1
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Tamburri S, Rustichelli S, Amato S, Pasini D. Navigating the complexity of Polycomb repression: Enzymatic cores and regulatory modules. Mol Cell 2024:S1097-2765(24)00628-2. [PMID: 39178860 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.07.030] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Polycomb proteins are a fundamental repressive system that plays crucial developmental roles by orchestrating cell-type-specific transcription programs that govern cell identity. Direct alterations of Polycomb activity are indeed implicated in human pathologies, including developmental disorders and cancer. General Polycomb repression is coordinated by three distinct activities that regulate the deposition of two histone post-translational modifications: tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1). These activities exist in large and heterogeneous multiprotein ensembles consisting of common enzymatic cores regulated by heterogeneous non-catalytic modules composed of a large number of accessory proteins with diverse biochemical properties. Here, we have analyzed the current molecular knowledge, focusing on the functional interaction between the core enzymatic activities and their regulation mediated by distinct accessory modules. This provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular details that control the establishment and maintenance of Polycomb repression, examining their underlying coordination and highlighting missing information and emerging new features of Polycomb-mediated transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tamburri
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Samantha Rustichelli
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Amato
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Pasini
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Zhan Y, Zhang Z, Yin A, Su X, Tang N, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Chen W, Wang J, Wang W. RBBP4: A novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for non-small-cell lung cancer correlated with autophagic cell death. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70090. [PMID: 39109577 PMCID: PMC11304277 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often presents at later stages, typically associated with poor prognosis. Autophagy genes play a role in the progression of tumors. This study investigated the clinical relevance, prognostic value, and biological significance of RBBP4 in NSCLC. METHODS We assessed RBBP4 expression using the GSE30219 and TCGA NSCLC datasets and NSCLC cells, exploring its links with clinical outcomes, tumor immunity, and autophagy genes through bioinformatics analysis after transcriptome sequencing of RBBP4-knockdown and control PC9 cells. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conducted Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction network analyses. The significance of autophagy-related DEGs was evaluated for diagnosis and prognosis using the GSE30219 dataset. Experiments both in vivo and in vitro explored the biological mechanisms behind RBBP4-mediated autophagic cell death in NSCLC. RESULTS RBBP4 overexpression in NSCLC correlates with a poorer prognosis. Eighteen types of immune cell were significantly enriched in cultures that had low RBBP4 expression compared high expression. DEGs associated with RBBP4 are enriched in autophagy pathways. Transcriptomic profiling of the PC9 cell line identified autophagy-related DEGs associated with RBBP4 that exhibited differential expression in NSCLC, suggesting prognostic applications. In vitro experiments demonstrated that RBBP4 knockdown induced autophagy and apoptosis in PC9 cells, promoting cell death, which was inhibited by 3-MA. In vivo, targeted siRNA against RBBP4 significantly reduced tumor development in PC9 cell-injected nude mice, elevating autophagy-related protein levels and inducing apoptosis and necrosis in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION In NSCLC, RBBP4 upregulation correlates with poor prognosis and altered immunity. Its knockdown induces autophagic cell death in NSCLC cells. These results indicate RBBP4 as a potential NSCLC diagnostic marker and its autophagy modulation as a prospective therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Zhan
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory CenterShaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital)ShaoxingZhejiangChina
| | - Ankang Yin
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiyang Su
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryPeople's Hospital of Wangcheng District ChangshaChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yi Chen
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zebin Zhang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Wei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineTongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineTongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineTongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
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3
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Deng N, Li G, Zhang L, Wang P, Liu M, He B, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Wang H, Deng W, Bao H, Kong S. H3K27me3 timely dictates uterine epithelial transcriptome remodeling and thus transformation essential for normal embryo implantation. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1013-1028. [PMID: 38698061 PMCID: PMC11303564 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01302-9] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine luminal epithelia (LE), the first layer contacting with the blastocyst, acquire receptivity for normal embryo implantation. Besides the well-accepted transcriptional regulation dominated by ovarian estrogen and progesterone for receptivity establishment, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms remains elusive. This study systematically profiles the transcriptome and genome-wide H3K27me3 distribution in the LE throughout the preimplantation. Combining genetic and pharmacological approaches targeting the PRC2 core enzyme Ezh1/2, we demonstrate that the defective remodeling of H3K27me3 in the preimplantation stage disrupts the differentiation of LE, and derails uterine receptivity, resulting in implantation failure. Specifically, crucial epithelial genes, Pgr, Gata2, and Sgk1, are transcriptionally silenced through de novo deposition of H3K27me3 for LE transformation, and their sustained expression in the absence of H3K27me3 synergistically confines the nuclear translocation of FOXO1. Further functional studies identify several actin-associated genes, including Arpin, Tmod1, and Pdlim2, as novel direct targets of H3K27me3. Their aberrantly elevated expression impedes the morphological remodeling of LE, a hindrance alleviated by treatment with cytochalasin D which depolymerizes F-actin. Collectively, this study uncovers a previously unappreciated epigenetic regulatory mechanism for the transcriptional silencing of key LE genes via H3K27me3, essential for LE differentiation and thus embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Gaizhen Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Peiran Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Bo He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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4
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Condemi L, Mocavini I, Aranda S, Di Croce L. Polycomb function in early mouse development. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01340-3. [PMID: 38997437 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic factors are crucial for ensuring proper chromatin dynamics during the initial stages of embryo development. Among these factors, the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins plays a key role in establishing correct transcriptional programmes during mouse embryogenesis. PcG proteins are classified into two complexes: Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2. Both complexes decorate histone proteins with distinct post-translational modifications (PTMs) that are predictive of a silent transcriptional chromatin state. In recent years, a critical adaptation of the classical techniques to analyse chromatin profiles and to study biochemical interactions at low-input resolution has allowed us to deeply explore PcG molecular mechanisms in the very early stages of mouse embryo development- from fertilisation to gastrulation, and from zygotic genome activation (ZGA) to specific lineages differentiation. These advancements provide a foundation for a deeper understanding of the fundamental role Polycomb complexes play in early development and have elucidated the mechanistic dynamics of PRC1 and PRC2. In this review, we discuss the functions and molecular mechanisms of both PRC1 and PRC2 during early mouse embryo development, integrating new studies with existing knowledge. Furthermore, we highlight the molecular functionality of Polycomb complexes from ZGA through gastrulation, with a particular focus on non-canonical imprinted and bivalent genes, and Hox cluster regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Condemi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivano Mocavini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Sergi Aranda
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Torres-Berrío A, Estill M, Patel V, Ramakrishnan A, Kronman H, Minier-Toribio A, Issler O, Browne CJ, Parise EM, van der Zee YY, Walker DM, Martínez-Rivera FJ, Lardner CK, Durand-de Cuttoli R, Russo SJ, Shen L, Sidoli S, Nestler EJ. Mono-methylation of lysine 27 at histone 3 confers lifelong susceptibility to stress. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00413-6. [PMID: 38959894 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.006] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications are critical for mediating persistent alterations in gene expression. By combining unbiased proteomics profiling and genome-wide approaches, we uncovered a role for mono-methylation of lysine 27 at histone H3 (H3K27me1) in the enduring effects of stress. Specifically, mice susceptible to early life stress (ELS) or chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) displayed increased H3K27me1 enrichment in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain-reward region. Stress-induced H3K27me1 accumulation occurred at genes that control neuronal excitability and was mediated by the VEFS domain of SUZ12, a core subunit of the polycomb repressive complex-2, which controls H3K27 methylation patterns. Viral VEFS expression changed the transcriptional profile of the NAc, led to social, emotional, and cognitive abnormalities, and altered excitability and synaptic transmission of NAc D1-medium spiny neurons. Together, we describe a novel function of H3K27me1 in the brain and demonstrate its role as a "chromatin scar" that mediates lifelong stress susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Torres-Berrío
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vishwendra Patel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hope Kronman
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angélica Minier-Toribio
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Orna Issler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caleb J Browne
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric M Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yentl Y van der Zee
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena M Walker
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Freddyson J Martínez-Rivera
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Casey K Lardner
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romain Durand-de Cuttoli
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Chen Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Tong S, Liu Y. EZH2: The roles in targeted therapy and mechanisms of resistance in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116624. [PMID: 38670045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116624] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance presents a formidable challenge in the realm of breast cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), may serve as a key regulator in controlling drug resistance. EZH2 overexpression has been observed in breast cancer and many other malignancies, showing a strong correlation with poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which EZH2 regulates drug resistance, with a specific focus on breast cancer, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular processes. Additionally, we will discuss the current strategies and outcomes of targeting EZH2 using both single agents and combination therapies, with the goal of offering improved guidance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer patients who have developed drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yi Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Biotheus Inc., Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519080, PR China.
