1
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Mo C, Wei N, Li T, Ahmed Bhat M, Mohammadi M, Kuang C. CDK9 inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116470. [PMID: 39127153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates mRNA transcription by promoting RNA Pol II elongation. CDK9 is now emerging as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, since its overexpression has been found to correlate with cancer development and worse clinical outcomes. While much work on CDK9 inhibition has focused on hematologic malignancies, the role of this cancer driver in solid tumors is starting to come into focus. Many solid cancers also overexpress CDK9 and depend on its activity to promote downstream oncogenic signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of CDK9 biology in solid tumors and the studies of small molecule CDK9 inhibitors. We discuss the results of the latest clinical trials of CDK9 inhibitors in solid tumors, with a focus on key issues to consider for improving the therapeutic impact of this drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Mo
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Terence Li
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Muzaffer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mahshid Mohammadi
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chaoyuan Kuang
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA.
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2
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Buchholz M, Majchrzak-Stiller B, Peters I, Hahn S, Skrzypczyk L, Beule L, Uhl W, Braumann C, Strotmann J, Höhn P. Maintenance Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer, a New Approach Based on the Synergy between the Novel Agent GP-2250 (Misetionamide) and Gemcitabine. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2612. [PMID: 39061250 PMCID: PMC11275110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142612] [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: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel Oxathiazinane derivative GP-2250 (Misetionamide) displays antineoplastic activity in vitro and in vivo, as previously shown in pancreatic cancer cells and in patient-derived mouse xenografts (PDX). Currently, GP 2250 is under phase I clinical trial in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). GP-2250 in combination with Gemcitabine displays a high synergistic capacity in various primary and established pancreatic cancer cell lines. Additionally, in the eight PDX models tested, the drug combination was superior in reducing tumor volume with an aggregate tumor regression (ATR) of 74% compared to Gemcitabine alone (ATR: 10%). Similarly, in a PDX maintenance setting following two weeks of treatment with nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine, the combination of GP-2250 plus Gemcitabine resulted in outstanding tumor control (ATR: 79%) compared to treatment with Gemcitabine alone (ATR: 60%). Furthermore, GP-2250 reduced the ratio of tumor-initiating CD133+ markers on the surface of PDAC cells in spheroid cultures, indicating a possible mechanism for the synergistic effect of both substances. Considering the high tolerability of GP 2250, these results may open up a new approach to maintenance therapy with GP-2250/Gemcitabine combination following nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine as first-line treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Buchholz
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Britta Majchrzak-Stiller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Ilka Peters
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Stephan Hahn
- Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Lea Skrzypczyk
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Lena Beule
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Waldemar Uhl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Chris Braumann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Evangelische Kliniken Gelsenkirchen, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45878 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Johanna Strotmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Philipp Höhn
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (L.B.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (J.S.); (P.H.)
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3
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Tovar Perez JE, Zhang S, Hodgeman W, Kapoor S, Rajendran P, Kobayashi KS, Dashwood RH. Epigenetic regulation of major histocompatibility complexes in gastrointestinal malignancies and the potential for clinical interception. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:83. [PMID: 38915093 PMCID: PMC11197381 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal malignancies encompass a diverse group of cancers that pose significant challenges to global health. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a pivotal role in immune surveillance, orchestrating the recognition and elimination of tumor cells by the immune system. However, the intricate regulation of MHC gene expression is susceptible to dynamic epigenetic modification, which can influence functionality and pathological outcomes. MAIN BODY By understanding the epigenetic alterations that drive MHC downregulation, insights are gained into the molecular mechanisms underlying immune escape, tumor progression, and immunotherapy resistance. This systematic review examines the current literature on epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to MHC deregulation in esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic and colorectal malignancies. Potential clinical implications are discussed of targeting aberrant epigenetic modifications to restore MHC expression and 0 the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions. CONCLUSION The integration of epigenetic-targeted therapies with immunotherapies holds great potential for improving clinical outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and represents a compelling avenue for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shilan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200070, China
| | - William Hodgeman
- Wolfson Medical School, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sabeeta Kapoor
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Praveen Rajendran
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, and Antibody & Biopharmaceuticals Core, Texas A&M Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koichi S Kobayashi
- Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
- Hokkaido University Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, TX, 77087, USA
| | - Roderick H Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, and Antibody & Biopharmaceuticals Core, Texas A&M Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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4
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Jin F, Lin Y, Yuan W, Wu S, Yang M, Ding S, Liu J, Chen Y. Recent advances in c-Met-based dual inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116477. [PMID: 38733884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) located on the 7q31 locus encoding the Met proto-oncogene and plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, metastasis, differentiation, and apoptosis through various signaling pathways. However, its aberrant activation and overexpression have been implicated in many human cancers. Therefore, c-Met is a promising target for cancer treatment. However, the anticancer effect of selective single-targeted drugs is limited due to the complexity of the signaling system and the involvement of different proteins and enzymes. After inhibiting one pathway, signal molecules can be transmitted through other pathways, resulting in poor efficacy of single-targeted drug therapy. Dual inhibitors that simultaneously block c-Met and another factor can significantly improve efficacy and overcome some of the shortcomings of single-target inhibitors, including drug resistance. In this review, We introduced c-Met kinase and the synergism between c-Met and other anti-tumor targets, then dual-target inhibitors based on c-Met for the treatment of cancers were summarized and their design concepts and structure-activity relationships (SARs) were discussed elaborately, providing a valuable insight for the further development of novel c-Met-based dual inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanqi Jin
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Yihan Lin
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Weidong Yuan
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Shuang Wu
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Min Yang
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Shi Ding
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China
| | - Ju Liu
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China.
| | - Ye Chen
- College of Pharmacy of Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; API Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China; Small Molecular Targeted Drug R&D Engineering Research Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110036, PR China.
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5
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Thompson PE, Shortt J. Defeating MYC with drug combinations or dual-targeting drugs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:490-502. [PMID: 38782688 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Members of the MYC family of proteins are a major target for cancer drug discovery, but the development of drugs that block MYC-driven cancers has not yet been successful. Approaches to achieve success may include the development of combination therapies or dual-acting drugs that target MYC at multiple nodes. Such treatments hold the possibility of additive or synergistic activity, potentially reducing side effect profiles and the emergence of resistance. In this review, we examine the prominent MYC-related targets and highlight those that have been targeted in combination and/or dual-target approaches. Finally, we explore the challenges of combination and dual-target approaches from a drug development perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Jake Shortt
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash Hematology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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6
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Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
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7
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Hasan Bou Issa L, Fléchon L, Laine W, Ouelkdite A, Gaggero S, Cozzani A, Tilmont R, Chauvet P, Gower N, Sklavenitis-Pistofidis R, Brinster C, Thuru X, Touil Y, Quesnel B, Mitra S, Ghobrial IM, Kluza J, Manier S. MYC dependency in GLS1 and NAMPT is a therapeutic vulnerability in multiple myeloma. iScience 2024; 27:109417. [PMID: 38510131 PMCID: PMC10952034 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy in which MYC alterations contribute to the malignant phenotype. Nevertheless, MYC lacks therapeutic druggability. Here, we leveraged large-scale loss-of-function screens and conducted a small molecule screen to identify genes and pathways with enhanced essentiality correlated with MYC expression. We reported a specific gene dependency in glutaminase (GLS1), essential for the viability and proliferation of MYC overexpressing cells. Conversely, the analysis of isogenic models, as well as cell lines dataset (CCLE) and patient datasets, revealed GLS1 as a non-oncogenic dependency in MYC-driven cells. We functionally delineated the differential modulation of glutamine to maintain mitochondrial function and cellular biosynthesis in MYC overexpressing cells. Furthermore, we observed that pharmaceutical inhibition of NAMPT selectively affects MYC upregulated cells. We demonstrate the effectiveness of combining GLS1 and NAMPT inhibitors, suggesting that targeting glutaminolysis and NAD synthesis may be a promising strategy to target MYC-driven MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Hasan Bou Issa
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Léa Fléchon
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - William Laine
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Aicha Ouelkdite
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Silvia Gaggero
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Adeline Cozzani
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Remi Tilmont
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Paul Chauvet
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Gower
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Carine Brinster
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Xavier Thuru
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Yasmine Touil
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Suman Mitra
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Irene M. Ghobrial
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jérôme Kluza
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Salomon Manier
- Canther, INSERM UMR-S1277 and CNRS UMR9020, Lille University, 59000 Lille, France
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France
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8
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Ren J, Ren B, Liu X, Cui M, Fang Y, Wang X, Zhou F, Gu M, Xiao R, Bai J, You L, Zhao Y. Crosstalk between metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming: A new perspective on pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216649. [PMID: 38311052 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216649] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Thus, exploring the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of pancreatic cancer is critical for identifying targets for diagnosis and treatment. Two important hallmarks of cancer-metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming-are interconnected and closely linked to regulate one another, creating a complex interaction landscape that is implicated in tumorigenesis, invasive metastasis, and immune escape. For example, metabolites can be involved in the regulation of epigenetic enzymes as substrates or cofactors, and alterations in epigenetic modifications can in turn regulate the expression of metabolic enzymes. The crosstalk between metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer has gained considerable attention. Here, we review the emerging data with a focus on the reciprocal regulation of metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming. We aim to highlight how these mechanisms could be applied to develop better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Ming Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Feihan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Minzhi Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Ruiling Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Jialu Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
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9
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Bauer N, Balourdas DI, Schneider JR, Zhang X, Berger LM, Berger BT, Schwalm MP, Klopp NA, Siveke JT, Knapp S, Joerger AC. Development of Potent Dual BET/HDAC Inhibitors via Pharmacophore Merging and Structure-Guided Optimization. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:266-279. [PMID: 38291964 PMCID: PMC10878397 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00427] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are prime targets in cancer therapy. Recent research has particularly focused on the development of dual BET/HDAC inhibitors for hard-to-treat tumors, such as pancreatic cancer. Here, we developed a new series of potent dual BET/HDAC inhibitors by choosing starting scaffolds that enabled us to optimally merge the two functionalities into a single compound. Systematic structure-guided modification of both warheads then led to optimized binders that were superior in potency to both parent compounds, with the best molecules of this series binding to both BRD4 bromodomains as well as HDAC1/2 with EC50 values in the 100 nM range in cellular NanoBRET target engagement assays. For one of our lead molecules, we could also show the selective inhibition of HDAC1/2 over all other zinc-dependent HDACs. Importantly, this on-target activity translated into promising efficacy in pancreatic cancer and NUT midline carcinoma cells. Our lead molecules effectively blocked histone H3 deacetylation in pancreatic cancer cells and upregulated the tumor suppressor HEXIM1 and proapoptotic p57, both markers of BET inhibition. In addition, they have the potential to downregulate the oncogenic drivers of NUT midline carcinoma, as demonstrated for MYC and TP63 mRNA levels. Overall, this study expands the portfolio of available dual BET/class I HDAC inhibitors for future translational studies in different cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Bauer
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Dimitrios-Ilias Balourdas
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Joel R. Schneider
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research
Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xin Zhang
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research
Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena M. Berger
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Martin P. Schwalm
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
- German
Translational Cancer Network (DKTK) Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Nick A. Klopp
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research
Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research
Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
- German
Translational Cancer Network (DKTK) Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Andreas C. Joerger
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str.
15, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
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10
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Neja S, Dashwood WM, Dashwood RH, Rajendran P. Histone Acyl Code in Precision Oncology: Mechanistic Insights from Dietary and Metabolic Factors. Nutrients 2024; 16:396. [PMID: 38337680 PMCID: PMC10857208 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer etiology involves complex interactions between genetic and non-genetic factors, with epigenetic mechanisms serving as key regulators at multiple stages of pathogenesis. Poor dietary habits contribute to cancer predisposition by impacting DNA methylation patterns, non-coding RNA expression, and histone epigenetic landscapes. Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acyl marks, act as a molecular code and play a crucial role in translating changes in cellular metabolism into enduring patterns of gene expression. As cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support rapid growth and proliferation, nuanced roles have emerged for dietary- and metabolism-derived histone acylation changes in cancer progression. Specific types and mechanisms of histone acylation, beyond the standard acetylation marks, shed light on how dietary metabolites reshape the gut microbiome, influencing the dynamics of histone acyl repertoires. Given the reversible nature of histone PTMs, the corresponding acyl readers, writers, and erasers are discussed in this review in the context of cancer prevention and treatment. The evolving 'acyl code' provides for improved biomarker assessment and clinical validation in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Neja
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.N.); (W.M.D.)
| | - Wan Mohaiza Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.N.); (W.M.D.)
| | - Roderick H. Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.N.); (W.M.D.)
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Praveen Rajendran
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.N.); (W.M.D.)
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Antibody & Biopharmaceuticals Core, Texas A&M Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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11
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He B, Stoffel L, He CJ, Cho K, Li AM, Jiang H, Flowers BM, Nguyen KT, Wang KW, Zhao AY, Zhou MN, Ferreira S, Attardi LD, Ye J. Epigenetic priming targets tumor heterogeneity to shift transcriptomic phenotype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma towards a Vitamin D susceptible state. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:89. [PMID: 38272889 PMCID: PMC10810848 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
As a highly heterogeneous tumor, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits non-uniform responses to therapies across subtypes. Overcoming therapeutic resistance stemming from this heterogeneity remains a significant challenge. Here, we report that Vitamin D-resistant PDAC cells hijacked Vitamin D signaling to promote tumor progression, whereas epigenetic priming with glyceryl triacetate (GTA) and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) overcame Vitamin D resistance and shifted the transcriptomic phenotype of PDAC toward a Vitamin D-susceptible state. Increasing overall H3K27 acetylation with GTA and reducing overall DNA methylation with 5-Aza not only elevated the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression but also reprogrammed the Vitamin D-responsive genes. Consequently, Vitamin D inhibited cell viability and migration in the epigenetically primed PDAC cells by activating genes involved in apoptosis as well as genes involved in negative regulation of cell proliferation and migration, while the opposite effect of Vitamin D was observed in unprimed cells. Studies in genetically engineered mouse PDAC cells further validated the effects of epigenetic priming for enhancing the anti-tumor activity of Vitamin D. Using gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we further demonstrated that VDR expression was necessary but not sufficient for activating the favorable transcriptomic phenotype in respond to Vitamin D treatment in PDAC, highlighting that both the VDR and Vitamin D-responsive genes were prerequisites for Vitamin D response. These data reveal a previously undefined mechanism in which epigenetic state orchestrates the expression of both VDR and Vitamin D-responsive genes and determines the therapeutic response to Vitamin D in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lauren Stoffel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Clifford Jiajun He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kumsun Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Albert M Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Brittany M Flowers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kha The Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kelly Wen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Audrey Yixin Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Meng-Ning Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Laura D Attardi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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12
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Orlacchio A, Muzyka S, Gonda TA. Epigenetic therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 383:1-40. [PMID: 38359967 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid malignancies, characterized by its aggressiveness and metastatic potential, with a 5-year survival rate of only 8-11%. Despite significant improvements in PDAC treatment and management, therapeutic alternatives are still limited. One of the main reasons is its high degree of intra- and inter-individual tumor heterogeneity which is established and maintained through a complex network of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Epigenetic drugs, have shown promising preclinical results in PDAC and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials both for their ability to sensitize cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs and to counteract the immunosuppressive characteristic of PDAC tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the current status of epigenetic treatment strategies to overcome molecular and cellular PDAC heterogeneity in order to improve response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Orlacchio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Muzyka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tamas A Gonda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States.
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13
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Godfrey LK, Forster J, Liffers ST, Schröder C, Köster J, Henschel L, Ludwig KU, Lähnemann D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Behrens D, Scarpa A, Lawlor RT, Witzke KE, Sitek B, Johnsen SA, Rahmann S, Horsthemke B, Zeschnigk M, Siveke JT. Pancreatic cancer acquires resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition by clonal expansion and adaptive DNA hypermethylation. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:13. [PMID: 38229153 PMCID: PMC10792938 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01623-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. It is marked by extraordinary resistance to conventional therapies including chemotherapy and radiation, as well as to essentially all targeted therapies evaluated so far. More than 90% of PDAC cases harbor an activating KRAS mutation. As the most common KRAS variants in PDAC remain undruggable so far, it seemed promising to inhibit a downstream target in the MAPK pathway such as MEK1/2, but up to now preclinical and clinical evaluation of MEK inhibitors (MEKi) failed due to inherent and acquired resistance mechanisms. To gain insights into molecular changes during the formation of resistance to oncogenic MAPK pathway inhibition, we utilized short-term passaged primary tumor cells from ten PDACs of genetically engineered mice. We followed gain and loss of resistance upon MEKi exposure and withdrawal by longitudinal integrative analysis of whole genome sequencing, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry data. RESULTS We found that resistant cell populations under increasing MEKi treatment evolved by the expansion of a single clone but were not a direct consequence of known resistance-conferring mutations. Rather, resistant cells showed adaptive DNA hypermethylation of 209 and hypomethylation of 8 genomic sites, most of which overlap with regulatory elements known to be active in murine PDAC cells. Both DNA methylation changes and MEKi resistance were transient and reversible upon drug withdrawal. Furthermore, MEKi resistance could be reversed by DNA methyltransferase inhibition with remarkable sensitivity exclusively in the resistant cells. CONCLUSION Overall, the concept of acquired therapy resistance as a result of the expansion of a single cell clone with epigenetic plasticity sheds light on genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic patterns during evolvement of treatment resistance in a tumor with high adaptive capabilities and provides potential for reversion through epigenetic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Godfrey
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Forster
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
- Genome Informatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven-Thorsten Liffers
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Schröder
- Genome Informatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Köster
- Bioinformatics and Computational Oncology, Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leonie Henschel
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin U Ludwig
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Lähnemann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Behrens
- EPO Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathological Anatomy Section, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Cancer Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- ARC-Net Cancer Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Kathrin E Witzke
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center/Zentrum Für Protein-Diagnostik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center/Zentrum Für Protein-Diagnostik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sven Rahmann
- Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Center for Bioinformatics Saar and Saarland University, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeschnigk
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy (BIT) and Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Essen, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) West, Campus Essen, Essen, Germany.
