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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Meng J, Tang L, Lyu S. Epigenetics: Mechanisms, potential roles, and therapeutic strategies in cancer progression. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101020. [PMID: 38988323 PMCID: PMC11233905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations or abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to cause cancer. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications are key drivers of cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the role of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells and non-cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and recent research advances in cancer epigenetic drugs. In addition, we discussed the great potential of epigenetic combination therapies in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, there are still some challenges in the field of cancer epigenetics, such as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity, epigenetic drug heterogeneity, and crosstalk between epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, which may be the focus and difficulty of cancer treatment in the future. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications in the tumor microenvironment are essential for future epigenetic drug development and the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Epigenetic combination therapy may be a novel strategy for the future clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuhua Lyu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
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2
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Zhang G, Tai P, Fang J, Wang Z, Yu R, Yin Z, Cao K. Multi-omics reveals the impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on the prognosis and treatment response of adult diffuse highest-grade gliomas. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34526. [PMID: 39157370 PMCID: PMC11327523 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34526] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF), an important cancer-promoting and immunosuppressive component of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), have recently been found to infiltrate adult diffuse highest-grade gliomas (ADHGG) (gliomas of grade IV). Methods Gene expression and clinical data of ADHGG patients were obtained from the CGGA and TCGA databases. Consensus clustering was used to identify CAF subtypes based on CAF key genes acquired from single-cell omics and spatial transcriptomomics. CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, MCPcounter, and ESTIMATE analyses were used to assess the TIME of GBM. Survival analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, TCIA database, TIDE and cMap algorithms were used to compare the prognosis and treatment response between patients with different CAF subtypes. An artificial neural network (ANN) model based on random forest was constructed to exactly identify CAF subtypes, which was validated in a real-world patient cohort of ADHGG. Results Consensus clustering classified ADHGG into two CAF subtypes. Compared with subtype B, patients with ADHGG subtype A had a poorer prognosis, worse responsiveness to immunotherapy and radiotherapy, higher CAF infiltration in TIME, but higher sensitivity to temozolomide. Furthermore, patients with subtype A had a much lower proportion of IDH mutations. Finally, the ANN model based on five genes (COL3A1, COL1A2, CD248, FN1, and COL1A1) could exactly discriminate CAF subtypes, and the validation of the real-world cohort indicated consistent results with the bioinformatics analyses. Conclusion This study revealed a novel CAF subtype to distinguish ADHGG patients with different prognosis and treatment responsiveness, which may be helpful for accurate clinical decision-making of ADHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianing Fang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhanwang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhijing Yin
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Cao
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Schiedlauske K, Deipenbrock A, Pflieger M, Hamacher A, Hänsel J, Kassack MU, Kurz T, Teusch NE. Novel Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitor Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Invasion via E-Cadherin Upregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:752. [PMID: 38931419 PMCID: PMC11206922 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060752] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal form of pancreatic cancer characterized by therapy resistance and early metastasis, resulting in a low survival rate. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors showed potential for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In PDAC, the overexpression of HDAC 2 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), principally accompanied by the downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased metastatic capacity. The effector cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) is known to be a major inducer of the EMT in PDAC, leading to high metastatic and invasive potential. In addition, the overexpression of HDAC 6 in PDAC is associated with reduced apoptosis. Here, we have demonstrated that a novel HDAC 2/6 inhibitor not only significantly increased E-cadherin expression in PANC-1 cells (5.5-fold) and in 3D PDAC co-culture spheroids (2.5-fold) but was also able to reverse the TGF-β-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression. Moreover, our study indicates that the HDAC inhibitor mediated re-differentiation resulting in a significant inhibition of tumor cell invasion by approximately 60% compared to control. In particular, we have shown that the HDAC inhibitor induces both apoptosis (2-fold) and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor acts by suppressing invasion via upregulating E-cadherin mediated by HDAC 2 blockade and by inducing cell cycle arrest leading to apoptosis via HDAC 6 inhibition. These results suggest that the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schiedlauske
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alina Deipenbrock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Pflieger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Hamacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Hänsel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole E. Teusch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Peng X, Dong H, Zhang L, Liu S. Role of cancer stem cell ecosystem on breast cancer metastasis and related mouse models. Zool Res 2024; 45:506-517. [PMID: 38682432 PMCID: PMC11188611 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.411] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is responsible for most breast cancer-related deaths and is influenced by many factors within the tumor ecosystem, including tumor cells and microenvironment. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) constitute a small population of cancer cells with unique characteristics, including their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. Studies have shown that BCSCs not only drive tumorigenesis but also play a crucial role in promoting metastasis in breast cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, fibroblasts, and microbes in proximity to cancer cells, is increasingly recognized for its crosstalk with BCSCs and role in BCSC survival, growth, and dissemination, thereby influencing metastatic ability. Hence, a thorough understanding of BCSCs and the TME is critical for unraveling the mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the roles of BCSCs and the TME in breast cancer metastasis, as well as the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, we provide an overview of relevant mouse models used to study breast cancer metastasis, as well as treatment strategies and clinical trials addressing BCSC-TME interactions during metastasis. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to reduce breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilei Peng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering
- Cancer Institutes
- Department of Oncology
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology
- Shanghai Medical College
- Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haonan Dong
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering
- Cancer Institutes
- Department of Oncology
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology
- Shanghai Medical College
- Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lixing Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering
- Cancer Institutes
- Department of Oncology
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology
- Shanghai Medical College
- Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. E-mail:
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering
- Cancer Institutes
- Department of Oncology
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology
- International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology
- Shanghai Medical College
- Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. E-mail:
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Sun W, Xie S, Liu SF, Hu X, Xing D. Evolving Tumor Characteristics and Smart Nanodrugs for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3919-3942. [PMID: 38708176 PMCID: PMC11070166 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical physiological characteristics of tumors, such as weak acidity, low oxygen content, and upregulation of certain enzymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provide survival advantages when exposed to targeted attacks by drugs and responsive nanomedicines. Consequently, cancer treatment has significantly progressed in recent years. However, the evolution and adaptation of tumor characteristics still pose many challenges for current treatment methods. Therefore, efficient and precise cancer treatments require an understanding of the heterogeneity degree of various factors in cancer cells during tumor evolution to exploit the typical TME characteristics and manage the mutation process. The highly heterogeneous tumor and infiltrating stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular components collectively form a unique TME, which plays a crucial role in tumor malignancy, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune escape. Therefore, the development of new treatment methods that can adapt to the evolutionary characteristics of tumors has become an intense focus in current cancer treatment research. This paper explores the latest understanding of cancer evolution, focusing on how tumors use new antigens to shape their "new faces"; how immune system cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, help tumors become "invisible", that is, immune escape; whether the diverse cancer-associated fibroblasts provide support and coordination for tumors; and whether it is possible to attack tumors in reverse. This paper discusses the limitations of targeted therapy driven by tumor evolution factors and explores future strategies and the potential of intelligent nanomedicines, including the systematic coordination of tumor evolution factors and adaptive methods, to meet this therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Feng Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
