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Oladipo EK, Olufemi SE, Adediran DA, Adejumo IO, Jimah EM, Oloke JK, Udekwu CC, Ogunwobi OO. Epigenetic modifications in solid tumor metastasis in people of African ancestry. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1325614. [PMID: 38450190 PMCID: PMC10915648 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1325614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the critical role of epigenetic modifications in solid tumor metastasis, particularly in people of African ancestry. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, alterations in non-coding RNAs, and mRNA methylation, significantly influence gene expression, contributing to cancer development and progression. Despite the primary focus on populations of European, American, and Asian descent in most cancer research, this work emphasizes the importance of studying the unique genetic and epigenetic landscapes of African populations for a more inclusive approach in understanding and treating cancer. Insights from this review have the potential to pave the way for the development of effective, tailored treatments, and provide a richer resource for understanding cancer progression and metastasis. Specific focus was placed on the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and mRNA methylation in solid tumor metastasis, including how these modifications contribute to the regulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, influence cellular pathways and signaling, and interact with the immune system. Moreover, this review elaborates on the development of epigenetic-targeted therapeutic strategies and the current advances in this field, highlighting the promising applications of these therapies in improving outcomes for African ancestry populations disproportionately affected by certain types of cancer. Nevertheless, this work acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the under-representation of African populations in cancer genomic and epigenomic studies and the technical complications associated with detecting subtle epigenetic modifications. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for more inclusive research practices, the development of more robust and sensitive methods for detecting and interpreting epigenetic changes, and the understanding of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic variations. The review concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of epigenetic research in People of African ancestry, urging the concerted efforts of researchers, clinicians, funding agencies, and policymakers to extend the benefits of this research to all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Kolawole Oladipo
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Immunology and Bioinformatics, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Seun Elijah Olufemi
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Adewole Adediran
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Julius Kola Oloke
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Natural Sciences, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum C. Udekwu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Bahado‐Singh RO, Turkoglu O, Aydas B, Vishweswaraiah S. Precision oncology: Artificial intelligence, circulating cell-free DNA, and the minimally invasive detection of pancreatic cancer-A pilot study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19644-19655. [PMID: 37787018 PMCID: PMC10587955 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most lethal cancers. The lack of effective tools for early detection results in late tumor detection and, consequently, high mortality rate. Precision oncology aims to develop targeted individual treatments based on advanced computational approaches of omics data. Biomarkers, such as global alteration of cytosine (CpG) methylation, can be pivotal for these objectives. In this study, we performed DNA methylation profiling of pancreatic cancer patients using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and artificial intelligence (AI) including Deep Learning (DL) for minimally invasive detection to elucidate the epigenetic pathogenesis of PC. METHODS The Illumina Infinium HD Assay was used for genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cfDNA in treatment-naïve patients. Six AI algorithms were used to determine PC detection accuracy based on cytosine (CpG) methylation markers. Additional strategies for minimizing overfitting were employed. The molecular pathogenesis was interrogated using enrichment analysis. RESULTS In total, we identified 4556 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (q-value < 0.05; Bonferroni correction) in PC versus controls. Highly accurate PC detection was achieved with all 6 AI platforms (Area under the receiver operator characteristics curve [0.90-1.00]). For example, DL achieved AUC (95% CI): 1.00 (0.95-1.00), with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. A separate modeling approach based on logistic regression-based yielded an AUC (95% CI) 1.0 (1.0-1.0) with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for PC detection. The top four biological pathways that were epigenetically altered in PC and are known to be linked with cancer are discussed. CONCLUSION Using a minimally invasive approach, AI, and epigenetic analysis of circulating cfDNA, high predictive accuracy for PC was achieved. From a clinical perspective, our findings suggest that that early detection leading to improved overall survival may be achievable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O. Bahado‐Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCorewell Health – William Beaumont University HospitalRoyal OakMichiganUSA
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCorewell Health – William Beaumont University HospitalRoyal OakMichiganUSA
| | - Buket Aydas