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14
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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15
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Liang G, Oh TG, Hah N, Tiriac H, Shi Y, Truitt ML, Antal CE, Atkins AR, Li Y, Fraser C, Ng S, Pinto AFM, Nelson DC, Estepa G, Bashi S, Banayo E, Dai Y, Liddle C, Yu RT, Hunter T, Engle DD, Han H, Von Hoff DD, Downes M, Evans RM. Inhibiting stromal Class I HDACs curbs pancreatic cancer progression. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7791. [PMID: 38057326 PMCID: PMC10700526 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic lesions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) hijack the epigenetic machinery in stromal components to establish a desmoplastic and therapeutic resistant tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we identify Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) as key epigenetic factors facilitating the induction of pro-desmoplastic and pro-tumorigenic transcriptional programs in pancreatic stromal fibroblasts. Mechanistically, HDAC-mediated changes in chromatin architecture enable the activation of pro-desmoplastic programs directed by serum response factor (SRF) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1). HDACs also coordinate fibroblast pro-inflammatory programs inducing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression, supporting paracrine pro-tumorigenic crosstalk. HDAC depletion in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and treatment with the HDAC inhibitor entinostat (Ent) in PDAC mouse models reduce stromal activation and curb tumor progression. Notably, HDAC inhibition (HDACi) enriches a lipogenic fibroblast subpopulation, a potential precursor for myofibroblasts in the PDAC stroma. Overall, our study reveals the stromal targeting potential of HDACi, highlighting the utility of this epigenetic modulating approach in PDAC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyang Liang
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tae Gyu Oh
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Oncology Science, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Nasun Hah
- Next Generation Sequencing Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Hervé Tiriac
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yu Shi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Bristol Myer Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Morgan L Truitt
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Corina E Antal
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Annette R Atkins
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yuwenbin Li
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Cory Fraser
- HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, USA
| | - Serina Ng
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomic Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Antonio F M Pinto
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Dylan C Nelson
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Gabriela Estepa
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Senada Bashi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ester Banayo
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yang Dai
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Ruth T Yu
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tony Hunter
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Dannielle D Engle
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Haiyong Han
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomic Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Daniel D Von Hoff
- HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, USA
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomic Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Michael Downes
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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16
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Ahuja P, Yadav R, Goyal S, Yadav C, Ranga S, Kadian L. Targeting epigenetic deregulations for the management of esophageal carcinoma: recent advances and emerging approaches. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2437-2465. [PMID: 37338772 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09818-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Ranking from seventh in incidence to sixth in mortality, esophageal carcinoma is considered a severe malignancy of food pipe. Later-stage diagnosis, drug resistance, and a high mortality rate contribute to its lethality. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma are the two main histological subtypes of esophageal carcinoma, with squamous cell carcinoma alone accounting for more than eighty percent of its cases. While genetic anomalies are well known in esophageal cancer, accountability of epigenetic deregulations is also being explored for the recent two decades. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and functional non-coding RNAs are the crucial epigenetic players involved in the modulation of different malignancies, including esophageal carcinoma. Targeting these epigenetic aberrations will provide new insights into the development of biomarker tools for risk stratification, early diagnosis, and effective therapeutic intervention. This review discusses different epigenetic alterations, emphasizing the most significant developments in esophageal cancer epigenetics and their potential implication for the detection, prognosis, and treatment of esophageal carcinoma. Further, the preclinical and clinical status of various epigenetic drugs has also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Ahuja
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, (Haryana), Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Ritu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, (Haryana), Rohtak, 124001, India.
| | - Sandeep Goyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pt. B.D, Sharma University of Health Sciences, (Haryana), Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Chetna Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, (Haryana), Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Shalu Ranga
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, (Haryana), Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Lokesh Kadian
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
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17
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Krauß L, Schneider C, Hessmann E, Saur D, Schneider G. Epigenetic control of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1113-1131. [PMID: 37659057 PMCID: PMC10713713 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection, when combined with chemotherapy, has been shown to significantly improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, this treatment option is only feasible for a fraction of patients, as more than 50% of cases are diagnosed with metastasis. The multifaceted process of metastasis is still not fully understood, but recent data suggest that transcriptional and epigenetic plasticity play significant roles. Interfering with epigenetic reprogramming can potentially control the adaptive processes responsible for metastatic progression and therapy resistance, thereby enhancing treatment responses and preventing recurrence. This review will focus on the relevance of histone-modifying enzymes in pancreatic cancer, specifically on their impact on the metastatic cascade. Additionally, it will also provide a brief update on the current clinical developments in epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Krauß
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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18
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Kumar V, Mahato RI. Natural killer cells for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Role of nanoparticles. Cancer Lett 2023; 579:216462. [PMID: 37924937 PMCID: PMC10842153 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Advanced pancreatic cancer patients have a dismal prognosis despite advances in integrative therapy. The field of tumor immunology has witnessed significant advancements for cancer treatment. However, immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer is not very effective due to its highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that play an important role in the innate immune system. NK cells do not require antigen pre-sensitization, nor are they confined by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). NK cells have the potential to eliminate cancer cells through CAR-dependent and CAR-independent pathways, demonstrating reduced levels of systemic toxicity in the process. The availability of several potential sources of NK cells is an additional benefit that contributes to meeting the therapeutic criteria. Adding nanotechnology to enhance the functions of effector NK cells is also an appealing strategy. This article primarily discusses various approaches recently been utilized to enhance the NK functions for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In addition, new advances in boosting NK cell therapeutic efficacy by nanoparticle mediation are presented, with a focus on pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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19
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Srivastava K, Lines KE, Jach D, Crnogorac-Jurcevic T. S100PBP is regulated by mutated KRAS and plays a tumour suppressor role in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:3422-3434. [PMID: 37794133 PMCID: PMC10638088 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that expression of S100PBP, an S100P binding partner, gradually decreases during progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). Here, we show that loss of S100PBP leads to oncogenic transformation of pancreatic cells; after deregulation of S100PBP expression, both in silico and in vitro analyses highlighted alterations of genes known to modulate cytoskeleton, cell motility and survival. Overexpression of S100P reduced S100PBP expression, while co-immunoprecipitation indicated the interaction of S100P with S100PBP-p53-ubiquitin protein complex, likely causing S100PBP degradation. The doxycycline-induced KrasG12D activation resulted in decreased S100PBP levels, while low-dose treatment with HDAC inhibitor MS-275 rescued its expression in both human and mouse PDAC cell lines. This indicates KrasG12D as an upstream epigenetic regulator of S100PBP. Finally, analysis of TCGA PanCancer Atlas PDAC datasets demonstrated poor prognosis in patients with high S100P and low S100PBP expression, suggesting that S100PBP is a novel tumour suppressor gene with potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Srivastava
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
- In-Vitro Pharmacology, UCB Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 216 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE, UK.