| | - Shuangmei Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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7
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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8
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Ma J, Liu YC, Voss RK, Ma J, Palagani A, Caldwell E, Rosikiewicz W, Cardenas M, Foy S, Umeda M, Wilkinson MR, Inaba H, Klco JM, Rubnitz JE, Wang L. Genomic and global gene expression profiling in pediatric and young adult acute leukemia with PICALM::MLLT10 Fusion. Leukemia 2024; 38:981-990. [PMID: 38429501 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
PICALM MLLT10 fusion is a rare but recurrent genetic driver in acute leukemias. To better understand the genomic landscape of PICALM::MLLT10 (PM) positive acute leukemia, we performed genomic profiling and gene expression profiling in twenty PM-positive patients, including AML (n = 10), T-ALL/LLy (n = 8), Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), T/B (n = 1) and acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) (n = 1). Besides confirming the known activation of HOXA, differential gene expression analysis compared to hematopoietic stem cells demonstrated the enrichment of genes associated with cell proliferation-related pathways and relatively high expression of XPO1 in PM-AML and PM-T-ALL/LLy. Our study also suggested PHF6 disruption as a key cooperating event in PICALM::MLLT10-positive leukemias. In addition, we demonstrated differences in gene expression profiles as well as remarkably different spectra of co-occurring mutations between PM-AML and PM-T-ALL/LLy. Alterations affecting TP53 and NF1, hallmarks of PM-AML, are strongly associated with disease progression and relapse, whereas EZH2 alterations are highly enriched in PM-T-ALL/LLy. This comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic profiling provides insights into the pathogenesis and development of PICALM::MLLT10 positive acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqun Ma
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yen-Chun Liu
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca K Voss
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ajay Palagani
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Caldwell
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wojciech Rosikiewicz
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Maria Cardenas
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Scott Foy
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Masayuki Umeda
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mark R Wilkinson
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hiroto Inaba
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffery M Klco
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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9
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Konuma T, Zhou MM. Distinct Histone H3 Lysine 27 Modifications Dictate Different Outcomes of Gene Transcription. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168376. [PMID: 38056822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168376] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific histone modifications have long been recognized to play an important role in directing gene transcription in chromatin in biology of health and disease. However, concrete illustration of how different histone modifications in a site-specific manner dictate gene transcription outcomes, as postulated in the influential "Histone code hypothesis", introduced by Allis and colleagues in 2000, has been lacking. In this review, we summarize our latest understanding of the dynamic regulation of gene transcriptional activation, silence, and repression in chromatin that is directed distinctively by histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation, methylation, and crotonylation, respectively. This represents a special example of a long-anticipated verification of the "Histone code hypothesis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Konuma
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; School of Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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10
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Arecco N, Mocavini I, Blanco E, Ballaré C, Libman E, Bonnal S, Irimia M, Di Croce L. Alternative splicing decouples local from global PRC2 activity. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1049-1061.e8. [PMID: 38452766 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates epigenetic maintenance of gene silencing in eukaryotes via methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27). Accessory factors define two distinct subtypes, PRC2.1 and PRC2.2, with different actions and chromatin-targeting mechanisms. The mechanisms orchestrating PRC2 assembly are not fully understood. Here, we report that alternative splicing (AS) of PRC2 core component SUZ12 generates an uncharacterized isoform SUZ12-S, which co-exists with the canonical SUZ12-L isoform in virtually all tissues and developmental stages. SUZ12-S drives PRC2.1 formation and favors PRC2 dimerization. While SUZ12-S is necessary and sufficient for the repression of target genes via promoter-proximal H3K27me3 deposition, SUZ12-L maintains global H3K27 methylation levels. Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) lacking either isoform exit pluripotency more slowly and fail to acquire neuronal cell identity. Our findings reveal a physiological mechanism regulating PRC2 assembly and higher-order interactions in eutherians, with impacts on H3K27 methylation and gene repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Arecco
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
| | - Ivano Mocavini
- Genome Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Enrique Blanco
- Genome Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Cecilia Ballaré
- Genome Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elina Libman
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Sophie Bonnal
- Genome Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Manuel Irimia
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Genome Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Carrer del Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Glancy E, Choy N, Eckersley-Maslin MA. Bivalent chromatin: a developmental balancing act tipped in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:217-229. [PMID: 38385532 PMCID: PMC10903468 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230426] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Bivalent chromatin is defined by the co-occurrence of otherwise opposing H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications and is typically located at unmethylated promoters of lowly transcribed genes. In embryonic stem cells, bivalent chromatin has been proposed to poise developmental genes for future activation, silencing or stable repression upon lineage commitment. Normally, bivalent chromatin is kept in tight balance in cells, in part through the activity of the MLL/COMPASS-like and Polycomb repressive complexes that deposit the H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications, respectively, but also emerging novel regulators including DPPA2/4, QSER1, BEND3, TET1 and METTL14. In cancers, both the deregulation of existing domains and the creation of de novo bivalent states is associated with either the activation or silencing of transcriptional programmes. This may facilitate diverse aspects of cancer pathology including epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity, chemoresistance and immune evasion. Here, we review current methods for detecting bivalent chromatin and discuss the factors involved in the formation and fine-tuning of bivalent domains. Finally, we examine how the deregulation of chromatin bivalency in the context of cancer could facilitate and/or reflect cancer cell adaptation. We propose a model in which bivalent chromatin represents a dynamic balance between otherwise opposing states, where the underlying DNA sequence is primed for the future activation or repression. Shifting this balance in any direction disrupts the tight equilibrium and tips cells into an altered epigenetic and phenotypic space, facilitating both developmental and cancer processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Glancy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie Choy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Melanie A. Eckersley-Maslin
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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12
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Alqazzaz MA, Luciani GM, Vu V, Machado RAC, Szewczyk MM, Adamson EC, Cheon S, Li F, Arrowsmith CH, Minden MD, Barsyte-Lovejoy D. Epigenetic vulnerabilities of leukemia harboring inactivating EZH2 mutations. Exp Hematol 2024; 130:104135. [PMID: 38072134 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulators, such as the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), play a critical role in both normal development and carcinogenesis. Mutations and functional dysregulation of PRC2 complex components, such as EZH2, are implicated in various forms of cancer and associated with poor prognosis. This study investigated the epigenetic vulnerabilities of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders (MDS/MPN) by performing a chemical probe screen in patient cells. Paradoxically, we observed increased sensitivity to EZH2 and embryonic ectoderm development (EED) inhibitors in AML and MDS/MPN patient cells harboring EZH2 mutations. Expression analysis indicated that EZH2 inhibition elicited upregulation of pathways responsible for cell death and growth arrest, specifically in patient cells with mutant EZH2. The identified EZH2 mutations had drastically reduced catalytic activity, resulting in lower cellular H3K27me3 levels, and were associated with decreased EZH2 and PRC2 component EED protein levels. Overall, this study provides an important understanding of the role of EZH2 dysregulation in blood cancers and may indicate disease etiology for these poor prognosis AML and MDS/MPN cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Alqazzaz
