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Xie M, Zhou L, Li T, Lin Y, Zhang R, Zheng X, Zeng C, Zheng L, Zhong L, Huang X, Zou Y, Kang T, Wu Y. Targeting the KAT8/YEATS4 Axis Represses Tumor Growth and Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity in Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310146. [PMID: 38526153 PMCID: PMC11165526 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common tumors characterized by a high rate of relapse and a lack of targeted therapy. Here, YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4) is an essential gene for BC cell viability using CRISPR-Cas9 library screening is reported, and that HUWE1 is an E3 ligase responsible for YEATS4 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation by the Protein Stability Regulators Screening Assay. KAT8-mediated acetylation of YEATS4 impaired its interaction with HUWE1 and consequently prevented its ubiquitination and degradation. The protein levels of YEATS4 and KAT8 are positively correlated and high levels of these two proteins are associated with poor overall survival in BC patients. Importantly, suppression of YEATS4 acetylation with the KAT8 inhibitor MG149 decreased YEATS4 acetylation, reduced cell viability, and sensitized BC cells to cisplatin treatment. The findings reveal a critical role of the KAT8/YEATS4 axis in both tumor growth and cisplatin sensitivity in BC cells, potentially generating a novel therapeutic strategy for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miner Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Department of HematologyGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Liwen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yujie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Ruhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Xianchong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Cuiling Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Lisi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Li Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Center of Digestive DiseaseScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518107P. R. China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yezi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- School of MedicineShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107P. R. China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
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Salzler HR, Vandadi V, Matera AG. Set2 and H3K36 regulate the Drosophila male X chromosome in a context-specific manner, independent from MSL complex spreading. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592390. [PMID: 38766267 PMCID: PMC11100620 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Dosage compensation in Drosophila involves upregulating male X-genes two-fold. This process is carried out by the MSL (male-specific lethal) complex, which binds high-affinity sites and spreads to surrounding genes. Current models of MSL spreading focus on interactions of MSL3 (male-specific lethal 3) with histone marks; in particular, Set2-dependent H3 lysine-36 trimethylation (H3K36me3). However, Set2 might affect DC via another target, or there could be redundancy between canonical H3.2 and variant H3.3 histones. Further, it is difficult to parse male-specific effects from those that are simply X-specific. To discriminate among these possibilities, we employed genomic approaches in H3K36 (residue) and Set2 (writer) mutants. The results confirm a role for Set2 in X-gene regulation, but show that expression trends in males are often mirrored in females. Instead of global male-specific reduction of X-genes in Set2/H3K36 mutants, the effects were heterogeneous. We identified cohorts of genes whose expression was significantly altered following loss of H3K36 or Set2, but the changes were in opposite directions, suggesting that H3K36me states have reciprocal functions. In contrast to H4K16R controls, analysis of combined H3.2K36R/H3.3K36R mutants neither showed consistent reduction in X-gene expression, nor any correlation with MSL3 binding. Examination of other developmental stages/tissues revealed additional layers of context-dependence. Our studies implicate BEAF-32 and other insulator proteins in Set2/H3K36-dependent regulation. Overall, the data are inconsistent with the prevailing model wherein H3K36me3 directly recruits the MSL complex. We propose that Set2 and H3K36 support DC indirectly, via processes that are utilized by MSL but common to both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony R. Salzler
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vasudha Vandadi
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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3
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Pallauf M, Ged Y, Singla N. Molecular differences in renal cell carcinoma between males and females. World J Urol 2023; 41:1727-1739. [PMID: 36905442 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04347-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The disparity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk and treatment outcome between males and females is well documented, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. METHODS We performed a narrative review synthesizing contemporary evidence on sex-specific molecular differences in healthy kidney tissue and RCC. RESULTS In healthy kidney tissue, gene expression differs significantly between males and females, including autosomal and sex-chromosome-linked genes. The differences are most prominent for sex-chromosome-linked genes and attributable to Escape from X chromosome-linked inactivation and Y chromosome loss. The frequency distribution of RCC histologies varies between the sexes, particularly for papillary, chromophobe, and translocation RCC. In clear-cell and papillary RCC, sex-specific gene expressions are pronounced, and some of these genes are amenable to pharmacotherapy. However, for many, the impact on tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. In clear-cell RCC, molecular subtypes and gene expression pathways have distinct sex-specific trends, which also apply to the expression of genes implicated in tumor progression. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests meaningful genomic differences between male and female RCC, highlighting the need for sex-specific RCC research and personalized sex-specific treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Pallauf
