1
|
Tong D, Tang Y, Zhong P. The emerging roles of histone demethylases in cancers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:795-821. [PMID: 38227150 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Modulation of histone methylation status is regarded as an important mechanism of epigenetic regulation and has substantial clinical potential for the therapy of diseases, including cancer and other disorders. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the enzymology of histone demethylases, as well as their cancerous roles, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic possibilities, and challenges for targeting them, in order to advance drug design for clinical therapy and highlight new insight into the mechanisms of these enzymes in cancer. A series of clinical trials have been performed to explore potential roles of histone demethylases in several cancer types. Numerous targeted inhibitors associated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy have been used to exert anticancer functions. Future studies should evaluate the dynamic transformation of histone demethylases leading to carcinogenesis and explore individual therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dali Tong
- Department of Urological Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Peng Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gopalan A. Treatment-related Neuroendocrine Prostate Carcinoma-Diagnostic and Molecular Correlates. Adv Anat Pathol 2024; 31:70-79. [PMID: 38223983 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Treatment-related neuroendocrine prostate cancer is a distinctive category of prostate cancer that arises after intensive suppression of the androgen receptor by next-generation therapeutic inhibition of androgen receptor signaling. The biological processes that set in motion the series of events resulting in transformation of adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine carcinoma include genomic (loss of tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1, amplification of oncogenes N-MYC and Aurora Kinase A, dysregulation of transcription factors SOX2, achaete-scute-homolog 1, and others) as well as epigenomic (DNA methylation, EZH2 overexpression, and others). Pathologic diagnosis is key to effective therapy for this disease, and this is aided by localizing metastatic lesions for biopsy using radioligand imaging in the appropriate clinical context. As our understanding of biology evolves, there has been increased morphologic recognition and characterization of tumor phenotypes that are present in this advanced post-treatment setting. New and promising biomarkers (delta-like ligand 3 and others) have been discovered, which opens up novel therapeutic avenues including immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates for this lethal disease with currently limited treatment options.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zamora I, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. Targeting Key Players of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13673. [PMID: 37761978 PMCID: PMC10531052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813673] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer (PC) that commonly emerges through a transdifferentiation process from prostate adenocarcinoma and evades conventional therapies. Extensive molecular research has revealed factors that drive lineage plasticity, uncovering novel therapeutic targets to be explored. A diverse array of targeting agents is currently under evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical studies with promising results in suppressing or reversing the neuroendocrine phenotype and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This new knowledge has the potential to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that may enhance the clinical management and prognosis of this lethal disease. In the present review, we discuss molecular players involved in the neuroendocrine phenotype, and we explore therapeutic strategies that are currently under investigation for NEPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio J. Encío
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Handle F, Puhr M, Gruber M, Andolfi C, Schäfer G, Klocker H, Haybaeck J, De Wulf P, Culig Z. The Oncogenic Protein Kinase/ATPase RIOK1 Is Up-Regulated via the c-myc/E2F Transcription Factor Axis in Prostate Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1284-1297. [PMID: 37301535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The atypical protein kinase/ATPase RIO kinase (RIOK)-1 is involved in pre-40S ribosomal subunit production, cell-cycle progression, and protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 methylosome substrate recruitment. RIOK1 overexpression is a characteristic of several malignancies and is correlated with cancer stage, therapy resistance, poor patient survival, and other prognostic factors. However, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown. In this study, the expression, regulation, and therapeutic potential of RIOK1 in PCa were examined. RIOK1 mRNA and protein expression were elevated in PCa tissue samples and correlated with proliferative and protein homeostasis-related pathways. RIOK1 was identified as a downstream target gene of the c-myc/E2F transcription factors. Proliferation of PCa cells was significantly reduced with RIOK1 knockdown and overexpression of the dominant-negative RIOK1-D324A mutant. Biochemical inhibition of RIOK1 with toyocamycin led to strong antiproliferative effects in androgen receptor-negative and -positive PCa cell lines with EC50 values of 3.5 to 8.8 nmol/L. Rapid decreases in RIOK1 protein expression and total rRNA content, and a shift in the 28S/18S rRNA ratio, were found with toyocamycin treatment. Apoptosis was induced with toyocamycin treatment at a level similar to that with the chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel used in clinical practice. In summary, the current study indicates that RIOK1 is a part of the MYC oncogene network, and as such, could be considered for future treatment of patients with PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Handle