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7
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Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Gu M, Ren B, Fang Y, Ren J, Liu X, Wang X, Zhou F, Xiao R, Luo X, You L, Zhao Y. Epigenetic regulation in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e495. [PMID: 38374872 PMCID: PMC10876210 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are defined as heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The oncogenic process is driven by the accumulation of alterations that impact genome's structure and function. Genetic mutations, which directly disrupt the DNA sequence, are complemented by epigenetic modifications that modulate gene expression, thereby facilitating the acquisition of malignant characteristics. Principals among these epigenetic changes are shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, which promote tumor development and metastasis. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic alterations, as opposed to the permanence of genetic changes, positions the epigenetic machinery as a prime target in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Our review delves into the complexities of epigenetic regulation, exploring its profound effects on tumor initiation, metastatic behavior, metabolic pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We place a particular emphasis on the dysregulation at each level of epigenetic modulation, including but not limited to, the aberrations in enzymes responsible for DNA methylation and histone modification, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodeling complexes, and the disturbances in higher-order chromatin structure. Finally, we also evaluate therapeutic approaches that leverage the growing understanding of chromatin dysregulation, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Gu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Feihan Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Ruiling Xiao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiyuan Luo
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
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Terri M, Sandoval P, Bontempi G, Montaldo C, Tomero-Sanz H, de Turris V, Trionfetti F, Pascual-Antón L, Clares-Pedrero I, Battistelli C, Valente S, Zwergel C, Mai A, Rosanò L, Del Pozo MÁ, Sánchez-Álvarez M, Cabañas C, Tripodi M, López-Cabrera M, Strippoli R. HDAC1/2 control mesothelium/ovarian cancer adhesive interactions impacting on Talin-1-α5β1-integrin-mediated actin cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix protein remodeling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:27. [PMID: 38254102 PMCID: PMC10804625 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02930-8] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal metastasis, which accounts for 85% of all epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) metastases, is a multistep process that requires the establishment of adhesive interactions between cancer cells and the peritoneal membrane. Interrelations between EOC and the mesothelial stroma are critical to facilitate the metastatic process. No data is available so far on the impact of histone acetylation/deacetylation, a potentially relevant mechanism governing EOC metastasis, on mesothelial cells (MCs)-mediated adhesion. METHODS Static adhesion and peritoneal clearance experiments were performed pretreating mesenchymal-like MCs and platinum-sensitive/resistant EOC cell lines with MS-275-a Histone deacetylase (HDAC)1-3 pharmacological inhibitor currently used in combination trials. Results were acquired by confocal microscopy and were analyzed with an automated Opera software. The role of HDAC1/2 was validated by genetic silencing. The role of α4-, α5-α1 Integrins and Fibronectin-1 was validated using specific monoclonal antibodies. Quantitative proteomic analysis was performed on primary MCs pretreated with MS-275. Decellularized matrices were generated from either MS-275-exposed or untreated cells to study Fibronectin-1 extracellular secretion. The effect of MS-275 on β1 integrin activity was assessed using specific monoclonal antibodies. The role of Talin-1 in MCs/EOC adhesion was analyzed by genetic silencing. Talin-1 ectopic expression was validated as a rescue tool from MS-275-induced phenotype. The in vivo effect of MS-275-induced MC remodeling was validated in a mouse model of peritoneal EOC dissemination. RESULTS Treatment of MCs with non-cytotoxic concentrations of MS-275 caused a consistent reduction of EOC adhesion. Proteomic analysis revealed several pathways altered upon MC treatment with MS-275, including ECM deposition/remodeling, adhesion receptors and actin cytoskeleton regulators. HDAC1/2 inhibition hampered actin cytoskeleton polymerization by downregulating actin regulators including Talin-1, impairing β1 integrin activation, and leading to abnormal extracellular secretion and distribution of Fibronectin-1. Talin-1 ectopic expression rescued EOC adhesion to MS-275-treated MCs. In an experimental mouse model of metastatic EOC, MS-275 limited tumor invasion, Fibronectin-1 secretion and the sub-mesothelial accumulation of MC-derived carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Our study unveils a direct impact of HDAC-1/2 in the regulation of MC/EOC adhesion and highlights the regulation of MC plasticity by epigenetic inhibition as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in EOC peritoneal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Terri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Pilar Sandoval
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulio Bontempi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Montaldo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Henar Tomero-Sanz
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucía Pascual-Antón
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Clares-Pedrero
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Battistelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel Ángel Del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez
- Cell Compartmentalization, Homeostasis and Inflammation lab. Department of Metabolic and Immunity Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Sols-Morreale", 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Cabañas
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel López-Cabrera
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis Program, Cell-Cell Communication and Inflammation Unit, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Borzone FR, Giorello MB, Sanmartin MC, Yannarelli G, Martinez LM, Chasseing NA. Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:238-256. [PMID: 35485850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-based anti-tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients' response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-derived anti-tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Sanmartin
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Yannarelli
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Marcelo Martinez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Feng X, Liu X, Xiang J, Xu J, Yin N, Wang L, Liu C, Liu Y, Zhao T, Zhao Z, Gao Y. Exosomal ITGB6 from dormant lung adenocarcinoma cells activates cancer-associated fibroblasts by KLF10 positive feedback loop and the TGF-β pathway. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:2520-2537. [PMID: 38205211 PMCID: PMC10775012 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-707] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Dormant cancer cells are commonly known to play a pivotal role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, the mechanism of tumor dormancy and recurrence remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which exosomes derived from dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells activate cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to reconstruct the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a novel idea for decoding the mechanism of tumor dormancy. Methods In this study, high-dose cisplatin was used to induce the dormant LUAD cells. Exosomes were extracted from the culture supernatant of normal and dormant cancer cells. The effects of selected exosomal proteins on the fibroblasts were evaluated. RNA-seq for fibroblasts and exosomal proteomics for normal and dormant cancer cells were used to identify and verify the mechanism of activating fibroblasts. Results We demonstrated that exosomes derived from dormant A549 cells could be taken by fibroblasts. Exosomal ITGB6 transferred into fibroblasts induced the activation of CAFs by activating the KLF10 positive feedback loop and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway. High ITGB6 expression was associated with activation of the TGF-β pathway and ECM remodeling. Conclusions In all, we demonstrated that CAFs were activated by exosomes from dormant lung cancer cells and reconstruct ECM. ITGB6 may be a critical molecule for activating the TGF-β pathway and remodeling ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Yin
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lujuan Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaoyuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zengyi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yawen Gao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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12