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Yasser Ged
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nirmish Singla
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Pal D, Patel M, Boulet F, Sundarraj J, Grant OA, Branco MR, Basu S, Santos SDM, Zabet NR, Scaffidi P, Pradeepa MM. H4K16ac activates the transcription of transposable elements and contributes to their cis-regulatory function. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:935-947. [PMID: 37308596 PMCID: PMC10352135 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian genomes harbor abundant transposable elements (TEs) and their remnants, with numerous epigenetic repression mechanisms enacted to silence TE transcription. However, TEs are upregulated during early development, neuronal lineage, and cancers, although the epigenetic factors contributing to the transcription of TEs have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the male-specific lethal (MSL)-complex-mediated histone H4 acetylation at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) is enriched at TEs in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and cancer cells. This in turn activates transcription of subsets of full-length long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE1s, L1s) and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) long terminal repeats (LTRs). Furthermore, we show that the H4K16ac-marked L1 and LTR subfamilies display enhancer-like functions and are enriched in genomic locations with chromatin features associated with active enhancers. Importantly, such regions often reside at boundaries of topologically associated domains and loop with genes. CRISPR-based epigenetic perturbation and genetic deletion of L1s reveal that H4K16ac-marked L1s and LTRs regulate the expression of genes in cis. Overall, TEs enriched with H4K16ac contribute to the cis-regulatory landscape at specific genomic locations by maintaining an active chromatin landscape at TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debosree Pal
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Manthan Patel
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fanny Boulet
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jayakumar Sundarraj
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Olivia A Grant
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Srinjan Basu
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Nicolae Radu Zabet
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Paola Scaffidi
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Madapura M Pradeepa
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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5
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Smith JC, Husted S, Pilrose J, Ems-McClung SC, Stout JR, Carpenter RL, Walczak CE. MCAK Inhibitors Induce Aneuploidy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543118. [PMID: 37397990 PMCID: PMC10312595 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Standard of care for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) involves the use of microtubule poisons like paclitaxel, which are proposed to work by inducing lethal levels of aneuploidy in tumor cells. While these drugs are initially effective in treating cancer, dose-limiting peripheral neuropathies are common. Unfortunately, patients often relapse with drug resistant tumors. Identifying agents against targets that limit aneuploidy may be a valuable approach for therapeutic development. One potential target is the microtubule depolymerizing kinesin, MCAK, which limits aneuploidy by regulating microtubule dynamics during mitosis. Using publicly available datasets, we found that MCAK is upregulated in triple negative breast cancer and is associated with poorer prognoses. Knockdown of MCAK in tumor-derived cell lines caused a two- to five-fold reduction in the IC 50 for paclitaxel, without affecting normal cells. Using FRET and image-based assays, we screened compounds from the ChemBridge 50k library and discovered three putative MCAK inhibitors. These compounds reproduced the aneuploidy-inducing phenotype of MCAK loss, reduced clonogenic survival of TNBC cells regardless of taxane-resistance, and the most potent of the three, C4, sensitized TNBC cells to paclitaxel. Collectively, our work shows promise that MCAK may serve as both a biomarker of prognosis and as a therapeutic target. Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal breast cancer subtype with few treatment options available. Standard of care for TNBC involves the use of taxanes, which are initially effective, but dose limiting toxicities are common, and patients often relapse with resistant tumors. Specific drugs that produce taxane-like effects may be able to improve patient quality of life and prognosis. In this study we identify three novel inhibitors of the Kinesin-13 MCAK. MCAK inhibition induces aneuploidy; similar to cells treated with taxanes. We demonstrate that MCAK is upregulated in TNBC and is associated with poorer prognoses. These MCAK inhibitors reduce the clonogenic survival of TNBC cells, and the most potent of the three inhibitors, C4, sensitizes TNBC cells to taxanes, similar to the effects of MCAK knockdown. This work will expand the field of precision medicine to include aneuploidy-inducing drugs that have the potential to improve patient outcomes.
