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Harrahill NJ, Hadden MK. Small molecules that regulate the N 6-methyladenosine RNA modification as potential anti-cancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116526. [PMID: 38805939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116526] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, the field of post-translational RNA modifications, is a burgeoning domain of research that has recently received significant attention for its role in multiple diseases, including cancer. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prominent post-translational RNA modification and plays a critical role in RNA transcription, processing, translation, and metabolism. The m6A modification is controlled by three protein classes known as writers (methyltransferases), erasers (demethylases), and readers (m6A-binding proteins). Each class of m6A regulatory proteins has been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. As such, many of these proteins have been identified as potential targets for anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. In this work, we provide an overview of the role m6A-regulating proteins play in cancer and discuss the current state of small molecule therapeutics targeting these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah J Harrahill
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269-3092, United States
| | - M Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269-3092, United States.
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2
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Li F, Li W. Readers of RNA Modification in Cancer and Their Anticancer Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2024; 14:881. [PMID: 39062595 PMCID: PMC11275166 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment has always been a challenge for humanity. The inadequacies of current technologies underscore the limitations of our efforts against this disease. Nevertheless, the advent of targeted therapy has introduced a promising avenue, furnishing us with more efficacious tools. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention toward epigenetics, offering a novel perspective in this realm. The investigation of epigenetics has brought RNA readers to the forefront, as they play pivotal roles in recognizing and regulating RNA functions. Recently, the development of inhibitors targeting these RNA readers has emerged as a focal point in research and holds promise for further strides in targeted therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize various types of inhibitors targeting RNA readers, including non-coding RNA (ncRNA) inhibitors, small-molecule inhibitors, and other potential inhibitors. We systematically elucidate their mechanisms in suppressing cancer progression by inhibiting readers, aiming to present inhibitors of readers at the current stage and provide more insights into the development of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
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3
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Han X, Zhu Y, Ke J, Zhai Y, Huang M, Zhang X, He H, Zhang X, Zhao X, Guo K, Li X, Han Z, Zhang Y. Progression of m 6A in the tumor microenvironment: hypoxia, immune and metabolic reprogramming. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:331. [PMID: 39033180 PMCID: PMC11271487 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has aroused widespread discussion in the scientific community as a mode of RNA modification. m6A comprises writers, erasers, and readers, which regulates RNA production, nuclear export, and translation and is very important for human health. A large number of studies have found that the regulation of m6A is closely related to the occurrence and invasion of tumors, while the homeostasis and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) determine the occurrence and development of tumors to some extent. TME is composed of a variety of immune cells (T cells, B cells, etc.) and nonimmune cells (tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells (TA-MSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), etc.). Current studies suggest that m6A is involved in regulating the function of various cells in the TME, thereby affecting tumor progression. In this manuscript, we present the composition of m6A and TME, the relationship between m6A methylation and characteristic changes in TME, the role of m6A methylation in TME, and potential therapeutic strategies to provide new perspectives for better treatment of tumors in clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Han
- First Clinical College of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Juan Ke
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | - Min Huang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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4
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Mashayekhi V, Schomisch A, Rasheed S, Aparicio-Puerta E, Risch T, Yildiz D, Koch M, Both S, Ludwig N, Legroux TM, Keller A, Müller R, Fuhrmann G, Hoppstädter J, Kiemer AK. The RNA binding protein IGF2BP2/IMP2 alters the cargo of cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles supporting tumor-associated macrophages. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:344. [PMID: 38937789 PMCID: PMC11212187 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01701-y] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contribute to the polarization of macrophages towards tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). High expression levels of the RNA binding protein IGF2BP2/IMP2 are correlated with increased tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and poor prognosis in the clinic. However, there is a lack of understanding of whether IMP2 affects the cargo of cancer cell-derived EVs, thereby modulating macrophage polarization. METHODS EVs were isolated from IMP2-expressing HCT116 parental cells (WT) and CRISPR/Cas9 IMP2 knockout (KO) cells. EVs were characterized according to MISEV guidelines, microRNA cargo was assessed by microRNA-Seq, and the protein cargo was analyzed by proteomics. Primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) were polarized by EVs, and the expression of genes and surface markers was assessed using qPCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Morphological changes of macrophages, as well as the migratory potential of cancer cells, were assessed by the Incucyte® system and macrophage matrix degradation potential by zymography. Changes in the metabolic activity of macrophages were quantified using a Seahorse® analyzer. For in vivo studies, EVs were injected into the yolk sac of zebrafish larvae, and macrophages were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. RESULTS EVs from WT and KO cells had a similar size and concentration and were positive for 25 vesicle markers. The expression of tumor-promoting genes was higher in macrophages polarized with WT EVs than KO EVs, while the expression