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Trionfetti F, Alonzi T, Bontempi G, Terri M, Battistelli C, Montaldo C, Repele F, Rotili D, Valente S, Zwergel C, Matusali G, Maggi F, Goletti D, Tripodi M, Mai A, Strippoli R. HDAC1-3 inhibition increases SARS-CoV-2 replication and productive infection in lung mesothelial and epithelial cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1257683. [PMID: 38162580 PMCID: PMC10757821 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1257683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the significant progress achieved in understanding the pathology and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection, still pathogenic and clinical issues need to be clarified. Treatment with modulators of epigenetic targets, i.e., epidrugs, is a current therapeutic option in several cancers and could represent an approach in the therapy of viral diseases. Results Aim of this study was the analysis of the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in the modulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection of mesothelial cells (MCs).MeT5A cells, a pleura MC line, were pre-treated with different specific class I and IIb HDAC inhibitors. Unexpectedly, treatment with HDAC1-3 inhibitors significantly increased ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression, suggesting a role in favoring SARS-CoV-2 infection. We focused our analysis on the most potent ACE2/TMPRSS2 inducer among the inhibitors analysed, MS-275, a HDAC1-3 inhibitor. ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression was validated by Western Blot (WB) and immunofluorescence. The involvement of HDAC inhibition in receptor induction was confirmed by HDAC1/HDAC2 silencing. In accordance to the ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression data, MS-275 increased SARS-CoV-2 replication and virus propagation in Vero E6 cells.Notably, MS-275 was able to increase ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 production, although to a lesser extent, also in the lung adenocarcinoma cell line Calu-3 cells.Mechanistically, treatment with MS-275 increased H3 and H4 histone acetylation at ACE2/TMPRSS2 promoters, increasing their transcription. Conclusion This study highlights a previously unrecognized effect of HDAC1-3 inhibition in increasing SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, replication and productive infection correlating with increased expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These data, while adding basic insight into COVID-19 pathogenesis, warn for the use of HDAC inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonino Alonzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Bontempi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Terri
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Montaldo
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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13
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Mezawa Y, Wang T, Daigo Y, Takano A, Miyagi Y, Yokose T, Yamashita T, Yang L, Maruyama R, Seimiya H, Orimo A. Glutamine deficiency drives transforming growth factor-β signaling activation that gives rise to myofibroblastic carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4376-4387. [PMID: 37706357 PMCID: PMC10637058 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15955] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-promoting carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), abundant in the mammary tumor microenvironment (TME), maintain transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-Smad2/3 signaling activation and the myofibroblastic state, the hallmark of activated fibroblasts. How myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) arise in the TME and which epigenetic and metabolic alterations underlie activated fibroblastic phenotypes remain, however, poorly understood. We herein show global histone deacetylation in myCAFs present in tumors to be significantly associated with poorer outcomes in breast cancer patients. As the TME is subject to glutamine (Gln) deficiency, human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) were cultured in Gln-starved medium. Global histone deacetylation and TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling activation are induced in these cells, largely mediated by class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Additionally, mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is attenuated in Gln-starved HMFs, and mTORC1 inhibition in Gln-supplemented HMFs with rapamycin treatment boosts TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling activation. These data indicate that mTORC1 suppression mediates TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling activation in Gln-starved HMFs. Global histone deacetylation, class I HDAC activation, and mTORC1 suppression are also observed in cultured human breast CAFs. Class I HDAC inhibition or mTORC1 activation by high-dose Gln supplementation significantly attenuates TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and the myofibroblastic state in these cells. These data indicate class I HDAC activation and mTORC1 suppression to be required for maintenance of myCAF traits. Taken together, these findings indicate that Gln starvation triggers TGF-β signaling activation in HMFs through class I HDAC activity and mTORC1 suppression, presumably inducing myCAF conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Mezawa
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of MedicineJuntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Tingwei Wang
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of MedicineJuntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yataro Daigo
- Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center; Center for Advanced Medicine against CancerShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Atsushi Takano
- Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center; Center for Advanced Medicine against CancerShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Yohei Miyagi
- Molecular Pathology and Genetics DivisionKanagawa Cancer Center Research InstituteYokohamaJapan
| | | | - Toshinari Yamashita
- Department of Breast Surgery and OncologyKanagawa Cancer CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Liying Yang
- Project for Cancer EpigenomicsCancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer EpigenomicsCancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Seimiya
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Akira Orimo
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of MedicineJuntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
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14
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Singh S, Barik D, Arukha AP, Prasad S, Mohapatra I, Singh A, Singh G. Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2621. [PMID: 37892995 PMCID: PMC10604364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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15
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Zhao Y, Shen M, Wu L, Yang H, Yao Y, Yang Q, Du J, Liu L, Li Y, Bai Y. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment: accomplices of tumor progression? Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:587. [PMID: 37666813 PMCID: PMC10477351 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is made up of cells and extracellular matrix (non-cellular component), and cellular components include cancer cells and non-malignant cells such as immune cells and stromal cells. These three types of cells establish complex signals in the body and further influence tumor genesis, development, metastasis and participate in resistance to anti-tumor therapy. It has attracted scholars to study immune cells in TME due to the significant efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) in solid tumors and hematologic tumors. After more than 10 years of efforts, the role of immune cells in TME and the strategy of treating tumors based on immune cells have developed rapidly. Moreover, ICI have been recommended by guidelines as first- or second-line treatment strategies in a variety of tumors. At the same time, stromal cells is another major class of cellular components in TME, which also play a very important role in tumor metabolism, growth, metastasis, immune evasion and treatment resistance. Stromal cells can be recruited from neighboring non-cancerous host stromal cells and can also be formed by transdifferentiation from stromal cells to stromal cells or from tumor cells to stromal cells. Moreover, they participate in tumor genesis, development and drug resistance by secreting various factors and exosomes, participating in tumor angiogenesis and tumor metabolism, regulating the immune response in TME and extracellular matrix. However, with the deepening understanding of stromal cells, people found that stromal cells not only have the effect of promoting tumor but also can inhibit tumor in some cases. In this review, we will introduce the origin of stromal cells in TME as well as the role and specific mechanism of stromal cells in tumorigenesis and tumor development and strategies for treatment of tumors based on stromal cells. We will focus on tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), tumor-associated adipocytes (CAAs), tumor endothelial cells (TECs) and pericytes (PCs) in stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Liangqiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Haiqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yixuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qingbiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianshi Du
- Key Laboratory of Lymphatic Surgery Jilin Province, Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Lymphatic Surgery Jilin Province, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yapeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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16
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Kehrberg RJ, Bhyravbhatla N, Batra SK, Kumar S. Epigenetic regulation of cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188901. [PMID: 37120098 PMCID: PMC10375465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188901] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), contribute to cancer progression through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, and metabolites. It is now well recognized that CAFs are a heterogenous population with ablation experiments leading to reduced tumor growth and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrating CAF subgroups. CAFs lack genetic mutations yet substantially differ from their normal stromal precursors. Here, we review epigenetic changes in CAF maturation, focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation changes in CAFs have been demonstrated globally, while roles of methylation at specific genes affect tumor growth. Further, loss of CAF histone methylation and gain of histone acetylation has been shown to promote CAF activation and tumor promotion. Many CAF activating factors, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), lead to these epigenetic changes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as targets and orchestrators of epigenetic modifications that influence gene expression. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET), an epigenetic reader, recognizes histone acetylation and activates the transcription of genes leading to the pro-tumor phenotype of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Kehrberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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17
