demethylation using resonant THz radiation. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we observed changes in the degree of global DNA methylation in the SK-MEL-3 melanoma cell line under irradiation with 1.6-THz radiation with limited spectral bandwidth. Resonant THz radiation demethylated living melanoma cells by 19%, with no significant occurrence of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, and the demethylation ratio was linearly proportional to the power of THz radiation. THz demethylation downregulates FOS, JUN, and CXCL8 genes, which are involved in cancer and apoptosis pathways. Our results show that THz demethylation has the potential to be a gene expression modifier with promising applications in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwayeong Cheon
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Medical Center, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho K Hur
- Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Woochang Hwang
- Department of Pre-Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dognjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joo-Hiuk Son
- Department of Physics, University of Seoul, 163, Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020256. [PMID: 36829533 PMCID: PMC9953656 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Each cell in a multicellular organism has its own phenotype despite sharing the same genome. Epigenetics is a somatic, heritable pattern of gene expression or cellular phenotype mediated by structural changes in chromatin that occur without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modification is an important factor in determining the level and timing of gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. There is also growing evidence concerning the interaction between epigenetics and metabolism. Accordingly, several enzymes that consume vital metabolites as substrates or cofactors are used during the catalysis of epigenetic modification. Therefore, altered metabolism might lead to diseases and pathogenesis, including endocrine disorders and cancer. In addition, it has been demonstrated that epigenetic modification influences the endocrine system and immune response-related pathways. In this regard, epigenetic modification may impact the levels of hormones that are important in regulating growth, development, reproduction, energy balance, and metabolism. Altering the function of the endocrine system has negative health consequences. Furthermore, endocrine disruptors (EDC) have a significant impact on the endocrine system, causing the abnormal functioning of hormones and their receptors, resulting in various diseases and disorders. Overall, this review focuses on the impact of epigenetics on the endocrine system and its interaction with metabolism.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao CR, Li J, Jiang ZT, Zhu JJ, Zhao JN, Yang QR, Yao W, Pang W, Li N, Yu M, Gan Y, Zhou J. Disturbed Flow-Facilitated Margination and Targeting of Nanodisks Protect against Atherosclerosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204694. [PMID: 36403215 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Disturbed blood flow induces endothelial pro-inflammatory responses that promote atherogenesis. Nanoparticle-based therapeutics aimed at treating endothelial inflammation in vasculature where disturbed flow occurs may provide a promising avenue to prevent atherosclerosis. By using a vertical-step flow apparatus and a microfluidic chip of vascular stenosis, herein, it is found that the disk-shaped versus the spherical nanoparticles exhibit preferential margination (localization and adhesion) to the regions with the pro-atherogenic disturbed flow. By employing a mouse model of carotid partial ligation, superior targeting and higher accumulation of the disk-shaped particles are also demonstrated within disturbed flow areas than that of the spherical particles. In hyperlipidemia mice, administration of disk-shaped particles loaded with hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) displays greater anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects compared with that of the spherical counterparts and exhibits reduced toxicity than "naked" DAC. The findings suggest that shaping nanoparticles to disk is an effective strategy for promoting their delivery to atheroprone endothelia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Rong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Tong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Juan-Juan Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jia-Nan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qian-Ru Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weijuan Yao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Miaorong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Spagnol LW, Polettini J, Silveira DA, Wegner GRM, Paiva DFF. P16 gene promoter methylation is associated with oncogenesis and progression of gastric carcinomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 180:103843. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
19
|
Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Patel AJ, Warda S, Maag JL, Misra R, Miranda-Román MA, Pachai MR, Lee CJ, Li D, Wang N, Bayshtok G, Fishinevich E, Meng Y, Wong EW, Yan J, Giff E, Pappalardi MB, McCabe MT, Fletcher JA, Rudin CM, Chandarlapaty S, Scandura JM, Koche RP, Glass JL, Antonescu CR, Zheng D, Chen Y, Chi P. PRC2-Inactivating Mutations in Cancer Enhance Cytotoxic Response to DNMT1-Targeted Therapy via Enhanced Viral Mimicry. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2120-2139. [PMID: 35789380 PMCID: PMC9437570 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer. There is clinical success of targeting this complex in PRC2-dependent cancers, but an unmet therapeutic need exists in PRC2-loss cancer. PRC2-inactivating mutations are a hallmark feature of high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive sarcoma with poor prognosis and no effective targeted therapy. Through RNAi screening in MPNST, we found that PRC2 inactivation increases sensitivity to genetic or small-molecule inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which results in enhanced cytotoxicity and antitumor response. Mechanistically, PRC2 inactivation amplifies DNMT inhibitor-mediated expression of retrotransposons, subsequent viral mimicry response, and robust cell death in part through a protein kinase R (PKR)-dependent double-stranded RNA sensor. Collectively, our observations posit DNA methylation as a safeguard against antitumorigenic cell-fate decisions in PRC2-loss cancer to promote cancer pathogenesis, which can be therapeutically exploited by DNMT1-targeted therapy. SIGNIFICANCE PRC2 inactivation drives oncogenesis in various cancers, but therapeutically targeting PRC2 loss has remained challenging. Here we show that PRC2-inactivating mutations set up a tumor context-specific liability for therapeutic intervention via DNMT1 inhibitors, which leads to innate immune signaling mediated by sensing of derepressed retrotransposons and accompanied by enhanced cytotoxicity. See related commentary by Guil and Esteller, p. 2020. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amish J. Patel
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarah Warda
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jesper L.V. Maag
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Rohan Misra
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Miguel A. Miranda-Román
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mohini R. Pachai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cindy J. Lee
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dan Li
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Naitao Wang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gabriella Bayshtok
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eve Fishinevich
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yinuo Meng
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Elissa W.P. Wong
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Juan Yan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emily Giff
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Melissa B. Pappalardi
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T. McCabe
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan A. Fletcher
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles M. Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Breast Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Joseph M. Scandura
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematopoiesis, Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Richard T. Silver MD Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Richard P. Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jacob L. Glass
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Deyou Zheng
- The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ping Chi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nash A, Ryan EJ. The oncogenic gamma herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) hijack retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) facilitating both viral and tumour immune evasion. Tumour Virus Res 2022; 14:200246. [PMID: 35998812 PMCID: PMC9424536 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2022.200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses evade host immunity to establish persistent lifelong infection with dormant latent and replicative lytic phases. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV) are double-stranded DNA herpesviruses that encode components to activate RNA sensors, (Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). Yet both viruses can effectively evade the antiviral immune response. The ability of these viruses to disarm RIG-I to evade immunity allowing viral persistency can contribute to the creation of a protected niche that facilitates tumour growth and immune evasion. Alternatively, viral nucleic acids present in the cytosol during the replicative phase of the viral lifecycle can activate pro-inflammatory signaling downstream of RIG-I augmenting tumour promoting inflammation. Understanding how these viral proteins disrupt innate immune pathways could help identify mechanisms to boost immunity, clearing viral infection and enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy for virally induced cancers. Here we review literature on the strategies EBV and KSHV use to either enhance or inhibit RLR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alana Nash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth J. Ryan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland,Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, University of Limerick, Ireland,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland,Corresponding author. Department of Biological Sciences.