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Abumustafa W, Castven D, Sharif-Askari FS, Abi Zamer B, Hamad M, Marquardt JU, Muhammad JS. PRMT5 Mediated HIF1α Signaling and Ras-Related Nuclear Protein as Promising Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:216. [PMID: 38666828 PMCID: PMC11048327 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for various cancer types. However, its role in regulating the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) transcriptome remains poorly understood. In this study, publicly available databases were employed to investigate PRMT5 expression, its correlation with overall survival, targeted pathways, and genes of interest in HCC. Additionally, we utilized in-house generated NGS data to explore PRMT5 expression in dysplastic nodules compared to hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings revealed that PRMT5 is significantly overexpressed in HCC compared to normal liver, and elevated expression correlates with poor overall survival. To gain insights into the mechanism driving PRMT5 overexpression in HCC, we analyzed promoter CpG islands and methylation status in HCC compared to normal tissues. Pathway analysis of PRMT5 knockdown in the HCC cells revealed a connection between PRMT5 expression and genes related to the HIF1α pathway. Additionally, by filtering PRMT5-correlated genes within the HIF1α pathway and selecting up/downregulated genes in HCC patients, we identified Ras-related nuclear protein (RAN) as a target associated with overall survival. For the first time, we report that PRMT5 is implicated in the regulation of HIF1A and RAN genes, suggesting the potential prognostic utility of PRMT5 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Abumustafa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Darko Castven
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Batoul Abi Zamer
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jens-Uwe Marquardt
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jibran Sualeh Muhammad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Tong C, Chang X, Qu F, Bian J, Wang J, Li Z, Xu X. Overview of the development of protein arginine methyltransferase modulators: Achievements and future directions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116212. [PMID: 38359536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Protein methylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) that organisms undergo. This process is considered a part of epigenetics research. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in protein methylation, particularly histone methylation, as research has advanced. Methylation of histones is a dynamic process that is subject to fine control by histone methyltransferases and demethylases. In addition, many non-histone proteins also undergo methylation, and these modifications collectively regulate physiological phenomena, including RNA transcription, translation, signal transduction, DNA damage response, and cell cycle. Protein arginine methylation is a crucial aspect of protein methylation, which plays a significant role in regulating the cell cycle and repairing DNA. It is also linked to various diseases. Therefore, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) that are involved in this process have gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for treating diseases. Several PRMT inhibitors are in phase I/II clinical trials. This paper aims to introduce the structure, biochemical functions, and bioactivity assays of PRMTs. Additionally, we will review the structure-function of currently popular PRMT inhibitors. Through the analysis of various data on known PRMT inhibitors, we hope to provide valuable assistance for future drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China
| | - Xiujin Chang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China
| | - Fangui Qu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China.
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China.
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjin, 211198, China.
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3
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Gao Y, Feng C, Ma J, Yan Q. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs): Orchestrators of cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy dynamics, and drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116048. [PMID: 38346542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) are a family of enzymes regulating protein arginine methylation, which is a post-translational modification crucial for various cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the mechanistic role of PRMTs in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. PRMTs are involved in diverse oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. They exert their effects by methylation of histones, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins, resulting in altered gene expression patterns. PRMT-mediated histone methylation can lead to aberrant chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes that drive oncogenesis. Additionally, PRMTs can directly interact with key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, thereby modulating cell survival and proliferation. In the context of cancer immunotherapy, PRMTs have emerged as critical regulators of immune responses. They modulate immune checkpoint molecules, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), through arginine methylation. Drug resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, and PRMTs have been implicated in this phenomenon. PRMTs can contribute to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms, including the epigenetic regulation of drug efflux pumps, altered DNA damage repair, and modulation of cell survival pathways. In conclusion, PRMTs play critical roles in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. In this overview, we have endeavored to illuminate the mechanistic intricacies of PRMT-mediated processes. Shedding light on these aspects will offer valuable insights into the fundamental biology of cancer and establish PRMTs as promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Chongchong Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Jingru Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Qingzhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
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4
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Feoli A, Iannelli G, Cipriano A, Milite C, Shen L, Wang Z, Hadjikyriacou A, Lowe TL, Safaeipour C, Viviano M, Sarno G, Morretta E, Monti MC, Yang Y, Clarke SG, Cosconati S, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Identification of a Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7)/Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 9 (PRMT9) Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13665-13683. [PMID: 37560786 PMCID: PMC10578352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Less studied than the other protein arginine methyltransferase isoforms, PRMT7 and PRMT9 have recently been identified as important therapeutic targets. Yet, most of their biological roles and functions are still to be defined, as well as the structural requirements that could drive the identification of selective modulators of their activity. We recently described the structural requirements that led to the identification of potent and selective PRMT4 inhibitors spanning both the substrate and the cosubstrate pockets. The reanalysis of the data suggested a PRMT7 preferential binding for shorter derivatives and prompted us to extend these structural studies to PRMT9. Here, we report the identification of the first potent PRMT7/9 inhibitor and its binding mode to the two PRMT enzymes. Label-free quantification mass spectrometry confirmed significant inhibition of PRMT activity in cells. We also report the setup of an effective AlphaLISA assay to screen small molecule inhibitors of PRMT9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Giulia Iannelli
