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Zhao W, Zhu L, Gong Q, Ma S, Xiong H, Su T, Wan Z, Wang D. Unidirectional alteration of methylation and hydroxymethylation at the promoters and differential gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1269084. [PMID: 37900177 PMCID: PMC10603190 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1269084] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Although overall losses of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) have been previously observed, a genome-wide, single-base-resolution, and simultaneous mapping of 5mC and 5hmC in OSCC is still unaccomplished. Similarly, the mechanism of how 5mC and 5hmC collectively lead to abnormal gene expression in OSCC is largely unexplored. Using parallel whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and whole-genome oxidative bisulfite sequencing (oxWGBS), we characterized 5mC- and 5hmC-profiles at single-nucleotide resolution in paired primary OSCC samples and their normal adjacent tissues (NATs). We also analyzed the effect of 5mC- and 5hmC-modifications on differential gene expression in OSCC using multi-omics analysis. Results: An overall reduction of both 5mC and 5hmC in various genomic regions have been observed in OSCC samples. At promoter regions, a total of 6,921 differentially methylated regions and 1,024 differentially hydroxymethylated regions were identified in OSCC. Interestingly, compared to bidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC, unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters is associated with bigger change in the gene expression. Additionally, genes bearing unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters are enriched in signaling pathways like cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that are essential for the tumorigenesis. Finally, the grouped expression signature of top 20 genes bearing promoter-unidirectional-modification with 5mC and 5hmC tends to correlate with the clinical outcome of certain subtypes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Using parallel WGBS and oxWGBS analyses, we observed an overall reduction of 5mC- and 5hmC-modifications at various genomic regions in OSCC. Unidirectional modification with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters is associated with enhanced changes in gene expression in OSCC tissues. Furthermore, such differentially expressed genes bearing unidirectional modifications with 5mC and 5hmC at the promoters might have clinical relevance to the outcome of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Zhao
- Institute for Future Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Institute for Future Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Institute for Future Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suzhen Ma
- Institute for Future Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tong Su
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengqing Wan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Danling Wang
- Institute for Future Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Goričan L, Büdefeld T, Čelešnik H, Švagan M, Lanišnik B, Potočnik U. Gene Expression Profiles of Methyltransferases and Demethylases Associated with Metastasis, Tumor Invasion, CpG73 Methylation, and HPV Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4632-4646. [PMID: 37367043 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic studies on the role of DNA-modifying enzymes in HNSCC tumorigenesis have focused on a single enzyme or a group of enzymes. To acquire a more comprehensive insight into the expression profile of methyltransferases and demethylases, in the present study, we examined the mRNA expression of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, the DNA demethylases TET1, TET2, TET3, and TDG, and the RNA methyltransferase TRDMT1 by RT-qPCR in paired tumor-normal tissue samples from HNSCC patients. We characterized their expression patterns in relation to regional lymph node metastasis, invasion, HPV16 infection, and CpG73 methylation. Here, we show that tumors with regional lymph node metastases (pN+) exhibited decreased expression of DNMT1, 3A and 3B, and TET1 and 3 compared to non-metastatic tumors (pN0), suggesting that metastasis requires a distinct expression profile of DNA methyltransferases/demethylases in solid tumors. Furthermore, we identified the effect of perivascular invasion and HPV16 on DNMT3B expression in HNSCC. Finally, the expression of TET2 and TDG was inversely correlated with the hypermethylation of CpG73, which has previously been associated with poorer survival in HNSCC. Our study further confirms the importance of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases as potential prognostic biomarkers as well as molecular therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Goričan
- Centre for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Büdefeld
- Centre for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Helena Čelešnik
- Centre for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory for Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Matija Švagan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cervical and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Lanišnik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cervical and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Centre for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory for Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department for Science and Research, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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3
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Costa PMDS, Sales SLA, Pinheiro DP, Pontes LQ, Maranhão SS, Pessoa CDÓ, Furtado GP, Furtado CLM. Epigenetic reprogramming in cancer: From diagnosis to treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1116805. [PMID: 36866275 PMCID: PMC9974167 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1116805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the epigenetic program of gene expression is a hallmark of cancer that initiates and propagates tumorigenesis. Altered DNA methylation, histone modifications and ncRNAs expression are a feature of cancer cells. The dynamic epigenetic changes during oncogenic transformation are related to tumor heterogeneity, unlimited self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. This stem cell-like state or the aberrant reprogramming of cancer stem cells is the major challenge in treatment and drug resistance. Given the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, the ability to restore the cancer epigenome through the inhibition of the epigenetic modifiers is a promising therapy for cancer treatment, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies, including immunotherapies. Herein, we highlighted the main epigenetic alterations, their potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and the epigenetic therapies approved for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mikael da Silva Costa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology Northeastern Network of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Sarah Leyenne Alves Sales