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yedier-Bayram O, Gokbayrak B, Kayabolen A, Aksu AC, Cavga AD, Cingöz A, Kala EY, Karabiyik G, Günsay R, Esin B, Morova T, Uyulur F, Syed H, Philpott M, Cribbs AP, Kung SHY, Lack NA, Onder TT, Bagci-Onder T. EPIKOL, a chromatin-focused CRISPR/Cas9-based screening platform, to identify cancer-specific epigenetic vulnerabilities. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:710. [PMID: 35973998 PMCID: PMC9381743 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome due to alterations in chromatin modifier proteins commonly contribute to malignant transformation. To interrogate the roles of epigenetic modifiers in cancer cells, we generated an epigenome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library (EPIKOL) that targets a wide-range of epigenetic modifiers and their cofactors. We conducted eight screens in two different cancer types and showed that EPIKOL performs with high efficiency in terms of sgRNA distribution and depletion of essential genes. We discovered novel epigenetic modifiers that regulate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and prostate cancer cell fitness. We confirmed the growth-regulatory functions of individual candidates, including SS18L2 and members of the NSL complex (KANSL2, KANSL3, KAT8) in TNBC cells. Overall, we show that EPIKOL, a focused sgRNA library targeting ~800 genes, can reveal epigenetic modifiers that are essential for cancer cell fitness under in vitro and in vivo conditions and enable the identification of novel anti-cancer targets. Due to its comprehensive epigenome-wide targets and relatively high number of sgRNAs per gene, EPIKOL will facilitate studies examining functional roles of epigenetic modifiers in a wide range of contexts, such as screens in primary cells, patient-derived xenografts as well as in vivo models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Yedier-Bayram
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Bengul Gokbayrak
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Alisan Kayabolen
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ali Cenk Aksu
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ayse Derya Cavga
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Data Management Core, KUTTAM, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Cingöz
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ezgi Yagmur Kala
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Goktug Karabiyik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Rauf Günsay
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Beril Esin
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tunc Morova
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fırat Uyulur
- Koç University Department of Computational Biology, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hamzah Syed
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Data Management Core, KUTTAM, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Martin Philpott
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sonia H Y Kung
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan A Lack
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tamer T Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Tugba Bagci-Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang YJ, Xie R, Jiang J, Zhai L, Yang CH, Zhang J, Wang X, Chen DX, Niu HT, Chen L. 5‑Aza‑dC suppresses melanoma progression by inhibiting GAS5 hypermethylation. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:123. [PMID: 35593315 PMCID: PMC9164261 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The in‑depth study of melanoma pathogenesis has revealed that epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, is a universal inherent feature of the development and progression of melanoma. In the present study, the analysis of the tumor suppressor gene growth arrest‑specific transcript 5 (GAS5) demonstrated that its expression was downregulated in melanoma, and its expression level had a certain negative association with its methylation modification level. The promoter of GAS5 presented with detectable CpG islands, and methylation‑specific polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that GAS5 was actually modified by methylation in melanoma tissues and cells; however, no methylation modification of GAS5 was detected in normal tissues. Following the treatment of melanoma cells with 5‑Aza‑2'‑deoxycytidine (5‑Aza‑dC), GAS5 methylation was significantly reversed. The analysis of melanoma cell proliferation revealed that 5‑Aza‑dC inhibited A375 and SK‑MEL‑110 cell proliferation in a time‑dependent manner. Further analysis of apoptosis demonstrated that 5‑Aza‑dC significantly increased the apoptosis level of the two cell lines. Moreover, migration analysis of melanoma cells revealed that 5‑Aza‑dC significantly reduced cell migration. Furthermore, 5‑Aza‑dC significantly decreased the invasive ability of the two cell lines. However, when the expression of GAS5 was silenced, the effects of 5‑Aza‑dC on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were not significant. Furthermore, the subcutaneous injection of A375 cells in nude mice successfully resulted in xenograft tumor formation. However, following an intraperitoneal injection of 5‑Aza‑dC, the volume and weight of xenograft tumors and Ki‑67 expression were significantly reduced, and caspase‑3 activity and GAS5 expression were enhanced; following the silencing of GAS5, the antitumor effect of 5‑Aza‑dC was significantly blocked. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that 5‑Aza‑dC inhibits the growth of melanoma, and its function may be related to the methylation modification of GAS5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Jie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Special), Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Ran Xie
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhai
- Department of Laboratory Testing, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Cong-Hui Yang
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Dentistry, Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, P.R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Xue Chen
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Tao Niu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brown M. Engaging Pattern Recognition Receptors in Solid Tumors to Generate Systemic Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:91-129. [PMID: 35551657 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors frequently exploit innate immunity to evade immune surveillance. The priming, function, and polarization of antitumor immunity fundamentally depends upon context provided by the innate immune system, particularly antigen presenting cells. Such context is determined in large part by sensing of pathogen specific and damage associated features by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). PRR activation induces the delivery of T cell priming cues (e.g. chemokines, co-stimulatory ligands, and cytokines) from antigen presenting cells, playing a decisive role in the cancer immunity cycle. Indeed, endogenous PRR activation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to generate spontaneous antitumor T cell immunity, e.g., cGAS-STING mediated activation of antigen presenting cells after release of DNA from dying tumor cells. Thus, instigating intratumor PRR activation, particularly with the goal of generating Th1-promoting inflammation that stokes endogenous priming of antitumor CD8+ T cells, is a growing area of clinical investigation. This approach is analogous to in situ vaccination, ultimately providing a personalized antitumor response against relevant tumor associated antigens. Here I discuss clinical stage intratumor modalities that function via activation of PRRs. These approaches are being tested in various solid tumor contexts including melanoma, colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Their mechanism (s) of action relative to other immunotherapy approaches (e.g., antigen-defined cancer vaccines, CAR T cells, dendritic cell vaccines, and immune checkpoint blockade), as well as their potential to complement these approaches are also discussed. Examples to be reviewed include TLR agonists, STING agonists, RIG-I agonists, and attenuated or engineered viruses and bacterium. I also review common key requirements for effective in situ immune activation, discuss differences between various strategies inclusive of mechanisms that may ultimately limit or preclude antitumor efficacy, and provide a summary of relevant clinical data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Enhanced Cytotoxic Effects in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Treated with Combined Methyltransferase Inhibitors and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040763. [PMID: 35453513 PMCID: PMC9029187 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined treatment of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs) with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTis), and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects, have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of combined DNMTis (5-Aza-deoxycytidine: 5-Aza-dC, RG108), HMTis (3-deazaneplanocin A: DZNep), and HDACis (trichostatin A: TSA) treatment on human OSCC cells and explored their molecular mechanisms. Combined 5-Aza-dC, or RG108, and TSA treatment significantly decreased HSC-2 and Ca9-22 cell viability. Combinatorial DZNep and TSA treatment also decreased Ca9-22 cell viability. Although caspase 3/7 activation was not observed in HSC-2 cells following combined treatment, caspase activity was significantly increased in Ca9-22 cells treated with DZNep and TSA. Moreover, combined treatment with 5-Aza-dC, RG108, and TSA increased the proportion of HSC-2 and Ca9-22 cells in the S and G2/M phases. Meanwhile, increased phosphorylation of the histone variant H2A.X, a marker of double-stranded DNA breaks, was observed in both cells after combination treatment. Hence, the decreased viability induced by combined treatment with epigenomic inhibitors results from apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases. Thus, epigenomic therapy comprising combined low concentrations of DNMTi, HMTi, and HDACi is effective against OSCC.
