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Yang C, Li B, Feng Z, Li H, Yang H, Yang Z, Liu L, Shi Q, Wang H, Chen ZZ, Huang X, Wang J, Wang Y. Discovery of a Highly Potent Lysine Methyltransferases G9a/NSD2 Dual Inhibitor to Treat Solid Tumors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16072-16087. [PMID: 39008565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Both G9a and NSD2 have been recognized as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, G9a inhibitors only showed moderate inhibitory activity against solid tumors and NSD2 inhibitors were limited to the treatment of hematological malignancies. Inspired by the advantages of dual-target inhibitors that show great potential in enhancing efficiency, we developed a series of highly potent G9a/NSD2 dual inhibitors to treat solid tumors. The candidate 16 demonstrated much enhanced antiproliferative activity compared to the selective G9a inhibitor 3 and NSD2 inhibitor 15. In addition, it exhibited superior potency in inhibiting colony formation, inducing cell apoptosis, and blocking cancer cell metastasis. Furthermore, it effectively inhibited the catalytic functions of both G9a and NSD2 in cells and exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in the PANC-1 xenograft model with good safety. Therefore, compound 16 as a highly potent G9a/NSD2 dual inhibitor presents an attractive anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunju Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bang Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huaxuan Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Zhenjiao Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Liu
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiongyu Shi
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhong-Zhu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Xun Huang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
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2
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Nishigaya Y, Takase S, Sumiya T, Sato T, Niwa H, Sato S, Nakata A, Matsuoka S, Maemoto Y, Hashimoto N, Namie R, Honma T, Umehara T, Shirouzu M, Koyama H, Yoshida M, Ito A, Shirai F. Structure-based development of novel substrate-type G9a inhibitors as epigenetic modulators for sickle cell disease treatment. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129856. [PMID: 38914346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and development of structurally distinct lysine methyltransferase G9a inhibitors have been the subject of intense research in epigenetics. Structure-based optimization was conducted, starting with the previously reported seed compound 7a and lead to the identification of a highly potent G9a inhibitor, compound 7i (IC50 = 0.024 μM). X-ray crystallography for the ligand-protein interaction and kinetics study, along with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, revealed that compound 7i interacts with G9a in a unique binding mode. In addition, compound 7i caused attenuation of cellular H3K9me2 levels and induction of γ-globin mRNA expression in HUDEP-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nishigaya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan.
| | - Shohei Takase
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Tatsunobu Sumiya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sato
- Drug Discovery Computational Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hideaki Niwa
- Drug Discovery Structural Biology Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shin Sato
- Drug Discovery Structural Biology Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakata
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Seiji Matsuoka
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yuki Maemoto
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Noriaki Hashimoto
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Namie
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- Drug Discovery Computational Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Drug Discovery Structural Biology Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Drug Discovery Structural Biology Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroo Koyama
- Drug Discovery Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Office of University Professor, the University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Shirai
- Drug Discovery Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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3
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Wu CS, Sun X, Liu L, Cheng L. A Live-Cell Epigenome Manipulation by Photo-Stimuli-Responsive Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitor. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404608. [PMID: 39250325 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications on the histone H3 tail regulate chromatin structure, impact epigenetics, and hence the gene expressions. Current chemical modulation tools, such as unnatural amino acid incorporation, protein splicing, and sortase-based editing, have allowed for the modification of histones with various PTMs in cellular contexts, but are not applicable for editing native chromatin. The use of small organic molecules to manipulate histone-modifying enzymes alters endogenous histone PTMs but lacks precise temporal and spatial control. To date, there has been no achievement in modulating histone methylation in living cells with spatiotemporal resolution. In this study, a new method is presented for temporally manipulating histone dimethylation H3K9me2 using a photo-responsive inhibitor that specifically targets the methyltransferase G9a on demand. The photo-caged molecule is stable under physiological conditions and cellular environments, but rapidly activated upon exposure to light, releasing the bioactive component that can immediately inhibit the catalytic ability of the G9a in vitro. Besides, this masked compound could also efficiently reactivate the inhibition of methyltransferase activity in living cells, subsequently suppress H3K9me2, a mark that regulates various chromatin functions. Therefore, the chemical system will be a valuable tool for manipulating the epigenome for therapeutic purposes and furthering the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Shuo Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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4
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Filiú-Braga LDC, Bogéa GMR, de Assis AJB, Pittella-Silva F, Saldanha-Araujo F. GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38997742 PMCID: PMC11249034 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03441-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alan Jhones Barbosa de Assis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Hematology and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.
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5
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Li X, Xiong X, Xue R, Zang L, Wang Z, Wang L. Novel methyltransferase G9a inhibitor induces ferroptosis in multiple myeloma through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:2405-2417. [PMID: 38538975 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant hematologic neoplasm, and the involvement of epigenetic modifications in its development and drug resistance has received widespread attention. Ferroptosis, a new ferroptosis-dependent programmed death mode, is closely associated with the development of MM. The novel methyltransferase inhibitor DCG066 has higher cell activity, but its mechanism of action in MM has not been clarified. Here, we found that DCG066 (5µM) inhibited the proliferation and induced ferroptosis in MM cells; the intracellular levels of ROS, iron, and MDA were significantly elevated, and the level of GSH was reduced after the treatment of DCG066; The protein expression levels of SLC7A11, GPX4, Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly reduced, and these phenomena could be reversed by ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and Nrf2 activator Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ). Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of Keap1 was increased, and heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90 and HSPB1) were reduced after DCG066 treatment. In conclusion, this study confirmed that DCG066 inhibits MM proliferation and induces ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Postgraduate Training Base of Linyi People's Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Linyi, China
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | | | - Xiaoqi Li
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xingfang Xiong
- Postgraduate Training Base of Linyi People's Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Linyi, China
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Renyu Xue
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, China
- Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, China
- Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Linyi, China
| | - Lanlan Zang
- Postgraduate Training Base of Linyi People's Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Linyi, China.
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, China.
- Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Linyi, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, China.
- Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Linyi, China.
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Health Commission of Shandong Province, Linyi, China.
- Linyi Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Linyi, China.
- Key Laboratory for Translational Oncology, Xuzhou Medical University, Linyi, China.
- Department of Hematology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China.