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Genna M Luciani
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Vu
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raquel A C Machado
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ella C Adamson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sehyun Cheon
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Bharti H, Han S, Chang HW, Reinberg D. Polycomb repressive complex 2 accessory factors: rheostats for cell fate decision? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102137. [PMID: 38091876 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming during development is key to cell identity and the activities of the Polycomb repressive complexes are vital for this process. We focus on polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which catalyzes H3K27me1/2/3 and safeguards cellular integrity by ensuring proper gene repression. Notably, various accessory factors associate with PRC2, strongly influencing cell fate decisions, and their deregulation contributes to various illnesses. Yet, the exact role of these factors during development and carcinogenesis is not fully understood. Here, we present recent progress toward addressing these points and an analysis of the expression levels of PRC2 accessory factors in various tissues and developmental stages to highlight their abundance and roles. Last, we evaluate their contribution to cancer-specific phenotypes, providing insight into novel anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Bharti
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sungwook Han
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Han-Wen Chang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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14
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Rausch JW, Parvez S, Pathak S, Capoferri AA, Kearney MF. HIV Expression in Infected T Cell Clones. Viruses 2024; 16:108. [PMID: 38257808 PMCID: PMC10820123 DOI: 10.3390/v16010108] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The principal barrier to an HIV-1 cure is the persistence of infected cells harboring replication-competent proviruses despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV-1 transcriptional suppression, referred to as viral latency, is foremost among persistence determinants, as it allows infected cells to evade the cytopathic effects of virion production and killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and other immune factors. HIV-1 persistence is also governed by cellular proliferation, an innate and essential capacity of CD4+ T cells that both sustains cell populations over time and enables a robust directed response to immunological threats. However, when HIV-1 infects CD4+ T cells, this capacity for proliferation can enable surreptitious HIV-1 propagation without the deleterious effects of viral gene expression in latently infected cells. Over time on ART, the HIV-1 reservoir is shaped by both persistence determinants, with selective forces most often favoring clonally expanded infected cell populations harboring transcriptionally quiescent proviruses. Moreover, if HIV latency is incomplete or sporadically reversed in clonal infected cell populations that are replenished faster than they are depleted, such populations could both persist indefinitely and contribute to low-level persistent viremia during ART and viremic rebound if treatment is withdrawn. In this review, select genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and immunological determinants of viral transcriptional suppression and clonal expansion of HIV-1 reservoir T cells, interdependencies among these determinants, and implications for HIV-1 persistence will be presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W. Rausch
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.P.); (S.P.); (A.A.C.); (M.F.K.)
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15
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Ghosh A, Mitra AK. Metastasis and cancer associated fibroblasts: taking it up a NOTCH. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1277076. [PMID: 38269089 PMCID: PMC10806909 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1277076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the least understood aspect of cancer biology. 90% of cancer related deaths occur due extensive metastatic burden in patients. Apart from metastasizing cancer cells, the pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic role of the tumor stroma plays a crucial part in this complex process often leading to disease relapse and therapy resistance. Cellular signaling processes play a crucial role in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis when aberrantly turned on, not just in the cancer cells, but also in the cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most conserved pathways includes the Notch signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of many cancers. In addition to its well documented role in cancer cells, recent evidence suggests crucial involvement of Notch signaling in the stroma as well. This review aims to highlight the current findings focusing on the oncogenic role of notch signaling in cancer cells and the TME, with a specific focus on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which constitute a major part of the tumor stroma and are important for tumor progression. Recent efforts have focused on the development of anti-cancer and anti-metastatic therapies targeting TME. Understanding the importance of Notch signaling in the TME would help identify important drivers for stromal reprogramming, metastasis and importantly, drive future research in the effort to develop TME-targeted therapies utilizing Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argha Ghosh
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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16
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Tangeman JA, Rebull SM, Grajales-Esquivel E, Weaver JM, Bendezu-Sayas S, Robinson ML, Lachke SA, Del Rio-Tsonis K. Integrated single-cell multiomics uncovers foundational regulatory mechanisms of lens development and pathology. Development 2024; 151:dev202249. [PMID: 38180241 PMCID: PMC10906490 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Ocular lens development entails epithelial to fiber cell differentiation, defects in which cause congenital cataracts. We report the first single-cell multiomic atlas of lens development, leveraging snRNA-seq, snATAC-seq and CUT&RUN-seq to discover previously unreported mechanisms of cell fate determination and cataract-linked regulatory networks. A comprehensive profile of cis- and trans-regulatory interactions, including for the cataract-linked transcription factor MAF, is established across a temporal trajectory of fiber cell differentiation. Furthermore, we identify an epigenetic paradigm of cellular differentiation, defined by progressive loss of the H3K27 methylation writer Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). PRC2 localizes to heterochromatin domains across master-regulator transcription factor gene bodies, suggesting it safeguards epithelial cell fate. Moreover, we demonstrate that FGF hyper-stimulation in vivo leads to MAF network activation and the emergence of novel lens cell states. Collectively, these data depict a comprehensive portrait of lens fiber cell differentiation, while defining regulatory effectors of cell identity and cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A. Tangeman
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Sofia M. Rebull
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Erika Grajales-Esquivel
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Jacob M. Weaver
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Stacy Bendezu-Sayas
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Michael L. Robinson
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Katia Del Rio-Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
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17
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Wu G, Wang Q, Wang D, Xiong F, Liu W, Chen J, Wang B, Huang W, Wang X, Chen Y. Targeting polycomb repressor complex 2-mediated bivalent promoter epigenetic silencing of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 inhibits cholangiocarcinoma progression. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1502. [PMID: 38050190 PMCID: PMC10696163 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1502] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) refers to a collection of malignancies that are associated with a dismal prognosis. Currently, surgical resection is the only way to cure patients with CCA. Available systemic therapy is limited to gemcitabine plus cisplatin; however, this treatment is palliative in nature. Therefore, there is still a need to explore new effective therapeutic targets to intervene against CCA. METHODS We analyzed the expression of EZH2 and the prognosis of patients in CCA. The proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells after gene knockdown and overexpression were examined and validated by a xenograft model and a primary CCA mouse model with corresponding gene intervention. Targeting DNA methylation, and RNA-sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis in EZH2 and SUZ12 knockout CCA cells was performed. Bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) and reverse-ChIP assays were performed for research purposes. RESULTS Increased expression of EZH2 in CCA exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis. DNA hypomethylation of the promoter and increased mRNA levels of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) were observed in CCA cells following the inhibition of polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), which was achieved through a knockout of EZH2, SUZ12 and EED, respectively, or treatment with GSK126 and GSK343. Targeting the SFRP1 promoter DNA hypermethylation with dCas9-DNMT3a decreased the mRNA level of SFRP1. The expression of SFRP1 is regulated by both H3K27me3 and DNA methylation and H3K27me3 plays a crucial role in promoting SFRP1 promotor DNA methylation. GSK343 is a small molecule inhibitor that targets the catalytic activity of EZH2. It effectively inhibits the progression and development of subcutaneous xenografts and primary CCA mouse models. CONCLUSION Overall, our data strongly suggested that targeting PRC2 promotes the expression of SFRP1, thereby inhibiting the progression of CCA. KEY POINTS/HEADLIGHTS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) exhibits elevated expression of EZH2, SUZ12 and EED, resulting in increased levels of H3K27me3. Targeting polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) leads to the removal of H3K27me3 from the secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) promoter and DNA hypomethylation, thereby activating the transcription of SFRP1. Inhibiting PRC2, including the use of EZH2 inhibitors, holds promise as a potential strategy for developing anti-cancer drugs for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Department of EmergencyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Departement of Pediatric SurgeryWuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
