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Bao Q, Kumar A, Wu D, Zhou J. Targeting EED as a key PRC2 complex mediator toward novel epigenetic therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103986. [PMID: 38642703 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103986] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
EED within the PRC2 complex is crucial for chromatin regulation particularly in tumor development, making its inhibition a promising epigenetic therapeutic strategy. Significant advancement in PRC2 inhibitor development has been achieved with an approved EZH2 inhibitor in the market and with others in the clinical trials. However, current EZH2 inhibitors are limited to specific blood cancers and encounter therapeutic resistance. EED stabilizes PRC2 complex and enhances its activity through unique allosteric mechanisms, thereby acting as both a scaffold protein and a recognizer of H3K27me3 making it an attractive drug target. This review provides an overview of epigenetic therapeutic strategies targeting EED, including allosteric inhibitors, PPI inhibitors, and PROTACs, together with brief discussions on the relevant challenges, opportunities, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichao Bao
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Daqing Wu
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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2
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Hu Y, Hu C. Enhancement of Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cervical Cancer via MAPK Pathway Inhibition by Osimertinib. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:425-434. [PMID: 38818695 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2359987] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Addressing recurrent cervical cancer poses a substantial challenge. Osimertinib, an FDA-approved EGFR inhibitor, has emerged as a promising option. Our study examined its potential to enhance paclitaxel's efficacy against cervical cancer. Osimertinib effectively hindered cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis across multiple cell lines. Combined with paclitaxel, it exhibited synergy in suppressing cervical cancer cells. Importantly, osimertinib's inhibitory effect was EGFR-independent; it targeted Mnk phosphorylation, reducing eIF4E activity. In mice, the combined osimertinib-paclitaxel treatment surpassed individual drugs in inhibiting cancer growth. These preclinical findings suggest osimertinib's repurposing as a means to improve paclitaxel's effectiveness in cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Oncology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
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3
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Cheng Y, Song Z, Fang X, Tang Z. Polycomb repressive complex 2 and its core component EZH2: potential targeted therapeutic strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:54. [PMID: 38600608 PMCID: PMC11007890 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) comprises a set of proteins that exert epigenetic regulatory effects and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, ranging from pluripotency and development to carcinogenesis. Among these proteins, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) stands out as a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a role in regulating the expression of homologous (Hox) genes and initial stages of x chromosome inactivation. In numerous human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), EZH2 is frequently overexpressed or activated and has been identified as a negative prognostic factor. Notably, EZH2 emerges as a significant gene involved in regulating the STAT3/HOTAIR axis, influencing HNSCC proliferation, differentiation, and promoting metastasis by modulating related oncogenes in oral cancer. Currently, various small molecule compounds have been developed as inhibitors specifically targeting EZH2 and have gained approval for treating refractory tumors. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic regulation mediated by EZH2/PRC2 in HNSCC, with a specific focus on exploring the potential roles and mechanisms of EZH2, its crucial contribution to targeted drug therapy, and its association with cancer markers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we aim to unravel its potential as a therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Cheng
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengzheng Song
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaodan Fang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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4
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Fang Z, Huang T, Chai X, Zhan J, Zhu Q, Sun P, Zeng D, Liu C, Jiang B, He L, Zhou X, Liu M, Zhang X. Protein methylation characterization using NMR without isotopic labeling. Talanta 2024; 268:125289. [PMID: 37862753 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein methylation is crucial in epigenetics, and targeting the involved methyltransferases shows great potential for therapeutic intervention with several inhibitors in clinical trials for oncology indications. Therefore, characterization of protein methylation is essential for understanding the methyltransferase function and discovering chemical inhibitors and antagonists. While NMR has been used to measure methylation rates, isotopic labeling of protein or methyl donors can be costly and cannot characterize demethylation of proteins extracted from natural sources. Our method employs a four-quantum filter 1H-13C experiment that selectively detects methyl groups, providing a simple way to characterize methylation and demethylation features of methyltransferases and demethylases, respectively, without requiring isotopic labeling. In our experiments, we successfully observed the