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Puhr
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Gruber
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Chiara Andolfi
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter De Wulf
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Zoran Culig
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Imamura J, Ganguly S, Muskara A, Liao RS, Nguyen JK, Weight C, Wee CE, Gupta S, Mian OY. Lineage plasticity and treatment resistance in prostate cancer: the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, and evolution. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1191311. [PMID: 37455903 PMCID: PMC10349394 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1191311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer, and the development of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the primary cause of prostate cancer-related mortality. While CRPC typically develops through a gain in androgen receptor (AR) signaling, a subset of CRPC will lose reliance on the AR. This process involves genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal changes that promote cellular plasticity, leading to AR-indifferent disease, with neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) being the quintessential example. NEPC is enriched following treatment with second-generation anti-androgens and exhibits resistance to endocrine therapy. Loss of RB1, TP53, and PTEN expression and MYCN and AURKA amplification appear to be key drivers for NEPC differentiation. Epigenetic modifications also play an important role in the transition to a neuroendocrine phenotype. DNA methylation of specific gene promoters can regulate lineage commitment and differentiation. Histone methylation can suppress AR expression and promote neuroendocrine-specific gene expression. Emerging data suggest that EZH2 is a key regulator of this epigenetic rewiring. Several mechanisms drive AR-dependent castration resistance, notably AR splice variant expression, expression of the adrenal-permissive 3βHSD1 allele, and glucocorticoid receptor expression. Aberrant epigenetic regulation also promotes radioresistance by altering the expression of DNA repair- and cell cycle-related genes. Novel therapies are currently being developed to target these diverse genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal mechanisms promoting lineage plasticity-driven NEPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarrell Imamura
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Shinjini Ganguly
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Andrew Muskara
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ross S. Liao
- Glickman Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jane K. Nguyen
- Glickman Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Christopher Weight
- Glickman Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Christopher E. Wee
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Shilpa Gupta
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Omar Y. Mian
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yoshida M, Oda C, Mishima K, Tsuji I, Obika S, Shimojo M. An antisense amido-bridged nucleic acid gapmer oligonucleotide targeting SRRM4 alters REST splicing and exhibits anti-tumor effects in small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:8. [PMID: 36650528 PMCID: PMC9847160 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) medicine for clinical applications has been becoming a reality. We previously developed a gapmer ASO targeting Ser/Arg repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4) that is abnormally expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However the detailed mechanism of ASO through repressing SRRM4 has not been completely elucidated. Further, effectiveness of SRRM4 ASO to prostate cancer (PCa) cells expressing SRRM4 similar to SCLC remains to be elucidated. RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is a tumor suppressor, and its splicing isoform (sREST) is abnormally expressed by SRRM4 and causes carcinogenesis with neuroendocrine phenotype in SCLC. The present study aimed to understand the contribution of REST splicing by SRRM4 ASO administration. METHODS SRRM4 expression and REST splicing were analyzed by RT-qPCR and conventional RT-PCR after treating SRRM4 ASO, and cell viability was analyzed in vitro. Exogenous reconstitution of Flag-tagged REST plasmid in SCLC cells and the splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) specific for REST was analyzed for cell viability. Furthermore, we expanded the application of SRRM4 ASO in PCa cells abnormally expressing SRRM4 mRNA in vitro. RESULTS SRRM4 ASO successfully downregulated SRRM4 expression, followed by repressed cell viability of SCLC and PCa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of SRRM4 ASO then modified the alternative splicing of REST, resulting reduced cell viability. REST SSO specifically modified REST splicing increased REST expression, resulting in reduced cell viability. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that a gapmer ASO targeting SRRM4 (SRRM4 ASO) reduces cell viability through splicing changes of REST, followed by affecting REST-controlled genes in recalcitrant tumors SCLC and PCa cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Misa Yoshida
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Chihiro Oda
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Keishiro Mishima
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Itsuki Tsuji
