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Żychowska J, Ćmil M, Skórka P, Olejnik-Wojciechowska J, Plewa P, Bakinowska E, Kiełbowski K, Pawlik A. The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Infection. Biomolecules 2024; 14:986. [PMID: 39199374 PMCID: PMC11352264 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080986] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that can be transmitted through unsafe medical procedures, such as injections, transfusions, and dental treatment. The infection may be self-limiting or manifest as a chronic form that induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic mechanisms are major regulators of gene expression. These mechanisms involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, which can enhance or suppress gene expression. Abnormal activity or the dysregulated expression of epigenetic molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pathological disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms involved in HCV infection and progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Żychowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Maciej Ćmil
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Patryk Skórka
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | | | - Paulina Plewa
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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Palaz F, Ozsoz M, Zarrinpar A, Sahin I. CRISPR in Targeted Therapy and Adoptive T Cell Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:975-995. [PMID: 38832119 PMCID: PMC11146628 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s456683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic advancements, outcomes for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatments. The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology offers innovative treatment approaches, involving genetic manipulation of either cancer cells or adoptive T cells to combat HCC. This review comprehensively assesses the applications of CRISPR systems in HCC treatment, focusing on in vivo targeting of cancer cells and the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. We explore potential synergies between CRISPR-based cancer therapeutics and existing treatment options, discussing ongoing clinical trials and the role of CRISPR technology in improving HCC treatment outcomes with advanced safety measures. In summary, this review provides insights into the promising prospects and current challenges of using CRISPR technology in HCC treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the landscape of HCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahreddin Palaz
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozsoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Xu L, Fan YH, Zhang XJ, Bai L. Unraveling the relationship between histone methylation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:703-715. [PMID: 38818286 PMCID: PMC11135277 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i5.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a significant health challenge in modern societies due to shifts in lifestyle and dietary habits. Its complexity stems from genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and metabolic factors. Epigenetic processes govern various cellular functions such as transcription, chromatin structure, and cell division. In NAFLD, these epigenetic tendencies, especially the process of histone methylation, are intricately intertwined with fat accumulation in the liver. Histone methylation is regulated by different enzymes like methyltransferases and demethylases and influences the expression of genes related to adipogenesis. While early-stage NAFLD is reversible, its progression to severe stages becomes almost irreversible. Therefore, early detection and intervention in NAFLD are crucial, and understanding the precise role of histone methylation in the early stages of NAFLD could be vital in halting or potentially reversing the progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases; Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yu-Hong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases; Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Lan Bai
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases; Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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Ma W, Zhang J, Chen W, Liu N, Wu T. The histone lysine acetyltransferase KAT2B inhibits cholangiocarcinoma growth: evidence for interaction with SP1 to regulate NF2-YAP signaling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:117. [PMID: 38641672 PMCID: PMC11027350 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant cancer of the biliary tract with poor prognosis. Further mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanisms of CCA are needed to develop more effective target therapy. METHODS The expression of the histone lysine acetyltransferase KAT2B in human CCA was analyzed in human CCA tissues. CCA xenograft was developed by inoculation of human CCA cells with or without KAT2B overexpression into SCID mice. Western blotting, ChIP-qPCR, qRT-PCR, protein immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down and RNA-seq were performed to delineate KAT2B mechanisms of action in CCA. RESULTS We identified KAT2B as a frequently downregulated histone acetyltransferase in human CCA. Downregulation of KAT2B was significantly associated with CCA disease progression and poor prognosis of CCA patients. The reduction of KAT2B expression in human CCA was attributed to gene copy number loss. In experimental systems, we demonstrated that overexpression of KAT2B suppressed CCA cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and inhibits CCA growth in mice. Mechanistically, forced overexpression of KAT2B enhanced the expression of the tumor suppressor gene NF2, which is independent of its histone acetyltransferase activity. We showed that KAT2B was recruited to the promoter region of the NF2 gene via interaction with the transcription factor SP1, which led to enhanced transcription of the NF2 gene. KAT2B-induced NF2 resulted in subsequent inhibition of YAP activity, as reflected by reduced nuclear accumulation of oncogenic YAP and inhibition of YAP downstream genes. Depletion of NF2 was able to reverse KAT2B-induced reduction of nuclear YAP and subvert KAT2B-induced inhibition of CCA cell growth. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence for an important tumor inhibitory effect of KAT2B in CCA through regulation of NF2-YAP signaling and suggests that this signaling cascade may be therapeutically targeted for CCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-79, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-79, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-79, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Nianli Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-79, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-79, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Niu L, Hu G. EHMT2 Suppresses ARRB1 Transcription and Activates the Hedgehog Signaling to Promote Malignant Phenotype and Stem Cell Property in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01130-9. [PMID: 38573544 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01130-9] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the primary subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), characterized by a high morbidity and mortality rate. Although previous studies have established specific correlations between euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), a histone lysine methyltransferase, and the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells, its biological functions in OSCC remain largely unknown. This study, grounded in bioinformatics predictions, aims to clarify the influence of EHMT2 on the malignant behavior of OSCC cells and delve into the underlying mechanisms. EHMT2 exhibited high expression in OSCC tissues and demonstrated an association with poor patient outcomes. Artificial EHMT2 silencing in OSCC cells, achieved through lentiviral vector infection, significantly inhibited colony formation, migration, invasion, and cell survival. Regarding the mechanism, EHMT2 was found to bind the promoter of arrestin beta 1 (ARRB1), thereby suppressing its transcription through H3K9me2 modification. ARRB1, in turn, was identified as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog pathway, leading to a reduction in the proteins GLI1 and PTCH1. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were enriched through repeated sphere formation assays in two OSCC cell lines. EHMT2 was found to activate the Hedgehog pathway, thus promoting sphere formation, migration and invasion, survival, and tumorigenic activity of the OSCC-CSCs. Notably, these effects were counteracted by the additional overexpression of ARRB1. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence suggesting that EHMT2 plays specific roles in enhancing stem cell properties in OSCC by modulating the ARRB1-Hedgehog signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Niu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, No. 3999, Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132011, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyao Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, No. 3999, Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132011, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Li Y, Zhu T, Yang J, Zhang Q, Xu S, Ge S, Jia R, Zhang J, Fan X. EHMT2 promotes tumorigenesis in GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma via ARHGAP29-mediated RhoA pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1187-1203. [PMID: 38486999 PMCID: PMC10935147 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of GNAQ/11 is the initiative oncogenic event in uveal melanoma (UM). Direct targeting GNAQ/11 has yet to be proven feasible as they are vital for a plethora of cellular functions. In search of genetic vulnerability for UM, we found that inhibition of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) expression or activity significantly reduced the proliferation and migration capacity of cancer cells. Notably, elevated expression of EHMT2 had been validated in UM samples. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated high EHMT2 protein level was related to poor recurrence-free survival and a more advanced T stage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis and the following mechanistic investigation showed that ARHGAP29 was a downstream target of EHMT2. Its transcription was suppressed by EHMT2 in a methyltransferase-dependent pattern in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells, leading to elevated RhoA activity. Rescuing constitutively active RhoA in UM cells lacking EHMT2 restored oncogenic phenotypes. Simultaneously blocking EHMT2 and GNAQ/11 signaling in vitro and in vivo showed a synergistic effect on UM growth, suggesting the driver role of these two key molecules. In summary, our study shows evidence for an epigenetic program of EHMT2 regulation that influences UM progression and indicates inhibiting EHMT2 and MEK/ERK simultaneously as a therapeutic strategy in GNAQ/11-mutant UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
