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Dakal TC, Dhabhai B, Pant A, Moar K, Chaudhary K, Yadav V, Ranga V, Sharma NK, Kumar A, Maurya PK, Maciaczyk J, Schmidt‐Wolf IGH, Sharma A. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes: functions and roles in cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e582. [PMID: 38827026 PMCID: PMC11141506 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.582] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, being the most formidable ailment, has had a profound impact on the human health. The disease is primarily associated with genetic mutations that impact oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Recently, growing evidence have shown that X-linked TSGs have specific role in cancer progression and metastasis as well. Interestingly, our genome harbors around substantial portion of genes that function as tumor suppressors, and the X chromosome alone harbors a considerable number of TSGs. The scenario becomes even more compelling as X-linked TSGs are adaptive to key epigenetic processes such as X chromosome inactivation. Therefore, delineating the new paradigm related to X-linked TSGs, for instance, their crosstalk with autosome and involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis becomes utmost importance. Considering this, herein, we present a comprehensive discussion of X-linked TSG dysregulation in various cancers as a consequence of genetic variations and epigenetic alterations. In addition, the dynamic role of X-linked TSGs in sex chromosome-autosome crosstalk in cancer genome remodeling is being explored thoroughly. Besides, the functional roles of ncRNAs, role of X-linked TSG in immunomodulation and in gender-based cancer disparities has also been highlighted. Overall, the focal idea of the present article is to recapitulate the findings on X-linked TSG regulation in the cancer landscape and to redefine their role toward improving cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tikam Chand Dakal
- Department of BiotechnologyGenome and Computational Biology LabMohanlal Sukhadia UniversityUdaipurRajasthanIndia
| | - Bhanupriya Dhabhai
- Department of BiotechnologyGenome and Computational Biology LabMohanlal Sukhadia UniversityUdaipurRajasthanIndia
| | - Anuja Pant
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Kareena Moar
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Kanika Chaudhary
- School of Life Sciences. Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Vikas Yadav
- School of Life Sciences. Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Vipin Ranga
- Dearptment of Agricultural BiotechnologyDBT‐NECAB, Assam Agricultural UniversityJorhatAssamIndia
| | | | - Abhishek Kumar
- Manipal Academy of Higher EducationManipalKarnatakaIndia
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology ParkBangaloreIndia
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Jarek Maciaczyk
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Ingo G. H. Schmidt‐Wolf
- Department of Integrated OncologyCenter for Integrated Oncology (CIO)University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital of BonnBonnGermany
- Department of Integrated OncologyCenter for Integrated Oncology (CIO)University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
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Stefanachi F, Affinita MC, Fichera G, Tagarelli A, De Corti F, Rea F, Bisogno G. Mediastinal Germ-cell Tumors Relapse in a Male With Klinefelter Syndrome. Is Longer Surveillance Needed? J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 46:e248-e250. [PMID: 38446472 PMCID: PMC10956653 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of pediatric cancers. In up to one-third of male patients, a primary mediastinal location is associated with the presence of Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We describe a case of mediastinal GCT in a patient, with unacknowledged KS, that presented a relapse 7 years from diagnosis, that is, 2 years after the end of the follow-up program usually recommended for patients with GCT. There are no recommendations for screening for KS in patients with mediastinal GCT and there are no specific guidelines for surveillance of GCT in KS patients. Our experience suggests that KS should be suspected in patients with mediastinal GCT, and a longer follow-up plan should be implemented when GCT occurs in patients with KS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arianna Tagarelli
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit
| | - Federica De Corti
- Department for the Health of Woman and Child, Pediatric Surgery Division
| | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit
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3
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Hall LL, Creamer KM, Byron M, Lawrence JB. Differences in Alu vs L1-rich chromosome bands underpin architectural reorganization of the inactive-X chromosome and SAHFs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574742. [PMID: 38260534 PMCID: PMC10802495 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The linear DNA sequence of mammalian chromosomes is organized in large blocks of DNA with similar sequence properties, producing a pattern of dark and light staining bands on mitotic chromosomes. Cytogenetic banding is essentially invariant between people and cell-types and thus may be assumed unrelated to genome regulation. We investigate whether large blocks of Alu-rich R-bands and L1-rich G-bands provide a framework upon which functional genome architecture is built. We examine two models of large-scale chromatin condensation: X-chromosome inactivation and formation of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs). XIST RNA triggers gene silencing but also formation of the condensed Barr Body (BB), thought to reflect cumulative gene silencing. However, we find Alu-rich regions are depleted from the L1-rich BB, supporting it is a dense core but not the entire chromosome. Alu-rich bands are also gene-rich, affirming our earlier findings that genes localize at the outer periphery of the BB. SAHFs similarly form within each territory by coalescence of syntenic L1 regions depleted for highly Alu-rich DNA. Analysis of senescent cell Hi-C data also shows large contiguous blocks of G-band and R-band DNA remodel as a segmental unit. Entire dark-bands gain distal intrachromosomal interactions as L1-rich regions form the SAHF. Most striking is that sharp Alu peaks within R-bands resist these changes in condensation. We further show that Chr19, which is exceptionally Alu rich, fails to form a SAHF. Collective results show regulation of genome architecture corresponding to large blocks of DNA and demonstrate resistance of segments with high Alu to chromosome condensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L. Hall
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Kevin M. Creamer
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Meg Byron
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Jeanne B. Lawrence
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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4
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Li YD, Huang H, Ren ZJ, Yuan Y, Wu H, Liu C. Pan-cancer analysis identifies SPEN mutation as a predictive biomarker with the efficacy of immunotherapy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:793. [PMID: 37620924 PMCID: PMC10463702 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11235-0] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between specific genetic mutations and immunotherapy benefits has been widely known, while such studies in pan-cancer are still limited. SPEN, mainly involved in X chromosome inactivation (XCI), plays an essential in tumorigenesis and sex differences in cancer. Thus, we firstly analyzed the potential role of SPEN in the TCGA pan-cancer cohort and clinical samples. Bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining confirm that the expression of SPEN is significantly different in various cancers and may involve RNA splicing and processing via enrichment analysis. Then, our data further revealed that those patients with SPEN mutation could predict a better prognosis in pan-cancer and had distinct immune signatures, higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in common cancer types. Finally, the cancer patients from 9 studies treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors were included to investigate the efficacy of immunotherapy. The results further showed that SPEN mutation was associated with better clinical outcomes (HR, 0.74; 95%CI, 0.59-0.93, P = 0.01), and this association remained existed in female patients (HR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.38-0.94 P = 0.024), but not in male patients (HR, 0.82; 95%CI, 0.62-1.08 P = 0.150). Our findings demonstrated that SPEN mutation might strongly predict immunotherapy efficacy in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Dong Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng-Ju Ren
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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5
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Tang Z, Liu L, Borlak J. Combined inhibition of histone deacetylase and cytidine deaminase improves epigenetic potency of decitabine in colorectal adenocarcinomas. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:89. [PMID: 37208732 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting the epigenome of cancerous diseases represents an innovative approach, and the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine is recommended for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Although epigenetic alterations are also common to solid tumors, the therapeutic efficacy of decitabine in colorectal adenocarcinomas (COAD) is unfavorable. Current research focuses on an identification of combination therapies either with chemotherapeutics or checkpoint inhibitors in modulating the tumor microenvironment. Here we report a series of molecular investigations to evaluate potency of decitabine, the histone deacetylase inhibitor PBA and the cytidine deaminase (CDA) inhibitor tetrahydrouridine (THU) in patient derived functional and p53 null colon cancer cell lines (CCCL). We focused on the inhibition of cell proliferation, the recovery of tumor suppressors and programmed cell death, and established clinical relevance by evaluating drug responsive genes among 270 COAD patients. Furthermore, we evaluated treatment responses based on CpG island density. RESULTS Decitabine caused marked repression of the DNMT1 protein. Conversely, PBA treatment of CCCL recovered acetylation of histone 3 lysine residues, and this enabled an open chromatin state. Unlike single decitabine treatment, the combined decitabine/PBA treatment caused > 95% inhibition of cell proliferation, prevented cell cycle progression especially in the S and G2-phase and induced programmed cell death. Decitabine and PBA differed in their ability to facilitate re-expression of genes localized on different chromosomes, and the combined decitabine/PBA treatment was most effective in the re-expression of 40 tumor suppressors and 13 genes typically silenced in cancer-associated genomic regions of COAD patients. Furthermore, this treatment repressed expression of 11 survival (anti-apoptotic) genes and augmented expression of X-chromosome inactivated genes, especially the lncRNA Xist to facilitate p53-mediated apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of CDA by THU or its gene knockdown prevented decitabine inactivation. Strikingly, PBA treatment recovered the expression of the decitabine drug-uptake transporter SLC15A1, thus enabling high tumor drug-loads. Finally, for 26 drug responsive genes we demonstrated improved survival in COAD patients. CONCLUSION The combined decitabine/PBA/THU drug treatment improved drug potency considerably, and given their existing regulatory approval, our findings merit prospective clinical trials for the triple combination in COAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijiao Tang
- Hannover Medical School, Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lu Liu
- Hannover Medical School, Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Hannover Medical School, Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Farzaneh M, Nasrolahi A, Ghaedrahmati F, Masoodi T, Najafi S, Sheykhi-Sabzehpoush M, Dari MAG, Radoszkiewicz K, Uddin S, Azizidoost S, Khoshnam SE. Potential roles of lncRNA-XIST/miRNAs/mRNAs in human cancer cells. Clin Transl Oncol 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03110-y. [PMID: 36853400 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not code for proteins. In tumorigenesis, lncRNAs can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) is a known lncRNA that has been implicated in X chromosome silencing in female cells. Dysregulation of XIST is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. Therefore, XIST can be a beneficial prognostic biomarker for human malignancies. In this review, we attempt to summarize the emerging roles of XIST in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Klaudia Radoszkiewicz
- Translational Platform for Regenerative Medicine, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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7
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Ashkarran AA, Gharibi H, Grunberger JW, Saei AA, Khurana N, Mohammadpour R, Ghandehari H, Mahmoudi M. Sex-Specific Silica Nanoparticle Protein Corona Compositions Exposed to Male and Female BALB/c Mice Plasmas. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:62-73. [PMID: 36820312 PMCID: PMC9936498 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
