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Liu S, Dai W, Jin B, Jiang F, Huang H, Hou W, Lan J, Jin Y, Peng W, Pan J. Effects of super-enhancers in cancer metastasis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:122. [PMID: 38844984 PMCID: PMC11157854 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains the principal cause of cancer-related lethality despite advancements in cancer treatment. Dysfunctional epigenetic alterations are crucial in the metastatic cascade. Among these, super-enhancers (SEs), emerging as new epigenetic regulators, consist of large clusters of regulatory elements that drive the high-level expression of genes essential for the oncogenic process, upon which cancer cells develop a profound dependency. These SE-driven oncogenes play an important role in regulating various facets of metastasis, including the promotion of tumor proliferation in primary and distal metastatic organs, facilitating cellular migration and invasion into the vasculature, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition, enhancing cancer stem cell-like properties, circumventing immune detection, and adapting to the heterogeneity of metastatic niches. This heavy reliance on SE-mediated transcription delineates a vulnerable target for therapeutic intervention in cancer cells. In this article, we review current insights into the characteristics, identification methodologies, formation, and activation mechanisms of SEs. We also elaborate the oncogenic roles and regulatory functions of SEs in the context of cancer metastasis. Ultimately, we discuss the potential of SEs as novel therapeutic targets and their implications in clinical oncology, offering insights into future directions for innovative cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Bei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Wen Hou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China
| | - Jinxia Lan
- College of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yanli Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University Institute of Tumor Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Weijie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Provincal Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China.
| | - Jingxuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Yao Z, Song P, Jiao W. Pathogenic role of super-enhancers as potential therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1383580. [PMID: 38681203 PMCID: PMC11047458 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1383580] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is still one of the deadliest malignancies today, and most patients with advanced lung cancer pass away from disease progression that is uncontrollable by medications. Super-enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of enhancers in the genome's non-coding sequences that actively trigger transcription. Although SEs have just been identified over the past 10 years, their intricate structure and crucial role in determining cell identity and promoting tumorigenesis and progression are increasingly coming to light. Here, we review the structural composition of SEs, the auto-regulatory circuits, the control mechanisms of downstream genes and pathways, and the characterization of subgroups classified according to SEs in lung cancer. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic targets, several small-molecule inhibitors, and available treatment options for SEs in lung cancer. Combination therapies have demonstrated considerable advantages in preclinical models, and we anticipate that these drugs will soon enter clinical studies and benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Song P, Han R, Yang F. Super enhancer lncRNAs: a novel hallmark in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:207. [PMID: 38566153 PMCID: PMC10986047 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01599-6] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Super enhancers (SEs) consist of clusters of enhancers, harboring an unusually high density of transcription factors, mediator coactivators and epigenetic modifications. SEs play a crucial role in the maintenance of cancer cell identity and promoting oncogenic transcription. Super enhancer lncRNAs (SE-lncRNAs) refer to either transcript from SEs locus or interact with SEs, whose transcriptional activity is highly dependent on SEs. Moreover, these SE-lncRNAs can interact with their associated enhancer regions in cis and modulate the expression of oncogenes or key signal pathways in cancers. Inhibition of SEs would be a promising therapy for cancer. In this review, we summarize the research of SE-lncRNAs in different kinds of cancers so far and decode the mechanism of SE-lncRNAs in carcinogenesis to provide novel ideas for the cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Rongyan Han
- Department of emergency, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Gutova M, Hibbard JC, Ma E, Natri HM, Adhikarla V, Chimge NO, Qiu R, Nguyen C, Melendez E, Aguilar B, Starr R, Yin H, Rockne RC, Ono M, Banovich NE, Yuan YC, Brown CE, Kahn M. Targeting Wnt signaling for improved glioma immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342625. [PMID: 38449858 PMCID: PMC10915090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342625] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite aggressive standard-of-care therapy, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma recurrence is almost inevitable and uniformly lethal. Activation of glioma-intrinsic Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with a poor prognosis and the proliferation of glioma stem-like cells, leading to malignant transformation and tumor progression. Impressive results in a subset of cancers have been obtained using immunotherapies including anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, and anti-PD-L1 or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. However, the heterogeneity of tumors, low mutational burden, single antigen targeting, and associated antigen escape contribute to non-responsiveness and potential tumor recurrence despite these therapeutic efforts. In the current study, we determined the effects of the small molecule, highly specific Wnt/CBP (CREB Binding Protein)/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001, on glioma tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME)-including its effect on immune cell infiltration, blood vessel decompression, and metabolic changes. Methods Using multiple glioma patient-derived xenografts cell lines and murine tumors (GL261, K-Luc), we demonstrated in vitro cytostatic effects and a switch from proliferation to differentiation after treatment with ICG-001. Results In these glioma cell lines, we further demonstrated that ICG-001 downregulated the CBP/β-catenin target gene Survivin/BIRC5-a hallmark of Wnt/CBP/β-catenin inhibition. We found that in a syngeneic mouse model of glioma (K-luc), ICG-001 treatment enhanced tumor infiltration by CD3+ and CD8+ cells with increased expression of the vascular endothelial marker CD31 (PECAM-1). We also observed differential gene expression and induced immune cell infiltration in tumors pretreated with ICG-001 and then treated with CAR T cells as compared with single treatment groups or when ICG-001 treatment was administered after CAR T cell therapy. Discussion We conclude that specific Wnt/CBP/β-catenin antagonism results in pleotropic changes in the glioma TME, including glioma stem cell differentiation, modulation of the stroma, and immune cell activation and recruitment, thereby suggesting a possible role for enhancing immunotherapy in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Gutova
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan C. Hibbard
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell transplantation (T cell Therapeutic Research Laboratories), City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Eric Ma
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell transplantation (T cell Therapeutic Research Laboratories), City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Heini M. Natri
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Vikram Adhikarla
- Division of Mathematical Oncology, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Nyam-Osor Chimge
- Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Runxiang Qiu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Cu Nguyen
- Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Melendez
- Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Brenda Aguilar
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell transplantation (T cell Therapeutic Research Laboratories), City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Renate Starr
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell transplantation (T cell Therapeutic Research Laboratories), City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Holly Yin
- Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Russel C. Rockne
- Division of Mathematical Oncology, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Christine E. Brown
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell transplantation (T cell Therapeutic Research Laboratories), City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Michael Kahn
- Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
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Qazi S, Talebi Z, Trieu V. Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGFB2) and Interferon Gamma Receptor 2 (IFNGR2) mRNA Levels in the Brainstem Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Significantly Impact Overall Survival in Pediatric DMG Patients. Biomedicines 2024; 12:191. [PMID: 38255296 PMCID: PMC10813255 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010191] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This hypothesis-generating study characterized the mRNA expression profiles and prognostic impacts of antigen-presenting cell (APC) markers (CD14, CD163, CD86, and ITGAX/CD11c) in pediatric brainstem diffuse midline glioma (pbDMG) tumors. We also assessed the mRNA levels of two therapeutic targets, transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2) and interferon gamma receptor 2 (IFNGR2), for their biomarker potentials in these highly aggressive pbDMG tumors. The expressions of CD14, CD163, and ITGAX/CD11c mRNAs exhibited significant decreases of 1.64-fold (p = 0.037), 1.75-fold (p = 0.019), and 3.33-fold (p < 0.0001), respectively, in pbDMG tumors relative to those in normal brainstem/pons samples. The pbDMG samples with high levels of TGFB2 in combination with low levels of APC markers, reflecting the cold immune state of pbDMG tumors, exhibited significantly worse overall survival outcomes at low expression levels of CD14, CD163, and CD86. The expression levels of IFNGR2 and TGFB2 (1.51-fold increase (p = 0.002) and 1.58-fold increase (p = 5.5 × 10-4), respectively) were significantly upregulated in pbDMG tumors compared with normal brainstem/pons samples. We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling that showed TGFB2 was a prognostic indicator (HR for patients in the TGFB2high group of pbDMG patients = 2.88 (1.12-7.39); p = 0.028) for poor overall survival (OS) and was independent of IFNGR2 levels, the age of the patient, and the significant interaction effect observed between IFNGR2 and TGFB2 (p = 0.015). Worse survival outcomes in pbDMG patients when comparing high versus low TGFB2 levels in the context of low IFNGR2 levels suggest that the abrogation of the TGFB2 mRNA expression in the immunologically cold tumor microenvironment can be used to treat pbDMG patients. Furthermore, pbDMG patients with low levels of JAK1 or STAT1 mRNA expression in combination with high levels of TGFB2 also exhibited poor OS outcomes, suggesting that the inclusion of (interferon-gamma) IFN-γ to stimulate and activate JAK1 and STAT1 in anti-tumor APC cells present the brainstem TME can enhance the effect of the TGFB2 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjive Qazi
- Oncotelic Therapeutics, 29397 Agoura Road, Suite 107, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA; (Z.T.); (V.T.)
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Wiese M, Pohlmeier B, Kubiak K, El-Khouly FE, Sitte M, Carcaboso AM, Baugh JN, Perwein T, Nussbaumer G, Karremann M, Gielen GH, Salinas G, Kramm CM. Boswellic acid formulations are not suitable for treatment of pediatric high-grade glioma due to tumor promoting potential. J Tradit Complement Med 2024; 14:101-108. [PMID: 38223806 PMCID: PMC10785237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.07.007] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGG) comprise a very poor prognosis. Thus, parents of affected children are increasingly resorting to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), among those Boswellia extracts. However, nothing is known about the therapeutic effectiveness of their active substances, Boswellic acids (BA) in pedHGG. Thus, we aimed to investigate if the three main Boswellic acids (BA) present in Boswellia plants, alpha-boswellic acid (α-BA), beta-boswellic acid (β-BA) and 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) hold any promising potential for treatment of affected pedHGG patients. Experimental procedure Histone 3 (H3)-wildtype and H3.3K27M-mutant pedHGG cell lines were treated with BA, either alone or in combination with radio-chemotherapy with temozolomide. Cell viability, stemness properties, apoptosis, in ovo tumor growth and the transcriptome was investigated upon BA treatment. Results and conclusion Interestingly, α-BA and β-BA treatment promoted certain tumor properties in both pedHGG cells. AKBA treatment reduced cell viability and colony growth accompanied by induction of slight anti-inflammatory effects especially in H3.3K27M-mutant pedHGG cells. However, no effects on apoptosis and in ovo tumor growth were found. In conclusion, besides positive anti-tumor effects of AKBA, tumor promoting effects were observed upon treatment with α-BA and β-BA. Thus, only pure AKBA formulations may be used to exploit any potential positive effects in pedHGG patients. In conclusion, the use of commercially available supplements with a mixture of different BA cannot be recommended due to detrimental effects of certain BA whereas pure AKBA formulations might hold some potential as therapeutic supplement for treatment of pedHGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wiese
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bente Pohlmeier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Klaudia Kubiak
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Fatma E. El-Khouly
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maren Sitte
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Angel M. Carcaboso
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu/Institut de Recerca, Sant Joan de Deu 2, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joshua N. Baugh
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Perwein
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, Graz, Austria
| | - Gunther Nussbaumer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Karremann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerrit H. Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christof M. Kramm
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
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Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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Sun YM, Zhang YM, Shi HL, Yang S, Zhao YL, Liu HJ, Li C, Liu HL, Yang JP, Song J, Sun GZ, Yang JK. Enhancer-driven transcription of MCM8 by E2F4 promotes ATR pathway activation and glioma stem cell characteristics. Hereditas 2023; 160:29. [PMID: 37349788 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are responsible for glioma recurrence and drug resistance, yet the mechanisms underlying their maintenance remains unclear. This study aimed to identify enhancer-controlled genes involved in GSCs maintenance and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their regulation. METHODS We analyzed RNA-seq data and H3K27ac ChIP-seq data from GSE119776 to identify differentially expressed genes and enhancers, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis was performed for functional enrichment. Transcription factors were predicted using the Toolkit for Cistrome Data Browser. Prognostic analysis and gene expression correlation was conducted using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) data. Two GSC cell lines, GSC-A172 and GSC-U138MG, were isolated from A172 and U138MG cell lines. qRT-PCR was used to detect gene transcription levels. ChIP-qPCR was used to detect H3K27ac of enhancers, and binding of E2F4 to target gene enhancers. Western blot was used to analyze protein levels of p-ATR and γH2AX. Sphere formation, limiting dilution and cell growth assays were used to analyze GSCs growth and self-renewal. RESULTS We found that upregulated genes in GSCs were associated with ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated-and-Rad3-related kinase (ATR) pathway activation, and that seven enhancer-controlled genes related to ATR pathway activation (LIN9, MCM8, CEP72, POLA1, DBF4, NDE1, and CDKN2C) were identified. Expression of these genes corresponded to poor prognosis in glioma patients. E2F4 was identified as a transcription factor that regulates enhancer-controlled genes related to the ATR pathway activation, with MCM8 having the highest hazard ratio among genes positively correlated with E2F4 expression. E2F4 bound to MCM8 enhancers to promote its transcription. Overexpression of MCM8 partially restored the inhibition of GSCs self-renewal, cell growth, and the ATR pathway activation caused by E2F4 knockdown. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that E2F4-mediated enhancer activation of MCM8 promotes the ATR pathway activation and GSCs characteristics. These findings offer promising targets for the development of new therapies for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Meng Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yi-Meng Zhang
- Medical Department, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Hai-Liang Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yin-Long Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Hong-Jiang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Hong-Lei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shijiazhuang Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Ji-Peng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Guo-Zhu Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jian-Kai Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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Noon A, Galban S. Therapeutic avenues for targeting treatment challenges of diffuse midline gliomas. Neoplasia 2023; 40:100899. [PMID: 37030112 PMCID: PMC10119952 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the leading cause of brain tumor-related deaths in children. DMG typically presents with variable neurologic symptoms between ages 3 and 10. Currently, radiation remains the standard therapy for DMG to halt progression and reduce tumor bulk to minimize symptoms. However, tumors recur in almost 100% of patients and thus, DMG is still considered an incurable cancer with a median survival of 9-12 months. Surgery is generally contraindicated due to the delicate organization of the brainstem, where DMG is located. Despite extensive research efforts, no chemotherapeutic agents, immune therapies, or molecularly targeted therapies have been approved to provide survival benefit. Furthermore, the efficacy of therapies is limited by poor blood-brain barrier penetration and inherent resistance mechanisms of the tumor. However, novel drug delivery approaches, along with recent advances in molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have advanced to clinical trials and may provide viable future treatment options for DMG patients. This review seeks to evaluate current therapeutics at the preclinical stage and those that have advanced to clinical trials and to discuss the challenges of drug delivery and inherent resistance to these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeha Noon
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 W Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Stefanie Galban
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, BSRB A502, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, BSRB A502, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: Insights into oncogenesis and opportunities for targeted therapy. PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
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Bacabac M, Xu W. Oncogenic super-enhancers in cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:471-480. [PMID: 37059907 PMCID: PMC10527203 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Activation of oncogenes to sustain proliferative signaling and initiate metastasis are important hallmarks of cancer. Oncogenes are amplified or overexpressed in cancer cells and overexpression is often controlled at the level of transcription. Gene expression is tightly controlled by many cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors. Large clusters of enhancers known as "super-enhancers" drive robust expression of cell-fate determining transcription factors in cell identity. Cancer cells can take advantage of super-enhancers and become transcriptionally addicted to them leading to tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the cis-regulatory landscape of cancer includes aberrant super-enhancers that are not present in normal cells. The landscape of super-enhancers in cancer is characterized by high levels of histone H3K27 acetylation and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), and Mediator complex. These chromatin features facilitate the identification of cancer type-specific and cell-type-specific super-enhancers that control the expression of important oncogenes to stimulate their growth. Disruption of super-enhancers via inhibiting BRD4 or other epigenetic proteins is a potential therapeutic option. Here, we will describe the discovery of super-enhancers and their unique characteristics compared to typical enhancers. Then, we will highlight how super-enhancer-associated genes contribute to cancer progression in different solid tumor types. Lastly, we will cover therapeutic targets and their epigenetic modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bacabac
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- School of Medicine and Public Health, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- School of Medicine and Public Health, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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12
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Ocasio JK, Budd KM, Roach JT, Andrews JM, Baker SJ. Oncohistones and disrupted development in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:367-388. [PMID: 37119408 PMCID: PMC10441521 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent, clonal somatic mutations in histone H3 are molecular hallmarks that distinguish the genetic mechanisms underlying pediatric and adult high-grade glioma (HGG), define biological subgroups of diffuse glioma, and highlight connections between cancer, development, and epigenetics. These oncogenic mutations in histones, now termed "oncohistones", were discovered through genome-wide sequencing of pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma. Up to 80% of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse glioma arising in other midline structures including thalamus or spinal cord, contain histone H3 lysine 27 to methionine (K27M) mutations or, rarely, other alterations that result in a depletion of H3K27me3 similar to that induced by H3 K27M. This subgroup of glioma is now defined as diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered. In contrast, histone H3 Gly34Arg/Val (G34R/V) mutations are found in approximately 30% of diffuse glioma arising in the cerebral hemispheres of older adolescents and young adults, now classified as diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3G34-mutant. Here, we review how oncohistones modulate the epigenome and discuss the mutational landscape and invasive properties of histone mutant HGGs of childhood. The distinct mechanisms through which oncohistones and other mutations rewrite the epigenetic landscape provide novel insights into development and tumorigenesis and may present unique vulnerabilities for pHGGs. Lessons learned from these rare incurable brain tumors of childhood may have broader implications for cancer, as additional high- and low-frequency oncohistone mutations have been identified in other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ocasio
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Budd
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jordan T Roach
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jared M Andrews
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Suzanne J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA.
