1
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Brown EJ, Balaguer-Lluna L, Cribbs AP, Philpott M, Campo L, Browne M, Wong JF, Oppermann U, Carcaboso ÁM, Bullock AN, Farnie G. PRMT5 inhibition shows in vitro efficacy against H3K27M-altered diffuse midline glioma, but does not extend survival in vivo. Sci Rep 2024; 14:328. [PMID: 38172189 PMCID: PMC10764357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48652-x] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
H3K27-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a universally fatal paediatric brainstem tumour. The prevalent driver mutation H3K27M creates a unique epigenetic landscape that may also establish therapeutic vulnerabilities to epigenetic inhibitors. However, while HDAC, EZH2 and BET inhibitors have proven somewhat effective in pre-clinical models, none have translated into clinical benefit due to either poor blood-brain barrier penetration, lack of efficacy or toxicity. Thus, there remains an urgent need for new DMG treatments. Here, we performed wider screening of an epigenetic inhibitor library and identified inhibitors of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) among the top hits reducing DMG cell viability. Two of the most effective inhibitors, LLY-283 and GSK591, were targeted against PRMT5 using distinct binding mechanisms and reduced the viability of a subset of DMG cells expressing wild-type TP53 and mutant ACVR1. RNA-sequencing and phenotypic analyses revealed that LLY-283 could reduce the viability, clonogenicity and invasion of DMG cells in vitro, representing three clinically important phenotypes, but failed to prolong survival in an orthotopic xenograft model. Together, these data show the challenges of DMG treatment and highlight PRMT5 inhibitors for consideration in future studies of combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leire Balaguer-Lluna
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Philpott
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Molly Browne
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jong Fu Wong
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ángel M Carcaboso
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex N Bullock
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Cancer Research Horizons, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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2
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Salib A, Jayatilleke N, Seneviratne JA, Mayoh C, De Preter K, Speleman F, Cheung BB, Carter DR, Marshall GM. MYCN and SNRPD3 cooperate to maintain a balance of alternative splicing events that drives neuroblastoma progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:363-377. [PMID: 38049564 PMCID: PMC10824661 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02897-y] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Many of the pro-tumorigenic functions of the oncogene MYCN are attributed to its regulation of global gene expression programs. Alternative splicing is another important regulator of gene expression and has been implicated in neuroblastoma development, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We found that MYCN up-regulated the expression of the core spliceosomal protein, SNRPD3, in models of neuroblastoma initiation and progression. High mRNA expression of SNRPD3 in human neuroblastoma tissues was a strong, independent prognostic factor for poor patient outcome. Repression of SNRPD3 expression correlated with loss of colony formation in vitro and reduced tumorigenicity in vivo. The effect of SNRPD3 on cell viability was in part dependent on MYCN as an oncogenic co-factor. RNA-sequencing revealed a global increase in the number of genes being differentially spliced when MYCN was overexpressed. Surprisingly, depletion of SNRPD3 in the presence of overexpressed MYCN further increased differential splicing, particularly of cell cycle regulators, such as BIRC5 and CDK10. MYCN directly bound SNRPD3, and the protein arginine methyltransferase, PRMT5, consequently increasing SNRPD3 methylation. Indeed, the PRMT5 inhibitor, JNJ-64619178, reduced cell viability and SNRPD3 methylation in neuroblastoma cells with high SNRPD3 and MYCN expression. Our findings demonstrate a functional relationship between MYCN and SNRPD3, which maintains the fidelity of MYCN-driven alternative splicing in the narrow range required for neuroblastoma cell growth. SNRPD3 methylation and its protein-protein interface with MYCN represent novel therapeutic targets. Hypothetical model for SNRPD3 as a co-factor for MYCN oncogenesis. SNRPD3 and MYCN participate in a regulatory loop to balance splicing fidelity in neuroblastoma cells. First MYCN transactivates SNRPD3 to lead to high-level expression. Second, SNRPD3 and MYCN form a protein complex involving PRMT5. Third, this leads to balanced alterative splicing (AS) activitiy that is favorable to neuroblastoma. Together this forms as a therapeutic vulnerability where SNRPD3 perturbation or PRMT5 inhibitors are selectively toxic to neuroblastoma by conditionally disturbing splicing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Salib
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nisitha Jayatilleke
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Janith A Seneviratne
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Katleen De Preter
- Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB1), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG), Ghent University, Medical Research Building (MRB1), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Belamy B Cheung
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Daniel R Carter
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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3
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Kumar D, Jain S, Coulter DW, Joshi SS, Chaturvedi NK. PRMT5 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in MYC-Amplified Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5855. [PMID: 38136401 PMCID: PMC10741595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC amplification or overexpression is most common in Group 3 medulloblastomas and is positively associated with poor clinical outcomes. Recently, protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) overexpression has been shown to be associated with tumorigenic MYC functions in cancers, particularly in brain cancers such as glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. PRMT5 regulates oncogenes, including MYC, that are often deregulated in medulloblastomas. However, the role of PRMT5-mediated post-translational modification in the stabilization of these oncoproteins remains poorly understood. The potential impact of PRMT5 inhibition on MYC makes it an attractive target in various cancers. PRMT5 inhibitors are a promising class of anti-cancer drugs demonstrating preclinical and preliminary clinical efficacies. Here, we review the publicly available preclinical and clinical studies on PRMT5 targeting using small molecule inhibitors and discuss the prospects of using them in medulloblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Stuti Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Don W. Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Shantaram S. Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA;
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
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4
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Epp S, Chuah SM, Halasz M. Epigenetic Dysregulation in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17085. [PMID: 38069407 PMCID: PMC10707345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer arising from the neural crest, poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in cases featuring amplification of the MYCN oncogene. Epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in normal neural crest and NB development, influencing gene expression patterns critical for tumorigenesis. This review delves into the multifaceted interplay between MYCN and known epigenetic modifications during NB genesis, shedding light on the intricate regulatory networks underlying the disease. We provide an extensive survey of known epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, super-enhancers (SEs), bromodomains (BET), and chromatin modifiers in MYCN-amplified (MNA) NB. These epigenetic changes collectively contribute to the dysregulated gene expression landscape observed in MNA NB. Furthermore, we review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). We also discuss and summarize current drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, offering insights into their potential for improving outcomes for MNA NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Epp
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Shin Mei Chuah
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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5
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Chang K, Gao D, Yan J, Lin L, Cui T, Lu S. Critical Roles of Protein Arginine Methylation in the Central Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6060-6091. [PMID: 37415067 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
A remarkable post-transitional modification of both histones and non-histone proteins is arginine methylation. Methylation of arginine residues is crucial for a wide range of cellular process, including signal transduction, DNA repair, gene expression, mRNA splicing, and protein interaction. Arginine methylation is modulated by arginine methyltransferases and demethylases, like protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMTs) and Jumonji C (JmjC) domain containing (JMJD) proteins. Symmetric dimethylarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine, metabolic products of the PRMTs and JMJD proteins, can be changed by abnormal expression of these proteins. Many pathologies including cancer, inflammation and immune responses have been closely linked to aberrant arginine methylation. Currently, the majority of the literature discusses the substrate specificity and function of arginine methylation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cancers. Numerous investigations on the roles of arginine methylation in the central nervous system (CNS) have so far been conducted. In this review, we display the biochemistry of arginine methylation and provide an overview of the regulatory mechanism of arginine methyltransferases and demethylases. We also highlight physiological functions of arginine methylation in the CNS and the significance of arginine methylation in a variety of neurological diseases such as brain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, we summarize PRMT inhibitors and molecular functions of arginine methylation. Finally, we pose important questions that require further research to comprehend the roles of arginine methylation in the CNS and discover more effective targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Chang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Gao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jidong Yan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liyan Lin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tingting Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shemin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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6
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Krawczyk E, Kitlińska J. Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma-Current Status and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3314. [PMID: 37444423 PMCID: PMC10340830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models remain indispensable tools in cancer research. These classic models, including two- and three-dimensional cell culture techniques and animal models, are crucial for basic and translational studies. However, each model has its own limitations and typically does not fully recapitulate the course of the human disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, advanced systems that can allow for efficient evaluation of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, more accurately reflect the disease pathophysiology and complexity, and effectively inform therapeutic decisions for patients. Preclinical models are especially important for rare cancers, such as neuroblastoma, where the availability of patient-derived specimens that could be used for potential therapy evaluation and screening is limited. Neuroblastoma modeling is further complicated by the disease heterogeneity. In this review, we present the current status of preclinical models for neuroblastoma research, discuss their development and characteristics emphasizing strengths and limitations, and describe the necessity of the development of novel, more advanced and clinically relevant approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krawczyk
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joanna Kitlińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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7
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A Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms of N-Myc on Cell Cycle. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031141. [PMID: 36770809 PMCID: PMC9920120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma has obvious heterogeneity. It is one of the few undifferentiated malignant tumors that can spontaneously degenerate into completely benign tumors. However, for its high-risk type, even with various intensive treatment options, the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. At the same time, a large number of research data show that the abnormal amplification and high-level expression of the MYCN gene are positively correlated with the malignant progression, poor prognosis, and mortality of neuroblastoma. In this context, this article explores the role of the N-Myc, MYCN gene expression product on its target genes related to the cell cycle and reveals its regulatory network in promoting tumor proliferation and malignant progression. We hope it can provide ideas and direction for the research and development of drugs targeting N-Myc and its downstream target genes.