of TNF and IL6 was reduced. A similar pattern was observed in macrophages from zebrafish larvae treated in vivo. WT EV-polarized macrophages showed a higher abundance of TAM-like surface markers, higher matrix degrading activity, as well as a higher promotion of cancer cell migration. MicroRNA-Seq revealed a significant difference in the microRNA composition of WT and KO EVs, particularly a high abundance of miR-181a-5p in WT EVs, which was absent in KO EVs. Inhibitors of macropinocytosis and phagocytosis antagonized the delivery of miR-181a-5p into macrophages and the downregulation of the miR-181a-5p target DUSP6. Proteomics data showed differences in protein cargo in KO vs. WT EVs, with the differentially abundant proteins mainly involved in metabolic pathways. WT EV-treated macrophages exhibited a higher basal oxygen consumption rate and a lower extracellular acidification rate than KO EV-treated cells. CONCLUSION Our results show that IMP2 determines the cargo of EVs released by cancer cells, thereby modulating the EVs' actions on macrophages. Expression of IMP2 is linked to the secretion of EVs that polarize macrophages towards a tumor-promoting phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Mashayekhi
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Annika Schomisch
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sari Rasheed
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Brunswick, Germany
| | - Ernesto Aparicio-Puerta
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, University Hospital, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Timo Risch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Brunswick, Germany
| | - Daniela Yildiz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, PZMS, ZHMB, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Koch
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Simon Both
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Thierry M Legroux
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, University Hospital, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Brunswick, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Gregor Fuhrmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jessica Hoppstädter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alexandra K Kiemer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Zhao L, Guo J, Xu S, Duan M, Liu B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Liu H, Yang Z, Yuan H, Jiang X, Jiang X. Abnormal changes in metabolites caused by m 6A methylation modification: The leading factors that induce the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and their promising potential for clinical application. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00159-0. [PMID: 38677545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.016] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modifications have been widely implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of various cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are essential for meeting the demands of cellular growth and maintaining tissue homeostasis, enabling cells to adapt to the specific conditions of the TME. An increasing number of research studies have focused on the role of m6A modifications in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism, revealing their capacity to induce aberrant changes in metabolite levels. These changes may in turn trigger oncogenic signaling pathways, leading to substantial alterations within the TME. Notably, certain metabolites, including lactate, succinate, fumarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), glutamate, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, fatty acids and cholesterol, exhibit pronounced deviations from normal levels. These deviations not only foster tumorigenesis, proliferation and angiogenesis but also give rise to an immunosuppressive TME, thereby facilitating immune evasion by the tumor. AIM OF REVIEW The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively discuss the regulatory role of m6A modifications in the aforementioned metabolites and their potential impact on the development of an immunosuppressive TME through metabolic alterations. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review aims to elaborate on the intricate networks governed by the m6A-metabolite-TME axis and underscores its pivotal role in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delve into the potential implications of the m6A-metabolite-TME axis for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Junchen Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Shasha Xu
- Department of Gastroendoscopy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Baiming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - He Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Hexue Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110020, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song J, Cheng X, Zhou C, Huang S, Zhao W, Zong Z, Yang L. Targeting the "tumor microenvironment": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in colorectal cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111876. [PMID: 38493688 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111876] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate among cancers. The development of CRC involves both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and recent research has focused on exploring the ex-transcriptome, particularly post-transcriptional modifications. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional events. Dysregulation of RBPs can result in aberrant expression of downstream target genes, thereby affecting the progression of colorectal tumors and the prognosis of patients. Recent studies have shown that RBPs can influence CRC pathogenesis and progression by regulating various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although previous research on RBPs has primarily focused on their direct regulation of colorectal tumor development, their involvement in the remodeling of the TME has not been systematically reported. This review aims to highlight the significant role of RBPs in the intricate interactions within the CRC tumor microenvironment, including tumor immune microenvironment, inflammatory microenvironment, extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature, and CRC cancer stem cells. We also highlight several compounds under investigation for RBP-TME-based treatment of CRC, including small molecule inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, agonists, gene manipulation, and tumor vaccines. The insights gained from this review may lead to the development of RBP-based targeted novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME, potentially inhibiting the progression and metastasis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Chulin Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- The 3rd Clinical Department of China Medical University, 10159 Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China.