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Sun Y, Wang X, Yao L, He R, Man C, Fan Y. Construction and validation of a RARRES3-based prognostic signature related to the specific immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1246308. [PMID: 38375157 PMCID: PMC10876156 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1246308] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) is prognostically instructive in Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the potential value of TiME-related genes in the individualized immunotherapy of PAAD has not been clarified. Methods Correlation between Immune-Related Genes (IRGs) and immune-related transcription factors (TFs) was performed to prove the immune correlation of selected genes. Immune-related molecular subtypes were identified by consensus clustering. The TiME-score, an immune microenvironment-related prognostic signature for PAAD, was constructed using minimum absolute contraction and selection operator regression (Lasso-Cox). The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset validated the reliability of TiME-score as external validation. Single-cell samples from GSE197177 confirmed microenvironment differences of TiME-score hub genes between tumor and its paracancer tissues. Then, RARRES3, a hub gene in TiME-score, was further analyzed about its upstream TP53 mutation and the specific immune landscape of itself in transcriptome and Single-cell level. Eventually, TiME-score were validated in different therapeutic cohorts of PAAD mice models. Results A 14-genes PAAD immune-related risk signature, TiME-score, was constructed based on IRGs. The differences of TiME-score hub genes in single-cell samples of PAAD cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were consistent with the transcriptome. Single-cell samples of cancer tissues showed more pronounced immune cell infiltration. The upstream mutation factor TP53 of RARRES3 was significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes. High RARRES3 expression was correlated with a worse prognosis and high macrophages M1 infiltration. Additionally, the immunohistochemistry of hub genes AGT, DEFB1, GH1, IL20RB, and TRAF3 in different treatment cohorts of mice PAAD models were consistent with the predicted results. The combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown significantly better therapeutic effects than single drug therapy in PAAD. Conclusion TiME-score, as a prognostic signature related to PAAD-specific immune microenvironment constructed based on RARRES3, has predictive value for prognosis and the potential to guide individualized immunotherapy for PAAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Sun
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People’s Hospital, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong He
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changfeng Man
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Bartosh UI, Dome AS, Zhukova NV, Karitskaya PE, Stepanov GA. CRISPR/Cas9 as a New Antiviral Strategy for Treating Hepatitis Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:334. [PMID: 38203503 PMCID: PMC10779197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease primarily caused by hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV), and E (HEV) viruses. The chronic forms of hepatitis resulting from HBV and HCV infections can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while acute hepatitis can lead to acute liver failure, sometimes resulting in fatality. Viral hepatitis was responsible for over 1 million reported deaths annually. The treatment of hepatitis caused by viral infections currently involves the use of interferon-α (IFN-α), nucleoside inhibitors, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (for HBV). However, these methods do not always lead to a complete cure for viral infections, and chronic forms of the disease pose significant treatment challenges. These facts underscore the urgent need to explore novel drug developments for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the subsequent development of various modifications of this system have represented a groundbreaking advance in the quest for innovative strategies in the treatment of viral infections. This technology enables the targeted disruption of specific regions of the genome of infectious agents or the direct manipulation of cellular factors involved in viral replication by introducing a double-strand DNA break, which is targeted by guide RNA (spacer). This review provides a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge regarding the application of the CRISPR/Cas system in the regulation of viral infections caused by HAV, HBV, and HCV. It also highlights new strategies for drug development aimed at addressing both acute and chronic forms of viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Grigory A. Stepanov
- The Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (U.I.B.); (A.S.D.); (N.V.Z.); (P.E.K.)
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He T, Wen C, Yang G, Yang X. Targeted Protein Degradation: Principles, Strategies, and Applications. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300083. [PMID: 37518856 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Protein degradation is a general process to maintain cell homeostasis. The intracellular protein quality control system mainly includes the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the lysosome pathway. Inspired by the physiological process, strategies to degrade specific proteins have developed, which emerge as potent and effective tools in biological research and drug discovery. This review focuses on recent advances in targeted protein degradation techniques, summarizing the principles, advantages, and challenges. Moreover, the potential applications and future direction in biological science and clinics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Chenxi Wen
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Yang
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xuekang Yang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
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Thng DKH, Hooi L, Toh CCM, Lim JJ, Rajagopalan D, Syariff IQC, Tan ZM, Rashid MBMA, Zhou L, Kow AWC, Bonney GK, Goh BKP, Kam JH, Jha S, Dan YY, Chow PKH, Toh TB, Chow EK. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (G9a) inhibition mitigates tumorigenicity in Myc-driven liver cancer. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2275-2294. [PMID: 36896891 PMCID: PMC10620125 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third deadliest and sixth most common cancer in the world. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (also known as G9a) is a histone methyltransferase frequently overexpressed in many cancer types, including HCC. We showed that Myc-driven liver tumours have a unique H3K9 methylation pattern with corresponding G9a overexpression. This phenomenon of increased G9a was further observed in our c-Myc-positive HCC patient-derived xenografts. More importantly, we showed that HCC patients with higher c-Myc and G9a expression levels portend a poorer survival with lower median survival months. We demonstrated that c-Myc interacts with G9a in HCC and cooperates to regulate c-Myc-dependent gene repression. In addition, G9a stabilises c-Myc to promote cancer development, contributing to the growth and invasive capacity in HCC. Furthermore, combination therapy between G9a and synthetic-lethal target of c-Myc, CDK9, demonstrates strong efficacy in patient-derived avatars of Myc-driven HCC. Our work suggests that targeting G9a could prove to be a potential therapeutic avenue for Myc-driven liver cancer. This will increase our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of aggressive tumour initiation and lead to improved therapeutic and diagnostic options for Myc-driven hepatic tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lissa Hooi
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Clarissa Chin Min Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Deepa Rajagopalan
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Imran Qamar Charles Syariff
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Zher Min Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Alfred Wei Chieh Kow
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Glenn Kunnath Bonney
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Brian Kim Poh Goh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Juinn Huar Kam
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sudhakar Jha
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOKUSA
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Academic Clinical Programme for SurgeryDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Edward Kai‐Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Rajan PK, Udoh UAS, Nakafuku Y, Pierre SV, Sanabria J. Normalization of the ATP1A1 Signalosome Rescinds Epigenetic Modifications and Induces Cell Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:2367. [PMID: 37830582 PMCID: PMC10572209 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related HCC, cellular redox imbalance from metabolic disturbances leads to dysregulation of the α1-subunit of the Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A1) signalosome. We have recently reported that the normalization of this pathway exhibited tumor suppressor activity in MASH-HCC. We hypothesized that dysregulated signaling from the ATP1A1, mediated by cellular metabolic stress, promotes aberrant epigenetic modifications including abnormal post-translational histone modifications and dysfunctional autophagic activity, leading to HCC development and progression. Increased H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac) and H3K9 tri-methylation (H3K9me3) were observed in human HCC cell lines, HCC-xenograft and MASH-HCC mouse models, and epigenetic changes were associated with decreased cell autophagy in HCC cell lines. Inhibition of the pro-autophagic transcription factor FoxO1 was associated with elevated protein carbonylation and decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). In contrast, normalization of the ATP1A1 signaling significantly decreased H3K9ac and H3K9me3, in vitro and in vivo, with concomitant nuclear localization of FoxO1, heightening cell autophagy and cancer-cell apoptotic activities in treated HCC cell lines. Our results showed the critical role of the ATP1A1 signalosome in HCC development and progression through epigenetic modifications and impaired cell autophagy activity, highlighting the importance of the ATP1A1 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Rajan
- Department of Surgery, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (P.K.R.); (U.-A.S.U.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
| | - Utibe-Abasi S. Udoh
- Department of Surgery, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (P.K.R.); (U.-A.S.U.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
| | - Yuto Nakafuku
- Department of Surgery, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (P.K.R.); (U.-A.S.U.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
| | - Sandrine V. Pierre
- Department of Surgery, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (P.K.R.); (U.-A.S.U.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
| | - Juan Sanabria
- Department of Surgery, Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (P.K.R.); (U.-A.S.U.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolomic Core Facility, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44100, USA
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13