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8
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Feustel K, Falchook GS. Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) Inhibitors in Oncology Clinical Trials: A review. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2022; 5:58-67. [PMID: 36034581 PMCID: PMC9390703 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitors are a new class of antineoplastic agents showing promising preliminary clinical efficacy. Targeting an enzyme involved in a wide array of cellular and transcriptional pro-oncogenic processes, this class offers multifaceted tumor-suppressive effects. Partial response has been seen in adenoid cystic carcinoma from both GSK3326595 and JNJ-64619178, with four cases of stable disease seen with PRT543. Highly significant is a durable complete response in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1-mutated glioblastoma multiforme with PRT811. Both alone and in combination with existing chemotherapies and immunotherapies, this class shows promising preliminary data, particularly in cancers with splicing mutations and DNA damage repair deficiencies. Further studies are warranted, and there are clinical trials to come whose data will be telling of the efficacy of PRMT5 inhibitors in both hematologic and solid malignancies. The aim of this study is to compile available results of PRMT5 inhibitors in oncology clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavanya Feustel
- 1 Sky Ridge Medical Center, HCA Continental Division, Lone Tree, CO, USA
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9
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Sloan SL, Renaldo KA, Long M, Chung JH, Courtney LE, Shilo K, Youssef Y, Schlotter S, Brown F, Klamer BG, Zhang X, Yilmaz AS, Ozer HG, Valli VE, Vaddi K, Scherle P, Alinari L, Kisseberth WC, Baiocchi RA. Validation of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a candidate therapeutic target in the spontaneous canine model of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250839. [PMID: 33989303 PMCID: PMC8121334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of blood cancers arising in lymphoid tissues that commonly effects both humans and dogs. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an enzyme that catalyzes the symmetric di-methylation of arginine residues, is frequently overexpressed and dysregulated in both human solid and hematologic malignancies. In human lymphoma, PRMT5 is a known driver of malignant transformation and oncogenesis, however, the expression and role of PRMT5 in canine lymphoma has not been explored. To explore canine lymphoma as a useful comparison to human lymphoma while validating PRMT5 as a rational therapeutic target in both, we characterized expression patterns of PRMT5 in canine lymphoma tissue microarrays, primary lymphoid biopsies, and canine lymphoma-derived cell lines. The inhibition of PRMT5 led to growth suppression and induction of apoptosis, while selectively decreasing global marks of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and histone H4 arginine 3 symmetric dimethylation. We performed ATAC-sequencing and gene expression microarrays with pathway enrichment analysis to characterize genome-wide changes in chromatin accessibility and whole-transcriptome changes in canine lymphoma cells lines upon PRMT5 inhibition. This work validates PRMT5 as a promising therapeutic target for canine lymphoma and supports the continued use of the spontaneously occurring canine lymphoma model for the preclinical development of PRMT5 inhibitors for the treatment of human NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Sloan
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kyle A. Renaldo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mackenzie Long
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ji-Hyun Chung
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lindsay E. Courtney
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Konstantin Shilo
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Youssef Youssef
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sarah Schlotter
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fiona Brown
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Brett G. Klamer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ayse S. Yilmaz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hatice G. Ozer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Victor E. Valli
- VDx Veterinary Diagnostics, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kris Vaddi
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Peggy Scherle
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - William C. Kisseberth
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WCK); (RAB)
| | - Robert A. Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WCK); (RAB)
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10
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PRMT5: a putative oncogene and therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 29:264-276. [PMID: 33854218 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) was discovered two decades ago. The first decade focused on the biochemical characterization of PRMT5 as a regulator of many cellular processes in a healthy organism. However, over the past decade, evidence has accumulated to suggest that PRMT5 may function as an oncogene in multiple cancers via both epigenetic and non-epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we focus on recent progress made in prostate cancer, including the role of PRMT5 in the androgen receptor (AR) expression and signaling and DNA damage response, particularly DNA double-strand break repair. We also discuss how PRMT5-interacting proteins that are considered PRMT5 cofactors may cooperate with PRMT5 to regulate PRMT5 activity and target gene expression, and how PRMT5 can interact with other epigenetic regulators implicated in prostate cancer development and progression. Finally, we suggest that targeting PRMT5 may be employed to develop multiple therapeutic approaches to enhance the treatment of prostate cancer.