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Queiroz Pontes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ-Ceará, Sector of Biotechnology, Eusebio, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Sarah Sant’Anna Maranhão
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Claudia do Ó. Pessoa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology Northeastern Network of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Gilvan Pessoa Furtado
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ-Ceará, Sector of Biotechnology, Eusebio, Ceará, Brazil,Postgraduation Program in Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Drug Research and Development Center, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil,*Correspondence: Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado,
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4
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Santos RDS, Hirth CG, Pinheiro DP, Bezerra MJB, Silva-Fernandes IJDL, Paula DSD, Alves APNN, Moraes Filho MOD, Moura ADAA, Lima MVA, Pessoa CDÓ, Furtado CLM. HPV infection and 5mC/5hmC epigenetic markers in penile squamous cell carcinoma: new insights into prognostics. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:133. [PMID: 36284309 PMCID: PMC9597985 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penile cancer is one of the most aggressive male tumors. Although it is preventable, the main etiologic causes are lifestyle behaviors and viral infection, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Long-term epigenetic changes due to environmental factors change cell fate and promote carcinogenesis, being an important marker of prognosis. We evaluated epidemiological aspects of penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the prevalence of HPV infection using high-risk HPV (hrHPV) and p16INK4A expression of 224 participants. Global DNA methylation was evaluated through 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). RESULTS The incidence of HPV was 53.2% for hrHPV and 22.32% for p16INK4a. hrHPV was not related to systemic or lymph node metastasis and locoregional recurrence, nor influenced the survival rate. P16INK4a seems to be a protective factor for death, which does not affect metastasis or tumor recurrence. Lymph node and systemic metastases and locoregional recurrence increase the risk of death. An increased 5mC mark was observed in penile SCC regardless of HPV infection. However, there is a reduction of the 5hmC mark for p16INK4a + (P = 0.024). Increased 5mC/5hmC ratio (> 1) was observed in 94.2% of penile SCC, irrespective of HPV infection. Despite the increase in 5mC, it seems not to affect the survival rate (HR = 1.06; 95% CI 0.33-3.38). CONCLUSIONS P16INK4a seems to be a good prognosis marker for penile SCC and the increase in 5mC, an epigenetic mark of genomic stability, may support tumor progression leading to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan da Silva Santos
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Pascoalino Pinheiro
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dayrine Silveira de Paula
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Department of Dental Clinic, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes Alves
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil ,grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Department of Dental Clinic, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil ,grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Venício Alves Lima
- Laboratory of Pathology, Cancer Institute of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil ,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cancer Institute of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Claudia do Ó Pessoa
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Drug Research and Development Center, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil ,grid.412275.70000 0004 4687 5259Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Xiao L, Li X, Cao P, Fei W, Zhou H, Tang N, Liu Y. Interleukin-6 mediated inflammasome activation promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via JAK2/STAT3/Sox4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:166. [PMID: 35513871 PMCID: PMC9069786 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been reported to be critical in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the set of pathways that IL-6 might activate in OSCC are not fully understood. Methods IL-6 and Sox4 expressions were first determined with RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry in OSCC tissues, and correlations between IL-6 and Sox4 expression and patient pathological characteristics were examined, and Kaplan–Meier approach was employed for evaluating the prognostic utility in OSCC patients. CCK-8, EdU stain and colony formation assays were utilized to test cell proliferation in vitro. Mechanistically, downstream regulatory proteins of IL-6 were verified through chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, pull-down, and the rescued experiments. Western blot was used for detecting protein expression. A nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was used to confirm the role of IL-6 and Sox4 in vivo. Results IL-6 was upregulated in OSCC tissues, and Sox4 expression was positively correlated with IL-6 expression. High IL-6 and Sox4 expression was closely related to tumor size, TNM stage, and a poorer overall survival. Besides, IL-6 could accelerate OSCC cell proliferation by activating inflammasome via JAK2/STAT3/Sox4/NLRP3 pathways in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, STAT3 played as a transcription factor which positively regulated Sox4, and IL-6 promotes Sox4 expression by activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, through the rescue experiments, we further confirmed that IL-6 could promote proliferation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via JAK2/STAT3/Sox4 pathway in OSCC cells. Finally, knockdown of Sox4 suppressed OSCC growth in vivo, and antagonized the acceleration of IL-6 on tumor growth. Conclusions We confirmed that IL-6 plays an oncogenic role in OSCC progression by activating JAK2/STAT3/Sox4/NLRP3 pathway, which might be the therapeutic targets for OSCC remedy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02376-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiao
