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Ma S, Long G, Jiang Z, Zhang Y, Sun L, Pan Y, You Q, Guo X. Recent advances in targeting histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferases for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116532. [PMID: 38805937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116532] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methylation is a typical epigenetic histone modification that is involved in various biological processes such as DNA transcription, repair and recombination in vivo. Mutations, translocations, and aberrant gene expression associated with H3K36 methyltransferases have been implicated in different malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, and others. Herein, we provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in small molecule inhibitors targeting H3K36 methyltransferases. We analyzed the structures and biological functions of the H3K36 methyltransferases family members. Additionally, we discussed the potential directions for future development of inhibitors targeting H3K36 methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Guanlu Long
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Liangkui Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yun Pan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Chen X, Huang R, Zhang Z, Song X, Shen J, Wu Q. BET Bromodomain Inhibition Potentiates Ocular Melanoma Therapy by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:11. [PMID: 38967943 PMCID: PMC11232900 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.8.11] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ocular melanoma is a common primary malignant ocular tumor in adults with limited effective treatments. Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in tumor development. The switching/sucrose nonfermentation (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex and bromodomain and extraterminal domain family proteins are epigenetic regulators involved in several cancers. We aimed to screen a candidate small molecule inhibitor targeting these regulators and investigate its effect and mechanism in ocular melanoma. Methods We observed phenotypes caused by knockdown of the corresponding gene and synergistic effects with BRD inhibitor treatment and SWI/SNF complex knockdown. The effect of JQ-1 on ocular melanoma cell cycle and apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry. Via RNA sequencing, we also explored the mechanism of BRD4. Results The best tumor inhibitory effect was observed for the BRD4 inhibitor (JQ-1), although there were no statistically obvious changes in the shBRD4 and shBRD9 groups. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of JQ-1 was decrease in the shBRD4 group. JQ-1 inhibits the growth of melanoma in various cell lines and in tumor-bearing mice. We found 17 of these 28 common differentially expressed genes were downregulated after MEL270 and MEL290 cells treated with JQ-1. Four of these 17 genes, TP53I11, SH2D5, SEMA5A, and MDGA1, were positively correlated with BRD4. In TCGA database, low expression of TP53I11, SH2D5, SEMA5A, and MDGA1 improved the overall survival rate of patients. Furthermore, the disease-free survival rate was increased in the groups with low expression of TP53I11, SH2D5, and SEMA5A. Conclusions JQ-1 may act downstream of BRD4 and suppress ocular melanoma growth by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Choppavarapu L, Fang K, Liu T, Jin VX. Hi-C profiling in tissues reveals 3D chromatin-regulated breast tumor heterogeneity and tumor-specific looping-mediated biological pathways. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584872. [PMID: 38559097 PMCID: PMC10979939 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Current knowledge in three-dimensional (3D) chromatin regulation in normal and disease states was mostly accumulated through Hi-C profiling in in vitro cell culture system. The limitations include failing to recapitulate disease-specific physiological properties and often lacking clinically relevant disease microenvironment. In this study, we conduct tissue-specific Hi-C profiling in a pilot cohort of 12 breast tissues comprising of two normal tissues (NTs) and ten ER+ breast tumor tissues (TTs) including five primary tumors (PTs), and five tamoxifen-treated recurrent tumors (RTs). We find largely preserved compartments, highly heterogeneous topological associated domains (TADs) and intensively variable chromatin loops among breast tumors, demonstrating 3D chromatin-regulated breast tumor heterogeneity. Further cross-examination identifies RT-specific looping-mediated biological pathways and suggests CA2, an enhancer-promoter looping (EPL)-mediated target gene within the bicarbonate transport metabolism pathway, might play a role in driving the tamoxifen resistance. Remarkably, the inhibition of CA2 not only impedes tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo , but also reverses chromatin looping. Our study thus yields significant mechanistic insights into the role and clinical relevance of 3D chromatin architecture in breast cancer endocrine resistance.
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Cescon DW, Hilton J, Morales Murilo S, Layman RM, Pluard T, Yeo B, Park IH, Provencher L, Kim SB, Im YH, Wyce A, Krishnatry AS, Hicks K, Zhang Q, Barbash O, Khaled A, Horner T, Dhar A, Oliveira M, Sparano JA. A Phase I/II Study of GSK525762 Combined with Fulvestrant in Patients with Hormone Receptor-positive/HER2-negative Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:334-343. [PMID: 37992310 PMCID: PMC10792358 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0133] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine-based therapy is the initial primary treatment option for hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). However, patients eventually experience disease progression due to resistance to endocrine therapy. Molibresib (GSK525762) is a small-molecule inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT). Preclinical data suggested that the combination of molibresib with endocrine therapy might overcome endocrine resistance. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy [objective response rate (ORR)] of molibresib combined with fulvestrant in women with HR+/HER2- mBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase I/II dose-escalation and dose-expansion study, patients received oral molibresib 60 or 80 mg once daily in combination with intramuscular fulvestrant. Patients enrolled had relapsed/refractory, advanced/metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer with disease progression on prior treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, with or without a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor. RESULTS The study included 123 patients. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) were nausea (52%), dysgeusia (49%), and fatigue (45%). At a 60-mg dosage of molibresib, >90% of patients experienced treatment-related AE. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AE were observed in 47% and 48% of patients treated with molibresib 60 mg and molibresib 80 mg, respectively. The ORR was 13% [95% confidence interval (CI), 8-20], not meeting the 25% threshold for proceeding to phase II. Among 82 patients with detected circulating tumor DNA and clinical outcome at study enrollment, a strong association was observed between the detection of copy-number amplification and poor progression-free survival (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.73-4.83; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Molibresib in combination with fulvestrant did not demonstrate clinically meaningful activity in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Hilton
- Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Belinda Yeo
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research and Wellness Centre and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - In Hae Park
- National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of South Korea
- Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | | | - Sung-Bae Kim
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Icahn School of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, New York (formerly Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York)
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Zhou Y, Li T, Choppavarapu L, Jin VX. Integration of scHi-C and scRNA-seq data defines distinct 3D-regulated and biological-context dependent cell subpopulations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560193. [PMID: 37873257 PMCID: PMC10592853 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
An integration of 3D chromatin structure and gene expression at single-cell resolution has yet been demonstrated. Here, we develop a computational method, a multiomic data integration (MUDI) algorithm, which integrates scHi-C and scRNA-seq data to precisely define the 3D-regulated and biological-context dependent cell subpopulations or topologically integrated subpopulations (TISPs). We demonstrate its algorithmic utility on the publicly available and newly generated scHi-C and scRNA-seq data. We then test and apply MUDI in a breast cancer cell model system to demonstrate its biological-context dependent utility. We found the newly defined topologically conserved associating domain (CAD) is the characteristic single-cell 3D chromatin structure and better characterizes chromatin domains in single-cell resolution. We further identify 20 TISPs uniquely characterizing 3D-regulated breast cancer cellular states. We reveal two of TISPs are remarkably resemble to high cycling breast cancer persister cells and chromatin modifying enzymes might be functional regulators to drive the alteration of the 3D chromatin structures. Our comprehensive integration of scHi-C and scRNA-seq data in cancer cells at single-cell resolution provides mechanistic insights into 3D-regulated heterogeneity of developing drug-tolerant cancer cells.