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11
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Samuel SF, Barry A, Greenman J, Beltran-Alvarez P. Arginine methylation: the promise of a 'silver bullet' for brain tumours? Amino Acids 2021; 53:489-506. [PMID: 33404912 PMCID: PMC8107164 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite intense research efforts, our pharmaceutical repertoire against high-grade brain tumours has not been able to increase patient survival for a decade and life expectancy remains at less than 16 months after diagnosis, on average. Inhibitors of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have been developed and investigated over the past 15 years and have now entered oncology clinical trials, including for brain tumours. This review collates recent advances in the understanding of the role of PRMTs and arginine methylation in brain tumours. We provide an up-to-date literature review on the mechanisms for PRMT regulation. These include endogenous modulators such as alternative splicing, miRNA, post-translational modifications and PRMT-protein interactions, and synthetic inhibitors. We discuss the relevance of PRMTs in brain tumours with a particular focus on PRMT1, -2, -5 and -8. Finally, we include a future perspective where we discuss possible routes for further research on arginine methylation and on the use of PRMT inhibitors in the context of brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonia Barry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - John Greenman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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12
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Liu Z, Chen SS, Clarke S, Veschi V, Thiele CJ. Targeting MYCN in Pediatric and Adult Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623679. [PMID: 33628735 PMCID: PMC7898977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of the MYC family of oncogenes, including c-MYC, MYCN and MYCL occurs in many types of cancers, and is frequently associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of functional studies have focused on c-MYC due to its broad expression profile in human cancers. The existence of highly conserved functional domains between MYCN and c-MYC suggests that MYCN participates in similar activities. MYC encodes a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) whose central oncogenic role in many human cancers makes it a highly desirable therapeutic target. Historically, as a TF, MYC has been regarded as “undruggable”. Thus, recent efforts focus on investigating methods to indirectly target MYC to achieve anti-tumor effects. This review will primarily summarize the recent progress in understanding the function of MYCN. It will explore efforts at targeting MYCN, including strategies aimed at suppression of MYCN transcription, destabilization of MYCN protein, inhibition of MYCN transcriptional activity, repression of MYCN targets and utilization of MYCN overexpression dependent synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Chen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Saki Clarke
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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13
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Szemes M, Melegh Z, Bellamy J, Park JH, Chen B, Greenhough A, Catchpoole D, Malik K. Transcriptomic Analyses of MYCN-Regulated Genes in Anaplastic Wilms' Tumour Cell Lines Reveals Oncogenic Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:656. [PMID: 33562123 PMCID: PMC7915280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYCN proto-oncogene is deregulated in many cancers, most notably in neuroblastoma, where MYCN gene amplification identifies a clinical subset with very poor prognosis. Gene expression and DNA analyses have also demonstrated overexpression of MYCN mRNA, as well as focal amplifications, copy number gains and presumptive change of function mutations of MYCN in Wilms' tumours with poorer outcomes, including tumours with diffuse anaplasia. Surprisingly, however, the expression and functions of the MYCN protein in Wilms' tumours still remain obscure. In this study, we assessed MYCN protein expression in primary Wilms' tumours using immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays. We found MYCN protein to be expressed in tumour blastemal cells, and absent in stromal and epithelial components. For functional studies, we used two anaplastic Wilms' tumour cell-lines, WiT49 and 17.94, to study the biological and transcriptomic effects of MYCN depletion. We found that MYCN knockdown consistently led to growth suppression but not cell death. RNA sequencing identified 561 MYCN-regulated genes shared by WiT49 and 17.94 cell-lines. As expected, numerous cellular processes were downstream of MYCN. MYCN positively regulated the miRNA regulator and known Wilms' tumour oncogene LIN28B, the genes encoding methylosome proteins PRMT1, PRMT5 and WDR77, and the mitochondrial translocase genes TOMM20 and TIMM50. MYCN repressed genes including the developmental signalling receptor ROBO1 and the stromal marker COL1A1. Importantly, we found that MYCN also repressed the presumptive Wilms' tumour suppressor gene REST, with MYCN knockdown resulting in increased REST protein and concomitant repression of RE1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST) target genes. Together, our study identifies regulatory axes that interact with MYCN, providing novel pathways for potential targeted therapeutics for poor-prognosis Wilms' tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
| | - Jacob Bellamy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Biyao Chen
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (J.B.); (J.H.P.); (B.C.); (A.G.)
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14
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Shailesh H, Siveen KS, Sif S. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) activates WNT/β-catenin signalling in breast cancer cells via epigenetic silencing of DKK1 and DKK3. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1583-1600. [PMID: 33462997 PMCID: PMC7875925 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) activity is dysregulated in many aggressive cancers and its enhanced levels are associated with increased tumour growth and survival. However, the role of PRMT5 in breast cancer remains underexplored. In this study, we show that PRMT5 is overexpressed in breast cancer cell lines, and that it promotes WNT/β-CATENIN proliferative signalling through epigenetic silencing of pathway antagonists, DKK1 and DKK3, leading to enhanced expression of c-MYC, CYCLIN D1 and SURVIVIN. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies, we found that PRMT5 binds to the promoter region of WNT antagonists, DKK1 and DKK3, and induces symmetric methylation of H3R8 and H4R3 histones. Our findings also show that PRMT5 inhibition using a specific small molecule inhibitor, compound 5 (CMP5), reduces PRMT5 recruitment as well as methylation of H3R8 and H4R3 histones in the promoter regions of DKK1 and DKK3, which consequently results in reduced expression CYCLIN D1 and SURVIVIN. Furthermore, CMP5 treatment either alone or in combination with 5-Azacytidine and Trichostatin A restored expression of DKK1 and DKK3 in TNBCs. PRMT5 inhibition also altered the growth characteristics of breast cancer cells and induced their death. Collectively, these results show that PRMT5 controls breast cancer cell growth through epigenetic silencing of WNT/β-CATENIN pathway antagonists, DKK1 and DKK3, resulting in up-regulation of WNT/β-CATENIN proliferative signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Shailesh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kodappully S Siveen
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saïd Sif
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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15
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Kong IY, Rimes JS, Light A, Todorovski I, Jones S, Morand E, Knight DA, Bergman YE, Hogg SJ, Falk H, Monahan BJ, Stupple PA, Street IP, Heinzel S, Bouillet P, Johnstone RW, Hodgkin PD, Vervoort SJ, Hawkins ED. Temporal Analysis of Brd4 Displacement in the Control of B Cell Survival, Proliferation, and Differentiation. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108290. [PMID: 33086063 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
JQ1 is a BET-bromodomain inhibitor that has immunomodulatory effects. However, the precise molecular mechanism that JQ1 targets to elicit changes in antibody production is not understood. Our results show that JQ1 induces apoptosis, reduces cell proliferation, and as a consequence, inhibits antibody-secreting cell differentiation. ChIP-sequencing reveals a selective displacement of Brd4 in response to acute JQ1 treatment (<2 h), resulting in specific transcriptional repression. After 8 h, subsequent alterations in gene expression arise as a result of the global loss of Brd4 occupancy. We demonstrate that apoptosis induced by JQ1 is solely attributed to the pro-apoptotic protein Bim (Bcl2l11). Conversely, cell-cycle regulation by JQ1 is associated with multiple Myc-associated gene targets. Our results demonstrate that JQ1 drives temporal changes in Brd4 displacement that results in a specific transcriptional profile that directly affects B cell survival and proliferation to modulate the humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Y Kong
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Joel S Rimes
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Amanda Light
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Izabela Todorovski
- Cancer Therapeutics and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Jones
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Eric Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Deborah A Knight
- Cancer Therapeutics and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ylva E Bergman
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Simon J Hogg
- Cancer Therapeutics and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hendrik Falk