- Department of Care Management AnalyticsBlue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganDetroitMichiganUSA
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3
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Liu J, Min S, Kim D, Park J, Park E, Koh Y, Shin DY, Kim TK, Byun JM, Yoon SS, Hong J. Epigenetic priming improves salvage chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via endogenous retrovirus-induced cGAS-STING activation. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:75. [PMID: 37138342 PMCID: PMC10155448 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01493-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) achieve complete remission after first-line rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy, up to 40% of patients relapse and require salvage therapy. Among those patients, a substantial proportion remain refractory to salvage therapy due to insufficient efficacy or intolerance of toxicities. A hypomethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, showed a chemosensitizing effect when primed before chemotherapy in lymphoma cell lines and newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. However, its potential to improve outcomes of salvage chemotherapy in DLBCL has not been investigated. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism of 5-azacytidine priming as a chemosensitizer in a platinum-based salvage regimen. This chemosensitizing effect was associated with endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-induced viral mimicry responses via the cGAS-STING axis. We found deficiency of cGAS impaired the chemosensitizing effect of 5-azacytidine. Furthermore, combining vitamin C and 5-azacytidine to synergistically activate STING could be a potential remedy for insufficient priming induced by 5-azacytidine alone. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the chemosensitizing effect of 5-azacytidine could be exploited to overcome the limitations of the current platinum-containing salvage chemotherapy in DLBCL and the status of cGAS-STING has the potential to predict the efficacy of 5-azacytidine priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Min
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongchan Kim
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Park
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunchae Park
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ja Min Byun
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Yoon
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junshik Hong
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Epigenetic Factors in Eutopic Endometrium in Women with Endometriosis and Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073804. [PMID: 35409163 PMCID: PMC8998720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis is characterized by aberrant expression of essential genes during the implantation window. It predisposes to disturbance of endometrial receptivity. The pathomechanism of implantation failures in women with endometriosis remains unclear. This paper aims to summarize the knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms in eutopic endometrium in the group of patients with both endometriosis and infertility. The impaired DNA methylation patterns of gene promoter regions in eutopic tissue was established. The global profile of histone acetylation and methylation and the analysis of selected histone modifications showed significant differences in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Aberrant expression of the proposed candidate genes may promote an unfavorable embryonic implantation environment of the endometrium due to an immunological dysfunction, inflammatory reaction, and apoptotic response in women with endometriosis. The role of the newly discovered proteins regulating gene expression, i.e., TET proteins, in endometrial pathology is not yet completely known. The cells of the eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis contain a stable, impaired methylation pattern and a histone code. Medication targeting critical genes responsible for the aberrant gene expression pattern in eutopic endometrium may help treat infertility in women with endometriosis.
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Siklos M, Kubicek S. Therapeutic targeting of chromatin: status and opportunities. FEBS J 2021; 289:1276-1301. [PMID: 33982887 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The molecular characterization of mechanisms underlying transcriptional control and epigenetic inheritance since the 1990s has paved the way for the development of targeted therapies that modulate these pathways. In the past two decades, cancer genome sequencing approaches have uncovered a plethora of mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes across tumor types, and systematic genetic screens have identified many of these proteins as specific vulnerabilities in certain cancers. Now is the time when many of these basic and translational efforts start to bear fruit and more and more chromatin-targeting drugs are entering the clinic. At the same time, novel pharmacological approaches harbor the potential to modulate chromatin in unprecedented fashion, thus generating entirely novel opportunities. Here, we review the current status of chromatin targets in oncology and describe a vision for the epigenome-modulating drugs of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marton Siklos
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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6
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Li Y, Liu Y, Zhao N, Yang X, Li Y, Zhai F, Zang X, Cui W. Checkpoint regulator B7x is epigenetically regulated by HDAC3 and mediates resistance to HDAC inhibitors by reprogramming the tumor immune environment in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:753. [PMID: 32934224 PMCID: PMC7493945 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02968-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