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6
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Matoba S, Shikata D, Shirai F, Tatebe T, Hirose M, Nakata A, Watanabe N, Hasegawa A, Ito A, Yoshida M, Ogura A. Reduction of H3K9 methylation by G9a inhibitors improves the development of mouse SCNT embryos. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:906-921. [PMID: 38729154 PMCID: PMC11390627 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.04.003] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Removal of somatic histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) from the embryonic genome can improve the efficiency of mammalian cloning using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, this strategy involves the injection of histone demethylase mRNA into embryos, which is limiting because of its invasive and labor-consuming nature. Here, we report that treatment with an inhibitor of G9a (G9ai), the major histone methyltransferase that introduces H3K9me1/2 in mammals, greatly improved the development of mouse SCNT embryos. Intriguingly, G9ai caused an immediate reduction of H3K9me1/2, a secondary loss of H3K9me3 in SCNT embryos, and increased the birth rate of cloned pups about 5-fold (up to 3.9%). G9ai combined with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A further improved this rate to 14.5%. Mechanistically, G9ai and TSA synergistically enhanced H3K9me3 demethylation and boosted zygotic genome activation. Thus, we established an easy, highly effective SCNT protocol that would enhance future cloning research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Daiki Shikata
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Shirai
- Drug Discovery Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takaki Tatebe
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakata
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Naomi Watanabe
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hasegawa
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan; The Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Bioresource Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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7
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Zhou H, Gui J, Zhu L, Mi Y. The Role and Mechanism of the Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Tumors: Update. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:449-462. [PMID: 38832355 PMCID: PMC11146345 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s451108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Methylation-mediated gene silencing is closely related to the occurrence and development of human tumors. The euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2, also known as G9a) is highly expressed in many tumors and is generally considered to be an oncogene, which is associated with the poor outcome of many tumors. Combined immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy also have good efficacy and certain safety. However, there are still many difficulties in the drugs targeting G9a, and the combined effect and safety of G9a with many drugs is still under study. This article aims to summarize the role and mechanism of G9a and its inhibitors in tumors in the past two years, and to understand the application prospect of G9a from the perspective of diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangsheng Zhou
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Gui
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijie Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Mi
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Zhang X, Xia F, Zhang X, Blumenthal RM, Cheng X. C2H2 Zinc Finger Transcription Factors Associated with Hemoglobinopathies. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168343. [PMID: 37924864 PMCID: PMC11185177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
In humans, specific aberrations in β-globin results in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, symptoms of which can be ameliorated by increased expression of fetal globin (HbF). Two recent CRISPR-Cas9 screens, centered on ∼1500 annotated sequence-specific DNA binding proteins and performed in a human erythroid cell line that expresses adult hemoglobin, uncovered four groups of candidate regulators of HbF gene expression. They are (1) members of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex proteins that are already known for HbF control; (2) seven C2H2 zinc finger (ZF) proteins, including some (ZBTB7A and BCL11A) already known for directly silencing the fetal γ-globin genes in adult human erythroid cells; (3) a few other transcription factors of different structural classes that might indirectly influence HbF gene expression; and (4) DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) that maintains the DNA methylation marks that attract the MBD2-associated NuRD complex to DNA as well as associated histone H3 lysine 9 methylation. Here we briefly discuss the effects of these regulators, particularly C2H2 ZFs, in inducing HbF expression for treating β-hemoglobin disorders, together with recent advances in developing safe and effective small-molecule therapeutics for the regulation of this well-conserved hemoglobin switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Fangfang Xia
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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9
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Jana A, Naga R, Saha S, Griñán-Ferré C, Banerjee DR. Integration of ligand and structure-based pharmacophore screening for the identification of novel natural leads against Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9a). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3535-3562. [PMID: 37216299 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2213346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a blended ligand and structure-based pharmacophore screening approach to identify new natural leads against the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9a). The EHMT2/G9a has been associated with Cancer, Alzheimer's, and aging and is considered an emerging drug target having no clinically passed inhibitor. Purposefully, we developed the ligand-based pharmacophore (Pharmacophore-L) based on the common features of known inhibitors and the structure-based pharmacophore (Pharmacophore-S) based on the interaction profile of available crystal structures. The Pharmacophore-L and Pharmacophore-S were subjected to multiple tiers of validations and utilized in combination for the screening of total 741543 compounds coming from multiple databases. Additional layers of stringency were applied in the screening process to test drug-likeness (using Lipinski's rule, Veber's rule, SMARTS and ADMET filtration), to rule out any toxicity (TOPKAT analysis). The interaction profiles, stabilities, and comparative analysis against the reference were carried out by flexible docking, MD simulation, and MM-GBSA analysis, which finally led to three leads as potential inhibitors of G9a.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Jana
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Rahul Naga
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Sougata Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Deb Ranjan Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
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10
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Li D, Peng X, Hu Z, Li S, Chen J, Pan W. Small molecules targeting selected histone methyltransferases (HMTs) for cancer treatment: Current progress and novel strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115982. [PMID: 38056296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) play a critical role in gene post-translational regulation and diverse physiological processes, and are implicated in a plethora of human diseases, especially cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that HMTs may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Thus, the development of HMTs inhibitor have been pursued with steadily increasing interest over the past decade. However, the disadvantages such as insufficient clinical efficacy, moderate selectivity, and propensity for acquired resistance have hindered the development of conventional HMT inhibitors. New technologies and methods are imperative to enhance the anticancer activity of HMT inhibitors. In this review, we first review the structure and biological functions of the several essential HMTs, such as EZH2, G9a, PRMT5, and DOT1L. The internal relationship between these HMTs and cancer is also expounded. Next, we mainly focus on the latest progress in the development of HMT modulators encompassing dual-target inhibitors, targeted protein degraders and covalent inhibitors from perspectives such as rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical status. Lastly, we also discuss the challenges and future directions for HMT-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 516000, PR China.
| | - Wanyi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
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11
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Jahoriya V, Mishra A, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. Dual inhibitors of HDAC and other epigenetic regulators: A novel strategy for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115938. [PMID: 37989059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant advancement in the field of epigenetic drug discovery has been evidenced in recent years. Epigenetic alterations are hereditary, nevertheless reversible variations to DNA or histone adaptations that regulate gene function individualistically of the fundamental sequence. The design and synthesis of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators open a new door for epigenetic-targeted therapies to parade worthwhile therapeutic potential for haematological and solid malignancies. Several ongoing clinical trials on dual targeting strategy are being conducted comprising HDAC inhibitory component and an epigenetic regulating agent. In this perspective, the review discusses the pharmacological aspects of HDAC and other epigenetic regulating factors as dual inhibitors as an emerging alternative approach for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Varsha Jahoriya
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Aditya Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India.