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Brendon J Monahan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Paul A Stupple
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ian P Street
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Susanne Heinzel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Philippe Bouillet
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Cancer Therapeutics and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip D Hodgkin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Cancer Therapeutics and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Edwin D Hawkins
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, The University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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16
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Bellamy J, Szemes M, Melegh Z, Dallosso A, Kollareddy M, Catchpoole D, Malik K. Increased Efficacy of Histone Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors Against MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:818. [PMID: 32537432 PMCID: PMC7269128 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibition of proteins modulating epigenetic changes is an increasingly important priority in cancer therapeutics, and many small molecule inhibitors are currently being developed. In the case of neuroblastoma (NB), a pediatric solid tumor with a paucity of intragenic mutations, epigenetic deregulation may be especially important. In this study we validate the histone methyltransferase G9a/EHMT2 as being associated with indicators of poor prognosis in NB. Immunological analysis of G9a protein shows it to be more highly expressed in NB cell-lines with MYCN amplification, which is a primary determinant of dismal outcome in NB patients. Furthermore, G9a protein in primary tumors is expressed at higher levels in poorly differentiated/undifferentiated NB, and correlates with high EZH2 expression, a known co-operative oncoprotein in NB. Our functional analyses demonstrate that siRNA-mediated G9a depletion inhibits cell growth in all NB cell lines, but, strikingly, only triggers apoptosis in NB cells with MYCN amplification, suggesting a synthetic lethal relationship between G9a and MYCN. This pattern of sensitivity is also evident when using small molecule inhibitors of G9a, UNC0638, and UNC0642. The increased efficacy of G9a inhibition in the presence of MYCN-overexpression is also demonstrated in the SHEP-21N isogenic model with tet-regulatable MYCN. Finally, using RNA sequencing, we identify several potential tumor suppressor genes that are reactivated by G9a inhibition in NB, including the CLU, FLCN, AMHR2, and AKR1C1-3. Together, our study underlines the under-appreciated role of G9a in NB, especially in MYCN-amplified tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bellamy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Dallosso
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Madhu Kollareddy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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17
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Hua ZY, Hansen JN, He M, Dai SK, Choi Y, Fulton MD, Lloyd SM, Szemes M, Sen J, Ding HF, Angelastro JM, Fei X, Li HP, Wu CR, Yang SY, Malik K, Bao X, George Zheng Y, Liu CM, Schor NF, Li ZJ, Li XG. PRMT1 promotes neuroblastoma cell survival through ATF5. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:50. [PMID: 32415090 PMCID: PMC7229216 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-0237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has been implicated in a number of cancers, making PRMTs potential therapeutic targets. But it remains not well understood how PRMTs impact specific oncogenic pathways. We previously identified PRMTs as important regulators of cell growth in neuroblastoma, a deadly childhood tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for PRMT1 in neuroblastoma cell survival. PRMT1 depletion decreased the ability of murine neuroblastoma sphere cells to grow and form spheres, and suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of human neuroblastoma cells. Mechanistic studies reveal the prosurvival factor, activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) as a downstream effector of PRMT1-mediated survival signaling. Furthermore, a diamidine class of PRMT1 inhibitors exhibited anti-neuroblastoma efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, overexpression of ATF5 rescued cell apoptosis triggered by PRMT1 inhibition genetically or pharmacologically. Taken together, our findings shed new insights into PRMT1 signaling pathway, and provide evidence for PRMT1 as an actionable therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yan Hua
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jeanne N Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, USA
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shang-Kun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yoonjung Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Melody D Fulton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sarah M Lloyd
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Dermatology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Sen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han-Fei Ding
- The Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - James M Angelastro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Xiang Fei
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui-Ping Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Renmin Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao-Ran Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Renmin Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Xiaomin Bao
- Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Dermatology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Y George Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nina F Schor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhi-Jie Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing-Guo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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18
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A Wnt-BMP4 Signaling Axis Induces MSX and NOTCH Proteins and Promotes Growth Suppression and Differentiation in Neuroblastoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030783. [PMID: 32210188 PMCID: PMC7140810 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are known to be crucial in the development of neural crest lineages, including the sympathetic nervous system. Surprisingly, their role in paediatric neuroblastoma, the prototypic tumor arising from this lineage, remains relatively uncharacterised. We previously demonstrated that Wnt/b-catenin signaling can have cell-type-specific effects on neuroblastoma phenotypes, including growth inhibition and differentiation, and that BMP4 mRNA and protein were induced by Wnt3a/Rspo2. In this study, we characterised the phenotypic effects of BMP4 on neuroblastoma cells, demonstrating convergent induction of MSX homeobox transcription factors by Wnt and BMP4 signaling and BMP4-induced growth suppression and differentiation. An immunohistochemical analysis of BMP4 expression in primary neuroblastomas confirms a striking absence of BMP4 in poorly differentiated tumors, in contrast to a high expression in ganglion cells. These results are consistent with a tumor suppressive role for BMP4 in neuroblastoma. RNA sequencing following BMP4 treatment revealed induction of Notch signaling, verified by increases of Notch3 and Hes1 proteins. Together, our data demonstrate, for the first time, Wnt-BMP-Notch signaling crosstalk associated with growth suppression of neuroblastoma.
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19
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Liu M, Yao B, Gui T, Guo C, Wu X, Li J, Ma L, Deng Y, Xu P, Wang Y, Yang D, Li Q, Zeng X, Li X, Hu R, Ge J, Yu Z, Chen Y, Chen B, Ju J, Zhao Q. PRMT5-dependent transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes promotes gastric cancer progression. Theranostics 2020; 10:4437-4452. [PMID: 32292506 PMCID: PMC7150477 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene c-Myc regulates multiple biological processes mainly through selectively activating gene expression. However, the mechanisms underlying c-Myc-mediated gene repression in the context of cancer remain less clear. This study aimed to clarify the role of PRMT5 in the transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes in gastric cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of PRMT5, c-Myc and target genes in gastric cancer patients. PRMT5 and c-Myc interaction was assessed by immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. Bioinformatics analysis, immunoblotting, real-time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments were used to evaluate the mechanism. Results: We found that c-Myc directly interacts with protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) to transcriptionally repress the expression of a cohort of genes, including PTEN, CDKN2C (p18INK4C), CDKN1A (p21CIP1/WAF1), CDKN1C (p57KIP2) and p63, to promote gastric cancer cell growth. Specifically, we found that PRMT5 was required to promote gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and for transcriptional repression of this cohort of genes, which was dependent on its methyltransferase activity. Consistently, the promoters of this gene cohort were enriched for both PRMT5-mediated symmetric di-methylation of histone H4 on Arg 3 (H4R3me2s) and c-Myc, and c-Myc depletion also upregulated their expression. H4R3me2s also colocalized with the c-Myc-binding E-box motif (CANNTG) on these genes. We show that PRMT5 directly binds to c-Myc, and this binding is required for transcriptional repression of the target genes. Both c-Myc and PRMT5 expression levels were upregulated in primary human gastric cancer tissues, and their expression levels inversely correlated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which PRMT5-dependent transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes is required for gastric cancer progression, and provides a potential new strategy for therapeutic targeting of gastric cancer.