As various nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used in nanomedicine products for more effective and less toxic therapy and diagnosis of diseases, there is a growing need to understand their biological fate in different sexes. Herein, we report a proof-of-concept result of sex-specific protein corona compositions on the surface of silica NPs as a function of their size and porosity upon incubation with plasma proteins of female and male BALB/c mice. Our results demonstrate substantial differences between male and female protein corona profiles on the surface of silica nanoparticles. By comparing protein abundances between male and female protein coronas of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and Stöber silica nanoparticles of ∼100, 50, and 100 nm in diameter, respectively, we detected 17, 4, and 4 distinct proteins, respectively, that were found at significantly different concentrations for these constructs. These initial findings demonstrate that animal sex can influence protein corona formation on silica NPs as a function of the physicochemical properties. A more thorough consideration of the role of plasma sex would enable nanomedicine community to design and develop safer and more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicine products for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar Ashkarran
- Department
of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Hassan Gharibi
- Division
of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and
Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, SE-17 165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jason W. Grunberger
- Utah
Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Amir Ata Saei
- Division
of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and
Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, SE-17 165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nitish Khurana
- Utah
Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Raziye Mohammadpour
- Utah
Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Utah
Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United
States
| | - Morteza Mahmoudi
- Department
of Radiology and Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Mary
Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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8
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Huang Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Xu Z, Chen WX. An integrative analysis of the tumor suppressors and oncogenes from sexual dimorphism and gene expression alteration features in thyroid cancer. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:1-16. [PMID: 37355885 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of thyroid cancer has risen rapidly over the last decades. Although mortality rates are relatively low compared to other cancers, the rate of new cases started to increase in the early 2000s. While tumor suppressors and oncogenes were recently identified in thyroid cancer, the potential roles of these genes in thyroid cancer remain unclear. OBJECTIVE Analyze the roles and functions of tumor suppressors and oncogenes in thyroid cancer. METHODS Thyroid cancer data were collected from public databases, such as the UCSC Xena database of TCGA thyroid cancer, TISIDB, and UALCAN. The genes frequently associated with unfavorable thyroid cancer were examined and validated. The association of these target genes with thyroid tumorigenesis, stages, subtypes, and survival rates were analyzed. Additionally, the genes aberrantly expressed in thyroid cancer and significantly involved in thyroid tumorigenesis, stages, subtypes, and survival rates were identified. RESULTS Female sex was identified as a risk factor for thyroid cancer. The expression of PAPSS2, PDLIM3, COPZ2, ALDH1B1, ANTXR1, GUF1, and SENP6 negatively correlated with thyroid cancer prognosis. CONCLUSION Female sex was a risk factor for thyroid cancer. In addition, our analysis suggested that PAPSS2, PDLIM3, COPZ2, ALDH1B1, ANTXR1, GUF1, and SENP6 are negatively correlated with the prognosis of thyroid cancer. The expression of ANTXR1, GUF1, and PDLIM3 was weakly associated with thyroid cancer's immune and molecular subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoxin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wu Song Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sining Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Hainan, China
| | - Zhengmin Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Xia Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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DNA methyltransferases 3A and 3B target specific sequences during mouse gastrulation. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1252-1265. [PMID: 36510023 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian embryos, DNA methylation is initialized to maximum levels in the epiblast by the de novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B before gastrulation diversifies it across regulatory regions. Here we show that DNMT3A and DNMT3B are differentially regulated during endoderm and mesoderm bifurcation and study the implications in vivo and in meso-endoderm embryoid bodies. Loss of both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b impairs exit from the epiblast state. More subtly, independent loss of Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b leads to small biases in mesoderm-endoderm bifurcation and transcriptional deregulation. Epigenetically, DNMT3A and DNMT3B drive distinct methylation kinetics in the epiblast, as can be predicted from their strand-specific sequence preferences. The enzymes compensate for each other in the epiblast, but can later facilitate lineage-specific methylation kinetics as their expression diverges. Single-cell analysis shows that differential activity of DNMT3A and DNMT3B combines with replication-linked methylation turnover to increase epigenetic plasticity in gastrulation. Together, these findings outline a dynamic model for the use of DNMT3A and DNMT3B sequence specificity during gastrulation.
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10
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Somatic XIST activation and features of X chromosome inactivation in male human cancers. Cell Syst 2022; 13:932-944.e5. [PMID: 36356577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the non-coding RNA XIST is essential for initiating X chromosome inactivation (XCI) during early development in female mammals. As the main function of XCI is to enable dosage compensation of chromosome X genes between the sexes, XCI and XIST expression are generally absent in male normal tissues, except in germ cells and in individuals with supernumerary X chromosomes. Via a systematic analysis of public sequencing data of both cancerous and normal tissues, we report that XIST is somatically activated in a subset of male human cancers across diverse lineages. Some of these cancers display hallmarks of XCI, including silencing of gene expression, reduced chromatin accessibility, and increased DNA methylation across chromosome X, suggesting that the developmentally restricted, female-specific program of XCI can be somatically accessed in male cancers.
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11
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Eliason S, Hong L, Sweat Y, Chalkley C, Cao H, Liu Q, Qi H, Xu H, Zhan F, Amendt BA. Extracellular vesicle expansion of PMIS-miR-210 expression inhibits colorectal tumour growth via apoptosis and an XIST/NME1 regulatory mechanism. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1037. [PMID: 36116139 PMCID: PMC9482803 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate, and therapeutic approaches to treat these cancers are varied and depend on the metabolic state of the tumour. Profiles of CRC tumours have identified several biomarkers, including microRNAs. microRNA-210 (miR-210) levels are directly correlated with CRC survival. miR-210 expression is higher in metastatic colon cancer cells versus non-metastatic and normal colon epithelium. Therefore, efficient methods to inhibit miR-210 expression in CRC may provide new advances in treatments. METHODS Expression of miRs was determined in several metastatic and non-metastatic cell lines. miR-210 expression was inhibited using PMIS-miR-210 in transduced cells, which were transplanted into xenograft mice. In separate experiments, CRC tumours were allowed to grow in xenograft mice and treated with therapeutic injections of PMIS-miR-210. Molecular and biochemical experiments identified several new pathways targeted by miR-210 inhibition. RESULTS miR-210 inhibition can significantly reduce tumour growth of implanted colon cancer cells in xenograft mouse models. The direct administration of PMIS-miR-210 to existing tumours can inhibit tumour growth in both NSG and Foxn1nu/j mouse models and is more efficacious than capecitabine treatments. Tumour cells further transfer the PMIS-miR-210 inhibitor to neighbouring cells by extracellular vesicles to inhibit miR-210 throughout the tumour. miR-210 inhibition activates the cleaved caspase 3 apoptotic pathway to reduce tumour formation. We demonstrate that the long non-coding transcript XIST is regulated by miR-210 correlating with decreased XIST expression in CRC tumours. XIST acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-210, which reduces XIST levels and miR-210 inhibition increases XIST transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The increased expression of NME1 is associated with H3K4me3 and H3K27ac modifications in the NME1 proximal promoter by XIST. CONCLUSION Direct application of the PMIS-miR-210 inhibitor to growing tumours may be an effective colorectal cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Eliason
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research CenterThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Liu Hong
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research CenterThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health ResearchThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Yan Sweat
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research CenterThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Camille Chalkley
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research CenterThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Huojun Cao
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health ResearchThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Hank Qi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Arkansas for Medical ScienceLittle RockArkansasUSA
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Arkansas for Medical ScienceLittle RockArkansasUSA
| | - Brad A. Amendt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research CenterThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health ResearchThe University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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12
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Abstract
Understanding sex differences in physiology and disease requires the identification of the molecular agents that cause phenotypic sex differences. Two groups of such agents are genes located on the sex chromosomes, and gonadal hormones. The former have coherent linkage to chromosomes that form differently in the two sexes under the influence of genomic forces that are not related to reproductive function, whereas the latter have a direct or indirect relationship to reproduction. Evidence published in the past 5 years supports the identification of several agents of sexual differentiation encoded by the X chromosome in mice, including Kdm5c, Kdm6a, Ogt and Xist. These X chromosome agents have wide pleiotropic effects, potentially influencing sex differences in many different tissues, a characteristic shared with the gonadal hormones. The identification of X chromosome agents of sexual differentiation will facilitate understanding of complex intersecting gene pathways underlying sex differences in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Sex-specific multi-level 3D genome dynamics in the mouse brain. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3438. [PMID: 35705546 PMCID: PMC9200740 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30961-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The female mammalian brain exhibits sex hormone-driven plasticity during the reproductive period. Recent evidence implicates chromatin dynamics in gene regulation underlying this plasticity. However, whether ovarian hormones impact higher-order chromatin organization in post-mitotic neurons in vivo is unknown. Here, we mapped the 3D genome of ventral hippocampal neurons across the oestrous cycle and by sex in mice. In females, we find cycle-driven dynamism in 3D chromatin organization, including in oestrogen response elements-enriched X chromosome compartments, autosomal CTCF loops, and enhancer-promoter interactions. With rising oestrogen levels, the female 3D genome becomes more similar to the male 3D genome. Cyclical enhancer-promoter interactions are partially associated with gene expression and enriched for brain disorder-relevant genes and pathways. Our study reveals unique 3D genome dynamics in the female brain relevant to female-specific gene regulation, neuroplasticity, and disease risk. Here the authors provide evidence that 3D chromatin structure in the mouse brain differs between males and females and undergoes dynamic remodelling during the female ovarian cycle. They show female-specific 3D genome dynamics affects neuronal gene expression and brain disorder-relevant genes, and could play a role in reproductive hormone-induced brain plasticity and female-specific risk for brain disorders.