methylation of H3 under lysate from various cells and tissues of mice with cancerous growth. The results revealed that H3 undergoes both mono- and dimethylation in all the tested lysates, but at varying rates and degrees. Significantly lower H3 methylation rates and levels were observed in both cervical tumor and breast tumor lysates compared with the corresponding cancerous cells and healthy cells lysates. These findings highlight the variability of histone H3 methylation patterns among healthy cells, cancerous cells, tumor tissues, and different tumor types, and suggest that this method has great potential in facilitating the development of effective interventions against these diseases. By characterizing the methylation features of suspected tumors or areas of concern, it provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of cancer development and aids in identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongpei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhua Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qinjun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Philips Healthcare, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Danyun Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Caixiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430071, China; Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Lichun He
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430071, China; Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Maili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430071, China; Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430071, China; Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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5
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Chandnani N, Gupta I, Thakkar V, Sarkar K. Epigenetic regulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) -Yin Yang 1 (YY1) axis in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154885. [PMID: 37862922 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In accordance with the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death in patients. In recent years, the number of cancer patients has been growing, and the occurrence of cancer in people is becoming more common, primarily due to lifestyle factors. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a transcription factor that is widespread throughout. It is a zinc finger protein, falling under the GLI-Kruppel class. YY1 is known to regulate transcriptional activation and repression of various genes associated with different cellular processes such as DNA repair, autophagy, cell survival and apoptosis, and cell division. Meanwhile, EZH2 is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme encoded by gene 7 in humans. Its main function involves catalyzing the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), and it is involved in regulating CD8 + T cell fate and function. It is a subunit of a Polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2). The EZH2 gene encodes for an enzyme that is involved in histone methylation and transcriptional repression. It adds methyl groups to lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) with the help of the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine. In addition to its role in epigenetic regulation, EZH2 also acts as a regulator of CD8+ T cell fate and function. EZH2 has been implicated in T Cell Receptor (TCR) signaling via the regulation of actin polymerization. In fact, EZH2 is involved in numerous signaling pathways that lead to tumorigenesis. EZH2 is mutated in cancer and shows overexpression. Due to its mutation and overexpression, the cells that help combat cancer are suppressed and carcinogenicity is promoted. The association of EZH2 and YY1 poses an intriguing mechanism in relation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Chandnani
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Ishika Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Vidhi Thakkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Koustav Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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6
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Xie H, Xu W, Liang J, Liu Y, Zhuo C, Zou X, Luo W, Xiao J, Lin Y, Chen L, Li H. Design, synthesis and evaluation of EZH2-based PROTACs targeting PRC2 complex in lymphoma. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106762. [PMID: 37572533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
EZH2 is a member of PcG and can induce the occurrence of cancer when it is highly expressed. As an EZH2 inhibitor, Tazemetostat (EPZ6438) can inhibit the methylation catalytic activity of EZH2. However, many studies have shown that inhibition of EZH2 alone does not efficiently block tumor development. Therefore, in this study, proteolytic targeting chimera technology was employed to enhance the antiproliferative potency of EPZ6438 by degrading the oncogenic activity of EZH2. Several PROTACs have been synthesized by combining EPZ6438 with four E3 ligase ligands based on VHL, CRBN, MDM2, and cIAP E3 ligase systems. In our study, compound E-3P-MDM2 is the most active PROTAC molecule. It degraded EZH2 of the SU-DHL-6 cells in a concentration and dose-dependent manner and also degraded both EED and SUZ12 protein without affecting their mRNA levels, then significantly inhibited the expression of H3K27me3. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of E-3P-MDM2 was much stronger than that of EPZ6438.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Xie
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chenxi Zhuo
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zou
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Weihong Luo
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jianping Xiao
- The Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350003, China.