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Ornell KJ, Coburn JM. Developing preclinical models of neuroblastoma: driving therapeutic testing. BMC Biomed Eng 2019; 1:33. [PMID: 32903387 PMCID: PMC7422585 DOI: 10.1186/s42490-019-0034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer therapeutics, particularly in the area of immuno-oncology, successful treatment of neuroblastoma (NB) remains a challenge. NB is the most common cancer in infants under 1 year of age, and accounts for approximately 10% of all pediatric cancers. Currently, children with high-risk NB exhibit a survival rate of 40–50%. The heterogeneous nature of NB makes development of effective therapeutic strategies challenging. Many preclinical models attempt to mimic the tumor phenotype and tumor microenvironment. In vivo mouse models, in the form of genetic, syngeneic, and xenograft mice, are advantageous as they replicated the complex tumor-stroma interactions and represent the gold standard for preclinical therapeutic testing. Traditional in vitro models, while high throughput, exhibit many limitations. The emergence of new tissue engineered models has the potential to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models for therapeutic testing. Therapeutics continue to evolve from traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies to biologically targeted therapies. These therapeutics act on both the tumor cells and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, making development of preclinical models that accurately reflect tumor heterogeneity more important than ever. In this review, we will discuss current in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing models, and their potential applications to therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Ornell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Jeannine M Coburn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
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21
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Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Cardiovascular and Neuronal Function. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1716-1732. [PMID: 31823198 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The methylation of arginine residues by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is a type of post-translational modification which is important for numerous cellular processes, including mRNA splicing, DNA repair, signal transduction, protein interaction, and transport. PRMTs have been extensively associated with various pathologies, including cancer, inflammation, and immunity response. However, the role of PRMTs has not been well described in vascular and neurological function. Aberrant expression of PRMTs can alter its metabolic products, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). Increased ADMA levels are recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Recent studies have provided considerable advances in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of PRMTs to study their function under normal and pathological states. In this review, we aim to elucidate the particular roles of PRMTs in vascular and neuronal function as a potential target for cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
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22
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Chaturvedi NK, Mahapatra S, Kesherwani V, Kling MJ, Shukla M, Ray S, Kanchan R, Perumal N, McGuire TR, Sharp JG, Joshi SS, Coulter DW. Role of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 in group 3 (MYC-driven) Medulloblastoma. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1056. [PMID: 31694585 PMCID: PMC6836472 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYC amplification or overexpression is common in Group 3 medulloblastoma and is associated with the worst prognosis. Recently, protein arginine methyl transferase (PRMT) 5 expression has been closely associated with aberrant MYC function in various cancers, including brain tumors such as glioblastoma. However, the role of PRMT5 and its association with MYC in medulloblastoma have not been explored. Here, we report the role of PRMT5 as a novel regulator of MYC and implicate PRMT5 as a potential therapeutic target in MYC-driven medulloblastoma. METHODS Expression and association between PRMT5 and MYC in primary medulloblastoma tumors were investigated using publicly available databases. Expression levels of PRMT5 protein were also examined using medulloblastoma cell lines and primary tumors by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Using MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells, we examined the physical interaction between PRMT5 and MYC by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization experiments. To determine the functional role of PRMT5 in MYC-driven medulloblastoma, PRMT5 was knocked-down in MYC-amplified cells using siRNA and the consequences of knockdown on cell growth and MYC expression/stability were investigated. In vitro therapeutic potential of PRMT5 in medulloblastoma was also evaluated using a small molecule inhibitor, EPZ015666. RESULTS We observed overexpression of PRMT5 in MYC-driven primary medulloblastoma tumors and cell lines compared to non-MYC medulloblastoma tumors and adjacent normal tissues. We also found that high expression of PRMT5 is inversely correlated with patient survival. Knockdown of PRMT5 using siRNA in MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells significantly decreased cell growth and MYC expression. Mechanistically, we found that PRMT5 physically associated with MYC by direct protein-protein interaction. In addition, a cycloheximide chase experiment showed that PRMT5 post-translationally regulated MYC stability. In the context of therapeutics, we observed dose-dependent efficacy of PRMT5 inhibitor EPZ015666 in suppressing cell growth and inducing apoptosis in MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells. Further, the expression levels of PRMT5 and MYC protein were downregulated upon EPZ015666 treatment. We also observed a superior efficacy of this inhibitor against MYC-amplified medulloblastoma cells compared to non-MYC-amplified medulloblastoma cells, indicating specificity. CONCLUSION Our results reveal the regulation of MYC oncoprotein by PRMT5 and suggest that targeting PRMT5 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MYC-driven medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Varun Kesherwani
- Child Health Research Institute Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Matthew J Kling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mamta Shukla
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ranjana Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Naveenkumar Perumal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 69198, USA
| | - J Graham Sharp
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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23
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Favia A, Salvatori L, Nanni S, Iwamoto-Stohl LK, Valente S, Mai A, Scagnoli F, Fontanella RA, Totta P, Nasi S, Illi B. The Protein Arginine Methyltransferases 1 and 5 affect Myc properties in glioblastoma stem cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15925. [PMID: 31685892 PMCID: PMC6828805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein Arginine (R) methylation is the most common post-translational methylation in mammalian cells. Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMT) 1 and 5 dimethylate their substrates on R residues, asymmetrically and symmetrically, respectively. They are ubiquitously expressed and play fundamental roles in tumour malignancies, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) which presents largely deregulated Myc activity. Previously, we demonstrated that PRMT5 associates with Myc in GBM cells, modulating, at least in part, its transcriptional properties. Here we show that Myc/PRMT5 protein complex includes PRMT1, in both HEK293T and glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). We demonstrate that Myc is both asymmetrically and symmetrically dimethylated by PRMT1 and PRMT5, respectively, and that these modifications differentially regulate its stability. Moreover, we show that the ratio between symmetrically and asymmetrically dimethylated Myc changes in GSCs grown in stem versus differentiating conditions. Finally, both PRMT1 and PRMT5 activity modulate Myc binding at its specific target promoters. To our knowledge, this is the first work reporting R asymmetrical and symmetrical dimethylation as novel Myc post-translational modifications, with different functional properties. This opens a completely unexplored field of investigation in Myc biology and suggests symmetrically dimethylated Myc species as novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and druggable therapeutic targets for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Favia
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Salvatori
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Nanni
- Institute of Medical Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Scagnoli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Anna Fontanella
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Nasi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Illi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology - National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy.
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24
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Zhu F, Rui L. PRMT5 in gene regulation and hematologic malignancies. Genes Dis 2019; 6:247-257. [PMID: 32042864 PMCID: PMC6997592 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification that governs important cellular processes and impacts development, cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Arginine methylation is catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which are classified as type I and type II enzymes responsible for the formation of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, respectively. PRMT5 is the main type II enzyme that catalyzes symmetric dimethylarginine of histone proteins to induce gene silencing by generating repressive histone marks, including H2AR3me2s, H3R8me2s, and H4R3me2s. PRMT5 can also methylate nonhistone proteins such as the transcription factors p53, E2F1 and p65. Modifications of these proteins by PRMT5 are involved in diverse cellular processes, including transcription, translation, DNA repair, RNA processing, and metabolism. A growing literature demonstrates that PRMT5 expression is upregulated in hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma, where PRMT5 regulates gene expression to promote cancer cell proliferation. Targeting PRMT5 by specific inhibitors has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lixin Rui
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
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25
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Shailesh H, Zakaria ZZ, Baiocchi R, Sif S. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) dysregulation in cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:36705-36718. [PMID: 30613353 PMCID: PMC6291173 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are known for their ability to catalyze methylation of specific arginine residues in a wide variety of cellular proteins, which are involved in a plethora of processes including signal transduction, transcription, and more recently DNA recombination. All members of the PRMT family can be grouped into three main classes depending on the type of methylation they catalyze. Type I PRMTs induce monomethylation and asymmetric dimethylation, while type II PRMTs catalyze monomethylation and symmetric dimethylation of specific arginine residues. In contrast, type III PRMTs carry out only monomethylation of arginine residues. In this review, we will focus on PRMT5, a type II PRMT essential for viability and normal development, which has been shown to be overexpressed in a wide variety of cancer cell types, owing it to the crucial role it plays in controlling key growth regulatory pathways. Furthermore, the role of PRMT5 in regulating expression and stability of key transcription factors that control normal stem cell function as well as cancer stem cell renewal will be discussed. We will review recent work that shows that through its ability to methylate various cellular proteins, PRMT5 functions as a master epigenetic regulator essential for growth and development, and we will highlight studies that have examined its dysregulation and the effects of its inhibition on cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Shailesh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zain Z Zakaria