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13
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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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14
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Gladkova MG, Leidmaa E, Anderzhanova EA. Epidrugs in the Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders: A Way to Drive on? Cells 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37296584 PMCID: PMC10253154 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of this review is to understand what fundamental pathological mechanisms would be optimal to target with epidrugs in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric complications. To date, the use of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (HDACis and DNMTis) in the clinic is focused on the treatment of neoplasms (mainly of a glial origin) and is based on the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of these compounds. Preclinical data show that besides this activity, inhibitors of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, bromodomains, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins impact the expression of neuroimmune inflammation mediators (cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors), neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)), ion channels, ionotropic receptors, as well as pathoproteins (β-amyloid, tau protein, and α-synuclein). Based on this profile of activities, epidrugs may be favorable as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. For the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, drug addiction, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, contemporary epidrugs still require further development concerning a tuning of pharmacological effects, reduction in toxicity, and development of efficient treatment protocols. A promising strategy to further clarify the potential targets of epidrugs as therapeutic means to cure neurological and psychiatric syndromes is the profiling of the epigenetic mechanisms, which have evolved upon actions of complex physiological lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical exercise, and which are effective in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Este Leidmaa
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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15
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Zuo P, Li Y, Wang T, Lin X, Wu Z, Zhang J, Liao X, Zhang L. A novel CDK4/6 inhibitor combined with irradiation demonstrates potent anti-tumor efficacy in diffuse midline glioma. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:159-171. [PMID: 37133743 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered (DMG) is a lethal pediatric brainstem tumor. Despite numerous efforts to improve survival benefits, its prognosis remains poor. This study aimed to design and synthesize a novel CDK4/6 inhibitor YF-PRJ8-1011, which exhibited more potent antitumor activity against a panel of patient-derived DMG tumor cells in vitro and in vivo compared with palbociclib. METHODS Patient-derived DMG cells were used to assess the antitumor efficacy of YF-PRJ8-1011 in vitro. The liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method was used to measure the activity of YF-PRJ8-1011 passing through the blood-brain barrier. DMG patient-derived xenograft models were established to detect the antitumor efficacy of YF-PRJ8-1011. RESULTS The results showed that YF-PRJ8-1011 could inhibit the growth of DMG cells both in vitro and in vivo. YF-PRJ8-1011 could well penetrate the blood-brain barrier. It also significantly inhibited the growth of DMG tumors and prolonged the overall survival of mice compared with vehicle or palbociclib. Most notably, it exerted potent antitumor efficacy in DMG in vitro and in vivo compared with palbociclib. In addition, we also found that YF-PRJ8-1011 combined with radiotherapy also showed more significant inhibition of DMG xenograft tumor growth than radiotherapy alone. CONCLUSION Collectively, YF-PRJ8-1011 is a novel, safe, and selective CDK4/6 inhibitor for DMG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaopeng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tantan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyu Lin
- Zhuhai Yufan Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junting Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebin Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (NCRC-ND), Beijing, China.
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Lyu Y, Guo Y, Okeoma CM, Yan Z, Hu N, Li Z, Zhou S, Zhao X, Li J, Wang X. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs): Promising diagnostic/therapeutic tools for pediatric high-grade glioma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114630. [PMID: 37094548 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly malignant brain tumor that mainly occurs in children with extremely low overall survival. Traditional therapeutic strategies, such as surgical resection and chemotherapy, are not feasible mostly due to the special location and highly diffused features. Radiotherapy turns out to be the standard treatment method but with limited benefits of overall survival. A broad search for novel and targeted therapies is in the progress of both preclinical investigations and clinical trials. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic candidate due to their distinct biocompatibility, excellent cargo-loading-delivery capacity, high biological barrier penetration efficiency, and ease of modification. The utilization of EVs in various diseases as biomarker diagnoses or therapeutic agents is revolutionizing modern medical research and practice. In this review, we will briefly talk about the research development of DIPG, and present a detailed description of EVs in medical applications, with a discussion on the application of engineered peptides on EVs. The possibility of applying EVs as a diagnostic tool and drug delivery system in DIPG is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lyu
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yupei Guo
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595-1524, USA
| | - Zhaoyue Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zian Li
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Shaolong Zhou
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Junqi Li
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Xinjun Wang
- Henan Joint International Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Henan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
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17
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Kravchuk EV, Ashniev GA, Gladkova MG, Orlov AV, Vasileva AV, Boldyreva AV, Burenin AG, Skirda AM, Nikitin PI, Orlova NN. Experimental Validation and Prediction of Super-Enhancers: Advances and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081191. [PMID: 37190100 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are cis-regulatory elements of the human genome that have been widely discussed since the discovery and origin of the term. Super-enhancers have been shown to be strongly associated with the expression of genes crucial for cell differentiation, cell stability maintenance, and tumorigenesis. Our goal was to systematize research studies dedicated to the investigation of structure and functions of super-enhancers as well as to define further perspectives of the field in various applications, such as drug development and clinical use. We overviewed the fundamental studies which provided experimental data on various pathologies and their associations with particular super-enhancers. The analysis of mainstream approaches for SE search and prediction allowed us to accumulate existing data and propose directions for further algorithmic improvements of SEs' reliability levels and efficiency. Thus, here we provide the description of the most robust algorithms such as ROSE, imPROSE, and DEEPSEN and suggest their further use for various research and development tasks. The most promising research direction, which is based on topic and number of published studies, are cancer-associated super-enhancers and prospective SE-targeted therapy strategies, most of which are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Kravchuk
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - German A Ashniev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina G Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Orlov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V Vasileva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Boldyreva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr G Burenin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artemiy M Skirda
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr I Nikitin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia N Orlova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
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18
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Di Giorgio E, Benetti R, Kerschbamer E, Xodo L, Brancolini C. Super-enhancer landscape rewiring in cancer: The epigenetic control at distal sites. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 380:97-148. [PMID: 37657861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers evolve as elements at the top of the hierarchical control of gene expression. They are important end-gatherers of signaling pathways that control stemness, differentiation or adaptive responses. Many epigenetic regulations focus on these regions, and not surprisingly, during the process of tumorigenesis, various alterations can account for their dysfunction. Super-enhancers are emerging as key drivers of the aberrant gene expression landscape that sustain the aggressiveness of cancer cells. In this review, we will describe and discuss about the structure of super-enhancers, their epigenetic regulation, and the major changes affecting their functionality in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Roberta Benetti
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Emanuela Kerschbamer
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi Xodo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy.