HDAC inhibitors are efficacious for treating lymphoma, but display limited efficacy in treating solid tumors. Here, we investigated the relationship between HDAC inhibitor resistance and the tumor immune environment in colorectal cancer. Our data indicated that among the investigated immune factors, B7x expression was enhanced in HDAC inhibitor-resistant colorectal cancer models in vitro and in vivo. In addition, gene manipulation results demonstrated that xenograft mice with tumors derived from a B7x-overexpressing CT-26 colorectal cancer cell line were resistant to HDAC inhibitor treatment. Notably, we found that there is a negative relationship between HDAC and B7x expression in both colorectal cancer cell lines and patients’ tumors. Furthermore, our data indicated that elevated expression of B7x was related to a poor prognosis in colorectal tumor patients. Interestingly, treatment with a specific inhibitor or siRNA of HDAC3, but not HDAC2, 6, and 8, resulted in obvious upregulation of B7x expression in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, our data showed that a cell line with high HDAC3 expression and low B7x expression had decreased enrichment of acetylated histone H3 in the promoter region of the gene encoding B7x. This pattern was reversed by addition of HDAC3 inhibitors. Mechanistically, we found that HDAC3 regulated B7x transcription by promoting the binding of the transcription activator C/EBP-α with the B7x promoter region. Importantly, our data indicated that an antibody neutralizing B7x augmented the response to HDAC inhibitor in the colorectal cancer xenograft model and the lung metastasis model by increasing the ratios of both CD4-positive and CD8-positive T cells. In summary, we demonstrated a role of B7x in HDAC inhibitor resistance and identified the mechanism that dysregulates B7x in colorectal cancer. Our work provides a novel strategy to overcome HDAC inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Center for Neuroscience, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, PR China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fangzheng Zhai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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7
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Mancilla VJ, Peeri NC, Silzer T, Basha R, Felini M, Jones HP, Phillips N, Tao MH, Thyagarajan S, Vishwanatha JK. Understanding the Interplay Between Health Disparities and Epigenomics. Front Genet 2020; 11:903. [PMID: 32973872 PMCID: PMC7468461 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social epigenomics has emerged as an integrative field of research focused on identification of socio-environmental factors, their influence on human biology through epigenomic modifications, and how they contribute to current health disparities. Several health disparities studies have been published using genetic-based approaches; however, increasing accessibility and affordability of molecular technologies have allowed for an in-depth investigation of the influence of external factors on epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, micro-RNA expression). Currently, research is focused on epigenetic changes in response to environment, as well as targeted epigenetic therapies and environmental/social strategies for potentially minimizing certain health disparities. Here, we will review recent findings in this field pertaining to conditions and diseases over life span encompassing prenatal to adult stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana J. Mancilla
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Noah C. Peeri
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Talisa Silzer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Riyaz Basha
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Martha Felini
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Harlan P. Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Meng-Hua Tao
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Srikantha Thyagarajan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Jamboor K. Vishwanatha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Texas Center for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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8
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Ward C, Meehan J, Gray ME, Murray AF, Argyle DJ, Kunkler IH, Langdon SP. The impact of tumour pH on cancer progression: strategies for clinical intervention. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2020; 1:71-100. [PMID: 36046070 PMCID: PMC9400736 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of cellular pH is frequent in solid tumours and provides potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The acidic microenvironment within a tumour can promote migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms. Pathways associated with the control of intracellular pH that are under consideration for intervention include carbonic anhydrase IX, the monocarboxylate transporters (MCT, MCT1 and MCT4), the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase proton pump, and the sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1. This review will describe progress in the development of inhibitors to these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Ward
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
| | - James Meehan
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark E Gray
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG Midlothian, UK
| | - Alan F Murray
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, EH9 3JL Edinburgh, UK
| | - David J Argyle
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG Midlothian, UK
| | - Ian H Kunkler
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon P Langdon
