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Hua Z, Chen B, Gong B, Lin M, Ma Y, Li Z. SESN1 functions as a new tumor suppressor gene via Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in neuroblastoma. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14664. [PMID: 38516781 PMCID: PMC10958400 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, with a 5-year survival rate of <50% in high-risk patients. MYCN amplification is an important factor that influences the survival rate of high-risk patients. Our results indicated MYCN regulates the expression of SESN1. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of SESN1 in NB. METHODS siRNAs or overexpression plasmids were used to change MYCN, SESN1, or MyD88's expression. The role of SESN1 in NB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was elucidated. Xenograft mice models were built to evaluate SESN1's effect in vivo. The correlation between SESN1 expression and clinicopathological data of patients with NB was analyzed. RNA-Seq was done to explore SESN1's downstream targets. RESULTS SESN1 was regulated by MYCN in NB cells. Knockdown SESN1 promoted NB cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion, and overexpressing SESN1 had opposite functions. Knockdown SESN1 promoted tumor growth and shortened tumor-bearing mice survival time. Low expression of SESN1 had a positive correlation with poor prognosis in patients with NB. RNA-Seq showed that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, and PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer were potential downstream targets of SESN1. Knockdown MyD88 or TLRs inhibitor HCQ reversed the effect of knockdown SESN1 in NB cells. High expression of SESN1 was significantly associated with a higher immune score and indicated an active immune microenvironment for patients with NB. CONCLUSIONS SESN1 functions as a new tumor suppressor gene via TLR signaling pathway in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyan Hua
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Meizhen Lin
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yifan Ma
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environmental and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Research CenterShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Epp S, Chuah SM, Halasz M. Epigenetic Dysregulation in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17085. [PMID: 38069407 PMCID: PMC10707345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer arising from the neural crest, poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in cases featuring amplification of the MYCN oncogene. Epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in normal neural crest and NB development, influencing gene expression patterns critical for tumorigenesis. This review delves into the multifaceted interplay between MYCN and known epigenetic modifications during NB genesis, shedding light on the intricate regulatory networks underlying the disease. We provide an extensive survey of known epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, super-enhancers (SEs), bromodomains (BET), and chromatin modifiers in MYCN-amplified (MNA) NB. These epigenetic changes collectively contribute to the dysregulated gene expression landscape observed in MNA NB. Furthermore, we review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). We also discuss and summarize current drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, offering insights into their potential for improving outcomes for MNA NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Epp
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Shin Mei Chuah
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Jacobson JC, Qiao J, Clark RA, Chung DH. Combination bromo- and extraterminal domain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition synergistically enhances DNA damage and inhibits neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:103. [PMID: 36227363 PMCID: PMC9562984 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE JQ1 is a bromo- and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibitor that downregulates MYC expression and impairs the DNA damage response. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors prevent DNA damage sensing and repair. We hypothesized that JQ1 would promote a DNA repair-deficient phenotype that sensitizes neuroblastoma cells to PARP inhibition. METHODS Four human neuroblastoma cell lines were examined: two MYCN-amplified (BE(2)-C and IMR-32), and two non-MYCN-amplified (SK-N-SH and SH-SY5Y). Cells were treated with JQ1 (BET inhibitor), Olaparib (PARP inhibitor), or in combination to assess for therapeutic synergy of JQ1 and Olaparib. Treated cells were harvested and analyzed. Quantitative assessment of combination treatment synergy was performed using the median effect principle of Chou and Talalay. RESULTS Combination treatment with Olaparib decreased the IC50 of JQ1 by 19.9-fold, 2.0-fold, 12.1-fold, and 2.0-fold in the BE(2)-C, IMR-32, SK-N-SH, and SH-SY5Y cell lines, respectively. In the MYCN-amplified cell lines, BE(2)-C and IMR-32, combination treatment decreased gene expression of MYCN relative to single-drug treatment alone or control. Combination treatment decreased protein expression of DNA repair proteins Ku80 and RAD51, led to accumulation of DNA damage marker phospho-histone H2A.X, and increased caspase activity. In the non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, SK-N-SH and SH-SY5Y, combination treatment induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS Combination BET and PARP inhibition synergistically inhibited neuroblastoma tumorigenesis in vitro. In MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells, this effect may be induced by downregulation of MYCN transcription, defects in DNA repair, accumulation of DNA damage, and apoptosis. In non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, combination treatment induced cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Jacobson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Jingbo Qiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Rachael A Clark