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Farrukh S, Habib S, Rafaqat A, Sarfraz Z, Sarfraz A, Sarfraz M, Robles-Velasco K, Felix M, Cherrez-Ojeda I. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040559. [PMID: 36833093 PMCID: PMC9956230 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040559] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of all central nervous systems tumors, 10-20% are located in the brainstem; diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is diagnosed in 80% of them. With over five decades of clinical trial testing, there are no established therapeutic options for DIPG. This research article aims to collate recent clinical trial data and provide a landscape for the most promising therapies that have emerged in the past five years. METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane were systematically searched using the following keywords: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, Pontine, Glioma, Treatment, Therapy, Therapeutics, curative, and/or Management. Both adult and pediatric patients with newly diagnosed or progressive DIPG were considered in the clinical trial setting. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS A total of 22 trials were included reporting the efficacy and safety outcomes among patients. First, five trials reported outcomes of blood-brain barrier bypass via single or repeated-dose intra-arterial therapy or convection-enhanced delivery. Second, external beam radiation regimens were assessed for safety and efficacy in three trials. Third, four trials administered intravenous treatment without using chemotherapeutic regimens. Fourth, eight trials reported the combinations of one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Fifth, immunotherapy was reported in two trials in an adjuvant monotherapy in the post-radiotherapy setting. CONCLUSION This research article captures a clinical picture of the last five years of the direction toward which DIPG research is heading. The article finds that re-irradiation may prolong survival in patients with progressive DIPG; it also instills that insofar palliative radiotherapy has been a key prognostic choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrukh Farrukh
- Department of Research, Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Shagufta Habib
- Department of Research, University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38800, Pakistan
| | - Amna Rafaqat
- Department of Research and Publications, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zouina Sarfraz
- Department of Research and Publications, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Azza Sarfraz
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi 74000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (I.C.-O.)
| | | | - Karla Robles-Velasco
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 092301, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Felix
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals, Lincoln, The Bronx, NY 10451, USA
| | - Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 092301, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (I.C.-O.)
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20
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Zhuang HH, Qu Q, Teng XQ, Dai YH, Qu J. Superenhancers as master gene regulators and novel therapeutic targets in brain tumors. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:290-303. [PMID: 36720920 PMCID: PMC9981748 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00934-0] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation, a cancer cell hallmark, is driven by epigenetic abnormalities in the majority of brain tumors, including adult glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. Epigenetic abnormalities can activate epigenetic regulatory elements to regulate the expression of oncogenes. Superenhancers (SEs), identified as novel epigenetic regulatory elements, are clusters of enhancers with cell-type specificity that can drive the aberrant transcription of oncogenes and promote tumor initiation and progression. As gene regulators, SEs are involved in tumorigenesis in a variety of tumors, including brain tumors. SEs are susceptible to inhibition by their key components, such as bromodomain protein 4 and cyclin-dependent kinase 7, providing new opportunities for antitumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the characteristics and identification, unique organizational structures, and activation mechanisms of SEs in tumors, as well as the clinical applications related to SEs in tumor therapy and prognostication. Based on a review of the literature, we discussed the relationship between SEs and different brain tumors and potential therapeutic targets, focusing on glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Ying-Huan Dai
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
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Chen Y, Zhao C, Li S, Wang J, Zhang H. Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapies for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030602. [PMID: 36765560 PMCID: PMC9913210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a primary glial glioma that occurs in all age groups but predominates in children and is the main cause of solid tumor-related childhood mortality. Due to its rapid progression, the inability to operate and insensitivity to most chemotherapies, there is a lack of effective treatment methods in clinical practice for DIPG patients. The prognosis of DIPG patients is extremely poor, with a median survival time of no more than 12 months. In recent years, there have been continuous breakthroughs for immunotherapies in various hematological tumors and malignant solid tumors with extremely poor prognoses, which provides new insights into tumors without effective treatment strategies. Meanwhile, with the gradual development of stereotactic biopsy techniques, it is gradually becoming easier and safer to obtain live DIPG tissue, and the understanding of the immune properties of DIPG has also increased. On this basis, a series of immunotherapy studies of DIPG are under way, some of which have shown encouraging results. Herein, we review the current understanding of the immune characteristics of DIPG and critically reveal the limitations of current immune research, as well as the opportunities and challenges for immunological therapies in DIPG, hoping to clarify the development of novel immunotherapies for DIPG treatment.