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12
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de Oliveira Filho RS, de Oliveira DA, Nisimoto MM, Marti LC. A Review of Advanced Cutaneous Melanoma Therapies and Their Mechanisms, from Immunotherapies to Lysine Histone Methyl Transferase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5751. [PMID: 38136297 PMCID: PMC10741407 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245751] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced cutaneous melanoma is considered to be the most aggressive type of skin cancer and has variable rates of treatment response. Currently, there are some classes of immunotherapy and target therapies for its treatment. Immunotherapy can inhibit tumor growth and its recurrence by triggering the host's immune system, whereas targeted therapy inhibits specific molecules or signaling pathways. However, melanoma responses to these treatments are highly heterogeneous, and patients can develop resistance. Epigenomics (DNA/histone modifications) contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Epigenetic alterations are divided into four levels of gene expression regulation: DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation. Deregulation of lysine methyltransferase enzymes is associated with tumor initiation, invasion, development of metastases, changes in the immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. The study of lysine histone methyltransferase (KMT) and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitors is important for understanding cancer epigenetic mechanisms and biological processes. In addition to immunotherapy and target therapy, the research and development of KMT and NNMT inhibitors is ongoing. Many studies are exploring the therapeutic implications and possible side effects of these compounds, in addition to their adjuvant potential to the approved current therapies. Importantly, as with any drug development, safety, efficacy, and specificity are crucial considerations when developing methyltransferase inhibitors for clinical applications. Thus, this review article presents the recently available therapies and those in development for advanced cutaneous melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Santos de Oliveira Filho
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina–Universidade Federal de São Paulo–EPM-UNIFESP, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Arcuschin de Oliveira
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo–UNIFESP-Skin Cancer and Melanoma Fellow, São Paulo 04023-900, SP, Brazil;
| | | | - Luciana Cavalheiro Marti
- Experimental Research Department, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
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13
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Zhang Q, Chang B, Feng Q, Li L. Discovery of novel G9a/GLP covalent inhibitors for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115841. [PMID: 37788550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has become a serious threat to women's health. Research on epigenetic drugs is gradually deepening and is expected to provide new options for the treatment of TNBC. G9a/GLP has been shown to play an important role in the development of a variety of tumors, including TNBC. Most reported G9a/GLP inhibitors are reversible inhibitors, and covalent inhibitors with novel mechanisms of action are expected to offer unique advantages. In this study, we designed a series of novel G9a/GLP covalent inhibitors using a structure-based drug design strategy. Compound 7c (ZZM-1220) exhibited potent enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-TNBC proliferative activity. Our biochemical studies showed that ZZM-1220 could covalently bind to G9a/GLP and inhibit H3K9me2 in cells. It could significantly induce apoptosis of TNBC cells and block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. It is worth noting that ZZM-1220 continuously inhibited the growth of cancer cells and the expression of H3K9me2 after washing out. These data suggested that ZZM-1220 could be used as a promising lead compound for the development of G9a/GLP covalent inhibitors for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangsheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 17#3rd Section, Ren Min South Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Chang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Qiang Feng
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Clinical Trial Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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14
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Hu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang X, Yang D, Liu Y, Li L. DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 134:104871. [PMID: 37696326 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chensheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xikun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Dongxia Yang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
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15
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Li CY, Liu YJ, Tao F, Chen RY, Shi JJ, Lu JF, Yang GJ, Chen J. Lysine-specific demethylase 7A (KDM7A): A potential target for disease therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115799. [PMID: 37696455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Histone demethylation is a kind of epigenetic modification mediated by a variety of enzymes and participates in regulating multiple physiological and pathological events. Lysine-specific demethylase 7A is a kind of α-ketoglutarate- and Fe(II)-dependent demethylase belonging to the PHF2/8 subfamily of the JmjC demethylases. KDM7A is mainly localized in the nucleus and contributes to transcriptional activation via removing mono- and di-methyl groups from the lysine residues 9 and 27 of Histone H3. Mounting studies support that KDM7A is not only necessary for normal embryonic, neural, and skeletal development, but also associated with cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and other diseases. Herein, the structure of KDM7A is described by comparing the similarities and differences of its amino acid sequences of KDM7A and other Histone demethylases; the functions of KDM7A in homeostasis and dyshomeostasis are summarized via documenting its content and related signaling; the currently known KDM7A-specific inhibitors and their structural relationship are listed based on their structure optimization and pharmacological activities; and the challenges and opportunities in exploring functions and developing targeted agents of KDM7A are also prospected via presenting encountered problems and potential solutions, which will provide an insight in functional exploration and drug discovery for KDM7A-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Fan Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jin-Jin Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jian-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
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16
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Cedillo-González R, Medina-Franco JL. Diversity and Chemical Space Characterization of Inhibitors of the Epigenetic Target G9a: A Chemoinformatics Approach. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:30694-30704. [PMID: 37636945 PMCID: PMC10448660 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
G9a is a histone-lysine methyltransferase that performs the mono- and dimethylation of lysine 9 at histone 3 of the nucleosome. It belongs to the SET PKMT family, and its methylations are related to promoter repression and activation. G9a is a promising epigenetic target. Despite the fact that there are several G9a inhibitors under development, there are no compounds in clinical use due to adverse in vivo ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) issues. The goal of this study is to discuss the exploration, characterization, and analysis of the chemical space of 409 G9a inhibitors reported in a large public database. Exploring the chemical space of the inhibitors led to the quantification of their structural diversity based on molecular scaffolds and structural fingerprints of different designs. As part of the analysis, the G9a inhibitors were compared with commercial libraries focused on epigenetic targets. The findings of this work will help in the development of, in a follow-up study, predictive models to identify G9a inhibitors. This study also points out the relevance of screening commercial libraries to expand the epigenetic relevant chemical space, in particular, G9a inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raziel Cedillo-González
- DIFACQUIM Research Group Department
of Pharmacy School of Chemistry, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - José L. Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group Department
of Pharmacy School of Chemistry, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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17
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Gaggioli V, Lo CSY, Reverón-Gómez N, Jasencakova Z, Domenech H, Nguyen H, Sidoli S, Tvardovskiy A, Uruci S, Slotman JA, Chai Y, Gonçalves JGSCS, Manolika EM, Jensen ON, Wheeler D, Sridharan S, Chakrabarty S, Demmers J, Kanaar R, Groth A, Taneja N. Dynamic de novo heterochromatin assembly and disassembly at replication forks ensures fork stability. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1017-1032. [PMID: 37414849 PMCID: PMC10344782 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin is dynamically reorganized when DNA replication forks are challenged. However, the process of epigenetic reorganization and its implication for fork stability is poorly understood. Here we discover a checkpoint-regulated cascade of chromatin signalling that activates the histone methyltransferase EHMT2/G9a to catalyse heterochromatin assembly at stressed replication forks. Using biochemical and single molecule chromatin fibre approaches, we show that G9a together with SUV39h1 induces chromatin compaction by accumulating the repressive modifications, H3K9me1/me2/me3, in the vicinity of stressed replication forks. This closed conformation is also favoured by the G9a-dependent exclusion of the H3K9-demethylase JMJD1A/KDM3A, which facilitates heterochromatin disassembly upon fork restart. Untimely heterochromatin disassembly from stressed forks by KDM3A enables PRIMPOL access, triggering single-stranded DNA gap formation and sensitizing cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs. These findings may help in explaining chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis observed in patients with cancer displaying elevated levels of G9a/H3K9me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gaggioli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Calvin S Y Lo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nazaret Reverón-Gómez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zuzana Jasencakova