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14
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Wang X, Hu W, Li X, Huang D, Li Q, Chan H, Zeng J, Xie C, Chen H, Liu X, Gin T, Wang MH, Cheng ASL, Kang W, To KF, Plewczynski D, Zhang Q, Chen X, Chan DCW, Ko H, Wong SH, Yu J, Chan MTV, Zhang L, Wu WKK. Single-Hit Inactivation Drove Tumor Suppressor Genes Out of the X Chromosome during Evolution. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1482-1491. [PMID: 35247889 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-related genes are under intense evolutionary pressure. In this study, we conjecture that X-linked tumor suppressor genes (TSG) are not protected by the Knudson's two-hit mechanism and are therefore subject to negative selection. Accordingly, nearly all mammalian species exhibited lower TSG-to-noncancer gene ratios on their X chromosomes compared with nonmammalian species. Synteny analysis revealed that mammalian X-linked TSGs were depleted shortly after the emergence of the XY sex-determination system. A phylogeny-based model unveiled a higher X chromosome-to-autosome relocation flux for human TSGs. This was verified in other mammals by assessing the concordance/discordance of chromosomal locations of mammalian TSGs and their orthologs in Xenopus tropicalis. In humans, X-linked TSGs are younger or larger in size. Consistently, pan-cancer analysis revealed more frequent nonsynonymous somatic mutations of X-linked TSGs. These findings suggest that relocation of TSGs out of the X chromosome could confer a survival advantage by facilitating evasion of single-hit inactivation. SIGNIFICANCE This work unveils extensive trafficking of TSGs from the X chromosome to autosomes during evolution, thus identifying X-linked TSGs as a genetic Achilles' heel in tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiansong Wang
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangchun Li
- Public Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hung Chan
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Judeng Zeng
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Xie
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huarong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tony Gin
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Maggie Haitian Wang
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Division of Biostatistics, Center for Clinical Research and Biostatistics, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dariusz Plewczynski
- Center of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Qingpeng Zhang
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Danny Cheuk Wing Chan
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Gerald Choa Neuroscience Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ho Ko
- Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Gerald Choa Neuroscience Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Margaret K. L. Cheung Research Center for Management of Parkinsonism, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jun Yu
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Matthew Tak Vai Chan
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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15
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Ghaemi S, Fekrirad Z, Zamani N, Rahmani R, Arefian E. Non-coding RNAs Enhance the Apoptosis Efficacy of Therapeutic Agents Used for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiform. J Drug Target 2022; 30:589-602. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2047191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Ghaemi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Fekrirad
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nina Zamani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Rahmani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Cell Therapy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Mechanisms of Choice in X-Chromosome Inactivation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030535. [PMID: 35159344 PMCID: PMC8833938 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in development, placental and marsupial mammals harbouring at least two X chromosomes per nucleus are faced with a choice that affects the rest of their lives: which of those X chromosomes to transcriptionally inactivate. This choice underlies phenotypical diversity in the composition of tissues and organs and in their response to the environment, and can determine whether an individual will be healthy or affected by an X-linked disease. Here, we review our current understanding of the process of choice during X-chromosome inactivation and its implications, focusing on the strategies evolved by different mammalian lineages and on the known and unknown molecular mechanisms and players involved.
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17
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Sajjadi RS, Modarressi MH, Tabatabaiefar MA. JPX and LINC00641 ncRNAs expression in prostate tissue: a case-control study. Res Pharm Sci 2021; 16:493-504. [PMID: 34522197 PMCID: PMC8407155 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.323916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most prevalent cancer in men. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the main biomarker for screening PC. An increase in PSA could lead to false-positive results. Thus, more appropriate markers should be investigated. In the present study, JPX and LINC00641 expression levels were measured in tumoral prostate tissue compared with the non-tumor tissue. Experimental approach 43 pairs of prostate tumoral and non-tumor tissue were prepared. The expression levels of JPX and LINC00641 were investigated by RT-qPCR. Findings/Results Significant upregulation of LINC00641 (2.47 ± 0.5 vs 1.41 ± 0.2) and downregulation of JPX (1.42 ± 0.6 vs 2.83 ± 1.0) were observed in PC tissues compared with the normal tissues (their adjacent non-tumoral tissues). Conclusion and implications Dysregulation of JPX and LINC00641 in PC patients could be used in the future as a prognostic biomarker in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak S Sajjadi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Modarressi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Tabatabaiefar
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran.,Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
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18
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Sharifi S, Caracciolo G, Pozzi D, Digiacomo L, Swann J, Daldrup-Link HE, Mahmoudi M. The role of sex as a biological variable in the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic nanomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:337-347. [PMID: 33957181 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.028] [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: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Males and females have physiological, hormonal, and genetic differences that can cause different responses to medicinal treatments. The role of sex in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs is well established in the literature. However, researchers have yet to robustly and consistently consider the impact of sex differences on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nanomedicine formulations when designing nanomedicine therapeutics and/or constructing clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the physiological and anatomical differences between sexes and discuss how these differences can influence the therapeutic efficacy, side effects, and drug delivery safety of nanomedicine products. A deep understanding of the effects of sex on nano-based drug delivery agents will robustly improve the risk assessment process, resulting in safer formulations, successful clinical translation, and improved therapeutic efficacies for both sexes.