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22
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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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Groves A, Cooney TM. Epigenetic programming of pediatric high-grade glioma: Pushing beyond proof of concept to clinical benefit. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1089898. [PMID: 36589742 PMCID: PMC9795020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a molecularly diverse group of malignancies, each incredibly aggressive and in dire need of treatment advancements. Genomic analysis has revolutionized our understanding of these tumors, identifying biologically relevant subgroups with differing canonical mutational profiles that vary based on tumor location and age. In particular, the discovery of recurrent histone H3 mutations (H3K27M in diffuse midline glioma, H3G34R/V in hemispheric pediatric high-grade gliomas) as unique "oncohistone" drivers revealed epigenetic dysregulation as a hallmark of pediatric high-grade gliomas oncogenesis. While reversing this signature through epigenetic programming has proven effective in several pre-clinical survival models, early results from pediatric high-grade gliomas clinical trials suggest that epigenetic modifier monotherapy will likely not provide long-term disease control. In this review we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular heterogeneity of pediatric high-grade gliomas, and highlight potential paths forward for epigenetic programming in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Groves
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Andrew Groves,
| | - Tabitha M. Cooney
- Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Protein Inhibitors: Biologic Insights and Therapeutic Potential in Pediatric Brain Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060665. [PMID: 35745584 PMCID: PMC9227239 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors have surpassed leukemia as the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Several landmark studies from the last two decades have shown that many pediatric brain tumors are driven by epigenetic dysregulation within specific developmental contexts. One of the major determinants of epigenetic control is the histone code, which is orchestrated by a number of enzymes categorized as writers, erasers, and readers. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are reader proteins that bind to acetylated lysines in histone tails and play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription. BET inhibitors have shown efficacy in a wide range of cancers, and a number have progressed to clinical phase testing. Here, we review the evidence for BET inhibitors in pediatric brain tumor experimental models, as well as their translational potential.
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25
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Damodharan S, Lara-Velazquez M, Williamsen BC, Helgager J, Dey M. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: Molecular Landscape, Evolving Treatment Strategies and Emerging Clinical Trials. J Pers Med 2022; 12:840. [PMID: 35629262 PMCID: PMC9144327 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a type of intrinsic brainstem glial tumor that occurs primarily in the pediatric population. DIPG is initially diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and the characteristic location on imaging. Histologically, these tumors are characterized by a heterogenous population of cells with multiple genetic mutations and high infiltrative capacity. The most common mutation seen in this group is a lysine to methionine point mutation seen at position 27 (K27M) within histone 3 (H3). Tumors with the H3 K27M mutation, are considered grade 4 and are now categorized within the H3 K27-altered diffuse midline glioma category by World Health Organization classification. Due to its critical location and aggressive nature, DIPG is resistant to the most eradicative treatment and is universally fatal; however, modern advances in the surgical techniques resulting in safe biopsy of the lesion have significantly improved our understanding of this disease at the molecular level. Genomic analysis has shown several mutations that play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease and can be targeted therapeutically. In this review, we will elaborate on DIPG from general aspects and the evolving molecular landscape. We will also review innovative therapeutic options that have been trialed along with new promising treatments on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshawn Damodharan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Montserrat Lara-Velazquez
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (M.L.-V.); (B.C.W.)
| | - Brooke Carmen Williamsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (M.L.-V.); (B.C.W.)
| | - Jeffrey Helgager
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (M.L.-V.); (B.C.W.)
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26
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Kum Chol Ri, Ri MR, Kim KH, Choe SI, Ri JH, Kim JH, Ri JH. KLF6 Super-enhancer Regulates Cell Proliferation by Recruiting GATA2 and SOX10 in Human Hepatoma Cells. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Epigenetic mechanisms in paediatric brain tumours: regulators lose control. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:167-185. [PMID: 35076654 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are essential to regulate gene expression during normal development. However, they are often disrupted in pathological conditions including tumours, where they contribute to their formation and maintenance through altered gene expression. In recent years, next generation genomic techniques has allowed a remarkable advancement of our knowledge of the genetic and molecular landscape of paediatric brain tumours and have highlighted epigenetic deregulation as a common hallmark in their pathogenesis. This review describes the main epigenetic dysregulations found in paediatric brain tumours, including at DNA methylation and histone modifications level, in the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes and in the expression of non-coding RNAs. How these altered processes influence tumour biology and how they can be leveraged to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of these tumours and contribute to their classification is also addressed. Finally, the availability and value of preclinical models as well as the current clinical trials exploring targeting key epigenetic mediators in paediatric brain tumours are discussed.
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28
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Hayden E, Holliday H, Lehmann R, Khan A, Tsoli M, Rayner BS, Ziegler DS. Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Midline Gliomas-An Emerging Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246251. [PMID: 34944870 PMCID: PMC8699135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) remain one of the most devastating childhood brain tumour types, for which there is currently no known cure. In this review we provide a summary of the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease, highlighting current analyses and novel treatment propositions. Together, the accumulation of these data will aid in the understanding and development of more effective therapeutic options for the treatment of DMGs. Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are invariably fatal pediatric brain tumours that are inherently resistant to conventional therapy. In recent years our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of DMG tumorigenicity has resulted in the identification of novel targets and the development of a range of potential therapies, with multiple agents now being progressed to clinical translation to test their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the current therapies aimed at epigenetic and mutational drivers, cellular pathway aberrations and tumor microenvironment mechanisms in DMGs in order to aid therapy development and facilitate a holistic approach to patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Hayden
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Holly Holliday
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lehmann
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Aaminah Khan
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin S. Rayner
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-1730; Fax: +61-2-9382-1789
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29
