CG200745, an HDAC inhibitor, induces anti-tumour effects in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines via miRNAs targeting the Hippo pathway

MiR-22-3p Inhibits 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells Through PTEN/PI3K/AKT Axis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a prevalent and highly lethal form of cancer globally. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the advancement of CCA, their potential influence on 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) resistance in CCA remains to be fully elucidated. Here, in this study, we investigated the impact of miR-22-3p on CCA resistance. Our investigation involved bioinformatics analysis, which revealed an association between miR-22-3p and the progression, diagnosis, and patient survival of CCA. Furthermore, we validated a notable downregulation of miR-22-3p expression in CCA cell lines. Elevated levels of miR-22-3p inhibit the activity and proliferation of 5-Fu-resistant CCA cell lines. In addition, we confirmed that phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a target gene of miR-22-3p, and its expression correlates with the survival of CCA patients. Reduced PTEN expression enhances apoptosis in 5-Fu-resistant CCA cells. Meanwhile, we verified the existence of the miR-22-3p/PTEN/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (AKT) regulatory networks in CCA, influencing the sensitivity of CCA cells to 5-Fu. In conclusion, our findings suggest that miR-22-3p acts as a tumor suppressor. Its overexpression inhibits the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis, promoting cell apoptosis and enhancing CCA sensitivity to 5-Fu.

Targeting histone deacetylase in cardiac diseases

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) catalyze the removal of acetylation modifications on histones and non-histone proteins, which regulates gene expression and other cellular processes. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), approved anti-cancer agents, emerge as a potential new therapy for heart diseases. Cardioprotective effects of HDACi are observed in many preclinical animal models of heart diseases. Genetic mouse models have been developed to understand the role of each HDAC in cardiac functions. Some of the findings are controversial. Here, we provide an overview of how HDACi and HDAC impact cardiac functions under physiological or pathological conditions. We focus on in vivo studies of zinc-dependent classical HDACs, emphasizing disease conditions involving cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury, and heart failure. In particular, we review how non-biased omics studies can help our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cardiac effects of HDACi and HDAC.

Transgelin-2, a novel cancer stem cell-related biomarker, is a diagnostic and therapeutic target for biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a relatively rare but aggressive gastrointestinal cancer with a high mortality rate. Cancer stem cell (CSC) populations play crucial roles in tumor biology and are responsible for the low response to anti-cancer treatment and the high recurrence rate. This study investigated the role of Transgelin-2 (TAGLN2), overexpressed in CSC in BTC cells, and analyzed its expression in patient tissues and serum to identify potential new targets for BTC.

METHODS

TAGLN2 expression was suppressed by small-interfering or short hairpin RNAs, and its effects on tumor biology were assessed in several BTC cell lines. Furthermore, the effects of TAGLN2 silencing on gemcitabine-resistant BTC cells, differentially expressed genes, proteins, and sensitivity to therapeutics or radiation were assessed. TAGLN2 expression was also assessed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry in samples obtained from patients with BTC to validate its clinical application.

RESULTS

Suppression of TAGLN2 in BTC cell lines decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor size, in addition to a reduction in CSC features, including clonogenicity, radioresistance, and chemoresistance. TAGLN2 was highly expressed in BTC tissues, especially in cancer-associated fibroblasts in the stroma. Patients with a low stromal immunohistochemical index had prolonged disease-free survival compared to those with a high stromal immunohistochemical index (11.5 vs. 7.4 months, P = 0.013). TAGLN2 expression was higher in the plasma of patients with BTC than that in those with benign diseases. TAGLN2 had a higher area under the curve (0.901) than CA19-9, a validated tumor biomarker (0.799; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TAGLN2 plays a critical role in promoting BTC cell growth and motility and is involved in regulating BTC stemness. Silencing TAGLN2 expression enhanced cell sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs. The expression of TAGLN2 in patient tissue and plasma suggests its potential to serve as a secretory biomarker for BTC. Overall, targeting TAGLN2 could be an appropriate therapeutic strategy against advanced cancer following chemotherapy failure.

The roles of epigenetic regulation in cholangiocarcinogenesis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a heterogeneous malignancy of bile duct epithelial cells, is characterized by aggressiveness, difficult diagnosis, and poor prognosis due to limited understanding and lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Genetic and epigenetic alterations accumulated in CCA cells can cause the aberrant regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Epigenetic alterations with histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA modulation are associated with the carcinogenesis of CCA. Mutation or silencing of genes by various mechanisms can be a frequent event during CCA development. Alterations in histone acetylation/deacetylation at the posttranslational level, DNA methylation at promoters, and noncoding RNA regulation contribute to the heterogeneity of CCA and drive tumor development. In this review article, we mainly focus on the roles of epigenetic regulation in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Alterations in epigenetic modification can be potential targets for the therapeutic management of CCA, and epigenetic targets may become diagnostic biomarkers of CCA.

Active Autophagy Is Associated with Favorable Outcome in Patients with Surgically Resected Cholangiocarcinoma

Data on the impact of autophagy in primary cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remain scarce. Here, we therefore investigated the role of active autophagy and its impact on survival in CCA patients. All CCA patients who underwent surgical resection with curative intent between 08/2005 and 12/2021 at University Hospital Frankfurt were evaluated. Autophagic key proteins were studied by immunohistochemistry. iCCA processed for gene expression profiling of immune-exhaustion gene sets was used for an autophagy approach in silico. Active autophagy was present in 23.3% of the 172 CCA patients. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed median OS of 68.4 months (95% CI = 46.9-89.9 months) and 32.7 months (95% CI = 23.6-41.8 months) for active and non-active autophagy, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). In multivariate analysis, absence of active autophagy (HR = 2, 95% CI = 1.1-3.5, p = 0.015) was an independent risk factor for OS. Differential-expression profiling revealed significantly upregulated histone deacetylases (HDAC) mRNA in patients showing non-active autophagy. In line with this, pan-acetylated lysine was significantly more prominent in CCA patients with ongoing autophagy (p = 0.005). Our findings strengthen the role of active autophagy as a prognostically relevant marker and a potential therapeutic target.