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Bhat BA, Saifi I, Khamjan NA, Hamdani SS, Algaissi A, Rashid S, Alshehri MM, Ganie SA, Lohani M, Abdelwahab SI, Dar SA. Exploring the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: a way-out to the therapeutic roadmap. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:841-860. [PMID: 37712621 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2259096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite cancer treatment strides, mortality due to ovarian cancer remains high globally. While immunotherapy has proven effective in treating cancers with low cure rates, it has limitations. Growing evidence suggests that both tumoral and non-tumoral components of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) play a significant role in cancer growth. Therefore, developing novel and focused therapy for ovarian cancer is critical. Studies indicate that TIME is involved in developing ovarian cancer, particularly genome-, transcriptome-, and proteome-wide studies. As a result, TIME may present a prospective therapeutic target for ovarian cancer patients. AREAS COVERED We examined several TIME-targeting medicines and the connection between TIME and ovarian cancer. The key protagonists and events in the TIME and therapeutic strategies that explicitly target these events in ovarian cancer are discussed. EXPERT OPINION We highlighted various targeted therapies against TIME in ovarian cancer, including anti-angiogenesis therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. While these therapies are in their infancy, they have shown promise in controlling ovarian cancer progression. The use of 'omics' technology is helping in better understanding of TIME in ovarian cancer and potentially identifying new therapeutic targets. TIME-targeted strategies could account for an additional treatment strategy when treating ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Bioresources, Amar Singh College Campus, Cluster University, Srinagar, India
| | - Ifra Saifi
- Department of Botany, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut India
| | - Nizar A Khamjan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Suhail Hamdani
- Department of Bioresources, Amar Singh College Campus, Cluster University, Srinagar, India
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safeena Rashid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | | | - Showkat Ahmad Ganie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Mohtashim Lohani
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Liu R, Wu J, Guo H, Yao W, Li S, Lu Y, Jia Y, Liang X, Tang J, Zhang H. Post-translational modifications of histones: Mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e292. [PMID: 37220590 PMCID: PMC10200003 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Histones are DNA-binding basic proteins found in chromosomes. After the histone translation, its amino tail undergoes various modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, malonylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, and lactylation, which together constitute the "histone code." The relationship between their combination and biological function can be used as an important epigenetic marker. Methylation and demethylation of the same histone residue, acetylation and deacetylation, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and even methylation and acetylation between different histone residues cooperate or antagonize with each other, forming a complex network. Histone-modifying enzymes, which cause numerous histone codes, have become a hot topic in the research on cancer therapeutic targets. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the role of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in cell life activities is very important for preventing and treating human diseases. In this review, several most thoroughly studied and newly discovered histone PTMs are introduced. Furthermore, we focus on the histone-modifying enzymes with carcinogenic potential, their abnormal modification sites in various tumors, and multiple essential molecular regulation mechanism. Finally, we summarize the missing areas of the current research and point out the direction of future research. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding and promote further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Graduate DepartmentBengbu Medical College, BengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Graduate DepartmentBengbu Medical College, BengbuAnhuiChina
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck CenterCancer CenterDepartment of Head and Neck SurgeryZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Haiwei Guo
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck CenterCancer CenterDepartment of Head and Neck SurgeryZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Weiping Yao
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Graduate DepartmentBengbu Medical College, BengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Shuang Li
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Graduate DepartmentJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Yanwei Lu
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yongshi Jia
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Graduate DepartmentBengbu Medical College, BengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhou UniversityLanzhouGansuChina
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer CenterDepartment of Radiation OncologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
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15
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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16
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Pomella S, Danielli SG, Alaggio R, Breunis WB, Hamed E, Selfe J, Wachtel M, Walters ZS, Schäfer BW, Rota R, Shipley JM, Hettmer S. Genomic and Epigenetic Changes Drive Aberrant Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2823. [PMID: 37345159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102823] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, represents an aberrant form of skeletal muscle differentiation. Both skeletal muscle development, as well as regeneration of adult skeletal muscle are governed by members of the myogenic family of regulatory transcription factors (MRFs), which are deployed in a highly controlled, multi-step, bidirectional process. Many aspects of this complex process are deregulated in RMS and contribute to tumorigenesis. Interconnected loops of super-enhancers, called core regulatory circuitries (CRCs), define aberrant muscle differentiation in RMS cells. The transcriptional regulation of MRF expression/activity takes a central role in the CRCs active in skeletal muscle and RMS. In PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-positive (PF+) RMS, CRCs maintain expression of the disease-driving fusion oncogene. Recent single-cell studies have revealed hierarchically organized subsets of cells within the RMS cell pool, which recapitulate developmental myogenesis and appear to drive malignancy. There is a large interest in exploiting the causes of aberrant muscle development in RMS to allow for terminal differentiation as a therapeutic strategy, for example, by interrupting MEK/ERK signaling or by interfering with the epigenetic machinery controlling CRCs. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS, as it provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of RMS malignancy, its remarkable phenotypic diversity and, ultimately, opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Willemijn B Breunis
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ebrahem Hamed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe S Walters
- Translational Epigenomics Team, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University Medical Center Freiburg, 790106 Freiburg, Germany
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17
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Ren Y, Song Z, Rieser J, Ackermann J, Koch I, Lv X, Ji T, Cai X. USP15 Represses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulation of Pathways of Cell Proliferation and Cell Migration: A System Biology Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051371. [PMID: 36900163 PMCID: PMC10000201 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) leads to 600,000 people's deaths every year. The protein ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 15 (USP15) is a ubiquitin-specific protease. The role of USP15 in HCC is still unclear. METHOD We studied the function of USP15 in HCC from the viewpoint of systems biology and investigated possible implications using experimental methods, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). We investigated tissues samples of 102 patients who underwent liver resection between January 2006 and December 2010 at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH). Tissue samples were immunochemically stained; a trained pathologist then scored the tissue by visual inspection, and we compared the survival data of two groups of patients by means of Kaplan-Meier curves. We applied assays for cell migration, cell growth, and wound healing. We studied tumor formation in a mouse model. RESULTS HCC patients (n = 26) with high expression of USP15 had a higher survival rate than patients (n = 76) with low expression. We confirmed a suppressive role of USP15 in HCC using in vitro and in vivo tests. Based on publicly available data, we constructed a PPI network in which 143 genes were related to USP15 (HCC genes). We combined the 143 HCC genes with results of an experimental investigation to identify 225 pathways that may be related simultaneously to USP15 and HCC (tumor pathways). We found the 225 pathways enriched in the functional groups of cell proliferation and cell migration. The 225 pathways determined six clusters of pathways in which terms such as signal transduction, cell cycle, gene expression, and DNA repair related the expression of USP15 to tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION USP15 may suppress tumorigenesis of HCC by regulating pathway clusters of signal transduction for gene expression, cell cycle, and DNA repair. For the first time, the tumorigenesis of HCC is studied from the viewpoint of the pathway cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyue Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine and Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Zhen Song
- Molecular Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: (Z.S.); (T.J.); (X.C.)
| | - Jens Rieser
- Molecular Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Ackermann
- Molecular Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ina Koch
- Molecular Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xingyu Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine and Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine and Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Correspondence: (Z.S.); (T.J.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine and Innovation Center for Minimally Invasive Technique and Device, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Correspondence: (Z.S.); (T.J.); (X.C.)
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18
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Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Modifications in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic HCV Patients. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity among chronically infected HCV patients. It is established that HCV is a primary risk factor for HCC progression. The treatment of HCV infection has been transformed by the introduction of DAAs with high rates of virological clearance. The reduction in cirrhosis-related consequences, particularly HCC, is the long-term objective of DAAs therapy for HCV. Although the risk of developing HCC is decreased in HCV patients who achieve a disease-sustaining virological response, these patients are nevertheless at risk, especially those with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown that HCV induce several mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in the host’s hepatic micro- and macro-environment, which leads to HCC progression. In an HCV-altered environment, compensatory liver regeneration favors chromosomal instability and irreversible alterations, which encourage hepatocyte neoplastic transformation and the development of malignant clones. These mechanisms involve a series of genetic and epigenetic modifications including host genetic factors, dysregulation of several signaling pathways, histone, and DNA modifications including methylation and acetylation. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic factors that lead to the development of HCC in chronic HCV-infected individuals and can be targeted for earlier HCC diagnosis and prevention.