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19
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Wang W, Min L, Qiu X, Wu X, Liu C, Ma J, Zhang D, Zhu L. Biological Function of Long Non-coding RNA (LncRNA) Xist. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645647. [PMID: 34178980 PMCID: PMC8222981 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression in a variety of ways at epigenetic, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional, and translational levels. Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (lncRNA Xist) serves as an important regulator of cell growth and development. Despites its original roles in X-chromosome dosage compensation, lncRNA Xist also participates in the development of tumor and other human diseases by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). In this review, we comprehensively summarized recent progress in understanding the cellular functions of lncRNA Xist in mammalian cells and discussed current knowledge regarding the ceRNA network of lncRNA Xist in various diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that are more than 200 nt in length and without an apparent protein-coding capacity (Furlan and Rougeulle, 2016; Maduro et al., 2016). These RNAs are believed to be transcribed by the approximately 98-99% non-coding regions of the human genome (Derrien et al., 2012; Fu, 2014; Montalbano et al., 2017; Slack and Chinnaiyan, 2019), as well as a large variety of genomic regions, such as exonic, tronic, and intergenic regions. Hence, lncRNAs are also divided into eight categories: Intergenic lncRNAs, Intronic lncRNAs, Enhancer lncRNAs, Promoter lncRNAs, Natural antisense/sense lncRNAs, Small nucleolar RNA-ended lncRNAs (sno-lncRNAs), Bidirectional lncRNAs, and non-poly(A) lncRNAs (Ma et al., 2013; Devaux et al., 2015; St Laurent et al., 2015; Chen, 2016; Quinn and Chang, 2016; Richard and Eichhorn, 2018; Connerty et al., 2020). A range of evidence has suggested that lncRNAs function as key regulators in crucial cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, by regulating the expression level of target genes via epigenomic, transcriptional, or post-transcriptional approaches (Cao et al., 2018). Moreover, lncRNAs detected in body fluids were also believed to serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease progression, and act as novel and potential drug targets for therapeutic exploitation in human disease (Jiang W. et al., 2018; Zhou et al., 2019a). Long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (lncRNA Xist) are a set of 15,000-20,000 nt sequences localized in the X chromosome inactivation center (XIC) of chromosome Xq13.2 (Brown et al., 1992; Debrand et al., 1998; Kay, 1998; Lee et al., 2013; da Rocha and Heard, 2017; Yang Z. et al., 2018; Brockdorff, 2019). Previous studies have indicated that lncRNA Xist regulate X chromosome inactivation (XCI), resulting in the inheritable silencing of one of the X-chromosomes during female cell development. Also, it serves a vital regulatory function in the whole spectrum of human disease (notably cancer) and can be used as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and as a potential therapeutic target for human disease in the clinic (Liu et al., 2018b; Deng et al., 2019; Dinescu et al., 2019; Mutzel and Schulz, 2020; Patrat et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020a). In particular, lncRNA Xist have been demonstrated to be involved in the development of multiple types of tumors including brain tumor, Leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer, with the prominent examples outlined in Table 1. It was also believed that lncRNA Xist (Chaligne and Heard, 2014; Yang Z. et al., 2018) contributed to other diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, inflammation, neuropathic pain, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and osteoarthritis chondrocytes, and more specific details can be found in Table 2. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA Xist on both chromosome dosage compensation and pathogenesis (especially cancer) processes, with a focus on the regulatory network of lncRNA Xist in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dongyi Zhang
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Lingyun Zhu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
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20
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Haupt S, Caramia F, Klein SL, Rubin JB, Haupt Y. Sex disparities matter in cancer development and therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:393-407. [PMID: 33879867 PMCID: PMC8284191 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Curing cancer through precision medicine is the paramount aim of the new wave of molecular and genomic therapies. Currently, whether patients with non-reproductive cancers are male or female according to their sex chromosomes is not adequately considered in patient standard of care. This is a matter of consequence because there is growing evidence that these cancer types generally initiate earlier and are associated with higher overall incidence and rates of death in males compared with females. Gender, in contrast to sex, refers to a chosen sexual identity. Hazardous lifestyle choices (notably tobacco smoking) differ in prevalence between genders, aligned with disproportionate cancer risk. These add to underlying genetic predisposition and influences of sex steroid hormones. Together, these factors affect metabolism, immunity and inflammation, and ultimately the fidelity of the genetic code. To accurately understand how human defences against cancer erode, it is crucial to establish the influence of sex. Our Perspective highlights evidence from basic and translational research indicating that including genetic sex considerations in treatments for patients with cancer will improve outcomes. It is now time to adopt the challenge of overhauling cancer medicine based on optimized treatment strategies for females and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Haupt
- Tumor Suppression and Cancer Sex Disparity Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Franco Caramia
- Tumor Suppression and Cancer Sex Disparity Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ygal Haupt
- Tumor Suppression and Cancer Sex Disparity Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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21
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Abstract
Nanomedicine has demonstrated substantial potential to improve the quality and efficacy of healthcare systems. Although the promise of nanomedicine to transform conventional medicine is evident, significant numbers of therapeutic nanomedicine products have failed in clinical trials. Most studies in nanomedicine have overlooked several important factors, including the significance of sex differences at various physiological levels. This report attempts to highlight the importance of sex in nanomedicine at cellular and molecular level. A more thorough consideration of sex physiology, among other critical variations (e.g., health status of individuals), would enable researchers to design and develop safer and more-efficient sex-specific diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicine products.
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22
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Giaimo BD, Robert-Finestra T, Oswald F, Gribnau J, Borggrefe T. Chromatin Regulator SPEN/SHARP in X Inactivation and Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071665. [PMID: 33916248 PMCID: PMC8036811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Carcinogenesis is a multistep process involving not only the activation of oncogenes and disabling tumor suppressor genes, but also epigenetic modulation of gene expression. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a paradigm to study heterochromatin formation and maintenance. The double dosage of X chromosomal genes in female mammals is incompatible with early development. XCI is an excellent model system for understanding the establishment of facultative heterochromatin initiated by the expression of a 17,000 nt long non-coding RNA, known as Xinactivespecifictranscript (Xist), on the X chromosome. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of how epigenetic modulators act in a step-wise manner to establish facultative heterochromatin, and we put these in the context of cancer biology and disease. An in depth understanding of XCI will allow a better characterization of particular types of cancer and hopefully facilitate the development of novel epigenetic therapies. Abstract Enzymes, such as histone methyltransferases and demethylases, histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases, and DNA methyltransferases are known as epigenetic modifiers that are often implicated in tumorigenesis and disease. One of the best-studied chromatin-based mechanism is X chromosome inactivation (XCI), a process that establishes facultative heterochromatin on only one X chromosome in females and establishes the right dosage of gene expression. The specificity factor for this process is the long non-coding RNA Xinactivespecifictranscript (Xist), which is upregulated from one X chromosome in female cells. Subsequently, Xist is bound by the corepressor SHARP/SPEN, recruiting and/or activating histone deacetylases (HDACs), leading to the loss of active chromatin marks such as H3K27ac. In addition, polycomb complexes PRC1 and PRC2 establish wide-spread accumulation of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub1 chromatin marks. The lack of active marks and establishment of repressive marks set the stage for DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) to stably silence the X chromosome. Here, we will review the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how heterochromatin formation is established and put this into the context of carcinogenesis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Daniele Giaimo
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.D.G.); (T.B.); Tel.: +49-641-9947-400 (T.B.)
| | - Teresa Robert-Finestra
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Oncode Institute, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (T.R.-F.); (J.G.)
| | - Franz Oswald
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, Oncode Institute, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (T.R.-F.); (J.G.)
| | - Tilman Borggrefe
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.D.G.); (T.B.); Tel.: +49-641-9947-400 (T.B.)
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23
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Westervelt N, Yoest A, Sayed S, Von Zimmerman M, Kaps K, Chadwick BP. Deletion of the XIST promoter from the human inactive X chromosome compromises polycomb heterochromatin maintenance. Chromosoma 2021; 130:177-197. [PMID: 33745031 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00754-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Silencing most gene expression from all but one X chromosome in female mammals provides a means to overcome X-linked gene expression imbalances with males. Central to establishing gene silencing on the inactivated X chromosome are the actions of the long non-coding RNA XIST that triggers the repackaging of the chosen X into facultative heterochromatin. While understanding the mechanisms through which XIST expression is regulated and mediates its affects has been a major focus of research since its discovery, less is known about the role XIST plays in maintaining chromatin at the human inactive X chromosome (Xi). Here, we use genome engineering to delete the promoter of XIST to knockout expression from the Xi in non-cancerous diploid human somatic cells. Although some heterochromatin features exhibit limited change at the Xi, two of those assessed showed significant reductions including histone H2A monoubiquitylation at lysine 119 and histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 27, both of which are covalent histone modifications catalyzed by the polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 respectively. Coupled with these reductions, we observed an occasional gain of euchromatin signatures on Xp, but despite these signs of chromatin instability, we did not observe appreciable changes in the reactivation of genes from the Xi. Collectively, these data are consistent with maintenance of dosage compensation at the Xi involving multiple redundant layers of gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Westervelt
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Andrea Yoest
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Sadia Sayed
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Marina Von Zimmerman
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Kelly Kaps
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Brian P Chadwick
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, King 3076, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA.
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24
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Association between HOX Transcript Antisense RNA Single-Nucleotide Variants and Recurrent Implantation Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063021. [PMID: 33809601 PMCID: PMC8002254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to the occurrence of more than two failed in vitro fertilization–embryo transfers (IVF-ETs) in the same individual. RIF can occur for many reasons, including embryo characteristics, immunological factors, and coagulation factors. Genetics can also contribute to RIF, with some single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) reported to be associated with RIF occurrence. We examined SNVs in a long non-coding RNA, homeobox (HOX) transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), which is known to affect cancer development. HOTAIR regulates epigenetic outcomes through histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. We recruited 155 female RIF patients and 330 healthy controls, and genotyped HOTAIR SNVs, including rs4759314, rs920778, rs7958904, and rs1899663, in all participants. Differences in these SNVs were compared between the patient and control groups. We identified significant differences in the occurrence of heterozygous genotypes and the dominant expression model for the rs1899663 and rs7958904 SNVs between RIF patients and control subjects. These HOTAIR variants were associated with serum hemoglobin (Hgb), luteinizing hormone (LH), total cholesterol (T. chol), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, as assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). We analyzed the four HOTAIR SNVs and found significant differences in haplotype patterns between RIF patients and healthy controls. The results of this study showed that HOTAIR is not only associated with the development of cancer but also with pregnancy-associated diseases. This study represents the first report showing that HOTAIR is correlated with RIF.