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Zhang J, Huang L, Ge G, Hu K. Emerging Epigenetic-Based Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206169. [PMID: 36599655 PMCID: PMC9982594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic modifications dynamically drive the abnormal transcription process to affect the tumor microenvironment; thus, promoting cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Nowadays, therapies targeting epigenetic dysregulation of tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment appear to be promising adjuncts to other cancer therapies. However, the clinical results of combination therapies containing epigenetic agents are disappointing due to systemic toxicities and limited curative effects. Here, the role of epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and noncoding RNAs is discussed, followed by detailed descriptions of epigenetic regulation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the application of epigenetic modulators in antitumor therapy, with an emphasis on the epigenetic-based advanced drug delivery system in targeting the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular PharmaceuticsEshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
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18
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Shah K, Mallik SB, Gupta P, Iyer A. Targeting Tumour-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:908156. [PMID: 35814453 PMCID: PMC9258494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.908156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours develop within complex tissue environments consisting of aberrant oncogenic cancer cells, diverse innate and adaptive immune cells, along with structural stromal cells, extracellular matrix and vascular networks, and many other cellular and non-cellular soluble constituents. Understanding the heterogeneity and the complex interplay between these cells remains a key barrier in treating tumours and cancers. The immune status of the pre-tumour and tumour milieu can dictate if the tumour microenvironment (TME) supports either a pro-malignancy or an anti-malignancy phenotype. Identification of the factors and cell types that regulate the dysfunction of the TME is crucial in order to understand and modulate the immune status of tumours. Among these cell types, tumour-associated fibroblasts are emerging as a major component of the TME that is often correlated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance, including immunotherapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the complex roles of tumour-associated fibroblasts in regulating tumour immunity and cancer therapy could provide new insight into targeting the TME in various human cancers. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating the role of immune and key stromal cells in regulating the immune status of the TME and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting stromal cells, especially tumour-associated fibroblasts, within the TME as an adjuvant therapy to sensitize immunosuppressive tumours and prevent cancer progression, chemo-resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kairav Shah
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Praveer Gupta
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Abishek Iyer
- Alembic Discovery & Innovation, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
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19
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Banik A, Sharma R, Chauhan A, Singh S. Cutting the umbilical cord: Cancer stem cell-targeted therapeutics. Life Sci 2022; 299:120502. [PMID: 35351466 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a notoriously quiescent subpopulation of cells within heterogeneous tumors exhibiting self-renewal, differentiation and drug-resistant capabilities leading to tumor relapse. Heterogeneous cell populations in tumor microenvironment develop an elaborate network of signalling and factors supporting the CSC population within a niche. Identification of specific biomarkers for CSCs facilitates their isolation. CSCs demonstrate abilities that bypass immune surveillance, exhibit resistance to therapy, and induce cancer recurrence while promoting altered metabolism of the bulk tumor, thereby encouraging metastasis. The fight against cancer is prone to relapse without discussing the issue of CSCs, making it imperative for encapsulation of current studies. In this review, we provide extensive knowledge of recent therapeutics developed that target CSCs via multiple signalling cascades, altered metabolism and the tumor microenvironment. Thorough understanding of the functioning of CSCs, their interaction with different cells in the tumor microenvironment as well as current gaps in knowledge are addressed. We present possible strategies to disrupt the cellular and molecular interplay within the tumor microenvironment and make it less conducive for CSCs, which may aid in their eradication with subsequently better treatment outcomes. In conclusion, we discuss a brief yet functional idea of emerging concepts in CSC biology to develop efficient therapeutics acting on cancer recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Banik
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Akansha Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sandhya Singh
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
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20
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Tajaldini M, Saeedi M, Amiriani T, Amiriani AH, Sedighi S, Mohammad Zadeh F, Dehghan M, Jahanshahi M, Zanjan Ghandian M, Khalili P, Poorkhani AH, Alizadeh AM, Khori V. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs); where do they stand in tumorigenesis and how they can change the face of cancer therapy? Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:175087. [PMID: 35679891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components have recently attracted tremendous attention in cancer treatment strategies, as alongside the genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells, TME could also provide a fertile background for malignant cells to survive and proliferate. Interestingly, TME plays a vital role in the mediation of cancer metastasis and drug resistance even against immunotherapeutic agents. Among different cells that are presenting in TME, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have shown to have significant value in the regulation of angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, and drug-resistance through manipulating the composition as well as the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM). Evidence has shown that the presence of both TAMs and CAFs in TME is associated with poor prognosis and failure of chemotherapeutic agents. It seems that these cells together with ECM form a shield around tumor cells to protect them from the toxic agents and even the adaptive arm of the immune system, which is responsible for tumor surveillance. Given this, targeting TAMs and CAFs seems to be an essential approach to potentiate the cytotoxic effects of anti-cancer agents, either conventional chemotherapeutic drugs or immunotherapies. In the present review, we aimed to take a deep look at the mechanobiology of CAFs and TAMs in tumor progression and to discuss the available therapeutic approaches for harnessing these cells in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Tajaldini
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Saeedi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sima Sedighi
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammad Zadeh
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Dehghan
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Jahanshahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maziar Zanjan Ghandian
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Pedram Khalili
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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21
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Ou L, Wang H, Huang H, Zhou Z, Lin Q, Guo Y, Mitchell T, Huang AC, Karakousis G, Schuchter L, Amaravadi R, Guo W, Salvino J, Herlyn M, Xu X. Preclinical platforms to study therapeutic efficacy of human γδ T cells. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e814. [PMID: 35731974 PMCID: PMC9217106 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes are promising candidate for adoptive T cell therapy, however, their treatment efficacy is not satisfactory. Vδ2 T cells are unique to primates and few suitable models are available to assay their anti-tumour function. METHODS We tested human γδ T cell activation, tumour infiltration, and tumour-killing in four three-dimensional (3D) models, including unicellular, bicellular and multicellular melanoma spheroids, and patient-derived melanoma organoids. We studied the effects of checkpoint inhibitors on γδ T cells and performed a small molecule screen using these platforms. RESULTS γδ T cells rapidly responded to melanoma cells and infiltrated melanoma spheroids better than αβ T cells in PBMCs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in bicellular spheroids, stroma cells in multicellular melanoma spheroids and inhibitory immune cells in organoids significantly inhibited immune cell infiltrates including γδ T cells and lessened their cytotoxicity to tumour cells. Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells showed exhausted immunophenotypes with high checkpoints expression (CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1). Immune checkpoint inhibitors increased γδ T cell infiltration of 3D models and killing of melanoma cells in all four 3D models. Our small molecule screen assay and subsequent mechanistic studies demonstrated that epigenetic modifiers enhanced the chemotaxis and cytotoxicity of γδ T cells through upregulating MICA/B, inhibiting HDAC6/7 pathway and downregulating the levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in CAFs and tumour cells. These compounds increased CXCR4 and CD107a expression, IFN-γ production and decreased PD-1 expression of γδ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells show exhausted immunophenotypes and limited anti-tumour capacity in melanoma 3D models. Checkpoint inhibitors and epigenetic modifiers enhance anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells. These four 3D models provided valuable preclinical platforms to test γδ T cell functions for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Stomatological HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hui Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiang Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yeye Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tara Mitchell