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Robert Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Saïd Sif
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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26
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Jubierre L, Jiménez C, Rovira E, Soriano A, Sábado C, Gros L, Llort A, Hladun R, Roma J, Toledo JSD, Gallego S, Segura MF. Targeting of epigenetic regulators in neuroblastoma. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-12. [PMID: 29700278 PMCID: PMC5938021 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15,000 new cases of pediatric cancer are diagnosed yearly in Europe, with 8–10% corresponding to neuroblastoma, a rare disease with an incidence of 8–9 cases per million children <15 years of age. Although the survival rate for low-risk and intermediate-risk patients is excellent, half of children with high-risk, refractory, or relapsed tumors will be cured, and two-thirds of the other half will suffer major side effects and life-long disabilities. Epigenetic therapies aimed at reversing the oncogenic alterations in chromatin structure and function are an emerging alternative against aggressive tumors that are or will become resistant to conventional treatments. This approach proposes targeting epigenetic regulators, which are proteins that are involved in the creation, detection, and interpretation of epigenetic signals, such as methylation or histone post-translational modifications. In this review, we focused on the most promising epigenetic regulators for targeting and current drugs that have already reached clinical trials. Treatments that target chromatin, the combination of DNA and proteins, are emerging as alternative ways to treat aggressive neuroblastomas, cancers of neural tissue. Altering the structure and function of chromatin is a form of “epigenetic therapy”, treatment that affects inheritable molecular signals controlling the activity of genes, rather than targeting the genes directly. Researchers in Spain led by Miguel Segura at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute in Barcelona review progress in developing epigenetic therapies for neuroblastomas. A growing body of fundamental research and evidence from clinical trials suggest this approach could open promising new avenues to treating aggressive and drug-resistant cancers. The authors recommend an increased effort to identify and explore the activities of small molecules that could form the basis of effective epigenetic therapies for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Jubierre
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Jiménez
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Rovira
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Soriano
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constantino Sábado
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Gros
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Llort
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sánchez de Toledo
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Segura
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
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27
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Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 is a novel regulator of MYCN in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63629-63639. [PMID: 27571165 PMCID: PMC5325390 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification or overexpression of MYCN is associated with poor prognosis of human neuroblastoma. We have recently defined a MYCN-dependent transcriptional signature, including protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), which identifies a subgroup of patients with high-risk disease. Here we provide several lines of evidence demonstrating PRMT1 as a novel regulator of MYCN and implicating PRMT1 as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma pathogenesis. First, we observed a strong correlation between MYCN and PRMT1 protein levels in primary neuroblastoma tumors. Second, MYCN physically associates with PRMT1 by direct protein-protein interaction. Third, depletion of PRMT1 through siRNA knockdown reduced neuroblastoma cell viability and MYCN expression. Fourth, we showed that PRMT1 regulates MYCN stability and identified MYCN as a novel substrate of PRMT1. Finally, we demonstrated that mutation of putatively methylated arginine R65 to alanine decreased MYCN stability by altering phosphorylation at residues serine 62 and threonine 58. These results provide mechanistic insights into the modulation of MYCN oncoprotein by PRMT1, and suggest that targeting PRMT1 may have a therapeutic impact on MYCN-driven oncogenesis.
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28
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Szemes M, Greenhough A, Melegh Z, Malik S, Yuksel A, Catchpoole D, Gallacher K, Kollareddy M, Park JH, Malik K. Wnt Signalling Drives Context-Dependent Differentiation or Proliferation in Neuroblastoma. Neoplasia 2018; 20:335-350. [PMID: 29505958 PMCID: PMC5909736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest and deadliest solid tumours of childhood, and is thought to result from disrupted differentiation of the developing sympathoadrenergic lineage of the neural crest. Neuroblastoma exhibits intra- and intertumoural heterogeneity, with high risk tumours characterised by poor differentiation, which can be attributable to MYCN-mediated repression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation. MYCN is known to co-operate with oncogenic signalling pathways such as Alk, Akt and MEK/ERK signalling, and, together with c-MYC has been shown to be activated by Wnt signalling in various tissues. However, our previous work demonstrated that Wnt3a/Rspo2 treatment of some neuroblastoma cell lines can, paradoxically, decrease c-MYC and MYCN proteins. This prompted us to define the neuroblastoma-specific Wnt3a/Rspo2-driven transcriptome using RNA sequencing, and characterise the accompanying changes in cell biology. Here we report the identification of ninety Wnt target genes, and show that Wnt signalling is upstream of numerous transcription factors and signalling pathways in neuroblastoma. Using live-cell imaging, we show that Wnt signalling can drive differentiation of SK-N-BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y cell-lines, but, conversely, proliferation of SK-N-AS cells. We show that cell-lines that differentiate show induction of pro-differentiation BMP4 and EPAS1 proteins, which is not apparent in the SK-N-AS cells. In contrast, SK-N-AS cells show increased CCND1, phosphorylated RB and E2F1 in response to Wnt3a/Rspo2, consistent with their proliferative response, and these proteins are not increased in differentiating lines. By meta-analysis of the expression of our 90 genes in primary tumour gene expression databases, we demonstrate discrete expression patterns of our Wnt genes in patient cohorts with different prognosis. Furthermore our analysis reveals interconnectivity within subsets of our Wnt genes, with one subset comprised of novel putative drivers of neuronal differentiation repressed by MYCN. Assessment of β-catenin immunohistochemistry shows high levels of β-catenin in tumours with better differentiation, further supporting a role for canonical Wnt signalling in neuroblastoma differentiation.
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Key Words
- alk, anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- atra, all-trans-retinoic acid
- bmp4, bone morphogenetic protein 4
- ccnd1, cyclin d1
- egf, epidermal growth factor
- epas1, endothelial pas domain protein 1
- erk, extracellular signal-regulated kinases
- emt, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- kegg, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes
- mapk, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- mek, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
- pbs, phosphate-buffered saline
- qrt-pcr, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- rb, retinoblastoma
- rnaseq, rna sequencing
- rspo2, r-spondin-2
- sds-page, sodium-dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- tcf/lef, t-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aysen Yuksel
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Kelli Gallacher
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Madhu Kollareddy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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29
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the neural crest almost exclusively seen in childhood. While children with single, small primary tumors are often cured with surgery alone, the 65% of children with neuroblastoma whose disease has metastasized have less than a 50% chance of surviving five years after diagnosis. Innovative pharmacological strategies are critically needed for these children. Efforts to identify novel targets that afford ablation of neuroblastoma with minimal toxicity to normal tissues are underway. Developing approaches to neuroblastoma include those that target the catecholamine transporter, ubiquitin E3 ligase, the ganglioside GD2, the retinoic acid receptor, the protein kinases ALK and Aurora, and protein arginine N-methyltransferases. Here, as examples of the use of chemistry to combat neuroblastoma, we describe targeting of the protein arginine N-methyltransferases and their role in prolonging the half-life of the neuroblastoma oncoprotein N-Myc, redox signaling in neuroblastoma, and developmentally regulated proteins expressed in primitive neuroblastoma cells but not in mature neural crest elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne N Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Xingguo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Y George Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Louis T Lotta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Abhishek Dedhe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Nina F Schor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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30
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Blanc RS, Richard S. Arginine Methylation: The Coming of Age. Mol Cell 2017; 65:8-24. [PMID: 28061334 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 647] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is a common post-translational modification functioning as an epigenetic regulator of transcription and playing key roles in pre-mRNA splicing, DNA damage signaling, mRNA translation, cell signaling, and cell fate decision. Recently, a wealth of studies using transgenic mouse models and selective PRMT inhibitors helped define physiological roles for protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) linking them to diseases such as cancer and metabolic, neurodegenerative, and muscular disorders. This review describes the recent molecular advances that have been uncovered in normal and diseased mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roméo S Blanc
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and the Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Departments of Oncology and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and the Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Departments of Oncology and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S6, Canada.