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19
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Shirani-Bidabadi S, Tabatabaee A, Tavazohi N, Hariri A, Aref AR, Zarrabi A, Casarcia N, Bishayee A, Mirian M. CRISPR technology: A versatile tool to model, screen, and reverse drug resistance in cancer. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151299. [PMID: 36809688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug resistance is a serious challenge in cancer treatment that can render chemotherapy a failure. Understanding the mechanisms behind drug resistance and developing novel therapeutic approaches are cardinal steps in overcoming this issue. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeats (CRISPR) gene-editing technology has proven to be a useful tool to study cancer drug resistance mechanisms and target the responsible genes. In this review, we evaluated original research studies that used the CRISPR tool in three areas related to drug resistance, namely screening resistance-related genes, generating modified models of resistant cells and animals, and removing resistance by genetic manipulation. We reported the targeted genes, study models, and drug groups in these studies. In addition to discussing different applications of CRISPR technology in cancer drug resistance, we analyzed drug resistance mechanisms and provided examples of CRISPR's role in studying them. Although CRISPR is a powerful tool for examining drug resistance and sensitizing resistant cells to chemotherapy, more studies are required to overcome its disadvantages, such as off-target effects, immunotoxicity, and inefficient delivery of CRISPR/cas9 into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Shirani-Bidabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Aliye Tabatabaee
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Nazita Tavazohi
- Novel Drug Delivery Systems Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Amirali Hariri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Nicolette Casarcia
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
| | - Mina Mirian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran.
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Oura K, Morishita A, Hamaya S, Fujita K, Masaki T. The Roles of Epigenetic Regulation and the Tumor Microenvironment in the Mechanism of Resistance to Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2805. [PMID: 36769116 PMCID: PMC9917861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major histologic type with a poor prognosis owing to the difficulty in early detection, the chemotherapy resistance, and the high recurrence rate of the disease. Despite recent advancements in HCC prevention and diagnosis, over 50% of patients are diagnosed at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B or C. Systemic therapies are recommended for unresectable HCC (uHCC) with major vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases, or intrahepatic lesions that have a limited response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, but the treatment outcome tends to be unsatisfactory due to acquired drug resistance. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to systemic therapies and the appropriate response strategies to solve this issue will contribute to improved outcomes in the multidisciplinary treatment of uHCC. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the mechanisms of resistance to drugs such as sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib in molecularly targeted therapy, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment and outline the approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome for patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
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21
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Histone methylation in pre-cancerous liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma: recent overview. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:1594-1605. [PMID: 36650321 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03078-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the prevalent form of liver cancer in adults and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC predominantly arises in the context of cirrhosis as a result of chronic liver disease, injury and inflammation. Full-blown HCC has poor prognosis because it is highly aggressive and resistant to therapy. Consequently, interventions that can prevent or restrain HCC emergence from pre-cancerous diseased liver are a desirable strategy. Histone methylation is a dynamic, reversible epigenetic modification involving the addition or removal of methyl groups from lysine, arginine or glutamine residues. Aberrant activity of histone methylation writers, erases and readers has been implicated in several cancer types, including HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of research on the role of histone methylation in pre-cancerous and cancerous HCC published over the last 5 years. In particular, we present the evidence linking environmental factors such as diet, viral infections and carcinogenic agents with dysregulation of histone methylation during liver cancer progression with the aim to highlight future therapeutic possibilities.
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22
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Tao S, Liang S, Zeng T, Yin D. Epigenetic modification-related mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1043667. [PMID: 36685594 PMCID: PMC9845774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes most primary liver cancers and is one of the most lethal and life-threatening malignancies globally. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of HCC patients are identified at an advanced stage that is unavailable for curative surgery. Thus, palliative therapies represented by multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib remained the front-line treatment over the past decades. Recently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting the PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 axis, has achieved an inspiring clinical breakthrough for treating unresectable solid tumors. However, many HCC patients with poor responses lead to limited benefits in clinical applications, which has quickly drawn researchers' attention to the regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints in HCC immune evasion. Evasion of immune surveillance by cancer is attributed to intricate reprogramming modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Currently, more and more studies have found that epigenetic modifications, such as chromatin structure remodeling, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA levels, may contribute significantly to remodeling the tumor microenvironment to avoid immune clearance, affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy for HCC. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging progress of epigenetic-related changes during HCC resistance to ICIs and discusses the mechanisms of underlying epigenetic therapies available for surmounting immune resistance. Finally, we summarize the clinical advances in combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, aiming to promote the formation of immune combination therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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23
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Meng X, Gao X, Shi K, Zhao J, Zhang X, Zhou X, Liu X, Yu J. Interferon-α2b-Induced RARRES3 Upregulation Inhibits Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts' Proliferation and Migration Through Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Suppression. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:23-34. [PMID: 36520614 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a severe skin fibrotic disorder with unclear pathogenesis. Interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) exerts inhibitory effects on HS in vivo and in vitro; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of IFN-α2b on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts' (HSFs) proliferation and migration, and to further investigate the associated molecular mechanism. Cell Counting Kit-8 and CyQUANT assays were used to assess HSFs' proliferation; wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess HSFs' migration; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect messenger RNA and protein levels, respectively, of related genes; bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the downstream target of IFN-α2b. Our findings are as follows: (1) IFN-α2b inhibited HSFs' proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. (2) IFN-α2b inhibited HSFs' proliferation and migration by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. (3) Retinoic-acid receptor responder 3 (RARRES3) was predicted as a functional downstream molecule of IFN-α2b, which was low in HSFs. (4) IFN-α2b inhibited HSF phenotypes and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating RARRES3 expression. (5) RARRES3 restrained HSFs' proliferation and migration by repressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, IFN-α2b-induced RARRES3 upregulation inhibited HSFs' proliferation and migration through Wnt/β-catenin pathway suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Meng
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Gao
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Shi
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingchun Zhao
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuhang Zhang
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianjun Liu
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaao Yu
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Skin Repair and Regeneration Engineering Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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24
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Fu Y, Yang K, Wu K, Wang H, Li Q, Zhang F, Yang K, Yao Q, Ma X, Deng Y, Zhang J, Liu C, Qu K. Identification of hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes based on PcG-related genes and biological relevance with cancer cells. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:184. [PMID: 36566204 PMCID: PMC9790136 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01393-6] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extensive heterogeneous disease where epigenetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a group of subunits constituting various macro-molecular machines to regulate the epigenetic landscape, which contributes to cancer phenotype and has the potential to develop a molecular classification of HCC. RESULTS Here, based on multi-omics data analysis of DNA methylation, mRNA expression, and copy number of PcG-related genes, we established an epigenetic classification system of HCC, which divides the HCC patients into two subgroups with significantly different outcomes. Comparing these two epigenetic subgroups, we identified different metabolic features, which were related to epigenetic regulation of polycomb-repressive complex 1/2 (PRC1/2). Furthermore, we experimentally proved that inhibition of PcG complexes enhanced the lipid metabolism and reduced the capacity of HCC cells against glucose shortage. In addition, we validated the low chemotherapy sensitivity of HCC in Group A and found inhibition of PRC1/2 promoted HCC cells' sensitivity to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we found that aberrant upregulation of CBX2 in Group A and upregulation of CBX2 were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Furthermore, we found that manipulation of CBX2 affected the levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. CONTRIBUTIONS Our study provided a novel molecular classification system based on PcG-related genes data and experimentally validated the biological features of HCC in two subgroups. Our founding supported the polycomb complex targeting strategy to inhibit HCC progression where CBX2 could be a feasible therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Fu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kaibo Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kunjin Wu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Hai Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qinglin Li
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Fengping Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kun Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qing Yao
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaohua Ma
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Yujie Deng
- grid.417295.c0000 0004 1799 374XDepartment of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Chang Liu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China ,grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kai Qu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
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25
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Yang Y, Zhang M, Wang Y. The roles of histone modifications in tumorigenesis and associated inhibitors in cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2022; 2:277-290. [PMID: 39036551 PMCID: PMC11256729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications are key factors in chromatin packaging, and are responsible for gene regulation during cell fate determination and development. Abnormal alterations in histone modifications potentially affect the stability of the genome and disrupt gene expression patterns, leading to many diseases, including cancer. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that various histone modifications altered by aberrantly expressed modifier enzymes contribute to tumor development and metastasis through the induction of epigenetic, transcriptional, and phenotypic changes. In this review, we will discuss the existing histone modifications, both well-studied and rare ones, and their roles in solid tumors and hematopoietic cancers, to identify the molecular pathways involved and investigate targeted therapeutic drugs to reorganize the chromatin and enhance cancer treatment efficiency. Finally, clinical inhibitors of histone modifications are summarized to better understand the developmental stage of cancer therapy in using these drugs to inhibit the histone modification enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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26
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Wang C, Yao C, Sun Y, Chen J, Ge Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Wang L, Lin Y, Yao S. Identification and verification of a novel epigenetic-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:897123. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.897123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Epigenetic dysregulation is now considered to be related to hepatocarcinogenesis. However, it is unclear how epigenetic-related genes (ERGs) contribute to the prognosis of HCC. In this study, we used the TCGA database to identify prognostic ERGs that were differentially expressed in HCC patients. Then, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, a six-gene signature was constructed, and patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Validation was performed on HCC patients from the ICGC database. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly lower chance of survival than those in the low-risk group (p < 0.001 in both databases). The predictive ability of the signature was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk score was then shown to be an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients based on the results of univariate and multivariate analyses. We also created a practical nomogram combining the prognostic model with other clinical features. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are linked to tumor immunity. In conclusion, our findings showed that a novel six-gene signature related to epigenetics can accurately predict the occurrence and prognosis of HCC.