| | - Yu Lin
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Hua Li
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Gao M, Li Y, Cao P, Liu H, Chen J, Kang S. Exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting polycomb repressive complex 2 in lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216289. [PMID: 37909018 PMCID: PMC10613995 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216289] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of lung cancer (LC) is a multifaceted process that is influenced by a variety of factors. Alongside genetic mutations and environmental influences, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the development and progression of LC. The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), composed of EZH1/2, SUZ12, and EED, is an epigenetic silencer that controls the expression of target genes and is crucial for cell identity in multicellular organisms. Abnormal expression of PRC2 has been shown to contribute to the progression of LC through several pathways. Although targeted inhibition of EZH2 has demonstrated potential in delaying the progression of LC and improving chemotherapy sensitivity, the effectiveness of enzymatic inhibitors of PRC2 in LC is limited, and a more comprehensive understanding of PRC2's role is necessary. This paper reviews the core subunits of PRC2 and their interactions, and outlines the mechanisms of aberrant PRC2 expression in cancer and its role in tumor immunity. We also summarize the important role of PRC2 in regulating biological behaviors such as epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasive metastasis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, autophagy, and PRC2-mediated resistance to LC chemotherapeutic agents in LC cells. Lastly, we explored the latest breakthroughs in the research and evaluation of medications that target PRC2, as well as the latest findings from clinical studies investigating the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, First Clinical Medical College, Hohhot, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peijun Cao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shirong Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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Gao J, Fosbrook C, Gibson J, Underwood TJ, Gray JC, Walters ZS. Review: Targeting EZH2 in neuroblastoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 119:102600. [PMID: 37467626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest extra-cranial pediatric tumors, and accounts for over 15% of all childhood cancer mortality. Risk stratification for children with neuroblastoma is based on age, stage, histology, and tumor cytogenetics. The majority of patients are considered to have high-risk neuroblastoma, for which the long-term survival is less than 50%. Current treatments combine surgical resection, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy, anti-GD2 based immunotherapy as well as the differentiating agent isotretinoin. Despite the intensive multimodal therapies applied, there are high relapse rates, and recurrent disease is often resistant to further therapy. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone methyltransferase that represses transcription through trimethylation of lysine residue K27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). It is responsible for epigenetic repression of transcription, making EZH2 an essential regulator for cell differentiation. Overexpression of EZH2 has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and prevent tumor cells from differentiating in a number of cancers. Therefore, research has been ongoing for the past decade, developing treatments that target EZH2 in neuroblastoma. This review summarises the role of EZH2 in neuroblastoma and evaluates the latest research findings on the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Gao
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Claire Fosbrook
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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Huang Q, He S, Zhan D. Osimertinib is a dual inhibitor of hepatocellular carcinoma and angiogenesis in an EGFR-independent manner, and synergizes with venetoclax. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:10727-10735. [PMID: 37310474 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04926-5] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the effects of osimertinib on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and angiogenesis, and its combinatory effects with venetoclax in HCC. METHODS Viability was assessed by flow cytometry of Annexin V in multiple HCC cell lines after drug treatment. In vitro angiogenesis assay was performed using primary human liver tumor associated endothelial cell (HLTEC). HCC-bearing model was generated by subcutaneous implantation of Hep3B cells to investigate the efficacy of osimertinib alone and its combination with venetoclax. RESULTS Osimertinib significantly induced apoptosis in a panel of HCC cell lines regardless of EGFR expression level. It inhibited capillary network formation and induced apoptosis in HLTEC. Using HCC xenograft mouse model, we further showed that osimertinib at non-toxic dose inhibited tumor growth by ~ 50% and remarkably decreased blood vessel in tumor. Mechanism studies demonstrated that osimertinib acted on HCC cells in an EGFR-independent manner. It decreased level of VEGF and Mcl-1 in HCC cells via suppressed phosphorylation of eIF4E, thus leading to inhibition of eIF4E-mediated translation. Mcl-1 overexpression reversed pro-apoptotic effect of osimertinib, suggesting an important role of Mcl-1 in osimertinib's action in HCC cells. Of note, the combination of osimertinib and venetoclax achieved approximately complete HCC cell death and tumor growth in mice. CONCLUSIONS We provide pre-clinical evidence that osimertinib is a promising candidate for the treatment of HCC via targeting tumor cells and angiogenesis. The combination of osimertinib and venetoclax is synergistic in inhibiting HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Shengsong He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongang Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Jingzhou Street 136, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, China.