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18
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Yu Y, Wang S, Wang Z, Gao R, Lee J. Arabidopsis thaliana: a powerful model organism to explore histone modifications and their upstream regulations. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2211362. [PMID: 37196184 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2211362] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Histones are subjected to extensive covalent modifications that affect inter-nucleosomal interactions as well as alter chromatin structure and DNA accessibility. Through switching the corresponding histone modifications, the level of transcription and diverse downstream biological processes can be regulated. Although animal systems are widely used in studying histone modifications, the signalling processes that occur outside the nucleus prior to histone modifications have not been well understood due to the limitations including non viable mutants, partial lethality, and infertility of survivors. Here, we review the benefits of using Arabidopsis thaliana as the model organism to study histone modifications and their upstream regulations. Similarities among histones and key histone modifiers such as the Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) in Drosophila, Human, and Arabidopsis are examined. Furthermore, prolonged cold-induced vernalization system has been well-studied and revealed the relationship between the controllable environment input (duration of vernalization), its chromatin modifications of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), following gene expression, and the corresponding phenotypes. Such evidence suggests that research on Arabidopsis can bring insights into incomplete signalling pathways outside of the histone box, which can be achieved through viable reverse genetic screenings based on the phenotypes instead of direct monitoring of histone modifications among individual mutants. The potential upstream regulators in Arabidopsis can provide cues or directions for animal research based on the similarities between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sihan Wang
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqin Wang
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renwei Gao
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Joohyun Lee
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Ngubo M, Moradi F, Ito CY, Stanford WL. Tissue-Specific Tumour Suppressor and Oncogenic Activities of the Polycomb-like Protein MTF2. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1879. [PMID: 37895228 PMCID: PMC10606531 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101879] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a conserved chromatin-remodelling complex that catalyses the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a mark associated with gene silencing. PRC2 regulates chromatin structure and gene expression during organismal and tissue development and tissue homeostasis in the adult. PRC2 core subunits are associated with various accessory proteins that modulate its function and recruitment to target genes. The multimeric composition of accessory proteins results in two distinct variant complexes of PRC2, PRC2.1 and PRC2.2. Metal response element-binding transcription factor 2 (MTF2) is one of the Polycomb-like proteins (PCLs) that forms the PRC2.1 complex. MTF2 is highly conserved, and as an accessory subunit of PRC2, it has important roles in embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, development, and cancer progression. Here, we review the impact of MTF2 in PRC2 complex assembly, catalytic activity, and spatiotemporal function. The emerging paradoxical evidence suggesting that MTF2 has divergent roles as either a tumour suppressor or an oncogene in different tissues merits further investigations. Altogether, our review illuminates the context-dependent roles of MTF2 in Polycomb group (PcG) protein-mediated epigenetic regulation. Its impact on disease paves the way for a deeper understanding of epigenetic regulation and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzwanele Ngubo
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Moradi
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Caryn Y. Ito
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - William L. Stanford
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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20
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Wang X, Guo Y, Chen G, Fang E, Wang J, Li Q, Li D, Hu A, Bao B, Zhou Y, Gao H, Song J, Du X, Zheng L, Tong Q. Therapeutic targeting of FUBP3 phase separation by GATA2-AS1 inhibits malate-aspartate shuttle and neuroblastoma progression via modulating SUZ12 activity. Oncogene 2023; 42:2673-2687. [PMID: 37537343 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) is essential for maintaining glycolysis and energy metabolism in tumors, while its regulatory mechanisms in neuroblastoma (NB), the commonest extracranial malignancy during childhood, still remain to be elucidated. Herein, by analyzing multi-omics data, GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) and its antisense RNA 1 (GATA2-AS1) were identified to suppress MAS during NB progression. Mechanistic studies revealed that GATA2 inhibited the transcription of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2) and malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2). As a long non-coding RNA destabilized by RNA binding motif protein 15-mediated N6-methyladenosine methylation, GATA2-AS1 bound with far upstream element binding protein 3 (FUBP3) to repress its liquid-liquid phase separation and interaction with suppressor of zest 12 (SUZ12), resulting in decrease of SUZ12 activity and epigenetic up-regulation of GATA2 and other tumor suppressors. Rescue experiments revealed that GATA2-AS1 inhibited MAS and NB progression via repressing interaction between FUBP3 and SUZ12. Pre-clinically, administration of lentivirus carrying GATA2-AS1 suppressed MAS, aerobic glycolysis, and aggressive behaviors of NB xenografts. Notably, low GATA2-AS1 or GATA2 expression and high FUBP3, SUZ12, GOT2 or MDH2 levels were linked with unfavorable outcome of NB patients. These findings suggest that GATA2-AS1 inhibits FUBP3 phase separation to repress MAS and NB progression via modulating SUZ12 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yanhua Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Erhu Fang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Qilan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Anpei Hu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Banghe Bao
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jiyu Song
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Liduan Zheng
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
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21
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Aldana J, Gardner ML, Freitas MA. Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis of Oncogenic EZH2 Mutants: From Epigenetic Reprogramming to Molecular Signatures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11378. [PMID: 37511137 PMCID: PMC10380343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic heterozygous mutations in the active site of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) are prevalent in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The methyltransferase activity of EZH2 towards lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) and non-histone proteins is dysregulated by the presence of gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations altering chromatin compaction, protein complex recruitment, and transcriptional regulation. In this study, a comprehensive multi-omics approach was carried out to characterize the effects of differential H3K27me3 deposition driven by EZH2 mutations. Three stable isogenic mutants (EZH2Y641F, EZH2A677G, and EZH2H689A/F667I) were examined using EpiProfile, H3K27me3 CUT&Tag, ATAC-Seq, transcriptomics, label-free proteomics, and untargeted metabolomics. A discrete set of genes and downstream targets were identified for the EZH2 GOF and LOF mutants that impacted pathways involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Disruption of protein networks and metabolic signatures able to sustain aberrant cell behavior was observed in response to EZH2 mutations. This systems biology-based analysis sheds light on EZH2-mediated cell transformative processes, from the epigenetic to the phenotypic level. These studies provide novel insights into aberrant EZH2 function along with targets that can be explored for improved diagnostics/treatment in hematologic malignancies with mutated EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Aldana
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.A.); (M.L.G.)
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Miranda L. Gardner
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.A.); (M.L.G.)
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael A. Freitas
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.A.); (M.L.G.)