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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7
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Cai Y, Wang Y, Mao B, You Q, Guo X. Targeting insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) for the treatment of cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116241. [PMID: 38382391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116241] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IMPs, IGF2BPs) are RNA-binding proteins that regulate a variety of biological processes. In recent years, several studies have found that IGF2BPs play multiple roles in various biological processes, especially in cancer, and speculated on their mechanism of anticancer effect. In addition, targeting IGF2BPs or their downstream target gene has also received extensive attention as an effective treatment for different types of cancer. In this review, we summarized the recent progress on the role of IGF2BPs in cancers and their structural characteristics. We focused on describing the development of inhibitors targeting IGF2BPs and the prospects for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug, Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yingzhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug, Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bingjie Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug, Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug, Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug, Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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8
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Duan M, Liu H, Xu S, Yang Z, Zhang F, Wang G, Wang Y, Zhao S, Jiang X. IGF2BPs as novel m 6A readers: Diverse roles in regulating cancer cell biological functions, hypoxia adaptation, metabolism, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Genes Dis 2024; 11:890-920. [PMID: 37692485 PMCID: PMC10491980 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
m6A methylation is the most frequent modification of mRNA in eukaryotes and plays a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating biological functions. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BP) are newly identified m6A 'readers'. They belong to a family of RNA-binding proteins, which bind to the m6A sites on different RNA sequences and stabilize them to promote cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which different upstream factors regulate IGF2BP in cancer. The current literature analyzed here reveals that the IGF2BP family proteins promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, and chemoresistance, inhibit apoptosis, and are also associated with cancer glycolysis, angiogenesis, and the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, with the discovery of their role as 'readers' of m6A and the characteristic re-expression of IGF2BPs in cancers, it is important to elucidate their mechanism of action in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We also describe in detail the regulatory and interaction network of the IGF2BP family in downstream target RNAs and discuss their potential clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as recent advances in IGF2BP biology and associated therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Shasha Xu
- Department of Gastroendoscopy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Yutian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110002, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
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9
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Zhou Z, Zhang B, Deng Y, Deng S, Li J, Wei W, Wang Y, Wang J, Feng Z, Che M, Yang X, Meng J, Li Y, Hu Y, Sun Y, Wen L, Huang F, Sheng Y, Wan C, Yang K. FBW7/GSK3β mediated degradation of IGF2BP2 inhibits IGF2BP2-SLC7A5 positive feedback loop and radioresistance in lung cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:34. [PMID: 38281999 PMCID: PMC10823633 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02959-3] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of radioresistance seriously hinders the efficacy of radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms by which radioresistance occurs are still incompletely understood. The N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is involved in cancer progression, but its role in lung cancer radioresistance remains elusive. This study aimed to identify m6A regulators involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity and further explore the underlying mechanisms to identify therapeutic targets to overcome lung cancer radioresistance. METHODS Bioinformatic mining was used to identify the m6A regulator IGF2BP2 involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the downstream factors. Clonogenic survival assays, neutral comet assays, Rad51 foci formation assays, and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays were used to determine the significance of FBW7/IGF2BP2/SLC7A5 axis in lung cancer radioresistance. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA pull-down analyses, co-immunoprecipitation analyses, and ubiquitination assays were used to determine the feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 and the regulatory effect of FBW7/GSK3β on IGF2BP2. Mice models and tissue microarrays were used to verify the effects in vivo. RESULTS We identified IGF2BP2, an m6A "reader", that is overexpressed in lung cancer and facilitates radioresistance. We showed that inhibition of IGF2BP2 impairs radioresistance in lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that IGF2BP2 enhances the stability and translation of SLC7A5 mRNA through m6A modification, resulting in enhanced SLC7A5-mediated transport of methionine to produce S-adenosylmethionine. This feeds back upon the IGF2BP2 promoter region by further increasing the trimethyl modification at lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me3) level to upregulate IGF2BP2 expression. We demonstrated that this positive feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 promotes lung cancer radioresistance through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, we found that the ubiquitin ligase FBW7 functions with GSK3β kinase to recognize and degrade IGF2BP2. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study revealed that the m6A "reader" IGF2BP2 promotes lung cancer radioresistance by forming a positive feedback loop with SLC7A5, suggesting that IGF2BP2 may be a potential therapeutic target to control radioresistance in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zhou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yue Deng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Suke Deng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zishan Feng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mengjie Che
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingshu Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yajie Sun
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuhan Sheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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10