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Doddapaneni R, Tucker JD, Lu PJ, Lu QL. Metabolic Reprogramming by Ribitol Expands the Therapeutic Window of BETi JQ1 against Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4356. [PMID: 37686632 PMCID: PMC10486979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174356] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cancer patients still lack effective treatments, and pre-existing or acquired resistance limits the clinical benefit of even the most advanced medicines. Recently, much attention has been given to the role of metabolism in cancer, expanding from the Warburg effect to highlight unique patterns that, in turn, may improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Our recent metabolomics study revealed that ribitol can alter glycolysis in breast cancer cells. In the current study, we investigate the combinatorial effects of ribitol with several other anticancer drugs (chrysin, lonidamine, GSK2837808A, CB-839, JQ1, and shikonin) in various breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T-47D). The combination of ribitol with JQ1 synergistically inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells cell-type dependently, only observed in the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This synergy is associated with the differential effects of the 2 compounds on expression of the genes involved in cell survival and death, specifically downregulation in c-Myc and other anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1), but upregulation in p53 and cytochrome C levels. Glycolysis is differentially altered, with significant downregulation of glucose-6-phosphate and lactate by ribitol and JQ1, respectively. The overall effect of the combined treatment on metabolism and apoptosis-related genes results in significant synergy in the inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis. Given the fact that ribitol is a metabolite with limited side effects, a combined therapy is highly desirable with relative ease to apply in the clinic for treating an appropriate cancer population. Our results also emphasize that, similar to traditional drug development, the therapeutic potential of targeting metabolism for cancer treatment may only be achieved in combination with other drugs and requires the identification of a specific cancer population. The desire to apply metabolomic intervention to a large scope of cancer types may be one of the reasons identification of this class of drugs in a clinical trial setting has been delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Doddapaneni
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28231, USA
| | | | | | - Qi L. Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28231, USA
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhou J. Drug Discovery Targeting Nuclear Receptor Binding SET Domain Protein 2 (NSD2). J Med Chem 2023; 66:10991-11026. [PMID: 37578463 PMCID: PMC11092389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00948] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor binding SET domain proteins (NSDs) catalyze the mono- or dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36me1 and H3K36me2), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. As a key member of the NSD family of proteins, NSD2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases such as cancers, inflammations, and infectious diseases, serving as a promising drug target. Developing potent and specific NSD2 inhibitors may provide potential novel therapeutics. Several NSD2 inhibitors and degraders have been discovered while remaining in the early stage of drug development. Excitingly, KTX-1001, a selective NSD2 inhibitor, has entered clinical trials. In this Perspective, the structures and functions of NSD2, its roles in various human diseases, and the recent advances in drug discovery strategies targeting NSD2 have been summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing NSD2 inhibitors and degraders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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Elshazly AM, Sinanian MM, Neely V, Chakraborty E, Alshehri MA, McGrath MK, Harada H, Schoenlein PV, Gewirtz DA. BRD4 Inhibition as a Strategy to Prolong the Response to Standard of Care in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4066. [PMID: 37627092 PMCID: PMC10452571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164066] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. ER+ breast cancer constitutes approximately 70% of all breast cancer cases. The standard of care for ER+ breast cancer involves estrogen antagonists such as tamoxifen or fulvestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib. However, these treatments are often not curative, with disease recurrence and metastasis being responsible for patient mortality. Overexpression of the epigenetic regulator, BRD4, has been shown to be a negative prognostic indicator in breast cancer, and BET family inhibitors such as ARV-825 and ABBV-744 have garnered interest for their potential to improve and prolong the response to current therapeutic strategies. The current work examined the potential of utilizing ARV-825 and ABBV-744 to increase the effectiveness of tamoxifen or fulvestrant plus palbociclib. ARV-825 was effective in both p53 wild-type (WT) breast tumor cells and in cells lacking functional p53 either alone or in combination with tamoxifen, while the effectiveness of ABBV-744 was limited to fulvestrant plus palbociclib in p53 WT cells. These differential effects may be related to the capacity to suppress c-Myc, a downstream target of BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Melanie M. Sinanian
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
| | - Victoria Neely
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eesha Chakraborty
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Muruj A. Alshehri
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael K. McGrath
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, MCG Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.K.M.); (P.V.S.)
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Patricia V. Schoenlein
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, MCG Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.K.M.); (P.V.S.)
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
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Singh B, Sarli VN, Milligan RD, Kinne HE, Shamsnia A, Washburn LJ, Addanki S, Lucci A. Sensitization of Resistant Cells with a BET Bromodomain Inhibitor in a Cell Culture Model of Deep Intrinsic Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072036. [PMID: 37046697 PMCID: PMC10093448 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072036] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We treated highly metabolically adaptable (SUM149-MA) triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer cells and their control parental SUM149-Luc cell line with JQ1 for long periods to determine its efficacy at inhibiting therapy-resistant cells. After 20 days of treatment with 1-2 µM of JQ1, which killed majority of cells in the parental cell line, a large number of SUM149-MA cells survived, consistent with their pan-resistant nature. Interestingly, though, the JQ1 treatment sensitized resistant cancer cells in both the SUM149-MA and SUM149-Luc cell lines to subsequent treatment with doxorubicin and paclitaxel. To measure JQ1-mediated sensitization of resistant cancer cells, we first eradicated approximately 99% of relatively chemotherapy-sensitive cancer cells in culture dishes by long treatments with doxorubicin or paclitaxel, and then analyzed the remaining resistant cells for survival and growth into colonies. In addition, combination, rather than sequential, treatment with JQ1 and doxorubicin was also effective in overcoming resistance. Notably, Western blotting showed that JQ1-treated cancer cells had significantly lower levels of PD-L1 protein than did untreated cells, indicating that JQ1 treatment may reduce tumor-mediated immune suppression and improve the response to immunotherapy targeting PD-L1. Finally, JQ1 treatment with a low 62.5 nM dose sensitized another resistant cell line, FC-IBC02-MA, to treatment with doxorubicin and paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balraj Singh
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vanessa N Sarli
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ryan D Milligan
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hannah E Kinne
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anna Shamsnia
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Laura J Washburn
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sridevi Addanki
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anthony Lucci
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ye J, Wu J, Liu B. Therapeutic strategies of dual-target small molecules to overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188866. [PMID: 36842765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite some advances in targeted therapeutics of human cancers, curative cancer treatment still remains a tremendous challenge due to the occurrence of drug resistance. A variety of underlying resistance mechanisms to targeted cancer drugs have recently revealed that the dual-target therapeutic strategy would be an attractive avenue. Compared to drug combination strategies, one agent simultaneously modulating two druggable targets generally shows fewer adverse reactions and lower toxicity. As a consequence, the dual-target small molecule has been extensively explored to overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing drug resistance mechanisms of cancer cells, such as enhanced drug efflux, deregulated cell death, DNA damage repair, and epigenetic alterations. Based upon the resistance mechanisms, we further discuss the current therapeutic strategies of dual-target small molecules to overcome drug resistance, which will shed new light on exploiting more intricate mechanisms and relevant dual-target drugs for future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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12
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Udden SMN, Baek G, Pandey K, Vidal C, Liu Y, Rahimi AS, Kim DN, Nwachukwu CR, Mani RS, Alluri PG. Towards precision radiation oncology: endocrine therapy response as a biomarker for personalization of breast radiotherapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:11. [PMID: 36693944 PMCID: PMC9873388 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00348-1] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies, such as endocrine therapies (ET), can exert selective pressure on cancer cells and promote adaptations that confer treatment resistance. In this study, we show that ET resistance in breast cancer drives radiation resistance through reprogramming of DNA repair pathways. We also show that pharmacological bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibition reverses pathological DNA repair reprogramming in ET-resistant breast tumors and overcomes resistance to radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Nashir Udden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - GuemHee Baek
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kamal Pandey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chantal Vidal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yulun Liu
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Asal S Rahimi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - D Nathan Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chika R Nwachukwu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ram S Mani
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Prasanna G Alluri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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13
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Zhou J, Li X, Ma Y, Wu Z, Xie Z, Zhang Y, Wei Y. Optimal modeling of anti-breast cancer candidate drugs screening based on multi-model ensemble learning with imbalanced data. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:5117-5134. [PMID: 36896538 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The imbalanced data makes the machine learning model seriously biased, which leads to false positive in screening of therapeutic drugs for breast cancer. In order to deal with this problem, a multi-model ensemble framework based on tree-model, linear model and deep-learning model is proposed. Based on the methodology constructed in this study, we screened the 20 most critical molecular descriptors from 729 molecular descriptors of 1974 anti-breast cancer drug candidates and, in order to measure the pharmacokinetic properties and safety of the drug candidates, the screened molecular descriptors were used in this study for subsequent bioactivity, absorption, distribution metabolism, excretion, toxicity, and other prediction tasks. The results show that the method constructed in this study is superior and more stable than the individual models used in the ensemble approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhou
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Xiong Li
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yuanting Ma
- School of Economics and Management, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Zejiu Wu
- School of Science, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Ziruo Xie
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- School of Foreign Languages, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yiming Wei
- School of Software, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
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14
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Zheng ZZ, Xia L, Hu GS, Liu JY, Hu YH, Chen YJ, Peng JY, Zhang WJ, Liu W. Super-enhancer-controlled positive feedback loop BRD4/ERα-RET-ERα promotes ERα-positive breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:10230-10248. [PMID: 36124682 PMCID: PMC9561272 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-induced gene transcription is tightly associated with ERα-positive breast carcinogenesis. ERα-occupied enhancers, particularly super-enhancers, have been suggested to play a vital role in regulating such transcriptional events. However, the landscape of ERα-occupied super-enhancers (ERSEs) as well as key ERα-induced target genes associated with ERSEs remain to be fully characterized. Here, we defined the landscape of ERSEs in ERα-positive breast cancer cell lines, and demonstrated that bromodomain protein BRD4 is a master regulator of the transcriptional activation of ERSEs and cognate ERα target genes. RET, a member of the tyrosine protein kinase family of proteins, was identified to be a key ERα target gene of BRD4-regulated ERSEs, which, in turn, is vital for ERα-induced gene transcriptional activation and malignant phenotypes through activating the RAS/RAF/MEK2/ERK/p90RSK/ERα phosphorylation cascade. Combination therapy with BRD4 and RET inhibitors exhibited additive effects on suppressing ERα-positive breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo, comparable with that of standard endocrine therapy tamoxifen. Furthermore, combination therapy re-sensitized a tamoxifen-resistant ERα-positive breast cancer cell line to tamoxifen treatment. Taken together, our data uncovered the critical role of a super-enhancer-associated positive feedback loop constituting BRD4/ERα–RET–ERα in ERα-positive breast cancer, and suggested that targeting components in this loop would provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating ERα-positive breast cancer in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zao-Zao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Lin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jun-Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ya-Hong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yu-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jia-Yin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Wen-Juan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, No. 23, Qingnian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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15
