1
|
Yu G, Zhang W, Basyal M, Nishida Y, Mizumo H, Ly C, Zhang H, Rice WG, Andreeff M. The multi-kinase inhibitor CG-806 exerts anti-cancer activity against acute myeloid leukemia by co-targeting FLT3, BTK, and aurora kinases. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38871487 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2364839] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Despite the development of several Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors that have improved outcomes in patients with FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML), drug resistance is frequently observed, which may be associated with the activation of additional pro-survival pathways, such as those regulated by BTK, aurora kinases (AuroK), and potentially others, in addition to acquired tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations of FLT3 gene. FLT3 may not always be a driver mutation. We evaluated the anti-leukemia efficacy of the novel multi-kinase inhibitor CG-806, which targets FLT3 and other kinases, to circumvent drug resistance and target FLT3 wild-type (WT) cells. The anti-leukemia activity of CG-806 was investigated by measuring apoptosis induction and analyzing the cell cycle using flow cytometry in vitro. CG-806 demonstrated superior anti-leukemia efficacy compared to commercially available FLT3 inhibitors, both in vitro and in vivo, regardless of FLT3 mutational status. The mechanism of action of CG-806 may involve its broad inhibitory profile against FLT3, BTK, and AuroK. In FLT3 mutant cells, CG-806 induced G1 phase blockage, whereas in FLT3 WT cells, it resulted in G2/M phase arrest. Targeting FLT3 and Bcl-2 and/or Mcl-1 simultaneously results in a synergistic pro-apoptotic effect in FLT3 mutant leukemia cells. The results of this study suggest that CG-806 is a promising multi-kinase inhibitor with anti-leukemic efficacy regardless of FLT3 mutational status. A phase 1 clinical trial of CG-806 for the treatment of AML has been initiated (NCT04477291).Key pointsThe multi-kinase inhibitor CG-806 exerts superior anti-leukemic activity in AML, regardless of its FLT3 status.CG-806 triggered G1 arrest in FLT3 mutated cells and G2/M arrest in FLT3 WT cells through the suppression of FLT3/BTK and aurora kinases.Concomitantly targeting FLT3 and Bcl-2 and/or Mcl-1 exerted synergistic pro-apoptotic effects on both FLT3 WT and mutated AML cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guopan Yu
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Zhang
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahesh Basyal
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuki Nishida
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hideaki Mizumo
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Charlie Ly
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu S, Dai W, Jin B, Jiang F, Huang H, Hou W, Lan J, Jin Y, Peng W, Pan J. Effects of super-enhancers in cancer metastasis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:122. [PMID: 38844984 PMCID: PMC11157854 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02033-8] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains the principal cause of cancer-related lethality despite advancements in cancer treatment. Dysfunctional epigenetic alterations are crucial in the metastatic cascade. Among these, super-enhancers (SEs), emerging as new epigenetic regulators, consist of large clusters of regulatory elements that drive the high-level expression of genes essential for the oncogenic process, upon which cancer cells develop a profound dependency. These SE-driven oncogenes play an important role in regulating various facets of metastasis, including the promotion of tumor proliferation in primary and distal metastatic organs, facilitating cellular migration and invasion into the vasculature, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition, enhancing cancer stem cell-like properties, circumventing immune detection, and adapting to the heterogeneity of metastatic niches. This heavy reliance on SE-mediated transcription delineates a vulnerable target for therapeutic intervention in cancer cells. In this article, we review current insights into the characteristics, identification methodologies, formation, and activation mechanisms of SEs. We also elaborate the oncogenic roles and regulatory functions of SEs in the context of cancer metastasis. Ultimately, we discuss the potential of SEs as novel therapeutic targets and their implications in clinical oncology, offering insights into future directions for innovative cancer treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Bei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Wen Hou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Jinxia Lan
- College of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yanli Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University Institute of Tumor Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Weijie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China.
| | - Jingxuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji Y, Chen W, Wang X. Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Protein 2 in Multiple Human Diseases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:277-288. [PMID: 38565308 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein 2 (BRD2), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein family, is a crucial epigenetic regulator with significant function in various diseases and cellular processes. The central function of BRD2 is modulating gene transcription by binding to acetylated lysine residues on histones and transcription factors. This review highlights key findings on BRD2 in recent years, emphasizing its roles in maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. BRD2's diverse functions are underscored by its involvement in diseases such as malignant tumors, neurologic disorders, inflammatory conditions, metabolic diseases, and virus infection. Notably, the potential role of BRD2 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target is discussed in the context of various diseases. Although pan inhibitors targeting the BET family have shown promise in preclinical studies, a critical need exists for the development of highly selective BRD2 inhibitors. In conclusion, this review offers insights into the multifaceted nature of BRD2 and calls for continued research to unravel its intricate mechanisms and harness its therapeutic potential. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: BRD2 is involved in the occurrence and development of diseases through maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. Targeting BRD2 through protein degradation-targeting complexes technology is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for malignant cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yikang Ji
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Umphred-Wilson K, Ratnayake S, Tang Q, Wang R, Devaiah BN, Zhou L, Chen Q, Meerzaman D, Singer DS, Adoro S. The ESCRT protein CHMP5 promotes T cell leukemia by controlling BRD4-p300-dependent transcription. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577409. [PMID: 38352301 PMCID: PMC10862731 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activity rewires cellular transcription, creating new transcription networks to which cancer cells become addicted, by mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Using human and mouse models of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we identify an essential nuclear role for CHMP5, a cytoplasmic endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) protein, in establishing and maintaining the T-ALL transcriptional program. Nuclear CHMP5 promoted the T-ALL gene program by augmenting recruitment of the co-activator BRD4 by the histone acetyl transferase p300 selectively at enhancers and super-enhancers, an interaction that potentiated H3K27 acetylation at these regulatory enhancers. Consequently, loss of CHMP5 diminished BRD4 occupancy at enhancers and super-enhancers and impaired RNA polymerase II pause release, which resulted in downregulation of key T-ALL genes, notably MYC. Reinforcing its importance in T-ALL pathogenesis, CHMP5 deficiency mitigated chemoresistance in human T-ALL cells and abrogated T-ALL induction by oncogenic NOTCH1 in vivo. Thus, the ESCRT protein CHMP5 is an essential positive regulator of the transcriptional machinery promoting T-ALL disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Umphred-Wilson
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Immunology Training Program, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Shashikala Ratnayake
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20850
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Qianzi Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University; Chengdu 611130, China
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University; Chengdu 611130, China
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ballachanda N. Devaiah
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Qingrong Chen
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20850
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics & Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20850
| | - Dinah S Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Stanley Adoro
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Lead contact
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang X, Geng L, Yang L, Wang Y, Zou Z, Zhang Y, Xu H, Lei H, Cao Y, Wu Y, Gu W, Zhou L. Anlotinib exerts an anti-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia effect in vitro and in vivo. Cell Signal 2023; 110:110837. [PMID: 37544636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110837] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite some progress having been made regarding the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), the prognosis of T-ALL, particularly adult T-ALL, is still poor. Identifying novel, effective anti-T-ALL drugs is of great significance. Anlotinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently utilized in the treatment of lung cancer, exhibited a promising anti-T-ALL effect. A comprehensive study should therefore be conducted to explore both the in vitro as well as in vivo mechanisms of the anti-T-ALL effects of anlotinib. METHODS CCK8 assays and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the viability, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of T-ALL cell lines when treated with anlotinib. T-ALL xenograft mouse models were established to examine the in vivo antileukemic effects of anlotinib. Cellular and molecular analysis of T-ALL were conducted to define the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS In vitro, anlotinib significantly inhibited the viability, induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in T-ALL cell lines in a concentration-dependent pattern. In vivo, anlotinib also demonstrated a strong anti-tumor effect at doses that are well-tolerated. Interestingly, anlotinib could decrease the protein levels of the intracellular domains of NOTCH1 (ICN1) and c-Myc, two important targets for T-ALL. Mechanistically, anlotinib-induced c-Myc reduction was associated with proteasome-mediated degradation, while the ICN1 reduction was not due to protein degradation or transcriptional repression. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that anlotinib may be a promising anti-T-ALL candidate drug, and simultaneous reduction of the protein levels of both ICN1 and c-Myc may contribute to the anti-T-ALL efficacy of anlotinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingming Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lou Geng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Li Yang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhihui Zou