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alexander C. Huang
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Giorgos Karakousis
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joseph Salvino
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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22
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Saw PE, Chen J, Song E. Targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:527-555. [PMID: 35331673 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The view of cancer as a tumor cell-centric disease is now replaced by our understanding of the interconnection and dependency of tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), are involved in anticancer therapeutic resistance. As we unearth more solid evidence on the link between CAFs and tumor progression, we gain insight into the role of CAFs in establishing resistance to cancer therapies. Herein, we review the origin, heterogeneity, and function of CAFs, with a focus on how CAF subsets can be used as biomarkers and can contribute to therapeutic resistance in cancer. We also depict current breakthroughs in targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance and discuss emerging CAF-targeting modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jianing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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23
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Han X, Peng C, Huang L, Luo X, Mao Q, Wu S, Zhang H. EGCG prevents pressure overload‑induced myocardial remodeling by downregulating overexpression of HDAC5 in mice. Int J Mol Med 2021; 49:11. [PMID: 34841436 PMCID: PMC8691946 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial remodeling is a complex pathological process and its mechanism is unclear. The present study investigated whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) prevents myocardial remodeling by regulating histone acetylation and explored the mechanisms underlying this effect in the heart of a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). A TAC mouse model was created by partial thoracic aortic banding (TAB). Subsequently, TAC mice were injected with EGCG at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. The hearts of mice were collected for analysis 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TAC. Histopathological changes in the heart were observed by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome and wheat germ agglutinin staining. Protein expression levels were investigated using western blotting. Cardiac function of mice was detected by echocardiography. The level of histone acetylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27ac) first increased and then decreased in the hearts of mice at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TAC. The expression levels of two genes associated with pathological myocardial remodeling, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), also increased initially but then decreased. The expression levels of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) gradually increased in the hearts of mice at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TAC. Furthermore, EGCG increased acetylation of H3K27ac by inhibiting HDAC5 in the heart of TAC mice treated with EGCG for 12 weeks. EGCG normalized the transcriptional activity of heart nuclear transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2A in TAC mice treated for 12 weeks. The low expression levels of myocardial remodeling‑associated genes (ANP and BNP) were reversed by EGCG treatment for 12 weeks in TAC mice. In addition, EGCG reversed cardiac enlargement and improved cardiac function and survival in TAC mice when treated with EGCG for 12 weeks. Modification of the HDAC5‑mediated imbalance in histone H3K27ac served a key role in pathological myocardial remodeling. The present results show that EGCG prevented and delayed myocardial remodeling in TAC mice by inhibiting HDAC5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Chang Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Lixin Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Qian Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Shuqi Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Huanting Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Inhibition of HDAC1 alleviates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling through up-regulation of miR-34a. Respir Res 2021; 22:239. [PMID: 34465322 PMCID: PMC8408973 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01832-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been found that up-regulation of histone deacetylases 1 (HDAC1) is involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, it is still unclear whether inhibition of HDAC1 suppresses the development of PAH via restoring miR-34a level in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rats. Methods PAH rat models were induced by intraperitoneal injection of MCT. HDAC1 was suppressed by intraperitoneal injection of the class I HDAC inhibitor MS-275, and miR-34a was over-expressed via tail vein injection of miR-34a agomiR. Results HDAC1 protein was significantly increased in MCT-induced PAH rats; this was accompanied with down-regulation of miR-34a and subsequent up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and MMP-2/TIMP-2. Administration of PAH rats with MS-275 or miR-34a agomiR dramatically abolished MCT-induced reduction of miR-34a and subsequent up-regulation of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2, finally reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, pulmonary arterial remodeling, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI) in PAH rats. Conclusions HDAC1 contributes to the development of MCT-induced rat PAH by suppressing miR-34a level and subsequently up-regulating the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2. Inhibition of HDAC1 alleviates pulmonary arterial remodeling and PAH through up-regulation of miR-34a level and subsequent reduction of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2, suggesting that inhibition of HDAC1 might have potential value in the management of PAH.
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Alcaraz J, Ikemori R, Llorente A, Díaz-Valdivia N, Reguart N, Vizoso M. Epigenetic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts in Lung Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153782. [PMID: 34359678 PMCID: PMC8345093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, partly due to limited therapy responses. New avenues of knowledge are indicating that lung cancer cells do not form a tumor in isolation but rather obtain essential support from their surrounding host tissue rich in altered fibroblasts. Notably, there is growing evidence that tumor progression and even the current limited responses to therapies could be prevented by rescuing the normal behavior of fibroblasts, which are critical housekeepers of normal tissue function. For this purpose, it is key to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathologic alterations of fibroblasts in cancer. This work provides a comprehensive review of the main molecular mechanisms involved in fibroblast transformation based on epigenetic reprogramming, and summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches to prevent or overcome the pathologic effects of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The desmoplastic stroma of lung cancer and other solid tumors is rich in tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) exhibiting an activated/myofibroblast-like phenotype. There is growing awareness that TAFs support key steps of tumor progression and are epigenetically reprogrammed compared to healthy fibroblasts. Although the mechanisms underlying such epigenetic reprogramming are incompletely understood, there is increasing evidence that they involve interactions with either cancer cells, pro-fibrotic cytokines such as TGF-β, the stiffening of the surrounding extracellular matrix, smoking cigarette particles and other environmental cues. These aberrant interactions elicit a global DNA hypomethylation and a selective transcriptional repression through hypermethylation of the TGF-β transcription factor SMAD3 in lung TAFs. Likewise, similar DNA methylation changes have been reported in TAFs from other cancer types, as well as histone core modifications and altered microRNA expression. In this review we summarize the evidence of the epigenetic reprogramming of TAFs, how this reprogramming contributes to the acquisition and maintenance of a tumor-promoting phenotype, and how it provides novel venues for therapeutic intervention, with a special focus on lung TAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Rafael Ikemori
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Alejandro Llorente
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Natalia Díaz-Valdivia
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
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Karagiannis D, Rampias T. HDAC Inhibitors: Dissecting Mechanisms of Action to Counter Tumor Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3575. [PMID: 34298787 PMCID: PMC8307174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity presents a major obstacle to cancer therapeutics, including conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Stochastic events such as mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and epigenetic dysregulation, as well as micro-environmental selection pressures related to nutrient and oxygen availability, immune infiltration, and immunoediting processes can drive immense phenotypic variability in tumor cells. Here, we discuss how histone deacetylase inhibitors, a prominent class of epigenetic drugs, can be leveraged to counter tumor heterogeneity. We examine their effects on cellular processes that contribute to heterogeneity and provide insights on their mechanisms of action that could assist in the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Karagiannis
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Theodoros Rampias
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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27