| | - K E Lines
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - D Jach
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - T Crnogorac-Jurcevic
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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20
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Hamilton G, Stickler S, Rath B. Integration of signaling pathway and bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibition for the treatment of mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1027-1038. [PMID: 38023987 PMCID: PMC10651355 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is now a drugable oncogenic driver and the KRAS G12C variant responds clinically to sotorasib and adagrasib that covalently block the cysteine of the active center and inhibit downstream signaling and proliferation. Unfortunately, progression-free survival (PFS) of lung cancer patients is only 5-6 months and no survival advantage has been found for sotorasib in comparison to docetaxel chemotherapy. Increased responses to KRAS inhibitors are tested in combination with the son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) inhibitors, upstream and downstream signaling modulators as well as chemotherapeutics. Some of these approaches are limited by toxicity to normal tissues and by diverse mechanisms of resistance. In essence, most of these attempts are directed to the inhibition of proliferation by impairment of the signal transduction pathways. The final target of KRAS-mediated growth stimulation is MYC in the cell nucleus that stimulates transcription of a host of genes. In detail, MYC alters genomic enhancer and super-enhancers of transcription that are frequently deregulated in cancer. Such enhancers can be targeted by bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors (BETi) or degraders and this review discusses whether integrated SOS1 inhibition and BET targeting of MYC synergizes against mutant KRAS tumor growth. BET degraders in the form of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) combined with BAY-293-mediated SOS1 inhibition revealed marked cytotoxic synergy against mutant KRAS cancer cells and may constitute a promising option for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Stickler
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Rath
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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21
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Lee E, Archasappawat S, Ji K, Pena J, Fernandez-Vega V, Gangaraju R, Beesabathuni NS, Kim MJ, Tian Q, Shah PS, Scampavia L, Spicer TP, Hwang CI. A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2 deficient pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:620. [PMID: 37735513 PMCID: PMC10514057 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in human malignancies. Among total pancreatic cancer patients, ~10% of patients are categorized as familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients, carrying germline mutations of the genes involved in DNA repair pathways (e.g., BRCA2). Personalized medicine approaches tailored toward patients' mutations would improve patients' outcome. To identify novel vulnerabilities of BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer, we generated isogenic Brca2-deficient murine pancreatic cancer cell lines and performed high-throughput drug screens. High-throughput drug screening revealed that Brca2-deficient cells are sensitive to Bromodomain and Extraterminal Motif (BET) inhibitors, suggesting that BET inhibition might be a potential therapeutic approach. We found that BRCA2 deficiency increased autophagic flux, which was further enhanced by BET inhibition in Brca2-deficient pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in autophagy-dependent cell death. Our data suggests that BET inhibition can be a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunJung Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Suyakarn Archasappawat
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Graduate Group in Integrative Pathobiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Keely Ji
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jocelyn Pena
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Virneliz Fernandez-Vega
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Ritika Gangaraju
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nitin Sai Beesabathuni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Martin Jean Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Qi Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Priya S Shah
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Louis Scampavia
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Timothy P Spicer
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Chang-Il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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22
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Liang G, Oh TG, Hah N, Tiriac H, Shi Y, Truitt ML, Antal CE, Atkins AR, Li Y, Fraser C, Ng S, Pinto AFM, Nelson DC, Estepa G, Bashi S, Banayo E, Dai Y, Liddle C, Yu RT, Hunter T, Engle DD, Han H, Von Hoff DD, Downes M, Evans RM. Inhibiting Stromal Class I HDACs Curbs Pancreatic Cancer Progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557260. [PMID: 37745372 PMCID: PMC10515810 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic lesions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) hijack the epigenetic machinery in stromal components to establish a desmoplastic and therapeutic resistant tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we identify Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) as key epigenetic factors facilitating the induction of pro-desmoplastic and pro-tumorigenic transcriptional programs in pancreatic stromal fibroblasts. Mechanistically, HDAC-mediated changes in chromatin architecture enable the activation of pro-desmoplastic programs directed by serum response factor (SRF) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1). HDACs also coordinate fibroblast pro-inflammatory programs inducing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression, supporting paracrine pro-tumorigenic crosstalk. HDAC depletion in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and treatment with the HDAC inhibitor entinostat (Ent) in PDAC mouse models reduce stromal activation and curb tumor progression. Notably, HDAC inhibition (HDACi) enriches a lipogenic fibroblast subpopulation, a potential precursor for myofibroblasts in the PDAC stroma. Overall, our study reveals the stromal targeting potential of HDACi, highlighting the utility of this epigenetic modulating approach in PDAC therapeutics.
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23
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Urbanova M, Cihova M, Buocikova V, Slopovsky J, Dubovan P, Pindak D, Tomas M, García-Bermejo L, Rodríguez-Garrote M, Earl J, Kohl Y, Kataki A, Dusinska M, Sainz B, Smolkova B, Gabelova A. Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115179. [PMID: 37481927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115179] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Urbanova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Slopovsky
- 2nd Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Spitalska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Dubovan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Daniel Pindak
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Miroslav Tomas
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Area4, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Garrote
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yvonne Kohl
- Department Bioprocessing & Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Agapi Kataki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bruno Sainz
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas"Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biomarkers and Personalized Approach to Cancer (BIOPAC) Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia..
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24
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Dorst D, Smeets EMM, Klein C, Frielink C, Geijs D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PFY, Stommel MWJ, Gotthardt M, Siveke JT, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Murine Models for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4319-4330. [PMID: 37485886 PMCID: PMC10410663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5 year survival of 9%. One important limiting factor for treatment efficacy is the dense tumor-supporting stroma. The cancer-associated fibroblasts in this stroma deposit excessive amounts of extracellular matrix components and anti-inflammatory mediators, which hampers the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapies. Systemic depletion of all activated fibroblasts is, however, not feasible nor desirable and therefore a local approach should be pursued. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle of using fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted photodynamic therapy (tPDT) to treat PDAC. FAP-targeting antibody 28H1 and irrelevant control antibody DP47GS were conjugated to the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (700DX) and the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. In vitro binding and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the fibroblast cell-line NIH-3T3 stably transfected with FAP. Biodistribution of 111In-labeled antibody-700DX constructs was determined in mice carrying syngeneic tumors of the murine PDAC cell line PDAC299, and in a genetically engineered PDAC mouse model (CKP). Then, tPDT was performed by exposing the subcutaneous or the spontaneous PDAC tumors to 690 nm light. Induction of apoptosis after treatment was assessed using automated analyses of immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3. 28H1-700DX effectively bound to 3T3-FAP cells and induced cytotoxicity upon exposure to 690 nm light, whereas no binding or cytotoxic effects were observed for DP47GS-700DX. Although both 28H1-700DX and DP47GS-700DX accumulated in subcutaneous PDAC299 tumors, autoradiography demonstrated that only 28H1-700DX reached the tumor core. On the contrary, control antibody DP47GS-700DX was only present at the tumor rim. In CKP mice, both antibodies accumulated in the tumor, but tumor-to-blood ratios of 28H1-700DX were higher than that of the control. Notably, in vivo FAP-tPDT caused upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 staining in both subcutaneous and in spontaneous tumors. In conclusion, we have shown that tPDT is a feasible approach for local depletion of FAP-expressing stromal cells in murine models for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne
N. Dorst
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther M. M. Smeets
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development, Innovation
Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Geijs
- Department
of Pathology, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F. Y. Cheung
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martijn W. J. Stommel
- Department
of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Gotthardt
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik H. J. G. Aarntzen
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A. M. van Lith
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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25
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Sun Z, Fan J, Dang Y, Zhao Y. Enhancer in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220313. [PMID: 37548349 PMCID: PMC10405138 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0313] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are essential cis-acting regulatory elements that determine cell identity and tumor progression. Enhancer function is dependent on the physical interaction between the enhancer and its target promoter inside its local chromatin environment. Enhancer reprogramming is an important mechanism in cancer pathogenesis and can be driven by both cis and trans factors. Super enhancers are acquired at oncogenes in numerous cancer types and represent potential targets for cancer treatment. BET and CDK inhibitors act through mechanisms of enhancer function and have shown promising results in therapy for various types of cancer. Genome editing is another way to reprogram enhancers in cancer treatment. The relationship between enhancers and cancer has been revised by several authors in the past few years, which mainly focuses on the mechanisms by which enhancers can impact cancer. Here, we emphasize SE's role in cancer pathogenesis and the new therapies involving epigenetic regulators (BETi and CDKi). We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity would aid clinical success for these anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinbo Fan
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiong Dang
- Xi’an Medical University, School of Public Health, Weiyang District, Xi’an, 710021 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
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26