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Chen H, Liu Z, Zheng L, Wang R, Shi L. BET inhibitors: an updated patent review (2018-2021). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:953-968. [PMID: 35982031 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2115354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate gene transcription and cell growth by binding to acetylated lysine resides on histones. They are involved in many physiological processes and pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and metabolic diseases. Blockade of BET proteins has become an encouraging approach for the treatment of these human diseases, especially cancer. To date, a number of potent and specific BET inhibitors have been discovered and many of them have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review aims at providing an overview of molecular mechanisms of BET inhibitors and highlighting the research advancements published in recent patent literatures between 2018 and 2021. Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, WIPO, EPO, USPTO and CNIPA databases were used for searching the literature and patents for BET inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, an increasing number of structurally diverse BET inhibitors have been identified, including pan BET inhibitors, BD1 or BD2 selective BET inhibitors, bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors and BET-PROTACs. Despite of many challenges, BET inhibitors have high potential in the treatment of cancer and other diseases and the development of next-generation BET inhibitors could be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Zhenling Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Lili Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
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16
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Salvati A, Melone V, Sellitto A, Rizzo F, Tarallo R, Nyman TA, Giurato G, Nassa G, Weisz A. Combinatorial targeting of a chromatin complex comprising Dot1L, menin and the tyrosine kinase BAZ1B reveals a new therapeutic vulnerability of endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer. BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : BCR 2022; 24:52. [PMID: 35850772 PMCID: PMC9290241 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting vulnerabilities of cancer cells by inhibiting key regulators of cell proliferation or survival represents a promising way to overcome resistance to current therapies. In breast cancer (BC), resistance to endocrine therapy results from constitutively active or aberrant estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling to the genome. Targeting components of the ERα pathway in these tumors represents, therefore, a rational way toward effective new treatments. Interaction proteomics identified several proteins associated with ERα in BC cells, including epigenetic complexes controlling gene transcription comprising the scaffold protein menin and the histone methyltransferase Dot1L. METHODS We combined chromatin immunoprecipitation, transcriptome sequencing, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown (kd), pharmacological inhibition coupled to cellular and functional assays and interaction proteomics in antiestrogen (AE)-sensitive and AE-resistant human BC cell models to: map menin and Dot1L chromatin localization, search for their common and specific target genes, measure the effects of single or combinatorial knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of these proteins on cell proliferation and survival, and characterize their nuclear interactomes. RESULTS Dot1L and menin associate in MCF-7 cells chromatin, where they co-localize in a significant fraction of sites, resulting in co-regulation of genes involved, among others, in estrogen, p53, HIF1α and death receptor signaling, regulation of cell cycle and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Specific inhibitors of the two factors synergize with each other for inhibition of cell proliferation of AE (tamoxifen or fulvestrant)-sensitive and AE-resistant BC cells. Menin and Dot1L interactomes share a sizeable fraction of their nuclear partners, the majority being known BC fitness genes. Interestingly, these include B-WICH and WINAC complexes that share BAZ1B, a bromodomain protein comprising a tyrosine-protein kinase domain playing a central role in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. BAZ1B kd caused significant inhibition of ERα expression, proliferation and transcriptome changes resulting in inhibition of estrogen, myc, mTOR, PI3K and AKT signaling and metabolic pathways in AE-sensitive and AE-resistant BC cells. CONCLUSIONS Identification of a functional interplay between ERα, Dot1L, menin and BAZ1B and the significant effects of their co-inhibition on cell proliferation and survival in cell models of endocrine therapy-resistant BC reveal a new therapeutic vulnerability of these aggressive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Medical Genomics Program, Division of Oncology, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', Università di Salerno, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Viola Melone
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Genome Research Center for Health, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Genome Research Center for Health, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Tuula A Nyman
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Rikshospitalet Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy. .,Genome Research Center for Health, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy. .,Genome Research Center for Health, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 1, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy. .,Medical Genomics Program, Division of Oncology, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', Università di Salerno, 84131, Salerno, Italy. .,Genome Research Center for Health, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
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17
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Sukocheva OA, Lukina E, Friedemann M, Menschikowski M, Hagelgans A, Aliev G. The crucial role of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance: Current findings and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 82:35-59. [PMID: 33301860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell de-sensitization to Tamoxifen (TAM) or other selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERM) is a complex process associated with BC heterogeneity and the transformation of ER signalling. The most influential resistance-related mechanisms include modifications in ER expression and gene regulation patterns. During TAM/SERM treatment, epigenetic mechanisms can effectively silence ER expression and facilitate the development of endocrine resistance. ER status is efficiently regulated by specific epigenetic tools including hypermethylation of CpG islands within ER promoters, increased histone deacetylase activity in the ER promoter, and/or translational repression by miRNAs. Over-methylation of the ER α gene (ESR1) promoter by DNA methyltransferases was associated with poor prognosis and indicated the development of resistance. Moreover, BC progression and spreading were marked by transformed chromatin remodelling, post-translational histone modifications, and expression of specific miRNAs and/or long non-coding RNAs. Therefore, targeted inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (e.g. MYST3), deacetylases (e.g. HDAC1), and/or demethylases (e.g. lysine-specific demethylase LSD1) was shown to recover and increase BC sensitivity to anti-estrogens. Indicated as a powerful molecular instrument, the administration of epigenetic drugs can regain ER expression along with the activation of tumour suppressor genes, which can in turn prevent selection of resistant cells and cancer stem cell survival. This review examines recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of endocrine drug resistance and evaluates novel anti-resistance strategies. Underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation will be discussed, emphasising the utilization of epigenetic enzymes and their inhibitors to re-program irresponsive BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Elena Lukina
- Discipline of Biology, College of Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Markus Friedemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Mario Menschikowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Albert Hagelgans
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia; Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia; Federal State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute of Human Morphology», 3, Tsyurupy Str., Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation; GALLY International Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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18
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Garcia PL, Miller AL, Zeng L, van Waardenburg RCAM, Yang ES, Yoon KJ. The BET Inhibitor JQ1 Potentiates the Anticlonogenic Effect of Radiation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925718. [PMID: 35795040 PMCID: PMC9252418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported previously that the BET inhibitor (BETi) JQ1 decreases levels of the DNA repair protein RAD51 and that this decrease is concomitant with increased levels of DNA damage. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that a BETi would augment DNA damage produced by radiation and function as a radiosensitizer. We used clonogenic assays to evaluate the effect of JQ1 ± ionizing radiation (IR) on three pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. We performed immunofluorescence assays to assess the impact of JQ1 ± IR on DNA damage as reflected by levels of the DNA damage marker γH2AX, and immunoblots to assess levels of the DNA repair protein RAD51. We also compared the effect of these agents on the clonogenic potential of transfectants that expressed contrasting levels of the principle molecular targets of JQ1 (BRD2, BRD4) to determine whether levels of these BET proteins affected sensitivity to JQ1 ± IR. The data show that JQ1 + IR decreased the clonogenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells more than either modality alone. This anticlonogenic effect was associated with increased DNA damage and decreased levels of RAD51. Further, lower levels of BRD2 or BRD4 increased sensitivity to JQ1 and JQ1 + IR, suggesting that pre-treatment levels of BRD2 or BRD4 may predict sensitivity to a BETi or to a BETi + IR. We suggest that a BETi + IR merits evaluation as therapy prior to surgery for pancreatic cancer patients with borderline resectable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L. Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Aubrey L. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Medicine Nursing, Oncology Services, UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Eddy S. Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Karina J. Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Karina J. Yoon,
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19
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Combination of ZEN-3694 with CDK4/6 inhibitors reverses acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in ER-positive breast cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:859-869. [PMID: 34385584 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CDK4/6 inhibitors significantly prolong progression-free survival in patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive (HR+) HER2-negative breast cancer. Despite recent successes, patients acquire resistance, necessitating the development of additional novel therapeutic strategies. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are key epigenetic regulators that interact with acetylated lysine (AcLys) residues of histones or transcription factors. BET proteins are directly involved in modulating estrogen receptor (ER) signaling and the cell cycle. Therefore, BET inhibitors can potentially offer new strategies in the treatment of advanced ER+ breast cancer. ZEN-3694 is an orally bioavailable small molecule BET inhibitor currently being evaluated in Phase 1/2 clinical trials (NCT03901469). To assess a potential combination strategy in a CDK4/6i resistant breast cancer population, we investigated the mechanism of action of ZEN-3694 combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors in the ER+ cell lines resistant to palbociclib or abemaciclib. Here, we describe that the combination of ZEN-3694 with CDK4/6i potently inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in CDK4/6i resistant cell lines. The resistance to both palbociclib and abemaciclib was associated with the strong upregulation of CDK6 and CCND1 protein levels, which was reversed by the ZEN-3694 treatment. Furthermore, RNAseq data and pathway analysis elucidated the combinatorial effects of ZEN-3694 with CDK4/6 inhibitors through significant downregulation of multiple pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, cellular growth, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and cellular immune response. Our data indicate that ZEN-3694 has therapeutic potential in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with advanced ER+ breast resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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20
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Wang H, Wang Q, Cai G, Duan Z, Nugent Z, Huang J, Zheng J, Borowsky AD, Li JJ, Liu P, Kung HJ, Murphy L, Chen HW, Wang J. Nuclear TIGAR mediates an epigenetic and metabolic autoregulatory loop via NRF2 in cancer therapeutic resistance. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1871-1884. [PMID: 35847493 PMCID: PMC9279715 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guodi Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Zoann Nugent
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba and CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Jie Huang
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Lung Cancer, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Alexander D. Borowsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jian Jian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Peiqing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leigh Murphy
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba and CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Hong-Wu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Junjian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding authors.