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Dai H Chung
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
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Shi X, Wang Y, Zhang L, Zhao W, Dai X, Yang YG, Zhang X. Targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins to inhibit neuroblastoma tumorigenesis through regulating MYCN. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1021820. [PMID: 36187481 PMCID: PMC9523081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1021820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins play important roles in regulating the expression of multiple proto-oncogenes by recognizing acetylation of histones and non-histone proteins including transcription factors, which subsequently promote tumor cell proliferation, survival, metastasis and immune escape. Therefore, BET family proteins are considered attractive therapeutic targets in various cancers. Currently, blocking of the BET proteins is a widely used therapeutic strategy for MYCN amplified high-risk neuroblastoma. Here, we summarized and reviewed the recent research progresses for the critical function of BET proteins, as an epigenetic reader, on tumorigenesis and the therapeutic potential of the BET/BRD4 inhibitors on MYCN amplified neuroblastoma. We also discussed the combined therapeutic strategies for BET inhibitor-resistant neuroblastoma.
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Shendy NAM, Zimmerman MW, Abraham BJ, Durbin AD. Intrinsic transcriptional heterogeneity in neuroblastoma guides mechanistic and therapeutic insights. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100632. [PMID: 35584622 PMCID: PMC9133465 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell state is controlled by master transcription factors (mTFs) that determine the cellular gene expression program. Cancer cells acquire dysregulated gene expression programs by mutational and non-mutational processes. Intratumoral heterogeneity can result from cells displaying distinct mTF-regulated cell states, which co-exist within the tumor. One archetypal tumor associated with transcriptionally regulated heterogeneity is high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Patients with NB have poor overall survival despite intensive therapies, and relapsed patients are commonly refractory to treatment. The cellular populations that comprise NB are marked by different cohorts of mTFs and differential sensitivity to conventional therapies. Recent studies have highlighted mechanisms by which NB cells dynamically shift the cell state with treatment, revealing new opportunities to control the cellular response to treatment by manipulating cell-state-defining transcriptional programs. Here, we review recent advances in understanding transcriptionally defined cancer heterogeneity. We offer challenges to the field to encourage translation of basic science into clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A M Shendy
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mark W Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Abraham
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adam D Durbin
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Woods AD, Berlow NE, Ortiz MV, Cruz FD, Siddiquee A, Coutinho DF, Purohit R, Freier KET, Michalek JE, Lathara M, Matlock K, Srivivasa G, Royer-Pokora B, Veselska R, Kung AL, Keller C. Bromodomain 4 inhibition leads to MYCN downregulation in Wilms tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29401. [PMID: 34693628 PMCID: PMC9450910 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer. Two distinct histological subtypes of Wilms tumor have been described: tumors lacking anaplasia (the favorable subtype) and tumors displaying anaplastic features (the unfavorable subtype). Children with favorable disease generally have a very good prognosis, whereas those with anaplasia are oftentimes refractory to standard treatments and suffer poor outcomes, leading to an unmet clinical need. MYCN dysregulation has been associated with a number of pediatric cancers including Wilms tumor. PROCEDURES In this context, we undertook a functional genomics approach to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for those patients with anaplastic Wilms tumor. Genomic analysis and in vitro experimentation demonstrate that cell growth can be reduced by modulating MYCN overexpression via bromodomain 4 (BRD4) inhibition in both anaplastic and nonanaplastic Wilms tumor models. RESULTS We observed a time-dependent reduction of MYCN and MYCC protein levels upon BRD4 inhibition in Wilms tumor cell lines, which led to cell death and proliferation suppression. BRD4 inhibition significantly reduced tumor volumes in Wilms tumor patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that AZD5153, a novel dual-BRD4 inhibitor, can reduce MYCN levels in both anaplastic and nonanaplastic Wilms tumor cell lines, reduces tumor volume in Wilms tumor PDXs, and should be further explored for its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Woods