Collapse
|
26
|
The Contrasting Delayed Effects of Transient Exposure of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Decitabine or Azacitidine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061530. [PMID: 35326680 PMCID: PMC8945888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Decitabine and azacitidine are cytosine analogs representing the class of drugs interfering with DNA methylation. Due to their molecular homology and similar clinical application these drugs are viewed as interchangeable. Despite their unique epigenetic mechanism of action, the studies of the prolonged activity of decitabine and azacitidine are rare. Our head-to-head comparison revealed profound differences in the activities of decitabine and azacitidine important in their anti-cancer potential and clinical application. We show that azacitidine, despite significant immediate toxicity, has negligible long-term effects. Contrary, decitabine, which does not exert initial toxicity, profoundly worsened the condition of the cancer cells over time. The effects of decitabine need a relatively long time to develop. This property is crucial for the proper design of studies or therapy involving decitabine. It undermines opinion about the similar therapeutic mechanism and interchangeability of decitabine and azacitidine. Abstract (1) Background: Decitabine and azacitidine are cytosine analogues representing the class of drugs interfering with DNA methylation. Due to their molecular homology and similar clinical application, both drugs are often regarded as interchangeable. Despite their unique mechanism of action the studies designed for observation and comparison of the prolonged activity of these drugs are rare. (2) Methods: The short-time (20–72 h) and long-term (up to 20 days) anti-cancer activity of decitabine and azacitidine has been studied in colorectal cancer cells. We observe the impact on cell culture’s viability, clonogenicity, proliferation, and expression of CDKN1A, CCND1, MDM2, MYC, CDKN2A, GLB1 genes, and activity of SA-β-galactosidase. (3) Results: Decitabine has much stronger anti-clonogenic activity than azacitidine. We show that azacitidine, despite significant immediate toxicity, has negligible long-term effects. Contrary, decitabine, which does not exert initial toxicity, profoundly worsened the condition of the cells over time. On the 13th day after treatment, the viability of cells was decreased and proliferation inhibited. These functional changes were accompanied by up-regulation of expression CDKN1A, CCND1, and CDKN2A genes and increased activation of SA-β-galactosidase, indicating cellular senescence. (4) Conclusions: Our head-to-head comparison revealed profound differences in the activities of decitabine and azacitidine important in their anti-cancer potential and clinical application. The effects of decitabine need relatively long time to develop. This property is crucial for proper design of studies and therapy concerning decitabine and undermines opinion about the similar therapeutic mechanism and interchangeability of these drugs.
Collapse
|
27
|
Paweł K, Maria Małgorzata S. CpG Island Methylator Phenotype-A Hope for the Future or a Road to Nowhere? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020830. [PMID: 35055016 PMCID: PMC8777692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) can be regarded as the most notable emanation of epigenetic instability in cancer. Since its discovery in the late 1990s, CIMP has been extensively studied, mainly in colorectal cancers (CRC) and gliomas. Consequently, knowledge on molecular and pathological characteristics of CIMP in CRC and other tumour types has rapidly expanded. Concordant and widespread hypermethylation of multiple CpG islands observed in CIMP in multiple cancers raised hopes for future epigenetically based diagnostics and treatments of solid tumours. However, studies on CIMP in solid tumours were hampered by a lack of generalisability and reproducibility of epigenetic markers. Moreover, CIMP was not a satisfactory marker in predicting clinical outcomes. The idea of targeting epigenetic abnormalities such as CIMP for cancer therapy has not been implemented for solid tumours, either. Twenty-one years after its discovery, we aim to cover both the fundamental and new aspects of CIMP and its future application as a diagnostic marker and target in anticancer therapies.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kuang C, Park Y, Augustin RC, Lin Y, Hartman DJ, Seigh L, Pai RK, Sun W, Bahary N, Ohr J, Rhee JC, Marks SM, Beasley HS, Shuai Y, Herman JG, Zarour HM, Chu E, Lee JJ, Krishnamurthy A. Pembrolizumab plus azacitidine in patients with chemotherapy refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: a single-arm phase 2 trial and correlative biomarker analysis. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:3. [PMID: 34991708 PMCID: PMC8740438 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is not responsive to pembrolizumab monotherapy. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors can promote antitumor immune responses. This clinical trial investigated whether concurrent treatment with azacitidine enhances the antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in mCRC. METHODS We conducted a phase 2 single-arm trial evaluating activity and tolerability of pembrolizumab plus azacitidine in patients with chemotherapy-refractory mCRC (NCT02260440). Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg IV on day 1 and azacitidine 100 mg SQ on days 1-5, every 3 weeks. A low fixed dose of azacitidine was chosen in order to reduce the possibility of a direct cytotoxic effect of the drug, since the main focus of this study was to investigate its potential immunomodulatory effect. The primary endpoint of this study was overall response rate (ORR) using RECIST v1.1., and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Tumor tissue was collected pre- and on-treatment for correlative studies. RESULTS Thirty chemotherapy-refractory patients received a median of three cycles of therapy. One patient achieved partial response (PR), and one patient had stable disease (SD) as best confirmed response. The ORR was 3%, median PFS was 1.9 months, and median OS was 6.3 months. The combination regimen was well-tolerated, and 96% of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1/2. This trial was terminated prior to the accrual target of 40 patients due to lack of clinical efficacy. DNA methylation on-treatment as compared to pre-treatment decreased genome wide in 10 of 15 patients with paired biopsies and was significantly lower in gene promoter regions after treatment. These promoter demethylated genes represented a higher proportion of upregulated genes, including several immune gene sets, endogenous retroviral elements, and cancer-testis antigens. CD8+ TIL density trended higher on-treatment compared to pre-treatment. Higher CD8+ TIL density at baseline was associated with greater likelihood of benefit from treatment. On-treatment tumor demethylation correlated with the increases in tumor CD8+ TIL density. CONCLUSIONS The combination of pembrolizumab and azacitidine is safe and tolerable with modest clinical activity in the treatment for chemotherapy-refractory mCRC. Correlative studies suggest that tumor DNA demethylation and immunomodulation occurs. An association between tumor DNA demethylation and tumor-immune modulation suggests immune modulation and may result from treatment with azacitidine. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02260440. Registered 9 October 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02260440 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyuan Kuang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 628, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Yongseok Park
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ryan C Augustin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Douglas J Hartman
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Lindsey Seigh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Reetesh K Pai
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Weijing Sun
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Westwood, USA
| | - Nathan Bahary
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- AHN Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - James Ohr
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James G Herman
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Edward Chu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Chanin 628, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - James J Lee
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Anuradha Krishnamurthy
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Room 463, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Therapeutics Program, Pittsburgh, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Epigenetic Priming with Decitabine Augments the Therapeutic Effect of Cisplatin on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells through Induction of Proapoptotic Factor NOXA. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010248. [PMID: 35008411 PMCID: PMC8749981 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations caused by aberrant DNA methylation have a crucial role in cancer development, and the DNA-demethylating agent decitabine, is used to treat hematopoietic malignancy. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) have shown sensitivity to decitabine; however, the underlying mechanism of its anticancer effect and its effectiveness in treating TNBCs are not fully understood. We analyzed the effects of decitabine on nine TNBC cell lines and examined genes associated with its cytotoxic effects. According to the effect of decitabine, we classified the cell lines into cell death (D)-type, growth inhibition (G)-type, and resistant (R)-type. In D-type cells, decitabine induced the expression of apoptotic regulators and, among them, NOXA was functionally involved in decitabine-induced apoptosis. In G-type cells, induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, and cell cycle arrest were observed. Furthermore, decitabine enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin mediated by NOXA in D-type and G-type cells. In contrast, the sensitivity to cisplatin was high in R-type cells, and no enhancing effect by decitabine was observed. These results indicate that decitabine enhances the proapoptotic effect of cisplatin on TNBC cell lines that are less sensitive to cisplatin, indicating the potential for combination therapy in TNBC.