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31
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Upregulation of LYAR induces neuroblastoma cell proliferation and survival. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1645-1654. [PMID: 28686580 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-Myc oncoprotein induces neuroblastoma by regulating gene transcription and consequently causing cell proliferation. Paradoxically, N-Myc is well known to induce apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptosis genes, and it is not clear how N-Myc overexpressing neuroblastoma cells escape N-Myc-mediated apoptosis. The nuclear zinc finger protein LYAR has recently been shown to modulate gene expression by forming a protein complex with the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5. Here we showed that N-Myc upregulated LYAR gene expression by binding to its gene promoter. Genome-wide differential gene expression studies revealed that knocking down LYAR considerably upregulated the expression of oxidative stress genes including CHAC1, which depletes intracellular glutathione and induces oxidative stress. Although knocking down LYAR expression with siRNAs induced oxidative stress, neuroblastoma cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, co-treatment with the glutathione supplement N-acetyl-l-cysteine or co-transfection with CHAC1 siRNAs blocked the effect of LYAR siRNAs. Importantly, high levels of LYAR gene expression in human neuroblastoma tissues predicted poor event-free and overall survival in neuroblastoma patients, independent of the best current markers for poor prognosis. Taken together, our data suggest that LYAR induces proliferation and promotes survival of neuroblastoma cells by repressing the expression of oxidative stress genes such as CHAC1 and suppressing oxidative stress, and identify LYAR as a novel co-factor in N-Myc oncogenesis.
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32
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Estiar MA, Javan F, Zekri A, Mehrazin M, Mehdipour P. Prognostic significance of MYCN gene amplification and protein expression in primary brain tumors: Astrocytoma and meningioma. Cancer Biomark 2017; 19:341-351. [PMID: 28453467 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytoma and meningioma are the most common primary brain tumors. MYCN as a member of MYC proto-oncogenes has recently appeared as an attractive therapeutic target. Functions of MYCN are critical for growth of nervous system and neural differentiation. OBJECTIVE We examined MYCN amplification and protein expression in astrocytoma and meningioma cases. METHODS In this study, we used real-time PCR, FISH assay and flowcytometry to analyze DNA amplification and protein expression of MYCN. RESULTS Among 30 samples of brain tumor, 14 cases (46.6%) revealed MYCN amplification. High-protein expression of MYCN was also observed in 43.3% of patients. There was a significant correlation between MYCN gene amplification and protein expression (r= 0.523; p= 0.003), interestingly five case showed discrepancy between the gene amplification and protein expression. Although MYCN amplification fails to show correlation with poor prognosis (p= 0.305), protein high-expression of MYCN significantly reduce disease-free survival (p= 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Our results challenge the concept of the neural specificity of MYCN by demonstrating contribution of MYCN in meningioma. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of research at both level of DNA and protein, to determine the biological functions and medical impacts of MYCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Asghari Estiar
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firouzeh Javan
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zekri
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mehrazin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Mehdipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Speleman F, Park JR, Henderson TO. Neuroblastoma: A Tough Nut to Crack. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2017; 35:e548-57. [PMID: 27249766 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_159169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, an embryonal tumor arising from neural crest-derived progenitor cells, is the most common solid tumor in childhood, with more than 700 cases diagnosed per year in the United States. In the past several decades, significant advances have been made in the treatment of neuroblastoma. Treatment advances reflect improved understanding of the biology of neuroblastoma. Although amplification of MYCN was discovered in the early 1980s, our understanding of neuroblastoma oncogenesis has advanced in the last decade as a result of high-throughput genomic analysis, exome and whole-genome sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and synthetic lethal drug screens. Our refined understanding of neuroblastoma biology and genetics is reflected in improved prognostic stratification and appropriate tailoring of therapy in recent clinical trials. Moreover, for high-risk neuroblastoma, a disease that was uniformly fatal 3 decades ago, recent clinical trials incorporating autologous hematopoietic transplant and immunotherapy utilizing anti-GD2 antibody plus cytokines have shown improved event-free and overall survival. These advances have resulted in a growing population of long-term survivors of neuroblastoma. Examination of the late effects and second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in both older generations of survivors and more recently treated survivors will inform both design of future trials and surveillance guidelines for long-term follow-up. As a consequence of advances in understanding of the biology of neuroblastoma, successful clinical trials, and refined understanding of the late effects and SMNs of survivors, the promise of precision medicine is becoming a reality for patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Speleman
- From the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Julie R Park
- From the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Tara O Henderson
- From the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL
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Vieira GC, Chockalingam S, Melegh Z, Greenhough A, Malik S, Szemes M, Park JH, Kaidi A, Zhou L, Catchpoole D, Morgan R, Bates DO, Gabb PD, Malik K. LGR5 regulates pro-survival MEK/ERK and proliferative Wnt/β-catenin signalling in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:40053-67. [PMID: 26517508 PMCID: PMC4741879 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
LGR5 is a marker of normal and cancer stem cells in various tissues where it functions as a receptor for R-spondins and increases canonical Wnt signalling amplitude. Here we report that LGR5 is also highly expressed in a subset of high grade neuroblastomas. Neuroblastoma is a clinically heterogenous paediatric cancer comprising a high proportion of poor prognosis cases (~40%) which are frequently lethal. Unlike many cancers, Wnt pathway mutations are not apparent in neuroblastoma, although previous microarray analyses have implicated deregulated Wnt signalling in high-risk neuroblastoma. We demonstrate that LGR5 facilitates high Wnt signalling in neuroblastoma cell lines treated with Wnt3a and R-spondins, with SK-N-BE(2)-C, SK-N-NAS and SH-SY5Y cell-lines all displaying strong Wnt induction. These lines represent MYCN-amplified, NRAS and ALK mutant neuroblastoma subtypes respectively. Wnt3a/R-Spondin treatment also promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin, increased proliferation and activation of Wnt target genes. Strikingly, short-interfering RNA mediated knockdown of LGR5 induces dramatic Wnt-independent apoptosis in all three cell-lines, accompanied by greatly diminished phosphorylation of mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MEK1/2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and an increase of BimEL, an apoptosis facilitator downstream of ERK. Akt signalling is also decreased by a Rictor dependent, PDK1-independent mechanism. LGR5 expression is cell cycle regulated and LGR5 depletion triggers G1 cell-cycle arrest, increased p27 and decreased phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. Our study therefore characterises new cancer-associated pathways regulated by LGR5, and suggest that targeting of LGR5 may be of therapeutic benefit for neuroblastomas with diverse etiologies, as well as other cancers expressing high LGR5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Cunha Vieira
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Chockalingam
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Colorectal Cancer Laboratory, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Abderrahmane Kaidi
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Li Zhou
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhys Morgan
- Colorectal Cancer Laboratory, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David O Bates
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter David Gabb
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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35
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Li G, Gao Y, Cui L, Wu L, Yang X, Chen J. Anguilla japonicalectin 1 delivery through adenovirus vector induces apoptotic cancer cell death through interaction with PRMT5. J Gene Med 2016; 18:65-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gongchu Li
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Yajun Gao
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Lianzhen Cui
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Liqin Wu
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Xinyan Yang
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences; Hangzhou Normal University; Hangzhou Zhejiang China
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36