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Letson CT, Balasis ME, Newman H, Binder M, Vedder A, Kinose F, Ball M, Kruer T, Quintana A, Lasho TL, Finke CM, Almada LL, Grants JM, Zhang G, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Gaspar-Maia A, Lancet J, Komrokji R, Haura E, Sallman DA, Reuther GW, Karsan A, Rix U, Patnaik MM, Padron E. Targeting BET Proteins Downregulates miR-33a To Promote Synergy with PIM Inhibitors in CMML. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2919-2932. [PMID: 37223910 PMCID: PMC10524644 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preclinical studies in myeloid neoplasms have demonstrated efficacy of bromodomain and extra-terminal protein inhibitors (BETi). However, BETi demonstrates poor single-agent activity in clinical trials. Several studies suggest that combination with other anticancer inhibitors may enhance the efficacy of BETi. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To nominate BETi combination therapies for myeloid neoplasms, we used a chemical screen with therapies currently in clinical cancer development and validated this screen using a panel of myeloid cell line, heterotopic cell line models, and patient-derived xenograft models of disease. We used standard protein and RNA assays to determine the mechanism responsible for synergy in our disease models. RESULTS We identified PIM inhibitors (PIMi) as therapeutically synergistic with BETi in myeloid leukemia models. Mechanistically, we show that PIM kinase is increased after BETi treatment, and that PIM kinase upregulation is sufficient to induce persistence to BETi and sensitize cells to PIMi. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-33a downregulation is the underlying mechanism driving PIM1 upregulation. We also show that GM-CSF hypersensitivity, a hallmark of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), represents a molecular signature for sensitivity to combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of PIM kinases is a potential novel strategy for overcoming BETi persistence in myeloid neoplasms. Our data support further clinical investigation of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Newman
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Moritz Binder
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alexis Vedder
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Fumi Kinose
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Markus Ball
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Traci Kruer
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Ariel Quintana
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Terra L. Lasho
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christy M. Finke
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Luciana L. Almada
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Guolin Zhang
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Alexandre Gaspar-Maia
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Lancet
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Rami Komrokji
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Eric Haura
- Department of Drug Discovery, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - David A. Sallman
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Gary W. Reuther
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Aly Karsan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Mrinal M. Patnaik
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Eric Padron
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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27
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Huang H, Wu L, Lu L, Zhang Z, Qiu B, Mo J, Luo Y, Xi Z, Feng M, Wan P, Zhu J, Yu D, Wu W, Tan K, Liu J, Sheng Q, Xu T, Huang J, Lv Z, Tang Y, Xia Q. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers cellular architecture and developmental trajectories in hepatoblastoma. Hepatology 2023; 77:1911-1928. [PMID: 36059151 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant type of childhood liver cancer. Treatment options for the clinically advanced HB remain limited. We aimed to dissect the cellular and molecular basis underlying HB oncogenesis and heterogeneity at the single-cell level, which could facilitate a better understanding of HB at both the biological and clinical levels. APPROACH AND RESULTS Single-cell transcriptome profiling of tumor and paired distal liver tissue samples from five patients with HB was performed. Deconvolution analysis was used for integrating the single-cell transcriptomic profiles with the bulk transcriptomes of our HB cohort of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy tumor samples. A single-cell transcriptomic landscape of early human liver parenchymal development was established for exploring the cellular root and hierarchy of HB oncogenesis. As a result, seven distinct tumor cell subpopulations were annotated, and an effective HB subtyping method was established based on their compositions. A HB tumor cell hierarchy was further revealed to not only fit with the classical cancer stem cell (CSC) model but also mirror the early human liver parenchymal development. Moreover, FACT inhibition, which could disrupt the oncogenic positive feedback loop between MYC and SSRP1 in HB, was identified as a promising epigenetic-targeted therapeutic strategy against the CSC-like HB1-Pro-like1 subpopulation and its related high-risk "Pro-like1" subtype of HB. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the cellular architecture and developmental trajectories of HB via integrative bulk and single-cell transcriptome analyses, thus establishing a resourceful framework for the development of targeted diagnostics and therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Liang Wu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Li Lu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Bijun Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jialin Mo
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhifeng Xi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ping Wan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Dingye Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery , Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Kezhe Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jiangbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Qingfeng Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jinyan Huang
- Biomedical Big Data Center , The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease , Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital , Hangzhou , China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Zhibao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Transplantation and Immunology , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation , Shanghai , China
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28
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Lee E, Archasappawat S, Ji K, Pena J, Fernandez-Vega V, Gangaraju R, Beesabathuni NS, Kim MJ, Tian Q, Shah P, Scampavia L, Spicer T, Hwang CI. A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2 deficient pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542934. [PMID: 37398312 PMCID: PMC10312597 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in human malignancies. Among total pancreatic cancer patients, ∼10% of patients are categorized as familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients, carrying germline mutations of the genes involved in DNA repair pathways ( e.g., BRCA2 ). Personalized medicine approaches tailored toward patients' mutations would improve patients' outcome. To identify novel vulnerabilities of BRCA2 -deficient pancreatic cancer, we generated isogenic Brca2 -deficient murine pancreatic cancer cell lines and performed high-throughput drug screens. High-throughput drug screening revealed that Brca2 -deficient cells are sensitive to Bromodomain and Extraterminal Motif (BET) inhibitors, suggesting that BET inhibition might be a potential therapeutic approach. We found that BRCA2 deficiency increased autophagic flux, which was further enhanced by BET inhibition in Brca2 -deficient pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in autophagy-dependent cell death. Our data suggests that BET inhibition can be a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA2 -deficient pancreatic cancer.
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29
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Dimond A, Van de Pette M, Taylor-Bateman V, Brown K, Sardini A, Whilding C, Feytout A, Prinjha RK, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Drug-induced loss of imprinting revealed using bioluminescent reporters of Cdkn1c. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5626. [PMID: 37024615 PMCID: PMC10079848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetically mediated mechanism that regulates allelic expression of genes based upon parent-of-origin and provides a paradigm for studying epigenetic silencing and release. Here, bioluminescent reporters for the maternally-expressed imprinted gene Cdkn1c are used to examine the capacity of chromatin-modifying drugs to reverse paternal Cdkn1c silencing. Exposure of reporter mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to 5-Azacytidine, HDAC inhibitors, BET inhibitors or GSK-J4 (KDM6A/B inhibitor) relieved repression of paternal Cdkn1c, either selectively or by inducing biallelic effects. Treatment of reporter fibroblasts with HDAC inhibitors or GSK-J4 resulted in similar paternal Cdkn1c activation, whereas BET inhibitor-induced loss of imprinting was specific to mESCs. Changes in allelic expression were generally not sustained in dividing cultures upon drug removal, indicating that the underlying epigenetic memory of silencing was maintained. In contrast, Cdkn1c de-repression by GSK-J4 was retained in both mESCs and fibroblasts following inhibitor removal, although this impact may be linked to cellular stress and DNA damage. Taken together, these data introduce bioluminescent reporter cells as tools for studying epigenetic silencing and disruption, and demonstrate that Cdkn1c imprinting requires distinct and cell-type specific chromatin features and modifying enzymes to enact and propagate a memory of silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Victoria Taylor-Bateman
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Karen Brown
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Chad Whilding
- Microscopy Facility, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amelie Feytout
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology and Epigenetics Research Unit, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, Herts, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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30
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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31
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Agrawal R, Natarajan KN. Oncogenic signaling pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:251-283. [PMID: 37268398 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.006] [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: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common (∼90% cases) pancreatic neoplasm and one of the most lethal cancer among all malignances. PDAC harbor aberrant oncogenic signaling that may result from the multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations such as the mutation in driver genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, p53), genomic amplification of regulatory genes (MYC, IGF2BP2, ROIK3), deregulation of chromatin-modifying proteins (HDAC, WDR5) among others. A key event is the formation of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) that often results from the activating mutation in KRAS. Mutated KRAS can direct a variety of signaling pathways and modulate downstream targets including MYC, which play an important role in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss recent literature shedding light on the origins of PDAC from the perspective of major oncogenic signaling pathways. We highlight how MYC directly and indirectly, with cooperation with KRAS, affect epigenetic reprogramming and metastasis. Additionally, we summarize the recent findings from single cell genomic approaches that highlight heterogeneity in PDAC and tumor microenvironment, and provide molecular avenues for PDAC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Agrawal
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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32
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Mello SS, Flowers BM, Mazur PK, Lee JJ, Müller F, Denny SK, Ferreira S, Hanson K, Kim SK, Greenleaf WJ, Wood LD, Attardi LD. Multifaceted role for p53 in pancreatic cancer suppression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211937120. [PMID: 36848578 PMCID: PMC10013849 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211937120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) harbor TP53 mutations, underscoring p53's critical role in PDAC suppression. PDAC can arise when pancreatic acinar cells undergo acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), giving rise to premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs), which finally progress to PDAC. The occurrence of TP53 mutations in late-stage PanINs has led to the idea that p53 acts to suppress malignant transformation of PanINs to PDAC. However, the cellular basis for p53 action during PDAC development has not been explored in detail. Here, we leverage a hyperactive p53 variant-p5353,54-which we previously showed is a more robust PDAC suppressor than wild-type p53, to elucidate how p53 acts at the cellular level to dampen PDAC development. Using both inflammation-induced and KRASG12D-driven PDAC models, we find that p5353,54 both limits ADM accumulation and suppresses PanIN cell proliferation and does so more effectively than wild-type p53. Moreover, p5353,54 suppresses KRAS signaling in PanINs and limits effects on the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. While p5353,54 has highlighted these functions, we find that pancreata in wild-type p53 mice similarly show less ADM, as well as reduced PanIN cell proliferation, KRAS signaling, and ECM remodeling relative to Trp53-null mice. We find further that p53 enhances chromatin accessibility at sites controlled by acinar cell identity transcription factors. These findings reveal that p53 acts at multiple stages to suppress PDAC, both by limiting metaplastic transformation of acini and by dampening KRAS signaling in PanINs, thus providing key new understanding of p53 function in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephano S. Mello