Placental stem cells-derived exosomes stimulate cutaneous wound regeneration via engrailed-1 inhibition

Introduction: Skin wounds generally heal by scarring, a fibrotic process mediated by the Engrailed-1 (EN1) fibroblast lineage. Scar is detrimental to tissue structure and function, but perfect healing in clinical settings remains to be explored. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation can reduce scarring Methods: Here, we investigated the effects of placental MSCs (pMSCs) and exosomes derived from pMSCs (pMSC-exos) on wound healing using a full-thickness rat model. Results: The results showed that placental MSCs significantly accelerated the wound healing rate. Moreover, placental MSCs improved the quality of wound healing, including regenerating cutaneous appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands), decreasing collagen I and increasing collagen III, and improving collagen pattern (basket-wave-like) in the healed skin. placental MSCs treatment also increased the regeneration of blood vessels. Importantly, all these listed effects of placental MSCs were comparable to those of exosomes derived from pMSCs, but significantly stronger than those of adipose MSC-derived exosomes (aMSC-exos). Further studies showed that the effects of placental MSCs and exosomes derived from pMSCs on wound regeneration may be mainly achieved via the down-regulation of the Yes-associated protein signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the activation of EN1. Discussion: In summary, placental MSCs could effectively stimulate wound regeneration, and their effect could be achieved through their exosomes. This suggests that exosomes derived from pMSCs treatment could be used as a novel cell-free approach to induce wound regeneration in clinical settings.

A phase I/II study of ivaltinostat combined with gemcitabine and erlotinib in patients with untreated locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

This phase I/II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, ivaltinostat, in combination with gemcitabine and erlotinib for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients diagnosed with unresectable, histologically confirmed PDAC who had not undergone previous therapy were eligible. Phase I had a 3 + 3 dose escalation design to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of ivaltinostat (intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15) with gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15) and erlotinib (100 mg/day, orally) for a 28-day cycle. In phase II, patients received a six-cycle treatment with the MTD of ivaltinostat determined in phase I. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The MTD of ivaltinostat for the phase II trial was determined to be 250 mg/m2 . In phase II, 24 patients were enrolled. The median OS and PFS were 8.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3-11.2) and 5.3 months (95% CI: 3.7-5.8). Of the 16 patients evaluated for response, ORR and DCR were 25.0% and 93.8% with a median OS/PFS of 10.8 (95% CI: 8.3-16.7)/5.8 (95% CI: 4.6-6.7) months. Correlative studies showed that mutation burden detected by cfDNA and specific blood markers such as TIMP1, pro-MMP10, PECAM1, proMMP-2 and IGFBP1 were associated with clinical outcomes. Although the result of a small study, a combination of ivaltinostat, gemcitabine and erlotinib appeared to be a potential treatment option for advanced PDAC.

Leveraging patient derived models of FGFR2 fusion positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to identify synergistic therapies

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains a deadly malignancy lacking systemic therapies for advanced disease. Recent advancements include selective FGFR1-3 inhibitors for the 15% of ICC patients harboring fusions, although survival is limited by poor response and resistance. Herein we report generation of a patient-derived FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC model system consisting of a cell line, organoid, and xenograft, which have undergone complete histologic, genomic, and phenotypic characterization, including testing standard-of-care systemic therapies. Using these FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC models, we conducted an unbiased high-throughput small molecule screen to prioritize combination strategies with FGFR inhibition, from which HDAC inhibition together with pemigatinib was validated in vitro and in vivo as a synergistic therapy for ICC. Additionally, we demonstrate broad utility of the FGFR/HDAC combination for other FGFR fusion-positive solid tumors. These data are directly translatable and justify early phase trials to establish dosing, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of this synergistic combination.

Advances in prognostic and therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: The hippo signaling pathway

Primary liver cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The majority of the primary liver cancer cases are hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Worldwide, there is an increasing incidence of primary liver cancer cases due to multiple risk factors ranging from parasites and viruses to metabolic diseases and lifestyles. Often, patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, depriving them of surgical curability benefits. Moreover, the efficacy of the available chemotherapeutics is limited in advanced stages. Furthermore, tumor metastases and recurrence make primary liver cancer management exceptionally challenging. Thus, exploring the molecular mechanisms for the development and progression of primary liver cancer is critical in improving diagnostic, treatment, prognostication, and surveillance modalities. These mechanisms facilitate the discovery of specific targets that are critical for novel and more efficient treatments. Consequently, the Hippo signaling pathway executing a pivotal role in organogenesis, hemostasis, and regeneration of tissues, regulates liver cells proliferation, and apoptosis. Cell polarity or adhesion molecules and cellular metabolic status are some of the biological activators of the pathway. Thus, understanding the mechanisms exhibited by the Hippo pathway is critical to the development of novel targeted therapies. This study reviews the advances in identifying therapeutic targets and prognostic markers of the Hippo pathway for primary liver cancer in the past six years.

Profiling plasma levels of thiamine and histamine in Jordanian children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): potential biomarkers for evaluation of ASD therapies and diet

BACKGROUND

The current work involved monitoring two biomarkers in the plasma of children with ASD: the cofactor thiamine that is involved in neurotransmitters modulation for acetylcholine, and the compound histamine, which acts as a neuromodulator by regulating the release of other neurotransmitters. This is the first report to highlight the potential utilization of plasma levels of the selected two brain-related biomarkers in children with ASD.

METHODS

A total of 43 children with ASD of both genders (age 4-12 years) were involved in this study and compared to age and gender-matched control children (n = 42). The diagnosis of ASD was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5), followed by an additional assessment using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). All participants were Jordanian children on Mediterranean diet, and had no history of chronic illness or medications. Measurement of thiamine and histamine in plasma was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The outcomes revealed that average histamine levels (31.7 ± 18.5 ng/ml) of ASD group were 5.3× higher (p < .001) compared to their control (0.013 ± 0.011 ng/ml; 6.03 ± 4.25 ng/ml), while thiamine (10.78 ± 7.49 ng/ml) levels of ASD group were significantly lower (p < .001) than the control (37.92 ± 26.87 ng/ml; 0.209 ± 0.054 ng/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

The study is proposing that monitoring of the plasma levels of thiamine and histamine as biomarkers for future evaluation and development of ASD therapies and nutritious diets.

Suppression of histone deacetylase 1 by JSL-1 attenuates the progression and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma via the TPX2/Snail axis

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are entwined with the pathogenesis of various cancers and potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Herein, we intend to explore the potential role of HDAC1 inhibitor (JSL-1) in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and to highlight the molecular basis of its function. As shown by bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical detection, high HDAC1 expression was witnessed in CC tissues relative to matched controls from patients with cholecystitis. The molecular network that HDAC1 silencing reduced the enrichment of HDAC1 and Snail on the TPX2 promoter was identified using immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Both short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of HDAC1 and JSL-1 treatment exhibited anti-proliferative, anti-migration and anti-invasion effects on CC cells through downregulation of TPX2. The in vivo xenograft model was developed in nude mice. Consistently, the anti-tumorigenic and anti-metastatic properties of shRNA against HDAC1 and HDAC1 inhibitor were validated in the in vivo settings. Taken together, our data supported the notion that HDAC1 inhibitor retards the initiation and development of CC via mediating the TPX2/Snail axis, highlighting the anti-tumor molecular network functioned in CC.