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21
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Preston SEJ, Emond A, Pettersson F, Dupéré-Richer D, Abraham MJ, Riva A, Kinal M, Rys RN, Johnson NA, Mann KK, del Rincón SV, Licht JD, Miller WH. Acquired Resistance to EZH2 Inhibitor GSK343 Promotes the Differentiation of Human DLBCL Cell Lines toward an ABC-Like Phenotype. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:511-521. [PMID: 35086959 PMCID: PMC8983450 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for 40% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 30% to 40% of patients will succumb to relapsed/refractory disease (rrDLBCL). Patients with rrDLBCL generally have low long-term survival rates due to a lack of efficient salvage therapies. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the histone methyltransferase EZH2 represent an emerging group of novel therapeutics that show promising clinical efficacy in patients with rrDLBCL. The mechanisms that control acquired resistance to this class of targeted therapies, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a model of resistance to the EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i) GSK343 and use RNA-seq data and in vitro investigation to show that GCB (germinal center B-cell)-DLBCL cell lines with acquired drug resistance differentiate toward an ABC (activated B-cell)-DLBCL phenotype. We further observe that the development of resistance to GSK343 is sufficient to induce cross-resistance to other EZH2i. Notably, we identify the immune receptor SLAMF7 as upregulated in EZH2i-resistant cells, using chromatin immunoprecipitation profiling to uncover the changes in chromatin landscape remodeling that permit this altered gene expression. Collectively, our data reveal a previously unreported response to the development of EZH2i resistance in DLBCL, while providing strong rationale for pursuing investigation of dual-targeting of EZH2 and SLAMF7 in rrDLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E J Preston
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Emond
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Filippa Pettersson
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daphné Dupéré-Richer
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- University of Florida Health Cancer Centre, Florida, USA
| | - Madelyn Jean Abraham
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alberto Riva
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Mena Kinal
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryan N Rys
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie A Johnson
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Koren K Mann
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sonia V del Rincón
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Wilson H Miller
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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22
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Ren J, Li N, Pei S, Lian Y, Li L, Peng Y, Liu Q, Guo J, Wang X, Han Y, Zhang G, Wang H, Li Y, Jiang J, Li Q, Tan M, Peng J, Hu G, Xiao Y, Li X, Lin M, Qin J. Histone methyltransferase WHSC1 loss dampens MHC-I antigen presentation pathway to impair IFN-γ-stimulated anti-tumor immunity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:153167. [PMID: 35230972 PMCID: PMC9012282 DOI: 10.1172/jci153167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IFN-γ–stimulated MHC class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation underlies the core of antitumor immunity. However, sustained IFN-γ signaling also enhances the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint pathway to dampen antitumor immunity. It remains unclear how these opposing effects of IFN-γ are regulated. Here, we report that loss of the histone dimethyltransferase WHSC1 impaired the antitumor effect of IFN-γ signaling by transcriptional downregulation of the MHC-I machinery without affecting PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Whsc1 loss promoted tumorigenesis via a non-cell-autonomous mechanism in an Apcmin/+ mouse model, CRC organoids, and xenografts. Mechanistically, we found that the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling axis stimulated WHSC1 expression and, in turn, that WHSC1 directly interacted with NLRC5 to promote MHC-I gene expression, but not that of PD-L1. Concordantly, silencing Whsc1 diminished MHC-I levels, impaired antitumor immunity, and blunted the effect of immune checkpoint blockade. Patient cohort analysis revealed that WHSC1 expression positively correlated with enhanced MHC-I expression, tumor-infiltrating T cells, and favorable disease outcomes. Together, our findings establish a tumor-suppressive function of WHSC1 that relays IFN-γ signaling to promote antigen presentation on CRC cells and provide a rationale for boosting WHSC1 activity in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Ren
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Pei
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yannan Lian
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchong Peng
- Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Liu
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiacheng Guo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuege Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Han
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoying Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanling Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Urology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minjia Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Peng
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohong Hu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichuan Xiao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Moubin Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, China
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23
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Jia Y, Zhou J, Tan TK, Chung TH, Chen Y, Chooi JY, Sanda T, Fullwood MJ, Xiong S, Toh SH, Balan K, Wong RW, Lim JS, Zhang E, Cai Z, Shen P, Chng WJ. Super Enhancer-Mediated Upregulation of HJURP Promotes Growth and Survival of t(4;14)-Positive Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:406-418. [PMID: 34893510 PMCID: PMC9397631 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignancy with marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The cytogenetic abnormality t(4;14) (p16.3;q32.3) confers aggressive behavior in multiple myeloma. Recently, essential oncogenic drivers in a wide range of cancers have been shown to be controlled by super-enhancers (SE). We used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing of the active enhancer marker histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) to profile unique SEs in t(4;14)-translocated multiple myeloma. The histone chaperone HJURP was aberrantly overexpressed in t(4;14)-positive multiple myeloma due to transcriptional activation by a distal SE induced by the histone lysine methyltransferase NSD2. Silencing of HJURP with short hairpin RNA or CRISPR interference of SE function impaired cell viability and led to apoptosis. Conversely, HJURP overexpression promoted cell proliferation and abrogated apoptosis. Mechanistically, the NSD2/BRD4 complex positively coregulated HJURP transcription by binding the promoter and active elements of its SE. In summary, this study introduces SE profiling as an efficient approach to identify new targets and understand molecular pathogenesis in specific subtypes of cancer. Moreover, HJURP could be a valuable therapeutic target in patients with t(4;14)-positive myeloma. SIGNIFICANCE: A super-enhancer screen in t(4;14) multiple myeloma serves to identify genes that promote growth and survival of myeloma cells, which may be evaluated in future studies as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Jia
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Tze King Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Tae-Hoon Chung
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yongxia Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Melissa J. Fullwood
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sinan Xiong
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sabrina H.M. Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kalpnaa Balan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Regina W.J. Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Julia S.L. Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Enfan Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Cai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Shen
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, Republic of Singapore.,Corresponding Author: Wee Joo Chng, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228. Phone: 656-772-4613; Fax: 656-777-5545; E-mail:
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24
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Saotome M, Poduval DB, Nair R, Cooper M, Takaku M. GATA3 Truncation Mutants Alter EMT Related Gene Expression via Partial Motif Recognition in Luminal Breast Cancer Cells. Front Genet 2022; 13:820532. [PMID: 35154280 PMCID: PMC8831884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.820532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA3 is known to be one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer. More than 10% of breast tumors carry mutations in this gene. However, the functional consequence of GATA3 mutations is still largely unknown. Clinical data suggest that different types of GATA3 mutations may have distinct roles in breast cancer characterization. In this study, we have established three luminal breast cancer cell lines that stably express different truncation mutants (X308 splice site deletion, C321 frameshift, and A333 frameshift mutants) found in breast cancer patients. Transcriptome analysis identified common and distinct gene expression patterns in these GATA3 mutant cell lines. In particular, the impacts on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes are similar across these mutant cell lines. Chromatin localization of the mutants is highly overlapped and exhibits non-canonical motif enrichment. Interestingly, the A333 frameshift mutant expressed cells displayed the most significant impact on the GATA3 binding compared to X308 splice site deletion and C321fs mutants expressed cells. Our results suggest the common and different roles of GATA3 truncation mutations during luminal breast cancer development.