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY14642
| | - Brittany M. Flowers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Pawel K. Mazur
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - James J. Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA94080
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Integrative Cellular Biology and Bioinformatics, Saarland University, 66123Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Denny
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Kathryn Hanson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Seung K. Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - William J. Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Laura D. Wood
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Laura D. Attardi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
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33
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Guo J, Zheng Q, Peng Y. BET proteins: Biological functions and therapeutic interventions. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 243:108354. [PMID: 36739915 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family member proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) play a pivotal role in interpreting the epigenetic information of histone Kac modification, thus controlling gene expression, remodeling chromatin structures and avoid replicative stress-induced DNA damages. Abnormal activation of BET proteins is tightly correlated to various human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, BET bromodomain inhibitors (BBIs) were considered as promising therapeutics to treat BET-related diseases, raising >70 clinical trials in the past decades. Despite preliminary effects achieved, drug resistance and adverse events represent two major challenges for current BBIs development. In this review, we will introduce the biological functions of BET proteins in both physiological and pathological conditions; and summarize the progress in current BBI drug development. Moreover, we will also discuss the major challenges in the front of BET inhibitor development and provide rational strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingquan Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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34
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Targeting ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk in colorectal cancer and the deregulation of DNA repair and apoptosis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:20. [PMID: 36801948 PMCID: PMC9938505 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ACE2 overexpression in colorectal cancer patients might increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report that knockdown, forced overexpression, and pharmacologic inhibition in human colon cancer cells targeted ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk to mediate marked changes in DNA damage/repair and apoptosis. In colorectal cancer patients for whom high ACE2 plus high BRD4 expression is predictive of poor survival, pan-BET inhibition would need to consider proviral/antiviral actions of different BET proteins during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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35
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Wang Y, Yao Y, Wei Q, Long S, Chen Y, Xie J, Tan R, Jiang W, Zhang Q, Wu D, Xiao S, Wan F, Fu K. TRIM24 is critical for the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks through regulating the recruitment of MRN complex. Oncogene 2023; 42:586-600. [PMID: 36550358 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex plays a crucial role in DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) sensing and initiation of signaling cascades. However, the precise mechanisms by which the recruitment of MRN complex is regulated has yet to be elucidated. Here, we identified TRIpartite motif-containing protein 24 (TRIM24), a protein considered as an oncogene overexpressed in cancers, as a novel signaling molecule in response to DSBs. TRIM24 is essential for DSBs-induced recruitment of MRN complex and activation of downstream signaling. In the absence of TRIM24, MRN mediated DSBs repair is remarkably diminished. Mechanistically, TRIM24 is phosphorylated by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and then recruited to DSBs sites, facilitating the accumulation of the MRN components to chromatin. Depletion of TRIM24 sensitizes human hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cancer therapy agent-induced apoptosis and retards the tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor mouse model. Together, our data reveal a novel function of TRIM24 in response to DSBs through regulating the MRN complex, which suggests that TRIM24 may be a potential therapeutic molecular target for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanbing Yao
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qunhui Wei
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shichao Long
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqiao Chen
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jinru Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Fengyi Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21025, USA
| | - Kai Fu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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36
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Pandey S, Gupta VK, Lavania SP. Role of epigenetics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Epigenomics 2023; 15:89-110. [PMID: 36647796 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, associated with poor survival outcomes. Lack of early diagnosis, resistance to conventional therapeutic treatments (including immunotherapy) and recurrence are some of the major hurdles in PDAC and contribute to its poor survival rate. While the risk of genetic predisposition to cancers is widely acknowledged and understood, recent advances in whole-genome and next-generation sequencing techniques have led to the acknowledgment of the role played by epigenetics, especially in PDAC. Epigenetic changes are heritable genetic modifications that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histone complexes and ncRNA) that result in reversible changes in gene expression are increasingly understood to be responsible for tumor initiation, development and even escape from immune surveillance. Our review seeks to highlight the various components of the epigenetic machinery that are known to be implicated in PDAC initiation and development and the feasibility of targeting these components to identify novel pharmacological strategies that could potentially lead to breakthroughs in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Pandey
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vineet K Gupta
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Shweta P Lavania
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Chen J, Wang Z, Phuc T, Xu Z, Yang D, Chen Z, Lin Z, Kendrick S, Dai L, Li HY, Qin Z. Oncolytic strategy using new bifunctional HDACs/BRD4 inhibitors against virus-associated lymphomas. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011089. [PMID: 36638143 PMCID: PMC9879403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis even under chemotherapy. Currently, there is no specific treatment for PEL therefore requiring new therapies. Both histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) have been found as therapeutic targets for PEL through inducing viral lytic reactivation. However, the strategy of dual targeting with one agent and potential synergistic effects have never been explored. In the current study, we first demonstrated the synergistic effect of concurrently targeting HDACs and BRD4 on KSHV reactivation by using SAHA or entinostat (HDACs inhibitors) and (+)-JQ1 (BRD4 inhibitor), which indicated dual blockage of HDACs/BRD4 is a viable therapeutic approach. We were then able to rationally design and synthesize a series of new small-molecule inhibitors targeting HDACs and BRD4 with a balanced activity profile by generating a hybrid of the key binding motifs between (+)-JQ1 and entinostat or SAHA. Upon two iterative screenings of optimized compounds, a pair of epimers, 009P1 and 009P2, were identified to better inhibit the growth of KSHV positive lymphomas compared to (+)-JQ1 or SAHA alone at low nanomolar concentrations, but not KSHV negative control cells or normal cells. Mechanistic studies of 009P1 and 009P2 demonstrated significantly enhanced viral reactivation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in KSHV+ lymphomas through dually targeting HDACs and BRD4 signaling activities. Importantly, in vivo preclinical studies showed that 009P1 and 009P2 dramatically suppressed KSHV+ lymphoma progression with oral bioavailability and minimal visible toxicity. These data together provide a novel strategy for the development of agents for inducing lytic activation-based therapies against these viruses-associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungang Chen
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Zhengyu Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Tran Phuc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Zhigang Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Donglin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengzhu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Samantha Kendrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Hong-yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HL); (ZQ)
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HL); (ZQ)
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Elrakaybi A, Ruess DA, Lübbert M, Quante M, Becker H. Epigenetics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact on Biology and Utilization in Diagnostics and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235926. [PMID: 36497404 PMCID: PMC9738647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with high potential of metastases and therapeutic resistance. Although genetic mutations drive PDAC initiation, they alone do not explain its aggressive nature. Epigenetic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, significantly contribute to inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, disease progression and metastasis. Thus, increased understanding of the epigenetic landscape in PDAC could offer new potential biomarkers and tailored therapeutic approaches. In this review, we shed light on the role of epigenetic modifications in PDAC biology and on the potential clinical applications of epigenetic biomarkers in liquid biopsy. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials assessing epigenetically targeted treatments alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies to improve outcomes of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elrakaybi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dietrich A. Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-36000
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Kling MJ, Kesherwani V, Mishra NK, Alexander G, McIntyre EM, Ray S, Challagundla KB, Joshi SS, Coulter DW, Chaturvedi NK. A novel dual epigenetic approach targeting BET proteins and HDACs in Group 3 (MYC-driven) Medulloblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:321. [DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02530-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Medulloblastoma (MB) patients with MYC oncogene amplification or overexpression exhibit extremely poor clinical outcomes and respond poorly to current therapies. Epigenetic deregulation is very common in MYC-driven MB. The bromodomain extra-terminal (BET) proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic regulators of MYC transcription and its associated tumorigenic programs. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the BET proteins and HDACs together in MB.
Methods
Using clinically relevant BET inhibitors (JQ1 or OTX015) and a pan-HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat), we evaluated the effects of combined inhibition on cell growth/survival in MYC-amplified MB cell lines and xenografts and examined underlying molecular mechanism(s).
Results
Co-treatment of JQ1 or OTX015 with panobinostat synergistically suppressed growth/survival of MYC-amplified MB cells by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation using RNA-seq revealed that co-treatment of JQ1 with panobinostat synergistically modulated global gene expression including MYC/HDAC targets. SYK and MSI1 oncogenes were among the top 50 genes synergistically downregulated by JQ1 and panobinostat. RT-PCR and western blot analyses confirmed that JQ1 and panobinostat synergistically inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of MSI1/SYK along with MYC expression. Reduced SYK/MSI expression after BET (specifically, BRD4) gene-knockdown further confirmed the epigenetic regulation of SYK and MSI1 genes. In addition, the combination of OTX015 and panobinostat significantly inhibited tumor growth in MYC-amplified MB xenografted mice by downregulating expression of MYC, compared to single-agent therapy.
Conclusions
Together, our findings demonstrated that dual-inhibition of BET and HDAC proteins of the epigenetic pathway can be a novel therapeutic approach against MYC-driven MB.
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Chen X, Zhang H, Xiao B. C9orf16 represents the aberrant genetic programs and drives the progression of PDAC. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1102. [PMID: 36307773 PMCID: PMC9615161 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), constituting 90% of pancreatic cancers, is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Lack of early detection of PDAC contributes to its poor prognosis as patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease. This is mostly due to the lack of promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets and corresponding drugs.