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10
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Liu Y, Yang Q. The roles of EZH2 in cancer and its inhibitors. Med Oncol 2023; 40:167. [PMID: 37148376 PMCID: PMC10162908 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02025-6] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is encoded by the Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit gene. EZH2 is involved in the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, cell differentiation, autophagy, apoptosis, and immunological modulation. The main function of EZH2 is to catalyze the methylation of H3 histone of H3K27Me3, which inhibits the transcription of target genes, such as tumor suppressor genes. EZH2 also forms complexes with transcriptions factors or directly binds to the promoters of target genes, leading to regulate gene transcriptions. EZH2 has been as a prominent target for cancer therapy and a growing number of potential targeting medicines have been developed. This review summarized the mechanisms that EZH2 regulates gene transcription and the interactions between EZH2 and important intracellular signaling molecules (Wnt, Notch, MEK, Akt) and as well the clinical applications of EZH2-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuankai Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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11
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Sun D, Zhang J, Dong G, He S, Sheng C. Blocking Non-enzymatic Functions by PROTAC-Mediated Targeted Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14276-14288. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donghuan Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
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12
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Xu L, Zhang J, Sun J, Hou K, Yang C, Guo Y, Liu X, Kalvakolanu DV, Zhang L, Guo B. Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells: Shedding light on the refractory/relapsed cancers. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115110. [PMID: 35640714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The resistance to drugs, ability to enter quiescence and generate heterogeneous cancer cells, and enhancement of aggressiveness, make cancer stem cells (CSCs) integral part of tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence after treatment. The epigenetic modification machinery is crucial for the viability of CSCs and evolution of aggressive forms of a tumor. These mechanisms can also be targeted by specific drugs, providing a promising approach for blocking CSCs. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in CSCs which contribute to drug resistance, quiescence and tumor heterogeneity. We also discuss the drugs that can potentially target these processes and data from experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jicheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Kunlin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Chenxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Dhan V Kalvakolanu
- Greenebaum NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Baofeng Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
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13
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Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Zabolian A, Canadas I, Zarrabi A, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Crea F, Wang Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Kumar AP. The long and short non-coding RNAs modulating EZH2 signaling in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35236381 PMCID: PMC8892735 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a large family of RNA molecules with no capability in encoding proteins. However, they participate in developmental and biological processes and their abnormal expression affects cancer progression. These RNA molecules can function as upstream mediators of different signaling pathways and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is among them. Briefly, EZH2 belongs to PRCs family and can exert functional roles in cells due to its methyltransferase activity. EZH2 affects gene expression via inducing H3K27me3. In the present review, our aim is to provide a mechanistic discussion of ncRNAs role in regulating EZH2 expression in different cancers. MiRNAs can dually induce/inhibit EZH2 in cancer cells to affect downstream targets such as Wnt, STAT3 and EMT. Furthermore, miRNAs can regulate therapy response of cancer cells via affecting EZH2 signaling. It is noteworthy that EZH2 can reduce miRNA expression by binding to promoter and exerting its methyltransferase activity. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) are synthetic, short ncRNAs capable of reducing EZH2 expression and suppressing cancer progression. LncRNAs mainly regulate EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. Furthermore, lncRNAs induce EZH2 by modulating miRNA expression. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), like lncRNAs, affect EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. These areas are discussed in the present review with a focus on molecular pathways leading to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 1417466191, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, 5th Azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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14
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Zhang Q, Yang H, Feng Q, Cao J, Zhang Y, Li L, Yu L. Focus on the classical and non-classical functions of EZH2: Guide the development of inhibitors and degraders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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15
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Zhao Y, Guan YY, Zhao F, Yu T, Zhang SJ, Zhang YZ, Duan YC, Zhou XL. Recent strategies targeting Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) for cancer therapy: Allosteric inhibitors, PPI inhibitors, and PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Hu R, Wang WL, Yang YY, Hu XT, Wang QW, Zuo WQ, Xu Y, Feng Q, Wang NY. Identification of a selective BRD4 PROTAC with potent antiproliferative effects in AR-positive prostate cancer based on a dual BET/PLK1 inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113922. [PMID: 34700270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BRD4-targeted proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) have exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity in a number of cancer models. However, the clinical development of current reported BRD4-PROTACs have stagnated, largely due to the safety risks caused by their poor degradation selectivity. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of PROTACs based on our recently reported dual BET/PLK1 inhibitor WNY0824, which led to the discovery of an isoform-selective and potent BRD4-PROTAC 12a (WWL0245). WWL0245 exhibited excellent selective cytotoxicity in the BETi sensitive cancer cell lines, including AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines. It could also efficiently induce ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of BRD4 in AR-positive prostate cancer cell lines, with sub-nanomolar half-maximal degrading concentration (DC50) and maximum degradation (Dmax) > 99%. Moreover, WWL0245 induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in AR-positive prostate cancer by downregulation of the protein levels of AR, PSA and c-Myc as well as transcriptionally suppressed AR-regulated genes. WWL0245 was thus expected to be developed as a promising drug candidate for AR-positive prostate cancer and a valuable tool compound to study the biological function of BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wan-Li Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying-Yue Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia-Tong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, And Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Qiong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, And Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, No.229 North Taibai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, PR China
| | - Qiang Feng
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ning-Yu Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.
