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Ghosh A, Himaja A, Biswas S, Kulkarni O, Ghosh B. Advances in the Delivery and Development of Epigenetic Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5981-6009. [PMID: 37899551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression at the transcriptional level is altered by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone methylation, and acetylation, which can upregulate, downregulate, or entirely silence genes. Pathological dysregulation of epigenetic processes can result in the development of cancer, neurological problems, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It is of promising therapeutic interest to find medications that target these epigenetic alterations. Despite the enormous amount of work that has been done in this area, very few molecules have been approved for clinical purposes. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in epigenetic therapeutics for cancer, with a specific focus on emerging delivery and development strategies. Various delivery systems, including pro-drugs, conjugated molecules, nanoparticles (NPs), and liposomes, as well as remedial strategies such as combination therapies, and epigenetic editing, are being investigated to improve the efficacy and specificity of epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs). Furthermore, the challenges associated with available epi-drugs and the limitations of their translation into clinics have been discussed. Target selection, isoform selectivity, physiochemical properties of synthesized molecules, drug screening, and scalability of epi-drugs from preclinical to clinical fields are the major shortcomings that are addressed. This Review discusses novel strategies for the identification of new biomarkers, exploration of the medicinal chemistry of epigenetic modifiers, optimization of the dosage regimen, and design of proper clinical trials that will lead to better utilization of epigenetic modifiers over conventional therapies. The integration of these approaches holds great potential for improving the efficacy and precision of epigenetic treatments, ultimately benefiting cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science- Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Ambati Himaja
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science- Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Onkar Kulkarni
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science- Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
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André AS, Dias JNR, Aguiar SI, Leonardo A, Nogueira S, Amaral JD, Fernandes C, Gano L, Correia JDG, Cavaco M, Neves V, Correia J, Castanho M, Rodrigues CMP, Gaspar MM, Tavares L, Aires-da-Silva F. Panobinostat-loaded folate targeted liposomes as a promising drug delivery system for treatment of canine B-cell lymphoma. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1236136. [PMID: 37711439 PMCID: PMC10498770 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1236136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer is a major public health problem with over 19 million cases reported in 2020. Similarly to humans, dogs are also largely affected by cancer, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) among the most common cancers in both species. Comparative medicine has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapeutic options in oncology by leveraging commonalities between diseases affecting both humans and animals. Within this context, in the present study, we investigated the potential of panobinostat (Pan)-loaded folate-targeted PEGylated liposomes (FA-PEG-Pan-Lip) for the treatment of canine B-cell lymphoma, while contributing to new perspectives in comparative oncology. Methods and results Two formulations were developed, namely: PEG-Pan-Lip and FA-PEG-Pan-Lip. Firstly, folate receptor expression in the CLBL-1 canine B-cell lymphoma cell line was assessed. After confirming receptor expression, both Pan-loaded formulations (PEG-Pan-Lip, FA-PEG-Pan-Lip) demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects on CLBL-1 cell proliferation. The FA-PEG-Pan-Lip formulation (IC50 = 10.9 ± 0.03 nM) showed higher cytotoxicity than the non-targeted PEG-Pan-Lip formulation (IC50 = 12.9 ± 0.03 nM) and the free panobinostat (Pan) compound (IC50 = 18.32±0.03 nM). Moreover, mechanistically, both Pan-containing formulations induced acetylation of H3 histone and apoptosis. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis of intracellular uptake of rhodamine-labeled liposome formulations in CLBL-1 cells confirmed cellular internalization of PEG-Lip and FA-PEG-Lip formulations and higher uptake profile for the latter. Biodistribution studies of both radiolabeled formulations in CD1 and SCID mice revealed a rapid clearance from the major organs and a 1.6-fold enhancement of tumor uptake at 24 h for 111In-FA-PEG-Pan-Lip (2.2 ± 0.1 %ID/g of tumor) compared to 111In-PEG-Pan-Lip formulation (1.2±0.2 %ID/g of tumor). Discussion In summary, our results provide new data validating Pan-loaded folate liposomes as a promising targeted drug delivery system for the treatment of canine B-cell lymphoma and open innovative perspectives for comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. André
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana N. R. Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra I. Aguiar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Leonardo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Nogueira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana D. Amaral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Marco Cavaco
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vera Neves