Collapse
|
30
|
Crane J, Shi Q, Xi Y, Lai J, Pham K, Wang H. Emerging Trends in the Pathological Research of Human Papillomavirus-positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL PATHOLOGY 2022; 2:31-36. [PMID: 36275841 PMCID: PMC9585478 DOI: 10.14218/jctp.2022.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) have shown an alarming rate of increase in incidence over the past several decades, markedly in men. In the United States, transcriptionally-active human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV 16, has become the highest contributive agent of OPSCCs, affecting approximately 16,000 people a year. Compared to patients with HPV-negative OPSCCs, patients with HPV-positive OPSCCs exhibit better health responses to chemoradiotherapy and an overall increase in long-term survival. Despite promising treatment options, many OPSCCs are discovered at an advanced stage, and ~20% of cases will recur after definitive treatment. Therefore, extensive research is ongoing to identify new targets for precision treatment and to stratify tumor prognosis. The aim of this review is to capture the most updated research on HPV-positive OPSCCs, emphasizing their relevance as potential new targets for precision medicine and survival prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Crane
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Yibo Xi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Kien Pham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - He Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Correspondence to: He Wang, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Tel: +1-203-214-2786, Fax: +1-203-214-2764,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
da Costa Rosa M, Yamashita AS, Riggins GJ. Evaluation of a DNA demethylating agent in combination with all-trans retinoic acid for IDH1-mutant gliomas. Neuro Oncol 2021; 24:711-723. [PMID: 34850159 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) mutations are diagnostic for Astrocytoma or Oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant. In these IDH-mutant gliomas, retinoic acid-related gene expression is commonly silenced by DNA hypermethylation. DNA demethylating agents can epigenetically reprogram IDH-mutant cells and reduce proliferation, likely by re-expression of silenced tumor suppressor pathways. We hypothesized that DNA demethylation might restore the retinoic acid pathway and slow tumor growth. This was the rationale for a preclinical evaluation combining the DNA demethylating agent, 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza), and retinoic acid pathway activation with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) in IDH-mutant glioma. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the effect of 5-Aza and atRA combination on cell proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression in human glioma cells. In addition, the efficacy of combination was tested in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) bearing the IDH1R132H mutation, utilizing subcutaneous and orthotopic models. RESULTS 5-Aza reduced the DNA methylation profile and increased the gene expression of retinoic acid-related genes. Combination of 5-Aza and atRA reduced cell growth, increased differentiation marker expression, and apoptosis in IDH1R132H glioma cells. Mechanistically, 5-Aza sensitized IDHIR132H glioma cells to atRA via upregulation of the retinoic acid pathway. Importantly, the drug combination reduced significantly the growth rate of subcutaneous tumors, but in an orthotopic mouse model the combination did not improve survival and 5-Aza alone provided the best survival benefit. CONCLUSION Use of DNA demethylating agent in combination with retinoids shows promise, but further optimization and preclinical studies are required for treatment of intracranial IDH-mutant gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina da Costa Rosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alex Shimura Yamashita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Riggins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chequin A, Costa LE, de Campos FF, Moncada ADB, de Lima LTF, Sledz LR, Picheth GF, Adami ER, Acco A, Gonçalves MB, Manica GCM, Valdameri G, de Noronha L, Telles JEQ, Jandrey EHF, Costa ET, Costa FF, de Souza EM, Ramos EAS, Klassen G. Antitumoral activity of liraglutide, a new DNMT inhibitor in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 349:109641. [PMID: 34534549 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer and second leading cause of death. Despite the discovery of many antineoplastic drugs for BC, the current therapy is not totally efficient. In this study, we investigated the potential of repurposing the well-known diabetes type II drug liraglutide to modulate epigenetic modifications in BC cells lines in vitro and in vivo via Ehrlich mice tumors models. The in vitro results revealed a significant reduction on cell viability, migration, DNMT activity and displayed lower levels of global DNA methylation in BC cell lines after liraglutide treatment. The interaction between liraglutide and the DNMT enzymes resulted in a decrease profile of DNA methylation for the CDH1, ESR1 and ADAM33 gene promoter regions and, consequently, increased their gene and protein expression levels. To elucidate the possible interaction between liraglutide and the DNMT1 protein, we performed an in silico study that indicates liraglutide binding in the catalytic cleft via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges with the interdomain contacts and disturbs the overall enzyme conformation. The in vivo study was also able to reveal that liraglutide and the combined treatment of liraglutide and paclitaxel or methotrexate were effective in reducing tumor growth. Moreover, the modulation of CDH1 and ADAM33 mouse gene expression by DNA demethylation suggests a role for liraglutide in DNMT activity in vivo. Altogether, these results indicate that liraglutide may be further analysed as a new adjuvant treatment for BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Chequin
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz E Costa
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Felipe F de Campos
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Angie D B Moncada
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucas T F de Lima
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucas R Sledz
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F Picheth
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Eliana R Adami
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Gonçalves
- Department of Physics, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Graciele C M Manica
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Gláucio Valdameri
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucia de Noronha
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - José E Q Telles
- Department of Medical Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Elisa H F Jandrey
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erico T Costa
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Emanuel M de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Edneia A S Ramos
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Giseli Klassen
- Department of Basic Pathology, Laboratory of Epigenetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gerard CL, Delyon J, Wicky A, Homicsko K, Cuendet MA, Michielin O. Turning tumors from cold to inflamed to improve immunotherapy response. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 101:102227. [PMID: 34656019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for a number of cancers over the last few decades. Nevertheless, a majority of patients still do not benefit from these treatments. Such patient-specific lack of response can be predicted, in part, from the immune phenotypes present in the tumor microenvironment. We provide a perspective on options to reprogram the tumors and their microenvironment to increase the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapies and expand their efficacy against cold tumors. Additionally, we review data from current preclinical and clinical trials aimed at testing the different therapeutic options in monotherapy or preferably in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Gerard
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - J Delyon
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - A Wicky
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - K Homicsko
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel A Cuendet
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland; Molecular Modelling Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA.