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Qi S, Al Mamun A, Ngwa C, Romana S, Ritzel R, Arnold AP, McCullough LD, Liu F. X chromosome escapee genes are involved in ischemic sexual dimorphism through epigenetic modification of inflammatory signals. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:70. [PMID: 33712031 PMCID: PMC7953638 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a sexually dimorphic disease. Previous studies have found that young females are protected against ischemia compared to males, partially due to the protective effect of ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen (E2). However, there are also genetic and epigenetic effects of X chromosome dosage that contribute to stroke sensitivity and neuroinflammation after injury, especially in the aged. Genes that escape from X chromosome inactivation (XCI) contribute to sex-specific phenotypes in many disorders. Kdm5c and kdm6a are X escapee genes that demethylate H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, respectively. We hypothesized that the two demethylases play critical roles in mediating the stroke sensitivity. METHODS To identify the X escapee genes involved in stroke, we performed RNA-seq in flow-sorted microglia from aged male and female wild type (WT) mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The expression of these genes (kdm5c/kdm6a) were confirmed in four core genotypes (FCG) mice and in post-mortem human stroke brains by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and RT-PCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were conducted to detect DNA levels of inflammatory interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 4/5 precipitated by histone H3K4 and H3K27 antibodies. Manipulation of kdm5c/kdm6a expression with siRNA or lentivirus was performed in microglial culture, to determine downstream pathways and examine the regulatory roles in inflammatory cytokine production. RESULTS Kdm5c and kdm6a mRNA levels were significantly higher in aged WT female vs. male microglia, and the sex difference also existed in ischemic brains from FCG mice and human stroke patients. The ChIP assay showed the IRF 4/5 had higher binding levels to demethylated H3K4 or H3K27, respectively, in female vs. male ischemic microglia. Knockdown or over expression of kdm5c/kdm6a with siRNA or lentivirus altered the methylation of H3K4 or H3K27 at the IRF4/5 genes, which in turn, impacted the production of inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS The KDM-Histone-IRF pathways are suggested to mediate sex differences in cerebral ischemia. Epigenetic modification of stroke-related genes constitutes an important mechanism underlying the ischemic sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Qi
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Conelius Ngwa
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sharmeen Romana
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rodney Ritzel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, 610 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fudong Liu
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Sharma A, Liu H, Herwig-Carl MC, Chand Dakal T, Schmidt-Wolf IGH. Epigenetic Regulatory Enzymes: mutation Prevalence and Coexistence in Cancers. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:257-273. [PMID: 33411587 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1872593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is an important layer of transcriptional control with the particularity to affect the broad spectrum of genome. Over the years, largely due to the substantial number of recurrent mutations, there have been hundreds of novel driver genes characterized in various cancers. Additionally, the relative contribution of two dysregulated epigenomic entities (DNA methylation and histone modifications) that gradually drive the cancer phenotype remains in the research focus. However, a complex scenario arises when the disease phenotype does not harbor any relevant mutation or an abnormal transcription level. Although the cancer landscape involves the contribution of multiple genetic and non-genetic factors, herein, we discuss specifically the mutation spectrum of epigenetically-related enzymes in cancer. In addition, we address the coexistence of these two epigenetic entities in malignant human diseases, especially cancer. We suggest that the study of epigenetically-related somatic mutations in the early cellular differentiation stage of embryonic development might help to understand their later-staged footprints in the cancer genome. Furthermore, understanding the co-occurrence and/or inverse association of different disease types and redefining the general definition of "healthy" controls could provide insights into the genome reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, CIO Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hongde Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Tikam Chand Dakal
- Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ingo G H Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, CIO Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Park SK, Bakulski KM. Cell Types in Environmental Epigenetic Studies: Biological and Epidemiological Frameworks. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 7:185-197. [PMID: 32794033 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article introduces the roles of perinatal DNA methylation in human health and disease, highlights the challenges of tissue and cellular heterogeneity to studying DNA methylation, summarizes approaches to overcome these challenges, and offers recommendations in conducting research in environmental epigenetics. RECENT FINDINGS Epigenetic modifications are essential for human development and are labile to environmental influences, especially during gestation. Epigenetic dysregulation is also a hallmark of multiple diseases. Environmental epigenetic studies routinely measure DNA methylation in readily available tissues. However, tissues and cell types exhibit specific epigenetic patterning and heterogeneity between samples complicates epigenetic studies. Failure to account for cell-type heterogeneity limits identification of biological mechanisms and biases study results. Tissue-level epigenetic measures represent a convolution of epigenetic signals from individual cell types. Tissue-specific epigenetics is an evolving field and the use of disease-affected target, surrogate, or multiple tissues has inherent trade-offs and affects inference. Likewise, experimental and bioinformatic approaches to accommodate cell-type heterogeneity have varying assumptions and inherent trade-offs that affect inference. The relationships between exposure, disease, tissue-level DNA methylation, cell type-specific DNA methylation, and cell-type heterogeneity must be carefully considered in study design and analysis. Causal diagrams can inform study design and analytic strategies. Properly addressing cell-type heterogeneity limits sources of potential bias, avoids misinterpretation of study results, and allows investigators to distinguish shifts in cell-type proportions from direct changes to cellular epigenetic programming, both of which provide insights into environmental disease etiology and aid development of novel methods for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract
Evidence accumulated over the past decade shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed and have key roles in gene regulation. Recent studies have begun to unravel how the biogenesis of lncRNAs is distinct from that of mRNAs and is linked with their specific subcellular localizations and functions. Depending on their localization and their specific interactions with DNA, RNA and proteins, lncRNAs can modulate chromatin function, regulate the assembly and function of membraneless nuclear bodies, alter the stability and translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs and interfere with signalling pathways. Many of these functions ultimately affect gene expression in diverse biological and physiopathological contexts, such as in neuronal disorders, immune responses and cancer. Tissue-specific and condition-specific expression patterns suggest that lncRNAs are potential biomarkers and provide a rationale to target them clinically. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms of lncRNA biogenesis, localization and functions in transcriptional, post-transcriptional and other modes of gene regulation, and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Sex-Associated Gene Expression Alterations Correlate With Esophageal Cancer Survival. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 12:e00281. [PMID: 33464731 PMCID: PMC7752676 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Esophageal cancer (EC) is a significant cause of cancer death with 5-year survival of 10%–15% and males more frequently affected. Genetic evaluation for loci highlighting risk has been performed, but survival data are limited. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets allow for potential prognostic marker assessment in large patient cohorts. The study aimed to use the TCGA EC data set to assess whether survival varies by sex and explore genetic alterations that may explain variation observed. METHODS: TCGA clinical/RNA-seq data sets (n = 185, 158 males/27 females) were downloaded from the cancer genome browser. Data analysis/figure preparation was performed in R and GraphPad Prism 7. Survival analysis was performed using the survival package. Text mining of PubMed was performed using the tm, RISmed, and wordcloud packages. Pathway analysis was performed using the Reactome database. RESULTS: In EC, male sex/high tumor grade reduced overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.27 [0.99–5.24] for M vs F and 2.49 [0.89–6.92] for low vs high grade, respectively) and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 4.09 [0.98–17.03] for M vs F and 3.36 [0.81–14.01] for low vs high grade, respectively). To investigate the genetic basis for sex-based survival differences in EC, corresponding gene expression data were analyzed. Sixty-nine genes were dysregulated at the P < 0.01 level by the Wilcox test, 33% were X-chromosome genes, and 7% were Y-chromosome genes. DISCUSSION: Female sex potentially confers an EC survival advantage. Importantly, we demonstrate a genetic/epigenetic basis for these survival differences that are independent of lifestyle-associated risk factors overrepresented in males. Further research may lead to novel concepts in treating/measuring EC aggressiveness by sex.