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Li R, Yin YH, Jin J, Liu X, Zhang MY, Yang YE, Qu YQ. Integrative analysis of DNA methylation-driven genes for the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma using MethylMix. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:773-786. [PMID: 32218699 PMCID: PMC7085273 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.43272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: DNA methylation acts as a key component in epigenetic modifications of genomic function and functions as disease-specific prognostic biomarkers for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). This present study aimed to identify methylation-driven genes as prognostic biomarkers for LUSC using bioinformatics analysis. Materials and Methods: Differentially expressed RNAs were obtained using the edge R package from 502 LUSC tissues and 49 adjacent non-LUSC tissues. Differentially methylated genes were obtained using the limma R package from 504 LUSC tissues and 69 adjacent non-LUSC tissues. The methylation-driven genes were obtained using the MethylMix R package from 500 LUSC tissues with matched DNA methylation data and gene expression data and 69 non-LUSC tissues with DNA methylation data. Gene ontology and ConsensusPathDB pathway analysis were performed to analyze the functional enrichment of methylation-driven genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent effect of differentially methylated genes for predicting the prognosis of LUSC. Results: A total of 44 methylation-driven genes were obtained. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that twelve aberrant methylated genes (ATP6V0CP3, AGGF1P3, RP11-264L1.4, HIST1H4K, LINC01158, CH17-140K24.1, CTC-523E23.14, ADCYAP1, COX11P1, TRIM58, FOXD4L6, CBLN1) were entered into a Cox predictive model associated with overall survival in LUSC patients. Methylation and gene expression combined survival analysis showed that the survival rate of hypermethylation and low-expression of DQX1 and WDR61 were low. The expression of DQX1 had a significantly negatively correlated with the methylation site cg02034222. Conclusion: Methylation-driven genes DQX1 and WDR61 might be potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yun-Hong Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jia Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yi-E Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yi-Qing Qu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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10
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Ganesan A, Arimondo PB, Rots MG, Jeronimo C, Berdasco M. The timeline of epigenetic drug discovery: from reality to dreams. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:174. [PMID: 31791394 PMCID: PMC6888921 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The flexibility of the epigenome has generated an enticing argument to explore its reversion through pharmacological treatments as a strategy to ameliorate disease phenotypes. All three families of epigenetic proteins—readers, writers, and erasers—are druggable targets that can be addressed through small-molecule inhibitors. At present, a few drugs targeting epigenetic enzymes as well as analogues of epigenetic modifications have been introduced into the clinic use (e.g. to treat haematological malignancies), and a wide range of epigenetic-based drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Here, we describe the timeline of epigenetic drug discovery and development beginning with the early design based solely on phenotypic observations to the state-of-the-art rational epigenetic drug discovery using validated targets. Finally, we will highlight some of the major aspects that need further research and discuss the challenges that need to be overcome to implement epigenetic drug discovery into clinical management of human disorders. To turn into reality, researchers from various disciplines (chemists, biologists, clinicians) need to work together to optimise the drug engineering, read-out assays, and clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Paola B Arimondo
- Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris, France
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Epigenetic Editing, Dept. Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Jeronimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Berdasco
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Epigenetic Therapies, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Campus ICO-Germans Trias i Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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11
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Emerging epigenomic landscapes of pancreatic cancer in the era of precision medicine. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3875. [PMID: 31462645 PMCID: PMC6713756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have advanced our understanding of pancreatic cancer at a mechanistic and translational level. Genetic concepts and tools are increasingly starting to be applied to clinical practice, in particular for precision medicine efforts. However, epigenomics is rapidly emerging as a promising conceptual and methodological paradigm for advancing the knowledge of this disease. More importantly, recent studies have uncovered potentially actionable pathways, which support the prediction that future trials for pancreatic cancer will involve the vigorous testing of epigenomic therapeutics. Thus, epigenomics promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of both biological and medical importance. In pancreatic cancer, the epigenomic landscape can strongly impact the disease phenotype. Here, the authors discuss recent advances in our understanding of pancreatic cancer epigenomics, and how this knowledge can integrate with precision medicine approaches in this lethal disease.