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castanho
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederico Aires-da-Silva
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
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Saini A, Varshney A, Saini A, Mani I. Insight into epigenetics and human diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:1-21. [PMID: 37019588 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The most eminent research of the 21st century whirls around the epigenetic and the variability of DNA sequences in humans. The reciprocity between the epigenetic changes and the exogenous factors drives an influence on the inheritance biology and gene expression both inter-generationally and trans-generationally. Chromatin level modifications like DNA methylation, histone modifications or changes in transcripts functions either at transcription level or translational level pave the way for certain diseases or cancer in humans. The ability of epigenetics to explain the processes of various diseases has been demonstrated by recent epigenetic studies. Multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies were developed in order to analyse how epigenetic elements interact with different disease pathways. In this chapter we summarize how an organism may be predisposed to certain diseases by exposure to environmental variables such as chemicals, medications, stress, or infections during particular, vulnerable phases of life, and the epigenetic component may influence some of the diseases in humans.
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Hafez DA, Hassanin IA, Teleb M, Khattab SN, Elkhodairy KA, Elzoghby AO. Recent advances in nanomedicine-based delivery of histone deacetylase inhibitors for cancer therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:2305-2325. [PMID: 34551585 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are cancer therapeutics that operate at the epigenetic level and which have recently gained wide attention. However, the applications of HDACi are generally hindered by their poor physicochemical characteristics and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. Inspired by the approved nanomedicine-based drugs in the market, nanocarriers could provide a resort to circumvent the limitations imposed by HDACi. Enhanced tumor targeting, improved cellular uptake and reduced toxicity are major advantages offered by HDACi-loaded nanoparticles. More importantly, site-specific drug delivery can be achieved via engineered stimuli-responsive nanosystems. In this review we elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of HDACi and their structure-activity relationships, with a special focus on their nanomedicine-based delivery, different drug loading concepts and their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina A Hafez
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Islam A Hassanin
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies & Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Teleb
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Sherine N Khattab
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21321, Egypt
| | - Kadria A Elkhodairy
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Ahmed O Elzoghby
- Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.,Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
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Athira KV, Sadanandan P, Chakravarty S. Repurposing Vorinostat for the Treatment of Disorders Affecting Brain. Neuromolecular Med 2021; 23:449-465. [PMID: 33948878 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-021-08660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on the findings in recent years, we summarize the therapeutic potential of vorinostat (VOR), the first approved histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in disorders of brain, and strategies to improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. Scientific evidences provide a strong case for the therapeutic utility of VOR in various disorders affecting brain, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, epilepsy, Niemann-Pick type C disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further elucidation of the neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties of VOR using proper clinical study designs could provide momentum towards its clinical application. To improve the therapeutic prospect, concerns on systemic toxicity and off-target actions need to be addressed along with the improvement in formulation and delivery aspects, especially with respect to solubility, permeability, and pharmacokinetic properties. Newer approaches in this regard include poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(DL-lactic acid) micelles, VOR-pluronic F127 micelles, encapsulation of iron complexes of VOR into PEGylated liposomes, human serum albumin bound VOR nanomedicine, magnetically guided layer-by-layer assembled nanocarriers, as well as convection-enhanced delivery. Even though targeting specific class or isoform of HDAC is projected as advantageous over pan-HDAC inhibitor like VOR, in terms of adverse effects and efficacy, till clinical validation, the idea is debated. As the VOR treatment-related adverse changes are mostly found reversible, further optimization of the therapeutic strategies with respect to dose, dosage regimen, and formulations of VOR could propel its clinical prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Athira
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041, Kerala, India.
| | - Prashant Sadanandan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Analysis, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041, Kerala, India
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India.