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA,correspondence to: Charles Keller MD, 12655 SW Beaverdam Rd W, Beaverton OR 97005 USA, tel: 801-232-8038, fax: 270-675-3313,
| | - Noah E. Berlow
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Michael V. Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Filemon Dela Cruz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Armaan Siddiquee
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Diego F. Coutinho
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Reshma Purohit
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA
| | | | - Joel E. Michalek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | | | | | | | - Brigitte Royer-Pokora
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Renata Veselska
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew L. Kung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Charles Keller
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA,correspondence to: Charles Keller MD, 12655 SW Beaverdam Rd W, Beaverton OR 97005 USA, tel: 801-232-8038, fax: 270-675-3313,
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7
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Therapeutically targeting oncogenic CRCs facilitates induced differentiation of NB by RA and the BET bromodomain inhibitor. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 23:181-191. [PMID: 34729395 PMCID: PMC8526497 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acids (RAs) are the most successful therapeutics for cancer differentiation therapy used in high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) maintenance therapy but are limited in effectiveness. This study identifies a strategy for improving efficacy through disruption of cancer cell identity via BET inhibitors. Mutations that block development are theorized to cause NB through retention of immature cell identities contributing to oncogenesis. NB has two interchangeable cell identities, maintained by two different core transcriptional regulatory circuitries (CRCs): a therapy-resistant mesenchymal/stem cell state and a proliferative adrenergic cell state. MYCN amplification is a common mutation of high-risk NB and recently found to block differentiation by driving high expression of the adrenergic CRC transcription factor ASCL1. We investigated whether disruption of immature CRCs can promote RA-induced differentiation since only a subset of NB patients responds to RA. We found that silencing ASCL1, a critical member of the adrenergic CRC, or global disruption of CRCs with the BET inhibitor JQ1, suppresses gene expression of multiple CRC factors, improving RA-mediated differentiation. Further, JQ1 and RA synergistically decrease proliferation and induce differentiation in NB cell lines. Our findings support preclinical studies of RA and BET inhibitors as a combination therapy in treating NB.
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8
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Schreiber J, Liaukouskaya N, Fuhrmann L, Hauser AT, Jung M, Huber TB, Wanner N. BET Proteins Regulate Expression of Osr1 in Early Kidney Development. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121878. [PMID: 34944697 PMCID: PMC8698285 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero renal development is subject to maternal metabolic and environmental influences affecting long-term renal function and the risk of developing chronic kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Epigenetic processes have been implicated in the orchestration of renal development and prenatal programming of nephron number. However, the role of many epigenetic modifiers for kidney development is still unclear. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins act as histone acetylation reader molecules and promote gene transcription. BET family members Brd2, Brd3 and Brd4 are expressed in the nephrogenic zone during kidney development. Here, the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1 on renal development is evaluated. Inhibition of BET proteins via JQ1 leads to reduced growth of metanephric kidney cultures, loss of the nephron progenitor cell population, and premature and disturbed nephron differentiation. Gene expression of key nephron progenitor transcription factor Osr1 is downregulated after 24 h BET inhibition, while Lhx1 and Pax8 expression is increased. Mining of BRD4 ChIP-seq and gene expression data identify Osr1 as a key factor regulated by BRD4-controlled gene activation. Inhibition of BRD4 by BET inhibitor JQ1 leads to downregulation of Osr1, thereby causing a disturbance in the balance of nephron progenitor cell self-renewal and premature differentiation of the nephron, which ultimately leads to kidney hypoplasia and disturbed nephron development. This raises questions about the potential teratogenic effects of BET inhibitors for embryonic development. In summary, our work highlights the role of BET proteins for prenatal programming of nephrogenesis and identifies Osr1 as a potential target of BET proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Schreiber
- Department of Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Nastassia Liaukouskaya
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Lars Fuhrmann
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Alexander-Thomas Hauser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (A.-T.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (A.-T.H.); (M.J.)