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heura Domenech
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hong Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andrey Tvardovskiy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics (IFE), Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sidrit Uruci
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan A Slotman
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Optical Imaging Centre, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yi Chai
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Eleni Maria Manolika
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - David Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sriram Sridharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Proteomics Center and Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Kanaar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Groth
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nitika Taneja
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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18
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Amin SA, Khatun S, Gayen S, Das S, Jha T. Are inhibitors of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) effective in hematological cancers especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)? Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115594. [PMID: 37429084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) aberrantly deacetylates histone and non-histone proteins. These include structural maintenance of chromosome 3 (SMC3) cohesin protein, retinoic acid induced 1 (RAI1), p53, etc and thus, regulating diverse processes such as leukemic stem cell (LSC) transformation and maintenance. HDAC8, one of the crucial HDACs, affects the gene silencing process in solid and hematological cancer progressions especially on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A specific HDAC8 inhibitor PCI-34051 showed promising results against both T-cell lymphoma and AML. Here, we summarize the role of HDAC8 in hematological malignancies, especially in AML and ALL. This article also introduces the structure/function of HDAC8 and a special attention has been paid to address the HDAC8 enzyme selectivity issue in hematological cancer especially against AML and ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Abdul Amin
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, JIS University, 81, Nilgunj Road, Agarpara, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Samima Khatun
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Shovanlal Gayen
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Sanjib Das
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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19
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Feng Z, Yang C, Zhang Y, Li H, Fang W, Wang J, Nie Y, Wang CY, Liu Z, Jiang Z, Wang J, Wang Y. Structure-Based Design and Characterization of the Highly Potent and Selective Covalent Inhibitors Targeting the Lysine Methyltransferases G9a/GLP. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37268593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and di-methylation of histone H3K9 and nonhistone proteins, play important roles in diverse cellular processes. Overexpression or dysregulation of G9a and GLP has been identified in various types of cancer. Here, we report the discovery of a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor 27 of G9a/GLP via the structure-based drug design approach following structure-activity relationship exploration and cellular potency optimization. Mass spectrometry assays and washout experiments confirmed its covalent inhibition mechanism. Compound 27 displayed improved potency in inhibiting the proliferation and colony formation of PANC-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and exhibited enhanced potency in reducing the levels of H3K9me2 in cells compared to noncovalent inhibitor 26. In vivo, 27 showed significant antitumor efficacy in the PANC-1 xenograft model with good safety. These results clearly indicate that 27 is a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor of G9a/GLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Chunju Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huaxuan Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- The Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhimin Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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20
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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21
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Yang X, Xu L, Yang L. Recent advances in EZH2-based dual inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115461. [PMID: 37156182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115461] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein is the catalytic subunit of one of the histone methyltransferases. EZH2 catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) and further alters downstream target levels. EZH2 is upregulated in cancer tissues, wherein its levels correlate strongly with cancer genesis, progression, metastasis, and invasion. Consequently, it has emerged as a novel anticancer therapeutic target. Nonetheless, developing EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) has encountered numerous difficulties, such as pre-clinical drug resistance and poor therapeutic effect. The EZH2i synergistically suppresses cancers when used in combination with additional antitumor drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, BRD4 inhibitors, EZH1 inhibitors, and EHMT2 inhibitors. Typically, the use of dual inhibitors of two different targets mediated by one individual molecule has been recognized as the preferred approach for overcoming the limitations of EZH2 monotherapy. The present review discusses the theoretical basis for designing EZH2-based dual-target inhibitors, and also describes some in vitro and in vivo analysis results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Lu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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22
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Nishigaya Y, Takase S, Sumiya T, Kikuzato K, Sato T, Niwa H, Sato S, Nakata A, Sonoda T, Hashimoto N, Namie R, Honma T, Umehara T, Shirouzu M, Koyama H, Yoshida M, Ito A, Shirai F. Discovery of Novel Substrate-Competitive Lysine Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4059-4085. [PMID: 36882960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Identification of structurally novel inhibitors of lysine methyltransferase G9a has been a subject of intense research in cancer epigenetics. Starting with the high-throughput screening (HTS) hit rac-10a obtained from the chemical library of the University of Tokyo Drug Discovery Initiative, the structure-activity relationship of the unique substrate-competitive inhibitors was established with the help of X-ray crystallography and fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations for the ligand-protein interaction. Further optimization of the in vitro characteristics and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) properties led to the identification of 26j (RK-701), which is a structurally distinct potent inhibitor of G9a/GLP (IC50 = 27/53 nM). Compound 26j exhibited remarkable selectivity against other related methyltransferases, dose-dependent attenuation of cellular H3K9me2 levels, and tumor growth inhibition in MOLT-4 cells in vitro. Moreover, compound 26j showed inhibition of tumor initiation and growth in a carcinogen-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo mouse model without overt acute toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nishigaya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Shohei Takase
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Tatsunobu Sumiya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Noriaki Hashimoto
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Namie
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
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23
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Li H, Zhang Q, Feng Q, You Q, Guo X. The development of small molecules targeting methyltransferase-like 3. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103513. [PMID: 36736582 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is thought to be the most common and conserved mRNA modification. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the primary regulator of m6A methyl-transformed modification. Small molecules targeting METTL3 could be effective therapeutics for many disorders, given that a large body of research has linked METTL3 dysregulation with a variety of diseases and altered physiological states, especially with the growth and initiation of cancer. Here, we systematically reviewed the discovery of small molecules targeting METTL3, as well as their future development, for researchers studying in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qinglan Feng
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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24
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Liao Q, Yang J, Ge S, Chai P, Fan J, Jia R. Novel insights into histone lysine methyltransferases in cancer therapy: From epigenetic regulation to selective drugs. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:127-141. [PMID: 36908859 PMCID: PMC9999304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The reversible and precise temporal and spatial regulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) is essential for epigenome homeostasis. The dysregulation of KMTs is associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, chemoresistance, invasiveness, and the immune microenvironment. Therapeutically, their promising effects are being evaluated in diversified preclinical and clinical trials, demonstrating encouraging outcomes in multiple malignancies. In this review, we have updated recent understandings of KMTs' functions and the development of their targeted inhibitors. First, we provide an updated overview of the regulatory roles of several KMT activities in oncogenesis, tumor suppression, and immune regulation. In addition, we summarize the current targeting strategies in different cancer types and multiple ongoing clinical trials of combination therapies with KMT inhibitors. In summary, we endeavor to depict the regulation of KMT-mediated epigenetic landscape and provide potential epigenetic targets in the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qili Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jiayan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