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871 Japan ,grid.482562.fNational Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085 Japan
| | - Masahito Shimojo
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu S, Alabi BR, Yin Q, Stoyanova T. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:57-68. [PMID: 35597438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths among men in the United States. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer. While patients with advanced prostate cancer initially respond to ADT, the disease frequently progresses to a lethal metastatic form, defined as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). After multiple rounds of anti-androgen therapies, 20-25% of metastatic CRPCs develop a neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype. These tumors are classified as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). De novo NEPC is rare and accounts for less than 2% of all prostate cancers at diagnosis. NEPC is commonly characterized by the expression of NE markers and the absence of androgen receptor (AR) expression. NEPC is usually associated with tumor aggressiveness, hormone therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcome. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of NEPC and provide insights into the future perspectives on potential therapeutic strategies for NEPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Busola Ruth Alabi
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Qingqing Yin
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tanya Stoyanova
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Storck WK, May AM, Westbrook TC, Duan Z, Morrissey C, Yates JA, Alumkal JJ. The Role of Epigenetic Change in Therapy-Induced Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer Lineage Plasticity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:926585. [PMID: 35909568 PMCID: PMC9329809 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.926585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway is critical for growth and differentiation of prostate cancer cells. For that reason, androgen deprivation therapy with medical or surgical castration is the principal treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. More recently, new potent AR signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) have been developed. These drugs improve survival for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the lethal form of the disease. However, ARSI resistance is nearly universal. One recently appreciated resistance mechanism is lineage plasticity or switch from an AR-driven, luminal differentiation program to an alternate differentiation program. Importantly, lineage plasticity appears to be increasing in incidence in the era of new ARSIs, strongly implicating AR suppression in this process. Lineage plasticity and shift from AR-driven tumors occur on a continuum, ranging from AR-expressing tumors with low AR activity to AR-null tumors that have activation of alternate differentiation programs versus the canonical luminal program found in AR-driven tumors. In many cases, AR loss coincides with the activation of a neuronal program, most commonly exemplified as therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC). While genetic events clearly contribute to prostate cancer lineage plasticity, it is also clear that epigenetic events-including chromatin modifications and DNA methylation-play a major role. Many epigenetic factors are now targetable with drugs, establishing the importance of clarifying critical epigenetic factors that promote lineage plasticity. Furthermore, epigenetic marks are readily measurable, demonstrating the importance of clarifying which measurements will help to identify tumors that have undergone or are at risk of undergoing lineage plasticity. In this review, we discuss the role of AR pathway loss and activation of a neuronal differentiation program as key contributors to t-NEPC lineage plasticity. We also discuss new epigenetic therapeutic strategies to reverse lineage plasticity, including those that have recently entered clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William K. Storck
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Allison M. May
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Thomas C. Westbrook
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Zhi Duan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Joel A. Yates
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joshi J. Alumkal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tyner JW, Haderk F, Kumaraswamy A, Baughn LB, Van Ness B, Liu S, Marathe H, Alumkal JJ, Bivona TG, Chan KS, Druker BJ, Hutson AD, Nelson PS, Sawyers CL, Willey CD. Understanding Drug Sensitivity and Tackling Resistance in Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1448-1460. [PMID: 35195258 PMCID: PMC9018544 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the development of novel therapeutics have yielded a number of remarkable successes. However, our ability to broadly assign effective, rationally targeted therapies in a personalized manner remains elusive for many patients, and drug resistance persists as a major problem. This is in part due to the well-documented heterogeneity of cancer, including the diversity of tumor cell lineages and cell states, the spectrum of somatic mutations, the complexity of microenvironments, and immune-suppressive features and immune repertoires, which collectively require numerous different therapeutic approaches. Here, we describe a framework to understand the types and biological causes of resistance, providing translational opportunities to tackle drug resistance by rational therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W. Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Franziska Haderk
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Linda B. Baughn
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Brian Van Ness