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Yap ZH, Kong WY, Azeez AR, Fang CM, Ngai SC. Anti-cancer Effects of Epigenetics Drugs Scriptaid and Zebularine in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1582-1591. [PMID: 34102995 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210608103251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High relapse and metastasis progression in breast cancer patients have prompted the need to explore alternative treatments. Epigenetic therapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy due to the reversibility of epigenome structures. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the anti-cancer effects of epigenetic drugs scriptaid and zebularine in human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. METHODS First, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both drugs on human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells was determined. Next, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both. After treatments, the anti-cancer effects were evaluated via cell migration assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptotic studies, which included histochemical staining and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the apoptotic genes. RESULTS Both epigenetic drugs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with 2 nM scriptaid, 8 µM zebularine and combination of 2 nM scriptaid and 2 µM zebularine. Both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells exhibited a reduction in cell migration after the treatments. In particular, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited a significant reduction in cell migration (p < 0.05) after the treatments of zebularine and the combination of scriptaid and zebularine. Besides, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that scriptaid and the combination of both drugs could induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, histochemical staining allowed the observation of apoptotic features, such as nuclear chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear chromatin fragmentation and cytoplasmic extension, in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells after the treatments. Further apoptotic studies revealed that the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were found in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with zebularine and MCF-7 cells treated with all drug regimens. CONCLUSION Collectively, these findings suggest that scriptaid and zebularine are potential anti-cancer drugs, either single or in combination, for the therapy of breast cancer. Further investigations of the gene regulatory pathways directed by scriptaid and zebularine are definitely warranted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hung Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Wei Yang Kong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Abdur Rahmaan Azeez
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
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Zhang J, Qi J, Wei H, Lei Y, Yu H, Liu N, Zhao L, Wang P. TGFβ1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Is Associated With Progression and Radiosensitivity in Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667645. [PMID: 34095135 PMCID: PMC8172974 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is aggressive, with early metastasis. Cytokines secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within various tumors influences these features, but the function in particular of TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) is controversial and unknown in SCLC. This study explored the influence of TGFβ1 in CAFs on the development, immune microenvironment, and radiotherapy sensitivity of SCLC. Methods SCLC specimens were collected from 90 patients who had received no treatment before surgery. Tumor and tumor stroma were subjected to multiplex immunohistochemistry to quantitate TGFβ1 and other immune factors in CAFs. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry apoptosis assays were used to investigate associations between TGFβ1 and proliferation and radiotherapy sensitivity. The immune factors in tumors were detected by immunohistochemistry in vitro and in vivo (mice). Results TGFβ1 levels on CAFs lower or higher than the median were found, respectively, in 52.2 and 47.8% of patients; overall survival of patients with TGFβ1-high levels (53.9 mo) was significantly longer than that of the TGFβ1-low group (26.9 mo; P = 0.037). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that a TGFβ1-high level was an independent predictor of increased survival time. TGFβ1-high levels in CAFs were associated with inhibition of growth, proliferation, antitumor immunity, and enhanced radiotherapeutic sensitivity and tumor immunity of tumor. TGFβ1-low levels promoted tumor cell growth and radiotherapy sensitivity in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion High levels of TGFβ1 in CAFs were associated with longer overall survival in patients with SCLC and enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Qi
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology (Nankai University), Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lei
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lujun Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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Mezawa Y, Orimo A. Phenotypic heterogeneity, stability and plasticity in tumor-promoting carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. FEBS J 2021; 289:2429-2447. [PMID: 33786982 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are essential for full-blown tumor development. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME together with a wide variety of stromal cell types including vascular, inflammatory, and immune cells in the extracellular matrix. CAFs not only promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, but also dampen the efficacy of various therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors. CAFs are composed of distinct fibroblast populations presumably with diverse activated fibroblastic states and tumor-promoting phenotypes in a tumor, indicating intratumor heterogeneity in these fibroblasts. Given that CAFs have been implicated in both disease progression and therapeutic responses, elucidating the functional roles of each fibroblast population in CAFs and the molecular mechanisms mediating their phenotypic stability and plasticity in the TME would be crucial for understanding tumor biology. We herein discuss how distinct fibroblast populations comprising CAFs establish their cell identities, in terms of cells-of-origin, stimuli from the TME, and the phenotypes characteristic of activated states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Mezawa
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Orimo
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Lee JE, Kim MY. Cancer epigenetics: Past, present and future. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:4-14. [PMID: 33798724 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer was thought to be caused solely by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In the last 35 years, however, epigenetic changes have been increasingly recognized as another primary driver of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic deregulation in cancer often includes mutations and/or aberrant expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes, their associated proteins, and even non-coding RNAs, which can alter chromatin structure and dynamics. This leads to changes in gene expression that ultimately contribute to the emergence and evolution of cancer cells. Studies of the deregulation of chromatin modifiers in cancer cells have reshaped the way we approach cancer and guided the development of novel anticancer therapeutics that target epigenetic factors. There remain, however, a number of unanswered questions in this field that are the focus of present research. Areas of particular interest include the actions of emerging classes of epigenetic regulators of carcinogenesis and the tumor microenvironment, as well as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss past findings on epigenetic mechanisms of cancer, current trends in the field of cancer epigenetics, and the directions of future research that may lead to the identification of new prognostic markers for cancer and the development of more effective anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Radaei Z, Zamani A, Najafi R, Saidijam M, Jalilian FA, Ezati R, Solgi G, Amini R. Promising Effects of Zerumbone on the Regulation of Tumor-promoting Cytokines Induced by TNF-α-activated Fibroblasts. Curr Med Sci 2021; 40:1075-1084. [PMID: 33428135 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in the development of several cancers. Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), are associated with the induction of inflammation. Chronic inflammation contributes to the progression of cancer through several mechanisms, including increased cytokine production and activation of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Zerumbone (ZER), a component of subtropical ginger (Zingiber zerumbet Smith), seems to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective function and mechanisms of ZER against TNF-α-induced cancer-promoting cytokines. We found that the viability of stimulated human fibroblast cell lines was reduced after treatment with ZER (IC50=18 µmol/L), compared to un-stimulated fibroblasts (IC50=40 µmol/L). Besides, ZER inhibited mRNA expression and protein secretion of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-33 (IL-33), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which were produced by TNF-α-induced fibroblasts, as measured by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA assays. The mRNA expression levels of TGF-β, IL-33, SDF-1, and MCP-1 showed 8, 5, 2.5, and 4-fold reductions, respectively. Moreover, secretion of TGF-β, IL-33, SDF-1, and MCP-1 was reduced to 3.65±0.34 ng/mL, 6.3±0.26, 1703.6±295.2, and 5.02±0.18 pg/mL, respectively, compared to the untreated group. In addition, the conditioned media (CM) of TNF-α-stimulated fibroblasts increased the NF-κB expression in colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Sw48), while in the vicinity of ZER, the expression of NF-κB was reversed. Considering the significant effects of ZER, this component can be used as an appropriate alternative herbal treatment for cancer-related chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Radaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Alireza Zamani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Farid Azizi Jalilian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Razieh Ezati
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, 14965, Iran
| | - Ghasem Solgi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 65178, Iran.