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25
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Zhang Y, Chen J, Liu H, Mi R, Huang R, Li X, Fan F, Xie X, Ding J. The role of histone methylase and demethylase in antitumor immunity: A new direction for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1099892. [PMID: 36713412 PMCID: PMC9874864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1099892] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications may alter the proliferation and differentiation of normal cells, leading to malignant transformation. They can also affect normal stimulation, activation, and abnormal function of immune cells in the tissue microenvironment. Histone methylation, coordinated by histone methylase and histone demethylase to stabilize transcription levels in the promoter area, is one of the most common types of epigenetic alteration, which gained increasing interest. It can modify gene transcription through chromatin structure and affect cell fate, at the transcriptome or protein level. According to recent research, histone methylation modification can regulate tumor and immune cells affecting anti-tumor immune response. Consequently, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of the role of methylation function in cancer treatment. In this review, we discussed recent data on the mechanisms of histone methylation on factors associated with immune resistance of tumor cells and regulation of immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanling Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Junhao Chen
- Graduate School of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Rui Mi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhijin County People’s Hospital, Bijie, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xian Li
- Orthopedics Department, Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital, DongGuan, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Xueqing Xie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Jie Ding,
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26
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Yang Y, Zhang M, Wang Y. The roles of histone modifications in tumorigenesis and associated inhibitors in cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2022; 2:277-290. [PMID: 39036551 PMCID: PMC11256729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.09.002] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications are key factors in chromatin packaging, and are responsible for gene regulation during cell fate determination and development. Abnormal alterations in histone modifications potentially affect the stability of the genome and disrupt gene expression patterns, leading to many diseases, including cancer. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that various histone modifications altered by aberrantly expressed modifier enzymes contribute to tumor development and metastasis through the induction of epigenetic, transcriptional, and phenotypic changes. In this review, we will discuss the existing histone modifications, both well-studied and rare ones, and their roles in solid tumors and hematopoietic cancers, to identify the molecular pathways involved and investigate targeted therapeutic drugs to reorganize the chromatin and enhance cancer treatment efficiency. Finally, clinical inhibitors of histone modifications are summarized to better understand the developmental stage of cancer therapy in using these drugs to inhibit the histone modification enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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27
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Vinson DA, Stephens KE, O’Meally RN, Bhat S, Dancy BCR, Cole RN, Yegnasubramanian S, Taverna SD. De novo methylation of histone H3K23 by the methyltransferases EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:36. [PMID: 36411491 PMCID: PMC9677696 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to histone proteins serve an important role in regulating permissive and repressive chromatin states, but despite the identification of many histone PTMs and their perceived role, the epigenetic writers responsible for generating these chromatin signatures are not fully characterized. Here, we report that the canonical histone H3K9 methyltransferases EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a are capable of catalyzing methylation of histone H3 lysine 23 (H3K23). Our data show that while both enzymes can mono- and di-methylate H3K23, only EHMT1/GLP can tri-methylate H3K23. We also show that pharmacologic inhibition or genetic ablation of EHMT1/GLP and/or EHMT2/G9a leads to decreased H3K23 methylation in mammalian cells. Taken together, this work identifies H3K23 as a new direct methylation target of EHMT1/GLP and EHMT2/G9a, and highlights the differential activity of these enzymes on H3K23 as a substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Vinson
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kimberly E. Stephens
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202 USA
| | - Robert N. O’Meally
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Shri Bhat
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Blair C. R. Dancy
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500 USA
| | - Robert N. Cole
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sean D. Taverna
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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28
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Tang L, Peng L, Tan C, Liu H, Chen P, Wang H. Role of HOXA9 in solid tumors: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:349. [PMID: 36376832 PMCID: PMC9664671 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXA9 functioning as a transcription factor is one of the members of HOX gene family, which governs multiple cellular activities by facilitating cellular signal transduction. In addition to be a driver in AML which has been widely studied, the role of HOXA9 in solid tumor progression has also received increasing attention in recent years, where the aberrant expression of HOXA9 is closely associated with the prognosis of patient. This review details the signaling pathways, binding partners, post-transcriptional regulation of HOXA9, and possible inhibitors of HOXA9 in solid tumors, which provides a reference basis for further study on the role of HOXA9 in solid tumors.
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29
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Martínez C, García-Domínguez P, Álvarez R, de Lera AR. Bispyrrolidinoindoline Epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs) and Simplified Mimetics: Structural Characterization, Bioactivities, and Total Synthesis. Molecules 2022; 27:7585. [PMID: 36364412 PMCID: PMC9659040 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the 2,5-dioxopiperazine-containing natural products generated by "head-to-tail" cyclization of peptides, those derived from tryptophan allow further structural diversification due to the rich chemical reactivity of the indole heterocycle, which can generate tetracyclic fragments of hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole or pyrrolidinoindoline skeleton fused to the 2,5-dioxopiperazine. Even more complex are the dimeric bispyrrolidinoindoline epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs), since they feature transannular (poly)sulfide bridges connecting C3 and C6 of their 2,5-dioxopiperazine rings. Homo- and heterodimers composed of diastereomeric epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines increase the complexity of the family. Furthermore, putative biogenetically generated downstream metabolites with C11 and C11'-hydroxylated cores, as well as deoxygenated and/or oxidized side chain counterparts, have also been described. The isolation of these complex polycyclic tryptophan-derived alkaloids from the classical sources, their structural characterization, the description of the relevant biological activities and putative biogenetic routes, and the synthetic efforts to generate and confirm their structures and also to prepare and further evaluate structurally simple analogs will be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Angel R. de Lera
- CINBIO, ORCHID Group, Departmento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
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30
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Zhang M, Wang G, Ma Z, Xiong G, Wang W, Huang Z, Wan Y, Xu X, Hoyle RG, Yi C, Hou J, Liu X, Chen D, Li J, Wang C. BET inhibition triggers antitumor immunity by enhancing MHC class I expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3394-3413. [PMID: 35923111 PMCID: PMC9637808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BET inhibition has been shown to have a promising antitumor effect in multiple tumors. However, the impact of BET inhibition on antitumor immunity was still not well documented in HNSCC. In this study, we aim to assess the functional role of BET inhibition in antitumor immunity and clarify its mechanism. We show that BRD4 is highly expressed in HNSCC and inversely correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. BET inhibition potentiates CD8+ T cell-based antitumor immunity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BRD4 acts as a transcriptional suppressor and represses the expression of MHC class I molecules by recruiting G9a. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic depletion of BRD4 potently increases the expression of MHC class I molecules in the absence and presence of IFN-γ. Moreover, compared to PD-1 blocking antibody treatment or JQ1 treatment individually, the combination of BET inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibody treatment significantly enhances the antitumor response in HNSCC. Taken together, our data unveil a novel mechanism by which BET inhibition potentiates antitumor immunity via promoting the expression of MHC class I molecules and provides a rationale for the combination of ICBs with BET inhibitors for HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Ganping Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA
| | - Gan Xiong
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Wenjin Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Zhengxian Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Yuehan Wan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Xiuyun Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Rosalie G Hoyle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA
| | - Chen Yi
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China.