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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22
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Tangeman JA, Rebull SM, Grajales-Esquivel E, Weaver JM, Bendezu-Sayas S, Robinson ML, Lachke SA, Rio-Tsonis KD. Integrated single-cell multiomics uncovers foundational regulatory mechanisms of lens development and pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548451. [PMID: 37502967 PMCID: PMC10369908 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Ocular lens development entails epithelial to fiber cell differentiation, defects in which cause congenital cataract. We report the first single-cell multiomic atlas of lens development, leveraging snRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN-seq to discover novel mechanisms of cell fate determination and cataract-linked regulatory networks. A comprehensive profile of cis- and trans-regulatory interactions, including for the cataract-linked transcription factor MAF, is established across a temporal trajectory of fiber cell differentiation. Further, we divulge a conserved epigenetic paradigm of cellular differentiation, defined by progressive loss of H3K27 methylation writer Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). PRC2 localizes to heterochromatin domains across master-regulator transcription factor gene bodies, suggesting it safeguards epithelial cell fate. Moreover, we demonstrate that FGF hyper-stimulation in vivo leads to MAF network activation and the emergence of novel lens cell states. Collectively, these data depict a comprehensive portrait of lens fiber cell differentiation, while defining regulatory effectors of cell identity and cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A Tangeman
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Sofia M Rebull
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Erika Grajales-Esquivel
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Jacob M Weaver
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Stacy Bendezu-Sayas
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Michael L Robinson
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713 USA
| | - Katia Del Rio-Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 USA
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23
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Basta MD, Petruk S, Mazo A, Walker JL. Fibrosis-the tale of H3K27 histone methyltransferases and demethylases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193344. [PMID: 37476157 PMCID: PMC10354294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193344] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, or excessive scarring, is characterized by the emergence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment options for fibrosis, highlighting an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. The acquisition of a fibrotic phenotype is associated with changes in chromatin structure, a key determinant of gene transcription activation and repression. The major repressive histone mark, H3K27me3, has been linked to dynamic changes in gene expression in fibrosis through alterations in chromatin structure. H3K27-specific homologous histone methylase (HMT) enzymes, Enhancer of zeste 1 and 2 (EZH1, EZH2), which are the alternative subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and demethylase (KDM) enzymes, Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome (UTX), and Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B), are responsible for regulating methylation status of H3K27me3. In this review, we explore how these key enzymes regulate chromatin structure to alter gene expression in fibrosis, highlighting them as attractive targets for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Basta
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Kitazawa R, Haraguchi R, Kitazawa S. Histone Modification in Histochemistry and Cytochemistry. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:41-47. [PMID: 37425097 PMCID: PMC10323199 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00014] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Keeping chromatin in a stable state is essential for genome stability, scheduled transcription, replication, DNA repair, and precise and reliable chromosome segregation and telomere maintenance during cell division. Over the past decade, research on chromatin remodeling has made great strides whereby modification of histone proteins is a key factor involved in many of the essential cellular processes. The nuclear findings of tumor cells that pathologists routinely examine are nothing but reflections of both genomic and histone alterations. Moreover, impaired histone function is known to be related to common diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and is, therefore, considered a potential therapeutic target. The present review first outlines the physiological function of histone proteins, and second, demonstrates their alterations to pathological states, emphasizing the importance of immunohistochemistry in histopathological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riko Kitazawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sohei Kitazawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
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25
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Fischer S, Liefke R. Polycomb-like Proteins in Gene Regulation and Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040938. [PMID: 37107696 PMCID: PMC10137883 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb-like proteins (PCLs) are a crucial group of proteins associated with the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and are responsible for setting up the PRC2.1 subcomplex. In the vertebrate system, three homologous PCLs exist: PHF1 (PCL1), MTF2 (PCL2), and PHF19 (PCL3). Although the PCLs share a similar domain composition, they differ significantly in their primary sequence. PCLs play a critical role in targeting PRC2.1 to its genomic targets and regulating the functionality of PRC2. However, they also have PRC2-independent functions. In addition to their physiological roles, their dysregulation has been associated with various human cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the PCLs and how alterations in their functionality contribute to cancer development. We particularly highlight the nonoverlapping and partially opposing roles of the three PCLs in human cancer. Our review provides important insights into the biological significance of the PCLs and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fischer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Liefke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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26
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Desaulniers D, Cummings-Lorbetskie C, Leingartner K, Meier MJ, Pickles JC, Yauk CL. DNA methylation changes from primary cultures through senescence-bypass in Syrian hamster fetal cells initially exposed to benzo[a]pyrene. Toxicology 2023; 487:153451. [PMID: 36754249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153451] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Current chemical testing strategies are limited in their ability to detect non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Epigenetic anomalies develop during carcinogenesis regardless of whether the molecular initiating event is associated with genotoxic (GTxC) or NGTxC events; therefore, epigenetic markers may be harnessed to develop new approach methodologies that improve the detection of both types of carcinogens. This study used Syrian hamster fetal cells to establish the chronology of carcinogen-induced DNA methylation changes from primary cells until senescence-bypass as an essential carcinogenic step. Cells exposed to solvent control for 7 days were compared to naïve primary cultures, to cells exposed for 7 days to benzo[a]pyrene, and to cells at the subsequent transformation stages: normal colonies, morphologically transformed colonies, senescence, senescence-bypass, and sustained proliferation in vitro. DNA methylation changes identified by reduced representation bisulphite sequencing were minimal at day-7. Profound DNA methylation changes arose during cellular senescence and some of these early differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were preserved through the final sustained proliferation stage. A set of these DMRs (e.g., Pou4f1, Aifm3, B3galnt2, Bhlhe22, Gja8, Klf17, and L1l) were validated by pyrosequencing and their reproducibility was confirmed across multiple clones obtained from a different laboratory. These DNA methylation changes could serve as biomarkers to enhance objectivity and mechanistic understanding of cell transformation and could be used to predict senescence-bypass and chemical carcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Desaulniers
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | | | - Karen Leingartner
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Matthew J Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | | | - Carole L Yauk
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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27
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Gu Y, Ding Z, Zhou Q, Li J, Qian W. JARID2 regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition through the PTEN/AKT signalling pathways in ovarian endometriosis. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100729. [PMID: 36640627 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100729] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, it has been proposed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in the development of endometriosis (EMs). Although EMs is a benign disease, it has the characteristics of malignant tumors, such as invasion and migration. JARID2 (Jumonji, AT rich interaction domain) can induce EMT in cancer cells to increase their invasion and migration abilities. However, whether JARID2 has the same function in EMs is not yet known. In this study, A retrospective immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to measure the expression of JARID2, E-cadherin, PTEN, and p-AKT in ovarian endometriosis (OE) tissues. JARID2, EMT and PTEN/AKT signaling pathway related indicators were assessed by RT-PCR and western blotting in vitro. Furthermore, functional assays were applied to evaluate the involvement of JARID2 in the invasion and migration of Ishikawa cells. Here,we conclude that JARID2 could be involved in the PTEN/AKT signalling pathway and contribute to the development of ovarian endometriosis. The expression of JARID2 was negatively correlated with PTEN, but positively correlated with p-AKT in the ectopic endometrial tissues of OE cases. JARID2 overexpression increased the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and AKT, but inhibited the expression of E-cadherin and PTEN. Accordingly, the opposite results were obtainedwhen JARID2 was downregulated. Furthermore, JARID2 promoted the invasion and migration ability of Ishikawa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Gu
- Department of Gyanecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shang hai 201620, PR China
| | - Zhiyun Ding
- Department of Gynaecology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, PR China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, PR China
| | - Wenyan Qian
- Department of Gynaecology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, PR China.