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Fontana CM, Van Doan H. Zebrafish xenograft as a tool for the study of colorectal cancer: a review. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:23. [PMID: 38195619 PMCID: PMC10776567 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06291-0] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, mostly due to metastatic disease and the fact that many patients already show signs of metastasis at the time of first diagnosis. Current CRC therapies negatively impact patients' quality of life and have little to no effect on combating the tumor once the dissemination has started. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is a popular animal model utilized in cancer research. One of its main advantages is the ease of xenograft transplantation due to the fact that zebrafish larvae lack the adaptative immune system, guaranteeing the impossibility of rejection. In this review, we have presented the many works that choose zebrafish xenograft as a tool for the study of CRC, highlighting the methods used as well as the promising new therapeutic molecules that have been identified due to this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hien Van Doan
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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11
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Jaiswal AK, Thaxton ML, Scherer GM, Sorrentino JP, Garg NK, Rao DS. Small molecule inhibition of RNA binding proteins in haematologic cancer. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-14. [PMID: 38329136 PMCID: PMC10857685 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2303558] [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] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in biomedicine have revealed an important role for post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression regulation in pathologic conditions. In cancer in general and leukaemia specifically, RNA binding proteins have emerged as important regulator of RNA homoeostasis that are often dysregulated in the disease state. Having established the importance of these pathogenetic mechanisms, there have been a number of efforts to target RNA binding proteins using oligonucleotide-based strategies, as well as with small organic molecules. The field is at an exciting inflection point with the convergence of biomedical knowledge, small molecule screening strategies and improved chemical methods for synthesis and construction of sophisticated small molecules. Here, we review the mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation, specifically in leukaemia, current small-molecule based efforts to target RNA binding proteins, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K. Jaiswal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle L. Thaxton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Georgia M. Scherer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob P. Sorrentino
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neil K. Garg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dinesh S. Rao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Li A, Bouhss A, Clément MJ, Bauvais C, Taylor JP, Bollot G, Pastré D. Using the structural diversity of RNA: protein interfaces to selectively target RNA with small molecules in cells: methods and perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1298441. [PMID: 38033386 PMCID: PMC10687564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1298441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, RNA has gained traction both as a therapeutic molecule and as a therapeutic target in several human pathologies. In this review, we consider the approach of targeting RNA using small molecules for both research and therapeutic purposes. Given the primary challenge presented by the low structural diversity of RNA, we discuss the potential for targeting RNA: protein interactions to enhance the structural and sequence specificity of drug candidates. We review available tools and inherent challenges in this approach, ranging from adapted bioinformatics tools to in vitro and cellular high-throughput screening and functional analysis. We further consider two critical steps in targeting RNA/protein interactions: first, the integration of in silico and structural analyses to improve the efficacy of molecules by identifying scaffolds with high affinity, and second, increasing the likelihood of identifying on-target compounds in cells through a combination of high-throughput approaches and functional assays. We anticipate that the development of a new class of molecules targeting RNA: protein interactions to prevent physio-pathological mechanisms could significantly expand the arsenal of effective therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixiao Li
- Synsight, Genopole Entreprises, Evry, France
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | | | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - David Pastré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
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13
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Hua L, Wang D, Wang K, Wang Y, Gu J, Zhang Q, You Q, Wang L. Design of Tracers in Fluorescence Polarization Assay for Extensive Application in Small Molecule Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10934-10958. [PMID: 37561645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Development of fluorescence polarization (FP) assays, especially in a competitive manner, is a potent and mature tool for measuring the binding affinities of small molecules. This approach is suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS) for initial ligands and is also applicable for further study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of candidate compounds for drug discovery. Buffer and tracer, especially rational design of the tracer, play a vital role in an FP assay system. In this perspective, we provided different kinds of approaches for tracer design based on successful cases in recent years. We classified these tracers by different types of ligands in tracers, including peptide, nucleic acid, natural product, and small molecule. To make this technology accessible for more targets, we briefly described the basic theory and workflow, followed by highlighting the design and application of typical FP tracers from a perspective of medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Danni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Keran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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14
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Li Q, Kang C. Targeting RNA-binding proteins with small molecules: Perspectives, pitfalls and bifunctional molecules. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2031-2047. [PMID: 37519019 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14710] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in organisms through binding with RNAs to regulate their functions. Small molecules affecting the function of RBPs have been developed, providing new avenues for drug discovery. Herein, we describe the perspectives on developing small molecule regulators of RBPs. The following types of small molecule modulators are of great interest in drug discovery: small molecules binding to RBPs to affect interactions with RNA molecules, bifunctional molecules binding to RNA or RBP to influence their interactions, and other types of molecules that affect the stability of RNA or RBPs. Moreover, we emphasize that the bifunctional molecules may play important roles in small molecule development to overcome the challenges encountered in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Al-Fityan S, Diesel B, Fischer T, Ampofo E, Schomisch A, Mashayekhi V, Schneider M, Kiemer AK. Nanostructured Microparticles Repolarize Macrophages and Induce Cell Death in an In Vitro Model of Tumour-Associated Macrophages. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1895. [PMID: 37514081 PMCID: PMC10385046 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages (MΦs) in their pro-inflammatory state (M1) suppress tumour growth, while tumour-associated MΦs (TAMs) can promote tumour progression. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that targeted delivery of the immune activator poly(I:C) in aspherical silica microrods (µRs) can repolarize TAMs into M1-like cells. µRs (10 µm × 3 µm) were manufactured from silica nanoparticles and stabilized with dextran sulphate and polyethyleneimine. The THP-1 cell line, differentiated into MΦs, and primary human monocyte-derived MΦs (HMDMs) were treated with tumour-cell-conditioned medium (A549), but only HMDMs could be polarized towards TAMs. Flow cytometry and microscopy revealed elevated uptake of µRs by TAMs compared to non-polarized HMDMs. Flow cytometry and qPCR studies on polarization markers showed desirable effects of poly(I:C)-loaded MPs towards an M1 polarization. However, unloaded µRs also showed distinct actions, which were not induced by bacterial contaminations. Reporter cell assays showed that µRs induce the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Macrophages from Nlrp3 knockout mice showed that µRs in concentrations as low as 0.5 µR per cell can activate the inflammasome and induce cell death. In conclusion, our data show that µRs, even if unloaded, can induce inflammasome activation and cell death in low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Al-Fityan
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Britta Diesel
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Thorben Fischer
- Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Ampofo
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Annika Schomisch
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Vida Mashayekhi
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Marc Schneider
- Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Alexandra K Kiemer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
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16
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Miller LG, Demny M, Tamamis P, Contreras LM. Characterization of epitranscriptome reader proteins experimentally and in silico: Current knowledge and future perspectives beyond the YTH domain. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3541-3556. [PMID: 37501707 PMCID: PMC10371769 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, over 150 chemical modifications to the four canonical RNA bases have been discovered, known collectively as the epitranscriptome. Many of these modifications have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes and disease states. Additional work has been done to identify proteins known as "readers" that selectively interact with RNAs that contain specific chemical modifications. Protein interactomes with N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG) have been determined, mainly through experimental advances in proteomics techniques. However, relatively few proteins have been confirmed to bind directly to RNA containing these modifications. Furthermore, for many of these protein readers, the exact binding mechanisms as well as the exclusivity for recognition of modified RNA species remain elusive, leading to questions regarding their roles within different cellular processes. In the case of the YT-521B homology (YTH) family of proteins, both experimental and in silico techniques have been leveraged to provide valuable biophysical insights into the mechanisms of m6A recognition at atomic resolution. To date, the YTH family is one of the best characterized classes of readers. Here, we review current knowledge about epitranscriptome recognition of the YTH domain proteins from previously published experimental and computational studies. We additionally outline knowledge gaps for proteins beyond the well-studied human YTH domains and the current in silico techniques and resources that can enable investigation of protein interactions with modified RNA outside of the YTH-m6A context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G. Miller
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Madeline Demny
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lydia M. Contreras
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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17
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Zhu TY, Hong LL, Ling ZQ. Oncofetal protein IGF2BPs in human cancer: functions, mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Biomark Res 2023; 11:62. [PMID: 37280679 PMCID: PMC10245617 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent and well-characterized internal chemical modification in eukaryotic RNA, influencing gene expression and phenotypic changes by controlling RNA fate. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) preferentially function as m6A effector proteins, promoting stability and translation of m6A-modified RNAs. IGF2BPs, particularly IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3, are widely recognized as oncofetal proteins predominantly expressed in cancer rather than normal tissues, playing a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Consequently, IGF2BPs hold potential for clinical applications and serve as a good choice for targeted treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the functions and mechanisms of IGF2BPs as m6A readers and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting IGF2BPs in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yu Zhu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, No.109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang, China
- Jinhua People's Hospital, No.267 Danxi East Road, Jinhua, 321000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Lian-Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, No.109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325027 Zhejiang, China.
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18
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Kendzia S, Franke S, Kröhler T, Golob-Schwarzl N, Schweiger C, Toeglhofer AM, Skofler C, Uranitsch S, El-Heliebi A, Fuchs J, Punschart A, Stiegler P, Keil M, Hoffmann J, Henderson D, Lehrach H, Yaspo ML, Reinhard C, Schäfer R, Keilholz U, Regenbrecht C, Schicho R, Fickert P, Lax SF, Erdmann F, Schulz MH, Kiemer AK, Haybaeck J, Kessler SM. A combined computational and functional approach identifies IGF2BP2 as a driver of chemoresistance in a wide array of pre-clinical models of colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:89. [PMID: 37248468 PMCID: PMC10227963 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Chemoresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. In this study, the impact of the IGF2BP family of RNA-binding proteins on CRC chemoresistance was investigated using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. METHODS Gene expression data from a well-characterized cohort and publicly available cross-linking immunoprecipitation sequencing (CLIP-Seq) data were collected. Resistance to chemotherapeutics was assessed in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). Functional studies were performed in 2D and 3D cell culture models, including proliferation, spheroid growth, and mitochondrial respiration analyses. RESULTS We identified IGF2BP2 as the most abundant IGF2BP in primary and metastastatic CRC, correlating with tumor stage in patient samples and tumor growth in PDXs. IGF2BP2 expression in primary tumor tissue was significantly associated with resistance to selumetinib, gefitinib, and regorafenib in PDOs and to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in PDX in vivo. IGF2BP2 knockout (KO) HCT116 cells were more susceptible to regorafenib in 2D and to oxaliplatin, selumitinib, and nintedanib in 3D cell culture. Further, a bioinformatic analysis using CLIP data suggested stabilization of target transcripts in primary and metastatic tumors. Measurement of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) revealed a decreased basal OCR and an increase in glycolytic ATP production rate in IGF2BP2 KO. In addition, real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis confirmed decreased expression of genes of the respiratory chain complex I, complex IV, and the outer mitochondrial membrane in IGF2BP2 KO cells. CONCLUSIONS IGF2BP2 correlates with CRC tumor growth in vivo and promotes chemoresistance by altering mitochondrial respiratory chain metabolism. As a druggable target, IGF2BP2 could be used in future CRC therapy to overcome CRC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kendzia