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Louault K, Li RR, DeClerck YA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Understanding Their Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113108. [PMID: 33114328 PMCID: PMC7690906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important contributory role in the microenvironment of tumors. They originate from different cells, have multiple pro-and anti-tumorigenic functions in tumors and their presence is variable among cancer types. Recently, there has been evidence that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group of cells that can now be characterized and identified at the single cell level. This review article summarizes our recent understanding of the highly heterogeneous nature of the origin, phenotype and function of CAFs and how such understanding will lead to a more precise approach to target or use CAFs and their precursor cells in the treatment of cancer. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor progression. Among its multiple components are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are the main suppliers of extracellular matrix molecules and important contributors to inflammation. As a source of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and other regulatory molecules, they participate in cancer progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune cell reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Nevertheless, their role is not fully understood, and is sometimes controversial due to their heterogeneity. CAFs are heterogeneous in their origin, phenotype, function and presence within tumors. As a result, strategies to target CAFs in cancer therapy have been hampered by the difficulties in better defining the various populations of CAFs and by the lack of clear recognition of their specific function in cancer progression. This review discusses how a greater understanding of the heterogeneous nature of CAFs could lead to better approaches aimed at their use or at their targeting in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Louault
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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Li G, Tian Y, Zhu WG. The Roles of Histone Deacetylases and Their Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:576946. [PMID: 33117804 PMCID: PMC7552186 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.576946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations and abnormal gene regulation are key mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. Nucleosomes, which consist of DNA wrapped around histone cores, represent the basic units of chromatin. The fifth amino group (Nε) of histone lysine residues is a common site for post-translational modifications (PTMs), and of these, acetylation is the second most common. Histone acetylation is modulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), and is involved in the regulation of gene expression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies characterizing HDACs and HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have provided novel and exciting insights concerning their underlying biological mechanisms and potential anti-cancer treatments. In this review, we detail the diverse structures of HDACs and their underlying biological functions, including transcriptional regulation, metabolism, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, cell cycle, apoptosis, protein degradation, immunity and other several physiological processes. We also highlight potential avenues to use HDACi as novel, precision cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-Guo Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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Ba P, Xu M, Yu M, Li L, Duan X, Lv S, Fu G, Yang J, Yang P, Yang C, Sun Q. Curcumin suppresses the proliferation and tumorigenicity of Cal27 by modulating cancer‐associated fibroblasts of TSCC. Oral Dis 2020; 26:1375-1383. [PMID: 32060973 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Ba
- Department of Periodontology School of Stomatology Shandong University Jinan China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration Shandong University Jinan China
- Department of Periodontology Weihai Stomatological Hospital Weihai China
| | - Mingcai Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Weihai second municipal hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University Weihai China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Stomatology Weifang People’s Hospital Weifang China
| | - Linxia Li
- Department of Stomatology Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University Jining China
| | - Xiaoyu Duan
- National Engineering Laboratory WeGo Group Co., Ltd Weihai China
| | - Shuyan Lv
- Department of Periodontology Weihai Stomatological Hospital Weihai China
| | - Guo Fu
- Department of Periodontology Weihai Stomatological Hospital Weihai China
| | - Jianbo Yang
- Department of Periodontology Weihai Stomatological Hospital Weihai China
| | - Pishan Yang
- Department of Periodontology School of Stomatology Shandong University Jinan China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Chengzhe Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute of Stomatology Qilu Hospital Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Qinfeng Sun
- Department of Periodontology School of Stomatology Shandong University Jinan China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration Shandong University Jinan China
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Lai Q, Fang Y, Wu C, Liu Y, Li Q, Wang X, Gu C, Chen J, Cai J, Li A, Liu S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miR-17-5p promotes colorectal cancer aggressive phenotype by initiating a RUNX3/MYC/TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. Cancer Lett 2020; 491:22-35. [PMID: 32730779 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME). We found that the distribution of CAFs was significantly increased with tumour progression and led to a poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed that CAFs enhanced colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Based on extraction and identification of exosomes of CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs), CAFs-exo showed higher expression of miR-17-5p than NFs-exo and could deliver exosomal miR-17-5p from parental CAFs to CRC cells. Further exploration verified that miR-17-5p influenced CRC metastasis capacity and directly targeted 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of RUNX family transcription factor 3(RUNX3). Our findings further revealed that RUNX3 interacted with MYC proto-oncogene(MYC) and that both RUNX3 and MYC bound to the promoter of transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1) at base pairs 1005-1296, thereby activating the TGF-β signalling pathway and contributing to tumour progression. In addition, RUNX3/MYC/TGF-β1 signalling sustained autocrine TGF-β1 to activate CAFs, and activated CAFs released more exosomal miR-17-5p to CRC cells, forming a positive feedback loop for CRC progression. Taken together, these data provide a new understanding of the potential diagnostic value of exosomal miR-17-5p in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanci Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuhua Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changjie Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinke Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuncai Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianqun Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Aimin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Side Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Kinins and nitric oxide in patients with chronic chagas disease and systemic arterial hypertension. Cardiovasc Pathol 2020; 49:107257. [PMID: 32674046 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2020.107257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Chagas disease (CCHD) associated with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is frequently found in areas where the disease is endemic. The pathogenesis of patients with both pathologies (CCHD-SAH) is unsettled. Nitric Oxide (NO) and Kinins are important players in the myocardial inflammation process in experimental CCHD. No previous study has addressed this question in patients with CCHD, particularly in those with CCHD-SAH. Accordingly, this study was undertaken in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of patients with CCHD-SAH. METHODS Thirty-seven patients with a positive serology for Chagas disease were enrolled; 15 had CCHD alone, 22 had CCHD-SAH (abnormal ECG/Doppler echocardiogram plus a systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg on admission), and 11 had SAH alone. Thirty healthy individuals matched by age and sex served as controls. Plasma High-molecular (Hkg) and low-molecular weight (LKg) kininogens, plasma kallikrein levels (Pkal and Tcal), Kininase II, and plasma NO were measured. RESULTS HKg and LKg were lower in CCHD-SAH patients in comparison with other groups (P < .0001). Pkal and Tcal were higher in CCHD-SAH patients in comparison with the other groups (P< .0001). Kininase II levels were similar in SAH, CCHD, and CCHD-SAH patients, but lower in comparison with controls (P< .0001). NO levels were similar in CCHD and CCHD-SAH patients, but higher in comparison with SAH patients and controls (P > .0001). CONCLUSION Such findings suggest increased Kinin and NO activity in patients with CCHD-SAH, thus contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition.
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Truffi M, Sorrentino L, Corsi F. Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1234:15-29. [PMID: 32040852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-37184-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The implications of a tumor microenvironment in cancer initiation and progression have drawn interest in recent years. Within the tumor stroma, fibroblasts represent a predominant cell type and are responsible for the majority of extracellular components within the tumor microenvironment, such as matrix and soluble factors. A switch from quiescent fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts triggers a large variety of pro-tumorigenic signals that support tumor progression and shape the surrounding pathological stroma, with the remodeling of tissue architecture and repression of the local immune response. The heterogeneous nature of cancer-associated fibroblasts and their multiple functions are subject of active research as they could represent promising targets for cutting-edge therapeutic approaches to cancer and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Truffi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Sorrentino
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Corsi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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40
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Huang S, Liu S, Niu Y, Fu L. Scriptaid/exercise-induced lysine acetylation is another type of posttranslational modification occurring in titin. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:276-285. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00617.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin serves important functions in skeletal muscle during exercise, and posttranslational modifications of titin participate in the regulation of titin-based sarcomeric functions. Scriptaid has exercise-like effects through the inhibition of HDAC and regulatory acetylation of proteins. However, it remains mostly unclear if exercise could result in titin’s acetylation and whether Scriptaid could regulate acetylation of titin. We treated C57BL/6 mice with 6-wk treadmill exercise and 6-wk Scriptaid administration to explore Scriptaid’s effects on mice exercise capacity and whether Scriptaid administration/exercise could induce titin’s acetylation modification. An exercise endurance test was conducted to explore their effects on mice exercise capacity, and proteomic studies were conducted with gastrocnemius muscle tissue of mice from different groups to explore titin’s acetylation modification. We found that Scriptaid and exercise did not change titin’s protein expression, but they did induce acetylation modification changes of titin. In total, 333 acetylated lysine sites were identified. Exercise changed the acetylation levels of 33 lysine sites of titin, whereas Scriptaid changed acetylation levels of 31 titin lysine sites. Exercise treatment and Scriptaid administration shared 11 lysine sites. In conclusion, Scriptaid increased exercise endurance of mice by increasing the time mice spent running to fatigue. Acetylation is a common type of posttranslational modification of titin, and exercise/Scriptaid changed the acetylation levels of titin and titin-interacting proteins. Most importantly, titin may be a mediator through which Scriptaid and exercise modulate the properties and functions of exercise-induced skeletal muscle at the molecular level. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Scriptaid administration increased mouse exercise endurance. Acetylation is another type of posttranslational modification of titin. Scriptaid/exercise changed acetylation levels of titin and titin-interacting proteins. Titin may mediate exercise-induced skeletal muscle properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sujuan Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmei Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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41