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17
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Ye C, Tong Y, Wu N, Wan GW, Zheng F, Chen JY, Lei JZ, Zhou H, Chen AD, Wang JJ, Chen Q, Li YH, Kang YM, Zhu GQ. Inhibition of miR-135a-5p attenuates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and vascular remodeling in hypertensive rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1798-1807. [PMID: 33589794 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) greatly contributes to vascular remodeling in hypertension. This study is to determine the roles and mechanisms of miR-135a-5p intervention in attenuating VSMC proliferation and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MiR-135a-5p level was raised, while fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in VSMCs of SHRs compared with those of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs). Enhanced VSMC proliferation in SHRs was inhibited by miR-135a-5p knockdown or miR-135a-5p inhibitor, but exacerbated by miR-135a-5p mimic. VSMCs of SHRs showed reduced myofilaments, increased or even damaged mitochondria, increased and dilated endoplasmic reticulum, which were attenuated by miR-135a-5p inhibitor. Dual-luciferase reporter assay shows that FNDC5 was a target gene of miR-135a-5p. Knockdown or inhibition of miR-135a-5p prevented the FNDC5 downregulation in VSMCs of SHRs, while miR-135a-5p mimic inhibited FNDC5 expressions in VSMCs of both WKYs and SHRs. FNDC5 knockdown had no significant effects on VSMC proliferation of WKYs, but aggravated VSMC proliferation of SHRs. Exogenous FNDC5 or FNDC5 overexpression attenuated VSMC proliferation of SHRs, and prevented miR-135a-5p mimic-induced enhancement of VSMC proliferation of SHR. MiR-135a-5p knockdown in SHRs attenuated hypertension, normalized FNDC5 expressions and inhibited vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and alleviated vascular remodeling. These results indicate that miR-135a-5p promotes while FNDC5 inhibits VSMC proliferation in SHRs. Silencing of miR-135a-5p attenuates VSMC proliferation and vascular remodeling in SHRs via disinhibition of FNDC5 transcription. Either inhibition of miR-135a-5p or upregulation of FNDC5 may be a therapeutically strategy in attenuating vascular remodeling and hypertension.
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18
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Extracellular vesicle-mediated miR135a-5p transfer in hypertensive rat contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via targeting FNDC5. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 140:106864. [PMID: 33865997 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from vascular adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) contribute to the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). This study shows the crucial roles of EVs-mediated miR135a-5p transfer in VSMC proliferation and the underlying mechanisms in hypertension. Methods AFs and VSMCs were obtained from the aorta of Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) and SHR. EVs were isolated from the culture of AFs with ultracentrifugation method. Results MiR135a-5p level in SHR-EVs was significantly increased. MiR135a-5p inhibitor prevented the SHR-EVs-induced VSMC proliferation. Fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) was a target gene of miR135a-5p. FNDC5 level was lower in VSMCs of SHR. MiR135a-5p inhibitor not only increased FNDC5 expression, but reversed the SHR-EVs-induced FNDC5 downregulation in VSMCs of SHR. MiR135a-5p mimic inhibited FNDC5 expression, but failed to promote the SHR-EVs-induced FNDC5 downregulation in VSMCs of SHR. Exogenous FNDC5 prevented the SHR-EVs-induced VSMC proliferation of both WKY and SHR. Knockdown of miR135a-5p in fibroblasts completely prevented the upregulation of miR135a-5p in the EVs. The SHR-EVs from the miR135a-5p knockdown-treated fibroblasts lost their roles in inhibiting FNDC5 expression and promoting proliferation in VSMCs of both WKY and SHR. Conclusions Increased miR135a-5p in the SHR-EVs promoted VSMC proliferation of WKY and SHR via inhibiting FNDC5 expression. MiR135a-5p and FNDC5 are crucial targets for intervention of VSMC proliferation in hypertension.