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Liu Y, Tong Z, Wang C, Xia R, Li H, Yu H, Jing J, Cheng W. TiO2 nanotubes regulate histone acetylation through F-actin to induce the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 49:398-406. [PMID: 33914666 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2021.1910282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bone integration on the surface of titanium prosthesis is critical to the success of implant surgery. Good Bone integration at the contact interface is the basis of long-term stability. TiO2 nanotubes have become one of the most commonly used modification techniques for artificial joint prostheses and bone defect implants due to their good biocompatibility, mechanical properties and chemical stability. TiO2 nanotubes can promote F-actin polymerization in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteogenic differentiation. The possibility of F-actin as an upstream part to regulate GCN5 initiation of osteogenesis was discussed. The results of gene loss and functional acquisition assay, immunoblotting assay and fluorescence staining assay showed that TiO2 nanotubes could promote the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts. The intervention of TiO2 nanotubes can make BMSCs form stronger F-actin fibre bundles, which can drive the differentiation process of osteogenesis. Our results showed that F-actin mediated nanotube-induced cell differentiation through promoting the expression of GCN5 and enhancing the function of GCN5 and GCN5 was a key regulator of the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs induced by TiO2 nanotubes as a downstream mediated osteogenesis of F-actin, providing a novel insight into the study of osteogenic differentiation on surface of TiO2 nanotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhicheng Tong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Runzhi Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiwu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wendan Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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30
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Pharmaco-proteogenomic profiling of pediatric diffuse midline glioma to inform future treatment strategies. Oncogene 2021; 41:461-475. [PMID: 34759345 PMCID: PMC8782719 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a deadly pediatric and adolescent central nervous system (CNS) tumor localized along the midline structures of the brain atop the spinal cord. With a median overall survival (OS) of just 9–11-months, DMG is characterized by global hypomethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), driven by recurring somatic mutations in H3 genes including, HIST1H3B/C (H3.1K27M) or H3F3A (H3.3K27M), or through overexpression of EZHIP in patients harboring wildtype H3. The recent World Health Organization’s 5th Classification of CNS Tumors now designates DMG as, ‘H3 K27-altered’, suggesting that global H3K27me3 hypomethylation is a ubiquitous feature of DMG and drives devastating transcriptional programs for which there are no treatments. H3-alterations co-segregate with various other somatic driver mutations, highlighting the high-level of intertumoral heterogeneity of DMG. Furthermore, DMG is also characterized by very high-level intratumoral diversity with tumors harboring multiple subclones within each primary tumor. Each subclone contains their own combinations of driver and passenger lesions that continually evolve, making precision-based medicine challenging to successful execute. Whilst the intertumoral heterogeneity of DMG has been extensively investigated, this is yet to translate to an increase in patient survival. Conversely, our understanding of the non-genomic factors that drive the rapid growth and fatal nature of DMG, including endogenous and exogenous microenvironmental influences, neurological cues, and the posttranscriptional and posttranslational architecture of DMG remains enigmatic or at best, immature. However, these factors are likely to play a significant role in the complex biological sequelae that drives the disease. Here we summarize the heterogeneity of DMG and emphasize how analysis of the posttranslational architecture may improve treatment paradigms. We describe factors that contribute to treatment response and disease progression, as well as highlight the potential for pharmaco-proteogenomics (i.e., the integration of genomics, proteomics and pharmacology) in the management of this uniformly fatal cancer.
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31
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Leszczynska KB, Jayaprakash C, Kaminska B, Mieczkowski J. Emerging Advances in Combinatorial Treatments of Epigenetically Altered Pediatric High-Grade H3K27M Gliomas. Front Genet 2021; 12:742561. [PMID: 34646308 PMCID: PMC8503186 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.742561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations in histone encoding genes result in gross alterations in the epigenetic landscape. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with only 1% surviving for 5 years. Due to the location in the brainstem, DIPGs are difficult to resect and rapidly turn into a fatal disease. Over 80% of DIPGs confer mutations in genes coding for histone 3 variants (H3.3 or H3.1/H3.2), with lysine to methionine substitution at position 27 (H3K27M). This results in a global decrease in H3K27 trimethylation, increased H3K27 acetylation, and widespread oncogenic changes in gene expression. Epigenetic modifying drugs emerge as promising candidates to treat DIPG, with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors taking the lead in preclinical and clinical studies. However, some data show the evolving resistance of DIPGs to the most studied HDAC inhibitor panobinostat and highlight the need to further investigate its mechanism of action. A new forceful line of research explores the simultaneous use of multiple inhibitors that could target epigenetically induced changes in DIPG chromatin and enhance the anticancer response of single agents. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic approaches against H3K27M-expressing pHGGs focused on targeting epigenetic dysregulation and highlight promising combinatorial drug treatments. We assessed the effectiveness of the epigenetic drugs that are already in clinical trials in pHGGs. The constantly expanding understanding of the epigenetic vulnerabilities of H3K27M-expressing pHGGs provides new tumor-specific targets, opens new possibilities of therapy, and gives hope to find a cure for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chinchu Jayaprakash
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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32
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Wang S, C Ordonez-Rubiano S, Dhiman A, Jiao G, Strohmier BP, Krusemark CJ, Dykhuizen EC. Polycomb group proteins in cancer: multifaceted functions and strategies for modulation. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab039. [PMID: 34617019 PMCID: PMC8489530 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) are a heterogenous collection of dozens, if not hundreds, of protein complexes composed of various combinations of subunits. PRCs are transcriptional repressors important for cell-type specificity during development, and as such, are commonly mis-regulated in cancer. PRCs are broadly characterized as PRC1 with histone ubiquitin ligase activity, or PRC2 with histone methyltransferase activity; however, the mechanism by which individual PRCs, particularly the highly diverse set of PRC1s, alter gene expression has not always been clear. Here we review the current understanding of how PRCs act, both individually and together, to establish and maintain gene repression, the biochemical contribution of individual PRC subunits, the mis-regulation of PRC function in different cancers, and the current strategies for modulating PRC activity. Increased mechanistic understanding of PRC function, as well as cancer-specific roles for individual PRC subunits, will uncover better targets and strategies for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Sandra C Ordonez-Rubiano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Alisha Dhiman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Guanming Jiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Brayden P Strohmier
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Casey J Krusemark
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Emily C Dykhuizen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
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33