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25
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Brown LJ, Achinger-Kawecka J, Portman N, Clark S, Stirzaker C, Lim E. Epigenetic Therapies and Biomarkers in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030474. [PMID: 35158742 PMCID: PMC8833457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic therapies are promising agents for overcoming clinical resistance to conventional treatments in breast cancer. In the assessed trials, the use of epigenetic therapies for the management of breast cancer has not translated from the pre-clinical to clinical setting. However, novel epigenetic treatments remain promising, especially in the era of personalized medicine and improved genomic evaluation. The aim of our review was to assess the published evidence for the clinical utility of epigenetic therapies and their biomarkers in breast cancer and the potential value of epigenetic biomarkers to direct clinical management. Abstract Epigenetic therapies remain a promising, but still not widely used, approach in the management of patients with cancer. To date, the efficacy and use of epigenetic therapies has been demonstrated primarily in the management of haematological malignancies, with limited supportive data in solid malignancies. The most studied epigenetic therapies in breast cancer are those that target DNA methylation and histone modification; however, none have been approved for routine clinical use. The majority of pre-clinical and clinical studies have focused on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Even though the use of epigenetic therapies alone in the treatment of breast cancer has not shown significant clinical benefit, these therapies show most promise in use in combinations with other treatments. With improving technologies available to study the epigenetic landscape in cancer, novel epigenetic alterations are increasingly being identified as potential biomarkers of response to conventional and epigenetic therapies. In this review, we describe epigenetic targets and potential epigenetic biomarkers in breast cancer, with a focus on clinical trials of epigenetic therapies. We describe alterations to the epigenetic landscape in breast cancer and in treatment resistance, highlighting mechanisms and potential targets for epigenetic therapies. We provide an updated review on epigenetic therapies in the pre-clinical and clinical setting in breast cancer, with a focus on potential real-world applications. Finally, we report on the potential value of epigenetic biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of response to therapy, to guide and inform the clinical management of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Julia Brown
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Joanna Achinger-Kawecka
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Neil Portman
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Susan Clark
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Clare Stirzaker
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent’s Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (L.J.B.); (J.A.-K.); (N.P.); (S.C.); (C.S.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence:
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26
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Hu R, Wang WL, Yang YY, Hu XT, Wang QW, Zuo WQ, Xu Y, Feng Q, Wang NY. Identification of a selective BRD4 PROTAC with potent antiproliferative effects in AR-positive prostate cancer based on a dual BET/PLK1 inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113922. [PMID: 34700270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BRD4-targeted proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) have exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity in a number of cancer models. However, the clinical development of current reported BRD4-PROTACs have stagnated, largely due to the safety risks caused by their poor degradation selectivity. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of PROTACs based on our recently reported dual BET/PLK1 inhibitor WNY0824, which led to the discovery of an isoform-selective and potent BRD4-PROTAC 12a (WWL0245). WWL0245 exhibited excellent selective cytotoxicity in the BETi sensitive cancer cell lines, including AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines. It could also efficiently induce ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of BRD4 in AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines, with sub-nanomolar half-maximal degrading concentration (DC50) and maximum degradation (Dmax) > 99%. Moreover, WWL0245 induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in AR-positive prostate cancer by downregulation of the protein levels of AR, PSA and c-Myc as well as transcriptionally suppressed AR-regulated genes. WWL0245 was thus expected to be developed as a promising drug candidate for AR-positive prostate cancer and a valuable tool compound to study the biological function of BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wan-Li Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying-Yue Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia-Tong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, And Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Qiong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, And Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, No.229 North Taibai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, PR China
| | - Qiang Feng
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ning-Yu Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.
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27
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Wu Q, Liu F, Ge M, Laster KV, Wei L, Du R, Jiang M, Zhang J, Zhi Y, Jin G, Zhao S, Kim DJ, Dong Z, Liu K. BRD4 drives esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth by promoting RCC2 expression. Oncogene 2022; 41:347-360. [PMID: 34750516 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The low survival rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients is primarily attributed to technical limitations and a lack of insight regarding the molecular mechanisms contributing to its progression. Alterations in epigenetic modulators are critical to cancer development and prognosis. BRD4, a chromatin reader protein, plays an essential role in regulating oncogene expression. Here, we investigated the contributing role of BRD4 and its related mechanisms in the context of ESCC tumor progression. Our observations showed that BRD4 transcript and protein expression levels are significantly increased in ESCC patient tissues. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 suppressed ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were subsequently used to deduce the potential targets of BRD4. Mechanistic studies showed that RCC2 is a downstream target of BRD4. Inhibition of either BRD4 or RCC2 resulted in decreased ESCC cell proliferation. The BRD4-TP73 interaction facilitated the binding of BRD4 complex to the promoter region of RCC2, and subsequently modulated RCC2 transcription. Furthermore, targeting BRD4 with inhibitors significantly decreased tumor volume in ESCC PDX models, indicating that BRD4 expression may contribute to tumor progression. Collectively, these findings suggest that BRD4 inhibition could be a promising strategy to treat ESCC by downregulating RCC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mengmeng Ge
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | | | - Lixiao Wei
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Ruijuan Du
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yafei Zhi
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Guoguo Jin
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,The Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Simin Zhao
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China. .,Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China. .,Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China. .,Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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Cheng X, Zhao JX, Dong F, Cao XC. ARID1A Mutation in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2021; 11:759577. [PMID: 34804958 PMCID: PMC8599951 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.759577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis is the principal cause of mortality for breast cancer patients. Targeting specific mutations that have been acquired during the evolution process of advanced breast cancer is a potential means of enhancing the clinical efficacy of treatment strategies. In metastatic breast cancer, ARID1A is the most prevalent mutation of the SWI/SNF complex, which regulates DNA repair, recombination, and gene transcription. The low expression of ARID1A is associated with poor disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with luminal A or HER2-rich breast cancer. In addition, ARID1A plays a prominent role in maintaining luminal characteristics and has an advantage for identifying responses to treatment, including endocrine therapies, HDAC inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors. The therapeutic vulnerabilities initiated by ARID1A alterations encourage us to explore new approaches to cope with ARID1A mutant-related drug resistance or metastasis. In this review, we describe the mutation profiles of ARID1A in metastatic breast cancer and the structure and function of ARID1A and the SWI/SNF complex as well as discuss the potential mechanisms of ARID1A-mediated endocrine resistance and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cheng
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Zhao
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu-Chen Cao
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
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Shrestha A, Kim N, Lee SJ, Jeon YH, Song JJ, An H, Cho SJ, Kadayat TM, Chin J. Targeting the Nuclear Receptor-Binding SET Domain Family of Histone Lysine Methyltransferases for Cancer Therapy: Recent Progress and Perspectives. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14913-14929. [PMID: 34488340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain (NSD) proteins are a class of histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTases) that are amplified, mutated, translocated, or overexpressed in various types of cancers. Several campaigns to develop NSD inhibitors for cancer treatment have begun following recent advances in knowledge of NSD1, NSD2, and NSD3 structures and functions as well as the U.S. FDA approval of the first HKMTase inhibitor (tazemetostat, an EZH2 inhibitor) to treat follicular lymphoma and epithelioid sarcoma. This perspective highlights recent findings on the structures of catalytic su(var), enhancer-of-zeste, trithorax (SET) domains and other functional domains of NSD methyltransferases. In addition, recent progress and efforts to discover NSD-specific small molecule inhibitors against cancer-targeting catalytic SET domains, plant homeodomains, and proline-tryptophan-tryptophan-proline domains are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarajana Shrestha
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeon Kim
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jeong Lee
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hyun Jeon
- Laboratory Animal Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongchan An
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jin Cho
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Tara Man Kadayat
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwook Chin
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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BET Proteins as Attractive Targets for Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011102. [PMID: 34681760 PMCID: PMC8538173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer and can be an essential driver of cancer initiation and progression. Loss of transcriptional control can cause cancer cells to become dependent on certain regulators of gene expression. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. BET inhibitors (BETis) disrupt BET protein binding to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin and suppress the transcription of various genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Phase I and II clinical trials demonstrated BETis’ potential as anticancer drugs against solid tumours and haematological malignancies; however, their clinical success was limited as monotherapies. Emerging treatment-associated toxicities, drug resistance and a lack of predictive biomarkers limited BETis’ clinical progress. The preclinical evaluation demonstrated that BETis synergised with different classes of compounds, including DNA repair inhibitors, thus supporting further clinical development of BETis. The combination of BET and PARP inhibitors triggered synthetic lethality in cells with proficient homologous recombination. Mechanistic studies revealed that BETis targeted multiple essential homologous recombination pathway proteins, including RAD51, BRCA1 and CtIP. The exact mechanism of BETis’ anticancer action remains poorly understood; nevertheless, these agents provide a novel approach to epigenome and transcriptome anticancer therapy.
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31
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Feng L, Wang G, Chen Y, He G, Liu B, Liu J, Chiang CM, Ouyang L. Dual-target inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins in cancer: A review from medicinal chemistry perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:710-743. [PMID: 34633088 DOI: 10.1002/med.21859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), as the most studied member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family, is a chromatin reader protein interpreting epigenetic codes through binding to acetylated histones and non-histone proteins, thereby regulating diverse cellular processes including cell cycle, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. As a promising drug target, BRD4 function is closely related to cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and liver fibrosis. Currently, clinical resistance to BET inhibitors has limited their applications but synergistic antitumor effects have been observed when used in combination with other tumor inhibitors targeting additional cellular components such as PLK1, HDAC, CDK, and PARP1. Therefore, designing dual-target inhibitors of BET bromodomains is a rational strategy in cancer treatment to increase potency and reduce drug resistance. This review summarizes the protein structures and biological functions of BRD4 and discusses recent advances of dual BET inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective. We also discuss the current design and discovery strategies for dual BET inhibitors, providing insight into potential discovery of additional dual-target BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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32
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Li W, Wu H, Sui S, Wang Q, Xu S, Pang D. Targeting Histone Modifications in Breast Cancer: A Precise Weapon on the Way. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736935. [PMID: 34595180 PMCID: PMC8476812 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications (HMs) contribute to maintaining genomic stability, transcription, DNA repair, and modulating chromatin in cancer cells. Furthermore, HMs are dynamic and reversible processes that involve interactions between numerous enzymes and molecular components. Aberrant HMs are strongly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer (BC), although the specific mechanisms are not completely understood. Moreover, there is no comprehensive overview of abnormal HMs in BC, and BC therapies that target HMs are still in their infancy. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing evidence regarding HMs that are involved in BC and the potential mechanisms that are related to aberrant HMs. Moreover, this review examines the currently available agents and approved drugs that have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate their effects on HMs. Finally, this review covers the barriers to the clinical application of therapies that target HMs, and possible strategies that could help overcome these barriers and accelerate the use of these therapies to cure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyao Sui
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
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33
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Stromal induction of BRD4 phosphorylation Results in Chromatin Remodeling and BET inhibitor Resistance in Colorectal Cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4441. [PMID: 34290255 PMCID: PMC8295257 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24687-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD4, a Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) protein family member, is a promising anti-cancer drug target. However, resistance to BET inhibitors targeting BRD4 is common in solid tumors. Here, we show that cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-activated stromal signaling, interleukin-6/8-JAK2, induces BRD4 phosphorylation at tyrosine 97/98 in colorectal cancer, resulting in BRD4 stabilization due to interaction with the deubiquitinase UCHL3. BRD4 phosphorylation at tyrosine 97/98 also displays increased binding to chromatin but reduced binding to BET inhibitors, resulting in resistance to BET inhibitors. We further show that BRD4 phosphorylation promotes interaction with STAT3 to induce chromatin remodeling through concurrent binding to enhancers and super-enhancers, supporting a tumor-promoting transcriptional program. Inhibition of IL6/IL8-JAK2 signaling abolishes BRD4 phosphorylation and sensitizes BET inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Our study reveals a stromal mechanism for BRD4 activation and BET inhibitor resistance, which provides a rationale for developing strategies to treat CRC more effectively. BRD4 has a pro-tumorigenic role but non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of BRD4 activation need to be elucidated. Here the authors unravel a mechanism by which CAFs activate BRD4 and induce resistance to BET inhibitors in cancer cells through IL6/IL8 signaling.
