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Malone HA, Roberts CWM. Chromatin remodellers as therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00978-5. [PMID: 39014081 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00978-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale cancer genome sequencing studies have revealed that chromatin regulators are frequently mutated in cancer. In particular, more than 20% of cancers harbour mutations in genes that encode subunits of SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodelling complexes. Additional links of SWI/SNF complexes to disease have emerged with the findings that some oncogenes drive transformation by co-opting SWI/SNF function and that germline mutations in select SWI/SNF subunits are the basis of several neurodevelopmental disorders. Other chromatin remodellers, including members of the ISWI, CHD and INO80/SWR complexes, have also been linked to cancer and developmental disorders. Consequently, therapeutic manipulation of SWI/SNF and other remodelling complexes has become of great interest, and drugs that target SWI/SNF subunits have entered clinical trials. Genome-wide perturbation screens in cancer cell lines with SWI/SNF mutations have identified additional synthetic lethal targets and led to further compounds in clinical trials, including one that has progressed to FDA approval. Here, we review the progress in understanding the structure and function of SWI/SNF and other chromatin remodelling complexes, mechanisms by which SWI/SNF mutations cause cancer and neurological diseases, vulnerabilities that arise because of these mutations and efforts to target SWI/SNF complexes and synthetic lethal targets for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Malone
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Charles W M Roberts
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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2
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Gold S, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of BET bromodomain and other epigenetic acetylrecognition domain-containing factors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102181. [PMID: 38564841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapies targeting chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulatory factors is rapidly expanding to include new targets and novel targeting strategies. At the same time, basic molecular research continues to refine our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating transcription, gene expression, and oncogenesis. This mini-review focuses on cancer therapies targeting the chromatin-associated factors that recognize histone lysine acetylation. Recently reported safety and efficacy are discussed for inhibitors targeting the bromodomains of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins. In light of recent results indicating that the transcriptional regulator BRD4-PTEFb can function independently of BRD4's bromodomains, the clinical trial performance of these BET inhibitors is placed in a broader context of existing and potential strategies for targeting BRD4-PTEFb. Recently developed therapies targeting bromodomain-containing factors within the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed, as is the potential for targeting the bromodomain-containing transcription factor TAF1 and the YEATS acetylrecognition domain-containing factor GAS41. Recent findings regarding the selectivity and combinatorial specificity of acetylrecognition are highlighted. In conclusion, the potential for further development is discussed with a focus on proximity-based therapies targeting this class of epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. https://twitter.com/@rwx_life
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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3
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Pan S, Yuan T, Xia Y, Yu W, Zhou X, Cheng F. Role of Histone Modifications in Kidney Fibrosis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:888. [PMID: 38929505 PMCID: PMC11205584 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by persistent kidney dysfunction, ultimately resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal fibrosis is a crucial pathological feature of CKD and ESRD. However, there is no effective treatment for this condition. Despite the complex molecular mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis, increasing evidence highlights the crucial role of histone modification in its regulation. The reversibility of histone modifications offers promising avenues for therapeutic strategies to block or reverse renal fibrosis. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory implications of histone modifications in fibrosis may provide novel insights into more effective and safer therapeutic approaches. This review highlights the regulatory mechanisms and recent advances in histone modifications in renal fibrosis, particularly histone methylation and histone acetylation. The aim is to explore the potential of histone modifications as targets for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiangjun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (S.P.); (T.Y.); (Y.X.); (W.Y.)
| | - Fan Cheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (S.P.); (T.Y.); (Y.X.); (W.Y.)
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4
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Gourisankar S, Krokhotin A, Wenderski W, Crabtree GR. Context-specific functions of chromatin remodellers in development and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:340-361. [PMID: 38001317 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin remodellers were once thought to be highly redundant and nonspecific in their actions. However, recent human genetic studies demonstrate remarkable biological specificity and dosage sensitivity of the thirty-two adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodellers encoded in the human genome. Mutations in remodellers produce many human developmental disorders and cancers, motivating efforts to investigate their distinct functions in biologically relevant settings. Exquisitely specific biological functions seem to be an emergent property in mammals, and in many cases are based on the combinatorial assembly of subunits and the generation of stable, composite surfaces. Critical interactions between remodelling complex subunits, the nucleosome and other transcriptional regulators are now being defined from structural and biochemical studies. In addition, in vivo analyses of remodellers at relevant genetic loci have provided minute-by-minute insights into their dynamics. These studies are proposing new models for the determinants of remodeller localization and function on chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Gourisankar
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Wenderski
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald R Crabtree
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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5
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Konuma T, Zhou MM. Distinct Histone H3 Lysine 27 Modifications Dictate Different Outcomes of Gene Transcription. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168376. [PMID: 38056822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168376] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific histone modifications have long been recognized to play an important role in directing gene transcription in chromatin in biology of health and disease. However, concrete illustration of how different histone modifications in a site-specific manner dictate gene transcription outcomes, as postulated in the influential "Histone code hypothesis", introduced by Allis and colleagues in 2000, has been lacking. In this review, we summarize our latest understanding of the dynamic regulation of gene transcriptional activation, silence, and repression in chromatin that is directed distinctively by histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation, methylation, and crotonylation, respectively. This represents a special example of a long-anticipated verification of the "Histone code hypothesis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Konuma