- CIBSS—Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B. Huber
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
| | - Nicola Wanner
- III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (N.L.); (L.F.); (T.B.H.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Ciaccio R, De Rosa P, Aloisi S, Viggiano M, Cimadom L, Zadran SK, Perini G, Milazzo G. Targeting Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks in Neuroblastoma: From N-Myc to Epigenetic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12883. [PMID: 34884690 PMCID: PMC8657550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most frequently occurring neurogenic extracranial solid cancers in childhood and infancy. Over the years, many pieces of evidence suggested that NB development is controlled by gene expression dysregulation. These unleashed programs that outline NB cancer cells make them highly dependent on specific tuning of gene expression, which can act co-operatively to define the differentiation state, cell identity, and specialized functions. The peculiar regulation is mainly caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in the dependency on a small set of key master transcriptional regulators as the convergence point of multiple signalling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive blueprint of transcriptional regulation bearing NB initiation and progression, unveiling the complexity of novel oncogenic and tumour suppressive regulatory networks of this pathology. Furthermore, we underline the significance of multi-target therapies against these hallmarks, showing how novel approaches, together with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy, can have substantial antineoplastic effects, disrupting a wide variety of tumorigenic pathways through combinations of different treatments.
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system and one of the most common solid tumors in infancy. Amplification of MYCN, copy number alterations, numerical and segmental chromosomal aberrations, mutations, and rearrangements on a handful of genes, such as ALK, ATRX, TP53, RAS/MAPK pathway genes, and TERT, are attributed as underlying causes that give rise to NB. However, the heterogeneous nature of the disease-along with the relative paucity of recurrent somatic mutations-reinforces the need to understand the interplay of genetic factors and epigenetic alterations in the context of NB. Epigenetic mechanisms tightly control gene expression, embryogenesis, imprinting, chromosomal stability, and tumorigenesis, thereby playing a pivotal role in physio- and pathological settings. The main epigenetic alterations include aberrant DNA methylation, disrupted patterns of posttranslational histone modifications, alterations in chromatin composition and/or architecture, and aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs. DNA methylation and demethylation are mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, respectively, while histone modifications are coordinated by histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases (HATs, HDACs), and histone methyltransferases and demethylases (HMTs, HDMs). This article focuses predominately on the crosstalk between the epigenome and NB, and the implications it has on disease diagnosis and treatment.
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11
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Li Z, Lim SL, Tao Y, Li X, Xie Y, Yang C, Zhang Z, Jiang Y, Zhang X, Cao X, Wang H, Qian G, Wu Y, Li M, Fang F, Liu Y, Fu M, Ding X, Zhu Z, Lv H, Lu J, Xiao S, Hu S, Pan J. PROTAC Bromodomain Inhibitor ARV-825 Displays Anti-Tumor Activity in Neuroblastoma by Repressing Expression of MYCN or c-Myc. Front Oncol 2020; 10:574525. [PMID: 33324552 PMCID: PMC7726414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.574525] [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: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in childhood. To date, targeting MYCN, a well-established driver gene in high-risk neuroblastoma, is still challenging. In recent years, inhibition of bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) proteins shows great potential in multiple of Myc-driven tumors. ARV-825 is a novel BET inhibitor using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology which degrades target proteins by the proteasome. In this study, we investigated the effect of ARV-825 in neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that ARV-825 treatment robustly induced proliferative suppression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in NB cells. Moreover, ARV-825 efficiently depleted BET protein expression, subsequently repressing the expression of MYCN or c-Myc. In the NB xenograft model, ARV-825 profoundly reduced tumor growth and led to the downregulation of BRD4 and MYCN expression in mice. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that PROTAC BET inhibitor is an efficient way to achieve MYCN/c-Myc manipulation, and ARV-825 can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Su Lin Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Michael's Medical Center, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - You Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xianbing Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Qian
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingcui Fu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Ding
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haitao Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Sheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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12
