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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Filiú-Braga LDC, Bogéa GMR, de Assis AJB, Pittella-Silva F, Saldanha-Araujo F. GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38997742 PMCID: PMC11249034 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03441-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alan Jhones Barbosa de Assis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Hematology and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.
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2
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Zhou H, Gui J, Zhu L, Mi Y. The Role and Mechanism of the Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Tumors: Update. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:449-462. [PMID: 38832355 PMCID: PMC11146345 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s451108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Methylation-mediated gene silencing is closely related to the occurrence and development of human tumors. The euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2, also known as G9a) is highly expressed in many tumors and is generally considered to be an oncogene, which is associated with the poor outcome of many tumors. Combined immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy also have good efficacy and certain safety. However, there are still many difficulties in the drugs targeting G9a, and the combined effect and safety of G9a with many drugs is still under study. This article aims to summarize the role and mechanism of G9a and its inhibitors in tumors in the past two years, and to understand the application prospect of G9a from the perspective of diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangsheng Zhou
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Gui
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijie Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Mi
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Pastori V, Zambanini G, Citterio E, Weiss T, Nakamura Y, Cantù C, Ronchi AE. Transcriptional repression of the oncofetal LIN28B gene by the transcription factor SOX6. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10287. [PMID: 38704454 PMCID: PMC11069503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of regulatory networks contributing to fetal/adult gene expression switches is a major challenge in developmental biology and key to understand the aberrant proliferation of cancer cells, which often reactivate fetal oncogenes. One key example is represented by the developmental gene LIN28B, whose aberrant reactivation in adult tissues promotes tumor initiation and progression. Despite the prominent role of LIN28B in development and cancer, the mechanisms of its transcriptional regulation are largely unknown. Here, by using quantitative RT-PCR and single cell RNA sequencing data, we show that in erythropoiesis the expression of the transcription factor SOX6 matched a sharp decline of LIN28B mRNA during human embryo/fetal to adult globin switching. SOX6 overexpression repressed LIN28B not only in a panel of fetal-like erythroid cells (K562, HEL and HUDEP1; ≈92% p < 0.0001, 54% p = 0.0009 and ≈60% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively), but also in hepatoblastoma HepG2 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5H cells (≈99% p < 0.0001 and ≈59% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively). SOX6-mediated repression caused downregulation of the LIN28B/Let-7 targets, including MYC and IGF2BP1, and rapidly blocks cell proliferation. Mechanistically, Lin28B repression is accompanied by SOX6 physical binding within its locus, suggesting a direct mechanism of LIN28B downregulation that might contribute to the fetal/adult erythropoietic transition and restrict cancer proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pastori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Zambanini
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Citterio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamina Weiss
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Antonella Ellena Ronchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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4
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de Groot AP, de Haan G. How CBX proteins regulate normal and leukemic blood cells. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38426219 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate decisions are dictated by epigenetic landscapes. The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) represses genes that induce differentiation, thereby maintaining HSC self-renewal. Depending on which chromobox (CBX) protein (CBX2, CBX4, CBX6, CBX7, or CBX8) is part of the PRC1 complex, HSC fate decisions differ. Here, we review how this occurs. We describe how CBX proteins dictate age-related changes in HSCs and stimulate oncogenic HSC fate decisions, either as canonical PRC1 members or by alternative interactions, including non-epigenetic regulation. CBX2, CBX7, and CBX8 enhance leukemia progression. To target, reprogram, and kill leukemic cells, we suggest and describe multiple therapeutic strategies to interfere with the epigenetic functions of oncogenic CBX proteins. Future studies should clarify to what extent the non-epigenetic function of cytoplasmic CBX proteins is important for normal, aged, and leukemic blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P de Groot
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Jiang J, Wang Y, Sun M, Luo X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li S, Hu D, Zhang J, Wu Z, Chen X, Zhang B, Xu X, Wang S, Xu S, Huang W, Xia L. SOX on tumors, a comfort or a constraint? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:67. [PMID: 38331879 PMCID: PMC10853543 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) family, composed of 20 transcription factors, is a conserved family with a highly homologous HMG domain. Due to their crucial role in determining cell fate, the dysregulation of SOX family members is closely associated with tumorigenesis, including tumor invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness and drug resistance. Despite considerable research to investigate the mechanisms and functions of the SOX family, confusion remains regarding aspects such as the role of the SOX family in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and contradictory impacts the SOX family exerts on tumors. This review summarizes the physiological function of the SOX family and their multiple roles in tumors, with a focus on the relationship between the SOX family and TIME, aiming to propose their potential role in cancer and promising methods for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zerui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhangfan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake university school of medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Liu Y, Du Z, Li T, Zhang J, Cheng Y, Huang J, Yang J, Wen L, Tian M, Yang M, Chen C. Lycorine eliminates B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by targeting PSAT1 through the serine/glycine metabolic pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 961:176162. [PMID: 37951487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176162] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) has been confirmed as the most common malignant hematologic neoplasm among children. A novel antitumor mechanism of lycorine was elucidated in this study. As revealed by the result of this study, lycorine significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of REH and NALM-6 and induced their apoptosis. The result of the RNA-seq analysis suggested that lycorine targeted PSAT1 of serine/glycine metabolism in B-ALL cells. As indicated by the result of the GSEA analysis, the genes enriched in the amino acid metabolic pathways were down-regulated by lycorine. As revealed by the results of ectopic expression, shRNA knockdown assays, and further liquid-phase tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, lycorine reduced serine/glycine metabolites by down-regulating PSAT1, further disrupting carbon metabolism and eliminating B-ALL cells. Furthermore, lycorine showed a synergistic effect with cytarabine in ALL treatments. Lastly, lycorine significantly down-regulated leukemia progression in the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. In brief, this study has suggested for the first time that lycorine is a promising anti-ALL drug, and a novel amino acid metabolism-associated property of lycorine was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zefan Du
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tianwen Li
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yucai Cheng
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junbing Huang
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luping Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengyao Tian
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mo Yang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chun Chen
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China.