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27
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Nagaraju GP, Dariya B, Kasa P, Peela S, El-Rayes BF. Epigenetics in hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:622-632. [PMID: 34324953 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and has a high fatality rate. Genetic and epigenetic aberrations are commonly observed in HCC. The epigenetic processes include chromatin remodelling, histone alterations, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression and are connected with the progression and metastasis of HCC. Due to their potential reversibility, these epigenetic alterations are widely targeted for the development of biomarkers. In-depth understanding of the epigenetics of HCC is critical for developing rational clinical strategies that can provide a meaningful improvement in overall survival and prediction of therapeutic outcomes. In this article, we have summarised the epigenetic modifications involved in HCC progression and highlighted the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Begum Dariya
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prameswari Kasa
- Dr. L.V. Prasad Diagnostics and Research Laboratory, Khairtabad, Hyderabad 500004, India
| | - Sujatha Peela
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam, 532410 AP, India
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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28
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Li R, Wang Q, She K, Lu F, Yang Y. CRISPR/Cas systems usher in a new era of disease treatment and diagnosis. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:31. [PMID: 36239875 PMCID: PMC9560888 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas system is a milestone in precise medicine. CRISPR/Cas nucleases, base-editing (BE) and prime-editing (PE) are three genome editing technologies derived from CRISPR/Cas. In recent years, CRISPR-based genome editing technologies have created immense therapeutic potential with safe and efficient viral or non-viral delivery systems. Significant progress has been made in applying genome editing strategies to modify T cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo and to treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders in vivo. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of this unique technology still faces many challenges, especially targeting, safety and delivery issues, which require further improvement and optimization. In addition, with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), CRISPR-based molecular diagnosis has attracted extensive attention. Growing from the specific set of molecular biological discoveries to several active clinical trials, CRISPR/Cas systems offer the opportunity to create a cost-effective, portable and point-of-care diagnosis through nucleic acid screening of diseases. In this review, we describe the development, mechanisms and delivery systems of CRISPR-based genome editing and focus on clinical and preclinical studies of therapeutic CRISPR genome editing in disease treatment as well as its application prospects in therapeutics and molecular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaiqin She
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Allemailem KS, Alsahli MA, Almatroudi A, Alrumaihi F, Alkhaleefah FK, Rahmani AH, Khan AA. Current updates of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and targeting within tumor cells: an innovative strategy of cancer management. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1257-1287. [PMID: 36209487 PMCID: PMC9759771 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9), an adaptive microbial immune system, has been exploited as a robust, accurate, efficient and programmable method for genome targeting and editing. This innovative and revolutionary technique can play a significant role in animal modeling, in vivo genome therapy, engineered cell therapy, cancer diagnosis and treatment. The CRISPR/Cas9 endonuclease system targets a specific genomic locus by single guide RNA (sgRNA), forming a heteroduplex with target DNA. The Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9/sgRNA:DNA complex reveals a bilobed architecture with target recognition and nuclease lobes. CRISPR/Cas9 assembly can be hijacked, and its nanoformulation can be engineered as a delivery system for different clinical utilizations. However, the efficient and safe delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to target tissues and cancer cells is very challenging, limiting its clinical utilization. Viral delivery strategies of this system may have many advantages, but disadvantages such as immune system stimulation, tumor promotion risk and small insertion size outweigh these advantages. Thus, there is a desperate need to develop an efficient non-viral physical delivery system based on simple nanoformulations. The delivery strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 by a nanoparticle-based system have shown tremendous potential, such as easy and large-scale production, combination therapy, large insertion size and efficient in vivo applications. This review aims to provide in-depth updates on Streptococcus pyogenic CRISPR/Cas9 structure and its mechanistic understanding. In addition, the advances in its nanoformulation-based delivery systems, including lipid-based, polymeric structures and rigid NPs coupled to special ligands such as aptamers, TAT peptides and cell-penetrating peptides, are discussed. Furthermore, the clinical applications in different cancers, clinical trials and future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and genome targeting are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S. Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health SciencesCollege of Applied Medical SciencesQassim UniversityBuraydahSaudi Arabia
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30
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Li TH, Wang YY, Zhao BB, Qin C, Li ZR, Wang WB. Phospholipase A/acyltransferase 4 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in pancreatic cancer. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10416. [PMID: 36091946 PMCID: PMC9450081 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phospholipase A/acyltransferase (PLAAT) family exhibits O- and N-acyltransferase activity and biosynthesize N-acylated ethanolamine phospholipids. Previously, PLAAT4 was seen as a tumor suppressor, but the exact function of PLAAT4 in pancreatic cancer was still unknown. In this study, we investigated the relationship of PLAAT4 and pancreatic cancer. Methods Using the data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets we compared the expression of PLAAT4 in normal and tumor tissues and analyzed the connections between PLAAT4 and several clinicopathological factors. Further, we conducted Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and estimate analysis to explore the association between PLAAT4 and biological function and immune infiltration. In addition, Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to explore the association between PLAAT4 and prognosis. In addition, we plotted a nomogram according to the multivariate cox analysis visualizing the predictive ability of PLAAT4 on prognosis. In addition, we explore the influence of PLAAT4 on malignant behaviors of the pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Results After comparing the expression of PLAAT4 in normal and tumor tissues, we found that the expression of PLAAT4 was significantly high in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) samples. In addition, the results of GO and GSEA found that the expression of PLAAT4 was related to cell cycle checkpoints, M phase, regulation by p53, cell cycle mitotic and etc. Further, ssGSEA has shown that PLAAT4 was positively related to the abundance of aDC, Th1 cells, Th2 cells and negatively related to the Th17 cells. Subsequently, KM analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to analyze the correlation between PLAAT4 and prognosis. Additionally, we found that higher expression of PLAAT4 was related to T stage, N stage, histologic grade, etc (P < 0.05) and has a significant correlation with poor Overall Survival (OS), Disease-Specific Survival (DSS) and Progression-Free Interval (PFI). At last, we proved that PLAAT4 contributed to the malignant behaviors of the pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion This study indicated PLAAT4 as a novel prognostic biomarker and an important molecular that mediated immune response in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bang-Bo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ze-Ru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Corresponding author.