YAP1 activation and Hippo pathway signaling in the pathogenesis and treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the second most common primary liver cancer, is a highly lethal epithelial cell malignancy exhibiting features of cholangiocyte differentiation. iCCAs can potentially develop from multiple cell types of origin within liver, including immature or mature cholangiocytes, hepatic stem cells/progenitor cells, and from transdifferentiation of hepatocytes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and genetic drivers that diversely drive specific cell lineage pathways leading to iCCA has important biological and clinical implications. In this context, activation of the YAP1-TEAD dependent transcription, driven by Hippo-dependent or -independent diverse mechanisms that lead to the stabilization of YAP1 is crucially important to biliary fate commitment in hepatobiliary cancer. In preclinical models, YAP1 activation in hepatocytes or cholangiocytes is sufficient to drive their malignant transformation into iCCA. Moreover, nuclear YAP1/TAZ is highly prevalent in human iCCA irrespective of the varied etiology, and significantly correlates with poor prognosis in iCCA patients. Based on the ubiquitous expression and diverse physiologic roles for YAP1/TAZ in the liver, recent studies have further revealed distinct functions of active YAP1/TAZ in regulating tumor metabolism, as well as the tumor immune microenvironment. In the current review, we discuss our current understanding of the various roles of the Hippo-YAP1 signaling in iCCA pathogenesis, with a specific focus on the roles played by the Hippo-YAP1 pathway in modulating biliary commitment and oncogenicity, iCCA metabolism, and immune microenvironment. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the YAP1/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional machinery in iCCA, its current limitations, and what future studies are needed to facilitate clinical translation.

Fabry disease - a multisystemic disease with gastrointestinal manifestations

Nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as postprandial cramping pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are typical symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, but may also be the first symptoms of Fabry disease (FD). This review focus on GI manifestations in FD, by providing an overview of symptoms, a proper diagnosis, an appropriate management by FD-specific and concomitant medications and lifestyle interventions. We provide comprehensive literature-based data combined with personal experience in the management of FD patients. Since FD is rare and the clinical phenotype is heterogeneous, affected patients are often misdiagnosed. Consequently, physicians should consider FD as a possible differential diagnosis when assessing unspecific GI symptoms. Improved diagnostic tools, such as a modified GI symptom assessment scale can facilitate the diagnosis of FD in patients with GI symptoms of unknown cause and thus enable the timely initiation of a disease-specific therapy. Expansive intravenous enzyme replacement therapy with α-galactosidase A or oral chaperone therapy for patients with amenable mutations improve the disease burden including GI symptoms, but a timely start of therapy is crucial for the prognosis. A special diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) or pro- and prebiotics might improve FD-typical GI symptoms. Furthermore, preliminary success was reported with the oral administration of α-galactosidase A. In addition to a timely initiation of FD-specific therapy, affected patients with GI symptoms might benefit from a FODMAP-low diet, pro- and prebiotics and/or low-cost oral substitution with AGAL to support digestion and reduce dysbiosis.

Chidamide Suppresses the Growth of Cholangiocarcinoma by Inhibiting HDAC3 and Promoting FOXO1 Acetylation

Inhibitors for histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been identified as epigenetic drug targets to treat a variety of malignancies through several molecular mechanisms. The present study is aimed at investigating the mechanism underlying the possible antitumor effect of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide (CDM) on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Microarray-based gene expression profiling was conducted to predict the expression of HDACs in CCA, which was validated in clinical tissue samples from CCA patients. Next, the proliferation, migration, invasion, autophagy, and apoptosis of human CCA QBC939 and SNU308 cells were measured following treatment with CDM at different concentrations. The acetylation level of FOXO1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of QBC939 and SNU308 cells was determined after overexpression and suppression of HDAC3. A QBC939-implanted xenograft nude mouse model was established for further exploration of CDM roles in vitro. HDAC3 was prominently expressed in CCA tissues and indicated a poor prognosis for patients with CCA. CDM significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of QBC939 and SNU308 cells, while inducing their autophagy and apoptosis by reducing the expression of HDAC3. CDM promoted FOXO1 acetylation by inhibiting HDAC3, thereby inducing cell autophagy. Additionally, CDM inhibited tumor growth in vivo via HDAC3 downregulation and FOXO1 acetylation induction. Overall, this study reveals that CDM can exhibit antitumor effects against CCA by promoting HDAC3-mediated FOXO1 acetylation, thus identifying a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of CCA.

Regulating Histone Deacetylase Signaling Pathways of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Enhanced T Cell-Based Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to combat immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for improved cancer treatment. FDA approval for the clinical use of programmed death receptor 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors revolutionized T cell-based immunotherapy. Although only a few cancer patients respond to this treatment due to several factors including the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. Several immunosuppressive cells within the TME such as regulatory T cells, myeloid cells, and cancer-associated fibroblast inhibit the activation and function of T cells to promote tumor progression. The roles of epigenetic modifiers such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) in cancer have long been investigated but little is known about their impact on immune cells. Recent studies showed inhibiting HDAC expression on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promoted their differentiation to less suppressive cells and reduced their immunosuppressive effect in the TME. HDAC inhibitors upregulated PD-1 or PD-L1 expression level on tumor or immune cells sensitizing tumor-bearing mice to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Herein we discuss how inhibiting HDAC expression on MDSCs could circumvent drawbacks to immune checkpoint inhibitors and improve cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlighted current challenges and future perspectives of HDAC inhibitors in regulating MDSCs function for effective cancer immunotherapy.

TAM Receptors in the Pathophysiology of Liver Disease

TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl and MerTK) are a family of tyrosine kinase receptors that are expressed in a variety of cell populations, including liver parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells. These receptors are vital for immune homeostasis, as they regulate the innate immune response by suppressing inflammation via toll-like receptor inhibition and by promoting tissue resolution through efferocytosis. However, there is increasing evidence indicating that aberrant TAM receptor signaling may play a role in pathophysiological processes in the context of liver disease. This review will explore the roles of TAM receptors and their ligands in liver homeostasis as well as a variety of disease settings, including acute liver injury, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction and hepatocellular carcinoma. A better understanding of our current knowledge of TAM receptors in liver disease may identify new opportunities for disease monitoring as well as novel therapeutic targets. Nonetheless, this review also aims to highlight areas where further research on TAM receptor biology in liver disease is required.

Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer

Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.

RGFP966 inactivation of the YAP pathway attenuates cardiac dysfunction induced by prolonged hypothermic preservation

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are the key factors that limit the hypothermic preservation time of donor hearts to within 4-6 h. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) inhibitor RGFP966 could protect against cardiac injury induced by prolonged hypothermic preservation. Rat hearts were hypothermically preserved in Celsior solution with or without RGFP966 for 12 h followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters during reperfusion were evaluated. The expression and phosphorylation levels of mammalian STE20-like kinase-1 (Mst1) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) were determined by western blotting. Cell apoptosis was measured by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Addition of RGFP966 in Celsior solution significantly inhibited cardiac dysfunction induced by hypothermic preservation. RGFP966 inhibited the hypothermic preservation-induced increase of the phosphorylated (p)-Mst1/Mst1 and p-YAP/YAP ratios, prevented a reduction in total YAP protein expression, and increased the nuclear YAP protein level. Verteporfin (VP), a small molecular inhibitor of YAP-transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) interaction, partially abolished the protective effect of RGFP966 on cardiac function, and reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde content. RGFP966 increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase gene and protein expression, which was abolished by VP. RGFP966 inhibited hypothermic preservation-induced overexpression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3, increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of RGFP966 were cancelled by VP. The results suggest that supplementation of Celsior solution with RGFP966 attenuated prolonged hypothermic preservation-induced cardiac dysfunction. The mechanism may involve inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis via inactivation of the YAP pathway.

MicroRNAs involved in drug resistance of breast cancer by regulating autophagy

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process characterized by degradation and recycling of cytosolic components or organelles through a lysosome-dependent pathway. It has a complex and close relationship to drug resistance in breast cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding molecules that can influence numerous cellular processes including autophagy, through the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Autophagy is regulated by many proteins and pathways, some of which in turn have been found to be regulated by miRNAs. These miRNAs may affect the drug resistance of breast cancer. Drug resistance is the main cause of distant recurrence, metastasis and death in breast cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the causative relationship between autophagy and drug resistance of breast cancer. The roles of autophagy-related proteins and pathways and their associated miRNAs in drug resistance of breast cancer are also discussed.

Current challenges to underpinning the genetic basis for cholangiocarcinoma

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview regarding the current scenario and knowledge of the CCA genomic landscape and the potentially actionable molecular aberrations in each CCA subtype.

EXPERT OPINION

The establishment and advances of high-throughput methodologies applied to genetic and epigenetic profiling are changing many cancer types' therapeutic landscape , including CCA.The large body of data generated must be interpreted appropriately and eventually implemented in clinical practice. The following advancements toward precision medicine in CCA management will require designing better clinical trials with improved methods to stratify biliary tumor patients.

Recent developments in epigenetic cancer therapeutics: clinical advancement and emerging trends

Epigenetic drug discovery field has evidenced significant advancement in the recent times. A plethora of small molecule inhibitors have progressed to clinical stage investigations and are being explored exhaustively to ascertain conclusive benefits in diverse malignancies. Literature precedents indicates that substantial amount of efforts were directed towards the use of epigenetic tools in monotherapy as well as in combination regimens at the clinical level, however, the preclinical/preliminary explorations were inclined towards the identification of prudent approaches that can leverage the anticancer potential of small molecule epigenetic inhibitors as single agents only. This review article presents an update of FDA approved epigenetic drugs along with the epigenetic inhibitors undergoing clinical stage investigations in different cancer types. A detailed discussion of the pragmatic strategies that are expected to steer the progress of the epigenetic therapy through the implementation of emerging approaches such as PROTACS and CRISPR/Cas9 along with logical ways for scaffold fabrication to selectively approach the enzyme isoforms in pursuit of garnering amplified antitumor effects has been covered. In addition, the compilation also presents the rational strategies for the construction of multi-targeting scaffold assemblages employing previously identified pharmacophores as potential alternatives to the combination therapy.

Long Non-Coding RNA XIST Promotes Wilms Tumor Progression Through the miR-194-5p/YAP Axis

Purpose

Although the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) has been reported to have an anti-tumor effect in multiple malignant tumors, its role in Wilms tumor (WT) progression has not been characterized. Thus, we investigated the underlying mechanism by which XIST regulates WT progression.

Patients and Methods

We performed microarray analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect the expression levels of XIST lncRNA, microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p), and YAP (yes-associated protein in Hippo pathway) in tumor and matched adjacent normal tissues and blood collected from 49 WT patients. We also conducted bioinformatics analyses to identify differentially expressed genes. We measured the effects of XIST overexpression and knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, and its association with the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway in the rhabdoid G401cell line using flow cytometry, transwell assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

We found that XIST lncRNA levels were increased in blood and tissue samples of WT patients, and this upregulation was significantly correlated with TNM staging and shorter survival time. Notably, we found that XIST upregulation correlated with miR-194-5p downregulation and YAP upregulation in WT tissues, suggesting that XIST regulates the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway. Conversely, XIST downregulation inhibited WT cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis. Our study revealed the oncogenic role of the lncRNA XIST in WT and demonstrated its role as a competitive endogenous RNA that regulates the miR-194-5p/YAP pathway.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates XIST’s potential as a clinical prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for WT.

MicroRNAs Regulating Hippo-YAP Signaling in Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its prevalence and mortality rate are increasing due to the lack of biomarkers and effective treatments. The Hippo signaling pathway has long been known to control liver size, and genetic depletion of Hippo kinases leads to liver cancer in mice through activation of the downstream effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Both YAP and TAZ not only reprogram tumor cells but also alter the tumor microenvironment to exert carcinogenic effects. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-mediated liver tumorigenesis will help overcome liver cancer. For decades, small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), have been reported to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including liver cancer. However, the interactions between miRNAs and Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in the liver are still largely unknown. Here, we review miRNAs that influence the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of tumor cells by modulating Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling during hepatic tumorigenesis. Previous findings suggest that these miRNAs are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of liver cancer.

The State-of-the-Art of Phase II/III Clinical Trials for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapies

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Currently, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy represents the only curative option which, unfortunately, is only available for a small group of patients. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage when surgical resection is not possible and treatment options are limited. Thus, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Molecular profiling together with targeted therapies against key hallmarks of pancreatic cancer appear as a promising approach that could overcome the limitations of conventional chemo- and radio-therapy. In this review, we focus on the latest personalised and multimodal targeted therapies currently undergoing phase II or III clinical trials. We discuss the most promising findings of agents targeting surface receptors, angiogenesis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, key signalling pathways, immunotherapies, and the tumour microenvironment.