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34
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Dimitrakopoulos FI, Kottorou A, Tzezou A. Endocrine resistance and epigenetic reprogramming in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 517:55-65. [PMID: 34077785 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the enormous advances during the last three decades, breast cancer continues to be the most frequent type of cancer as well as one of the most frequent cancer-related causes of death in women. Therapeutic management of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer becomes very often a challenge, since de novo or acquired resistance deprives a significant percentage of the patients from the clinical benefit of the well-tolerated hormone therapy. Several molecular mechanisms are implicated in resistance to endocrine therapy, including changes in hormone receptor signaling, activation of parallel signaling pathways, modifications of cell cycle regulators, activation of different transcription factors as well as changes in stem cells activity. In addition, a growing number of studies supports the pivotal role of epigenetic changes not only in the initiation and progression of breast cancer, but also in resistance to endocrine therapy. These changes refer to DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications as well as to ncRNAs alterations. In this review, we provide an overview of epigenetic mechanisms underlying the endocrine resistance focusing exclusively on breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteinos-Ioannis Dimitrakopoulos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Medical School of Patras, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece; Division of Oncology, University Hospital of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kottorou
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Medical School of Patras, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece; Division of Oncology, University Hospital of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - Aspasia Tzezou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece; Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece.
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35
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Licht JD, Bennett RL. Leveraging epigenetics to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:115. [PMID: 34001289 PMCID: PMC8130138 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic mechanisms regulate chromatin accessibility patterns that govern interaction of transcription machinery with genes and their cis-regulatory elements. Mutations that affect epigenetic mechanisms are common in cancer. Because epigenetic modifications are reversible many anticancer strategies targeting these mechanisms are currently under development and in clinical trials. Main body Here we review evidence suggesting that epigenetic therapeutics can deactivate immunosuppressive gene expression or reprogram tumor cells to activate antigen presentation mechanisms. In addition, the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms commonly observed in cancer may alter the immunogenicity of tumor cells and effectiveness of immunotherapies. Conclusions Therapeutics targeting epigenetic mechanisms may be helpful to counter immune evasion and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Licht
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Cancer Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Box 103633, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Richard L Bennett
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Cancer Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Box 103633, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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36
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Shen H, Zhang W, Huang Y, He Y, Hu G, Wang L, Peng B, Yi J, Li T, Rong R, Chen X, Liu J, Li W, Ohgi K, Li S, Rosenfeld MG, Liu W. The Dual Function of KDM5C in Both Gene Transcriptional Activation and Repression Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Tumorigenesis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004635. [PMID: 33977073 PMCID: PMC8097366 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggested that epigenetic regulators can exhibit both activator and repressor activities in gene transcriptional regulation and disease development, such as cancer. However, how these dual activities are regulated and coordinated in specific cellular contexts remains elusive. Here, it is reported that KDM5C, a repressive histone demethylase, unexpectedly activates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-target genes, and meanwhile suppresses type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) to promote ERα-positive breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. KDM5C-interacting protein, ZMYND8, is found to be involved in both processes. Mechanistically, KDM5C binds to active enhancers and recruits the P-TEFb complex to activate ERα-target genes, while inhibits TBK1 phosphorylation in the cytosol to repress type I IFNs and ISGs. Pharmacological inhibition of both ERα and KDM5C is effective in inhibiting cell growth and tumorigenesis. Taken together, it is revealed that the dual activator and repressor nature of an epigenetic regulator together contributes to cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai‐feng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Wen‐juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Yao‐hui He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Guo‐sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Bing‐ling Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Jia Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Ting‐ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Rui Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Xiao‐yan Chen
- School of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Jun‐yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Wen‐juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Kenny Ohgi
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California9500 Gilman Drive La JollaSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Shao‐Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
| | - Michael G. Rosenfeld
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California9500 Gilman Drive La JollaSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress BiologyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target ResearchSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiang'an South RoadXiamenFujian361102China
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37
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Jin N, George TL, Otterson GA, Verschraegen C, Wen H, Carbone D, Herman J, Bertino EM, He K. Advances in epigenetic therapeutics with focus on solid tumors. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:83. [PMID: 33879235 PMCID: PMC8056722 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic (“above genetics”) modifications can alter the gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Aberrant epigenetic regulations in cancer include DNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, non-coding RNA, and mRNA methylation. Epigenetic-targeted agents have demonstrated clinical activities in hematological malignancies and therapeutic potential in solid tumors. In this review, we describe mechanisms of various epigenetic modifications, discuss the Food and Drug Administration-approved epigenetic agents, and focus on the current clinical investigations of novel epigenetic monotherapies and combination therapies in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jin
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tiffany L George
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gregory A Otterson
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claire Verschraegen
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haitao Wen
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David Carbone
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Herman
- Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin M Bertino
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Kai He
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
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38
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Fouad MA, Sayed-Ahmed MM, Huwait EA, Hafez HF, Osman AMM. Epigenetic immunomodulatory effect of eugenol and astaxanthin on doxorubicin cytotoxicity in hormonal positive breast Cancer cells. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:8. [PMID: 33509300 PMCID: PMC7842008 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-021-00473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormonal receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed molecular subtype of breast cancer; which showed good response to doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. Eugenol (EUG) and astaxanthin (AST) are natural compounds with proved epigenetic and immunomodulatory effects in several cancer cell lines. This study has been initiated to investigate the molecular mechanism (s) whereby EUG and AST could enhance DOX cytotoxicity in MCF7 cells. METHODS Cytotoxic activity of DOX alone and combined with either 1 mM EUG or 40 μM AST was performed using sulphorhodamine-B assay in MCF7 cells. Global histones acetylation and some immunological markers were investigated using ELISA, western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR techniques. Functional assay of multidrug resistance was performed using rhodamine 123 and Hoechst 3342 dyes. Flow cytometry with annexin V and propidium iodide were used to assess the change in cell cycle and apoptosis along with the expression of some differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy proteins. RESULTS DOX alone resulted in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 of 0.5 μM. Both EUG and AST significantly increased DOX cytotoxicity which is manifested as a significant decrease in DOX IC50 from 0.5 μM to 0.088 μM with EUG and to 0.06 μM with AST. Combinations of DOX with 1 mM EUG or 40 μM AST significantly increased the level of histones acetylation and histone acetyl transferase expression, while reduced the expression of aromatase and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) when compared with 0.25 μM DOX alone. Also both combinations showed higher uptake of rhodamine but lower of Hoechst stains, along with increased the percentage of caspase 3, and decreased the expression of CK7 and LC3BI/II ratio. EUG combination induced IFγ but reduced TNFα causing shifting of cells from G2/M to S and G0/ G1 phases. Combination of DOX with EUG induced apoptosis through the higher BAX/ BCl2 ratio, while with AST was through the increase in caspase 8 expressions. CONCLUSION EUG and AST potentiated the anticancer activity of DOX through epigenetic histones acetylation along with the immunonomodulation of different apoptotic approaches in MCF7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam A Fouad
- Pharmacology and Experimental Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, 11796, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Sayed-Ahmed
- Pharmacology and Experimental Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, 11796, Egypt
| | - Etimad A Huwait
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafez F Hafez
- Pharmacology and Experimental Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, 11796, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Moneim M Osman
- Pharmacology and Experimental Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, 11796, Egypt.