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Himangi Marathe
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Joshi J. Alumkal
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Trever G. Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Keith Syson Chan
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brian J. Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alan D. Hutson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles L. Sawyers
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Christopher D. Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Merkens L, Sailer V, Lessel D, Janzen E, Greimeier S, Kirfel J, Perner S, Pantel K, Werner S, von Amsberg G. Aggressive variants of prostate cancer: underlying mechanisms of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:46. [PMID: 35109899 PMCID: PMC8808994 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a hormone-driven disease and its tumor cell growth highly relies on increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Therefore, targeted therapy directed against androgen synthesis or AR activation is broadly used and continually improved. However, a subset of patients eventually progresses to castration-resistant disease. To date, various mechanisms of resistance have been identified including the development of AR-independent aggressive variant prostate cancer based on neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED). Here, we review the highly complex processes contributing to NED. Genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional aberrations and posttranscriptional modifications are highlighted and the potential interplay of the different factors is discussed. Background Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) with traits of neuroendocrine differentiation emerges in a rising number of patients in recent years. Among others, advanced therapies targeting the androgen receptor axis have been considered causative for this development. Cell growth of AVPC often occurs completely independent of the androgen receptor signal transduction pathway and cells have mostly lost the typical cellular features of prostate adenocarcinoma. This complicates both diagnosis and treatment of this very aggressive disease. We believe that a deeper understanding of the complex molecular pathological mechanisms contributing to transdifferentiation will help to improve diagnostic procedures and develop effective treatment strategies. Indeed, in recent years, many scientists have made important contributions to unravel possible causes and mechanisms in the context of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. However, the complexity of the diverse molecular pathways has not been captured completely, yet. This narrative review comprehensively highlights the individual steps of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and makes an important contribution in bringing together the results found so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Merkens
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Verena Sailer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Davor Lessel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ella Janzen
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Greimeier
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany.,Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Werner
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg HaTRiCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Martini-Klinik, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Han W, Liu M, Han D, Li M, Toure AA, Wang Z, Besschetnova A, Patalano S, Macoska JA, Gao S, He HH, Cai C. RB1 loss in castration-resistant prostate cancer confers vulnerability to LSD1 inhibition. Oncogene 2022; 41:852-864. [PMID: 34975152 PMCID: PMC8818029 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genomic loss of RB1 is a common alteration in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and is associated with poor patient outcomes. RB1 loss is also a critical event that promotes the neuroendocrine transdifferentiation of prostate cancer (PCa) induced by the androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibition (ARSi). The loss of Rb protein disrupts the Rb-E2F repressor complex and thus hyperactivates E2F transcription activators. While the impact of Rb inactivation on PCa progression and linage plasticity has been previously studied, there is a pressing need to fully understand underlying mechanisms and identify vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted in Rb-deficient CRPC. Using an integrated cistromic and transcriptomic analysis, we have characterized Rb activities in multiple CRPC models by identifying Rb-directly regulated genes and revealed that Rb has distinct binding sites and targets in CRPC with different genomic backgrounds. Significantly, we show that E2F1 chromatin binding and transcription activity in Rb-deficient CRPC are highly dependent on LSD1/KDM1A, and that Rb inactivation sensitizes CRPC tumor to the LSD1 inhibitor treatment. These results provide new molecular insights into Rb activity in PCa progression and suggest that targeting LSD1 activity with small molecule inhibitors may be a potential treatment strategy to treat Rb-deficient CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Mingyu Liu
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Muqing Li
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Anthia A Toure
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Anna Besschetnova
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Susan Patalano
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Jill A Macoska
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shuai Gao
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Changmeng Cai