| | - O Michielin
- Precision Oncology Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland; Molecular Modelling Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hattori N, Asada K, Miyajima N, Mori A, Nakanishi Y, Kimura K, Wakabayashi M, Takeshima H, Nitani C, Hara J, Ushijima T. Combination of a synthetic retinoid and a DNA demethylating agent induced differentiation of neuroblastoma through retinoic acid signal reprogramming. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1647-1656. [PMID: 34635821 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CpG island methylator phenotype of neuroblastoma (NBL) is strongly associated with poor prognosis and can be targeted by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC). Differentiation therapy is a standard maintenance therapy for high-risk NBLs. However, the in vivo effect of tamibarotene, a synthetic retinoic acid, and the efficacy of its combination with 5-aza-dC have not been studied. Here, we conducted a preclinical study to assess the in vivo tamibarotene effect and the combination. METHODS Treatment effects were analysed by in vitro cell growth and differentiation state and by in vivo xenograft suppression. Demethylated genes were analysed by DNA methylation microarrays and geneset enrichment. RESULTS Tamibarotene monotherapy induced neural extension and upregulation of differentiation markers of NBL cells in vitro, and tumour regression without severe side effects in vivo. 5-Aza-dC monotherapy suppressed tumour growth both in vitro and in vivo, and induced demethylation of genes related to nervous system development and function. Pre-treatment with 5-aza-dC in vitro enhanced upregulation of differentiation markers and genes involved in retinoic acid signaling. Pre-treatment with 5-aza-dC in vivo significantly suppressed tumour growth and reduced the variation in tumour sizes. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic drug-based differentiation therapy using 5-aza-dC and TBT is a promising strategy for refractory NBLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Hattori
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Asada
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Miyajima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Mori
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Nakanishi
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kana Kimura
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Wakabayashi
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takeshima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chika Nitani
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junichi Hara
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Ushijima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Xiao W, Zhou Q, Wen X, Wang R, Liu R, Wang T, Shi J, Hu Y, Hou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Overcome Epigenetic Reprogramming for Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:702360. [PMID: 34603017 PMCID: PMC8484527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.702360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment is a significant challenge for the global health system, although various pharmacological and therapeutic discoveries have been made. It has been widely established that cancer is associated with epigenetic modification, which is reversible and becomes an attractive target for drug development. Adding chemical groups to the DNA backbone and modifying histone proteins impart distinct characteristics on chromatin architecture. This process is mediated by various enzymes modifying chromatin structures to achieve the diversity of epigenetic space and the intricacy in gene expression files. After decades of effort, epigenetic modification has represented the hallmarks of different cancer types, and the enzymes involved in this process have provided novel targets for antitumor therapy development. Epigenetic drugs show significant effects on both preclinical and clinical studies in which the target development and research offer a promising direction for cancer therapy. Here, we summarize the different types of epigenetic enzymes which target corresponding protein domains, emphasize DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA-mediated cooperation with epigenetic modification, and highlight recent achievements in developing targets for epigenetic inhibitor therapy. This article reviews current anticancer small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic modified enzymes and displays their performances in different stages of clinical trials. Future studies are further needed to address their off-target effects and cytotoxicity to improve their clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaodan Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonic, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Information Department of Medical Security Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Hou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhao G, Wang Q, Li S, Wang X. Resistance to Hypomethylating Agents in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia From Clinical Data and Molecular Mechanism. Front Oncol 2021; 11:706030. [PMID: 34650913 PMCID: PMC8505973 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.706030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleoside analogs decitabine (5-AZA-dC) and azacitidine (5-AZA) have been developed as targeted therapies to reverse DNA methylation in different cancer types, and they significantly improve the survival of patients who are not suitable for traditional intensive chemotherapies or other treatment regimens. However, approximately 50% of patients have a response to hypomethylating agents (HMAs), and many patients have no response originally or in the process of treatment. Even though new combination regimens have been tested to overcome the resistance to 5-AZA-dC or 5-AZA, only a small proportion of patients benefited from these strategies, and the outcome was very poor. However, the mechanisms of the resistance remain unknown. Some studies only partially described management after failure and the mechanisms of resistance. Herein, we will review the clinical and molecular signatures of the HMA response, alternative treatment after failure, and the causes of resistance in hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chang X, Ma J, Xue X, Wang G, Yan T, Su L, Han X, Zhou H, Hou L. DNMT family induces down-regulation of NDRG1 via DNA methylation and clinicopathological significance in gastric cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12146. [PMID: 34616614 PMCID: PMC8450010 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a common event in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Our previous study showed NDRG1, which could suppress cell invasion and migration, was frequently down-regulated by DNA methylation of its promoter in GC. PURPOSE AND METHODS To analyze the relationship between the expression and DNA methylation of NDRG1 and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family. We performed a comprehensive comparison analysis using 407 patients including sequencing analysis data of GC from TCGA. RESULTS NDRG1 was down-regulated in GC, and was negatively correlative to DNMT1 (r = -0.11, p = 0.03), DNMT3A (r = -0.10, p = 0.01), DNMT3B (r = -0.01, p = 0.88), respectively, whereas the DNA methylation of NDRG1 was positively correlative to DNMT family (DNMT1 r = 0.20, p < 0.01; DNMT3A r = 0.26, p < 0.001; DNMT3B r = 0.03, p = 0.57, respectively). NDRG1 expression was significantly inverse correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.023), but DNMT1 was significantly positive correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.049). DNMT3B was significantly correlated with the degree of tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.030). However, there was no association between the expression of DNMT3A and clinicopathological features. The KM plotter showed that NDRG1 (HR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.8-1.12], p = 0.53) and DNMT1 (HR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.88-1.23], p = 0.67) had no association with prognosis of GC patients, while, DNMT3A (p = 0.0064) and DNMT3B (p = 0.00025) displayed significantly association. But the overall survival of high expression of NDRG1 tended to be prolonged. CONCLUSION These data suggest that down-regulation of NDRG1expression in GC may be due to its promoter DNA methylation via DNMT family. The demethylating agent maybe a potential target drug for GC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Chang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinguo Ma
- Department of Internal-Oncology, Hulun Buir People’s Hospital, Hulun Buir Medical School, Nationalities University of Inner Mongolia, Hulun Buir, China
| | - Xiaoying Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianfang Yan
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Linlin Su
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuetao Han
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huandi Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Liubing Hou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Parker WB, Thottassery JV. 5-Aza-4'-thio-2'-deoxycytidine, a new orally bioavailable non-toxic "best-in-class" DNMT1 depleting agent in clinical development. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 379:211-222. [PMID: 34503994 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an enzyme that functions as a maintenance methyltransferase during DNA replication, and depletion of this enzyme from cells is considered to be a rational goal in DNA methylation dependent disorders. Two DNMT1 depleting agents aza-dCyd (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, decitabine) and aza-Cyd (5-aza-cytidine, azacitidine) are currently used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, and have also been investigated for non-oncology indications such as sickle cell disease. However, these agents have several off-target activities leading to significant toxicities that limit dosing and duration of treatment. Development of more selective inhibitors of DNMT1 could therefore afford treatment for long durations at effective doses. We have discovered that 5-aza-4'-thio-2'-deoxycytidine (aza-T-dCyd) is as effective as aza-dCyd in depleting DNMT1 in mouse tumor models, but with markedly low toxicity. In this review we describe the preclinical studies that led to the development of aza-T-dCyd as a superior DNMT1 depleting agent with respect to aza-dCyd, and will describe its pharmacology, metabolism, and mechanism of action. In an effort to understand why aza-T-dCyd is a more selective DNMT1 depleting agent than aza-dCyd, we will also compare and contrast the activities of these two agents. Significance Statement Aza-T-dCyd is a potent DNMT1 depleting agent. Although similar in structure to decitabine (aza-dCyd) its metabolism and mechanism of action is different than that of aza-dCyd, resulting in less off target activity and less toxicity. The larger therapeutic index of aza-T-dCyd (DNMT1 depletion vs toxicity) in mice suggests that it would be a better clinical candidate to selectively deplete DNMT1 from target cells and determine whether or not depletion of DNMT1 is an effective target for various diseases.