- Institute of Pharmacy, Experimental Pharmacology for Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Susanne Franke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Experimental Pharmacology for Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Tarek Kröhler
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nicole Golob-Schwarzl
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Caroline Schweiger
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna M Toeglhofer
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Skofler
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Uranitsch
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Brothers of Charity Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Philipp Stiegler
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marlen Keil
- Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology, Berlin GmbH-Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology, Berlin GmbH-Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | | | - Hans Lehrach
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Reinhard
- Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, USA
- CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhold Schäfer
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Regenbrecht
- CELLphenomics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Schicho
- Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Fickert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sigurd F Lax
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Graz South-West and School of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Frank Erdmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Experimental Pharmacology for Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Marcel H Schulz
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra K Kiemer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sonja M Kessler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Experimental Pharmacology for Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Halle Research Centre for Drug Therapy (HRCDT), Halle, Germany.
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19
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Bertoldo JB, Müller S, Hüttelmaier S. RNA-binding proteins in cancer drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103580. [PMID: 37031812 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial players in tumorigenesis and, hence, promising targets in cancer drug discovery. However, they are largely regarded as 'undruggable', because of the often noncatalytic and complex interactions between protein and RNA, which limit the discovery of specific inhibitors. Nonetheless, over the past 10 years, drug discovery efforts have uncovered RBP inhibitors with clinical relevance, highlighting the disruption of RNA-protein networks as a promising avenue for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of structurally distinct RBPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of RBP-directed small-molecule inhibitors (SMOIs) focusing on drug-protein interactions, binding surfaces, potency, and translational potential. Additionally, we underline the limitations of RBP-targeting drug discovery assays and comment on future trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Bertoldo
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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20
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Němejcová K, Bártů MK, Michálková R, Drozenová J, Fabian P, Fadare O, Hausnerová J, Laco J, Matěj R, Méhes G, Singh N, Stolnicu S, Škapa P, Švajdler M, Stružinská I, Cibula D, Kocian R, Lax SF, McCluggage WG, Dundr P. A comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of IMP2 and IMP3 in 542 cases of ovarian tumors. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:15. [PMID: 36740684 PMCID: PMC9901072 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-023-01300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IMP2 and IMP3 are mRNA binding proteins involved in carcinogenesis. We examined a large cohort of ovarian tumors with the aim to assess the value of IMP2 and IMP3 for differential diagnosis, and to assess their prognostic significance. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies against IMP2 and IMP3 were performed on 554 primary ovarian tumors including 114 high grade serous carcinomas, 100 low grade serous carcinomas, 124 clear cell carcinomas, 54 endometrioid carcinomas, 34 mucinous carcinomas, 75 mucinous borderline tumors, and 41 serous borderline tumors (micropapillary variant). The associations of overall positivity with clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated using the chi-squared test or Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS We found IMP2 expression (in more than 5% of tumor cells) in nearly all cases of all tumor types, so the prognostic meaning could not be analyzed. The positive IMP3 expression (in more than 5% of tumor cells) was most common in mucinous carcinomas (82%) and mucinous borderline tumors (81%), followed by high grade serous (67%) and clear cell carcinomas (67%). The expression was less frequent in endometrioid carcinomas (39%), low grade serous carcinomas (23%), and micropapillary variant of serous borderline tumors (20%). Prognostic significance of IMP3 could be evaluated only in low grade serous carcinomas in the case of relapse-free survival, where negative cases showed better RFS (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Concerning differential diagnosis our results imply that despite the differences in expression in the different ovarian tumor types, the practical value for diagnostic purposes is limited. Contrary to other solid tumors, we did not find prognostic significance of IMP3 in ovarian cancer, with the exception of RFS in low grade serous carcinomas. However, the high expression of IMP2 and IMP3 could be of predictive value in ovarian carcinomas since IMP proteins are potential therapeutical targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Němejcová
- Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Michaela Kendall Bártů
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Michálková
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Drozenová
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Pathology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Fabian
- grid.419466.8Department of Oncological Pathology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oluwole Fadare
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Jitka Hausnerová
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Laco