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen J, Liao Y, Li R, Luo M, Wu G, Tan R, Xiao Z. Immunotherapeutic Significance of a Prognostic Alternative Splicing Signature in Bladder Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221090093. [PMID: 35509211 PMCID: PMC9083046 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221090093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in men in the United States. Aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events are involved in the carcinogenesis, but the association between AS and bladder cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to construct an AS-based prognostic signature and elucidate the role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy in bladder cancer. Methods: Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to detect prognosis-related AS events. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox analyses were employed to build prognostic signatures. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted to validate the prognostic signatures. Then, the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) and tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) databases were searched and the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm and CIBERSORT method were performed to uncover the context of TIME in bladder cancer. The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) web tool and pRRophetic algorithm were used to predict the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Finally, we constructed a correlation network between splicing factors (SFs) and survival-related AS events. Results: A total of 4684 AS events were significantly associated with overall survival in patients with bladder cancer. Eight prognostic signatures of bladder cancer were established, and a clinical survival prediction model was built. In addition, the consolidated prognostic signature was closely related to immune infiltration and the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, the correlation identified EIF3A, DDX21, SDE2, TNPO1, and RNF40 as hub SFs, and function analysis found ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is correlated most significantly with survival-associated AS events. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the prognostic value of AS for patients with bladder cancer and reveal pivotal players of AS events in the context of TIME and the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, which may be important for patient management and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, 34706University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yangjie Liao
- 504354The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Rui Li
- 22494Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingjiang Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, 34706University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Guanlin Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, 58305Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruirong Tan
- 22494Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,International Center for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihong Xiao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, 34706University of South China, Hengyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Calderon-Aparicio A, Wang BD. Prostate cancer: Alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts in tumor progression and their uses as therapeutic targets. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 141:106096. [PMID: 34653618 PMCID: PMC8639776 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106096] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. Current therapies show early antitumor responses, but ultimately lead to treatment resistance, relapse and poorer survival in patients. Alternative RNA splicing, a cell mechanism increasing the proteome diversity by producing multiple transcripts from a single gene, has been associated with prostate cancer development/progression. Reports showed that many aberrant mRNA splice variants are upregulated in prostate cancer, promoting malignancy through enhanced proliferation, metastasis, tumor growth, anti-apoptosis, and/or treatment resistance. Here, we discuss the oncogenic properties of aberrant splicing mechanisms underlying prostate cancer pathogenesis, as well as the uses of the splicing variants as potential diagnostics and treatment targets. Finally, we discuss the pharmacologic and molecular approaches for targeting aberrant splicing mechanisms as effective therapies to correct the splicing errors and overcome the drug resistance, ultimately improving the clinical outcome of prostate cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Calderon-Aparicio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Bi-Dar Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Labrecque MP, Brown LG, Coleman IM, Lakely B, Brady NJ, Lee JK, Nguyen HM, Li D, Hanratty B, Haffner MC, Rickman DS, True LD, Lin DW, Lam HM, Alumkal JJ, Corey E, Nelson PS, Morrissey C. RNA splicing factors SRRM3 and SRRM4 distinguish molecular phenotypes of castration-resistant neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4736-4750. [PMID: 34312180 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an increasingly common clinical feature arising from cellular plasticity. We recently characterized two mCRPC phenotypes with NE features: androgen receptor (AR)-positive NE-positive amphicrine prostate cancer (AMPC) and AR-negative small cell or neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNPC). Here, we interrogated the regulation of RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), a transcriptional repressor of neuronal genes, and elucidated molecular programs driving AMPC and SCNPC biology. Analysis of prostate cancer (PC) cell lines, mCRPC specimens, and LuCaP patient-derived xenograft models detected alternative splicing of REST to REST4 and