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31
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Zhu Z, Li G, Li Z, Wu Y, Yang Y, Wang M, Zhang H, Qu H, Song Z, He Y. Core immune cell infiltration signatures identify molecular subtypes and promote precise checkpoint immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914612. [PMID: 36072600 PMCID: PMC9441634 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Yutao Wang, China Medical University, ChinaThe tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to impact the prognosis of tumors in patients including cutaneous melanoma (CM); however, not all components of TME are important. Given the aforementioned situation, the functional immune cell contents correlated with CM patient prognosis are needed to optimize present predictive models and reflect the overall situation of TME. We developed a novel risk score named core tumor-infiltrating immune cell score (cTICscore), which showed certain advantages over existing biomarkers or TME-related signatures in predicting the prognosis of CM patients. Furthermore, we explored a new gene signature named cTILscore−related module gene score (cTMGs), based on four identified TME-associated genes (GCH1, GZMA, PSMB8, and PLAAT4) showing a close correlation with the cTICscore, which was generated by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis to facilitate clinical application. Patients with low cTMGs had significantly better overall survival (OS, P = 0.002,< 0.001, = 0.002, and = 0.03, respectively) in the training and validating CM datasets. In addition, the area under the curve values used to predict the immune response in four CM cohorts were 0.723, 0.723, 0.754, and 0.792, respectively, and that in one gastric cohort was 0.764. Therefore, the four-gene signature, based on cTICscore, might improve prognostic information, serving as a predictive tool for CM patients receiving immunotherapy.cutaneous melanoma, tumor microenvironment, prognosis, immunotherapy, cTICscore
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guoyin Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenning Li
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yinghua Wu
- School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huihua Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui Qu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zewen Song
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanmin He
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanmin He,
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32
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Gonzalez-Salinas F, Martinez-Amador C, Trevino V. Characterizing genes associated with cancer using the CRISPR/Cas9 system: A systematic review of genes and methodological approaches. Gene 2022; 833:146595. [PMID: 35598687 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a versatile set of genomes editing and genetic-based disease modeling tools due to its high specificity, efficiency, and accessible design and implementation. In cancer, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to characterize genes and explore different mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. Different experimental strategies have been proposed in recent years, showing dependency on various intrinsic factors such as cancer type, gene function, mutation type, and technical approaches such as cell line, Cas9 expression, and transfection options. However, the successful methodological approaches, genes, and other experimental factors have not been analyzed. We, therefore, initially considered more than 1,300 research articles related to CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer to finally examine more than 400 full-text research publications. We summarize findings regarding target genes, RNA guide designs, cloning, Cas9 delivery systems, cell enrichment, and experimental validations. This analysis provides valuable information and guidance for future cancer gene validation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gonzalez-Salinas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Claudia Martinez-Amador
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Victor Trevino
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, The Institute for Obesity Research, Eugenio Garza Sada avenue 2501, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64849, México.
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33
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Rath S, Chakraborty D, Pradhan J, Imran Khan M, Dandapat J. Epigenomic interplay in tumor heterogeneity: Potential of epidrugs as adjunct therapy. Cytokine 2022; 157:155967. [PMID: 35905624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
"Heterogeneity" in tumor mass has immense importance in cancer progression and therapy. The impact of tumor heterogeneity is an emerging field and not yet fully explored. Tumor heterogeneity is mainly considered as intra-tumor heterogeneity and inter-tumor heterogeneity based on their origin. Intra-tumor heterogeneity refers to the discrepancy within the same cancer mass while inter-tumor heterogeneity refers to the discrepancy between different patients having the same tumor type. Both of these heterogeneity types lead to variation in the histopathological as well as clinical properties of the cancer mass which drives disease resistance towards therapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) act as pinnacle progenitors for heterogeneity development along with various other genetic and epigenetic parameters that are regulating this process. In recent times epigenetic factors are one of the most studied parameters that drive oxidative stress pathways essential during cancer progression. These epigenetic changes are modulated by various epidrugs and have an impact on tumor heterogeneity. The present review summarizes various aspects of epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment, oxidative stress, and progression towards tumor heterogeneity that creates complications during cancer treatment. This review also explores the possible role of epidrugs in regulating tumor heterogeneity and personalized therapy against drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvasmita Rath
- Center of Environment, Climate Change and Public Health, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Diptesh Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Jyotsnarani Pradhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Artificial Intelligence for Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jagneshwar Dandapat
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Centre of Excellence in Integrated Omics and Computational Biology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India.
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34
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Shi S, Wang B, Wan J, Song L, Zhu G, Du J, Ye L, Zhao Q, Cai J, Chen Q, Xiao K, He J, Yu L, Dai Z. TMEM106A transcriptionally regulated by promoter methylation is involved in invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1008-1020. [PMID: 35713314 PMCID: PMC9827947 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of transmembrane protein 106A (TMEM106A) has been reported to be dysregulated in several types of cancers. However, the role of TMEM106A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that TMEM106A is markedly downregulated in HCC compared with normal liver tissue. In particular, tumor-specific DNA methylation of TMEM106A is frequently observed in tumor tissues from HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry and pyrosequencing reveal a significant relationship between TMEM106A methylation and downregulation of protein expression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis reveals that methylation of TMEM106A in tumor samples is different from that in non-malignant adjacent tissues of HCC patients. Moreover, HCC patients with TMEM106A hypermethylation have a poor clinical prognosis. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidin treatment of hypermethylated TMEM106A in highly metastatic HCC cells increases the expression of TMEM106A. Functional assays reveal that overexpression of TMEM106A significantly suppresses the malignant behavior of HCC cells in vitro and decreases tumorigenicity and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TMEM106A inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells through inactivation of the Erk1/2/Slug signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that TMEM106A is an inhibitor of HCC EMT and metastasis, and TMEM106A is often transcriptionally downregulated by promoter methylation, which results in reduced levels of TMEM106A protein and predicts poor survival outcomes for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Shi
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Pediatric Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Biao Wang
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jinglei Wan
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Lina Song
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Guiqi Zhu
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Junxian Du
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Luxi Ye
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jialiang Cai
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital (South)Fudan UniversityShanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghai200083China
| | - Kun Xiao
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan250021China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Lei Yu
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Liver Surgery and TransplantationLiver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Liver Cancer InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan University & State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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35
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Hu Y, Tang C, Zhu W, Ye H, Lin Y, Wang R, Zhou T, Wen S, Yang J, Fang C. Identification of chromosomal instability-associated genes as hepatocellular carcinoma progression-related biomarkers to guide clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Comput Biol Med 2022; 148:105896. [PMID: 35868048 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer characterized by high heterogeneity and a complex multistep progression process. Significantly-altered biomarkers for HCC need to be identified. Differentially expressed genes and weighted gene co-expression network analyses were used to identify progression-related biomarkers. LASSO-Cox regression and random forest algorithms were used to construct the progression-related prognosis (PRP) score. Three chromosomal instability-associated genes (KIF20A, TOP2A, and TTK) have been identified as progression-related biomarkers. The robustness of the PRP scores were validated using four independent cohorts. Immune status was observed using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Comprehensive analysis showed that the patients with high PRP score had wider genomic alterations, more malignant phenotypes, and were in a state of immunosuppression. The diagnostic models constructed via logistic regression based on the three genes showed satisfactory performances in distinguishing HCC from cirrhotic tissues or dysplastic nodules. The nomogram combining PRP scores with clinical factors had a better performance in predicting prognosis than the tumor node metastasis classification (TNM) system. We further confirmed that KIF20A, TOP2A, and TTK were highly expressed in HCC tissues than in cirrhotic tissues. Downregulation of all three genes aggravated chromosomal instabilities in HCC and suppressed HCC cells viability both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study highlights the important roles of chromosomal instability-associated genes during the progression of HCC and their potential clinical diagnosis and prognostic value and provides promising new ideas for developing therapeutic strategies to improve the outcomes of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chuanyu Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Hanjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yuxing Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Tianjun Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Sai Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chihua Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Institute of Digital Intelligence, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical and Engineering Center of Digital Medicine, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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36