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XThe Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Radoslav Matěj
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic ,grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Pathology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic ,grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Méhes
- grid.7122.60000 0001 1088 8582Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032 Hungary
| | - Naveena Singh
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Department of Cellular Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, and Blizard Institute of Core Pathology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Simona Stolnicu
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Petr Škapa
- grid.412826.b0000 0004 0611 0905Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Švajdler
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XŠikl’s Department of Pathology, The Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Stružinská
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Cibula
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Kocian
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sigurd F. Lax
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Department of Pathology, Hospital Graz II, Graz, Austria, and Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - W. Glenn McCluggage
- grid.412915.a0000 0000 9565 2378Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Pavel Dundr
- grid.411798.20000 0000 9100 9940Institute of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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21
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Li Y, Huang X, Tang J. Inhibiting the growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by a small molecular inhibitor targeting La-RNA interactions. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 940:175471. [PMID: 36549502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175471] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify small molecules blocking La-RNA interactions by using structural dynamics, molecular biology, and in vivo efficacy experiments. METHODS A docking virtual assay on the Chemdiv database was used to screen La binders, and their affinity were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A novel fluorescence polarization (FP) assay referring to the binding of La protein and 3'UUUOH was established to identify the inhibitors. Their activity on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Their in vivo efficacy against ovarian cancer growth were evaluated in a cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model of A2780 cells. RESULTS From a total of 20 compounds with high potential binding activity with La protein, two small molecule compounds 4424-1120 and 8017-5932 with relatively stronger inhibition ability on La-RNA interactions were identified. These two compounds shared the same active centers with hydroxyimidazole and hydroxybenzene to interact with La protein through residues ARG57, GLN20 and GLN136. The in vitro assays showed that 4424-1120 and 8017-5932 effectively cause G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion and promote apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In a CDX model on BALB/C Nude mice, we found that the growth rate of the tumor was inhibited by 4424-1120. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated compound 4424-1120 shows good antitumor activity and safety in vitro and in vivo, and it provides a new idea for the discovery of antitumor lead compounds from small drug-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Wang Z, Zhou J, Zhang H, Ge L, Li J, Wang H. RNA m 6 A methylation in cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:195-229. [PMID: 36260366 PMCID: PMC9892831 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is one of the most abundant internal modifications in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). It is a reversible and dynamic RNA modification that has been observed in both internal coding segments and untranslated regions. Studies indicate that m6 A modifications play important roles in translation, RNA splicing, export, degradation and ncRNA processing control. In this review, we focus on the profiles and biological functions of RNA m6 A methylation on both mRNAs and ncRNAs. The dynamic modification of m6 A and its potential roles in cancer development are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the possibility of m6 A modifications serving as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaotong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiawang Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lichen Ge
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiexin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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23
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Targeting the "undruggable": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:69-83. [PMID: 35772609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Tumors refractory to conventional therapy belong to specific subpopulations of cancer cells, which have acquired a higher number of mutations/epigenetic changes than the majority of cancer cells. This property provides them the ability to become resistant to therapy. Aberrant expression of certain RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can regulate the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs by binding to specific regions present in the 3´-UTR of certain mRNAs to promote or repress mRNA translation or by interacting with other proteins (including RBPs) and non-coding RNAs that are part of ribonucleoprotein complexes. In particular, an increasing interest in the RBPs involved in chemoresistance has recently emerged. In this review, we discuss how RBPs are not only affected by chemotherapeutic treatments, but also play an active role in therapeutic responses via the direct modulation of crucial cancer-related proteins. A special focus is being placed on the development of therapeutic strategies targeting these RBPs.
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24
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Ramesh-Kumar D, Guil S. The IGF2BP family of RNA binding proteins links epitranscriptomics to cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:18-31. [PMID: 35643219 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins that act at the post-transcriptional level display a richness of mechanisms to modulate the transcriptional output and respond to changing cellular conditions. The family of IGF2BP proteins recognize mRNAs modified by methylation and lengthen their lifecycle in the context of stable ribonucleoprotein particles to promote cancer progression. They are emerging as key 'reader' proteins in the epitranscriptomic field, driving the fate of bound substrates under physiological and disease conditions. Recent developments in the field include the recognition that noncoding substrates play crucial roles in mediating the pro-growth features of IGF2BP family, not only as regulated targets, but also as modulators of IGF2BP function themselves. In this review, we summarize the regulatory roles of IGF2BP proteins and link their molecular role as m6A modification readers to the cellular phenotype, thus providing a comprehensive insight into IGF2BP function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Ramesh-Kumar
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08916, Spain
| | - Sonia Guil
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08916, Spain.