MiR-192-5p regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells by activating MEK/ERK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common liver cancer, characterized by late diagnosis and fatal outcome. Although miR-192-5p has been shown to have a vital role in various cancers, its role in CCA is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of miR-192-5p in CCA cell proliferation and apoptosis, and elucidated its potential mechanism of action.

METHODS

The miR-192-5p expression in CCA tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was analyzed using the cell counting Kit-8 and 5-bromodeoxyuridine staining assays, while apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis-related proteins, as well as MEK/ERK signaling pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

MiR-192-5p was highly expressed in CCA tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-192-5p significantly promoted CCA proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis. The MEK inhibitor, PD98059, reversed these miR-192-5p-induced effects on MEK/ERK signaling-associated protein expression, proliferation promotion, and apoptosis inhibition in TFK-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

MiR-192-5p promotes proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of CCA cells via the MEK/ERK pathway, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for CCA treatment.

Ectopic expression of microRNA-874 represses epithelial mesenchymal transition through the NF-κB pathway via CCNE1 in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a devastating disease associated with poor survival rate. microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been reported to assume a great role in CC development. This research aims to explore the functions of miR-874 in regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CC. In obtained CC tissues and cells, miR-784 expression was assessed by RT-qPCR, and CCNE1 expression by RT-qPCR or immunohistochemistry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was implemented for relationship between miR-784 and CCNE1. The roles of miR-784, CCNE1 and the NF-κB pathway in CC were investigated on human CC cell lines. CCNE1 was found to be highly expressed in CC while miR-874 expression was lowered in CC tissues and cells, thereby suggesting a negative regulatory effect of CCNE1. In QBC939 and RBE cells, overexpressing miR-874 or silencing CCNE1 led to augmented IκBα and E-cadherin expression, but diminished CCNE1, NF-κB, N-cadherin, and Vimentin expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR-874 or CCNE1 silencing led to reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities. In conclusion, we demonstrated that miR-874 negatively regulated CCNE1 to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, thus consequently suppressing EMT in CC. Therefore, the overexpression of miR-874 might bring favorable outcomes for the treatment of CC.

Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac) Demonstrates Oncostatic Activity in the Therapeutic and Preventive Model of Breast Carcinoma

Comprehensive scientific data provide evidence that isolated phytochemicals or whole plant foods may beneficially modify carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncostatic activities of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) using animal models (rat and mouse), and cell lines of breast carcinoma. R. coriaria (as a powder) was administered through the diet at two concentrations (low dose: 0.1% (w/w) and high dose: 1 % (w/w)) for the duration of the experiment in a syngeneic 4T1 mouse and chemically-induced rat mammary carcinoma models. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular analyses of tumor samples in rodents were performed. Moreover, in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were conducted. The dominant metabolites present in tested R. coriaria methanolic extract were glycosides of gallic acid (possible gallotannins). In the mouse model, R. coriaria at a higher dose (1%) significantly decreased tumor volume by 27% when compared to controls. In addition, treated tumors showed significant dose-dependent decrease in mitotic activity index by 36.5% and 51% in comparison with the control group. In the chemoprevention study using rats, R. coriaria at a higher dose significantly reduced the tumor incidence by 20% and in lower dose non-significantly reduced tumor frequency by 29% when compared to controls. Evaluations of the mechanism of oncostatic action using valid clinical markers demonstrated several positive alterations in rat tumor cells after the treatment with R. coriaria. In this regard, histopathological analysis of treated tumor specimens showed robust dose-dependent decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas by 66% and 73% compared to controls. In treated rat carcinomas, we found significant caspase-3, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2 expression increases; on the other side, a significant down-regulation of Bcl-2, Ki67, CD24, ALDH1, and EpCam expressions and MDA levels. When compared to control specimens, evaluation of epigenetic alterations in rat tumor cells in vivo showed significant dose-dependent decrease in lysine methylation status of H3K4m3 and H3K9m3 and dose-dependent increase in lysine acetylation in H4K16ac levels (H4K20m3 was not changed) in treated groups. However, only in lower dose of sumac were significant decreases in the expression of oncogenic miR210 and increase of tumor-suppressive miR145 (miR21, miR22, and miR155 were not changed) observed. Finally, only in lower sumac dose, significant decreases in methylation status of three out of five gene promoters-ATM, PTEN, and TIMP3 (PITX2 and RASSF1 promoters were not changed). In vitro evaluations using methanolic extract of R. coriaria showed significant anticancer efficacy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (using Resazurin, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential analyses). In conclusion, sumac demonstrated significant oncostatic activities in rodent models of breast carcinoma that were validated by mechanistic studies in vivo and in vitro.

Advances in Epigenetic Cancer Therapeutics

Cancer has traditionally been hailed a genetic disease, dictated by successive genetic aberrations which alter gene expression. Yet, recent advances in molecular sequencing technologies, enabling the characterisation of cancer patient phenotypes on a large scale, have highlighted epigenetic changes as a hallmark of cancer. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and demethylation and histone modifications, have been found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of cancers through the regulation of chromatin state, gene expression and other nuclear events. Targeting epigenetic aberrations offers remarkable promise as a potential anti-cancer therapy given the reversible nature of epigenetic changes. Hence, epigenetic therapy has emerged as a rapidly advancing field of cancer research. A plethora of epigenetic therapies which inhibit enzymes of post-translational histone modifications, so-called 'writers', 'erasers' and 'readers', have been developed, with several epigenetic inhibitor agents approved for use in routine clinical practice. Epigenetic therapeutics inhibit the methylation or demethylation and acetylation or deacetylation of DNA and histone proteins. Their targets include writers (DNA methyltransferases [DNMT], histone acetyltransferases [HAT] and histone deacetylases [HDAC]) and erasers (histone demethylases [HDM] and histone methylases [HMT]). With new epigenetic mechanisms increasingly being elucidated, a vast array of targets and therapeutics have been brought to the fore. This review discusses recent advances in cancer epigenetics with a focus on molecular targets and mechanisms of action of epigenetic cancer therapeutics.

Small Molecules Targeting HATs, HDACs, and BRDs in Cancer Therapy

Evidence for research over the past decade shows that epigenetic regulation mechanisms run through the development and prognosis of tumors. Therefore, small molecular compounds targeting epigenetic regulation have become a research hotspot in the development of cancer therapeutic drugs. According to the obvious abnormality of histone acetylation when tumors occur, it suggests that histone acetylation modification plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis. Currently, as a new potential anti-cancer therapeutic drugs, many active small molecules that target histone acetylation regulatory enzymes or proteins such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone acetyltransferase (HATs) and bromodomains (BRDs) have been developed to restore abnormal histone acetylation levels to normal. In this review, we will focus on summarizing the changes of histone acetylation levels during tumorigenesis, as well as the possible pharmacological mechanisms of small molecules that target histone acetylation in cancer treatment.