Collapse
|
39
|
Singh R, Fazal Z, Bikorimana E, Boyd RI, Yerby C, Tomlin M, Baldwin H, Shokry D, Corbet AK, Shahid K, Hattab A, Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ. Reciprocal epigenetic remodeling controls testicular cancer hypersensitivity to hypomethylating agents and chemotherapy. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:683-698. [PMID: 34482638 PMCID: PMC8807365 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are aggressive but sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Alternative therapies are needed for tumors refractory to cisplatin with hypomethylating agents providing one possibility. The mechanisms of cisplatin hypersensitivity and resistance in TGCTs remain poorly understood. Recently, it has been shown that TGCTs, even those resistant to cisplatin, are hypersensitive to very low doses of hypomethylating agents including 5-aza deoxy-cytosine (5-aza) and guadecitabine. We undertook a pharmacogenomic approach in order to better understand mechanisms of TGCT hypomethylating agent hypersensitivity by generating a panel of acquired 5-aza-resistant TGCT cells and contrasting these to previously generated acquired isogenic cisplatin-resistant cells from the same parent. Interestingly, there was a reciprocal relationship between cisplatin and 5-aza sensitivity, with cisplatin resistance associated with increased sensitivity to 5-aza and 5-aza resistance associated with increased sensitivity to cisplatin. Unbiased transcriptome analysis revealed 5-aza-resistant cells strongly downregulated polycomb target gene expression, the exact opposite of the finding for cisplatin-resistant cells, which upregulated polycomb target genes. This was associated with a dramatic increase in H3K27me3 and decrease in DNMT3B levels in 5-aza-resistant cells, the exact opposite changes seen in cisplatin-resistant cells. Evidence is presented that reciprocal regulation of polycomb and DNMT3B may be initiated by changes in DNMT3B levels as DNMT3B knockdown alone in parental cells resulted in increased expression of H3K27me3, EZH2, and BMI1, conferred 5-aza resistance and cisplatin sensitization, and mediated genome-wide repression of polycomb target gene expression. Finally, genome-wide analysis revealed that 5-aza-resistant, cisplatin-resistant, and DNMT3B-knockdown cells alter the expression of a common set of polycomb target genes. This study highlights that reciprocal epigenetic changes mediated by DNMT3B and polycomb may be a key driver of the unique cisplatin and 5-aza hypersensitivity of TGCTs and suggests that distinct epigenetic vulnerabilities may exist for pharmacological targeting of TGCTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bikorimana
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Raya I Boyd
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Cliff Yerby
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Megan Tomlin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Hannah Baldwin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Doha Shokry
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Andrea K Corbet
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Khadeeja Shahid
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Aleyah Hattab
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.,Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hu C, Liu X, Zeng Y, Liu J, Wu F. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors combination therapy for the treatment of solid tumor: mechanism and clinical application. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:166. [PMID: 34452630 PMCID: PMC8394595 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, regulates gene transcription and maintains genome stability. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors can activate silenced genes at low doses and cause cytotoxicity at high doses. The ability of DNMT inhibitors to reverse epimutations is the basis of their use in novel strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we examined the literature on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. We summarized the mechanisms underlying combination therapy using DNMT inhibitors and clinical trials based on combining hypomethylation agents with other chemotherapeutic drugs. We also discussed the efficacy of such compounds as antitumor agents, the need to optimize treatment schedules and the regimens for maximal biologic effectiveness. Notably, the combination of DNMT inhibitors and chemotherapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide helpful insights into the development of efficient therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cheng H, Tang S, Lian X, Meng H, Gu X, Jiang J, Li X. The Differential Antitumor Activity of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine in Prostate Cancer DU145, 22RV1, and LNCaP Cells. J Cancer 2021; 12:5593-5604. [PMID: 34405020 PMCID: PMC8364635 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a DNA methyltransferase-mediated epigenetic modification affecting gene expression. This process is involved in the initiation and development of malignant disease. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), a classic DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, possesses antitumor proliferation activity. However, whether 5-Aza induces cytotoxicity in solid tumors warrants further investigated. In this study, human prostate cancer (CaP) cells were treated with 5-Aza and subjected to cell viability and cytotoxicity analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay were utilized to test the gene expression and methylation status of the p53 and p21 gene promoters. The results showed that 5-Aza differentially inhibited spontaneous proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at S phase in DU145, at G1 phase in 22RV1 and LNCaP cells, and G2 phase in normal RWPE-1 cells, as well as induced the expression of phospho-H2A.X and tumor suppressive mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin) in all three types of CaP cells. 5-Aza also increased p53 and p21 transcription through promoter demethylation, and decreased the expression of oncogene c-Myc in 22RV1 and LNCaP cells. Western blotting analysis showed that the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage was detected in DU145 and 22RV1 cells. Moreover, there were no significant changes in p53, p21 and c-Myc expression in DU145 cells following treatment with 5-Aza. Thus, in responsible for its apoptotic induction and DNA damage, the mechanism of the antitumor activities of 5-Aza may involve in an increase of tumor suppressive maspin, upregulation of wild type p53-mediated p21 expression and a decrease of oncogene c-Myc level in 22RV1 and LNCaP cells, and enhancing the tumor suppressive maspin expression in DU145 cells. These results enriched our understanding of the multifaceted antitumor activity of 5-Aza, and provided the expression basis of biomarkers for its possible clinical application in prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Cheng
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Sijie Tang
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China.,Dept of Urology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Xueqi Lian
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Hong Meng
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Detroit 48201, MI, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Dept of Urology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Jiajia Jiang
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Blvd., Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, 215600, China.,The Laboratory of Clinical Genomics, Hefei KingMed Diagnostics Ltd., 2800 Chuangxin Blvd., Building H4, Hefei 230088, China.,National Center for Gene Testing Technology Application & Demonstration(Hefei), 2800 Chuangxin Blvd., Building H4, Hefei 230088, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lopes N, Pacheco MB, Soares-Fernandes D, Correia MP, Camilo V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Hydralazine and Enzalutamide: Synergistic Partners against Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080976. [PMID: 34440180 PMCID: PMC8391120 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced prostate cancers frequently develop resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy with serious implications for patient survival. Considering their importance in this type of neoplasia, epigenetic modifications have drawn attention as alternative treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the antitumoral effects of the combination of hydralazine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, with enzalutamide, an antagonist of the androgen receptor, in prostate cancer cell lines. Several biological parameters, such as cell viability, proliferation, DNA damage, and apoptosis, as well as clonogenic and invasive potential, were evaluated. The individual treatments with hydralazine and enzalutamide exerted growth-inhibitory effects in prostate cancer cells and their combined treatment displayed synergistic effects. The combination of these two drugs was very effective in decreasing malignant features of prostate cancer and may become an alternative therapeutic option for prostate cancer patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nair Lopes
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Mariana Brütt Pacheco
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Diana Soares-Fernandes
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Camilo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (N.L.); (M.B.P.); (D.S.-F.); (M.P.C.); (V.C.); (R.H.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-084-000; Fax: +351-225-084-047