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Fiorentino F, Sementilli S, Menna M, Turrisi F, Tomassi S, Pellegrini FR, Iuzzolino A, D'Acunzo F, Feoli A, Wapenaar H, Taraglio S, Fraschetti C, Del Bufalo D, Sbardella G, Dekker FJ, Paiardini A, Trisciuoglio D, Mai A, Rotili D. First-in-Class Selective Inhibitors of the Lysine Acetyltransferase KAT8. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6591-6616. [PMID: 37155735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
KAT8 is a lysine acetyltransferase primarily catalyzing the acetylation of Lys16 of histone H4 (H4K16). KAT8 dysregulation is linked to the development and metastatization of many cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Few KAT8 inhibitors have been reported so far, none of which displaying selective activity. Based on the KAT3B/KDAC inhibitor C646, we developed a series of N-phenyl-5-pyrazolone derivatives and identified compounds 19 and 34 as low-micromolar KAT8 inhibitors selective over a panel of KATs and KDACs. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and CETSA experiments demonstrated that both inhibitors selectively target KAT8 in cells. Moreover, 19 and 34 exhibited mid-micromolar antiproliferative activity in different cancer cell lines, including NSCLC and AML, without impacting the viability of nontransformed cells. Overall, these compounds are valuable tools for elucidating KAT8 biology, and their simple structures make them promising candidates for future optimization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Sara Sementilli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Martina Menna
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Federica Turrisi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Pellegrini
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Angela Iuzzolino
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Acunzo
- Institute of Biological Systems (ISB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Sezione Meccanismi di Reazione, c/o Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano (SA) 84084, Italy
| | - Hannah Wapenaar
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Taraglio
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano (SA) 84084, Italy
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Paiardini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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Dhital B, Rodriguez-Bravo V. Mechanisms of chromosomal instability (CIN) tolerance in aggressive tumors: surviving the genomic chaos. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:15. [PMID: 37058263 PMCID: PMC10104937 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a pervasive feature of human cancers involved in tumor initiation and progression and which is found elevated in metastatic stages. CIN can provide survival and adaptation advantages to human cancers. However, too much of a good thing may come at a high cost for tumor cells as excessive degree of CIN-induced chromosomal aberrations can be detrimental for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Thus, aggressive tumors adapt to cope with ongoing CIN and most likely develop unique susceptibilities that can be their Achilles' heel. Determining the differences between the tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects of CIN at the molecular level has become one of the most exciting and challenging aspects in cancer biology. In this review, we summarized the state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms reported to contribute to the adaptation and perpetuation of aggressive tumor cells carrying CIN. The use of genomics, molecular biology, and imaging techniques is significantly enhancing the understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in the generation of and adaptation to CIN in experimental models and patients, which were not possible to observe decades ago. The current and future research opportunities provided by these advanced techniques will facilitate the repositioning of CIN exploitation as a feasible therapeutic opportunity and valuable biomarker for several types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittiny Dhital
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Thomas Jefferson University Graduate School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Simeoni F, Loukas I, Wilson TS, Scaffidi P. CRISPR-based large-scale modeling of loss-of-function mutations to investigate mechanisms of stress resistance in cancer. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102097. [PMID: 36853711 PMCID: PMC9947008 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102097] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissecting mechanisms driving subclone expansion in primary cancers has been challenging. Here, we present a protocol to systematically disrupt entire gene networks and assess the functional impact of this perturbation on cancer cell fitness. By combining arrayed CRISPR libraries and high-content microscopy, we describe steps to identify classes of genes whose inactivation promotes resistance to environmental challenges faced by cancer cells during tumor growth or upon therapy. A proof-of-principle interrogation of the epigenetic regulatory network is described. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Loukas et al. (2022).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Simeoni
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, UK.
| | - Ioannis Loukas
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, UK
| | | | - Paola Scaffidi
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, UK; Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy.