The Value of Serum MicroRNA Expression Signature in Predicting Refractoriness to Bortezomib-Based Therapy in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Bortezomib is the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, commonly used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The mechanisms underlying acquired bortezomib resistance in MM are poorly understood. Several cell-free miRNAs have been found to be aberrantly regulated in MM patients. The aim of this pilot study was to identify a blood-based miRNA signature that predicts bortezomib-based therapy efficacy in MM patients. Thirty MM patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens were studied, including 19 with refractory disease and 11 who were bortezomib sensitive. Serum miRNA expression patterns were identified with miRCURY LNA miRNA miRNome PCR Panels I+II (Exiqon/Qiagen). Univariate analysis found a total of 21 miRNAs to be differentially expressed in patients with MM according to bortezomib sensitivity. Multivariate logistic regression was created and allowed us to discriminate refractory from sensitive patients with a very high AUC of 0.95 (95%CI: 0.84-1.00); sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were estimated as 0.95, 0.91, and 0.93. The model used expression of 3 miRNAs: miR-215-5p, miR-181a-5p and miR-376c-3p. This study is the first to demonstrate that serum expression of several miRNAs differs between patients who are bortezomib refractory and those who are sensitive which may prove useful in studies aimed at overcoming drug resistance in MM treatment.

Thirty Years of HDAC Inhibitors: 2020 Insight and Hindsight

It is now 30 years since the first report of a potent zinc-dependent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor appeared. Since then, five HDAC inhibitors have received regulatory approval for cancer chemotherapy while many others are in clinical development for oncology as well as other therapeutic indications. This Perspective reviews the biological and medicinal chemistry advances over the past 3 decades with an emphasis on the design of selective inhibitors that discriminate between the 11 human HDAC isoforms.

Distinct Subsets of Noncoding RNAs Are Strongly Associated With BMD and Fracture, Studied in Weight-Bearing and Non-Weight-Bearing Human Bone

We investigated mechanisms resulting in low bone mineral density (BMD) and susceptibility to fracture by comparing noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in biopsies of non-weight-bearing (NWB) iliac (n = 84) and weight bearing (WB) femoral (n = 18) postmenopausal bone across BMDs varying from normal (T-score > -1.0) to osteoporotic (T-score ≤ -2.5). Global bone ncRNA concentrations were determined by PCR and microchip analyses. Association with BMD or fracture, adjusted by age and body mass index, were calculated using linear and logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis. At 10% false discovery rate (FDR), 75 iliac bone ncRNAs and 94 femoral bone ncRNAs were associated with total hip BMD. Eight of the ncRNAs were common for the two sites, but five of them (miR-484, miR-328-3p, miR-27a-5p, miR-28-3p, and miR-409-3p) correlated positively to BMD in femoral bone, but negatively in iliac bone. Of predicted pathways recognized in bone metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction and proteoglycans in cancer emerged at both sites, whereas fatty acid metabolism and focal adhesion were only identified in iliac bone. Lasso analysis and cross-validations identified sets of nine bone ncRNAs correlating strongly with adjusted total hip BMD in both femoral and iliac bone. Twenty-eight iliac ncRNAs were associated with risk of fracture (FDR < 0.1). The small nucleolar RNAs, RNU44 and RNU48, have a function in stabilization of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and their association with fracture and BMD suggest that aberrant processing of rRNAs may be involved in development of osteoporosis. Cis-eQTL (expressed quantitative trait loci) analysis of the iliac bone biopsies identified two loci associated with microRNAs (miRNAs), one previously identified in a heel-BMD genomewide association study (GWAS). In this comprehensive investigation of the skeletal genetic background in postmenopausal women, we identified functional bone ncRNAs associated to fracture and BMD, representing distinct subsets in WB and NWB skeletal sites. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Linc-ROR promotes the progression of breast cancer and decreases the sensitivity to rapamycin through miR-194-3p targeting MECP2

linc‐ROR is reported to be a potential biomarker of breast cancer, but the detailed mechanism of linc‐ROR‐mediated breast cancer regulation has not been fully studied. We aimed to explore how linc‐ROR affects proliferation, metastasis, and drug sensitivity in breast cancer. Cell lines in which linc‐ROR was overexpressed or knocked down were constructed, and the cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion abilities of these lines were explored. A CCK‐8 assay was performed to determine the sensitivity of the breast cancer cells to rapamycin. Next‐generation sequencing was conducted to explore the detailed regulatory mechanism of linc‐ROR; differentially expressed RNAs in the linc‐ROR‐overexpressing cell line compared with the negative control were screened out, and their target genes were chosen to perform Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, protein–protein interaction network analysis, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis. The ceRNA mechanism of linc‐ROR for miR‐194‐3p, which targets MECP2, was determined through dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RT–qPCR, western blot, and rescue experiments. Finally, we found that linc‐ROR was upregulated in breast tumor tissues. linc‐ROR promoted the cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion of breast cancer and decreased the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to rapamycin. The overexpression of linc‐ROR triggered changes in the whole transcriptome of breast cancer cells, and a total of 85 lncRNAs, 414 microRNAs, 490 mRNAs, and 92 circRNAs were differentially expressed in the linc‐ROR‐overexpressing cell line compared with the negative control. Through a series of bioinformatic analyses, the ‘linc‐ROR/miR‐194‐3p/MECP2’ ceRNA regulatory axis was confirmed to be involved in the linc‐ROR‐mediated progression and drug sensitivity of breast cancer. In conclusion, linc‐ROR serves as an onco‐lncRNA in breast cancer and promotes the survival of breast cancer cells during rapamycin treatment by functioning as a ceRNA sponge for miR‐194‐3p, which targets MECP2.