attenuated REST repressor activity in AMPC and SCNPC. The REST locus was also hypermethylated and REST expression was reduced in SCNPC. While serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 4 (SRRM4) was previously implicated in alternative splicing of REST in mCRPC, we detected SRRM3 expression in REST4-positive, SRRM4-negative AMPC and SCNPC. In CRPC cell lines, SRRM3 induced alternative splicing of REST to REST4 and exacerbated the expression of REST-repressed genes. Furthermore, SRRM3 and SRRM4 expression defined molecular subsets of AMPC and SCNPC across species and tumor types. Two AMPC phenotypes and three SCNPC phenotypes were characterized, denoted either by REST attenuation and ASCL1 activity or by progressive activation of neuronal transcription factor programs, respectively. These results nominate SRRM3 as the principal REST splicing factor expressed in early NE differentiation and provide a framework to molecularly classify diverse NE phenotypes in mCRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilsa M Coleman
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | | | | | - John K Lee
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | | | | | | | | | - David S Rickman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | | | | | - Hung-Ming Lam
- Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Joshi J Alumkal
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Labrecque MP, Alumkal JJ, Coleman IM, Nelson PS, Morrissey C. The heterogeneity of prostate cancers lacking AR activity will require diverse treatment approaches. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:T51-T66. [PMID: 33792558 PMCID: PMC8292199 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of androgen deprivation therapy and second-line anti-androgens in prostate cancer has led to the emergence of tumors employing multiple androgen receptor (AR)-dependent and AR-independent mechanisms to resist AR-targeted therapies in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). While the AR signaling axis remains the cornerstone for therapeutic development in CRPC, a clearer understanding of the heterogeneous biology of CRPC tumors is needed for innovative treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of CRPC tumors that lack AR activity and the temporal and spatial considerations for the conversion of an AR-dependent to an AR-independent tumor type. We describe the more prevalent treatment-emergent phenotypes arising in the CRPC disease continuum, including amphicrine, AR-low, double-negative, neuroendocrine and small cell phenotypes. We discuss the association between the loss of AR activity and tumor plasticity with a focus on the roles of transcription factors like SOX2, DNA methylation, alternative splicing, and the activity of epigenetic modifiers like EZH2, BRD4, LSD1, and the nBAF complex in conversion to a neuroendocrine or small cell phenotype in CRPC. We hypothesize that only a subset of CRPC tumors have the propensity for tumor plasticity and conversion to the neuroendocrine phenotype and outline how we might target these plastic and emergent phenotypes in CRPC. In conclusion, we assess the current and future avenues for treatment and determine that the heterogeneity of CRPCs lacking AR activity will require diverse treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Labrecque
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of
Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joshi J. Alumkal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rogel Cancer Center,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Ilsa M. Coleman
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of
Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of
Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Corresponding author Telephone: 206-543-1461, Fax:
206-543-1146,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kumaraswamy A, Welker Leng KR, Westbrook TC, Yates JA, Zhao SG, Evans CP, Feng FY, Morgan TM, Alumkal JJ. Recent Advances in Epigenetic Biomarkers and Epigenetic Targeting in Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 2021; 80:71-81. [PMID: 33785255 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic alterations play a crucial role during prostate cancer progression. A better understanding of the epigenetic factors that promote prostate cancer progression may lead to the design of rational therapeutic strategies to target prostate cancer more effectively. OBJECTIVE To systematically review recent literature on the role of epigenetic factors in prostate cancer and highlight key preclinical and translational data with epigenetic therapies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a systemic literature search in PubMed. At the request of the editors, we limited our search to articles published between January 2015 and August 2020 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Clinical trials targeting epigenetic factors were retrieved from clinicaltrials.gov. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS We retrieved 1451 articles, and 62 were finally selected for review. Twelve additional foundational studies outside this time frame were also included. Findings from both preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed and summarized. We also discuss 12 ongoing clinical studies with epigenetic targeted therapies. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic mechanisms impact prostate cancer progression. Understanding the role of specific epigenetic factors is critical to determine how we may improve prostate cancer treatment and modulate resistance to standard therapies. Recent preclinical studies and ongoing or completed clinical studies with epigenetic therapies provide a useful roadmap for how to best deploy epigenetic therapies clinically to target prostate cancer. PATIENT SUMMARY Epigenetics is a process by which gene expression is regulated without changes in the DNA sequence itself. Oftentimes, epigenetic changes influence cellular behavior and contribute to cancer development or progression. Understanding how epigenetic changes occur in prostate cancer is the first step toward therapeutic targeting in patients. Importantly, laboratory-based studies and recently completed and ongoing clinical trials suggest that drugs targeting epigenetic factors are promising. More work is necessary to determine whether this class of drugs will add to our existing treatment arsenal in prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel A Yates