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Peilin Cao
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Fei
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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Hurník P, Chyra Z, Ševčíková T, Štembírek J, Trtková KS, Gaykalova DA, Buchtová M, Hrubá E. Epigenetic Regulations of Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:848557. [PMID: 35571032 PMCID: PMC9091179 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.848557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx belong among the ten most common malignancies in the human population. The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is determined by the degree of invasiveness of the primary tumor and by the extent of metastatic spread into regional and distant lymph nodes. Moreover, the level of the perineural invasion itself associates with tumor localization, invasion's extent, and the presence of nodal metastases. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about different aspects of epigenetic changes, which can be associated with HNSCC while focusing on perineural invasion (PNI). We review epigenetic modifications of the genes involved in the PNI process in HNSCC from the omics perspective and specific epigenetic modifications in OSCC or other neurotropic cancers associated with perineural invasion. Moreover, we summarize DNA methylation status of tumor-suppressor genes, methylation and demethylation enzymes and histone post-translational modifications associated with PNI. The influence of other epigenetic factors on the HNSCC incidence and perineural invasion such as tobacco, alcohol and oral microbiome is overviewed and HPV infection is discussed as an epigenetic factor associated with OSCC and related perineural invasion. Understanding epigenetic regulations of axon growth that lead to tumorous spread or uncovering the molecular control of axon interaction with cancer tissue can help to discover new therapeutic targets for these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Hurník
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Chyra
- Department of Hematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Tereza Ševčíková
- Department of Hematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Jan Štembírek
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Smešný Trtková
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Daria A. Gaykalova
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marcela Buchtová
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eva Hrubá
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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7
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Molecular Tumor Subtypes of HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers: Biological Characteristics and Implications for Clinical Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112721. [PMID: 34072836 PMCID: PMC8198180 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, research on the molecular signatures of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers mainly focused on their differences with respect to HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). However, given the continuing high incidence level of HPV-related HNSCC, the time is ripe to characterize the heterogeneity that exists within these cancers. Here, we review research thus far on HPV-positive HNSCC molecular subtypes, and their relationship with clinical characteristics and HPV integration into the host genome. Different omics data including host transcriptomics and epigenomics, as well as HPV characteristics, can provide complementary viewpoints. Keratinization, mesenchymal differentiation, immune signatures, stromal cells and oxidoreductive processes all play important roles.
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8
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Liu S, de Medeiros MC, Fernandez EM, Zarins KR, Cavalcante RG, Qin T, Wolf GT, Figueroa ME, D'Silva NJ, Rozek LS, Sartor MA. 5-Hydroxymethylation highlights the heterogeneity in keratinization and cell junctions in head and neck cancers. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:175. [PMID: 33203436 PMCID: PMC7672859 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00965-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related HNSCC rising to concerning levels. Extensive clinical, genetic and epigenetic differences exist between HPV-associated HNSCC and HPV-negative HNSCC, which is often linked to tobacco use. However, 5-hydroxymethylation (5hmC), an oxidative derivative of DNA methylation and its heterogeneity among HNSCC subtypes, has not been studied. RESULTS We characterized genome-wide 5hmC profiles in HNSCC by HPV status and subtype in 18 HPV(+) and 18 HPV(-) well-characterized tumors. Results showed significant genome-wide hyper-5hmC in HPV(-) tumors, with both promoter and enhancer 5hmC able to distinguish meaningful tumor subgroups. We identified specific genes whose differential expression by HPV status is driven by differential hydroxymethylation. CDKN2A (p16), used as a key biomarker for HPV status, exhibited the most extensive hyper-5hmC in HPV(+) tumors, while HPV(-) tumors showed hyper-5hmC in CDH13, TIMP2, MMP2 and other cancer-related genes. Among the previously reported two HPV(+) subtypes, IMU (stronger immune response) and KRT (more keratinization), the IMU subtype revealed hyper-5hmC and up-regulation of genes in cell migration, and hypo-5hmC with down-regulation in keratinization and cell junctions. We experimentally validated our key prediction of higher secreted and intracellular protein levels of the invasion gene MMP2 in HPV(-) oral cavity cell lines. CONCLUSION Our results implicate 5hmC in driving differences in keratinization, cell junctions and other cancer-related processes among tumor subtypes. We conclude that 5hmC levels are critical for defining tumor characteristics and potentially used to define clinically meaningful cancer patient subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2218, USA
| | | | - Evan M Fernandez
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2218, USA
| | - Katie R Zarins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Tingting Qin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2218, USA
| | - Gregory T Wolf
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Department of Human Genetics and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Laura S Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maureen A Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2218, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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9