HDAC Inhibitor, CG-745, Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effect of Anti-PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor by Modulation of the Immune Microenvironment

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are well-known epigenetic regulators with therapeutic potential in various diseases. Recent studies have shown that HDACis are involved in immune-mediated anti-cancer effects and may modulate the activity of immunotherapy agents. CG-745, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has shown anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. However, the exact role of CG-745 within the immune system is largely unknown. In this study, we have shown that CG-745 induces microenvironment changes promoting anti-cancer effect of anti-PD-1 antibody in syngeneic mouse models. Specifically, CG-745 induces or extends IL-2 and IFN-γ expression with or without additional stimulation, and increases proliferation of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, while inhibiting proliferation of regulatory T cells. The analysis of immune cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment and spleen reveals that CG-745 suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and decreases the myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Recent advances in immunotherapy highlight the anti-cancer effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor despite a relatively limited clinical benefit in the subset of patients. Our results indicate that CG-745 enables the synergistic effects of the immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy in various cancers by suppressing tumor microenvironment.

Role of Histone Deacetylases in Carcinogenesis: Potential Role in Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly invasive and metastatic form of carcinoma with bleak prognosis due to limited therapies, frequent relapse, and chemotherapy resistance. There is an urgent need to identify the molecular regulators of CCA in order to develop novel therapeutics and advance diseases diagnosis. Many cellular proteins including histones may undergo a series of enzyme-mediated post-translational modifications including acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, and crotonylation. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in regulating epigenetic maintenance and modifications of their targets, which in turn exert critical impacts on chromatin structure, gene expression, and stability of proteins. As such, HDACs constitute a group of potential therapeutic targets for CCA. The aim of this review was to summarize the role that HDACs perform in regulating epigenetic changes, tumor development, and their potential as therapeutic targets for CCA.

Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Efficacy of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. Bark in Experimental Breast Carcinoma: Mechanistic In Vivo and In Vitro Analyses

Comprehensive oncology research suggests an important role of phytochemicals or whole plant foods in the modulation of signaling pathways associated with anticancer action. The goal of this study is to assess the anticancer activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. using rat, mouse, and cell line breast carcinoma models. C. zeylanicum (as bark powder) was administered in the diet at two concentrations of 0.1% (w/w) and 1% (w/w) during the whole experiment in chemically induced rat mammary carcinomas and a syngeneic 4T1 mouse model. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular evaluations of mammary gland tumors in rodents were carried out. Moreover, in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were performed. The dominant metabolites present in the tested C. zeylanicum essential oil (with relative content over 1%) were cinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, linalool, eucalyptol, limonene, o-cymol, and α-terpineol. The natural mixture of mentioned molecules demonstrated significant anticancer effects in our study. In the mouse model, C. zeylanicum at a higher dose (1%) significantly decreased tumor volume by 44% when compared to controls. In addition, treated tumors showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in mitotic activity index by 29% (0.1%) and 45.5% (1%) in comparison with the control group. In rats, C. zeylanicum in both doses significantly reduced the tumor incidence by 15.5% and non-significantly suppressed tumor frequency by more than 30% when compared to controls. An evaluation of the mechanism of anticancer action using valid oncological markers showed several positive changes after treatment with C. zeylanicum. Histopathological analysis of treated rat tumor specimens showed a significant decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas compared to controls. In treated rat carcinomas, we found caspase-3 and Bax expression increase. On the other hand, we observed a decrease in Bcl-2, Ki67, VEGF, and CD24 expressions and MDA levels. Assessment of epigenetic changes in rat tumor cells in vivo showed a significant decrease in lysine methylation status of H3K4m3 and H3K9m3 in the high-dose treated group, a dose-dependent increase in H4K16ac levels (H4K20m3 was not changed), down-regulations of miR21 and miR155 in low-dose cinnamon groups (miR22 and miR34a were not modulated), and significant reduction of the methylation status of two out of five gene promoters-ATM and TIMP3 (PITX2, RASSF1, PTEN promoters were not changed). In vitro study confirmed results of animal studies, in that the essential oil of C. zeylanicum displayed significant anticancer efficacy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (using MTS, BrdU, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential analyses). As a conclusion, C. zeylanicum L. showed chemopreventive and therapeutic activities in animal breast carcinoma models that were also significantly confirmed by mechanistic evaluations in vitro and in vivo.

A combat with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncoproteins for cancer therapy

The transcriptional co-regulators YAP and TAZ pair primarily with the TEAD family of transcription factors to elicit a gene expression signature that plays a prominent role in cancer development, progression and metastasis. YAP and TAZ endow cells with various oncogenic traits such that they sustain proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, maintain stemness, respond to mechanical stimuli, engineer metabolism, promote angiogenesis, suppress immune response and develop resistance to therapies. Therefore, inhibiting YAP/TAZ- TEAD is an attractive and viable option for novel cancer therapy. It is exciting to know that many drugs already in the clinic restrict YAP/TAZ activities and several novel YAP/TAZ inhibitors are currently under development. We have classified YAP/TAZ-inhibiting drugs into three groups. Group I drugs act on the upstream regulators that are stimulators of YAP/TAZ activities. Many of the Group I drugs have the potential to be repurposed as YAP/TAZ indirect inhibitors to treat various solid cancers. Group II modalities act directly on YAP/TAZ or TEADs and disrupt their interaction; targeting TEADs has emerged as a novel option to inhibit YAP/TAZ, as TEADs are major mediators of their oncogenic programs. TEADs can also be leveraged on using small molecules to activate YAP/TAZ-dependent gene expression for use in regenerative medicine. Group III drugs focus on targeting one of the oncogenic downstream YAP/TAZ transcriptional target genes. With the right strategy and impetus, it is not far-fetched to expect a repurposed group I drug or a novel group II drug to combat YAP and TAZ in cancers in the near future.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor CG200745 ameliorates high-fat diet-induced hypertension via inhibition of angiotensin II production

Obesity is growing rapidly worldwide due to consumption of westernized diet and lack of exercise. Obesity is one of the major risk factors of hypertension. The novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor CG200745 was originally developed to treat various cancers. Previous studies showed that CG200745 attenuated hypertension through inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate-induced hypertensive rat. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of CG200745 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hypertension. Nine-week old C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD for 17 weeks. Each group of mice was treated with vehicle or CG200745 by intraperitoneal injection for 9 days. HFD group showed higher body weight, blood pressure (BP), HDAC activities, angiotensinogen and renin expressions in kidney, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression in the lung, serum angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration, and myosin light chain₂₀ (MLC₂₀) phosphorylation in mesenteric artery compared with ND group. CG200745 lowered BP, HDAC activity, renin and angiotensinogen in the kidney, ACE in the lung, serum Ang II level, and phosphorylation of MLC₂₀ in HFD group. In conclusion, CG200745 ameliorated HFD-induced hypertension through inhibition of HDAC/Ang II/vascular contraction axis. Our results offer CG200745 as a novel therapeutic option for HFD-induced hypertension.