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28
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Chu L, Tan D, Zhu M, Qu Y, Ma X, Song BL, Qi W. EZH2 W113C is a gain-of-function mutation in B cell lymphoma enabling both PRC2 methyltransferase activation and tazemetostat resistance. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103073. [PMID: 36858198 PMCID: PMC10066557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex2 (PRC2) suppresses gene transcription by methylating lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27) and plays critical roles in embryonic development. Among the core PRC2 subunits, EZH2 is the catalytic subunit and EED allosterically activates EZH2 upon binding trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3). Activating mutations on Y641, A677, and A687 within the enzymatic SET domain of EZH2 have been associated with enhanced H3K27me3 and tumorigenicity of many cancers including B-cell lymphoma and melanoma. To tackle the critical residues outside the EZH2 SET domain, we examined EZH2 mutations in lymphoma from cancer genome databases and identified a novel gain-of-function (GoF) mutation W113C, which increases H3K27me3 in vitro and in vivo and promotes CDKN2A silencing to a similar level as the EZH2 Y641F. Different from other GoF mutations, this mutation is located in the SAL motif at the EZH2 N-terminus, which stabilizes the SET domain and facilitates substrate binding. This may explain how the W113C mutation increases PRC2 activity. Tazemetostat is an FDA-approved EZH2 binding inhibitor for follicular lymphoma treatment. Intriguingly, the W113C mutation leads to tazemetostat-resistance in cell and in vivo in both H3K27 methylation and tumor proliferation. Another class of allosteric PRC2 inhibitor binding EED overcomes the resistance, effectively decreases H3K27me3, and blocks tumor proliferation in cells expressing EZH2 W113C. As this mutation is originally identified from lymphoma samples, our results demonstrated its activating characteristic and the deleterious consequence, provide insights on PRC2 regulation, and support the continued exploration of treatment optimization for lymphoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Dongxia Tan
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Meimei Zhu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuxiu Qu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Jing Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wei Qi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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29
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Huang L, Li F, Ye L, Yu F, Wang C. Epigenetic regulation of embryonic ectoderm development in stem cell differentiation and transformation during ontogenesis. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13413. [PMID: 36727213 PMCID: PMC10068960 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic chromatin accessibility regulates stem cell fate determination and tissue homeostasis via controlling gene expression. As a histone-modifying enzyme that predominantly mediates methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) plays the canonical role in targeting developmental regulators during stem cell differentiation and transformation. Embryonic ectoderm development (EED), the core scaffold subunit of PRC2 and as an H3K27me3-recognizing protein, has been broadly implicated with PRC2 stabilization and allosterically stimulated PRC2. Accumulating evidences from experimental data indicate that EED-associating epigenetic modifications are indispensable for stem cell maintenance and differentiation into specific cell lineages. In this review, we discuss the most updated advances to summarize the structural architecture of EED and its contributions and underlying mechanisms to mediating lineage differentiation of different stem cells during epigenetic modification to expand our understanding of PRC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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30
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Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its highly related homolog EZH1 are considered to be epigenetic silencing factors, and they play key roles in the growth and differentiation of cells as the core components of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). EZH1 and EZH2 are known to have a role in human malignancies, and alterations in these two genes have been implicated in transformation of human malignancies. Inhibition of EZH1/2 has been shown to result in tumor regression in humans and has been studied and evaluated in the preclinical setting and in multiple clinical trials at various levels. Our work thus contributes to the understanding of the relationship between regulatory molecules associated with EZH1/2 proteins and tumor progression, and may provide new insights for mechanism-based EZH1/2-targeted therapy in tumors.
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31
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Guo Y, Yu Y, Wang GG. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Oncology. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:273-320. [PMID: 38113005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_9] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of the chromatin state by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) provides an important mean for epigenetic gene control that can profoundly influence normal development and cell lineage specification. PRC2 and PRC2-induced methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) are critically involved in a wide range of DNA-templated processes, which at least include transcriptional repression and gene imprinting, organization of three-dimensional chromatin structure, DNA replication and DNA damage response and repair. PRC2-based genome regulation often goes wrong in diseases, notably cancer. This chapter discusses about different modes-of-action through which PRC2 and EZH2, a catalytic subunit of PRC2, mediate (epi)genomic and transcriptomic regulation. We will also discuss about how alteration or mutation of the PRC2 core or axillary component promotes oncogenesis, how post-translational modification regulates functionality of EZH2 and PRC2, and how PRC2 and other epigenetic pathways crosstalk. Lastly, we will briefly touch on advances in targeting EZH2 and PRC2 dependence as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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32
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Skouras P, Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1519-1535. [PMID: 36154607 PMCID: PMC10472812 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220922150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient management, but with minimal progress in patients' prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT), BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skouras
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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33
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Aranda S, Di Croce L. Isolation of Chromatin Proteins by Genome Capture. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2655:91-99. [PMID: 37212991 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3143-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Control of gene expression and the faithful transmission of genetic and epigenetic information rely on chromatin-bound proteins. These include the polycomb group of proteins, which can display a remarkable variability in their composition. Alterations in the chromatin-bound protein compositions are relevant for physiology and human disease. Thus, chromatin-bound proteomic profiling can be instrumental for understanding fundamental cellular processes and for identifying therapeutic targets. Inspired by biochemical strategies for the isolation of proteins on nascent DNA (iPOND) and the very similar DNA-mediated chromatin pull-down (Dm-ChP), we described a method for the identification of Protein on Total DNA (iPOTD) for bulk chromatome profiling. Here, we update our iPOTD method and, in particular, detail the experimental procedure for the isolation of chromatin proteins for mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Aranda
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
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Fu Y, Yang K, Wu K, Wang H, Li Q, Zhang F, Yang K, Yao Q, Ma X, Deng Y, Zhang J, Liu C, Qu K. Identification of hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes based on PcG-related genes and biological relevance with cancer cells. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:184. [PMID: 36566204 PMCID: PMC9790136 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extensive heterogeneous disease where epigenetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a group of subunits constituting various macro-molecular machines to regulate the epigenetic landscape, which contributes to cancer phenotype and has the potential to develop a molecular classification of HCC. RESULTS Here, based on multi-omics data analysis of DNA methylation, mRNA expression, and copy number of PcG-related genes, we established an epigenetic classification system of HCC, which divides the HCC patients into two subgroups with significantly different outcomes. Comparing these two epigenetic subgroups, we identified different metabolic features, which were related to epigenetic regulation of polycomb-repressive complex 1/2 (PRC1/2). Furthermore, we experimentally proved that inhibition of PcG complexes enhanced the lipid metabolism and reduced the capacity of HCC cells against glucose shortage. In addition, we validated the low chemotherapy sensitivity of HCC in Group A and found inhibition of PRC1/2 promoted HCC cells' sensitivity to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we found that aberrant upregulation of CBX2 in Group A and upregulation of CBX2 were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Furthermore, we found that manipulation of CBX2 affected the levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. CONTRIBUTIONS Our study provided a novel molecular classification system based on PcG-related genes data and experimentally validated the biological features of HCC in two subgroups. Our founding supported the polycomb complex targeting strategy to inhibit HCC progression where CBX2 could be a feasible therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Fu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kaibo Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kunjin Wu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Hai Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qinglin Li
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Fengping Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kun Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qing Yao
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaohua Ma
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Yujie Deng
- grid.417295.c0000 0004 1799 374XDepartment of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Chang Liu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China ,grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kai Qu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
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Kolev HM, Swisa A, Manduchi E, Lan Y, Stine RR, Testa G, Kaestner KH. H3K27me3 Demethylases Maintain the Transcriptional and Epigenomic Landscape of the Intestinal Epithelium. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:821-839. [PMID: 36503150 PMCID: PMC9971508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.001] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) by polycomb repressive complex 2 is required for intestinal function, the role of the antagonistic process-H3K27me3 demethylation-in the intestine remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of H3K27me3 demethylases to intestinal homeostasis. METHODS An inducible mouse model was used to simultaneously ablate the 2 known H3K27me3 demethylases, lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6A (Kdm6a) and lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (Kdm6b), from the intestinal epithelium. Mice were analyzed at acute and prolonged time points after Kdm6a/b ablation. Cellular proliferation and differentiation were measured using immunohistochemistry, while RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing for H3K27me3 were used to identify gene expression and chromatin changes after Kdm6a/b loss. Intestinal epithelial renewal was evaluated using a radiation-induced injury model, while Paneth cell homeostasis was measured via immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS We did not detect any effect of Kdm6a/b ablation on intestinal cell proliferation or differentiation toward the secretory cell lineages. Acute and prolonged Kdm6a/b loss perturbed expression of gene signatures belonging to multiple cell lineages (adjusted P value < .05), and a set of 72 genes was identified as being down-regulated with an associated increase in H3K27me3 levels after Kdm6a/b ablation (false discovery rate, <0.05). After prolonged Kdm6a/b loss, dysregulation of the Paneth cell gene signature was associated with perturbed matrix metallopeptidase 7 localization (P < .0001) and expression. CONCLUSIONS Although KDM6A/B does not regulate intestinal cell differentiation, both enzymes are required to support the full transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape of the intestinal epithelium and the expression of key Paneth cell genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Kolev
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Avital Swisa
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elisabetta Manduchi
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rachel R Stine
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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36
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Lee SH, Li Y, Kim H, Eum S, Park K, Lee CH. The role of EZH1 and EZH2 in development and cancer. BMB Rep 2022; 55:595-601. [PMID: 36476271 PMCID: PMC9813427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) exhibits key roles in mammalian development through its temporospatial repression of gene expression. EZH1 or EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of PRC2 that mediates the mono-, di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3), H3K27me2/me3 being a hallmark of facultative heterochromatin. PRC2 is a chromatinmodifying enzyme that is recruited to a limited number of "nucleation sites", spreads H3K27 methylation and fosters chromatin compaction. EZH1 and EZH2 exhibit differences in their expression patterns, levels of histone methyltransferase activity (HMT) in the context of PRC2, and DNA/nucleosome binding activity. This suggests that their roles in heterochromatin formation are disparate. Dysregulation of PRC2 activity leads to aberrant gene expression and is implicated in cancer and developmental diseases. In this review, we discuss the distinct function of PRC2/EZH1 and PRC2/EZH2 in the early and late developmental stages. We then discuss the cancers associated with PRC2/EZH1 and PRC2/EZH2. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(12): 595-601].