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Lopes-Ramos CM, Quackenbush J, DeMeo DL. Genome-Wide Sex and Gender Differences in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:597788. [PMID: 33330090 PMCID: PMC7719817 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.597788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their known importance in clinical medicine, differences based on sex and gender are among the least studied factors affecting cancer susceptibility, progression, survival, and therapeutic response. In particular, the molecular mechanisms driving sex differences are poorly understood and so most approaches to precision medicine use mutational or other genomic data to assign therapy without considering how the sex of the individual might influence therapeutic efficacy. The mandate by the National Institutes of Health that research studies include sex as a biological variable has begun to expand our understanding on its importance. Sex differences in cancer may arise due to a combination of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, as well as differences in gene regulation, and expression. Extensive sex differences occur genome-wide, and ultimately influence cancer biology and outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about sex-specific genetic and genome-wide influences in cancer, describe how differences in response to environmental exposures and genetic and epigenetic alterations alter the trajectory of the disease, and provide insights into the importance of integrative analyses in understanding the interplay of sex and genomics in cancer. In particular, we will explore some of the emerging analytical approaches, such as the use of network methods, that are providing a deeper understanding of the drivers of differences based on sex and gender. Better understanding these complex factors and their interactions will improve cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes for all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila M Lopes-Ramos
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Quackenbush
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Zhuang W, Liu N, Guo H, Zhang C, Gan W. Gender difference analysis of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinomas's attack rate: a meta-analysis and systematic review. BMC Urol 2020; 20:130. [PMID: 32843027 PMCID: PMC7449070 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-020-00696-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is recently recognized. As Xp11.2 tRCC involved gene translocation and fusion in X chromosome and the number of X chromosomes in female is twice of male, we wondered whether the gender difference of attack rate is consistent with the proportion of the X chromosome. Methods: In the present paper, meta-analysis was performed to find out the difference of morbidity between male and female. Results Nine studies with 209 cases calculated. Odds ratios (ORs) and ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for attack rate of Xp11.2 RCC with different gender. The result showed that the attack rate of female was higher than that of male with pooled OR of 2.84 (95% CI = 1.48–5.45), while the rate rises even further in adult (OR = 3.37, 95% CI =2.19–5.18). In other types of common kidney cancer, the OR value is less than 1, which means that the incidence of female is lower than that of male. Conclusions The result showed that the incidence rate of female patients is much higher than that of male patients with Xp11.2 tRCC, it was reasonable to indicate that this particular incidence rate is related to the X chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhuang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Chunni Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Weidong Gan
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Wang D, Tang L, Wu Y, Fan C, Zhang S, Xiang B, Zhou M, Li X, Li Y, Li G, Xiong W, Zeng Z, Guo C. Abnormal X chromosome inactivation and tumor development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2949-2958. [PMID: 32040694 PMCID: PMC11104905 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During embryonic development, one of the two X chromosomes of a mammalian female cell is randomly inactivated by the X chromosome inactivation mechanism, which is mainly dependent on the regulation of the non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript at the X chromosome inactivation center. There are three proteins that are essential for X-inactive specific transcript to function properly: scaffold attachment factor-A, lamin B receptor, and SMRT- and HDAC-associated repressor protein. In addition, the absence of X-inactive specific transcript expression promotes tumor development. During the process of chromosome inactivation, some tumor suppressor genes escape inactivation of the X chromosome and thereby continue to play a role in tumor suppression. A well-functioning tumor suppressor gene on the idle X chromosome in women is one of the reasons they have a lower propensity to develop cancer than men, women thereby benefit from this enhanced tumor suppression. This review will explore the mechanism of X chromosome inactivation, discuss the relationship between X chromosome inactivation and tumorigenesis, and consider the consequent sex differences in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Le Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingfen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunmei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Guo
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Atashgaran V, Dasari P, Hodson LJ, Evdokiou A, Barry SC, Ingman WV. Foxp3 heterozygosity does not overtly affect mammary gland development during puberty or the oestrous cycle in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:774-782. [PMID: 32389178 DOI: 10.1071/rd19378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Female mice heterozygous for a genetic mutation in transcription factor forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) spontaneously develop mammary cancers; however, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We hypothesised that increased cancer susceptibility is associated with an underlying perturbation in mammary gland development. The role of Foxp3 in mammary ductal morphogenesis was investigated in heterozygous Foxp3Sf/+ and wildtype Foxp3+/+ mice during puberty and at specific stages of the oestrous cycle. No differences in mammary ductal branching morphogenesis, terminal end bud formation or ductal elongation were observed in pubertal Foxp3Sf/+ mice compared with Foxp3+/+ mice. During adulthood, all mice underwent normal regular oestrous cycles. No differences in epithelial branching morphology were detected in mammary glands from mice at the oestrus, metoestrus, dioestrus and pro-oestrus stages of the cycle. Furthermore, abundance of Foxp3 mRNA and protein in the mammary gland and lymph nodes was not altered in Foxp3Sf/+ mice compared with Foxp3+/+ mice. These studies suggest that Foxp3 heterozygosity does not overtly affect mammary gland development during puberty or the oestrous cycle. Further studies are required to dissect the underlying mechanisms of increased mammary cancer susceptibility in Foxp3Sf/+ heterozygous mice and the function of this transcription factor in normal mammary gland development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Atashgaran
- Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Pallave Dasari
- Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Leigh J Hodson
- Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Andreas Evdokiou
- Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia
| | - Simon C Barry
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Discipline of Paediatrics, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Wendy V Ingman
- Discipline of Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Corresponding author.
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Rubin JB, Lagas JS, Broestl L, Sponagel J, Rockwell N, Rhee G, Rosen SF, Chen S, Klein RS, Imoukhuede P, Luo J. Sex differences in cancer mechanisms. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:17. [PMID: 32295632 PMCID: PMC7161126 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We now know that cancer is many different diseases, with great variation even within a single histological subtype. With the current emphasis on developing personalized approaches to cancer treatment, it is astonishing that we have not yet systematically incorporated the biology of sex differences into our paradigms for laboratory and clinical cancer research. While some sex differences in cancer arise through the actions of circulating sex hormones, other sex differences are independent of estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone levels. Instead, these differences are the result of sexual differentiation, a process that involves genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, in addition to acute sex hormone actions. Sexual differentiation begins with fertilization and continues beyond menopause. It affects virtually every body system, resulting in marked sex differences in such areas as growth, lifespan, metabolism, and immunity, all of which can impact on cancer progression, treatment response, and survival. These organismal level differences have correlates at the cellular level, and thus, males and females can fundamentally differ in their protections and vulnerabilities to cancer, from cellular transformation through all stages of progression, spread, and response to treatment. Our goal in this review is to cover some of the robust sex differences that exist in core cancer pathways and to make the case for inclusion of sex as a biological variable in all laboratory and clinical cancer research. We finish with a discussion of lab- and clinic-based experimental design that should be used when testing whether sex matters and the appropriate statistical models to apply in data analysis for rigorous evaluations of potential sex effects. It is our goal to facilitate the evaluation of sex differences in cancer in order to improve outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Joseph S Lagas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lauren Broestl
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jasmin Sponagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nathan Rockwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gina Rhee
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Sarah F Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Princess Imoukhuede
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Inaoka D, Sunamura N, Ohira T, Nakayama Y, Kugoh H. A novel Xist RNA-mediated chromosome inactivation model using a mouse artificial chromosome. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:697-705. [PMID: 32006350 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02826-z] [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: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a mouse artificial chromosome (MAC) carrying the mouse Xist gene (X-inactive specific transcript; Xist-MAC) as a systematic in vitro approach for investigating Xist RNA-mediated chromosome inactivation. RESULTS Ectopic expression of the Xist gene in CHO cells led to the accumulation of Xist RNA in cis on the MAC. In addition, the introduction of Xist-MAC to embryonic stem cells from male mice via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer resulted in the accumulation of Xist RNA in cis on the MAC. Chromosomal inactivation was observed in the differentiated state. Moreover, this phenomenon was accompanied by the epigenetic modification of H3K27 trimethylation. CONCLUSIONS We successfully generated a novel chromosome inactivation model, Xist-MAC, which will provide a valuable tool for the screening and functional analysis of X chromosome inactivation-related genes and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daigo Inaoka
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Naohiro Sunamura
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Takahito Ohira
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan.,Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakayama
- Division of Radioisotope Science, Research Initiative Center, Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kugoh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan. .,Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan.
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Salama EA, Adbeltawab RE, El Tayebi HM. XIST and TSIX: Novel Cancer Immune Biomarkers in PD-L1-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1459. [PMID: 31998636 PMCID: PMC6966712 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Escaping antitumor immunity is a hallmark in cancer progression. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint receptor responsible for the maintenance of immune tolerance; PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) is overexpressed in tumor cells, simplifying their escape from the immune system through T-cell function suppression. Notwithstanding that cancer antigen (CA)125, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA15-3, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are among conventional breast cancer diagnostic biomarkers, their lack of sensitivity and specificity resides among their major limitations. Furthermore, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 and interleukin (IL)-6—demonstrated as breast cancer immune biomarkers—still possess limitations, for instance, technical detection problems and stability problems, which necessitate the discovery of novel, stable non-invasive cancer immune biomarkers. XIST and TSIX are two long non-coding (lnc)RNAs possessing a role in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) as well as in breast cancer (BC). In the present study, they were investigated as stable non-invasive breast cancer immune biomarkers. The study demonstrated that PD-L1 was overexpressed in the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients as well as in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, lncRNAs XIST and TSIX were markedly increased in the tissues, lymph nodes, and different body fluids of breast cancer patients compared to controls. In addition, XIST and TSIX were differentially expressed in subtypes of BC patients, and their levels were correlated to PD-L1 expression level. In conclusion, this correlative study has shed light on the role of both lncRNAs XIST and TSIX as potential non-invasive BC immune biomarkers reflecting the evaded immune system of the patient and overcoming the instability problem of common BC biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa A Salama
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda E Adbeltawab
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend M El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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XIST-Promoter Demethylation as Tissue Biomarker for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors and Spermatogenesis Quality. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091385. [PMID: 31533343 PMCID: PMC6769809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The event of X chromosome inactivation induced by XIST, which is physiologically observed in females, is retained in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), as a result of a supernumerary X chromosome constitution. X chromosome inactivation also occurs in male germline, specifically during spermatogenesis. We aimed to analyze the promoter methylation status of XIST in a series of TGCT tissues, representative cell lines, and testicular parenchyma. Methods: Two independent cohorts were included, comprising a total of 413 TGCT samples, four (T)GCT cell lines, and 86 testicular parenchyma samples. The relative amount of methylated and demethylated XIST promoter fragments was assessed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) and more sensitive high-resolution melting (HRM) methylation analyses. Results: Seminomas showed a lower amount of methylated XIST fragments as compared to non-seminomas or normal testis (p < 0.0001), allowing for a good discrimination among these groups (area under the curve 0.83 and 0.81, respectively). Seminomas showed a significantly higher content of demethylated XIST as compared to non-seminomas. The percentage of demethylated XIST fragment in cell lines reflected their chromosomal constitution (number of extra X chromosomes). A novel and strong positive correlation between the Johnsen’s score and XIST demethylation was identified (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The X chromosome inactivation event and demethylated XIST promoter are promising biomarkers for TGCTs and for assessing spermatogenesis quality.