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Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Lattanzi G, McCubrey JA, Martelli AM. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of evasive and innate resistance to mTOR inhibition in cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:1322-1337. [PMID: 30928610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of drug-resistance by neoplastic cells is recognized as a major cause of targeted therapy failure and disease progression. The mechanistic (previously mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved Ser/Thr kinase that acts as the catalytic subunit of two structurally and functionally distinct large multiprotein complexes, referred to as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 play key roles in a variety of healthy cell types/tissues by regulating physiological anabolic and catabolic processes in response to external cues. However, a body of evidence identified aberrant activation of mTOR signaling as a common event in many human tumors. Therefore, mTOR is an attractive target for therapeutic targeting in cancer and this fact has driven the development of numerous mTOR inhibitors, several of which have progressed to clinical trials. Nevertheless, mTOR inhibitors have met with a very limited success as anticancer therapeutics. Among other reasons, this failure was initially ascribed to the activation of several compensatory signaling pathways that dampen the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors. The discovery of these regulatory feedback mechanisms greatly contributed to a better understanding of cancer cell resistance to mTOR targeting agents. However, over the last few years, other mechanisms of resistance have emerged, including epigenetic alterations, compensatory metabolism rewiring and the occurrence of mTOR mutations. In this article, we provide the reader with an updated overview of the mechanisms that could explain resistance of cancer cells to the various classes of mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lattanzi
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy.
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Wang X, Ghareeb WM, Zhang Y, Yu Q, Lu X, Huang Y, Huang S, Sun Y, Chi P. Hypermethylated and downregulated MEIS2 are involved in stemness properties and oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy resistance of colorectal cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:18180-18191. [PMID: 30859572 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Waleed M. Ghareeb
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
- Department of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Pathology Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Xingrong Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Shenghui Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Yanwu Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Pan Chi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University Fuzhou Fujian China
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Wawruszak A, Kalafut J, Okon E, Czapinski J, Halasa M, Przybyszewska A, Miziak P, Okla K, Rivero-Muller A, Stepulak A. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and Phenotypical Transformation of Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020148. [PMID: 30691229 PMCID: PMC6406474 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) are a group of potent epigenetic drugs which have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in various clinical disorders, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Currently, several HDIs are already in clinical use and many more are on clinical trials. HDIs have shown efficacy to inhibit initiation and progression of cancer cells. Nevertheless, both pro-invasive and anti-invasive activities of HDIs have been reported, questioning their impact in carcinogenesis. The aim of this review is to compile and discuss the most recent findings on the effect of HDIs on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in human cancers. We have summarized the impact of HDIs on epithelial (E-cadherin, β-catenin) and mesenchymal (N-cadherin, vimentin) markers, EMT activators (TWIST, SNAIL, SLUG, SMAD, ZEB), as well as morphology, migration and invasion potential of cancer cells. We further discuss the use of HDIs as monotherapy or in combination with existing or novel anti-neoplastic drugs in relation to changes in EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wawruszak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kalafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Estera Okon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Jakub Czapinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Trojdena 2a St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Marta Halasa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Alicja Przybyszewska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Paulina Miziak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Karolina Okla
- The First Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Muller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Abo Akademi University, Tykistokatu 6A, 20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Andrzej Stepulak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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Wang W, Toran PT, Sabol R, Brown TJ, Barth BM. Epigenetics and Sphingolipid Metabolism in Health and Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 1. [PMID: 30637412 DOI: 10.31021/ijbs.20181105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids represent one of the major classes of bioactive lipids. Studies of sphingolipids have intensified in the past several years, revealing their roles in nearly all cell biological processes. In addition, epigenetic regulation has gained substantial interest due to its role in controlling gene expression and activity without changing the genetic code. In this review, we first introduce a brief background on sphingolipid biology, highlighting its role in pathophysiology. We then illustrate the concept of epigenetic regulation, focusing on how it affects the metabolism of sphingolipids. We further discuss the roles of bioactive sphingolipids as epigenetic regulators themselves. Overall, a better understanding of the relationship between epigenetics and sphingolipid metabolism may help to improve the development of sphingolipid-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Paul T Toran
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Rachel Sabol
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Timothy J Brown
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Brian M Barth
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