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hanbyeol Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seounghyun Eum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyumin Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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37
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Wang Y, Bui T, Zhang Y. The pleiotropic roles of EZH2 in T-cell immunity and immunotherapy. Int J Hematol 2022; 116:837-845. [PMID: 36271224 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03466-x] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase. It catalyzes trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) to control gene transcription critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, expansion, and function. For instance, EZH2 plays a central role in regulating T-cell immune responses. EZH2 restrains terminal differentiation of effector CD8 T cells, promotes formation of precursor and mature memory CD8 T cells, regulates appropriate lineage-specification and identity maintenance of helper CD4 T cells, and maintains survival of differentiated antigen-specific T cells. Most importantly, EZH2 is shown to be important for reinvigoration of exhausted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Dysregulated EZH2 function has been linked to many forms of cancer, including lymphomas and solid tumors. In B-cell lymphoid malignancies, EZH2 is overexpressed to drive tumorigenesis. These specific effects of EZH2, in the context of its roles in catalyzing H3K27me3 and orchestrating gene transcription programs in both normal and malignant cells, establishes EZH2 as a unique target for drug development. Here, we will discuss Ezh2 regulation of T-cell immunity, EZH2-mediated lymphomagenesis, and therapeutic benefits of EZH2 inhibitors to the treatment of lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Center for Discovery & Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Tien Bui
- Center for Discovery & Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Discovery & Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Nutley, NJ, USA.
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38
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Lee SH, Li Y, Kim H, Eum S, Park K, Lee CH. The role of EZH1 and EZH2 in development and cancer. BMB Rep 2022; 55:595-601. [PMID: 36476271 PMCID: PMC9813427 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.12.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) exhibits key roles in mammalian development through its temporospatial repression of gene expression. EZH1 or EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of PRC2 that mediates the mono-, di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3), H3K27me2/me3 being a hallmark of facultative heterochromatin. PRC2 is a chromatinmodifying enzyme that is recruited to a limited number of "nucleation sites", spreads H3K27 methylation and fosters chromatin compaction. EZH1 and EZH2 exhibit differences in their expression patterns, levels of histone methyltransferase activity (HMT) in the context of PRC2, and DNA/nucleosome binding activity. This suggests that their roles in heterochromatin formation are disparate. Dysregulation of PRC2 activity leads to aberrant gene expression and is implicated in cancer and developmental diseases. In this review, we discuss the distinct function of PRC2/EZH1 and PRC2/EZH2 in the early and late developmental stages. We then discuss the cancers associated with PRC2/EZH1 and PRC2/EZH2. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(12): 595-601].
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hanbyeol Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seounghyun Eum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyumin Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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German B, Ellis L. Polycomb Directed Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Cancer. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:28. [PMID: 36135315 PMCID: PMC9497807 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a subset of transcription regulators highly conserved throughout evolution. Their principal role is to epigenetically modify chromatin landscapes and control the expression of master transcriptional programs to determine cellular identity. The two mayor PcG protein complexes that have been identified in mammals to date are Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). These protein complexes selectively repress gene expression via the induction of covalent post-translational histone modifications, promoting chromatin structure stabilization. PRC2 catalyzes the histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3), inducing heterochromatin structures. This activity is controlled by the formation of a multi-subunit complex, which includes enhancer of zeste (EZH2), embryonic ectoderm development protein (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12). This review will summarize the latest insights into how PRC2 in mammalian cells regulates transcription to orchestrate the temporal and tissue-specific expression of genes to determine cell identity and cell-fate decisions. We will specifically describe how PRC2 dysregulation in different cell types can promote phenotypic plasticity and/or non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, inducing the development of highly aggressive epithelial neuroendocrine carcinomas, including prostate, small cell lung, and Merkel cell cancer. With this, EZH2 has emerged as an important actionable therapeutic target in such cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz German
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Leigh Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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40
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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41
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Zhou JJ, Pham PD, Han H, Wang W, Cho KWY. Foxh1 engages in chromatin regulation revealed by protein interactome analyses. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:297-305. [PMID: 35848281 PMCID: PMC9474667 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early embryonic cell fates are specified through coordinated integration of transcription factor activities and epigenetic states of the genome. Foxh1 is a key maternal transcription factor controlling the mesendodermal gene regulatory program. Proteomic interactome analyses using FOXH1 as a bait in mouse embryonic stem cells revealed that FOXH1 interacts with PRC2 subunits and HDAC1. Foxh1 physically interacts with Hdac1, and confers transcriptional repression of mesendodermal genes in Xenopus ectoderm. Our findings reveal a central role of Foxh1 in coordinating the chromatin states of the Xenopus embryonic genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Jiajing Zhou
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Paula Duyen Pham
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Han Han
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Snel B, van den Heuvel S, Seidl MF. Caenorhabditis elegans MES-3 is a highly divergent ortholog of the canonical PRC2 component SUZ12. iScience 2022; 25:104633. [PMID: 35800781 PMCID: PMC9253717 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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43
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PRC2 shields the potency of human stem cells. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:806-808. [PMID: 35697784 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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44
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Sparavier A, Di Croce L. Polycomb complexes in MLL-AF9-related leukemias. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 75:101920. [PMID: 35609423 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
t(9;11)-Induced leukemia is present both in children and adults, and depending on age, can cause predominantly acute lymphoblastic (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), respectively. In general, in infants, it is characterized by poor (ALL) or intermediate (AML) prognosis, whereas in adults, it is classified as being of intermediate-high risk [15,24,31]. Its hallmark is the chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 11, leading to the formation of the MLL-AF9 fusion gene. The expressed chimeric protein was shown to be crucial for leukemia progression. MLL-AF9 recruits - among other factors - the super elongation complex (SEC), leading to aberrant activation of target genes [4,5,9,17,24]. The Polycomb group of proteins plays crucial roles in many processes, such as embryogenesis, differentiation, and maintaining cell homeostasis, and recently reports linking it to MLL-AF9 have emerged. This review will focus on its role in t(9;11)-related leukemia, highlighting the possible therapeutic-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sparavier
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 4, Barcelona 08028, Spain. https://twitter.com/ASparavier
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain. https://twitter.com/ludicroce
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45
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Owen BM, Davidovich C. DNA binding by polycomb-group proteins: searching for the link to CpG islands. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4813-4839. [PMID: 35489059 PMCID: PMC9122586 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins predominantly exist in polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) that cooperate to maintain the repressed state of thousands of cell-type-specific genes. Targeting PRCs to the correct sites in chromatin is essential for their function. However, the mechanisms by which PRCs are recruited to their target genes in mammals are multifactorial and complex. Here we review DNA binding by polycomb group proteins. There is strong evidence that the DNA-binding subunits of PRCs and their DNA-binding activities are required for chromatin binding and CpG targeting in cells. In vitro, CpG-specific binding was observed for truncated proteins externally to the context of their PRCs. Yet, the mere DNA sequence cannot fully explain the subset of CpG islands that are targeted by PRCs in any given cell type. At this time we find very little structural and biophysical evidence to support a model where sequence-specific DNA-binding activity is required or sufficient for the targeting of CpG-dinucleotide sequences by polycomb group proteins while they are within the context of their respective PRCs, either PRC1 or PRC2. We discuss the current knowledge and open questions on how the DNA-binding activities of polycomb group proteins facilitate the targeting of PRCs to chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady M Owen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,EMBL-Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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46