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Sylvestre M, Tarte K, Roulois D. Epigenetic mechanisms driving tumor supportive microenvironment differentiation and function: a role in cancer therapy? Epigenomics 2019; 12:157-169. [PMID: 31849241 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in tumor development and drug resistance. Within TME, the stromal cell subset, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a heterogeneous population originating from poorly characterized precursors. Since cancer-associated fibroblasts do not acquire somatic mutations, other mechanisms like epigenetic regulation, could be involved in the development of these cells and in the acquisition of tumor supportive phenotypes. Moreover, such epigenetic modulations have been correlated to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment facilitating tumor evasion. These findings underline the need to deepen our knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms driving TME development and function, and to understand the impact of epigenetic drugs that could be used in future to target both tumor cells and their TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Sylvestre
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire Suivi Immunologique des Thérapeutiques Innovantes (SITI), Centre Hospitalier Universitaires de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - David Roulois
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Niches & Epigenetics of Tumors from Cancéropole Grand Ouest, France
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42
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Zhong S, Jeong JH, Chen Z, Chen Z, Luo JL. Targeting Tumor Microenvironment by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Transl Oncol 2019; 13:57-69. [PMID: 31785429 PMCID: PMC6909103 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a hypoxic, acidic, and immune/inflammatory cell–enriched milieu that plays crucial roles in tumor development, growth, progression, and therapy resistance. Targeting TME is an attractive strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. Conventional cancer chemotherapies are mostly designed to directly kill cancer cells, and the effectiveness is always compromised by their penetration and accessibility to cancer cells. Small-molecule inhibitors, which exhibit good penetration and accessibility, are widely studied, and many of them have been successfully applied in clinics for cancer treatment. As TME is more penetrable and accessible than tumor cells, a lot of efforts have recently been made to generate small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target TME or the components of TME or develop special drug-delivery systems that release the cytotoxic drugs specifically in TME. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent advances of small-molecule inhibitors that target TME for the tumor treatment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is an indispensable part of tumor and is an important therapeutic target. TME is more penetrable and accessible than tumor cell area. Small-molecule inhibitors that target TME are very promising. The target efficiency can be improved by specific deliver and release systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangwei Zhong
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ji-Hak Jeong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Zhikang Chen
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Zihua Chen
- The Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Jun-Li Luo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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43
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Martinez VG, Munera-Maravilla E, Bernardini A, Rubio C, Suarez-Cabrera C, Segovia C, Lodewijk I, Dueñas M, Martínez-Fernández M, Paramio JM. Epigenetics of Bladder Cancer: Where Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Meet. Front Genet 2019; 10:1125. [PMID: 31850055 PMCID: PMC6902278 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasia of the urothelial tract. Due to its high incidence, prevalence, recurrence and mortality, it remains an unsolved clinical and social problem. The treatment of BC is challenging and, although immunotherapies have revealed potential benefit in a percentage of patients, it remains mostly an incurable disease at its advanced state. Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, altered chromatin remodeling and deregulated expression of non-coding RNAs are common events in BC and can be driver events in BC pathogenesis. Accordingly, these epigenetic alterations are now being used as potential biomarkers for these disorders and are being envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for the future management of BC. In this review, we summarize the recent findings in these emerging and exciting new aspects paving the way for future clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G. Martinez
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Munera-Maravilla
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Bernardini
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Rubio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian Suarez-Cabrera
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Segovia
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Fernández
- Genomes & Disease Lab, CiMUS (Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesus Maria Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Jones DL, Haak AJ, Caporarello N, Choi KM, Ye Z, Yan H, Varelas X, Ordog T, Ligresti G, Tschumperlin DJ. TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation requires persistent and targeted HDAC-mediated gene repression. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.233486. [PMID: 31527052 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.233486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is a chronic disease driven by persistent fibroblast activation that has recently been linked to epigenetic modifications. Here, we screened a small library of epigenetic small-molecule modulators to identify compounds capable of inhibiting or reversing TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. We identified pracinostat, an HDAC inhibitor, as a potent attenuator of lung fibroblast activation and confirmed its efficacy in patient-derived fibroblasts isolated from fibrotic lung tissue. Mechanistically, we found that HDAC-dependent transcriptional repression was an early and essential event in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. Treatment of lung fibroblasts with pracinostat broadly attenuated TGFβ-mediated epigenetic repression and promoted fibroblast quiescence. We confirmed a specific role for HDAC-dependent histone deacetylation in the promoter region of the anti-fibrotic gene PPARGC1A (PGC1α) in response to TGFβ stimulation. Finally, we identified HDAC7 as a key factor whose siRNA-mediated knockdown attenuates fibroblast activation without altering global histone acetylation. Together, these results provide novel mechanistic insight into the essential role HDACs play in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation via targeted gene repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota L Jones
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kyoung M Choi
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhenqing Ye
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Huihuang Yan
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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45
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Insights into myofibroblasts and their activation in scleroderma: opportunities for therapy? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2019; 30:581-587. [PMID: 30074511 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The persistence of myofibroblasts is a key feature of fibrosis and in fibrotic diseases including scleroderma. This review evaluates the emerging concepts of the origins and cell populations that contribute to myofibroblasts and the molecular mechanisms that govern phenotypic conversion and that highlight opportunities for new interventional treatments in scleroderma. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have defined heterogeneity in fibroblast-like cells that can develop into myofibroblast in normal wound healing, scarring and fibrosis. Characterizing these distinct cell populations and their behaviour has been a key focus. In addition, the overarching impact of epigenetic regulation of genes associated with inflammatory responses, cell signalling and cell communication and the extracellular matrix (ECM) has provided important insights into the formation of myofibroblast and their function. Important new studies include investigations into the relationship between inflammation and myofibroblast production and further evidence has been gathered that reveal the importance of ECM microenvironment, biomechanical sensing and mechanotransduction. SUMMARY This review highlights our current understanding and outlines the increasing complexity of the biological processes that leads to the appearance of the myofibroblast in normal functions and in diseased tissues. We also focus on areas of special interest in particular, studies that have therapeutic potential in fibrosis and scleroderma.
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46
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Gieniec KA, Butler LM, Worthley DL, Woods SL. Cancer-associated fibroblasts-heroes or villains? Br J Cancer 2019; 121:293-302. [PMID: 31289350 PMCID: PMC6738083 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were originally presumed to represent a homogeneous population uniformly driving tumorigenesis, united by their morphology and peritumoural location. Our understanding of CAFs has since been shaped by sophisticated in vitro and in vivo experiments, pathological association and, more recently, ablation, and it is now widely appreciated that CAFs form a group of highly heterogeneous cells with no single overarching marker. Studies have demonstrated that the CAF population contains different subtypes based on the expression of marker proteins with the capacity to promote or inhibit cancer, with their biological role as accomplices or adversaries dependent on many factors, including the cancer stage. So, while CAFs have been endlessly shown to promote the growth, survival and spread of tumours via improvements in functionality and an altered secretome, they are also capable of retarding tumorigenesis via largely unknown mechanisms. It is important to reconcile these disparate results so that the functions of, or factors produced by, tumour-promoting subtypes can be specifically targeted to improve cancer patient outcomes. This review will dissect out CAF complexity and CAF-directed cancer treatment strategies in order to provide a case for future, rational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna A Gieniec
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M Butler
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel L Worthley
- Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan L Woods
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. .,Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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