1
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Komatsu K, Ideno H, Nakashima K, Udagawa N, Kobayashi Y, Kimura H, Tachibana M, Yamashita T, Nifuji A. The G9a histone methyltransferase represses osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by regulating NFATc1 function. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23779. [PMID: 38967255 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400449rr] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications affect cell differentiation via transcriptional regulation. G9a/EHMT2 is an important epigenetic modifier that catalyzes the methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and interacts with various nuclear proteins. In this study, we investigated the role of G9a in osteoclast differentiation. When we deleted G9a by infection of Cre-expressing adenovirus into bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) from G9afl/fl (Ehmt2fl/fl) and induced osteoclastic differentiation by the addition of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts significantly increased compared with control. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of osteoclast markers, TRAP, and cathepsin K, and to a lesser extent, NFATc1, a critical transcription factor, increased in G9a KO cells. Infection of wild-type (WT) G9a-expressing adenovirus in G9a KO cells restored the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. In G9a KO cells, increased nuclear accumulation of NFATc1 protein and decreased H3K9me2 accumulation were observed. Furthermore, ChIP experiments revealed that NFATc1 binding to its target, Ctsk promoter, was enhanced by G9a deletion. For in vivo experiments, we created G9a conditional knock-out (cKO) mice by crossing G9afl/fl mice with Rank Cre/+ (Tnfrsf11aCre/+) mice, in which G9a is deleted in osteoclast lineage cells. The trabecular bone volume was significantly reduced in female G9a cKO mice. The serum concentration of the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), a bone-resorbing indicator, was higher in G9a cKO mice. In addition, osteoclasts differentiated from G9a cKO BMMs exhibited greater bone-resorbing activity. Our findings suggest that G9a plays a repressive role in osteoclastogenesis by modulating NFATc1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Komatsu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Ideno
- Department of Pharmacology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Udagawa
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kobayashi
- Institute for Oral Science, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Teruhito Yamashita
- Institute for Oral Science, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan
| | - Akira Nifuji
- Department of Pharmacology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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2
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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3
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Pokharel B, Ravikumar Y, Rathinavel L, Chewonarin T, Pongpom M, Tipsuwan W, Koonyosying P, Srichairatanakool S. The Discovery of Selective Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 Inhibitors in the Management of β-Thalassemia through Computational Methods. Molecules 2024; 29:2662. [PMID: 38893537 PMCID: PMC11173459 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder associated with β-globin chain synthesis, which ultimately becomes anemia. Adenosine-2,3-dialdehyde, by inhibiting arginine methyl transferase 5 (PRMT5), can induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels. Hence, the materialization of PRMT5 inhibitors is considered a promising therapy in the management of β-thalassemia. This study conducted a virtual screening of certain compounds similar to 5'-deoxy-5'methyladenosine (3XV) using the PubChem database. The top 10 compounds were chosen based on the best docking scores, while their interactions with the PRMT5 active site were analyzed. Further, the top two compounds demonstrating the lowest binding energy were subjected to drug-likeness analysis and pharmacokinetic property predictions, followed by molecular dynamics simulation studies. Based on the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) score and molecular interactions, (3R,4S)-2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-5-[(4-ethylcyclohexyl)sulfanylmethyl]oxolane-3,4-diol (TOP1) and 2-(6-Aminopurin-9-yl)-5-[(6-aminopurin-9-yl)methylsulfanylmethyl]oxolane-3,4-diol (TOP2) were identified as potential hit compounds, while TOP1 exhibited higher binding affinity and stabler binding capabilities than TOP2 during molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) analysis. Taken together, the outcomes of our study could aid researchers in identifying promising PRMT5 inhibitors. Moreover, further investigations through in vivo and in vitro experiments would unquestionably confirm that this compound could be employed as a therapeutic drug in the management of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishant Pokharel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (B.P.); (Y.R.); (T.C.); (P.K.)
| | - Yuvaraj Ravikumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (B.P.); (Y.R.); (T.C.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Teera Chewonarin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (B.P.); (Y.R.); (T.C.); (P.K.)
| | - Monsicha Pongpom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Wachiraporn Tipsuwan
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 5600, Thailand;
| | - Pimpisid Koonyosying
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (B.P.); (Y.R.); (T.C.); (P.K.)
| | - Somdet Srichairatanakool
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (B.P.); (Y.R.); (T.C.); (P.K.)