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31
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Shi Y, Chen Y, Chen L, Sun J, Chen G. A mild protocol for the synthesis of N-methyltransferase G9a inhibitor BIX-01294. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-022-3678-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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32
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Liu Y, Zhao J, Wang Y, Su P, Wang H, Liu C, Zhou J. Augmented Production of Platelets From Cord Blood With Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibition. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:946-958. [PMID: 35880582 PMCID: PMC9492236 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac048] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (CB-HSPCs) have emerged as a promising supply for functional platelets to potentially alleviate the increasing demand for platelet transfusions, but the clinical application has been limited by the undefined molecular mechanism and insufficient platelet production. Here, we performed single-cell profiling of more than 16 160 cells to construct a dynamic molecular landscape of human megakaryopoiesis from CB-HSPCs, enabling us to uncover, for the first time, cellular heterogeneity and unique features of neonatal megakaryocytes (MKs) and to also offer unique resources for the scientific community. By using this model, we defined the genetic programs underlying the differentiation process from megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs) to MKs via megakaryocyte progenitors (MKPs) and identified inhibitors of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase (EHMT), which, when applied at the early stage of differentiation, significantly increase the final platelet production. At the mechanistic level, we found that EHMT inhibitors act to selectively induce the expansion of MEPs and MKPs. Together, we uncover new mechanistic insights into human megakaryopoiesis and provide a novel chemical strategy for future large-scale generation and clinical applications of platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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33
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Bellver-Sanchis A, Singh Choudhary B, Companys-Alemany J, Sukanya, Ávila-López PA, Martínez Rodríguez AL, Brea Floriani JM, Malik R, Pallàs M, Pérez B, Griñán-Ferré C. Structure-Based Virtual Screening and in vitro and in vivo Analyses Revealed Potent Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors as Prospective Anti-Alzheimer's Agents. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200002. [PMID: 35413149 PMCID: PMC9401600 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase able to di-methylate lysine 9 of histone H3, promoting the repression of genes involved in learning and memory. Novel strategies based on synthesizing epigenetic drugs could regulate gene expression through histone post-translational modifications and effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, potential G9a inhibitors were identified using a structure-based virtual screening against G9a, followed by in vitro and in vivo screenings. First, screening methods with the AD transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain CL2006, showed that the toxicity/function range was safe and recovered age-dependent paralysis. Likewise, we demonstrated that the best candidates direct target G9a by reducing H3 K9me2 in the CL2006 strain. Further characterization of these compounds involved the assessment of the blood-brain barrier-permeability and impact on amyloid-β aggregation, showing promising results. Thus, we present a G9a inhibitor candidate, F, with a novel and potent structure, providing both leads in G9a inhibitor design and demonstrating their participation in reducing AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bhanwar Singh Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, 384012, India
| | - Júlia Companys-Alemany
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sukanya
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Pedro A Ávila-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Antón Leandro Martínez Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Brea Floriani
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ruchi Malik
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutic and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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34
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
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35
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Elisha L, Abaev-Schneiderman E, Cohn O, Shapira G, Shomron N, Feldman M, Levy D. Structure-function conservation between the methyltransferases SETD3 and SETD6. Biochimie 2022; 200:27-35. [PMID: 35550916 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Among the protein lysine methyltransferases family members, it appears that SETD6 is highly similar and closely related to SETD3. The two methyltransferases show high similarity in their structure, which raised the hypothesis that they share cellular functions. Using a proteomic screen, we identified 52 shared interacting-proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the shared proteins revealed significant enrichment of proteins involved in transcription. Our RNA-seq data of SETD6 KO and SETD3 KO HeLa cells identified ∼100 up-regulated and down-regulated shared genes. We have also identified a substantial number of genes that changed dramatically in the double KO cells but did not significantly change in the single KO cells. GO analysis of these genes revealed enrichment of apoptotic genes. Accordingly, we show that the double KO cells displayed high apoptotic levels, suggesting that SETD6 and SETD3 inhibit apoptosis. Collectively, our data strongly suggest a functional link between SETD6 and SETD3 in the regulation of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Elisha
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Israel; The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Elina Abaev-Schneiderman
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Israel; The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ofir Cohn
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Israel; The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Guy Shapira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Feldman
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Israel; The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Dan Levy
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Israel; The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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36
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Jin Y, Liu T, Luo H, Liu Y, Liu D. Targeting Epigenetic Regulatory Enzymes for Cancer Therapeutics: Novel Small-Molecule Epidrug Development. Front Oncol 2022; 12:848221. [PMID: 35419278 PMCID: PMC8995554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.848221] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenetic enzyme-mediated transcription of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes is closely associated with the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of tumors. Based on the reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms, small-molecule compounds that target epigenetic regulation have become promising therapeutics. These compounds target epigenetic regulatory enzymes, including DNA methylases, histone modifiers (methylation and acetylation), enzymes that specifically recognize post-translational modifications, chromatin-remodeling enzymes, and post-transcriptional regulators. Few compounds have been used in clinical trials and exhibit certain therapeutic effects. Herein, we summarize the classification and therapeutic roles of compounds that target epigenetic regulatory enzymes in cancer treatment. Finally, we highlight how the natural compounds berberine and ginsenosides can target epigenetic regulatory enzymes to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tianjia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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37
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DiNapoli SE, Martinez-McFaline R, Shen H, Doane AS, Perez AR, Verma A, Simon A, Nelson I, Balgobin CA, Bourque CT, Yao J, Raman R, Béguelin W, Zippin JH, Elemento O, Melnick AM, Houvras Y. Histone 3 Methyltransferases Alter Melanoma Initiation and Progression Through Discrete Mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814216. [PMID: 35223844 PMCID: PMC8866878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations to the epigenome are known drivers of tumorigenesis. In melanoma, alterations in histone methyltransferases that catalyze methylation at histone 3 lysine 9 and histone 3 lysine 27-two sites of critical post-translational modification-have been reported. To study the function of these methyltransferases in melanoma, we engineered melanocytes to express histone 3 lysine-to-methionine mutations at lysine 9 and lysine 27, which are known to inhibit the activity of histone methyltransferases, in a zebrafish melanoma model. Using this system, we found that loss of histone 3 lysine 9 methylation dramatically suppressed melanoma formation and that inhibition of histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferases in human melanoma cells increased innate immune response signatures. In contrast, loss of histone 3 lysine 27 methylation significantly accelerated melanoma formation. We identified FOXD1 as a top target of PRC2 that is silenced in melanocytes and found that aberrant overexpression of FOXD1 accelerated melanoma onset. Collectively, these data demonstrate how histone 3 lysine-to-methionine mutations can be used to uncover critical roles for methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. DiNapoli
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raúl Martinez-McFaline
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hao Shen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ashley S. Doane
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexendar R. Perez
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amanda Simon
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Isabel Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Courtney A. Balgobin
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Caitlin T. Bourque
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Renuka Raman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wendy Béguelin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan H. Zippin
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ari M. Melnick
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yariv Houvras
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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BRD4770 functions as a novel ferroptosis inhibitor to protect against aortic dissection. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106122. [PMID: 35149187 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cell (SMC) loss is the characteristic feature in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection (AD), and ferroptosis is a novel iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by the excessive lipid peroxidation accumulation. However, whether targeting ferroptosis is an effective approach for SMC loss and AD treatment remains unclear. Here, we found that the iron level, ferroptosis-related molecules TFR, HOMX1, ferritin and the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal were increased in the aorta of AD. Then, we screened several inhibitors of histone methyltransferases and found that BRD4770 had a protective effect on cystine deprivation-, imidazole ketone erastin- or RSL3-induced ferroptosis of SMCs. The classic ferroptosis pathways, System Xc--GPX4, FSP1-CoQ10 and GCH1-BH4 pathways which were inhibited by ferroptosis inducers, were re-activated by BRD4770 via inhibiting mono-, di- and tri- methylated histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me1/2/3). RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that there was a positive feedback regulation between ferroptosis and inflammatory response, and BRD4770 can reverse the effects of inflammation activation on ferroptosis. More importantly, treatment with BRD4770 attenuated aortic dilation and decreased morbidity and mortality in a β-Aminopropionitrile monofumarate-induced mouse AD model via inhibiting the inflammatory response, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ferroptosis is a novel and critical pathological mechanism that is involved in SMC loss and AD development. BRD4770 is a novel ferroptosis inhibitor and has equivalent protective effect to Ferrostatin-1 at the optimal concentration. Translating insights into the anti-ferroptosis effects of BRD4770 may reveal a potential therapeutic approach for targeting SMC ferroptosis in AD.