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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Saltsman JA, Hammond WJ, Narayan NJC, Requena D, Gehart H, Lalazar G, LaQuaglia MP, Clevers H, Simon S. A Human Organoid Model of Aggressive Hepatoblastoma for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2668. [PMID: 32962010 PMCID: PMC7563272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common childhood liver cancer. Although survival has improved significantly over the past few decades, there remains a group of children with aggressive disease who do not respond to current treatment regimens. There is a critical need for novel models to study aggressive hepatoblastoma as research to find new treatments is hampered by the small number of laboratory models of the disease. Organoids have emerged as robust models for many diseases, including cancer. We have generated and characterized a novel organoid model of aggressive hepatoblastoma directly from freshly resected patient tumors as a proof of concept for this approach. Hepatoblastoma tumor organoids recapitulate the key elements of patient tumors, including tumor architecture, mutational profile, gene expression patterns, and features of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that are hallmarks of hepatoblastoma pathophysiology. Tumor organoids were successfully used alongside non-tumor liver organoids from the same patient to perform a drug screen using twelve candidate compounds. One drug, JQ1, demonstrated increased destruction of liver organoids from hepatoblastoma tumor tissue relative to organoids from the adjacent non-tumor liver. Our findings suggest that hepatoblastoma organoids could be used for a variety of applications and have the potential to improve treatment options for the subset of hepatoblastoma patients who do not respond to existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Saltsman
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - William J. Hammond
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Nicole J. C. Narayan
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Helmuth Gehart
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Michael P. LaQuaglia
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.G.); (H.C.)
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanford Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; (J.A.S.); (W.J.H.); (N.J.C.N.); (D.R.); (G.L.)
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14
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Westphal M, Sant P, Hauser AT, Jung M, Driever W. Chemical Genetics Screen Identifies Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Dopaminergic and Noradrenergic Neurogenesis in Zebrafish. Front Genet 2020; 11:80. [PMID: 32158467 PMCID: PMC7052299 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell type diversity and complexity of the nervous system is generated by a network of signaling events, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators. Signaling and transcriptional control have been easily amenable to forward genetic screens in model organisms like zebrafish. In contrast, epigenetic mechanisms have been somewhat elusive in genetic screens, likely caused by broad action in multiple developmental pathways that masks specific phenotypes, but also by genetic redundancies of epigenetic factors. Here, we performed a screen using small molecule inhibitors of epigenetic mechanisms to reveal contributions to specific aspects of neurogenesis in zebrafish. We chose development of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons from neural progenitors as target of epigenetic regulation. We performed the screen in two phases: First, we tested a small molecule inhibitor library that targets a broad range of epigenetic protein classes and mechanisms, using expression of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase as readout. We identified 10 compounds, including HDAC, Bromodomain and HAT inhibitors, which interfered with dopaminergic and noradrenergic development in larval zebrafish. In the second screening phase, we aimed to identify neurogenesis stages affected by these 10 inhibitors. We analyzed treated embryos for effects on neural stem cells, growth progression of the retina, and apoptosis in neural tissues. In addition, we analyzed effects on islet1 expressing neuronal populations to determine potential selectivity of compounds for transmitter phenotypes. In summary, our targeted screen of epigenetic inhibitors identified specific compounds, which reveal chromatin regulator classes that contribute to dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Westphal
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute Biology 1, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS—Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pooja Sant
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute Biology 1, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander-Thomas Hauser
- Chemical Epigenetics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Chemical Epigenetics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS—Centre for Integrative Biological SignallingStudies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute Biology 1, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS—Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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15