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Gao J, Shi W, Wang J, Guan C, Dong Q, Sheng J, Zou X, Xu Z, Ge Y, Yang C, Li J, Bao H, Zhong X, Cui Y. Research progress and applications of epigenetic biomarkers in cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1308309. [PMID: 38681199 PMCID: PMC11048075 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1308309] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are heritable changes in gene expression without changes in the nucleotide sequence of genes. Epigenetic changes play an important role in the development of cancer and in the process of malignancy metastasis. Previous studies have shown that abnormal epigenetic changes can be used as biomarkers for disease status and disease prediction. The reversibility and controllability of epigenetic modification changes also provide new strategies for early disease prevention and treatment. In addition, corresponding drug development has also reached the clinical stage. In this paper, we will discuss the recent progress and application status of tumor epigenetic biomarkers from three perspectives: DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, and histone modification, in order to provide new opportunities for additional tumor research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Gao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wujiang Shi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiangang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Canghai Guan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingfu Dong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jialin Sheng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinlei Zou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yifei Ge
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengru Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiehan Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haolin Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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5
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da Silva AM, Yevdokimova V, Benoit YD. Sam68 is a druggable vulnerability point in cancer stem cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:441-456. [PMID: 37792222 PMCID: PMC11016129 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Sam68 (Src associated in mitosis of 68 kDa) is an RNA-binding and multifunctional protein extensively characterized in numerous cellular functions, such as RNA processing, cell cycle regulation, kinase- and growth factor signaling. Recent investigations highlighted Sam68 as a primary target of a class of reverse-turn peptidomimetic drugs, initially developed as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin mediated transcription. Further investigations on such compounds revealed their capacity to selectively eliminate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity upon engaging Sam68. This work highlighted previously unappreciated roles for Sam68 in the maintenance of neoplastic self-renewal and tumor-initiating functions. Here, we discuss the implication of Sam68 in tumorigenesis, where central findings support its contribution to chromatin regulation processes essential to CSCs. We also review advances in CSC-targeting drug discovery aiming to modulate Sam68 cellular distribution and protein-protein interactions. Ultimately, Sam68 constitutes a vulnerability point of CSCs and an attractive therapeutic target to impede neoplastic stemness in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Veronika Yevdokimova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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6
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Li Y, Zhu T, Yang J, Zhang Q, Xu S, Ge S, Jia R, Zhang J, Fan X. EHMT2 promotes tumorigenesis in GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma via ARHGAP29-mediated RhoA pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1187-1203. [PMID: 38486999 PMCID: PMC10935147 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.002] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of GNAQ/11 is the initiative oncogenic event in uveal melanoma (UM). Direct targeting GNAQ/11 has yet to be proven feasible as they are vital for a plethora of cellular functions. In search of genetic vulnerability for UM, we found that inhibition of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) expression or activity significantly reduced the proliferation and migration capacity of cancer cells. Notably, elevated expression of EHMT2 had been validated in UM samples. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated high EHMT2 protein level was related to poor recurrence-free survival and a more advanced T stage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis and the following mechanistic investigation showed that ARHGAP29 was a downstream target of EHMT2. Its transcription was suppressed by EHMT2 in a methyltransferase-dependent pattern in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells, leading to elevated RhoA activity. Rescuing constitutively active RhoA in UM cells lacking EHMT2 restored oncogenic phenotypes. Simultaneously blocking EHMT2 and GNAQ/11 signaling in vitro and in vivo showed a synergistic effect on UM growth, suggesting the driver role of these two key molecules. In summary, our study shows evidence for an epigenetic program of EHMT2 regulation that influences UM progression and indicates inhibiting EHMT2 and MEK/ERK simultaneously as a therapeutic strategy in GNAQ/11-mutant UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
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7
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Bergin CJ, Zouggar A, Mendes da Silva A, Fenouil T, Haebe JR, Masibag AN, Agrawal G, Shah MS, Sandouka T, Tiberi M, Auer RC, Ardolino M, Benoit YD. The dopamine transporter antagonist vanoxerine inhibits G9a and suppresses cancer stem cell functions in colon tumors. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:463-480. [PMID: 38351181 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00727-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), functionally characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating activity, contribute to decreased tumor immunogenicity, while fostering tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting G9a histone methyltransferase (HMTase) effectively blocks CSC functions in colorectal tumors by altering pluripotent-like molecular networks; however, existing molecules directly targeting G9a HMTase activity failed to reach clinical stages due to safety concerns. Using a stem cell-based phenotypic drug-screening pipeline, we identified the dopamine transporter (DAT) antagonist vanoxerine, a compound with previously demonstrated clinical safety, as a cancer-specific downregulator of G9a expression. Here we show that gene silencing and chemical antagonism of DAT impede colorectal CSC functions by repressing G9a expression. Antagonizing DAT also enhanced tumor lymphocytic infiltration by activating endogenous transposable elements and type-I interferon response. Our study unveils the direct implication of the DAT-G9a axis in the maintenance of CSC populations and an approach to improve antitumor immune response in colon tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Bergin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aïcha Zouggar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tanguy Fenouil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Institut de Pathologie Multisite des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Site Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Bron, France