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuang G Zhao
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher P Evans
- Department of Urologic Surgery and UC Davis Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Felix Y Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Todd M Morgan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joshi J Alumkal
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cheng WC, Wang HJ. Current advances of targeting epigenetic modifications in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Tzu Chi Med J 2021; 33:224-232. [PMID: 34386358 PMCID: PMC8323647 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_220_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is the most lethal malignancy of prostate cancer (PCa). Treatment with next-generation androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) has successfully extended patients' lifespan. However, with the emergence of drug resistance, PCa tumors increasingly adapt to potent ARPI therapies by transitioning to alternative cellular lineage. Such therapy-induced drug resistance is largely driven from the cellular plasticity of PCa cells to alter their phenotypes of AR independence for cell growth and survival. Some of the resistant PCa cells undergo cellular reprogramming to form neuroendocrine phenotypes. Recent evidences suggest that this cellular reprogramming or the lineage plasticity is driven by dysregulation of the epigenome and transcriptional networks. Aberrant DNA methylation and altered expression of epigenetic modifiers, such as enhancer of zeste-homolog 2, transcription factors, histone demethylases, are hallmarks of NEPC. In this review, we discuss the nature of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of PCa cells which lose their AR independence and transition to the neuroendocrine lineage. We also discuss how oncogenic signaling and metabolic reprogramming fuel epigenetic and transcriptional alterations. In addition, the current state of epigenetic therapies for NEPC is addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Cheng
- SDGs Teaching and Research Headquarters, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jung Wang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Doctoral Degree Program in Translational Medicine, Tzu Chi University and Academia Sinica, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yang GJ, Zhu MH, Lu XJ, Liu YJ, Lu JF, Leung CH, Ma DL, Chen J. The emerging role of KDM5A in human cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:30. [PMID: 33596982 PMCID: PMC7888121 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01041-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone methylation is a key posttranslational modification of chromatin, and its dysregulation affects a wide array of nuclear activities including the maintenance of genome integrity, transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic inheritance. Variations in the pattern of histone methylation influence both physiological and pathological events. Lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A, also known as JARID1A or RBP2) is a KDM5 Jumonji histone demethylase subfamily member that erases di- and tri-methyl groups from lysine 4 of histone H3. Emerging studies indicate that KDM5A is responsible for driving multiple human diseases, particularly cancers. In this review, we summarize the roles of KDM5A in human cancers, survey the field of KDM5A inhibitors including their anticancer activity and modes of action, and the current challenges and potential opportunities of this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Jiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Department of Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tiwari R, Manzar N, Ateeq B. Dynamics of Cellular Plasticity in Prostate Cancer Progression. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:130. [PMID: 32754615 PMCID: PMC7365877 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the current advances in the treatment for prostate cancer, the patients often develop resistance to the conventional therapeutic interventions. Therapy-induced drug resistance and tumor progression have been associated with cellular plasticity acquired due to reprogramming at the molecular and phenotypic levels. The plasticity of the tumor cells is mainly governed by two factors: cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic. The cell-intrinsic factors involve alteration in the genetic or epigenetic regulators, while cell-extrinsic factors include microenvironmental cues and drug-induced selective pressure. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness are two important hallmarks that dictate cellular plasticity in multiple cancer types including prostate. Emerging evidence has also pinpointed the role of tumor cell plasticity in driving anti-androgen induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a lethal and therapy-resistant subtype. In this review, we discuss the role of cellular plasticity manifested due to genetic, epigenetic alterations and cues from the tumor microenvironment, and their role in driving therapy resistant prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bushra Ateeq
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India
| |
Collapse
|