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Wen N, Guo B, Zheng H, Xu L, Liang H, Wang Q, Wang D, Chen X, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang L. Bromodomain inhibitor jq1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of glioma stem cells through the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:879-895. [PMID: 31485609 PMCID: PMC6741838 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain proteins, especially bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4), have recently emerged as therapeutic targets for several cancers, although the role and mechanism of Brd4 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of Brd4 and the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 on glioma stem cells (GSCs). In vitro, JQ1 and small interfering RNAs targeting Brd4 (siBrd4) inhibited the proliferation and self-renewal of GSCs. In vivo, JQ1 significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft GSCs tumors. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that the PI3K-AKT pathway played an important role in GBM. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation was downregulated by exposure to JQ1 in GSCs, thereby reducing PI3K and AKT activity. In addition, treatment with JQ1 inhibited MMP expression, thereby inhibiting degradation of the extracellular matrix by MMP and angiogenesis in GBM tumors. Suppression of AKT phosphorylation inhibited the expression of the retinoblastoma/E2F1 complex, resulting in cell cycle arrest. In addition, treatment with siBrd4 or JQ1 induced apoptosis by activating AKT downstream target genes involved in apoptosis. In conclusion, these results suggest that Brd4 has great potential as a therapeutic target, and JQ1 has notable anti-tumor effects against GBM which may be mediated via the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyan Wen
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Baofeng Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Hongwu Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Libo Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Hang Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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16
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Pastor ER, Mousa SA. Current management of neuroblastoma and future direction. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 138:38-43. [PMID: 31092383 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumor in pediatrics and can regress spontaneously or grow and metastasize with resistance to multiple therapeutic approaches. The prognosis and approach to treatment depends on the tumor presentation and whether it expresses certain drivers such as MYCN, ALK, and TrkB. Expression or mutation of these genes and kinases correlates with high-risk and poor prognosis. Multiple therapeutic approaches are being used to target MYCN, ALK, and TrkB, as well as GD2, a surface antigen present on the surface of neuroblastoma tumor cells. This review discusses the nature of these targets and several current therapies for neuroblastoma. A focus is placed on recent therapeutic developments including targeted delivery of chemotherapy, novel radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Pastor
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
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17
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Jubierre L, Jiménez C, Rovira E, Soriano A, Sábado C, Gros L, Llort A, Hladun R, Roma J, Toledo JSD, Gallego S, Segura MF. Targeting of epigenetic regulators in neuroblastoma. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-12. [PMID: 29700278 PMCID: PMC5938021 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15,000 new cases of pediatric cancer are diagnosed yearly in Europe, with 8–10% corresponding to neuroblastoma, a rare disease with an incidence of 8–9 cases per million children <15 years of age. Although the survival rate for low-risk and intermediate-risk patients is excellent, half of children with high-risk, refractory, or relapsed tumors will be cured, and two-thirds of the other half will suffer major side effects and life-long disabilities. Epigenetic therapies aimed at reversing the oncogenic alterations in chromatin structure and function are an emerging alternative against aggressive tumors that are or will become resistant to conventional treatments. This approach proposes targeting epigenetic regulators, which are proteins that are involved in the creation, detection, and interpretation of epigenetic signals, such as methylation or histone post-translational modifications. In this review, we focused on the most promising epigenetic regulators for targeting and current drugs that have already reached clinical trials. Treatments that target chromatin, the combination of DNA and proteins, are emerging as alternative ways to treat aggressive neuroblastomas, cancers of neural tissue. Altering the structure and function of chromatin is a form of “epigenetic therapy”, treatment that affects inheritable molecular signals controlling the activity of genes, rather than targeting the genes directly. Researchers in Spain led by Miguel Segura at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute in Barcelona review progress in developing epigenetic therapies for neuroblastomas. A growing body of fundamental research and evidence from clinical trials suggest this approach could open promising new avenues to treating aggressive and drug-resistant cancers. The authors recommend an increased effort to identify and explore the activities of small molecules that could form the basis of effective epigenetic therapies for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Jubierre
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Jiménez
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Rovira
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Soriano
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constantino Sábado
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Gros
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Llort
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sánchez de Toledo
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Segura