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Gutiérrez JR, Salgadoa ARM, Arias MDÁ, Vergara HSJ, Rada WR, Gómez CMM. Epigenetic Modulators as Treatment Alternative to Diverse Types of Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1503-1542. [PMID: 34963430 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666211228111036] [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] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA is packaged in rolls in an octamer of histones forming a complex of DNA and proteins called chromatin. Chromatin as a structural matrix of a chromosome and its modifications are nowadays considered relevant aspects for regulating gene expression, which has become of high interest in understanding genetic mechanisms regulating various diseases, including cancer. In various types of cancer, the main modifications are found to be DNA methylation in the CpG dinucleotide as a silencing mechanism in transcription, post-translational histone modifications such as acetylation, methylation and others that affect the chromatin structure, the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling and miRNA-mediated gene silencing. In this review we analyze the main alterations in gene expression, the epigenetic modification patterns that cancer cells present, as well as the main modulators and inhibitors of each epigenetic mechanism and the molecular evolution of the most representative inhibitors, which have opened a promising future in the study of HAT, HDAC, non-glycoside DNMT inhibitors and domain inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorseth Rodelo Gutiérrez
- Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Arturo René Mendoza Salgadoa
- Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Marcio De Ávila Arias
- Department of Medicine, Biotechnology Research Group, Health Sciences Division, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Homero San- Juan- Vergara
- Department of Medicine, Biotechnology Research Group, Health Sciences Division, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Wendy Rosales Rada
- Advanced Biomedicine Research Group. Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad Libre Seccional, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Advanced Biomedicine Research Group. Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad Libre Seccional, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Carlos Mario Meléndez Gómez
- Organic and Biomedical Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colombia
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40
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BIX01294 inhibits EGFR signaling in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells through a BCKDHA-mediated reduction in the EGFR level. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1877-1887. [PMID: 34876693 PMCID: PMC8741967 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BIX01294 (BIX), an inhibitor of the G9a histone methyltransferase, has been reported to have antitumor activity against a variety of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects, particularly those against lung cancer, remain unclear. Here, we report that BIX induces apoptotic cell death in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells but not in their wild-type counterparts. Treatment with BIX resulted in a significant reduction in the EGFR level and inhibition of EGFR signaling only in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, leading to apoptosis. BIX also inhibited mitochondrial metabolic function and decreased the cellular energy levels that are critical for maintaining the EGFR level. Furthermore, BIX transcriptionally downregulated the transcription of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDHA), which is essential for fueling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Interestingly, this BCKDHA downregulation was due to inhibition of Jumanji-domain histone demethylases but not the G9a histone methyltransferase. We observed that KDM3A, a Jumonji histone demethylase, epigenetically regulates BCKDHA expression by binding to the BCKDHA gene promoter. BIX exposure also led to a significant decrease in the EGFR level, causing apoptosis in EGFR-TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor)-resistant cell lines, which are dependent on EGFR signaling for survival. Taken together, our current data suggest that BIX triggers apoptosis only in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells via inhibition of BCKDHA-mediated mitochondrial metabolic function. A drug known as BIX that is effective against bladder and breast cancers may also be effective in fighting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although advances have been made in treatment of NSCLC, one of the most effective drugs targets a protein called EGFR, and EGFR gene mutations that lead to acquired drug resistance are common. Jaekyoung Son at the University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues investigated whether BIX is effective against NSCLC and attempted to elucidate its mechanism of action. The researchers found that BIX caused death of NSCLC cells, especially those with mutations in the EGFR gene. Further investigation showed that BIX was effective even against drug-resistant NSCLC cells, by acting via a different metabolic pathway. BIX shows promise as an alternative therapy for lung cancer, to overcome drug resistance.
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41
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Mucke HA. Patent highlights June-July 2021. Pharm Pat Anal 2021; 10:237-244. [PMID: 34753317 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2021-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A snapshot of noteworthy recent developments in the patent literature of relevance to pharmaceutical and medical research and development.
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EHMT2/G9a as an Epigenetic Target in Pediatric and Adult Brain Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011292. [PMID: 34681949 PMCID: PMC8539543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011292] [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: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, including post-translational modifications of DNA and histones that influence chromatin structure, regulate gene expression during normal development and are also involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. The histone methyltransferase G9a (euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2, EHMT2), which mostly mediates mono- and dimethylation by histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), influences gene expression involved in embryonic development and tissue differentiation. Overexpression of G9a has been observed in several cancer types, and different classes of G9a inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents. Here, we review the emerging evidence suggesting the involvement of changes in G9a activity in brain tumors, namely glioblastoma (GBM), the main type of primary malignant brain cancer in adults, and medulloblastoma (MB), the most common type of malignant brain cancer in children. We also discuss the role of G9a in neuroblastoma (NB) and the drug development of G9a inhibitors.
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43
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Zhou Y, Gao X, Yuan M, Yang B, He Q, Cao J. Targeting Myc Interacting Proteins as a Winding Path in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748852. [PMID: 34658888 PMCID: PMC8511624 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC, as a well-known oncogene, plays essential roles in promoting tumor occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis in many kinds of solid tumors and hematologic neoplasms. In tumors, the low expression and the short half-life of Myc are reversed, cause tumorigenesis. And proteins that directly interact with different Myc domains have exerted a significant impact in the process of Myc-driven carcinogenesis. Apart from affecting the transcription of Myc target genes, Myc interaction proteins also regulate the stability of Myc through acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications, as well as competitive combination with Myc. In this review, we summarize a series of Myc interacting proteins and recent advances in the related inhibitors, hoping that can provide new opportunities for Myc-driven cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomeng Gao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Poulard C, Noureddine LM, Pruvost L, Le Romancer M. Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101082. [PMID: 34685453 PMCID: PMC8541646 DOI: 10.3390/life11101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Lara M. Noureddine
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90565, Lebanon
| | - Ludivine Pruvost
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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Zheng Z, Li L, Li G, Zhang Y, Dong C, Ren F, Chen W, Ma Y. EZH2/EHMT2 Histone Methyltransferases Inhibit the Transcription of DLX5 and Promote the Transformation of Myelodysplastic Syndrome to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:619795. [PMID: 34409024 PMCID: PMC8365305 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.619795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by clonal hematopoiesis and impaired differentiation, and may develop to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We explored the mechanism of histone methyltransferase EZH2/EHMT2 during the transformation of MDS into AML. Expression of EZH2/EHMT2 in patients and NHD13 mice was detected. EZH2 and EHMT2 were silenced or overexpressed in SKM-1 cells. The cell proliferation and cycle were evaluated. Levels of DLX5, H3K27me3, and H3K9me2 in SKM-1 cells were detected. Binding of DLX5 promoter region to H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 was examined. Levels of H3K27me3/H3K9me2 were decreased by EZH2/EHMT2 inhibitor (EPZ-6438/BIX-01294), and changes of DLX5 expression and cell proliferation were observed. EZH2 was poorly expressed in MDS patients but highly expressed in MDS-AML patients. EHMT2 was promoted in both MDS and MDS-AML patients. EZH2 expression was reduced and EHMT2 expression was promoted in NHD13 mice. NHD13 mice with overexpressing EZH2 or EHMT2 transformed into AML more quickly. Intervention of EZH2 or EHMT2 inhibited SKM-1 cell proliferation and promoted DLX5 expression. When silencing EZH1 and EZH2 in SKM-1 cells, the H3K27me3 level was decreased. EZH2 silencing repressed the proliferation of SKM-1 cells. Transcription level of DLX5 in SKM-1 cells was inhibited by H3K27me3 and H3K9me2. Enhanced DLX5 repressed SKM-1 cell proliferation. In conclusion, EZH2/EHMT2 catalyzed H3K27me3/H3K9me2 to inhibit the transcription of DLX5, thus promoting the transformation from MDS to AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanzhen Zheng