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25
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Jiang T, He X, Zhao Z, Zhang X, Wang T, Jia L. RNA m6A reader IGF2BP3 promotes metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via SLIT2 repression. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22618. [PMID: 36250924 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200751rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a group of fatal malignancies characterized by high metastatic capacity, the underlying mechanisms of which remain largely elusive. We have found here that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is highly expressed in TNBC and correlates clinically with distant metastasis-free survival of TNBC patients. IGF2BP3 promotes the migration and invasion capabilities of TNBC cells dependent upon cellular RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 binds to and destabilizes m6A-methylated mRNA of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein, SLIT2, impairs its downstream signaling via the cognate receptor ROBO1, and consequently triggers the activation of canonical PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways. The IGF2BP3/SLIT2 axis is critically involved in the regulation of TNBC metastasis in vivo. These findings shed light into the regulatory network of distant metastasis of breast cancer and provide rationale for targeting the m6A machinery in the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyi He
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhining Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing 986 Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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26
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Zhang F, Liu H, Duan M, Wang G, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Qian Y, Yang Z, Jiang X. Crosstalk among m6A RNA methylation, hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming in TME: from immunosuppressive microenvironment to clinical application. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:84. [PMID: 35794625 PMCID: PMC9258089 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), which is regulated by intrinsic oncogenic mechanisms and epigenetic modifications, has become a research hotspot in recent years. Characteristic features of TME include hypoxia, metabolic dysregulation, and immunosuppression. One of the most common RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, is widely involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological processes, including tumor development. Compelling evidence indicates that m6A methylation regulates transcription and protein expression through shearing, export, translation, and processing, thereby participating in the dynamic evolution of TME. Specifically, m6A methylation-mediated adaptation to hypoxia, metabolic dysregulation, and phenotypic shift of immune cells synergistically promote the formation of an immunosuppressive TME that supports tumor proliferation and metastasis. In this review, we have focused on the involvement of m6A methylation in the dynamic evolution of tumor-adaptive TME and described the detailed mechanisms linking m6A methylation to change in tumor cell biological functions. In view of the collective data, we advocate treating TME as a complete ecosystem in which components crosstalk with each other to synergistically achieve tumor adaptive changes. Finally, we describe the potential utility of m6A methylation-targeted therapies and tumor immunotherapy in clinical applications and the challenges faced, with the aim of advancing m6A methylation research.
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27
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Dahlem C, Chanda S, Hemmer J, Schymik HS, Kohlstedt M, Wittmann C, Kiemer AK. Characterization of Anti-Cancer Activities of Violacein: Actions on Tumor Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:872223. [PMID: 35646663 PMCID: PMC9130777 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.872223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products have been shown to serve as promising starting points for novel anti-cancer drugs. In this study, the anti-cancer activities of the purple compound violacein, initially isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum, were investigated. To highlight the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment on the effectiveness of cancer therapies, this study includes effects on macrophages as prototypic cells of the microenvironment in addition to the investigation of tumor-centric activities. Using 2D and 3D cell culture models, automated live-cell microscopy, and biochemical analyses, violacein was demonstrated to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration. The violacein-triggered tumor cell death was further associated with caspase 3-like activation and ATP release. Stimuli released from dead cells resulted in inflammatory activation of macrophages, as shown by NF-κB reporter cell assays, macrophage morphology, and gene expression analysis. Moreover, macrophages deficient in the inflammasome component Nlrp3 were found to be significantly less sensitive towards treatment with violacein and doxorubicin. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the biological activity of violacein against cancer. In addition, the in vitro data suggest immunogenic features of induced cell death, making violacein an interesting candidate for further studies investigating the compound as an inducer of immunogenic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Dahlem
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Shilpee Chanda
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Jan Hemmer
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Hanna S Schymik
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Michael Kohlstedt
- Institute of Systems Biotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Christoph Wittmann
- Institute of Systems Biotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Alexandra K Kiemer
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
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28
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Kirsch SH, Haeckl FPJ, Müller R. Beyond the approved: target sites and inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase from bacteria and fungi. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1226-1263. [PMID: 35507039 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2016 to 2022RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the central enzyme in bacterial gene expression representing an attractive and validated target for antibiotics. Two well-known and clinically approved classes of natural product RNAP inhibitors are the rifamycins and the fidaxomycins. Rifampicin (Rif), a semi-synthetic derivative of rifamycin, plays a crucial role as a first line antibiotic in the treatment of tuberculosis and a broad range of bacterial infections. However, more and more pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop resistance, not only against Rif and other RNAP inhibitors. To overcome this problem, novel RNAP inhibitors exhibiting different target sites are urgently needed. This review includes recent developments published between 2016 and today. Particular focus is placed on novel findings concerning already known bacterial RNAP inhibitors, the characterization and development of new compounds isolated from bacteria and fungi, and providing brief insights into promising new synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H Kirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - F P Jake Haeckl
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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