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Kahn M. Taking the road less traveled - the therapeutic potential of CBP/β-catenin antagonists. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:701-719. [PMID: 34633266 PMCID: PMC8745629 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1992386] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AREAS COVERED This perspective discusses the challenges of targeting the Wnt signaling cascade, the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of specific CBP/β-catenin antagonists and a rationale for the pleiotropic effects of CBP/β-catenin antagonists beyond Wnt signaling. EXPERT OPINION CBP/β-catenin antagonists can correct lineage infidelity, enhance wound healing, both normal and aberrant (e.g. fibrosis) and force the differentiation and lineage commitment of stem cells and cancer stem cells by regulating enhancer and super-enhancer coactivator occupancy. Small molecule CBP/β-catenin antagonists rebalance the equilibrium between CBP/β-catenin versus p300/β-catenin dependent transcription and may be able to treat or prevent many diseases of aging, via maintenance of our somatic stem cell pool, and regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism involved in differentiation and immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 East Duarte Road Flower Building, Duarte, CA, USA
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34
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Cruz-Ruiz S, Urióstegui-Arcos M, Zurita M. The transcriptional stress response and its implications in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188620. [PMID: 34454982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells require high levels of transcription to survive and maintain their cancerous phenotype. For several years, global transcription inhibitors have been used in the treatment of cancer. However, recent advances in understanding the functioning of the basal transcription machinery and the discovery of new drugs that affect the components of this machinery have generated a new boom in the use of this type of drugs to treat cancer. Inhibiting transcription at the global level in the cell generates a stress situation in which the cancer cell responds by overexpressing hundreds of genes in response to this transcriptional stress. Many of these over-transcribed genes encode factors that may be involved in the selection of cells resistant to the treatment and with a greater degree of malignancy. In this study, we reviewed various examples of substances that inhibit global transcription, as well as their targets, that have a high potential to be used against cancer. We also analysed what kinds of genes are overexpressed in the response to transcriptional stress by different substances and finally we discuss what types of studies are necessary to understand this type of stress response to have more tools to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cruz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Maritere Urióstegui-Arcos
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
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Deregulation of Transcriptional Enhancers in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143532. [PMID: 34298745 PMCID: PMC8303223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One of the major challenges in cancer treatments is the dynamic adaptation of tumor cells to cancer therapies. In this regard, tumor cells can modify their response to environmental cues without altering their DNA sequence. This cell plasticity enables cells to undergo morphological and functional changes, for example, during the process of tumour metastasis or when acquiring resistance to cancer therapies. Central to cell plasticity, are the dynamic changes in gene expression that are controlled by a set of molecular switches called enhancers. Enhancers are DNA elements that determine when, where and to what extent genes should be switched on and off. Thus, defects in enhancer function can disrupt the gene expression program and can lead to tumour formation. Here, we review how enhancers control the activity of cancer-associated genes and how defects in these regulatory elements contribute to cell plasticity in cancer. Understanding enhancer (de)regulation can provide new strategies for modulating cell plasticity in tumour cells and can open new research avenues for cancer therapy. Abstract Epigenetic regulations can shape a cell’s identity by reversible modifications of the chromatin that ultimately control gene expression in response to internal and external cues. In this review, we first discuss the concept of cell plasticity in cancer, a process that is directly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, with a particular focus on transcriptional enhancers as the cornerstone of epigenetic regulation. In the second part, we discuss mechanisms of enhancer deregulation in adult stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as two paradigms of cell plasticity that are dependent on epigenetic regulation and serve as major sources of tumour heterogeneity. Finally, we review how genetic variations at enhancers and their epigenetic modifiers contribute to tumourigenesis, and we highlight examples of cancer drugs that target epigenetic modifications at enhancers.
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Yang H, Wei L, Xun Y, Yang A, You H. BRD4: An emerging prospective therapeutic target in glioma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 21:1-14. [PMID: 33851008 PMCID: PMC8010576 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for glioma patients remains poor. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family, plays an important role in controlling oncogene expression and genome stability. In recent years, numerous BRD4 inhibitors have entered clinical trials and achieved exciting results in tumor treatment. Recent clinical studies have shown that BRD4 expression in glioma is significantly higher than in the adjacent normal brain tissue. BRD4 inhibitors effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target glioma tumor tissues but have little effect on normal brain tissues. Thus, BRD4 is a target for the treatment of glioma. In this study, we discuss the progress in the use of BRD4 inhibitors for glioma treatment, their mechanism of action, and their broad potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Wei
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Xun
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Anping Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua You
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong Province, China
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Peeters SM, Muftuoglu Y, Na B, Daniels DJ, Wang AC. Pediatric Gliomas: Molecular Landscape and Emerging Targets. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 32:181-190. [PMID: 33781501 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing of pediatric gliomas has revealed the importance of molecular genetic characterization in understanding the biology underlying these tumors and a breadth of potential therapeutic targets. Promising targeted therapies include mTOR inhibitors for subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis, BRAF and MEK inhibitors mainly for low-grade gliomas, and MEK inhibitors for NF1-deficient BRAF:KIAA fusion tumors. Challenges in developing targeted molecular therapies include significant intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, highly varied mechanisms of treatment resistance and immune escape, adequacy of tumor penetrance, and sensitivity of brain to treatment-related toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Peeters
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yagmur Muftuoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 265, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anthony C Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Zhang Y, Wang X. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:165. [PMID: 33276800 PMCID: PMC7716495 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 658] [Impact Index Per Article: 164.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway facilitates cancer stem cell renewal, cell proliferation and differentiation, thus exerting crucial roles in tumorigenesis and therapy response. Accumulated investigations highlight the therapeutic potential of agents targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. Wnt ligand/ receptor interface, β-catenin destruction complex and TCF/β-catenin transcription complex are key components of the cascade and have been targeted with interventions in preclinical and clinical evaluations. This scoping review aims at outlining the latest progress on the current approaches and perspectives of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway targeted therapy in various cancer types. Better understanding of the updates on the inhibitors, antagonists and activators of Wnt/β-catenin pathway rationalizes innovative strategies for personalized cancer treatment. Further investigations are warranted to confirm precise and secure targeted agents and achieve optimal use with clinical benefits in malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China.
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