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Sharaf A, Vijayanathan M, Oborník M, Mozgová I. Phylogenetic profiling resolves early emergence of PRC2 and illuminates its functional core. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/7/e202101271. [PMID: 35440471 PMCID: PMC9018016 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study strengthens the support for PRC2 emergence before the diversification of eukaryotes, detects a common presence of E(z) and ESC, indicating a conserved core, identifies diverse VEFS-Box Su(z)12 candidate proteins, and proposes a substrate specificity shift during E(z) evolution. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is involved in maintaining transcriptionally silent chromatin states through methylating lysine 27 of histone H3 by the catalytic subunit enhancer of zeste [E(z)]. Here, we report the diversity of PRC2 core subunit proteins in different eukaryotic supergroups with emphasis on the early-diverged lineages and explore the molecular evolution of PRC2 subunits by phylogenetics. For the first time, we identify the putative ortholog of E(z) in Discoba, a lineage hypothetically proximal to the eukaryotic root, strongly supporting emergence of PRC2 before the diversification of eukaryotes. Analyzing 283 species, we robustly detect a common presence of E(z) and ESC, indicating a conserved functional core. Full-length Su(z)12 orthologs were identified in some lineages and species only, indicating, nonexclusively, high divergence of VEFS-Box–containing Su(z)12-like proteins, functional convergence of sequence-unrelated proteins, or Su(z)12 dispensability. Our results trace E(z) evolution within the SET-domain protein family, proposing a substrate specificity shift during E(z) evolution based on SET-domain and H3 histone interaction prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoallah Sharaf
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic .,Genetic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mallika Vijayanathan
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Mozgová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic .,University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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47
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Yaghmaeian Salmani B, Balderson B, Bauer S, Ekman H, Starkenberg A, Perlmann T, Piper M, Bodén M, Thor S. Selective requirement for polycomb repressor complex 2 in the generation of specific hypothalamic neuronal subtypes. Development 2022; 149:274592. [PMID: 35245348 PMCID: PMC8959139 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus displays staggering cellular diversity, chiefly established during embryogenesis by the interplay of several signalling pathways and a battery of transcription factors. However, the contribution of epigenetic cues to hypothalamus development remains unclear. We mutated the polycomb repressor complex 2 gene Eed in the developing mouse hypothalamus, which resulted in the loss of H3K27me3, a fundamental epigenetic repressor mark. This triggered ectopic expression of posteriorly expressed regulators (e.g. Hox homeotic genes), upregulation of cell cycle inhibitors and reduced proliferation. Surprisingly, despite these effects, single cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that most neuronal subtypes were still generated in Eed mutants. However, we observed an increase in glutamatergic/GABAergic double-positive cells, as well as loss/reduction of dopamine, hypocretin and Tac2-Pax6 neurons. These findings indicate that many aspects of the hypothalamic gene regulatory flow can proceed without the key H3K27me3 epigenetic repressor mark, but points to a unique sensitivity of particular neuronal subtypes to a disrupted epigenomic landscape. Summary: Polycomb repressor complex 2 inactivation results in selective effects on mouse hypothalamic development, increasing glutamatergic/GABA cells, while reducing dopamine, Hcrt and Tac2-Pax6 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Yaghmaeian Salmani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brad Balderson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Susanne Bauer
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Helen Ekman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Annika Starkenberg
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mikael Bodén
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stefan Thor
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-58185 Linkoping, Sweden
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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48
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Zhao Y, Guan YY, Zhao F, Yu T, Zhang SJ, Zhang YZ, Duan YC, Zhou XL. Recent strategies targeting Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) for cancer therapy: Allosteric inhibitors, PPI inhibitors, and PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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49
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Aspros KGM, Carter JM, Hoskin TL, Suman VJ, Subramaniam M, Emch MJ, Ye Z, Sun Z, Sinnwell JP, Thompson KJ, Tang X, Rodman EPB, Wang X, Nelson AW, Chernukhin I, Hamdan FH, Bruinsma ES, Carroll JS, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Johnsen SA, Kalari KR, Huang H, Leon-Ferre RA, Couch FJ, Ingle JN, Goetz MP, Hawse JR. Estrogen receptor beta repurposes EZH2 to suppress oncogenic NFκB/p65 signaling in triple negative breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:20. [PMID: 35177654 PMCID: PMC8854734 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancer cases, yet is responsible for a disproportionately high percentage of breast cancer mortalities. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets based on the molecular events driving TNBC pathobiology. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is known to elicit anti-cancer effects in TNBC, however its mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we report the expression profiles of ERβ and its association with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes in the largest cohort of TNBC to date. In this cohort, ERβ was expressed in approximately 18% of TNBCs, and expression of ERβ was associated with favorable clinicopathological features, but correlated with different overall survival outcomes according to menopausal status. Mechanistically, ERβ formed a co-repressor complex involving enhancer of zeste homologue 2/polycomb repressive complex 2 (EZH2/PRC2) that functioned to suppress oncogenic NFκB/RELA (p65) activity. Importantly, p65 was shown to be required for formation of this complex and for ERβ-mediated suppression of TNBC. Our findings indicate that ERβ+ tumors exhibit different characteristics compared to ERβ- tumors and demonstrate that ERβ functions as a molecular switch for EZH2, repurposing it for tumor suppressive activities and repression of oncogenic p65 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten G M Aspros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jodi M Carter
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Tanya L Hoskin
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Vera J Suman
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Malayannan Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Emch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zhenqing Ye
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jason P Sinnwell
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Kevin J Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Xiaojia Tang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Esther P B Rodman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Xiyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Adam W Nelson
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Igor Chernukhin
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Feda H Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Bruinsma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- Shulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Krishna R Kalari
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Fergus J Couch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - James N Ingle
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Matthew P Goetz
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - John R Hawse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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50
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Liu KL, Zhu K, Zhang H. An overview of the development of EED inhibitors to disable the PRC2 function. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:39-53. [PMID: 35224495 PMCID: PMC8792826 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) and the enrichment of its catalytic product H3K27me3 is responsible for the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and the blocking of transcripts related to immunity and cell terminal differentiation. Aberrations of PRC2 components, such as mutation and overexpression, have been observed in various cancers, which makes PRC2 a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Up to now, targeting the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of PRC2, represents the main strategy in the development of PRC2 inhibitors. Although significant progress has been made, new problems also emerge, e.g. the drug resistance caused by secondary mutations. In recent years, more and more efforts have shifted to another new strategy - targeting embryonic ectoderm development (EED) to disrupt its major interactions with other components, which are necessary to the PRC2 function, and some promising results have been obtained. This review summarizes the recent development of EED inhibitors as possible chemotherapy for cancer treatment, which could help accelerate future related research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lu Liu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
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