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Hu H, Qian K, Ho MC, Zheng YG. Small Molecule Inhibitors of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:335-58. [PMID: 26789238 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2016.1144747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arginine methylation is an abundant posttranslational modification occurring in mammalian cells and catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Misregulation and aberrant expression of PRMTs are associated with various disease states, notably cancer. PRMTs are prominent therapeutic targets in drug discovery. AREAS COVERED The authors provide an updated review of the research on the development of chemical modulators for PRMTs. Great efforts are seen in screening and designing potent and selective PRMT inhibitors, and a number of micromolar and submicromolar inhibitors have been obtained for key PRMT enzymes such as PRMT1, CARM1, and PRMT5. The authors provide a focus on their chemical structures, mechanism of action, and pharmacological activities. Pros and cons of each type of inhibitors are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Several key challenging issues exist in PRMT inhibitor discovery. Structural mechanisms of many PRMT inhibitors remain unclear. There lacks consistency in potency data due to divergence of assay methods and conditions. Physiologically relevant cellular assays are warranted. Substantial engagements are needed to investigate pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the new PRMT inhibitors in pertinent disease models. Discovery and evaluation of potent, isoform-selective, cell-permeable and in vivo-active PRMT modulators will continue to be an active arena of research in years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Hu
- a Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences , The University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - Kun Qian
- a Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences , The University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - Meng-Chiao Ho
- b Institute of Biological Chemistry , Academia Sinica , Nankang , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Y George Zheng
- a Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences , The University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
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37
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Myc and Omomyc functionally associate with the Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in glioblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15494. [PMID: 26563484 PMCID: PMC4643314 DOI: 10.1038/srep15494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Myc protein is dysregulated in many human cancers and its function has not been fully elucitated yet. The c-Myc inhibitor Omomyc displays potent anticancer properties in animal models. It perturbs the c-Myc protein network, impairs c-Myc binding to the E-boxes, retaining transrepressive properties and inducing histone deacetylation. Here we have employed Omomyc to further analyse c-Myc activity at the epigenetic level. We show that both Myc and Omomyc stimulate histone H4 symmetric dimethylation of arginine (R) 3 (H4R3me2s), in human glioblastoma and HEK293T cells. Consistently, both associated with protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)—the catalyst of the reaction—and its co-factor Methylosome Protein 50 (MEP50). Confocal experiments showed that Omomyc co-localized with c-Myc, PRMT5 and H4R3me2s-enriched chromatin domains. Finally, interfering with PRMT5 activity impaired target gene activation by Myc whereas it restrained Omomyc-dependent repression. The identification of a histone-modifying complex associated with Omomyc represents the first demonstration of an active role of this miniprotein in modifying chromatin structure and adds new information regarding its action on c-Myc targets. More importantly, the observation that c-Myc may recruit PRMT5-MEP50, inducing H4R3 symmetric di-methylation, suggests previously unpredictable roles for c-Myc in gene expression regulation and new potential targets for therapy.
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38
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Horiuchi KY. Challenges in profiling and lead optimization of drug discovery for methyltransferases. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2015; 18:62-68. [PMID: 26723894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The importance of epigenetics in the initiation and progression of disease has attracted many investigators to incorporate this novel and exciting field in drug development. Protein methyltransferases are one of the target classes which have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets after promising results of inhibitors for EZH2 and DOT1L in clinical trials. There are many technologies developed in order to find small molecule inhibitors for protein methyltransferases. However, in contrast to high throughput screening, profiling against different methyltransferases is challenging since each enzyme has a different substrate preference so that it is hard to profile in one assay format. Here, different technologies for methyltransferase assays will be overviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurumi Y Horiuchi
- Reaction Biology Corporation, One Great Valley Parkway, Suite 2, Malvern, PA 19355, USA.
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39
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Pak MG, Lee HW, Roh MS. High nuclear expression of protein arginine methyltransferase-5 is a potentially useful marker to estimate submucosal invasion in endoscopically resected early colorectal carcinoma. Pathol Int 2015; 65:541-8. [PMID: 26248553 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase-5 (PRMT5), a major type II arginine methyltransferase, is an important epigenetic modifier with oncogene-like properties because of its ability to repress the expression of tumor suppressor genes. We determined the correlations between PRMT5 expression or its cellular localization and malignant progression, with special reference to invasiveness, in colorectal adenomas and early colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). We performed immunohistochemical detection of PRMT5 in 108 endoscopically resected tissue samples (6 adenomas with low-grade dysplasia, 34 adenomas with high-grade dysplasia, 30 intramucosal carcinomas, and 38 submucosal invasive carcinomas). Early CRC (55 of 68, 80.9%) showed more frequent nuclear expression of PRMT5 than adenoma (15 of 40, 37.5%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, high (strong staining in ≥ 50% of nuclei) nuclear expression of PRMT5 was more common in submucosal invasive carcinoma (21 of 38, 55.3%) than in intramucosal carcinoma (9 of 30, 30.0%) (P = 0.037). In conclusion, our data suggests that high nuclear expression of PRMT5 is a potentially useful marker for estimating submucosal invasion of early CRC in endoscopically resected specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gyoung Pak
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyoun Wook Lee
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Mee Sook Roh
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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40
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Quan X, Yue W, Luo Y, Cao J, Wang H, Wang Y, Lu Z. The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 regulates Aβ-induced toxicity in human cells and Caenorhabditis elegans
models of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2015; 134:969-77. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Quan
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Wenhui Yue
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Yunfeng Luo
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Zhongbing Lu
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
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41
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Park JH, Szemes M, Vieira GC, Melegh Z, Malik S, Heesom KJ, Von Wallwitz-Freitas L, Greenhough A, Brown KW, Zheng YG, Catchpoole D, Deery MJ, Malik K. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 is a key regulator of the MYCN oncoprotein in neuroblastoma cells. Mol Oncol 2014; 9:617-27. [PMID: 25475372 PMCID: PMC4359099 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of poor prognosis neuroblastomas (NBs) are characterized by pathognomonic MYCN gene amplification and MYCN over-expression. Here we present data showing that short-interfering RNA mediated depletion of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in cell-lines representative of NBs with MYCN gene amplification leads to greatly impaired growth and apoptosis. Growth suppression is not apparent in the MYCN-negative SH-SY5Y NB cell-line, or in two immortalized human fibroblast cell-lines. Immunoblotting of NB cell-lines shows that high PRMT5 expression is strongly associated with MYCN-amplification (P < 0.004, Mann-Whitney U-test) and immunohistochemical analysis of primary NBs reveals that whilst PRMT5 protein is ubiquitously expressed in the cytoplasm of most cells, MYCN-amplified tumours exhibit pronounced nuclear PRMT5 staining. PRMT5 knockdown in MYCN-overexpressing cells, including the SHEP-21N cell-line with inducible MYCN expression leads to a dramatic decrease in MYCN protein and MYCN-associated cell-death in SHEP-21N cells. Quantitative gene expression analysis and cycloheximide chase experiments suggest that PRMT5 regulates MYCN at a post-transcriptional level. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that endogenous PRMT5 and MYCN interact in both SK-N-BE(2)C and NGP cell lines. By using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of immunoprecipitated MYCN protein, we identified several potential sites of arginine dimethylation on the MYCN protein. Together our studies implicate PRMT5 in a novel mode of MYCN post-translational regulation and suggest PRMT5 plays a major role in NB tumorigenesis. Small-molecule inhibitors of PRMT5 may therefore represent a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma and other cancers driven by the MYCN oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Kate J Heesom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Alexander Greenhough
- Colorectal Cancer Laboratory, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Keith W Brown
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Y George Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4098, USA
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Michael J Deery
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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