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Youping Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hanzhang Xu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hu Lei
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province P.R. 213003, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital / Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenli Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Li Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang YH, Wan CL, Dai HP, Xue SL. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:2001-2013. [PMID: 37227492 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) is an aggressive malignancy of progenitor T cells. Despite significant improvements in survival of T-ALL/LBL over the past decades, treatment of relapsed and refractory T-ALL (R/R T-ALL/LBL) remains extremely challenging. The prognosis of R/R T-ALL/LBL patients who are intolerant to intensive chemotherapy remains poor. Therefore, innovative approaches are needed to further improve the survival of R/R T-ALL/LBL patients. With the widespread use of next-generation sequencing in T-ALL/LBL, a range of new therapeutic targets such as NOTCH1 inhibitors, JAK-STAT inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been identified. These findings led to pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of molecular targeted therapy in T-ALL/LBL. Furthermore, immunotherapies such as CD7 CAR T cell therapy and CD5 CAR T cell therapy have shown profound response rate in R/R T-ALL/LBL. Here, we review the progress of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for T-ALL/LBL, and look at the future directions and challenges for the further use of these therapies in T-ALL/LBL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hong Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Chao-Ling Wan
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hai-Ping Dai
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Sheng-Li Xue
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buono L, Iside C, Pecoraro G, De Matteo A, Beneduce G, Penta de Vera d'Aragona R, Parasole R, Mirabelli P, Vitagliano L, Salvatore M, Smaldone G. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression Profiles of KCTD Proteins in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Evidence of Selective Expression of KCTD1 in T-ALL. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113669. [PMID: 37297863 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer. In most cases, this disease results from the malignant transformation of either the B-cell (B-ALL) or, less frequently, T-cell progenitors (T-ALL). Recently, a marked overexpression of KCTD15, a member of the emerging class of the potassium (K) channel tetramerization domain-containing proteins (KCTDs) has been detected in both patients and continuous cell lines as in vitro model systems. Because there is growing evidence of the key, yet diversified, roles played by KCTDs in cancers, we here report an exhaustive analysis of their expression profiles in both B-ALL and T-ALL patients. Although for most KCTDs, no significant alterations were found in these pathological states, for some members of the family, significant up- and down-regulations were detected in comparison with the values found in healthy subjects in the transcriptome analysis. Among these, particularly relevant is the upregulation of the closely related KCTD1 and KCTD15 in T-ALL patients. Interestingly, KCTD1 is barely expressed in both unaffected controls and B-ALL patients. Therefore, not only does this analysis represent the first study in which the dysregulation of all KCTDs is simultaneously evaluated in specific pathological contexts, but it also provides a promising T-ALL biomarker that could be suitable for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Buono
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Iside
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonia De Matteo
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, AORN, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Beneduce
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, AORN, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Parasole
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, AORN, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Peppino Mirabelli
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, AORN, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, C.N.R., 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Ju L, Wang G, Qian K, Jin W, Li M, Yu J, Shi Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Wang X. DNA polymerase POLD1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer by stabilizing MYC. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2421. [PMID: 37105989 PMCID: PMC10140023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, most studies on the DNA polymerase, POLD1, have focused on the effect of POLD1 inactivation mutations in tumors. However, the implications of high POLD1 expression in tumorigenesis remains elusive. Here, we determine that POLD1 has a pro-carcinogenic role in bladder cancer (BLCA) and is associated to the malignancy and prognosis of BLCA. Our studies demonstrate that POLD1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of BLCA via MYC. Mechanistically, POLD1 stabilizes MYC in a manner independent of its' DNA polymerase activity. Instead, POLD1 attenuates FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination degradation of MYC by directly binding to the MYC homology box 1 domain competitively with FBXW7. Moreover, we find that POLD1 forms a complex with MYC to promote the transcriptional activity of MYC. In turn, MYC increases expression of POLD1, forming a POLD1-MYC positive feedback loop to enhance the pro-carcinogenic effect of POLD1-MYC on BLCA. Overall, our study identifies POLD1 as a promotor of BCLA via a MYC driven mechanism and suggest its potential as biomarker for BLCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Jin
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingtian Yu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiliang Shi
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongzhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China.