| | - Joshua R Haebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelique N Masibag
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gautam Agrawal
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad S Shah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamara Sandouka
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Tiberi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca C Auer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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8
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Li D, Peng X, Hu Z, Li S, Chen J, Pan W. Small molecules targeting selected histone methyltransferases (HMTs) for cancer treatment: Current progress and novel strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115982. [PMID: 38056296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115982] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) play a critical role in gene post-translational regulation and diverse physiological processes, and are implicated in a plethora of human diseases, especially cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that HMTs may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Thus, the development of HMTs inhibitor have been pursued with steadily increasing interest over the past decade. However, the disadvantages such as insufficient clinical efficacy, moderate selectivity, and propensity for acquired resistance have hindered the development of conventional HMT inhibitors. New technologies and methods are imperative to enhance the anticancer activity of HMT inhibitors. In this review, we first review the structure and biological functions of the several essential HMTs, such as EZH2, G9a, PRMT5, and DOT1L. The internal relationship between these HMTs and cancer is also expounded. Next, we mainly focus on the latest progress in the development of HMT modulators encompassing dual-target inhibitors, targeted protein degraders and covalent inhibitors from perspectives such as rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical status. Lastly, we also discuss the challenges and future directions for HMT-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 516000, PR China.
| | - Wanyi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
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9
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Chowdhury SG, Karmakar P. Revealing the role of epigenetic and post-translational modulations of autophagy proteins in the regulation of autophagy and cancer: a therapeutic approach. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:3. [PMID: 38063905 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08961-w] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a process that is characterized by the destruction of redundant components and the removal of dysfunctional ones to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy dysregulation has been linked to various illnesses, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The precise transcription of the genes involved in autophagy is regulated by a network of epigenetic factors. This includes histone modifications and histone-modifying enzymes. Epigenetics is a broad category of heritable, reversible changes in gene expression that do not include changes to DNA sequences, such as chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and DNA methylation. In addition to affecting the genes that are involved in autophagy, the epigenetic machinery can also alter the signals that control this process. In cancer, autophagy plays a dual role by preventing the development of tumors on one hand and this process may suppress tumor progression. This may be the control of an oncogene that prevents autophagy while, conversely, tumor suppression may promote it. The development of new therapeutic strategies for autophagy-related disorders could be initiated by gaining a deeper understanding of its intricate regulatory framework. There is evidence showing that certain machineries and regulators of autophagy are affected by post-translational and epigenetic modifications, which can lead to alterations in the levels of autophagy and these changes can then trigger disease or affect the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. The goal of this review is to identify the regulatory pathways associated with post-translational and epigenetic modifications of different proteins in autophagy which may be the therapeutic targets shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parimal Karmakar
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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10
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Billingsley JL, Yevdokimova V, Ayoub K, Benoit YD. Colorectal Cancer Is Borrowing Blueprints from Intestinal Ontogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4928. [PMID: 37894295 PMCID: PMC10604965 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal tumors are heterogenous cellular systems harboring small populations of self-renewing and highly tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding the mechanisms fundamental to the emergence of CSCs and colorectal tumor initiation is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Two recent studies have highlighted the importance of developmental gene expression programs as potential therapeutic targets to suppress pro-oncogenic stem cell populations in the colonic epithelium. Specifically, a subset of aberrant stem cells was identified in preneoplastic intestinal lesions sharing significant transcriptional similarities with fetal gut development. In such aberrant stem cells, Sox9 was shown as a cornerstone for altered cell plasticity, the maintenance of premalignant stemness, and subsequent colorectal tumor initiation. Independently, chemical genomics was used to identify FDA-approved drugs capable of suppressing neoplastic self-renewal based on the ontogenetic root of a target tumor and transcriptional programs embedded in pluripotency. Here, we discuss the joint conclusions from these two approaches, underscoring the importance of developmental networks in CSCs as a novel paradigm for identifying therapeutics targeting colorectal cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L. Billingsley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.L.B.); (V.Y.); (K.A.)