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
- PhD
Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Lei Shen
- Department
of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman
Research Institute, City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department
of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman
Research Institute, City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Andrea Hadjikyriacou
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Troy L. Lowe
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Cyrus Safaeipour
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Giuliana Sarno
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
- PhD
Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Elva Morretta
- Department
of Pharmacy, ProteoMass Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department
of Pharmacy, ProteoMass Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Yanzhong Yang
- Department
of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman
Research Institute, City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Steven G. Clarke
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department
of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University
of Salerno, via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, Fisciano ,I-84084 SA Italy
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5
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Sabnis R. Tricyclic Carboxamide Derivatives as PRMT5 Inhibitors for Treating Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1204-1205. [PMID: 35978690 PMCID: PMC9377325 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ram
W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell &
Russell LLP, 1105 West Peachtree Street NE, Suite
1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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6
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Tinsley SL, Allen-Petersen BL. PP2A and cancer epigenetics: a therapeutic opportunity waiting to happen. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac002. [PMID: 35118387 PMCID: PMC8807117 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic state of chromatin is altered by regulators which influence gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. While several post-translational modifications contribute to chromatin accessibility and transcriptional programs, our understanding of the role that specific phosphorylation sites play is limited. In cancer, kinases and phosphatases are commonly deregulated resulting in increased oncogenic signaling and loss of epigenetic regulation. Aberrant epigenetic states are known to promote cellular plasticity and the development of therapeutic resistance in many cancer types, highlighting the importance of these mechanisms to cancer cell phenotypes. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric holoenzyme that targets a diverse array of cellular proteins. The composition of the PP2A complex influences its cellular targets and activity. For this reason, PP2A can be tumor suppressive or oncogenic depending on cellular context. Understanding the nuances of PP2A regulation and its effect on epigenetic alterations can lead to new therapeutic avenues that afford more specificity and contribute to the growth of personalized medicine in the oncology field. In this review, we summarize the known PP2A-regulated substrates and potential phosphorylation sites that contribute to cancer cell epigenetics and possible strategies to therapeutically leverage this phosphatase to suppress tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Tinsley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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7
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Lei Y, Han P, Chen Y, Wang H, Wang S, Wang M, Liu J, Yan W, Tian D, Liu M. Protein arginine methyltransferase 3 promotes glycolysis and hepatocellular carcinoma growth by enhancing arginine methylation of lactate dehydrogenase A. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e686. [PMID: 35090076 PMCID: PMC8797063 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein arginine methylation has emerged a pivotal role in cancer progression. However, the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. METHODS The expression pattern of PRMT3 in HCC was analysed using quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments were carried out to determine the oncogenic role of PRMT3 in HCC. Glucose consumption and lactate production assays, seahorse bioscience, mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, metabonomic analysis and site-specific mutation experiments were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the effects of PRMT3 and its inhibitor, SGC707, treatment on tumour growth in vivo. RESULTS The expression of PRMT3 was significantly upregulated in HCC, with high expression of which correlated with poor prognosis. PRMT3 knockdown led to the decrease in proliferation, glycolysis of HCC cells and tumour growth, whilst its overexpression showed opposite results. The catalytic activity of PRMT3 was important in mediating these biological processes. Mechanistically, our data showed that PRMT3 interacted with and mediated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) modification of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) at arginine 112 (R112). Compared with LDHA-wild-type (LDHA-WT) cells, LDHA-R112K-mutant-expressing HCC cells exhibited a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, HCC cell glycolysis and proliferation. Furthermore, the administration of SGC707, a selective inhibitor of PRMT3, disrupted the PRMT3-mediated LDHA methylation and abolished PRMT3-induced HCC glycolysis and tumour growth. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested a novel oncogenic role of PRMT3 in HCC, and it could be a promising therapeutic target for HCC by linking post-translational modification and cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Shuhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Muru Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Jingmei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
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8
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Sabnis RW. Novel PRMT5 Inhibitors for Treating Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1537-1538. [PMID: 34676035 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP, 1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 3100, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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