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19
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Liu Z, Hu X, Wang Q, Wu X, Zhang Q, Wei W, Su X, He H, Zhou S, Hu R, Ye T, Zhu Y, Wang N, Yu L. Design and Synthesis of EZH2-Based PROTACs to Degrade the PRC2 Complex for Targeting the Noncatalytic Activity of EZH2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2829-2848. [PMID: 33606537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
EZH2 mediates both PRC2-dependent gene silencing via catalyzing H3K27me3 and PRC2-independent transcriptional activation in various cancers. Given its oncogenic role in cancers, EZH2 has constituted a compelling target for anticancer therapy. However, current EZH2 inhibitors only target its methyltransferase activity to downregulate H3K27me3 levels and show limited efficacy because of inadequate suppression of the EZH2 oncogenic activity. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to completely block the oncogenic activity of EZH2 are urgently needed. Herein, we report a series of EZH2-targeted proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that induce proteasomal degradation of PRC2 components, including EZH2, EED, SUZ12, and RbAp48. Preliminary assessment identified E7 as the most active PROTAC molecule, which decreased PRC2 subunits and H3K27me2/3 levels in various cancer cells. Furthermore, E7 strongly inhibited transcriptional silencing mediated by EZH2 dependent on PRC2 and transcriptional activation mediated by EZH2 independent of PRC2, showing significant antiproliferative activities against cancer cell lines dependent on the enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities of EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiuli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiangsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hualong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuyan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ningyu Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Luoting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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20
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Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is enzymatic catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that can alter downstream target genes expression by trimethylation of Lys-27 in histone 3 (H3K27me3). EZH2 could also regulate gene expression in ways besides H3K27me3. Functions of EZH2 in cells proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence have been identified. Its important roles in the pathophysiology of cancer are now widely concerned. Therefore, targeting EZH2 for cancer therapy is a hot research topic now and different types of EZH2 inhibitors have been developed. In this review, we summarize the structure and action modes of EZH2, focusing on up-to-date findings regarding the role of EZH2 in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunity regulation. Furtherly, we highlight the advance of targeting EZH2 therapies in experiments and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfang Du
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Zhou Y, Du DH, Wang J, Cai XQ, Deng AX, Nosjean O, Boutin JA, Renard P, Yang DH, Luo C, Wang MW. Identification of catalytic and non-catalytic activity inhibitors against PRC2-EZH2 complex through multiple high-throughput screening campaigns. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1024-1051. [PMID: 32394628 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) along with embryonic ectoderm development (EED) and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12), which implements transcriptional repression mainly by depositing trimethylation marks at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Its catalytic activity is closely correlated with the stability of PRC2, and somatic activating mutation of EZH2 Y641F within the catalytic SET domain drives tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we report two high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns targeting EZH2 Y641F and EZH2-EED interaction, respectively. For the EZH2 Y641F mutant, the HTS campaign involved a library of 250,000 compounds using a homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and identified 162 hits, while 60,160 compounds were screened against EZH2-EED interaction with a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay resulting in 97 hits. Among the 162 EZH2 Y641F inhibitors, 38 also suppressed EZH2-EED interaction and 80 showed inhibitory effects on the wide-type (WT) EZH2. Meanwhile, 10 of the 97 EZH2-EED interaction inhibitors were active against WT EZH2. These hit compounds provide useful tools for the development of novel PRC2-EZH2 inhibitors targeting its catalytic and non-catalytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Dao-Hai Du
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Cai
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Alicia X Deng
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | - De-Hua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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