| | - Veronika Yevdokimova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.L.B.); (V.Y.); (K.A.)
| | - Kristina Ayoub
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.L.B.); (V.Y.); (K.A.)
| | - Yannick D. Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.L.B.); (V.Y.); (K.A.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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11
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Jin ML, Jeong KW. Histone modifications in drug-resistant cancers: From a cancer stem cell and immune evasion perspective. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01014-z. [PMID: 37394580 PMCID: PMC10394043 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and immune evasion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) limit the efficacy of currently available anticancer therapies. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic reprogramming regulates the expression of characteristic marker proteins and tumor plasticity associated with cancer cell survival and metastasis in CSCs. CSCs also possess unique mechanisms to evade external attacks by immune cells. Hence, the development of new strategies to restore dysregulated histone modifications to overcome cancer resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy has recently attracted attention. Restoring abnormal histone modifications can be an effective anticancer strategy to increase the therapeutic effect of conventional chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs by weakening CSCs or by rendering them in a naïve state with increased sensitivity to immune responses. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the role of histone modifiers in the development of drug-resistant cancer cells from the perspectives of CSCs and immune evasion. In addition, we discuss attempts to combine currently available histone modification inhibitors with conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li Jin
- Gachon Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Won Jeong
- Gachon Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Gaggioli V, Lo CSY, Reverón-Gómez N, Jasencakova Z, Domenech H, Nguyen H, Sidoli S, Tvardovskiy A, Uruci S, Slotman JA, Chai Y, Gonçalves JGSCS, Manolika EM, Jensen ON, Wheeler D, Sridharan S, Chakrabarty S, Demmers J, Kanaar R, Groth A, Taneja N. Dynamic de novo heterochromatin assembly and disassembly at replication forks ensures fork stability. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1017-1032. [PMID: 37414849 PMCID: PMC10344782 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01167-z] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin is dynamically reorganized when DNA replication forks are challenged. However, the process of epigenetic reorganization and its implication for fork stability is poorly understood. Here we discover a checkpoint-regulated cascade of chromatin signalling that activates the histone methyltransferase EHMT2/G9a to catalyse heterochromatin assembly at stressed replication forks. Using biochemical and single molecule chromatin fibre approaches, we show that G9a together with SUV39h1 induces chromatin compaction by accumulating the repressive modifications, H3K9me1/me2/me3, in the vicinity of stressed replication forks. This closed conformation is also favoured by the G9a-dependent exclusion of the H3K9-demethylase JMJD1A/KDM3A, which facilitates heterochromatin disassembly upon fork restart. Untimely heterochromatin disassembly from stressed forks by KDM3A enables PRIMPOL access, triggering single-stranded DNA gap formation and sensitizing cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs. These findings may help in explaining chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis observed in patients with cancer displaying elevated levels of G9a/H3K9me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gaggioli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Calvin S Y Lo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nazaret Reverón-Gómez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zuzana Jasencakova
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heura Domenech
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hong Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andrey Tvardovskiy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics (IFE), Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sidrit Uruci
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan A Slotman
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Optical Imaging Centre, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yi Chai
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Eleni Maria Manolika
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - David Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sriram Sridharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Jeroen Demmers
- Proteomics Center and Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Kanaar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Groth
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nitika Taneja
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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13