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Chun KH. Molecular Targets and Signaling Pathways of microRNA-122 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1380. [PMID: 35890276 PMCID: PMC9316959 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading global causes of cancer mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small interfering RNAs that alleviate the levels of protein expression by suppressing translation, inducing mRNA cleavage, and promoting mRNA degradation. miR-122 is the most abundant miRNA in the liver and is responsible for several liver-specific functions, including metabolism, cellular growth and differentiation, and hepatitis virus replication. Recent studies have shown that aberrant regulation of miR-122 is a key factor contributing to the development of HCC. In this review, the signaling pathways and the molecular targets of miR-122 involved in the progression of HCC have been summarized, and the importance of miR-122 in therapy has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
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37
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
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Wang H, Song Z, Xie E, Chen J, Tang B, Wang F, Min J. Targeting the LSD1-G9a-ER Stress Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9814652. [PMID: 35707047 PMCID: PMC9185438 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9814652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the management and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the prognosis remains extremely poor, and current nonsurgical treatment options are limited. To identify new therapeutic targets, we screened a curated library of epigenetic compounds using a panel of cancer cell lines and found that coinhibiting the histone demethylase LSD1 and the histone methyltransferase G9a potently suppresses cell growth; similar results were obtained by knocking down both LSD1 and G9a expression. Importantly, we also found that inhibiting LSD1 and G9a significantly decreased tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model with ESCC cell lines. To examine the clinical relevance of these findings, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of microarray profiling data obtained from human esophageal squamous cancer tissues and found that both LSD1 and G9a are upregulated in cancer tissues compared to healthy tissues, and this increased expression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, we discovered that inhibiting LSD1 and G9a induces cell death via S-phase arrest and apoptosis, and cotargeting ER stress pathways increased this effect both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these findings provide compelling evidence that targeting LSD1, G9a, and ER stress-related pathways may serve as a viable therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Zijun Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Enjun Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Biyao Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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39
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Huang L, Liao Z, Liu Z, Chen Y, Huang T, Xiao H. Application and Prospect of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Reversing Drug Resistance of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:900825. [PMID: 35620280 PMCID: PMC9127258 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.900825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance has always been a major factor affecting the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, which reduces the quality of life of patients. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology, as an efficient and convenient new gene-editing technology, has provided a lot of help to the clinic and accelerated the research of cancer and drug resistance. In this review, we introduce the mechanisms of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), discuss how the CRISPR/Cas9 system can reverse multidrug resistance in NSCLC, and focus on drug resistance gene mutations. To improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients and further improve patients' quality of life, it is necessary to utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 system in systematic research on cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi Liao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixi Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingwenli Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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40
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Shojaei Baghini S, Gardanova ZR, Abadi SAH, Zaman BA, İlhan A, Shomali N, Adili A, Moghaddar R, Yaseri AF. CRISPR/Cas9 application in cancer therapy: a pioneering genome editing tool. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:35. [PMID: 35508982 PMCID: PMC9066929 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The progress of genetic engineering in the 1970s brought about a paradigm shift in genome editing technology. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a flexible means to target and modify particular DNA sequences in the genome. Several applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are presently being studied in cancer biology and oncology to provide vigorous site-specific gene editing to enhance its biological and clinical uses. CRISPR's flexibility and ease of use have enabled the prompt achievement of almost any preferred alteration with greater efficiency and lower cost than preceding modalities. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has recently been applied to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and defeat tumor cell resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The current review summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy. We also discuss the present obstacles and contemplate future possibilities in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zhanna R. Gardanova
- Department of Psychotherapy, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Saeme Azizi Hassan Abadi
- Department of Nursery and Midwifery, Faculty of Laboratory Science, Islamic Azad University of Chalous, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Burhan Abdullah Zaman
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ahmet İlhan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Adili
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Roozbeh Moghaddar
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Zhang N, Shang M, Li H, Wu L, Dong M, Huang B, Lu J, Zhang Y. Dual Inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 Promotes Tumor Cell Senescence without Triggering the Secretion of SASP. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073911. [PMID: 35409271 PMCID: PMC8999616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy remains the most common cancer treatment. Although chemotherapeutic drugs induce tumor cell senescence, they are often associated with post-therapy tumor recurrence by inducing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Therefore, it is important to identify effective strategies to induce tumor cell senescence without triggering SASP. In this study, we used the small molecule inhibitors, UNC0642 (G9a inhibitor) and UNC1999 (EZH2 inhibitor) alone or in combination, to inhibit H3K9 and H3K27 methylation in different cancer cells. Dual inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 in highly metastatic tumor cells had a stronger pro-senescence effect than either inhibitor alone and did not trigger SASP in tumor cells. Dual inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 suppressed the formation of cytosolic chromatin fragments, which inhibited the cGAS-STING-SASP pathway. Collectively, these data suggested that dual inhibition of H3K9 and H3K27 methylation induced senescence of highly metastatic tumor cells without triggering SASP by inhibiting the cGAS-STING-SASP pathway, providing a new mechanism for the epigenetics-based therapy targeting H3K9 and H3K27 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Mengjie Shang
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongxin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Lan Wu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Meichen Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Baiqu Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Jun Lu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-431-8509-9798
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Selective histone methyltransferase G9a inhibition reduces metastatic development of Ewing sarcoma through the epigenetic regulation of NEU1. Oncogene 2022; 41:2638-2650. [PMID: 35354905 PMCID: PMC9054661 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor with high susceptibility to metastasize. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to EWS metastases remain poorly understood. Epigenetic changes have been implicated in EWS tumor growth and progression. Linking epigenetics and metastases may provide insight into novel molecular targets in EWS and improve its treatment. Here, we evaluated the effects of a selective G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor (BIX01294) on EWS metastatic process. Our results showed that overexpression of G9a in tumors from EWS patients correlates with poor prognosis. Moreover, we observe a significantly higher expression of G9a in metastatic EWS tumor as compared to either primary or recurrent tumor. Using functional assays, we demonstrate that pharmacological G9a inhibition using BIX01294 disrupts several metastatic steps in vitro, such as migration, invasion, adhesion, colony formation and vasculogenic mimicry. Moreover, BIX01294 reduces tumor growth and metastases in two spontaneous metastases mouse models. We further identified the sialidase NEU1 as a direct target and effector of G9a in the metastatic process in EWS. NEU1 overexpression impairs migration, invasion and clonogenic capacity of EWS cell lines. Overall, G9a inhibition impairs metastases in vitro and in vivo through the overexpression of NEU1. G9a has strong potential as a prognostic marker and may be a promising therapeutic target for EWS patients.