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guoxia Li
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yaofang Zhang
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chunxia Dong
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Fanggang Ren
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenliang Chen
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Department of Hemapathotology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Reddy MA, Amaram V, Das S, Tanwar VS, Ganguly R, Wang M, Lanting L, Zhang L, Abdollahi M, Chen Z, Wu X, Devaraj S, Natarajan R. lncRNA DRAIR is downregulated in diabetic monocytes and modulates the inflammatory phenotype via epigenetic mechanisms. JCI Insight 2021; 6:143289. [PMID: 33945509 PMCID: PMC8262346 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.143289] [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: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly implicated in the pathology of diabetic complications. Here, we examined the role of lncRNAs in monocyte dysfunction and inflammation associated with human type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). RNA sequencing analysis of CD14+ monocytes from patients with T2D versus healthy controls revealed downregulation of antiinflammatory and antiproliferative genes, along with several lncRNAs, including a potentially novel divergent lncRNA diabetes regulated antiinflammatory RNA (DRAIR) and its nearby gene CPEB2. High glucose and palmitic acid downregulated DRAIR in cultured CD14+ monocytes, whereas antiinflammatory cytokines and monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation upregulated DRAIR via KLF4 transcription factor. DRAIR overexpression increased antiinflammatory and macrophage differentiation genes but inhibited proinflammatory genes. Conversely, DRAIR knockdown attenuated antiinflammatory genes, promoted inflammatory responses, and inhibited phagocytosis. DRAIR regulated target gene expression through interaction with chromatin, as well as inhibition of the repressive epigenetic mark H3K9me2 and its corresponding methyltransferase G9a. Mouse orthologous Drair and Cpeb2 were also downregulated in peritoneal macrophages from T2D db/db mice, and Drair knockdown in nondiabetic mice enhanced proinflammatory genes in macrophages. Thus, DRAIR modulates the inflammatory phenotype of monocytes/macrophages via epigenetic mechanisms, and its downregulation in T2D may promote chronic inflammation. Augmentation of endogenous lncRNAs like DRAIR could serve as novel antiinflammatory therapies for diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marpadga A Reddy
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Vishnu Amaram
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Sadhan Das
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Division of Pharmacology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Vinay Singh Tanwar
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Rituparna Ganguly
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Linda Lanting
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Maryam Abdollahi
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Sridevi Devaraj
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
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47
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Duan YC, Zhang SJ, Shi XJ, Jin LF, Yu T, Song Y, Guan YY. Research progress of dual inhibitors targeting crosstalk between histone epigenetic modulators for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113588. [PMID: 34107385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal epigenetics is a critical hallmark of human cancers. Anticancer drug discovery directed at histone epigenetic modulators has gained impressive advances with six drugs available for cancer therapy and numerous other candidates undergoing clinical trials. However, limited therapeutic profile, drug resistance, narrow safety margin, and dose-limiting toxicities pose intractable challenges for their clinical utility. Because histone epigenetic modulators undergo intricate crosstalk and act cooperatively to shape an aberrant epigenetic profile, co-targeting histone epigenetic modulators with a different mechanism of action has rapidly emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome the limitations faced by the single-target epigenetic inhibitors. In this review, we summarize in detail the crosstalk of histone epigenetic modulators in regulating gene transcription and the progress of dual epigenetic inhibitors targeting this crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chao Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Shao-Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lin-Feng Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Tong Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Yu Song
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
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48
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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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49
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De Smedt E, Devin J, Muylaert C, Robert N, Requirand G, Vlummens P, Vincent L, Cartron G, Maes K, Moreaux J, De Bruyne E. G9a/GLP targeting in MM promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis and boosts proteasome inhibitor-mediated cell death. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2325-2338. [PMID: 33938943 PMCID: PMC8114552 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an (epi)genetic highly heterogeneous plasma cell malignancy that remains mostly incurable. Deregulated expression and/or genetic defects in epigenetic-modifying enzymes contribute to high-risk disease and MM progression. Overexpression of the histone methyltransferase G9a was reported in several cancers, including MM, correlating with disease progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, the exact role of G9a and its interaction partner G9a-like protein (GLP) in MM biology and the underlying mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Here, we report that high G9a RNA levels are associated with a worse disease outcome in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients. G9a/GLP targeting using the specific G9a/GLP inhibitors BIX01294 and UNC0638 induces a G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in MM cell lines and reduces primary MM cell viability. Mechanistic studies revealed that G9a/GLP targeting promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis by inactivating the mTOR/4EBP1 pathway and reducing c-MYC levels. Moreover, genes deregulated by G9a/GLP targeting are associated with repressive histone marks. G9a/GLP targeting sensitizes MM cells to the proteasome inhibitors (PIs) bortezomib and carfilzomib, by (further) reducing mTOR signaling and c-MYC levels and activating p-38 and SAPK/JNK signaling. Therapeutic treatment of 5TGM1 mice with BIX01294 delayed in vivo MM tumor growth, and cotreatment with bortezomib resulted in a further reduction in tumor burden and a significantly prolonged survival. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the histone methyltransferases G9a/GLP support MM cell growth and survival by blocking basal autophagy and sustaining high c-MYC levels. G9a/GLP targeting represents a promising strategy to improve PI-based treatment in patients with high G9a/GLP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva De Smedt
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catharina Muylaert
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Robert
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guilhem Requirand
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Vincent
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; and
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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50
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Abdullah O, Omran Z, Hosawi S, Hamiche A, Bronner C, Alhosin M. Thymoquinone Is a Multitarget Single Epidrug That Inhibits the UHRF1 Protein Complex. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050622. [PMID: 33922029 PMCID: PMC8143546 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) through epigenetic mechanisms, mainly via abnormal promoter DNA methylation, is considered a main mechanism of tumorigenesis. The abnormal DNA methylation profiles are transmitted from the cancer mother cell to the daughter cells through the involvement of a macromolecular complex in which the ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD), and an interesting new gene (RING) finger domains 1 (UHRF1), play the role of conductor. Indeed, UHRF1 interacts with epigenetic writers, such as DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), histone methyltransferase G9a, erasers like histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and functions as a hub protein. Thus, targeting UHRF1 and/or its partners is a promising strategy for epigenetic cancer therapy. The natural compound thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits anticancer activities by targeting several cellular signaling pathways, including those involving UHRF1. In this review, we highlight TQ as a potential multitarget single epidrug that functions by targeting the UHRF1/DNMT1/HDAC1/G9a complex. We also speculate on the possibility that TQ might specifically target UHRF1, with subsequent regulatory effects on other partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omeima Abdullah
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.); (Z.O.)
| | - Ziad Omran
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.); (Z.O.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Bronner
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-597-959-354
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