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Feng Z, Yang C, Zhang Y, Li H, Fang W, Wang J, Nie Y, Wang CY, Liu Z, Jiang Z, Wang J, Wang Y. Structure-Based Design and Characterization of the Highly Potent and Selective Covalent Inhibitors Targeting the Lysine Methyltransferases G9a/GLP. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37268593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and di-methylation of histone H3K9 and nonhistone proteins, play important roles in diverse cellular processes. Overexpression or dysregulation of G9a and GLP has been identified in various types of cancer. Here, we report the discovery of a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor 27 of G9a/GLP via the structure-based drug design approach following structure-activity relationship exploration and cellular potency optimization. Mass spectrometry assays and washout experiments confirmed its covalent inhibition mechanism. Compound 27 displayed improved potency in inhibiting the proliferation and colony formation of PANC-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and exhibited enhanced potency in reducing the levels of H3K9me2 in cells compared to noncovalent inhibitor 26. In vivo, 27 showed significant antitumor efficacy in the PANC-1 xenograft model with good safety. These results clearly indicate that 27 is a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor of G9a/GLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Chunju Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huaxuan Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- The Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhimin Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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14
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Sbirkov Y, Schenk T, Kwok C, Stengel S, Brown R, Brown G, Chesler L, Zelent A, Fuchter MJ, Petrie K. Dual inhibition of EZH2 and G9A/GLP histone methyltransferases by HKMTI-1-005 promotes differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076458. [PMID: 37035245 PMCID: PMC10076884 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-based differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) represents one of the most clinically effective examples of precision medicine and the first example of targeted oncoprotein degradation. The success of ATRA in APL, however, remains to be translated to non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We previously showed that aberrant histone modifications, including histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation, were associated with this lack of response and that epigenetic therapy with small molecule inhibitors of the H3K4 demethylase LSD1/KDM1A could reprogram AML cells to respond to ATRA. Serving as the enzymatic component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, EZH2/KMT6A methyltransferase plays a critical role in normal hematopoiesis by affecting the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. The canonical function of EZH2 is methylation of H3K27, although important non-canonical roles have recently been described. EZH2 mutation or deregulated expression has been conclusively demonstrated in the pathogenesis of AML and response to treatment, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target. In this study, we therefore investigated whether inhibition of EZH2 might also improve the response of non-APL AML cells to ATRA-based therapy. We focused on GSK-343, a pyridone-containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine cofactor-competitive EZH2 inhibitor that is representative of its class, and HKMTI-1-005, a substrate-competitive dual inhibitor targeting EZH2 and the closely related G9A/GLP H3K9 methyltransferases. We found that treatment with HKMTI-1-005 phenocopied EZH2 knockdown and was more effective in inducing differentiation than GSK-343, despite the efficacy of GSK-343 in terms of abolishing H3K27 trimethylation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that in contrast to treatment with GSK-343, HKMTI-1-005 upregulated the expression of differentiation pathway genes with and without ATRA, while downregulating genes associated with a hematopoietic stem cell phenotype. These results pointed to a non-canonical role for EZH2, which was supported by the finding that EZH2 associates with the master regulator of myeloid differentiation, RARα, in an ATRA-dependent manner that was enhanced by HKMTI-1-005, possibly playing a role in co-regulator complex exchange during transcriptional activation. In summary, our results strongly suggest that addition of HKMTI-1-005 to ATRA is a new therapeutic approach against AML that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Sbirkov
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - T. Schenk
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Clinic of Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, CMB, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - C. Kwok
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Stengel
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - R. Brown
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Brown
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - L. Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Zelent
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - M. J. Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - K. Petrie
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
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15
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Ramos GP, Bamidele AO, Klatt EE, Sagstetter MR, Kurdi AT, Hamdan FH, Kosinsky RL, Gaballa JM, Nair A, Sun Z, Dasari S, Lanza IR, Rozeveld CN, Schott MB, Urrutia G, Westphal MS, Clarkson BD, Howe CL, Marietta EV, Luckey DH, Murray JA, Gonzalez M, Braga Neto MB, Gibbons HR, Smyrk TC, Johnsen S, Lomberk G, Faubion WA. G9a Modulates Lipid Metabolism in CD4 T Cells to Regulate Intestinal Inflammation. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:256-271.e10. [PMID: 36272457 PMCID: PMC9892272 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although T-cell intrinsic expression of G9a has been associated with murine intestinal inflammation, mechanistic insight into the role of this methyltransferase in human T-cell differentiation is ill defined, and manipulation of G9a function for therapeutic use against inflammatory disorders is unexplored. METHODS Human naive T cells were isolated from peripheral blood and differentiated in vitro in the presence of a G9a inhibitor (UNC0642) before being characterized via the transcriptome (RNA sequencing), chromatin accessibility (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing), protein expression (cytometry by time of flight, flow cytometry), metabolism (mitochondrial stress test, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mas spectroscopy) and function (T-cell suppression assay). The in vivo role of G9a was assessed using 3 murine models. RESULTS We discovered that pharmacologic inhibition of G9a enzymatic function in human CD4 T cells led to spontaneous generation of FOXP3+ T cells (G9a-inibitors-T regulatory cells [Tregs]) in vitro that faithfully reproduce human Tregs, functionally and phenotypically. Mechanistically, G9a inhibition altered the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis in T cells, resulting in increased intracellular cholesterol. Metabolomic profiling of G9a-inibitors-Tregs confirmed elevated lipid pathways that support Treg development through oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced lipid membrane composition. Pharmacologic G9a inhibition promoted Treg expansion in vivo upon antigen (gliadin) stimulation and ameliorated acute trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis secondary to tissue-specific Treg development. Finally, Tregs lacking G9a expression (G9a-knockout Tregs) remain functional chronically and can rescue T-cell transfer-induced colitis. CONCLUSION G9a inhibition promotes cholesterol metabolism in T cells, favoring a metabolic profile that facilitates Treg development in vitro and in vivo. Our data support the potential use of G9a inhibitors in the treatment of immune-mediated conditions including inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Piovezani Ramos
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Adebowale O Bamidele
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Emily E Klatt
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mary R Sagstetter
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ahmed T Kurdi
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Feda H Hamdan
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Robyn Laura Kosinsky
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Joseph M Gaballa
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Asha Nair
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Ian R Lanza
- Metabolomics Core, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Cody N Rozeveld
- Department of Biology, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa
| | - Micah B Schott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Guillermo Urrutia
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Research Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Maria S Westphal
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Charles L Howe
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Eric V Marietta
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - David H Luckey
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Joseph A Murray
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michelle Gonzalez
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Manuel B Braga Neto
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Hunter R Gibbons
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Thomas C Smyrk
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Steven Johnsen
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Research Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - William A Faubion
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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16
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Wu X, Xie Y, Zhao K, Lu J. Targeting the super elongation complex for oncogenic transcription driven tumor malignancies: Progress in structure, mechanisms and small molecular inhibitor discovery. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:387-421. [PMID: 36990537 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic transcription activation is associated with tumor development and resistance derived from chemotherapy or target therapy. The super elongation complex (SEC) is an important complex regulating gene transcription and expression in metazoans closely related to physiological activities. In normal transcriptional regulation, SEC can trigger promoter escape, limit proteolytic degradation of transcription elongation factors and increase the synthesis of RNA polymerase II (POL II), and regulate many normal human genes to stimulate RNA elongation. Dysregulation of SEC accompanied by multiple transcription factors in cancer promotes rapid transcription of oncogenes and induce cancer development. In this review, we summarized recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of SEC in regulating normal transcription, and importantly its roles in cancer development. We also highlighted the discovery of SEC complex target related inhibitors and their potential applications in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Jing Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
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17
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Tang L, Peng L, Tan C, Liu H, Chen P, Wang H. Role of HOXA9 in solid tumors: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:349. [PMID: 36376832 PMCID: PMC9664671 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXA9 functioning as a transcription factor is one of the members of HOX gene family, which governs multiple cellular activities by facilitating cellular signal transduction. In addition to be a driver in AML which has been widely studied, the role of HOXA9 in solid tumor progression has also received increasing attention in recent years, where the aberrant expression of HOXA9 is closely associated with the prognosis of patient. This review details the signaling pathways, binding partners, post-transcriptional regulation of HOXA9, and possible inhibitors of HOXA9 in solid tumors, which provides a reference basis for further study on the role of HOXA9 in solid tumors.