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Mio C, Bulotta S, Russo D, Damante G. Reading Cancer: Chromatin Readers as Druggable Targets for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010061. [PMID: 30634442 PMCID: PMC6356452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic machinery deputed to control histone post-translational modifications is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. With epigenetics being naturally reversible, it represents a good target for therapies directed to restore normal gene expression. Since the discovery of Bromodomain and Extra Terminal (BET) inhibitors, a great effort has been spent investigating the effects of chromatin readers’ inhibition, specifically the class of proteins assigned to bind acetylated and methylated residues. So far, focused studies have been produced on epigenetic regulation, dissecting a specific class of epigenetic-related proteins or investigating epigenetic therapy in a specific tumor type. In this review, recent steps toward drug discovery on the different classes of chromatin readers have been outlined, highlighting the pros and cons of current therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Mio
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
- Medical Genetics Institute, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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Decitabine exerted synergistic effects with oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer cells with intrinsic resistance to decitabine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 509:249-254. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.12.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lin HW, Fu CF, Chang MC, Lu TP, Lin HP, Chiang YC, Chen CA, Cheng WF. CDH1, DLEC1 and SFRP5 methylation panel as a prognostic marker for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Epigenomics 2018; 10:1397-1413. [PMID: 30324802 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the CDH1, DLEC1 and SFRP5 gene methylation panel for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). MATERIALS & METHODS One hundred and seventy-seven advanced EOC specimens were evaluated by methylation-specific PCR. We also used The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to evaluate the panel. RESULTS The presence of two or more methylated genes was significant in recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.91 [1.33-2.76]; p = 0.002) and death (HR: 1.96 [1.26-3.06]; p = 0.006) in our cohort. In The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, the presence of two or three methylated genes was significant in death (HR: 1.59 [1.15-2.18]; p = 0.0047) and close to the significance level in recurrence (HR: 1.37 [0.99-1.88]; p = 0.058). CONCLUSION The CDH1, DLEC1 and SFRP5 methylation panel is a potential prognostic biomarker for advanced EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Wei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Feng Fu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, E-da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Cheng Chang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10041, Taiwan.,Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, Taoyuan 32546, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Pin Lu
- Institute of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ping Lin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Cheng Chiang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
| | - Chi-An Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10041, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
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Chen ES. Targeting epigenetics using synthetic lethality in precision medicine. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3381-3392. [PMID: 30003270 PMCID: PMC11105276 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Technological breakthroughs in genomics have had a significant impact on clinical therapy for human diseases, allowing us to use patient genetic differences to guide medical care. The "synthetic lethal approach" leverages on cancer-specific genetic rewiring to deliver a therapeutic regimen that preferentially targets malignant cells while sparing normal cells. The utility of this system is evident in several recent studies, particularly in poor prognosis cancers with loss-of-function mutations that become "treatable" when two otherwise discrete and unrelated genes are targeted simultaneously. This review focuses on the chemotherapeutic targeting of epigenetic alterations in cancer cells and consolidates a network that outlines the interplay between epigenetic and genetic regulators in DNA damage repair. This network consists of numerous synergistically acting relationships that are druggable, even in recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer. This collective knowledge points to the dawn of a new era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Parrella
- Laboratory of Oncology, IRCCS ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
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DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors in Myeloid Cancer: Clonal Eradication or Clonal Differentiation? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 23:277-285. [PMID: 28926428 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, so-called hypomethylating agents (HMAs), are the only drugs approved for the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and are widely used in this context. However, it is still unclear why some patients respond to HMAs, whereas others do not. Recent sequencing efforts have identified molecular disease entities that may be specifically sensitive to these drugs, and many attempts are being made to clarify how HMAs affect the malignant clone during treatment. Here, we review the most recent data on the clinical effects of HMAs in myeloid malignancies.
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Abstract
In the last decade, epigenetic drugs (such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases) have been intensively used for cancer treatment. Their applications have shown high anticancer effectivity and tolerable side effects. However, they are unfortunately not effective in the treatment of some types and phenotypes of cancers. Nevertheless, several studies have demonstrated that problems of drug efficacy can be overcome through the combined application of therapeutic modulates. Therefore, combined applications of epigenetic agents with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, oncolytic virotherapy and hyperthermia have been presented. This review summarizes and discusses the general principles of this approach, as introduced and supported by numerous examples. In addition, predictions of the future potential applications of this methodology are included.