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Braghini MR, Lo Re O, Romito I, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Barbaro B, Pomella S, Rota R, Vinciguerra M, Avila MA, Alisi A. Epigenetic remodelling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:107. [PMID: 35331312 PMCID: PMC8943959 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, being the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. As other heterogeneous solid tumours, HCC results from a unique synergistic combination of genetic alterations mixed with epigenetic modifications.In HCC the patterns and frequencies of somatic variations change depending on the nearby chromatin. On the other hand, epigenetic alterations often induce genomic instability prone to mutations. Epigenetics refers to heritable states of gene expression without alteration to the DNA sequence itself and, unlike genetic changes, the epigenetic modifications are reversible and affect gene expression more extensively than genetic changes. Thus, studies of epigenetic regulation and the involved molecular machinery are greatly contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms that underline HCC onset and heterogeneity. Moreover, this knowledge may help to identify biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as future new targets for more efficacious therapeutic approaches.In this comprehensive review we will discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about the epigenetic landscape in hepatocarcinogenesis, including evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic role of non-coding RNAs, modifications occurring at the chromatin level, and their role in the era of precision medicine.Apart from other better-known risk factors that predispose to the development of HCC, characterization of the epigenetic remodelling that occurs during hepatocarcinogenesis could open the way to the identification of personalized biomarkers. It may also enable a more accurate diagnosis and stratification of patients, and the discovery of new targets for more efficient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ilaria Romito
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Barbaro
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Liu XS, Kui XY, Gao Y, Chen XQ, Zeng J, Liu XY, Zhang Y, Zhang YH, Pei ZJ. Comprehensive Analysis of YTHDF1 Immune Infiltrates and ceRNA in Human Esophageal Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:835265. [PMID: 35401696 PMCID: PMC8983832 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.835265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: YTHDF1 is highly expressed in multiple tumors and affects tumor progression. However, there are only a few comprehensive studies on the analysis of YTHDF1 in esophageal cancer.Methods: We analyzed YTHDF1 expression in pan-cancer by comparing both the GEPIA and TCGA cohorts, and further verified the differences in YTHDF1 expression between the ESCA and normal groups by the GEO ESCA cohort and in vitro experiments. The correlation of YTHDF1 expression and the clinical characteristics of ESCA patients was analyzed using the TCGA ESCA clinical data. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the YTHDF1 coexpressed genes were completed by bioinformatics analysis, and the GGI and PPI were constructed for the YTHDF1, respectively. The relationship between YTHDF1 expression and the infiltration of ESCA immune cells was analyzed by using the TIMER database and the TCGA ESCA cohort. The relationships between YTHDF1 expression levels and glycolysis and ferroptosis-related genes were analyzed using the TCGA and GEPIA ESCA cohorts. Finally, the ceRNA network that may be involved in YTHDF1 in ESCA was predicted and constructed through a variety of databases.Results: YTHDF1 was overexpressed in various cancers, and in vitro experiments confirmed that YTHDF1 expression was higher in ESCA samples than in normal samples. The expression of YTHDF1 has some accuracy in predicting the tumor outcome. Expression of YTHDF1 was significantly associated with multiple clinical features in ESCA patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that YTHDF1 coexpressed genes involved multiple biological functions. There is a potential association between YTHDF1 expression and multiple immune cell infiltration, glycolysis, and ferroptosis-related genes in ESCA. YTHDF1 may be involved in multiple ceRNA regulatory networks in ESCA, including PAXIP1-AS1/hsa-miR-376c-3p/YTHDF1 axis, THUMPD3-AS1/hsa-miR-655-3p/YTHDF1 axis, and SNHG20/hsa-miR-655-3p/YTHDF1 axis, respectively.Conclusion: YTHDF1 can serve as a biomarker of ESCA, related to the immune cell infiltration of ESCA, regulation of glycolysis and ferroptosis, and the ceRNA regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- *Correspondence: Xu-Sheng Liu, ; Zhi-Jun Pei,
| | - Xue-Yan Kui
- Postgraduate Training Basement of Jinzhou Medical University, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | | | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Infection Control, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yao-Hua Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Pei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Anesthesiology and Pain, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- *Correspondence: Xu-Sheng Liu, ; Zhi-Jun Pei,
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He Q, Fan B, Du P, Jin Y. Construction and Validation of Two Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Progression Prognostic Scores Based on Gene Set Variation Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:806989. [PMID: 35356272 PMCID: PMC8959467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.806989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains a global health challenge with a low early diagnosis rate and high mortality. Therefore, finding new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis is still one of the current research priorities. Methods: Based on the variation of gene expression patterns in different stages, the LIHC-development genes (LDGs) were identified by differential expression analysis. Then, prognosis-related LDGs were screened out to construct the LIHC-unfavorable gene set (LUGs) and LIHC-favorable gene set (LFGs). Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was conducted to build prognostic scoring models based on the LUGs and LFGs. ROC curve analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were carried out to verify the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the two GSVA scores in two independent datasets. Additionally, the key LCGs were identified by the intersection analysis of the PPI network and univariate Cox regression and further evaluated their performance in expression level and prognosis prediction. Single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) was performed to understand the correlation between the two GSVA enrichment scores and immune activity. Result: With the development of LIHC, 83 LDGs were gradually upregulated and 247 LDGs were gradually downregulated. Combining with LIHC survival analysis, 31 LUGs and 32 LFGs were identified and used to establish the LIHC-unfavorable GSVA score (LUG score) and LIHC-favorable GSVA score (LFG score). ROC curve analysis and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested the LUG score and LFG score could be great indicators for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Four genes (ESR1, EHHADH, CYP3A4, and ACADL) were considered as the key LCGs and closely related to good prognosis. The frequency of TP53 mutation and copy number variation (CNV) were high in some LCGs. Low-LFG score patients have active metabolic activity and a more robust immune response. The high-LFG score patients characterized immune activation with the higher infiltration abundance of type I T helper cells, DC, eosinophils, and neutrophils, while the high-LUG score patients characterized immunosuppression with the higher infiltration abundance of type II T helper cells, TRegs, and iDC. The high- and low-LFG score groups differed significantly in immunotherapy response scores, immune checkpoints expression, and IC50 values of common drugs. Conclusion: Overall, the LIHC-progression characteristic genes can be great diagnostic and prognostic signatures and the two GSVA score systems may become promising indices for guiding the tumor treatment of LIHC patients.
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Nachiyappan A, Gupta N, Taneja R. EHMT1/EHMT2 in EMT, Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance: Emerging Evidence and Mechanisms. FEBS J 2021; 289:1329-1351. [PMID: 34954891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, therapy failure and tumor recurrence are major clinical challenges in cancer. The interplay between tumor initiating cells (TICs) and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression and spread. Recent advances have highlighted the involvement of epigenetic deregulation in these processes. The Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) that primarily mediate histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), as well as methylation of non-histone proteins, are now recognized to be aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Their deregulated expression is associated with EMT, cellular plasticity and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize evidence of their myriad roles in cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We discuss cancer-type specific molecular targets, context-dependent mechanisms and future directions of research in targeting EHMT1/EHMT2 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Neelima Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
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Kong H, Ju E, Yi K, Xu W, Lao Y, Cheng D, Zhang Q, Tao Y, Li M, Ding J. Advanced Nanotheranostics of CRISPR/Cas for Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102051. [PMID: 34665528 PMCID: PMC8693080 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a global healthcare burden and leads to more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Despite some success in diagnosis and vaccine development, there are still unmet needs to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for viral hepatitis and HCC. The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) technology may open up a unique avenue to tackle these two diseases at the genetic level in a precise manner. Especially, liver is a more accessible organ over others from the delivery point of view, and many advanced strategies applied for nanotheranostics can be adapted in CRISPR-mediated diagnostics or liver gene editing. In this review, the focus is on these two aspects of viral hepatitis and HCC applications. An overview on CRISPR editor development and current progress in clinical trials is first given, followed by highlighting the recent advances integrating the merits of gene editing and nanotheranostics. The promising systems that are used in other applications but may hold potentials in liver gene editing are also discussed. This review concludes with the perspectives on rationally designing the next-generation CRISPR approaches and improving the editing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Kong
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Enguo Ju
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Ke Yi
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
| | - Yeh‐Hsing Lao
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia University3960 Broadway Lasker Room 450New YorkNY10032USA
| | - Du Cheng
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen University135 Xingangxi RoadGuangzhou510275P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational MedicineCenter for Nanomedicine and Biotherapy CenterThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University600 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou510630P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
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Wang C, Xia Z, Li Z, Ye F, Ji S, Lu C, Zhang H. Expression of SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and its clinical prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 36:e24090. [PMID: 34843122 PMCID: PMC8761452 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To detect the expression of histone methyltransferase SETDB1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and to analyze the relationship between SETDB1 expression and tumor size, microvascular invasion, pTNM stage, gender, age, tumor number, tumor differentiation, and other clinicopathological characteristics. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of SETDB1 proteins in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 100 cases. The qRT‐PCR method was used to detect the expression of SETDB1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues of 64 cases. Results The expression of SETDB1 protein and mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma was higher than that of adjacent normal liver tissue (p < 0.05). High protein expression of SETDB1 was associated with tumor size, MVI presence, and pTNM stage (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that the tumor size, tumor differentiation, MVI grade, and pTNM stage were correlated with DFS, while tumor size, MVI grade, pTNM stage, and SETDB1 protein expression were correlated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that the combination of MVI grade and pTNM stage has statistical significance in predicting prognosis, while SETDB1 protein expression was not significant prognosis factor. Conclusions SETDB1 has a certain role in HCC progression and may act as a prognostic predictor concerning the survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaoxia Xia
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Fusang Ye
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | | | - Changjiang Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Billiary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Huizhi Zhang
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
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Fan C, Kam S, Ramadori P. Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205250. [PMID: 34680398 PMCID: PMC8534280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.
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50
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Poulard C, Noureddine LM, Pruvost L, Le Romancer M. Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101082. [PMID: 34685453 PMCID: PMC8541646 DOI: 10.3390/life11101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Lara M. Noureddine
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90565, Lebanon
| | - Ludivine Pruvost
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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