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Arnold AP, Disteche CM. Sexual Inequality in the Cancer Cell. Cancer Res 2019; 78:5504-5505. [PMID: 30275051 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Investigating sex differences in cancer will improve therapy for both sexes and discover sex-specific protective mechanisms. Two recent analyses by Lopes-Ramos and colleagues and Li and colleagues point to specific gene regulatory networks and genomic alterations associated with sex differences in tumor incidence and progression. Integrating this information with emerging concepts about sex biases in the genome may help focus attention on factors that shift the odds for tumor growth. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5504-5. ©2018 AACR See related articles by Li et al., p. 5527, and Lopes-Ramos et al., p. 5538.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Christine M Disteche
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Wang H, Li W, Tan G. [Long non-coding RNA XIST modulates cisplatin resistance by altering PDCD4 and Fas-Lexpressions in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE1 cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:357-363. [PMID: 31068307 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.03.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X inactive specific transcript (XIST) in modulating cisplatin (DDP) resistance of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and investigate the possible mechanism. METHODS Realtime PCR was performed to detect the expression of XIST in cisplatin-resistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HNE1/DDP. The effects of up-regulation and down-regulation of XIST on DDP resistance, proliferation and apoptosis of HNE1/ DDP cells were assessed using MTT assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the changes in the expressions of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) and Fas ligand (Fas-L) proteins in the cells in response to up-regulation or down-regulation of XIST. RESULTS The expression of XIST was significantly up-regulated in HNE1/DDP cells in comparison with HNE1 cells (0.57±0.06 vs 0.1±0.02, P < 0.05). Down-regulation of XIST significantly decreased while up-regulation of XIST obviously increased DDP resistance of HNE1/DDP cells (P < 0.05). Down-regulation of XIST significantly reduced the proliferation (6.17 ± 1.93 vs 16.59 ± 4.86, P < 0.05) and enhanced apoptosis [(18.04 ± 4.72)% vs (4.22 ± 1.65)%, P < 0.05], while upregulating XIST enhanced the proliferation (25.40±7.21 vs 13.16±3.95, P < 0.05) and inhibited apoptosis [(2.82±0.88)% vs (6.46± 1.75)%, P < 0.05] in HNE1/DDP cells. Down-regulation of XIST significantly increased the protein expressions of PDCD4 and Fas-L (P < 0.05) in HNE1/DDP cells, and up-regulation of XIST resulted in reverse changes in PDCD4 and Fas-L expressions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS XIST is up-regulated in HNE1/DDP cells, and down-regulation and up-regulation of XIST expression reduce and increase DDP resistance of the cells, respectively, possibly as a result of changes in the expressions of PDCD4 and Fas-L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Guolin Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Miura H, Takahashi S, Poonperm R, Tanigawa A, Takebayashi SI, Hiratani I. Single-cell DNA replication profiling identifies spatiotemporal developmental dynamics of chromosome organization. Nat Genet 2019; 51:1356-1368. [PMID: 31406346 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-019-0474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian cells, chromosomes are partitioned into megabase-sized topologically associating domains (TADs). TADs can be in either A (active) or B (inactive) subnuclear compartments, which exhibit early and late replication timing (RT), respectively. Here, we show that A/B compartments change coordinately with RT changes genome wide during mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation. While A to B compartment changes and early to late RT changes were temporally inseparable, B to A changes clearly preceded late to early RT changes and transcriptional activation. Compartments changed primarily by boundary shifting, altering the compartmentalization of TADs facing the A/B compartment interface, which was conserved during reprogramming and confirmed in individual cells by single-cell Repli-seq. Differentiating mESCs altered single-cell Repli-seq profiles gradually but uniformly, transiently resembling RT profiles of epiblast-derived stem cells (EpiSCs), suggesting that A/B compartments might also change gradually but uniformly toward a primed pluripotent state. These results provide insights into how megabase-scale chromosome organization changes in individual cells during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Miura
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Saori Takahashi
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rawin Poonperm
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akie Tanigawa
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Takebayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Graduate Schoold of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hiratani
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan. .,Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Japan.
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41
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Winham SJ, Larson NB, Armasu SM, Fogarty ZC, Larson MC, McCauley BM, Wang C, Lawrenson K, Gayther S, Cunningham JM, Fridley BL, Goode EL. Molecular signatures of X chromosome inactivation and associations with clinical outcomes in epithelial ovarian cancer. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1331-1342. [PMID: 30576442 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a key epigenetic gene expression regulatory process, which may play a role in women's cancer. In particular tissues, some genes are known to escape XCI, yet patterns of XCI in ovarian cancer (OC) and their clinical associations are largely unknown. To examine XCI in OC, we integrated germline genotype with tumor copy number, gene expression and DNA methylation information from 99 OC patients. Approximately 10% of genes showed different XCI status (either escaping or being subject to XCI) compared with the studies of other tissues. Many of these genes are known oncogenes or tumor suppressors (e.g. DDX3X, TRAPPC2 and TCEANC). We also observed strong association between cis promoter DNA methylation and allele-specific expression imbalance (P = 2.0 × 10-10). Cluster analyses of the integrated data identified two molecular subgroups of OC patients representing those with regulated (N = 47) and dysregulated (N = 52) XCI. This XCI cluster membership was associated with expression of X inactive specific transcript (P = 0.002), a known driver of XCI, as well as age, grade, stage, tumor histology and extent of residual disease following surgical debulking. Patients with dysregulated XCI (N = 52) had shorter time to recurrence (HR = 2.34, P = 0.001) and overall survival time (HR = 1.87, P = 0.02) than those with regulated XCI, although results were attenuated after covariate adjustment. Similar findings were observed when restricted to high-grade serous tumors. We found evidence of a unique OC XCI profile, suggesting that XCI may play an important role in OC biology. Additional studies to examine somatic changes with paired tumor-normal tissue are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Winham
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas B Larson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sebastian M Armasu
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Zachary C Fogarty
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Melissa C Larson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brian M McCauley
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Simon Gayther
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julie M Cunningham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brooke L Fridley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ellen L Goode
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Bar S, Benvenisty N. Epigenetic aberrations in human pluripotent stem cells. EMBO J 2019; 38:embj.2018101033. [PMID: 31088843 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are being increasingly utilized worldwide in investigating human development, and modeling and discovering therapies for a wide range of diseases as well as a source for cellular therapy. Yet, since the first isolation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) 20 years ago, followed by the successful reprogramming of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) 10 years later, various studies shed light on abnormalities that sometimes accumulate in these cells in vitro Whereas genetic aberrations are well documented, epigenetic alterations are not as thoroughly discussed. In this review, we highlight frequent epigenetic aberrations found in hPSCs, including alterations in DNA methylation patterns, parental imprinting, and X chromosome inactivation. We discuss the potential origins of these abnormalities in hESCs and hiPSCs, survey the different methods for detecting them, and elaborate on their potential consequences for the different utilities of hPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiran Bar
- Department of Genetics, The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- Department of Genetics, The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sotos syndrome is among a growing list of disorders resulting from mutations in epigenetic machinery genes. These Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery (MDEMs) exhibit phenotypic overlap broadly characterized by intellectual disability and atypical growth and behaviors. Manifestations of Sotos syndrome include a distinct facial appearance, overgrowth, intellectual disability, and behavioral issues. Herein we review key aspects of Sotos syndrome, focusing on the neurobehavioral phenotype. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of molecular pathogenesis implicating epigenetic mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS Increasing evidence suggests MDEMs account for ∼19% of intellectual disability and ∼45% of overgrowth combined with intellectual disability, with Sotos syndrome constituting most of the latter. Although the genetic cause of Sotos syndrome, disruption of the histone methyltransferase writer NSD1, is well established, recent studies have further delineated the neurobehavioral phenotype and provided insight into disease pathogenesis. Explicitly, NSD1 target genes accounting for a subset of Sotos syndrome features and a specific DNA methylation signature have been identified. SUMMARY Sotos syndrome is, therefore, a genetic disorder with epigenetic consequences. Its characteristic neurobehavioral phenotype and those of related MDEMs illustrate the essential role epigenetic mechanisms play in neurologic development. Improvement in our understanding of molecular pathogenesis has important implications for development of diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions.