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Johnsen JI, Dyberg C, Fransson S, Wickström M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:164-176. [PMID: 29466695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Rellinger EJ, Padmanabhan C, Qiao J, Craig BT, An H, Zhu J, Correa H, Waterson AG, Lindsley CW, Beauchamp RD, Chung DH. Isoxazole compound ML327 blocks MYC expression and tumor formation in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:91040-91051. [PMID: 29207623 PMCID: PMC5710904 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumors in children and arise from the embryonic neural crest. MYCN-amplification is a feature of ∼30% of neuroblastoma tumors and portends a poor prognosis. Neural crest precursors undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to gain migratory potential and populate the sympathoadrenal axis. Neuroblastomas are posited to arise due to a blockade of neural crest differentiation. We have recently reported effects of a novel MET inducing compound ML327 (N-(3-(2-hydroxynicotinamido) propyl)-5-phenylisoxazole-3-carboxamide) in colon cancer cells. Herein, we hypothesized that forced epithelial differentiation using ML327 would promote neuroblastoma differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that ML327 in neuroblastoma cells induces a gene signature consistent with both epithelial and neuronal differentiation features with adaptation of an elongated phenotype. These features accompany induction of cell death and G1 cell cycle arrest with blockage of anchorage-independent growth and neurosphere formation. Furthermore, pretreatment with ML327 results in persistent defects in proliferative potential and tumor-initiating capacity, validating the pro-differentiating effects of our compound. Intriguingly, we have identified destabilization of MYC signaling as an early and consistent feature of ML327 treatment that is observed in both MYCN-amplified and MYCN-single copy neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, ML327 blocked MYCN mRNA levels and tumor progression in established MYCN-amplified xenografts. As such, ML327 may have potential efficacy, alone or in conjunction with existing therapeutic strategies against neuroblastoma. Future identification of the specific intracellular target of ML327 may inform future drug discovery efforts and enhance our understanding of MYC regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Rellinger
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Chandrasekhar Padmanabhan
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Jingbo Qiao
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Brian T. Craig
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Hanbing An
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Jing Zhu
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Hernán Correa
- Department of Pathology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Alex G. Waterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - R. Daniel Beauchamp
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
| | - Dai H. Chung
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN 37232, Nashville, USA
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20
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Finley J. Elimination of cancer stem cells and reactivation of latent HIV-1 via AMPK activation: Common mechanism of action linking inhibition of tumorigenesis and the potential eradication of HIV-1. Med Hypotheses 2017; 104:133-146. [PMID: 28673572 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although promising treatments are currently in development to slow disease progression and increase patient survival, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer treatment modalities commonly include chemoradiation and therapies that target components of aberrantly activated signaling pathways. However, treatment resistance is a common occurrence and recent evidence indicates that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) may underlie the limited efficacy and inability of current treatments to effectuate a cure. CSCs, which are largely resistant to chemoradiation therapy, are a subpopulation of cancer cells that exhibit characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and the ability to initiate tumorigenesis. Interestingly, intracellular mechanisms that sustain quiescence and promote self-renewal in adult stem cells (ASCs) and CSCs likely also function to maintain latency of HIV-1 in CD4+ memory T cells. Although antiretroviral therapy is highly effective in controlling HIV-1 replication, the persistence of latent but replication-competent proviruses necessitates the development of compounds that are capable of selectively reactivating the latent virus, a method known as the "shock and kill" approach. Homeostatic proliferation in central CD4+ memory T (TCM) cells, a memory T cell subset that exhibits limited self-renewal and differentiation and is a primary reservoir for latent HIV-1, has been shown to reinforce and stabilize the latent reservoir in the absence of T cell activation and differentiation. HIV-1 has also been found to establish durable and long-lasting latency in a recently discovered subset of CD4+ T cells known as T memory stem (TSCM) cells. TSCM cells, compared to TCM cells, exhibit stem cell properties that more closely match those of ESCs and ASCs, including self-renewal and differentiation into all memory T cell subsets. It is our hypothesis that activation of AMPK, a master regulator of cellular metabolism that plays a critical role in T cell activation and differentiation of ESCs and ASCs, will lead to both T cell activation-induced latent HIV-1 reactivation, facilitating virus destruction, as well as "activation", differentiation, and/or apoptosis of CSCs, thus inhibiting tumorigenesis. We also propose the novel observation that compounds that have been shown to both facilitate latent HIV-1 reactivation and promote CSC differentiation/apoptosis (e.g. bryostatin-1, JQ1, metformin, butyrate, etc.) likely do so through a common mechanism of AMPK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahahreeh Finley
- Finley BioSciences, 9900 Richmond Avenue, #823, Houston, TX 77042-4539, United States.