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Xiang F, Zhu Z, Zhang M, Wang J, Chen Z, Li X, Zhang T, Gu Q, Wu R, Kang X. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane Enhances Paclitaxel Sensitivity by Suppressing DNMT1-Mediated KLF4 Methylation in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627856. [PMID: 34150611 PMCID: PMC8209418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of breast cancer, but drug resistance seriously limits its clinical use. The aim of the present work was to explore the effect of 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) on PTX sensitivity and its possible mechanism in breast cancer. The expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in breast cancer tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The methylation of KLF4 was evaluated by the MassARRAY platform. The lentivirus carrying KLF4 and DNMT1 gene or shRNA targeting DNMT1 were used to overexpress KLF4 or knockdown DNMT1 in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells and the role of KLF4 and DNMT1 in regulation of PTX sensitivity was investigated. The effect of PTX on inhibiting the proliferation of MCF-7 and T47D cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell apoptosis. The expression of mRNA and protein was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Our data showed that the expression of DNMT1 was increased, and the methylation level of CpG sites (−148 bp) in the KLF4 promoter was increased while the KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of KLF4 increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DNMT1 increased the methylation of the KLF4 promoter and decrease the expression of KLF4. Knockdown of DNMT1 increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DIM enhanced the PTX sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells, decreased the expression of DNMT1 and the methylation level of KLF4 promoter, thus increasing the level of KLF4. Furthermore, overexpression of DNMT1 attenuated the effect of DIM on the regulation of PTX sensitivity. Collectively, our data indicated that DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of KLF4 promoter leads to downregulation of KLF4 in breast cancer. The level of KLF4 is correlated with the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DIM could enhance the antitumor efficacy of PTX on MCF-7 and T47D cells by regulating DNMT1 and KLF4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Xiang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixi Chen
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Kang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Linnekamp JF, Kandimalla R, Fessler E, de Jong JH, Rodermond HM, van Bochove GGW, The FO, Punt CJA, Bemelman WA, van de Ven AWH, Tanis PJ, Kemper EM, Koens L, Dekker E, Vermeulen L, van Laarhoven HWM, Medema JP. Pre-Operative Decitabine in Colon Cancer Patients: Analyses on WNT Target Methylation and Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102357. [PMID: 34068407 PMCID: PMC8153633 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA hypermethylation is common in colon cancer. Previously, we have shown that methylation of WNT target genes predicts poor prognosis in stage II colon cancer. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether pre-operative treatment with decitabine can decrease methylation and increase the expression of WNT target genes APCDD1, AXIN2 and DKK1 in colon cancer patients. A clinical study was conducted, investigating these potential effects of decitabine in colon cancer patients (DECO). Patients were treated two times with 25 mg/m2 decitabine before surgery. Methylation and expression of LINE1 and WNT target genes (primary outcome) and expression of endogenous retroviral genes (secondary outcome) were analysed in pre- and post-treatment tumour samples using pyrosequencing and rt-PCR. Ten patients were treated with decitabine and eighteen patients were used as controls. Decitabine treatment only marginally decreased LINE1 methylation. More importantly, no differences in methylation or expression of WNT target or endogenous retroviral genes were observed. Due to the lack of an effect on primary and secondary outcomes, the study was prematurely closed. In conclusion, pre-operative treatment with decitabine is safe, but with the current dosing, the primary objective, increased WNT target gene expression, cannot be achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janneke F. Linnekamp
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raju Kandimalla
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
| | - Evelyn Fessler
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
| | - Joan H. de Jong
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M. Rodermond
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gregor G. W. van Bochove
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frans O. The
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLVG, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Cornelis J. A. Punt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.J.A.P.); (H.W.M.v.L.)
| | - Willem A. Bemelman
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (W.A.B.); (A.W.H.v.d.V.); (P.J.T.)
| | - Anthony W. H. van de Ven
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (W.A.B.); (A.W.H.v.d.V.); (P.J.T.)
- Department of Surgery, Flevo Hospital Almere, 1315 RA Almere, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J. Tanis
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (W.A.B.); (A.W.H.v.d.V.); (P.J.T.)
| | - Elles M. Kemper
- Department of Pharmacology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Lianne Koens
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Evelien Dekker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Louis Vermeulen
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W. M. van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.J.A.P.); (H.W.M.v.L.)
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (J.F.L.); (R.K.); (E.F.); (J.H.d.J.); (H.M.R.); (G.G.W.v.B.); (L.V.)
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Coppedè F. Epigenetic regulation in Alzheimer's disease: is it a potential therapeutic target? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:283-298. [PMID: 33843425 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1916469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary form of dementia in the elderly. Changes in DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails are increasingly observed in AD tissues, and likely contribute to disease onset and progression. The reversibility of these epigenetic marks offers the potential for therapeutic interventions.Areas covered: After a concise and updated overview of DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails in AD tissues, this review provides an overview of the animal and cell culture studies investigating the potential of targeting these modifications to attenuate AD-like features. PubMed was searched for relevant literature between 2003 and 2021.Expert opinion: Methyl donor compounds and drugs acting on histone tail modifications attenuated the AD-like features and improved cognition in several transgenic AD mice; however, there are concerns about safety and tolerability for long-term treatment in humans. The challenges will be to take advantage of recent epigenome-wide investigations to identify the principal targets for future interventions, and to design novel, selective and safer agents. Natural compounds exerting epigenetic properties could represent a promising opportunity to delay disease onset in middle-aged individuals at increased AD risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhu L, Li X, Yuan Y, Dong C, Yang M. APC Promoter Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653222. [PMID: 33968756 PMCID: PMC8103321 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653222] [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: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, known as tumor suppressor gene, has the two promoters 1A and 1B. Researches on APC have usually focused on its loss-of-function variants causing familial adenomatous polyposis. Hypermethylation, however, which is one of the key epigenetic alterations of the APC CpG sequence, is also associated with carcinogenesis in various cancers. Accumulating studies have successively explored the role of APC hypermethylation in gastrointestinal (GI) tumors, such as in esophageal, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and hepatic cancer. In sporadic colorectal cancer, the hypermethylation of CpG island in APC is even considered as one of the primary causative factors. In this review, we systematically summarized the distribution of APC gene methylation in various GI tumors, and attempted to provide an improved general understanding of DNA methylation in GI tumors. In addition, we included a robust overview of demethylating agents available for both basic and clinical researches. Finally, we elaborated our findings and perspectives on the overall situation of APC gene methylation in GI tumors, aiming to explore the potential research directions and clinical values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lila Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caixia Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nakagawa T, Kurokawa T, Mima M, Imamoto S, Mizokami H, Kondo S, Okamoto Y, Misawa K, Hanazawa T, Kaneda A. DNA Methylation and HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040801. [PMID: 33920277 PMCID: PMC8069883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), especially oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), has recently been found to be significantly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The incidence of OPSCC has been increasing and surpassed the number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. Although HPV-associated OPSCC has a relatively better prognosis than HPV-negative cancer, approximately 20% of HPV-associated HNSCC patients show a poor prognosis or therapeutic response, and the molecular mechanism behind this outcome in the intermediate-risk group is yet to be elucidated. These biological differences between HPV-associated HNSCC and HPV-negative HNSCC are partly explained by the differences in mutation patterns. However, recent reports have revealed that epigenetic dysregulation, such as dysregulated DNA methylation, is a strikingly common pathological feature of human malignancy. Notably, viral infections can induce aberrant DNA methylation, leading to carcinogenesis, and HPV-associated HNSCC cases tend to harbor a higher amount of aberrantly methylated DNA than HPV-negative HNSCC cases. Furthermore, recent comprehensive genome-wide DNA-methylation analyses with large cohorts have revealed that a sub-group of HPV-associated HNSCC correlates with increased DNA methylation. Accordingly, in this review, we provide an overview of the relationship between DNA methylation and HPV-associated HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nakagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tomoya Kurokawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Masato Mima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hamamatsu University, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Sakiko Imamoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Harue Mizokami