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CBX3 promotes tumor proliferation by regulating G1/S phase via p21 downregulation and associates with poor prognosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Gene 2018; 654:49-56. [PMID: 29462646 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chromobox protein homolog 3 (CBX3), a core component of the heterochromatin proteins 1, is recently proved to be involved in human cancerogenesis and associated with the prognosis of patient. However, the role of CBX3 in Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear. In the present study we found that CBX3 was upregulated in TSCC tissues when compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues, and multivariable analysis showed that high CBX3 expression was associated with clinical stage and cervical node metastasis, which was an independent prognostic indicator of TSCC. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test showed that TSCC patients with high CBX3 expression had a poorer rate of OS compared to patients with low CBX3 expression. Moreover, knocking down CBX3 inhibited TSCC cells proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, while overexpressing CBX3 promoted TSCC cells proliferation. In addition, CBX3 depletion resulted in cell cycle delay at the G1/S phase via the p21 pathway. In summary, we identifies CBX3 as a potential novel oncogene in TSCC, which may act as a biomarker and target in the diagnosis and treatment of this killer disease.
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Abstract
Cancer is a daunting global problem confronting the world's population. The most frequent therapeutic approaches include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and more recently immunotherapy. In the case of chemotherapy, patients ultimately develop resistance to both single and multiple chemotherapeutic agents, which can culminate in metastatic disease which is a major cause of patient death from solid tumors. Chemoresistance, a primary cause of treatment failure, is attributed to multiple factors including decreased drug accumulation, reduced drug-target interactions, increased populations of cancer stem cells, enhanced autophagy activity, and reduced apoptosis in cancer cells. Reprogramming tumor cells to undergo drug-induced apoptosis provides a promising and powerful strategy for treating resistant and recurrent neoplastic diseases. This can be achieved by downregulating dysregulated antiapoptotic factors or activation of proapoptotic factors in tumor cells. A major target of dysregulation in cancer cells that can occur during chemoresistance involves altered expression of Bcl-2 family members. Bcl-2 antiapoptotic molecules (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1) are frequently upregulated in acquired chemoresistant cancer cells, which block drug-induced apoptosis. We presently overview the potential role of Bcl-2 antiapoptotic proteins in the development of cancer chemoresistance and overview the clinical approaches that use Bcl-2 inhibitors to restore cell death in chemoresistant and recurrent tumors.
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Yao D, Zhou Y, Zhu L, Ouyang L, Zhang J, Jiang Y, Zhao Y, Sun D, Yang S, Yu Y, Wang J. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of a focused library of pyrimidine moiety with anti-proliferative and anti-metastasis activities in triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 140:155-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ribich S, Harvey D, Copeland RA. Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology of Cancer Epigenetics. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:1120-1147. [PMID: 28938089 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive whole-exome sequencing, DNA copy-number determination, and transcriptomic analyses of diverse cancers have greatly expanded our understanding of the biology of many tumor types. In addition to mutations in the common cell-of-origin specific driver mutations, these studies have also revealed a large number of loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations in chromatin-modifying proteins (CMPs). This has revealed that epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of most pediatric and adult cancers. Many specific and potent inhibitors have been developed for multiple CMP classes, which have assisted in elucidating the role of epigenetics as well as epigenetic vulnerabilities in these cancer types. Clinical trials with numerous CMP inhibitors are also currently in progress to evaluate the therapeutic potential of epigenetic inhibitors. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of genetic mutations in epigenetic genes and a review of CMP inhibitors suitable for preclinical studies or currently in clinical trials. Additionally, we highlight the CMPs for which potent inhibitors have not been developed and additional research focus should be dedicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ribich
- Epizyme, Inc., 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Darren Harvey
- Epizyme, Inc., 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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