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9
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Loukas I, Simeoni F, Milan M, Inglese P, Patel H, Goldstone R, East P, Strohbuecker S, Mitter R, Talsania B, Tang W, Ratcliffe CDH, Sahai E, Shahrezaei V, Scaffidi P. Selective advantage of epigenetically disrupted cancer cells via phenotypic inertia. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:70-87.e14. [PMID: 36332625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of established cancers is driven by selection of cells with enhanced fitness. Subclonal mutations in numerous epigenetic regulator genes are common across cancer types, yet their functional impact has been unclear. Here, we show that disruption of the epigenetic regulatory network increases the tolerance of cancer cells to unfavorable environments experienced within growing tumors by promoting the emergence of stress-resistant subpopulations. Disruption of epigenetic control does not promote selection of genetically defined subclones or favor a phenotypic switch in response to environmental changes. Instead, it prevents cells from mounting an efficient stress response via modulation of global transcriptional activity. This "transcriptional numbness" lowers the probability of cell death at early stages, increasing the chance of long-term adaptation at the population level. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the widespread selection of subclonal epigenetic-related mutations in cancer and uncover phenotypic inertia as a cellular trait that drives subclone expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Loukas
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Simeoni
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Marta Milan
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Paolo Inglese
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Harshil Patel
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Bhavik Talsania
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Erik Sahai
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Paola Scaffidi
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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10
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Du M, Zhang S, Liu X, Xu C, Zhang X. Nondiploid cancer cells: Stress, tolerance and therapeutic inspirations. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188794. [PMID: 36075287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant ploidy status is a prominent characteristic in malignant neoplasms. Approximately 90% of solid tumors and 75% of haematopoietic malignancies contain aneuploidy cells, and 30%-60% of tumors undergo whole-genome doubling, indicating that nondiploidy might be a prevalent genomic aberration in cancer. Although the role of aneuploid and polyploid cells in cancer remains to be elucidated, recent studies have suggested that nondiploid cells might be a dangerous minority that severely challenges cancer management. Ploidy shifts cause multiple fitness coasts for cancer cells, mainly including genomic, proteotoxic, metabolic and immune stresses. However, nondiploid comprises a well-adopted subpopulation, with many tolerance mechanisms evident in cells along with ploidy shifts. Aneuploid and polyploid cells elegantly maintain an autonomous balance between the stress and tolerance during adaptive evolution in cancer. Breaking the balance might provide some inspiration for ploidy-selective cancer therapy and alleviation of ploidy-related chemoresistance. To understand of the complex role and therapeutic potential of nondiploid cells better, we reviewed the survival stresses and adaptive tolerances within nondiploid cancer cells and summarized therapeutic ploidy-selective alterations for potential use in developing future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Du
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Wei T, Liu H, Zhu H, Chen W, Wu T, Bai Y, Zhang X, Miao Y, Wang F, Cai Y, Jin J. Two distinct males absent on the first (MOF)-containing histone acetyltransferases are involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in different ways in human cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:238. [PMID: 35416545 PMCID: PMC11073432 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human males absent on the first (MOF), a histone acetyltransferase (HAT), forms male-specific lethal (MSL) and non-specific lethal (NSL), two multiprotein HATs, in cells. MSL was originally discovered in dosage compensation study in Drosophila that can specifically acetylate H4K16, while NSL can simultaneously catalyze the H4 at K5, K8, and K16 sites. However, comparative studies of the two HATs in regulating specific biological functions are rarely reported. Here, we present evidence to argue that MSL and NSL function in different ways in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. At first, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MSL1 (a key subunit of the MSL)-knockout (KO) and NSL3 (a key subunit of the NSL)-KO cells seem to prefer to grow in clusters. Interestingly, the former promotes cell survival and clonal formation, while the latter has the opposite effect on it. Cell staining revealed that MSL1-KO leads to multipolarized spindles, while NSL3-KO causes more lumen-like cells. Furthermore, in Transwell experiments, silencing of MSL1 promotes cell invasion in 293 T, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, the inhibitory effects on cell invasion are observed in the same NSL3-silenced cells. Consistent with this, mesenchymal biomarkers, like N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail, are negatively correlated with the expression level of MSL1; however, a positive relationship between these proteins and NSL3 in cells has been found. Further studies have clarified that MSL1, but not NSL3, can specifically bind to the E-box-containing Snail promoter region and thereby negatively regulate Snail transactivation. Also, silencing of MSL1 promotes the lung metastasis of B16F10 melanoma cells in mice. Finally, ChIP-Seq analysis indicated that the NSL may be mainly involved in phosphoinositide-mediated signaling pathways. Taken together, the MOF-containing MSL and NSL HATs may regulate the EMT process in different ways in order to respond to different stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000, China
| | - Hongsen Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Huihui Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157000, China
| | - Wenqi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yuerong Bai
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yujuan Miao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, The Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China.
| | - Jingji Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, The Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China.
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