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Buocikova V, Rios-Mondragon I, Pilalis E, Chatziioannou A, Miklikova S, Mego M, Pajuste K, Rucins M, Yamani NE, Longhin EM, Sobolev A, Freixanet M, Puntes V, Plotniece A, Dusinska M, Cimpan MR, Gabelova A, Smolkova B. Epigenetics in Breast Cancer Therapy-New Strategies and Future Nanomedicine Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3622. [PMID: 33287297 PMCID: PMC7761669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation has been recognized as a critical factor contributing to the development of resistance against standard chemotherapy and to breast cancer progression via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although the efficacy of the first-generation epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) in solid tumor management has been disappointing, there is an increasing body of evidence showing that epigenome modulation, in synergy with other therapeutic approaches, could play an important role in cancer treatment, reversing acquired therapy resistance. However, the epigenetic therapy of solid malignancies is not straightforward. The emergence of nanotechnologies applied to medicine has brought new opportunities to advance the targeted delivery of epi-drugs while improving their stability and solubility, and minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, the omics technologies, as powerful molecular epidemiology screening tools, enable new diagnostic and prognostic epigenetic biomarker identification, allowing for patient stratification and tailored management. In combination with new-generation epi-drugs, nanomedicine can help to overcome low therapeutic efficacy in treatment-resistant tumors. This review provides an overview of ongoing clinical trials focusing on combination therapies employing epi-drugs for breast cancer treatment and summarizes the latest nano-based targeted delivery approaches for epi-drugs. Moreover, it highlights the current limitations and obstacles associated with applying these experimental strategies in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Ivan Rios-Mondragon
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 19, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (I.R.-M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Eleftherios Pilalis
- e-NIOS Applications Private Company, Alexandrou Pantou 25, 17671 Kallithea, Greece; (E.P.); (A.C.)
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristotelis Chatziioannou
- e-NIOS Applications Private Company, Alexandrou Pantou 25, 17671 Kallithea, Greece; (E.P.); (A.C.)
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Karlis Pajuste
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Martins Rucins
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Naouale El Yamani
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Eleonora Marta Longhin
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Arkadij Sobolev
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Muriel Freixanet
- Vall d Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (V.P.)
| | - Victor Puntes
- Vall d Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (V.P.)
- Institut Català de Nanosciència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aiva Plotniece
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mihaela Roxana Cimpan
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 19, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (I.R.-M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
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Kunadis E, Lakiotaki E, Korkolopoulou P, Piperi C. Targeting post-translational histone modifying enzymes in glioblastoma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107721. [PMID: 33144118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, and the most lethal form of glioma, characterized by variable histopathology, aggressiveness and poor clinical outcome and prognosis. GBMs constitute a challenge for oncologists because of their molecular heterogeneity, extensive invasion, and tendency to relapse. Glioma cells demonstrate a variety of deregulated genomic pathways and extensive interplay with epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic modifications have emerged as essential players in GBM research, with biomarker potential for tumor classification and prognosis and for drug targeting. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulators of chromatin architecture and gene expression, playing a pivotal role in malignant transformation, tumor development and progression. Alteration in the expression of genes coding for lysine and arginine methyltransferases (G9a, SUV39H1 and SETDB1) and acetyltransferases and deacetylases (KAT6A, SIRT2, SIRT7, HDAC4, 6, 9) contribute to GBM pathogenesis. In addition, proteins of the sumoylation pathway are upregulated in GBM cell lines, including E1 (SAE1), E2 (Ubc9) components, and a SUMO-specific protease (SENP1). Preclinical and clinical studies are currently in progress targeting epigenetic enzymes in gliomas, including a new generation of histone deacetylase (HDAC), protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and bromodomain (BRD) inhibitors. Herein, we provide an update on recent advances in glioma epigenetic research, focusing on the role of histone modifications and the use of epigenetic therapy as a valid treatment option for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kunadis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Lakiotaki
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Korkolopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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