Methods and results
Here, by bioinformatic analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing data on normal pancreas tissues, primary and metastatic PDAC tumors, we identified a promising PDAC biomarker, C9orf16. The expression of C9orf16, rarely detectable in normal epithelial cells, was upregulated in primary PDAC cancer cells and was further elevated in metastatic PDAC cancer cells. Gain or loss of function of C9orf16 demonstrated its critical functions in regulating the cell proliferation, invasion and chemotherapy resistance of cancer cells. Pathway analysis and functional studies identified MYC signaling pathways as the most activated pathways in regulating C9orf16 expression and in mediating the development and progression of PDAC.
Conclusions
These data suggested a crucial gene regulation system, MYC-C9orf16, which is actively involved in PDAC development and progression, and targeting this system should be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for PDAC.
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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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42
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Raja Arul GL, Toruner MD, Gatenby RA, Carr RM. Ecoevolutionary biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2022; 22:730-740. [PMID: 35821188 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common histological subtype of pancreatic cancer, is an aggressive disease predicted to be the 2nd cause of cancer mortality in the US by 2040. While first-line therapy has improved, 5-year overall survival has only increased from 5 to ∼10%, and surgical resection is only available for ∼20% of patients as most present with advanced disease, which is invariably lethal. PDAC has well-established highly recurrent mutations in four driver genes including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Unfortunately, these genetic drivers are not currently therapeutically actionable. Despite extensive sequencing efforts, few additional significantly recurrent and druggable drivers have been identified. In the absence of targetable mutations, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for most patients. Further, the role of the above driver mutations on PDAC initiation and early development is well-established. However, these mutations alone cannot account for PDAC heterogeneity nor discern early from advanced disease. Taken together, management of PDAC is an example highlighting the shortcomings of the current precision medicine paradigm. PDAC, like other malignancies, represents an ecoevolutionary process. Better understanding the disease through this lens can facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies to better control and cure PDAC. This review aims to integrate the current understanding of PDAC pathobiology into an ecoevolutionary framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merih D Toruner
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ryan M Carr
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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43
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Peng A, Peng W, Wang R, Zhao H, Yu X, Sun Y. Regulation of 3D Organization and Its Role in Cancer Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:879465. [PMID: 35757006 PMCID: PMC9213882 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.879465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) genomics is the frontier field in the post-genomics era, its foremost content is the relationship between chromatin spatial conformation and regulation of gene transcription. Cancer biology is a complex system resulting from genetic alterations in key tumor oncogenes and suppressor genes for cell proliferation, DNA replication, cell differentiation, and homeostatic functions. Although scientific research in recent decades has revealed how the genome sequence is mutated in many cancers, high-order chromosomal structures involved in the development and fate of cancer cells represent a crucial but rarely explored aspect of cancer genomics. Hence, dissection of the 3D genome conformation of cancer helps understand the unique epigenetic patterns and gene regulation processes that distinguish cancer biology from normal physiological states. In recent years, research in tumor 3D genomics has grown quickly. With the rapid progress of 3D genomics technology, we can now better determine the relationship between cancer pathogenesis and the chromatin structure of cancer cells. It is becoming increasingly explicit that changes in 3D chromatin structure play a vital role in controlling oncogene transcription. This review focuses on the relationships between tumor gene expression regulation, tumor 3D chromatin structure, and cancer phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, based on the functional consequences of spatial disorganization in the cancer genome, we look forward to the clinical application prospects of 3D genomic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anghui Peng
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wang Peng
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xinyang Yu
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yihao Sun
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
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French CA, Cheng ML, Hanna GJ, DuBois SG, Chau NG, Hann CL, Storck S, Salgia R, Trucco M, Tseng J, Stathis A, Piekarz R, Lauer UM, Massard C, Bennett K, Coker S, Tontsch-Grunt U, Sos ML, Liao S, Wu CJ, Polyak K, Piha-Paul SA, Shapiro GI. Report of the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2493-2505. [PMID: 35417004 PMCID: PMC9197941 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer defined by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene. No routinely effective treatments of NUT carcinoma exist, despite harboring a targetable oncoprotein, most commonly BRD4-NUT. The vast majority of cases are fatal. Poor awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to progress in the treatment of NUT carcinoma. While the incidence likely exceeds that of Ewing sarcoma, and BRD4-NUT heralded the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor class of selective epigenetic modulators, NUT carcinoma is incorrectly perceived as "impossibly rare," and therefore receives comparatively little private or governmental funding or prioritization by pharma. To raise awareness, propagate scientific knowledge, and initiate a consensus on standard and targeted treatment of NUT carcinoma, we held the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma on March 3, 2021. This virtual event had more than eighty attendees from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Patients with NUT carcinoma and family members were represented and shared perspectives. Broadly, the four areas discussed by experts in the field included (1) the biology of NUT carcinoma; (2) standard approaches to the treatment of NUT carcinoma; (3) results of clinical trials using BET inhibitors; and (4) future directions, including novel BET bromodomain inhibitors, combinatorial approaches, and immunotherapy. It was concluded that standard chemotherapeutic approaches and first-generation BET bromodomain inhibitors, the latter complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, are only modestly effective in a minority of cases. Nonetheless, emerging second-generation targeted inhibitors, novel rational synergistic combinations, and the incorporation of immuno-oncology approaches hold promise to improve the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Simone Storck
- Swabian Children’s Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Christophe Massard
- Gustave Roussy-Molecular Radiotherapy INSERM U1030, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin-Bicêtre and Paris-Saclay University , France
| | | | - Shodeinde Coker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Sos
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sida Liao
- TScan Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarina A. Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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45
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Schwalm MP, Knapp S. BET bromodomain inhibitors. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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46
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Buchholz M, Strotmann J, Majchrzak-Stiller B, Hahn S, Peters I, Horn J, Müller T, Höhn P, Uhl W, Braumann C. New Therapy Options for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Pancreas—The Emergent Substance GP-2250 and Gemcitabine Prove to Be Highly Effective without the Development of Secondary Resistances In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112685. [PMID: 35681665 PMCID: PMC9179328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas is a highly aggressive form of neuroendocrine tumor associated with poor survival and increasing occurrence. GP-2250 is an emergent substance showing antineoplastic properties, especially in combination with Gemcitabine. This study was the first to evaluate the antineoplastic effects of GP-2250 on pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. The combination of GP-2250 and Gemcitabine showed highly synergistic effects in a cell culture model, as well as in mice, without the development of secondary resistances. These findings form the basis for further clinical evaluation of a highly promising combination therapy. Abstract Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas (pNEC) is an aggressive form of neuroendocrine tumor characterized by a rising incidence without an increase in survival rates. GP-2250 is an oxathiazinane derivate possessing antineoplastic effects, especially in combination with Gemcitabine on the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The cytotoxic effects of the monotherapy of GP-2250 (GP-2250mono) and Gemcitabine (Gemmono), as well as the combination therapy of both, were studied in vitro using an MTT-assay on the QGP-1 and BON-1 cell lines, along with in vivo studies on a murine xenograft model of QGP-1 and a patient-derived xenograft model (PDX) of Bo99. In vitro, Gemmono and GP-2250mono showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The combination of GP-2250 and Gemcitabine exhibited highly synergistic effects. In vivo, the combination therapy obtained a partial response in QGP-1, while GP-2250mono and Gemmono showed progressive disease or stable disease, respectively. In Bo99 PDX, the combination therapy led to a partial response, while the monotherapy resulted in progressive disease. No development of secondary resistances was observed, as opposed to monotherapy. This study was the first to evaluate the effects of the emerging substance GP-2250 on pNEC. The substance showed synergism in combination with Gemcitabine. The combination therapy proved to be effective in vitro and in vivo, without the development of secondary resistances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Buchholz
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-234-509-6236
| | - Johanna Strotmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | - Britta Majchrzak-Stiller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | - Stephan Hahn
- Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Ilka Peters
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | - Julian Horn
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | | | - Philipp Höhn
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | - Waldemar Uhl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
| | - Chris Braumann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (J.S.); (B.M.-S.); (I.P.); (J.H.); (P.H.); (W.U.); (C.B.)