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18
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Lazo PA. Targeting Histone Epigenetic Modifications and DNA Damage Responses in Synthetic Lethality Strategies in Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164050. [PMID: 36011043 PMCID: PMC9406467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic lethality strategies are likely to be integrated in effective and specific cancer treatments. These strategies combine different specific targets, either in similar or cooperating pathways. Chromatin remodeling underlies, directly or indirectly, all processes of tumor biology. In this context, the combined targeting of proteins associated with different aspects of chromatin remodeling can be exploited to find new alternative targets or to improve treatment for specific individual tumors or patients. There are two major types of proteins, epigenetic modifiers of histones and nuclear or chromatin kinases, all of which are druggable targets. Among epigenetic enzymes, there are four major families: histones acetylases, deacetylases, methylases and demethylases. All these enzymes are druggable. Among chromatin kinases are those associated with DNA damage responses, such as Aurora A/B, Haspin, ATM, ATR, DNA-PK and VRK1-a nucleosomal histone kinase. All these proteins converge on the dynamic regulation chromatin organization, and its functions condition the tumor cell viability. Therefore, the combined targeting of these epigenetic enzymes, in synthetic lethality strategies, can sensitize tumor cells to toxic DNA-damage-based treatments, reducing their toxicity and the selective pressure for tumor resistance and increasing their immunogenicity, which will lead to an improvement in disease-free survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-IBSAL, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Huang JL, Chen SY, Lin CS. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through Epigenetic Modulation of Interferon Response. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040556. [PMID: 35455671 PMCID: PMC9027081 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer cells and are thought to play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of tumor mass. CSCs exhibit similar hallmarks to normal stem cells, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and homeostasis. In addition, CSCs are equipped with several features so as to evade anticancer mechanisms. Therefore, it is hard to eliminate CSCs by conventional anticancer therapeutics that are effective at clearing bulk cancer cells. Interferons are innate cytokines and are the key players in immune surveillance to respond to invaded pathogens. Interferons are also crucial for adaptive immunity for the killing of specific aliens including cancer cells. However, CSCs usually evolve to escape from interferon-mediated immune surveillance and to shape the niche as a “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME). These CSC characteristics are related to their unique epigenetic regulations that are different from those of normal and bulk cancer cells. In this review, we introduce the roles of epigenetic modifiers, focusing on LSD1, BMI1, G9a, and SETDB1, in contributing to CSC characteristics and discussing the interplay between CSCs and interferon response. We also discuss the emerging strategy for eradicating CSCs by targeting these epigenetic modifiers, which can elevate cytosolic nuclei acids, trigger interferon response, and reshape a “hot” TME for improving cancer immunotherapy. The key epigenetic and immune genes involved in this crosstalk can be used as biomarkers for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
| | - Si-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Dhuguru J, Ghoneim OA. Quinazoline Based HDAC Dual Inhibitors as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:2294. [PMID: 35408693 PMCID: PMC9000668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most devastating disease and second leading cause of death around the world. Despite scientific advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer which can include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery in some cases, cancer cells appear to outsmart and evade almost any method of treatment by developing drug resistance. Quinazolines are the most versatile, ubiquitous and privileged nitrogen bearing heterocyclic compounds with a wide array of biological and pharmacological applications. Most of the anti-cancer agents featuring quinazoline pharmacophore have shown promising therapeutic activity. Therefore, extensive research is underway to explore the potential of these privileged scaffolds. In this context, a molecular hybridization approach to develop hybrid drugs has become a popular tool in the field of drug discovery, especially after witnessing the successful results during the past decade. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as an important anti-cancer target in the recent years given its role in cellular growth, gene regulation, and metabolism. Dual inhibitors, especially based on HDAC in particular, have become the center stage of current cancer drug development. Given the growing significance of dual HDAC inhibitors, in this review, we intend to compile the development of quinazoline based HDAC dual inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Dhuguru
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 SpringHill Ave., Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | - Ola A. Ghoneim
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119, USA;
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