- Center for Quantitative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Institute of Urology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang W, Song X, Zhang D. BRD4 Protein as a Target for Lung Cancer and Hematological Cancer Therapy: A Review. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1079-1092. [PMID: 37846578 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501269090231012090351] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The BET protein family plays a crucial role in regulating the epigenetic landscape of the genome. Their role in regulating tumor-related gene expression and its impact on the survival of tumor cells is widely acknowledged. Among the BET family constituents, BRD4 is a significant protein. It is a bromodomain-containing protein located at the outer terminal that recognizes histones that have undergone acetylation. It is present in the promoter or enhancer region of the target gene and is responsible for initiating and sustaining the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis. BRD4 expression is significantly elevated in various tumor types. Research has indicated that BRD4 plays a significant role in regulating various transcription factors and chromatin modification, as well as in repairing DNA damage and preserving telomere function, ultimately contributing to the survival of cancerous cells. The protein BRD4 has a significant impact on antitumor therapy, particularly in the management of lung cancer and hematological malignancies, and the promising potential of BRD4 inhibitors in the realm of cancer prevention and treatment is a topic of great interest. Therefore, BRD4 is considered a promising candidate for prophylaxis and therapy of neoplastic diseases. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the significance and indispensability of BRD4 in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Yingbo Li
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Buono L, Iside C, De Matteo A, Stellato P, Beneduce G, de Vera d’Aragona RP, Parasole R, Salvatore M, Smaldone G, Mirabelli P. Specific lncRNA signatures discriminate childhood acute leukaemias: a pilot study. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:373. [PMID: 36451206 PMCID: PMC9710039 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02789-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs are RNAs longer than 200 bps that do not encode any proteins and are able to alter gene expression by acting on different steps of regulation, including DNA methylation and chromatin structure. They represent a class of biomarkers of crescent interest in the hematologic and oncologic fields. Recent studies showed that the expression levels of specific lncRNAs correlate with the prognosis of paediatric patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. METHODS We used NGS approaches to analyse the transcriptome of 9 childhood B-ALL patients and 6 childhood T-ALL patients, in comparison with B and T healthy lymphocytes from cord blood. We validate our findings both ex vivo, in a different cohort of 10 B-ALL and 10 T-ALL patients, and in silico using public datasets. RESULTS We characterised the lncRNA landscape for B-ALL, T-ALL, healthy B, and T cell progenitors. From the characterised signature, we selected candidate lncRNAs able to discriminate not only B-ALL and T-ALL from healthy subjects but also between the two types of leukaemia, and subsequently validated their potential as a diagnostic tool in an additional cohort of paediatric patients. We confirmed our finding with open access transcriptomic data, comparing ALL lncRNAs with AML lncRNA landscape as well. Finally, expression correlation analyses of T-ALL selected lncRNA biomarkers suggested a possible role in lymphocyte activation and the β-catenin signalling pathway for AC247036.1 and involvement in hedgehog signalling for HHIP-AS1. CONCLUSIONS Our work identified a lncRNA signature discriminating paediatric B-ALL and T-ALL from healthy subjects, between them and from AML. This study provides the keystone to future clinical studies determining the theragnostic value of the characterised long non coding transcriptome panorama in a clinical setting for childhood patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Buono
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80413 Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Iside
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80413 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonia De Matteo
- grid.415247.10000 0004 1756 8081Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, AORN, Naples, Italy
| | - Pio Stellato
- grid.415247.10000 0004 1756 8081Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, AORN, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Beneduce
- grid.415247.10000 0004 1756 8081Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, AORN, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Parasole
- grid.415247.10000 0004 1756 8081Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, AORN, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Z, Yang K, Zhang H. Targeting Leukemia-Initiating Cells and Leukemic Niches: The Next Therapy Station for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225655. [PMID: 36428753 PMCID: PMC9688677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive subtype of hematological malignancy characterized by its high heterogeneity and potentially life-threatening clinical features. Despite the advances in risk stratification and therapeutic management of T-ALL, patients often suffer from treatment failure and chemotherapy-induced toxicity, calling for greater efforts to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety in the treatment of T-ALL. During the past decades, increasing evidence has shown the indispensable effects of leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) and leukemic niches on T-ALL initiation and progression. These milestones greatly facilitate precision medicine by interfering with the pathways that are associated with LICs and leukemic niches or by targeting themselves directly. Most of these novel agents, either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, have shown promising preclinical results, facilitating them to be further evaluated under clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the latest discoveries in LICs and leukemic niches in terms of T-ALL, with a particular highlight on the current precision medicine. The challenges and future prospects are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziting Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-158-7796-3252
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu J, Peng Y, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Targeting micro-environmental pathways by PROTACs as a therapeutic strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:269-279. [PMID: 35798235 PMCID: PMC11000491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.001] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) composes of multiple cell types and non-cellular components, which supports the proliferation, metastasis and immune surveillance evasion of tumor cells, as well as accounts for the resistance to therapies. Therefore, therapeutic strategies using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and antibodies to block potential targets in TME are practical for cancer treatment. Targeted protein degradation using PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technic has several advantages over traditional SMIs and antibodies, including overcoming drug resistance. Thus many PROTACs are currently under development for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of PROTAC development that target TME pathways and propose the potential direction of future PROTAC technique to advance as novel cancer treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
| |
Collapse
|