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Muddassir M, Soni K, Sangani CB, Alarifi A, Afzal M, Abduh NAY, Duan Y, Bhadja P. Bromodomain and BET family proteins as epigenetic targets in cancer therapy: their degradation, present drugs, and possible PROTACs. RSC Adv 2021; 11:612-636. [PMID: 35746919 PMCID: PMC9133982 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra07971e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration in the pattern of epigenetic marking leads to cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory problems etc. These changes are due to aberration in histone modification enzymes that function as readers, writers and erasers. Bromodomains (BDs) and BET proteins that recognize acetylation of chromatin regulate gene expression. To block the function of any of these BrDs and/or BET protein can be a controlling agent in disorders such as cancer. BrDs and BET proteins are now emerging as targets for new therapeutic development. Traditional drugs like enzyme inhibitors and protein–protein inhibitors have many limitations. Recently Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have become an advanced tool in therapeutic intervention as they remove disease causing proteins. This review provides an overview of the development and mechanisms of PROTACs for BRD and BET protein regulation in cancer and advanced possibilities of genetic technologies in therapeutics. Alteration in the pattern of epigenetic marking leads to cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory problems etc.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd. Muddassir
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Science
- King Saud University
- Riyadh 11451
- KSA
| | - Kunjal Soni
- Shri Maneklal M. Patel Institute of Sciences and Research
- Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya University
- Gandhinagar
- India
| | - Chetan B. Sangani
- Shri Maneklal M. Patel Institute of Sciences and Research
- Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya University
- Gandhinagar
- India
| | - Abdullah Alarifi
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Science
- King Saud University
- Riyadh 11451
- KSA
| | - Mohd. Afzal
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Science
- King Saud University
- Riyadh 11451
- KSA
| | - Naaser A. Y. Abduh
- Department of Chemistry
- College of Science
- King Saud University
- Riyadh 11451
- KSA
| | - Yongtao Duan
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases
- Zhengzhou Children's Hospital
- Zhengzhou University
- Zhengzhou 450018
- China
| | - Poonam Bhadja
- Arthropod Ecology and Biological Control Research Group
- Ton Duc Thang University
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
- Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety
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40
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Zheng Y, Tang L, Chen G, Liu Z. Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of Key Methyltransferases and Demethylases for Histone Lysines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820983284. [PMID: 33355042 PMCID: PMC7871294 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820983284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims: Methylation of lysines on histones, controlled by various methyltransferases and demethylases, is an important component of epigenetic modifications, and abnormal regulation of such enzymes serves as common events in hepatocellular carcinoma. We determined to identify important methyltransferases and demethylases that might regulate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by bioinformatics. Methods: The Oncomine and UALCAN databases were used to retrieve mRNA expression levels of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases in hepatocellular carcinoma. Data analyses of genetic alterations, mainly mutations and copy number alterations, were performed on the cBioportal platform. Protein-protein interactions were established in the STRING database. Results: mRNA expression of 8 genes correlated with clinical staging and grading, whereas 4 genes indicated a role in the prognosis, all co-expressed with SEDB1 and WHSC1. Genetically, 12 genes showing an alteration rate higher than 5% were identified, and only 3 were indicative of prognosis. Copy number gains in ASH1L, SETDB1, and KDM5B might partially contribute to the upregulation of their mRNA expression. The close relationship of mutations in MLL2/MLL3 with driver gene mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma provided a rationale for further investigation. Conclusions: We identified 11 methyltransferases and demethylases for major histone lysines that might be promising research targets in the pathogenesis, development, and prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital, 117971Jilin University, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Tang
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, 71040Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojiang Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 71040Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziling Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital, 117971Jilin University, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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41
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Buocikova V, Rios-Mondragon I, Pilalis E, Chatziioannou A, Miklikova S, Mego M, Pajuste K, Rucins M, Yamani NE, Longhin EM, Sobolev A, Freixanet M, Puntes V, Plotniece A, Dusinska M, Cimpan MR, Gabelova A, Smolkova B. Epigenetics in Breast Cancer Therapy-New Strategies and Future Nanomedicine Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3622. [PMID: 33287297 PMCID: PMC7761669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation has been recognized as a critical factor contributing to the development of resistance against standard chemotherapy and to breast cancer progression via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although the efficacy of the first-generation epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) in solid tumor management has been disappointing, there is an increasing body of evidence showing that epigenome modulation, in synergy with other therapeutic approaches, could play an important role in cancer treatment, reversing acquired therapy resistance. However, the epigenetic therapy of solid malignancies is not straightforward. The emergence of nanotechnologies applied to medicine has brought new opportunities to advance the targeted delivery of epi-drugs while improving their stability and solubility, and minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, the omics technologies, as powerful molecular epidemiology screening tools, enable new diagnostic and prognostic epigenetic biomarker identification, allowing for patient stratification and tailored management. In combination with new-generation epi-drugs, nanomedicine can help to overcome low therapeutic efficacy in treatment-resistant tumors. This review provides an overview of ongoing clinical trials focusing on combination therapies employing epi-drugs for breast cancer treatment and summarizes the latest nano-based targeted delivery approaches for epi-drugs. Moreover, it highlights the current limitations and obstacles associated with applying these experimental strategies in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Ivan Rios-Mondragon
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 19, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (I.R.-M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Eleftherios Pilalis
- e-NIOS Applications Private Company, Alexandrou Pantou 25, 17671 Kallithea, Greece; (E.P.); (A.C.)
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristotelis Chatziioannou
- e-NIOS Applications Private Company, Alexandrou Pantou 25, 17671 Kallithea, Greece; (E.P.); (A.C.)
- Center of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Karlis Pajuste
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Martins Rucins
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Naouale El Yamani
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Eleonora Marta Longhin
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Arkadij Sobolev
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Muriel Freixanet
- Vall d Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (V.P.)
| | - Victor Puntes
- Vall d Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (V.P.)
- Institut Català de Nanosciència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aiva Plotniece
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles str. 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (K.P.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mihaela Roxana Cimpan
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 19, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (I.R.-M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (V.B.); (S.M.); (A.G.)
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BRD4/8/9 are prognostic biomarkers and associated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:17541-17567. [PMID: 32927435 PMCID: PMC7521508 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins are a class of epigenetic readers with unique recognition for N-acetyl-lysine in histones and functions of gene transcription and chromatin modification, known to be critical in various cancers. However, little is known about the roles of distinct BRD-containing protein genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most recently, we investigated the transcriptional and survival data of BRD1, BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, BRD7, BRD8, BRD9 in HCC patients through ONCOMINE, UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, GEPIA, cBioPortal, STRING, TIMER databases. BRD1/2/3/4/7/8/9 were over-expressed in HCC and were significantly associated with clinical cancer stages and pathological tumor grades. High mRNA expressions of BRD4/8/9 were promising candidate biomarkers in HCC patients. The rate of sequence alternations in BRD1/2/3/4/7/8/9 was relatively high (52%) in HCC patients, and the genetic alternations were correlated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of individual BRD genes were significantly positively associated with the immune infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. And the associations between BRD1/2/3/4/7/8/9 and diverse immune marker sets showed a significance. Overall, these results indicated that BRD4/8/9 could be potential prognostic markers and druggable epigenetic targets in HCC patients.