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Satoru Kondo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Okamoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Chiba Rosai Hospital, Ichihara 290-0003, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hamamatsu University, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Toyoyuki Hanazawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Correspondence: (T.H.); (A.K.); Tel./Fax: +81-43-226-2039
| | - Atsushi Kaneda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (T.H.); (A.K.); Tel./Fax: +81-43-226-2039
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gleneadie HJ, Baker AH, Batis N, Bryant J, Jiang Y, Clokie SJH, Mehanna H, Garcia P, Gendoo DMA, Roberts S, Burley M, Molinolo AA, Gutkind JS, Scheven BA, Cooper PR, Parish JL, Khanim FL, Wiench M. The anti-tumour activity of DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine is enhanced by the common analgesic paracetamol through induction of oxidative stress. Cancer Lett 2021; 501:172-186. [PMID: 33359448 PMCID: PMC7845757 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC, decitabine) has anti-cancer therapeutic potential, but its clinical efficacy is hindered by DNA damage-related side effects and its use in solid tumours is debated. Here we describe how paracetamol augments the effects of DAC on cancer cell proliferation and differentiation, without enhancing DNA damage. Firstly, DAC specifically upregulates cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E2 pathway, inadvertently providing cancer cells with survival potential, while the addition of paracetamol offsets this effect. Secondly, in the presence of paracetamol, DAC treatment leads to glutathione depletion and finally to accumulation of ROS and/or mitochondrial superoxide, both of which have the potential to restrict tumour growth. The benefits of combined treatment are demonstrated here in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and acute myeloid leukaemia cell lines, further corroborated in a HNSCC xenograft mouse model and through mining of publicly available DAC and paracetamol responses. The sensitizing effect of paracetamol supplementation is specific to DAC but not its analogue 5-azacitidine. In summary, the addition of paracetamol could allow for DAC dose reduction, widening its clinical usability and providing a strong rationale for consideration in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Gleneadie
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK; Present Address: MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amy H Baker
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK
| | - Nikolaos Batis
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jennifer Bryant
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yao Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Samuel J H Clokie
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE), The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Paloma Garcia
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Deena M A Gendoo
- Centre for Computational Biology, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sally Roberts
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Megan Burley
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alfredo A Molinolo
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ben A Scheven
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK
| | - Paul R Cooper
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK; Present Address: Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L Parish
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Farhat L Khanim
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Malgorzata Wiench
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK; Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lai J, Fu Y, Tian S, Huang S, Luo X, Lin L, Zhang X, Wang H, Lin Z, Zhao H, Lin S, Zhao J, Xu S, Li D, Cai S, Dong L, Qian J, Liang J, Li Q, Zhang Y, Fan J, Balderas R, Chen Q. Zebularine elevates STING expression and enhances cGAMP cancer immunotherapy in mice. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1758-1771. [PMID: 33571681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation abnormality is closely related to tumor occurrence and development. Chemical inhibitors targeting DNA methyltransferase (DNMTis) have been used in treating cancer. However, the impact of DNMTis on antitumor immunity has not been well elucidated. In this study, we show that zebularine (a demethylating agent) treatment of cancer cells led to increased levels of interferon response in a cyclic guanosine monophosphate-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)- and stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-dependent manner. This treatment also specifically sensitized the cGAS-STING pathway in response to DNA stimulation. Incorporation of zebularine into genomic DNA caused demethylation and elevated expression of a group of genes, including STING. Without causing DNA damage, zebularine led to accumulation of DNA species in the cytoplasm of treated cells. In syngeneic tumor models, administration of zebularine alone reduced tumor burden and extended mice survival. This effect synergized with cGAMP and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The efficacy of zebularine was abolished in nude mice and in cGAS-/- or STING-/- mice, indicating its dependency on host immunity. Analysis of tumor cells indicates upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) following zebularine administration. Zebularine promoted infiltration of CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells into tumor and therefore suppressed tumor growth. This study unveils the role of zebularine in sensitizing the cGAS-STING pathway to promote anti-tumor immunity and provides the foundation for further therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junzhong Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China; The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Yajuan Fu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Shuoran Tian
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Shanlu Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Lili Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Hanze Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Zhang Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Shujin Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Junhong Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Shan Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Daliang Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Shaoli Cai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Luna Dong
- BD Biosciences Shanghai, New Bund World Trade Center III, Building B, No. 11, Lane 221, Dongyu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200126, China
| | - Jing Qian
- BD Biosciences Shanghai, New Bund World Trade Center III, Building B, No. 11, Lane 221, Dongyu Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200126, China
| | - Jiadi Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | - Jiqiang Fan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China
| | | | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, China; Key Laboratory of OptoElectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350117, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pozo MI, Hunt BJ, Van Kemenade G, Guerra-Sanz JM, Wäckers F, Mallon EB, Jacquemyn H. The effect of DNA methylation on bumblebee colony development. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:73. [PMID: 33482723 PMCID: PMC7821684 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although around 1% of cytosines in bees' genomes are known to be methylated, less is known about methylation's effect on bee behavior and fitness. Chemically altered DNA methylation levels have shown clear changes in the dominance and reproductive behavior of workers in queen-less colonies, but the global effect of DNA methylation on caste determination and colony development remains unclear, mainly because of difficulties in controlling for genetic differences among experimental subjects in the parental line. Here, we investigated the effect of the methylation altering agent decitabine on the developmental rate of full bumblebee colonies. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to assess differences in methylation status. RESULTS Our results showed fewer methylated loci in the control group. A total of 22 CpG loci were identified as significantly differentially methylated between treated and control workers with a change in methylation levels of 10% or more. Loci that were methylated differentially between groups participated in pathways including neuron function, oocyte regulation and metabolic processes. Treated colonies tended to develop faster, and therefore more workers were found at a given developmental stage. However, male production followed the opposite trend and it tended to be higher in control colonies. CONCLUSION Overall, our results indicate that altered methylation patterns resulted in an improved cooperation between workers, while there were no signs of abnormal worker dominance or caste determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María I Pozo
- KU Leuven, Biology Department, Plant Population and Conservation Biology, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Benjamin J Hunt
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest Group, Research and Development, B-2260, Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Eamonn B Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- KU Leuven, Biology Department, Plant Population and Conservation Biology, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|