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Huang R, Wang Y, Ge H, Wang D, Wang Y, Zhang W, Yang J, Cheng J. Restoration of TET2 deficiency inhibits tumor growth in head neck squamous cell carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:329. [PMID: 32355773 PMCID: PMC7186610 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) has been increasingly recognized as an important tumor suppressor involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of TET2, its clinical significance as well as functional roles in head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Both mRNA and protein levels of TET2 in primary HNSCC samples were detected via immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Correlations between TET2 expression with multiple clinicopathological parameters and patient survival were determined. The biological roles of TET2 in HNSCC were assessed via a gain-of-function approach and in 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced HNSCC model. Restoration of TET2 by chemicals including 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA), metformin or Vitamin C (VC) to inhibit tumor growth was determined in vitro and in a xenograft animal model. Results Reduced TET2 expression was found in a large fraction of HNSCC samples. Downregulated TET2 significantly correlated with larger tumor size, advanced clinical stage and inferior prognosis. Reduced TET2 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) were observed along with disease progression in the 4NQO-induced HNSCC model. Enforced TET2 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and enhanced the chemosensitivity of cisplatin in HNSCC cells. Restoration of TET2 following 5-AZA, metformin or VC exposure impaired cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, VC alone or in synergistic with cisplatin potently inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions Our data reveal that reduced TET2 associates with tumor aggressiveness and reduced survival in HNSCC. Genetic or pharmacological restoration of TET2 might be a viable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC patients with TET2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Department of Medical Technology, Taizhou Polytechnic College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei 23000, China
| | - Han Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Dongmiao Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Oral Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jianrong Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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10
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Gaździcka J, Gołąbek K, Strzelczyk JK, Ostrowska Z. Epigenetic Modifications in Head and Neck Cancer. Biochem Genet 2019; 58:213-244. [PMID: 31712935 PMCID: PMC7113219 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-019-09941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common human malignancy in the world, with high mortality and poor prognosis for patients. Among the risk factors are tobacco and alcohol intake, human papilloma virus, and also genetic and epigenetic modifications. Many studies show that epigenetic events play an important role in HNSCC development and progression, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone posttranslational covalent modifications, and effects of non-coding RNA. Epigenetic modifications may influence silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter hypermethylation, regulate transcription by microRNAs and changes in chromatin structure, or induce genome instability through hypomethylation. Moreover, getting to better understand aberrant patterns of methylation may provide biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis, while knowledge about target genes of microRNAs may improve the therapy of HNSCC and extend overall survival. The aim of this review is to present recent studies which demonstrate the role of epigenetic regulation in the development of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Gaździcka
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 Str., 41-808, Zabrze, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Karolina Gołąbek
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 Str., 41-808, Zabrze, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 Str., 41-808, Zabrze, Katowice, Poland
| | - Zofia Ostrowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 Str., 41-808, Zabrze, Katowice, Poland
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Richey JD, Deng AC, Dresser K, O'Donnell P, Cornejo KM. Distinguishing between irritated seborrheic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in situ using BCL-2 and IMP3 immunohistochemistry. J Cutan Pathol 2018; 45:603-609. [DOI: 10.1111/cup.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D. Richey
- Department of Pathology; University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center; Worcester Massachusetts
| | - April C. Deng
- Department of Pathology; University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center; Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Karen Dresser
- Department of Pathology; University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center; Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Patrick O'Donnell
- Department of Pathology; University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center; Worcester Massachusetts
| | - Kristine M. Cornejo
- Department of Pathology; University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center; Worcester Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston Massachusetts
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Abstract
Epigenetic modes of gene regulation are important for physiological conditions and its aberrant changes can lead to disease like cancer. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) catalyzed by Ten Eleven Translocation (TET) enzymes. 5hmC is considered to be a demethylation intermediate and is emerging as a stable and functional base modification. The global loss of 5hmC level is commonly observed in cancers and tumorigenic germline mutations in IDH, SDH and FH are found to be inhibiting TET activity. Although a global loss of 5hmC is characteristic in cancers, locus-specific 5hmC gain implicates selective gene expression control. The definitive role of 5hmC as a tumor suppressing or promoting modification can be deduced by identifying locus-specific 5hmC modification in different types of cancer. Determining the genes carrying 5hmC modifications and its selective variation will open up new therapeutic targets. This review outlines the role of global and locus-specific changes of 5hmC in cancers and the possible mechanisms underlying such changes. We have described major cellular factors that influence 5hmC levels and highlighted the significance of 5hmC in tumor micro environmental condition like hypoxia.
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