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Wang N, Ma T, Yu B. Targeting epigenetic regulators to overcome drug resistance in cancers. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:69. [PMID: 36797239 PMCID: PMC9935618 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is mainly responsible for cancer recurrence and poor prognosis. Epigenetic regulation is a heritable change in gene expressions independent of nucleotide sequence changes. As the common epigenetic regulation mechanisms, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation have been well studied. Increasing evidence has shown that aberrant epigenetic regulations contribute to tumor resistance. Therefore, targeting epigenetic regulators represents an effective strategy to reverse drug resistance. In this review, we mainly summarize the roles of epigenetic regulation in tumor resistance. In addition, as the essential factors for epigenetic modifications, histone demethylases mediate the histone or genomic DNA modifications. Herein, we comprehensively describe the functions of the histone demethylase family including the lysine-specific demethylase family, the Jumonji C-domain-containing demethylase family, and the histone arginine demethylase family, and fully discuss their regulatory mechanisms related to cancer drug resistance. In addition, therapeutic strategies, including small-molecule inhibitors and small interfering RNA targeting histone demethylases to overcome drug resistance, are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ting Ma
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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Properties of Leukemic Stem Cells in Regulating Drug Resistance in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081841. [PMID: 36009388 PMCID: PMC9405586 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081841] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Notoriously known for their capacity to reconstitute hematological malignancies in vivo, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) represent key drivers of therapeutic resistance and disease relapse, posing as a major medical dilemma. Despite having low abundance in the bulk leukemic population, LSCs have developed unique molecular dependencies and intricate signaling networks to enable self-renewal, quiescence, and drug resistance. To illustrate the multi-dimensional landscape of LSC-mediated leukemogenesis, in this review, we present phenotypical characteristics of LSCs, address the LSC-associated leukemic stromal microenvironment, highlight molecular aberrations that occur in the transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome of LSCs, and showcase promising novel therapeutic strategies that potentially target the molecular vulnerabilities of LSCs.
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10
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Nachiyappan A, Gupta N, Taneja R. EHMT1/EHMT2 in EMT, Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance: Emerging Evidence and Mechanisms. FEBS J 2021; 289:1329-1351. [PMID: 34954891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, therapy failure and tumor recurrence are major clinical challenges in cancer. The interplay between tumor initiating cells (TICs) and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression and spread. Recent advances have highlighted the involvement of epigenetic deregulation in these processes. The Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) that primarily mediate histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), as well as methylation of non-histone proteins, are now recognized to be aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Their deregulated expression is associated with EMT, cellular plasticity and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize evidence of their myriad roles in cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We discuss cancer-type specific molecular targets, context-dependent mechanisms and future directions of research in targeting EHMT1/EHMT2 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Neelima Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
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11
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Emerging role of G9a in cancer stemness and promises as a therapeutic target. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:76. [PMID: 34775469 PMCID: PMC8590690 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase G9a is well-documented for its implication in neoplastic growth. However, recent investigations have demonstrated a key involvement of this chromatin writer in maintaining the self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacities of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Direct inhibition of G9a’s catalytic activity was reported as a promising therapeutic target in multiple preclinical studies. Yet, none of the available pharmacological inhibitors of G9a activity have shown success at the early stages of clinical testing. Here, we discuss central findings of oncogenic expression and activation of G9a in CSCs from different origins, as well as the impact of the suppression of G9a histone methyltransferase activity in such contexts. We will explore the challenges posed by direct and systemic inhibition of G9a activity in the perspective of clinical translation of documented small molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in drug discovery as viable strategies to develop context-specific drugs, selectively targeting G9a in CSC populations.
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