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Jiménez I, Baruchel A, Doz F, Schulte J. Bromodomain and extraterminal protein inhibitors in pediatrics: A review of the literature. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 27900832 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The last few years have seen the identification of pharmacologic approaches to target bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins for cancer treatment. These proteins have an essential role in gene transcription regulation by binding acetylated lysine residues on histone tails, activating gene transcription. BET inhibitors have been tested in preclinical models including pediatric malignancies and several adult clinical trials are ongoing. Since the development of new drugs in pediatric cancer has long lagged behind programs for adults, the aim of this review is to show the importance of these therapies in pediatric malignancies to support their development in pediatric oncology/hematology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Jiménez
- Département d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Adolescents et Jeunes Adultes de l'Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - André Baruchel
- Service d'hémato-immunologie de l'Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Centre Hayem, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.,Professor of Pediatrics, Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - François Doz
- Département d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Adolescents et Jeunes Adultes de l'Institut Curie, Paris, France.,Professor of Pediatrics, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Johannes Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Padmanabhan B, Mathur S, Manjula R, Tripathi S. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins: New therapeutic targets in major diseases. J Biosci 2017; 41:295-311. [PMID: 27240990 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-016-9600-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The bromodomains and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins recognize acetylated chromatin through their bromodomains (BDs) and help in regulating gene expression. BDs are chromatin 'readers': by interacting with acetylated lysines on the histone tails, they recruit chromatin-regulating proteins on the promoter region to regulate gene expression and repression. Extensive efforts have been employed by scientific communities worldwide to identify and develop potential inhibitors of BET family BDs to regulate protein expression by inhibiting acetylated histone (H3/H4) interactions. Several small molecule inhibitors have been reported, which not only have high affinity but also have high specificity to BET BDs. These developments make BET family proteins an important therapeutic targets for major diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, obesity and inflammation. Here, we review and discuss the structural biology of BET family BDs and their applications in major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasundaram Padmanabhan
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore 560 029, India
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Wadhwa E, Nicolaides T. Bromodomain Inhibitor Review: Bromodomain and Extra-terminal Family Protein Inhibitors as a Potential New Therapy in Central Nervous System Tumors. Cureus 2016; 8:e620. [PMID: 27382528 PMCID: PMC4917374 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins associate with transcriptional activation through interaction with acetylated chromatin, therefore playing a key role as epigenetic regulators. BET proteins serve to regulate the expression of importance oncogenes, including those involved in apoptosis as well as cell cycle progression. Due to this potential as an epigenetic target, small molecule inhibition of BET proteins have been investigated and demonstrate promising activity in both solid and hematologic malignancies, including brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), subsets of medulloblastoma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) are types of brain tumors with dismal prognoses, and as such have been the subjects of preclinical studies using BET inhibitors both in vivo and in vitro. While results from these preclinical investigations have shown promise, clinical trials are in early phases at this time. In this review, we will summarize the current literature on BET family proteins, their potential as therapeutic targets in brain tumors as well as other malignancies, and the preclinical and clinical investigations that have been undertaken to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodore Nicolaides
- Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
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