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; School of Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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6
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Wang Z, Yang X, Chen D, Liu Y, Li Z, Duan S, Zhang Z, Jiang X, Stockwell BR, Gu W. GAS41 modulates ferroptosis by anchoring NRF2 on chromatin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2531. [PMID: 38514704 PMCID: PMC10957913 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46857-w] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
YEATS domain-containing protein GAS41 is a histone reader and oncogene. Here, through genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screenings, we identify GAS41 as a repressor of ferroptosis. GAS41 interacts with NRF2 and is critical for NRF2 to activate its targets such as SLC7A11 for modulating ferroptosis. By recognizing the H3K27-acetylation (H3K27-ac) marker, GAS41 is recruited to the SLC7A11 promoter, independent of NRF2 binding. By bridging the interaction between NRF2 and the H3K27-ac marker, GAS41 acts as an anchor for NRF2 on chromatin in a promoter-specific manner for transcriptional activation. Moreover, the GAS41-mediated effect on ferroptosis contributes to its oncogenic role in vivo. These data demonstrate that GAS41 is a target for modulating tumor growth through ferroptosis. Our study reveals a mechanism for GAS41-mediated regulation in transcription by anchoring NRF2 on chromatin, and provides a model in which the DNA binding activity on chromatin by transcriptional factors (NRF2) can be directly regulated by histone markers (H3K27-ac).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xin Yang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Delin Chen
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuejun Jiang
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Gu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Erb MA. Small-molecule tools for YEATS domain proteins. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 77:102404. [PMID: 37924571 PMCID: PMC10842393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin reader domains are protein folds that bind to post-translational modifications of histones and other chromatin-associated proteins. Compared to other families of reader domains, the discovery that YEATS domains bind to acylated lysines is relatively recent. Four human proteins harbor a YEATS domain, and each is present in protein complexes that regulate chromatin and transcription (ENL, AF9, YEATS2, and YEATS4). Without chemical tools to enable temporally resolved perturbations, it is often unclear how reader domains contribute to protein function. Here, we will discuss recent progress in developing small-molecule tools for YEATS domains and highlight their usefulness for making biological discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Erb
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Li XY, Yu JT, Dong YH, Shen XY, Hou R, Xie MM, Wei J, Hu XW, Dong ZH, Shan RR, Jin J, Shao W, Meng XM. Protein acetylation and related potential therapeutic strategies in kidney disease. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106950. [PMID: 37820854 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Kidney disease can be caused by various internal and external factors that have led to a continual increase in global deaths. Current treatment methods can alleviate but do not markedly prevent disease development. Further research on kidney disease has revealed the crucial function of epigenetics, especially acetylation, in the pathology and physiology of the kidney. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and acetyllysine readers jointly regulate acetylation, thus affecting kidney physiological homoeostasis. Recent studies have shown that acetylation improves mechanisms and pathways involved in various types of nephropathy. The discovery and application of novel inhibitors and activators have further confirmed the important role of acetylation. In this review, we provide insights into the physiological process of acetylation and summarise its specific mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects on renal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ju-Tao Yu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Hang Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Man-Man Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Hu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei 230051, China
| | - Ze-Hui Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Run-Run Shan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei Shao
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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9
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Ji K, Li L, Liu H, Shen Y, Jiang J, Zhang M, Teng H, Yan X, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Zhou H. Unveiling the role of GAS41 in cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:245. [PMID: 37853482 PMCID: PMC10583379 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GAS41, a member of the human YEATS domain family, plays a pivotal role in human cancer development. It serves as a highly promising epigenetic reader, facilitating precise regulation of cell growth and development by recognizing essential histone modifications, including histone acetylation, benzoylation, succinylation, and crotonylation. Functional readouts of these histone modifications often coincide with cancer progression. In addition, GAS41 functions as a novel oncogene, participating in numerous signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the epigenetic functions of GAS41 and its role in the carcinoma progression. Moving forward, elucidating the downstream target oncogenes regulated by GAS41 and the developing small molecule inhibitors based on the distinctive YEATS recognition properties will be pivotal in advancing this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Ji
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yucheng Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Minglei Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hongwei Teng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Xun Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hai Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China.
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10
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Xian Q, Song Y, Gui C, Zhou Y. Mechanistic insights into genomic structure and functions of a novel oncogene YEATS4. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192139. [PMID: 37435030 PMCID: PMC10332269 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel oncogene, the role of YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4) in the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumors is now beginning to be appreciated. YEATS4 plays an important role in regulating DNA repair during replication. The upregulation of YEAST4 promotes DNA damage repair and prevents cell death, whereas its downregulation inhibits DNA replication and induces apoptosis. Additionally, accumulating evidence indicates that the aberrant activation of YEATS4 leads to changes in drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and also in the migration and invasion capacity of tumor cells. Therefore, specific inhibition of the expression or activity of YEATS4 protein may be an effective strategy for inhibiting the proliferation, motility, differentiation, and/or survival of tumor cells. Taken together, YEATS4 has emerged as a potential target for multiple cancers and is an attractive protein for the development of small-molecule inhibitors. However, research on YEAST4 in tumor-related fields is limited and its biological functions, metabolism, and the regulatory mechanism of YEATS4 in numerous cancers remain undetermined. This review comprehensively and extensively summarizes the functions, structure and oncogenic roles of YEATS4 in cancer progression and aims to further contribute to the study of its underlying molecular mechanism and targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yiying Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengzhi Gui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yunying Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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