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Semmler L, Reiter-Brennan C, Klein A. BRCA1 and Breast Cancer: a Review of the Underlying Mechanisms Resulting in the Tissue-Specific Tumorigenesis in Mutation Carriers. J Breast Cancer 2019; 22:1-14. [PMID: 30941229 PMCID: PMC6438831 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2019.22.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first cloning of BRCA1 in 1994, many of its cellular interactions have been elucidated. However, its highly specific role in tumorigenesis in the breast tissue—carriers of BRCA1 mutations are predisposed to life-time risks of up to 80%—relative to many other tissues that remain unaffected, has not yet been fully enlightened. In this article, we have applied a universal model of tissue-specificity of cancer genes to BRCA1 and present a systematic review of proposed concepts classified into 4 categories. Firstly, tissue-specific differences in levels of BRCA1 expression and secondly differences in expression of proteins with redundant functions are outlined. Thirdly, cell-type specific interactions of BRCA1 are presented: its regulation of aromatase, its interaction with Progesterone- and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-signaling that controls proliferation of luminal progenitor cells, and its influence on cell differentiation via modulation of the key regulators jagged 1-NOTCH and snail family transcriptional repressor 2. Fourthly, factors specific to the cell-type as well as the environment of the breast tissue are elucidated: distinct frequency of losses of heterozygosity, interaction with X inactivation specific transcript RNA, estrogen-dependent induction of genotoxic metabolites and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, and regulation of sirtuin 1. In conclusion, the impact of these concepts on the formation of hormone-sensitive and -insensitive breast tumors is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Semmler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cara Reiter-Brennan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Klein
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
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45
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Lobo J, Gillis AJM, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Looijenga LHJ. Human Germ Cell Tumors are Developmental Cancers: Impact of Epigenetics on Pathobiology and Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E258. [PMID: 30634670 PMCID: PMC6359418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current (high throughput omics-based) data support the model that human (malignant) germ cell tumors are not initiated by somatic mutations, but, instead through a defined locked epigenetic status, representative of their cell of origin. This elegantly explains the role of both genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis, referred to as 'genvironment'. Moreover, it could also explain various epidemiological findings, including the rising incidence of this type of cancer in Western societies. In addition, it allows for identification of clinically relevant and informative biomarkers both for diagnosis and follow-up of individual patients. The current status of these findings will be discussed, including the use of high throughput DNA methylation profiling for determination of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as chromosomal copy number variation (CNV). Finally, the potential value of methylation-specific tumor DNA fragments (i.e., XIST promotor) as well as embryonic microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for cancer detection in liquid biopsies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Loukinov D. Targeting CTCFL/BORIS for the immunotherapy of cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1955-1965. [PMID: 30390146 PMCID: PMC11028242 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have great potential in the fight against metastatic malignancies. Current anti-tumor immunotherapy is hindered by existing tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and tumor escape using various mechanisms, highlighting the need for improved targets for immunotherapy. The cancer-testis antigen CTCFL/BORIS was discovered 16 years ago and possesses all features necessary for an ideal TAA. Recently CTCFL/BORIS has received additional attention as a target expressed in cancer stem cells (CSC). These cells drive tumor growth recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. CTCFL/BORIS silencing leads to senescence and death of CSC. Therefore, an immunotherapeutic strategy that targets CTCFL/BORIS may lead to the selective destruction of CSC and potential eradication of metastatic disease. The high immunotherapeutic potential of CTCFL/BORIS antigen was shown in a stringent 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer. Using these highly metastatic, poorly immunogenic carcinoma cells inoculated into T-helper2 prone mice, we showed that DC fed with recombinant CTCFL/BORIS as an immunogen inhibited tumor growth and reduced the number of metastases in distant organs. About 20% of CTCFL/BORIS immunized animals were tumor free. 50% of animals remained metastasis free. Those having metastasis showed at least tenfold fewer metastases compared to controls. In a rat model of breast cancer, we showed that alphavirus-based CTCFL/BORIS immunotherapy was capable of cancer elimination as we were able to cure 50% of animals. Based on the above data, we believe that translation of CTCFL/BORIS-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies to the clinic will provide new avenues for improving survival of breast cancer patients with advanced metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID/NIH, Twinbrook 1, Room 1329, 5640 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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47
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Abstract
DNA methylation plays important roles in determining cellular identity, disease, and environmental responses, but little is known about the mechanisms that drive methylation changes during cellular differentiation and tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, the causal relationship between DNA methylation and transcription remains incompletely understood. Recently developed targeted DNA methylation manipulation tools can address these gaps in knowledge, leading to new insights into how methylation governs gene expression. Here, we summarize technological developments in the DNA methylation editing field and discuss the remaining challenges facing current tools, as well as potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lei
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yung-Hsin Huang
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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48
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Magilnick N, Boldin MP. Molecular Moirai: Long Noncoding RNA Mediators of HSC Fate. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2018; 4:158-165. [PMID: 30364527 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-018-0130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Hematopoiesis is an ordered developmental process that requires dynamic regulation to warrant proper response to physiological challenges and prevent malignancies. Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as key, multi-faceted regulators of gene expression. This review explores the function of lncRNAs in the control of HSC homeostasis and hematopoietic differentiation. Recent Findings Multiple lncRNAs have been implicated in maintaining HSC stemness and enabling progenitors to carry out the correct programs of lineage differentiation. Specific lncRNAs have been identified that regulate the differentiation of multipotent progenitors into terminally differentiated blood cells. These lncRNAs predominantly act by assisting master regulators that drive specific differentiation programs, either by enhancing or repressing the transcription of particular genomic loci. Summary Long noncoding RNAs contribute to the correct differentiation and maturation of various hematopoietic lineages by assisting with the activation of transcriptional programs in a time- and cell-dependent manner.
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49
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Williams LA, Pankratz N, Lane J, Krailo M, Roesler M, Richardson M, Frazier AL, Amatruda JF, Poynter JN. Klinefelter syndrome in males with germ cell tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Cancer 2018; 124:3900-3908. [PMID: 30291793 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Males with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) may be more likely to develop germ cell tumors (GCTs), particularly mediastinal GCTs. To date, there are no reports characterizing the prevalence of KS among male GCT cases. METHODS The authors used array genotyping data from a Children's Oncology Group epidemiology study to estimate the prevalence of KS in males with GCTs (433 males aged birth-19 years). Using Fisher's exact tests, the authors examined differences in age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, tumor location and histology, and several birth characteristics between cases of KS-GCT and GCT cases without chromosomal abnormalities. Using publicly available data, the authors estimated the 1-year risk, risk ratio, and corresponding 95% confidence interval of GCTs among KS cases. RESULTS Based on analysis of array genotyping data, 3% of male GCT cases (13 cases) had KS. The additional X chromosome was of maternal origin in 7 of the 13 cases. Of these 13 KS cases, 5 of 9 KS-GCT cases with parental questionnaire data (56%) reported a diagnosis of KS. No significant differences were observed with regard to patient or birth characteristics between KS-GCT and non-KS-GCT cases. KS-GCT cases were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with mediastinal tumors than non-KS-GCT cases (P<.01). The authors estimated the risk of developing a GCT among males with KS to be 0.00025, or 1 per 4000 males (risk ratio, 18.8; 95% confidence interval, 11.7-30.0). CONCLUSIONS Compared with males without chromosomal abnormalities, males with KS are more likely to be diagnosed with a mediastinal GCT. The presence of KS should be considered in males with a diagnosis of mediastinal GCT. In the current study, the authors report that approximately one-third of males with mediastinal germ cell tumors have Klinefelter syndrome, and therefore screening of these individuals for the syndrome may be warranted. Males with Klinefelter syndrome are 19 times as likely as males without Klinefelter syndrome to develop germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Williams
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nathan Pankratz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - John Lane
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mark Krailo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michelle Roesler
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Michaela Richardson
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James F Amatruda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jenny N Poynter
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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50
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Fujita T, Yuno M, Kitaura F, Fujii H. Detection of genome-edited cells by oligoribonucleotide interference-PCR. DNA Res 2018; 25:395-407. [PMID: 29718217 PMCID: PMC6105111 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing by engineered sequence-specific nucleases, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is widely used for analysis of gene functions. Several techniques have been developed for detection of genome-edited cells, but simple, cost-effective, and positive detection methods remain limited. Recently, we developed oligoribonucleotide (ORN) interference-PCR (ORNi-PCR), in which hybridization of an ORN with a complementary DNA sequence inhibits amplification across the sequence. Here, we investigated whether ORNi-PCR can be used to detect genome-edited cells. First, we showed that ORNs that hybridize to a CRISPR target site in the THYN1 locus inhibited amplification across the target site, but no longer inhibited amplification after the target site was edited, resulting in mismatches. Importantly, ORNi-PCR could distinguish even single-nucleotide differences. These features of ORNi-PCR enabled detection of genome-edited cells by positive PCR amplification. In addition, ORNi-PCR was successful in discriminating genome-edited cells from wild-type cells, and multiplex ORNi-PCR simultaneously detected indel mutations at multiple loci. However, endpoint ORNi-PCR may not be able to distinguish between mono- and bi-allelic mutations, which may limit its utility. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential utility of ORNi-PCR for the screening of genome-edited cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshitsugu Fujita
- Department of Biochemistry and Genome Biology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan.,Chromatin Biochemistry Research Group, Combined Program on Microbiology and Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miyuki Yuno
- Chromatin Biochemistry Research Group, Combined Program on Microbiology and Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fusako Kitaura
- Chromatin Biochemistry Research Group, Combined Program on Microbiology and Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hodaka Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Genome Biology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan.,Chromatin Biochemistry Research Group, Combined Program on Microbiology and Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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