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Evangelische Kliniken Gelsenkirchen, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45879 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
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Zhang X, Mao T, Xu H, Li S, Yue M, Ma J, Yao J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Ge W, Wang Y, Shentu D, Wang L. Synergistic blocking of RAS downstream signaling and epigenetic pathway in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:3597-3606. [PMID: 35468095 PMCID: PMC9085242 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal malignancy and lacks effective therapeutic targets. Trametinib is considered to be a promising potential indirectly targeted KRAS inhibitor in PDAC. However, the clinical outcomes were poor. JQ1 displayed a significant synergistic effect when combined with chemotherapy or potential targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer. The impact of Trametinib and JQ1 combination treatment in PDAC remains to be fully elucidated. METHODS The efficacy of trametinib and JQ1 on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity was assayed in 7 KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effects of drugs either alone or in combination were evaluated using a luminescent cell viability assay. Immunoblot analysis was carried out to investigate changes in p62 and autophagy. RESULTS We found that either trametinib or JQ1 alone inhibited the proliferation of some pancreatic cancer cell lines with KRAS alterations, irrespective of the mutational loci of KRAS and the aberrant status of the other driver genes. The synergistic effects of combination treatment of trametinib and JQ1 were observed in both trametinib-resistant and trametinib-sensitive cells. In trametinib-sensitive PDAC cells, the combined treatment definitely inhibited p62 expression compared with trametinib alone, while LC3 expression at high levels changed little. In trametinib-resistant PDAC cells, the combination of MEK/BET inhibitor dramatically decreased p62 expression compared with single agent, while p62 expression increased after anti-autophagic therapy was added. CONCLUSIONS Blocking RAS downstream signaling and epigenetic pathway synergistically increases the antiproliferative activity in KRAS mutant PDAC cells. Combination therapeutic synergism may induce different cell death modes in different pancreatic cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiebo Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daiyuan Shentu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Kato H, Tateishi K, Fujiwara H, Nakatsuka T, Yamamoto K, Kudo Y, Hayakawa Y, Nakagawa H, Tanaka Y, Ijichi H, Otsuka M, Iwadate D, Oyama H, Kanai S, Noguchi K, Suzuki T, Sato T, Hakuta R, Ishigaki K, Saito K, Saito T, Takahara N, Kishikawa T, Hamada T, Takahashi R, Miyabayashi K, Mizuno S, Kogure H, Nakai Y, Hirata Y, Toyoda A, Ichikawa K, Qu W, Morishita S, Arita J, Tanaka M, Ushiku T, Hasegawa K, Fujishiro M, Koike K. MNX1-HNF1B Axis Is Indispensable for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Lineages. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1272-1287.e16. [PMID: 34953915 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chromatin architecture governs cell lineages by regulating the specific gene expression; however, its role in the diversity of cancer development remains unknown. Among pancreatic cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) with an associated invasive carcinoma (IPMNinv) arise from 2 distinct precursors, and their fundamental differences remain obscure. Here, we aimed to assess the difference of chromatin architecture regulating the transcriptional signatures or biological features in pancreatic cancers. METHODS We established 28 human organoids from distinct subtypes of pancreatic tumors, including IPMN, IPMNinv, and PDAC. We performed exome sequencing (seq), RNA-seq, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin-seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture, and phenotypic analyses with short hairpin RNA or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference. RESULTS Established organoids successfully reproduced the histology of primary tumors. IPMN and IPMNinv organoids harbored GNAS, RNF43, or KLF4 mutations and showed the distinct expression profiles compared with PDAC. Chromatin accessibility profiles revealed the gain of stomach-specific open regions in IPMN and the pattern of diverse gastrointestinal tissues in IPMNinv. In contrast, PDAC presented an impressive loss of accessible regions compared with normal pancreatic ducts. Transcription factor footprint analysis and functional assays identified that MNX1 and HNF1B were biologically indispensable for IPMN lineages. The upregulation of MNX1 was specifically marked in the human IPMN lineage tissues. The MNX1-HNF1B axis governed a set of genes, including MYC, SOX9, and OLFM4, which are known to be essential for gastrointestinal stem cells. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture analysis suggested the HNF1B target genes to be 3-dimensionally connected in the genome of IPMNinv. CONCLUSIONS Our organoid analyses identified the MNX1-HNF1B axis to be biologically significant in IPMN lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, The Institute for Adult Diseases, Asahi Life Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuma Nakatsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yotaro Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoku Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ijichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dosuke Iwadate
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Oyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kanai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensaku Noguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Hakuta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunaga Ishigaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naminatsu Takahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Miyabayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kogure
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yousuke Nakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hirata
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ichikawa
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichi Morishita
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junichi Arita
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Lin CH, Kuo JCT, Li D, Koenig AB, Pan A, Yan P, Bai XF, Lee RJ, Ghoshal K. AZD5153, a Bivalent BRD4 Inhibitor, Suppresses Hepatocarcinogenesis by Altering BRD4 Chromosomal Landscape and Modulating the Transcriptome of HCC Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:853652. [PMID: 35399501 PMCID: PMC8987780 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.853652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD4, a chromatin modifier frequently upregulated in a variety of neoplasms including hepatocellular cancer (HCC), promotes cancer cell growth by activating oncogenes through its interaction with acetylated histone tails of nucleosomes. Here, we determined the anti-HCC efficacy of AZD5153, a potent bivalent BRD4 inhibitor, and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanism of action. AZD5153 treatment inhibited HCC cell proliferation, clonogenic survival and induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In vivo, AZD5153-formulated lipid nanoemulsions inhibited both orthotopic and subcutaneous HCCLM3 xenograft growth in NSG mice. Mapping of BRD4- chromosomal targets by ChIP-seq analysis identified the occupancy of BRD4 with the promoters, gene bodies, and super-enhancers of both mRNA and noncoding RNA genes, which were disrupted upon AZD5153 treatment. RNA-seq analysis of polyadenylated RNAs showed several BRD4 target genes involved in DNA replication, cell proliferation, and anti-apoptosis were repressed in AZD5153-treated HCC cells. In addition to known tumor-promoting genes, e.g., c-MYC, YAP1, RAD51B, TRIB3, SLC17A9, JADE1, we found that NAPRT, encoding a key enzyme for NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinic acid, was also suppressed in HCC cells by the BRD4 inhibitor. Interestingly, AZD5153 treatment upregulated NAMPT, whose product is the rate-limiting enzyme for NAD+ synthesis from nicotinamide. This may explain why AZD5153 acted in concert with FK866, a potent NAMPT inhibitor, in reducing HCC cell proliferation and clonogenic survival. In conclusion, our results identified novel targets of BRD4 in the HCCLM3 cell genome and demonstrated anti-HCC efficacy of AZD5153, which was potentiated in combination with an NAMPT inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Hao Lin
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jimmy Chun-Tien Kuo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ding Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Aaron B. Koenig
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alexander Pan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Xue-Feng Bai
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robert J. Lee
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Lee, ; Kalpana Ghoshal,
| | - Kalpana Ghoshal
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Lee, ; Kalpana Ghoshal,
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50
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Muñoz Velasco R, Jiménez Sánchez P, García García A, Blanco Martinez-Illescas R, Pastor Senovilla Á, Lozano Yagüe M, Trento A, García-Martin RM, Navarro D, Sainz B, Rodríguez Peralto JL, Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo VJ. Targeting BPTF Sensitizes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma to Chemotherapy by Repressing ABC-Transporters and Impairing Multidrug Resistance (MDR). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061518. [PMID: 35326669 PMCID: PMC8946837 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease and an extremely chemoresistant tumour. In the present manuscript, we described the role of BPTF during tumour pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and in response to gemcitabine treatment, a gold standard treatment in this tumour type. Through different genetic approaches, we reduced BPTF levels in a panel of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines. We validated its therapeutic effect in cell cultures and in mouse models of pancreatic cancer. A reduction in BPTF levels impaired cell proliferation and sensitized pancreatic tumour cells to gemcitabine. We demonstrated that BPTF-silencing reduced the expression of several ABC-transporters, which are involved in gemcitabine resistance, and enhanced its accumulation in the tumour cell, improving its therapeutic effect. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and strong chemoresistance to the current treatments. Therefore, finding new therapeutic targets is an urgent need nowadays. In this study, we report the role of the chromatin remodeler BPTF (Bromodomain PHD Finger Transcription Factor) as a therapeutic target in PDA. BPTF-silencing dramatically reduced cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo in human and mouse PDA cell lines. Moreover, BPTF-silencing reduces the IC50 of gemcitabine in vitro and enhanced its therapeutic effect in vivo. Mechanistically, BPTF is required for c-MYC recruitment to the promoter of ABC-transporters and its downregulation facilitates gemcitabine accumulation in tumour cells, increases DNA damage, and a generates a strong synergistic effect in vivo. We show that BPTF is a therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma due to its strong effect on proliferation and in response to gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Muñoz Velasco
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Paula Jiménez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Ana García García
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Raquel Blanco Martinez-Illescas
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Ángela Pastor Senovilla
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Marian Lozano Yagüe
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Alfonsina Trento
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Rosa María García-Martin
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Diego Navarro
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (D.N.); (B.S.J.)
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer Area 3-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (D.N.); (B.S.J.)
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer Area 3-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área Cáncer, CIBERONC, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Rodríguez Peralto
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
| | - Víctor Javier Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biosanitary Research Institute, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.V.); (P.J.S.); (A.G.G.); (R.B.M.-I.); (Á.P.S.); (M.L.Y.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.T.); (R.M.G.-M.); (J.L.R.P.)
- Correspondence:
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