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43
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Takahashi C, Kondo S, Sadaoka K, Ishizuka S, Noguchi K, Kato Y, Sugimoto Y. Effect of TNIK upregulation on JQ1-resistant human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:230-234. [PMID: 32828291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
JQ1 disrupts the binding of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family of proteins to acetylated histones, modulates the expression of various genes, and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. We established two JQ1-resistant sublines from human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. These resistant cells showed an 8- to 9-fold higher resistance to JQ1, and a 2- to 4-fold higher resistance to various anti-cancer agents, such as doxorubicin, etoposide, mitoxantrone, SN-38, cisplatin, and methotrexate than the parental HCT116 cells. The JQ1-resistant cells expressed higher levels of TRAF2 and NCK-interacting protein kinase (TNIK), cyclin D1 (CCND1), cyclin E1 (CCNE1), and their corresponding mRNAs than the parental cells. TNIK is a regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and is known to transactivate CCND1. Transient transfection of HCT116 cells with a TNIK expression plasmid resulted in the upregulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and their corresponding mRNAs, as well as an increase in CCNE1 promoter activity. Furthermore, luciferase assay revealed that the JQ1-resistant cells showed high CCNE1 promoter activity. These results suggest that TNIK also transactivates CCNE1. Three stable TNIK transfectant clones of HEK293 cells expressed 1.5- to 2-fold higher levels of TNIK, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 than the parental cells. The 293/TNIK-6 cells, which expressed the highest level of TNIK among the transfectants, showed a 2.3-fold higher resistance to JQ1 than the parental cells. These results suggest the possible involvement of TNIK in cellular resistance to JQ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Takahashi
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Shingo Kondo
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Kensuke Sadaoka
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Shuhei Ishizuka
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Kohji Noguchi
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Yu Kato
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Sugimoto
- Division of Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
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Andrikopoulou A, Liontos M, Koutsoukos K, Dimopoulos MA, Zagouri F. The emerging role of BET inhibitors in breast cancer. Breast 2020; 53:152-163. [PMID: 32827765 PMCID: PMC7451423 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic molecules that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. Breast cancer is an heterogenous disease emerging from aberrant gene expression and epigenetic alteration patterns. Amplification or overexpression of BET proteins has been identified in breast tumors highlighting their clinical significance. Development of BET inhibitors that disrupt BET protein binding to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin and suppress transcription of various oncogenes has shown promising results in breast cancer cells and xenograft models. Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials explore safety and efficacy of BET inhibitors in solid tumors and breast cancer. Treatment-emergent toxicities have been reported, including thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal disorders. Preliminary results demonstrated greater response rates to BET inhibitors in combination with already approved anticancer agents. Consistently, BET inhibition sensitized breast tumors to chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapy and PI3K inhibitors in vitro. This article aims to review all existing preclinical and clinical evidence regarding BET inhibitors in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Andrikopoulou
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Michalis Liontos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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45
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Chen R, Chen Y, Zhao W, Fang C, Zhou W, Yang X, Ji M. The Role of Methyltransferase NSD2 as a Potential Oncogene in Human Solid Tumors. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:6837-6846. [PMID: 32764971 PMCID: PMC7367929 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s259873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant solid tumors are the leading cause of death in humans, and epigenetic regulation plays a significant role in studying the mechanism of human solid tumors. Recently, histone lysine methylation has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of human solid tumors due to its epigenetic stability and some other advantages. The 90-kb protein methyltransferase nuclear receptor SET domain-containing 2 (NSD2) is a member of nuclear receptor SET domain-containing (NSD) protein lysine methyltransferase (KMT) family, which can cause epigenomic aberrations via altering the methylation states. Studies have shown that NSD2 is frequently over-expressed in multiple types of aggressive solid tumors, including breast cancer, renal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and osteosarcoma, and such up-regulation has been linked to poor prognosis and recurrence. Further studies have identified that over-expression of NSD2 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), suggesting its potential oncogenic role in solid tumors. Moreover, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was searched for validation of prognostic value of NSD2 in human solid tumors. However, the underlying specific mechanism remains unclear. In our present work, we summarized the latest advances in NSD2 expression and clinical applications in solid tumors, and our findings provided valuable insights into the targeted therapeutic regimens of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqing Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Ji
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou 213003, People's Republic of China
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46
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Li Y, Zhao J, Gutgesell LM, Shen Z, Ratia K, Dye K, Dubrovskyi O, Zhao H, Huang F, Tonetti DA, Thatcher GRJ, Xiong R. Novel Pyrrolopyridone Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Motif (BET) Inhibitors Effective in Endocrine-Resistant ER+ Breast Cancer with Acquired Resistance to Fulvestrant and Palbociclib. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7186-7210. [PMID: 32453591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to fulvestrant and palbociclib is a new challenge to treatment of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. ER is expressed in most resistance settings; thus, bromodomain and extra-terminal protein inhibitors (BETi) that target BET-amplified ER-mediated transcription have therapeutic potential. Novel pyrrolopyridone BETi leveraged novel interactions with L92/L94 confirmed by a cocrystal structure of 27 with BRD4. Optimization of BETi using growth inhibition in fulvestrant-resistant (MCF-7:CFR) cells was confirmed in endocrine-resistant, palbociclib-resistant, and ESR1 mutant cell lines. 27 was more potent in MCF-7:CFR cells than six BET inhibitors in clinical trials. Transcriptomic analysis differentiated 27 from the benchmark BETi, JQ-1, showing downregulation of oncogenes and upregulation of tumor suppressors and apoptosis. The therapeutic approach was validated by oral administration of 27 in orthotopic xenografts of endocrine-resistant breast cancer in monotherapy and in combination with fulvestrant. Importantly, at an equivalent dose in rats, thrombocytopenia was mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Li
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Jiong Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Lauren M Gutgesell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Zhengnan Shen
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Kiira Ratia
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Katherine Dye
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Oleksii Dubrovskyi
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Huiping Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Fei Huang
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Debra A Tonetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Rui Xiong
- UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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47
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Salvati A, Gigantino V, Nassa G, Mirici Cappa V, Ventola GM, Cracas DGC, Mastrocinque R, Rizzo F, Tarallo R, Weisz A, Giurato G. Global View of Candidate Therapeutic Target Genes in Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114068. [PMID: 32517194 PMCID: PMC7312026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by different biopathological features, differential response to therapy and substantial variability in long-term-survival. BC heterogeneity recapitulates genetic and epigenetic alterations affecting transformed cell behavior. The estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) is the most common BC subtype, generally associated with a better prognosis and improved long-term survival, when compared to ERα-tumors. This is mainly due to the efficacy of endocrine therapy, that interfering with estrogen biosynthesis and actions blocks ER-mediated cell proliferation and tumor spread. Acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, however, represents a great challenge in the clinical management of ERα+ BC, causing tumor growth and recurrence irrespective of estrogen blockade. Improving overall survival in such cases requires new and effective anticancer drugs, allowing adjuvant treatments able to overcome resistance to first-line endocrine therapy. To date, several studies focus on the application of loss-of-function genome-wide screenings to identify key (hub) “fitness” genes essential for BC progression and representing candidate drug targets to overcome lack of response, or acquired resistance, to current therapies. Here, we review the biological significance of essential genes and relative functional pathways affected in ERα+ BC, most of which are strictly interconnected with each other and represent potential effective targets for novel molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Valerio Gigantino
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Valeria Mirici Cappa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
- CRGS—Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus of Medicine, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-089-965043 (A.W.); +39-089-968286 (G.G.)
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; (A.S.); (V.G.); (G.N.); (V.M.C.); (F.R.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-089-965043 (A.W.); +39-089-968286 (G.G.)
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Bartoloni S, Leone S, Acconcia F. Unexpected Impact of a Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitor on 17β-Estradiol Signaling in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103418. [PMID: 32408555 PMCID: PMC7279444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) controls diverse physiological processes, including cell proliferation, through its binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα). E2:ERα signaling depends on both the receptor subcellular localization (e.g., nucleus, plasma membrane) and intracellular ERα abundance. Indeed, the control of ERα levels is necessary for the effects of E2, and E2 itself induces ERα degradation and cell proliferation in parallel. Thus, the modulation of intracellular ERα levels is a critical parameter for E2-induced cell proliferation. Therefore, we used this parameter as a bait to identify compounds that influence ERα levels and E2-dependent proliferation in breast cancer (BC) cells from a library of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. We found that telaprevir (Tel) reduces ERα levels and inhibits BC cell proliferation. Tel is an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A serine protease, but its effect on E2:ERα signaling has not been investigated. Here, for the first time, we analyzed the effects of Tel on intracellular ERα levels and E2:ERα signaling to cell proliferation in different ERα-expressing BC cell lines. Overall, our findings demonstrate that Tel reduces intracellular ERα levels, deregulates E2:ERα signaling and inhibits E2-induced proliferation in BC cells and suggest the potential drug repurposing of Tel for the treatment of BC.
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Gao Y, Chen L, Han Y, Wu F, Yang WS, Zhang Z, Huo T, Zhu Y, Yu C, Kim H, Lee M, Tang Z, Phillips K, He B, Jung SY, Song Y, Zhu B, Xu RM, Feng Q. Acetylation of histone H3K27 signals the transcriptional elongation for estrogen receptor alpha. Commun Biol 2020; 3:165. [PMID: 32265480 PMCID: PMC7138820 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0898-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As approximately 70% of human breast tumors are estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive, estrogen and ERα play essential roles in breast cancer development. By interrupting the ERα signaling pathway, endocrine therapy has been proven to be an effective therapeutic strategy. In this study, we identified a mechanism by which Transcription Start Site (TSS)-associated histone H3K27 acetylation signals the Super Elongation Complex (SEC) to regulate transcriptional elongation of the ESR1 (ERα) gene. SEC interacts with H3K27ac on ESR1 TSS through its scaffold protein AFF4. Depletion of AFF4 by siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 dramatically reduces expression of ESR1 and its target genes, consequently inhibiting breast cancer cell growth. More importantly, a AFF4 mutant which lacks H3K27ac interaction failed to rescue ESR1 gene expression, suggesting H3K27 acetylation at TSS region is a key mark bridging the transition from transcriptional initiation to elongation, and perturbing SEC function can be an alternative strategy for targeting ERα signaling pathway at chromatin level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Gao
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lijia Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Han
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Fangrui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Si Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tong Huo
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yingmin Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chengtai Yu
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Hong Kim
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mark Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhen Tang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kevin Phillips
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bin He
- Immunology & Transplant Science Center, Department of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Rui-Ming Xu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Feng
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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50
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Role of BET Inhibitors in Triple Negative Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040784. [PMID: 32218352 PMCID: PMC7226117 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins have evolved as key multifunctional super-regulators that control gene expression. These proteins have been shown to upregulate transcriptional machinery leading to over expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. Based on favorable preclinical evidence of BET inhibitors in various cancer models; currently, 26 clinical trials are underway in various stages of study on various hematological and solid organ cancers. Unfortunately, preliminary evidence for these clinical studies does not support the application of BET inhibitors as monotherapy in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the combinatorial efficiency of BET inhibitors with other chemo-and immunotherapeutic agents remain elusive. In this review, we will provide a concise summary of the molecular basis and preliminary clinical outcomes of BET inhibitors in cancer therapy, with special focus on triple negative breast cancer.
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