Epigenetic Drugs for Cancer and microRNAs: A Focus on Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

Over recent decades, it has become clear that epigenetic abnormalities are involved in the hallmarks of cancer. Histone modifications, such as acetylation, play a crucial role in cancer development and progression, by regulating gene expression, such as for oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Therefore, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have recently shown efficacy against both hematological and solid cancers. Designed to target histone deacetylases (HDAC), these drugs can modify the expression pattern of numerous genes including those coding for micro-RNAs (miRNA). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA. Current research has found that miRNAs from a tumor can be investigated in the tumor itself, as well as in patient body fluids. In this review, we summarized current knowledge about HDAC and HDACi in several cancers, and described their impact on miRNA expression. We discuss briefly how circulating miRNAs may be used as biomarkers of HDACi response and used to investigate response to treatment.

Implication for Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Cancer Chemo-Resistance: Promising Therapeutic Strategies Based on the Use of HDAC Inhibitors

Resistance to therapy in patients with solid cancers represents a daunting challenge that must be addressed. Indeed, current strategies are still not effective in the majority of patients; which has resulted in the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, are known to be intrinsically resistant to anticancer treatments. In this review, we analyzed the implications for CSCs in drug resistance and described that multiple alterations in morphogenetic pathways (i.e., Hippo, Wnt, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, Notch, Hedgehog pathways) were suggested to be critical for CSC plasticity. By interrogating The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, we first analyzed the prevalence of morphogenetic pathways alterations in solid tumors with associated outcomes. Then, by highlighting epigenetic relevance in CSC development and maintenance, we selected histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as potential agents of interest to target this subpopulation based on the pleiotropic effects exerted specifically on altered morphogenetic pathways. In detail, we highlighted the role of HDACi in solid cancers and, specifically, in the CSC subpopulation and we pointed out some mechanisms by which HDACi are able to overcome drug resistance and to modulate stemness. Although, further clinical and preclinical investigations should be conducted to disclose the unclear mechanisms by which HDACi modulate several signaling pathways in different tumors. To date, several lines of evidence support the testing of novel combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on the combination of drugs commonly used in clinical practice and HDACi to improve therapeutic efficacy in solid cancer patients.

Anticancer Activities of Thymus vulgaris L. in Experimental Breast Carcinoma in Vivo and in Vitro

Naturally-occurring mixtures of phytochemicals present in plant foods are proposed to possess tumor-suppressive activities. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor effects of Thymus vulgaris L. in in vivo and in vitro mammary carcinoma models. Dried T. vulgaris (as haulm) was continuously administered at two concentrations of 0.1% and 1% in the diet in a chemically-induced rat mammary carcinomas model and a syngeneic 4T1 mouse model. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular analyses of rodent mammary carcinomas were performed. In addition, in vitro evaluations using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were carried out. In mice, T. vulgaris at both doses reduced the volume of 4T1 tumors by 85% (0.1%) and 84% (1%) compared to the control, respectively. Moreover, treated tumors showed a substantial decrease in necrosis/tumor area ratio and mitotic activity index. In the rat model, T. vulgaris (1%) decreased the tumor frequency by 53% compared to the control. Analysis of the mechanisms of anticancer action included well-described and validated diagnostic and prognostic markers that are used in both clinical approach and preclinical research. In this regard, the analyses of treated rat carcinoma cells showed a CD44 and ALDH1A1 expression decrease and Bax expression increase. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and VEGFR-2 expression were decreased in rat carcinomas in both the T. vulgaris treated groups. Regarding the evaluations of epigenetic changes in rat tumors, we found a decrease in the lysine methylation status of H3K4me3 in both treated groups (H3K9m3, H4K20m3, and H4K16ac were not changed); up-regulations of miR22, miR34a, and miR210 expressions (only at higher doses); and significant reductions in the methylation status of four gene promoters—ATM serin/threonine kinase, also known as the NPAT gene (ATM); Ras-association domain family 1, isoform A (RASSF1); phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) (the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor (PITX2) promoter was not changed). In vitro study revealed the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of essential oils of T. vulgaris in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (analyses of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS); 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU); cell cycle; annexin V/PI; caspase-3/7; Bcl-2; PARP; and mitochondrial membrane potential). T. vulgaris L. demonstrated significant chemopreventive and therapeutic activities against experimental breast carcinoma.

Renoprotective Effect of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor CG200745 in DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rats

The novel histone deacetylase inhibitor CG200745 was initially developed to treat various hematological and solid cancers. We investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with the renoprotective effects of CG200745 using deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive (DSH) rats. DOCA strips (200 mg/kg) were implanted into rats one week after unilateral nephrectomy. Two weeks after DOCA implantation, DSH rats were randomly divided into two groups that received either physiological saline or CG200745 (5 mg/kg/day) for another two weeks. The extent of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis was determined by Masson's trichrome staining. The renal expression of fibrosis and inflammatory markers was detected by semiquantitative immunoblotting, a polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Pathological signs such as glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, increased systolic blood pressure, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased albumin-to-creatinine ratios in DSH rats were alleviated by CG200745 treatment compared to those manifestations in positive control animals. Furthermore, this treatment counteracted the increased expression of αSMA, TGF-β1, and Bax, and the decreased expression of Bcl-2 in the kidneys of DSH rats. It also attenuated the increase in the number of apoptotic cells in DSH rats. Thus, CG200745 can effectively prevent the progression of renal injury in DSH rats by exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Hippo signaling dysfunction induces cancer cell addiction to YAP

Over the past decades, the Hippo has been established as a crucial pathway involved in organ size control and cancer suppression. Dysregulation of Hippo signaling and hyperactivation of its downstream effector YAP are frequently associated with various human cancers. However, the underlying significance of such YAP activation in cancer development and therapy has not been fully characterized. In this study, we reported that the Hippo signaling deficiency can lead to a YAP-dependent oncogene addiction for cancer cells. Through a clinical compound library screen, we identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as putative inhibitors to suppress YAP expression. Importantly, HDAC inhibitors specifically targeted the viability and xenograft tumor growth for the cancer cells in which YAP is constitutively active. Taken together, our results not only establish an active YAP-induced oncogene addiction in cancer cells, but also lay the foundation to develop targeted therapies for the cancers with Hippo dysfunction and YAP activation.

PM2.5 downregulates miR-194-3p and accelerates apoptosis in cigarette-inflamed bronchial epithelium by targeting death-associated protein kinase 1

Background

Persistent exposure to cigarette smoke or biomass fuels induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in bronchial epithelium, which is one of the most important pathogenic mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an aggravating risk factor of COPD exacerbation. Animal evidence showed PM_2.5accelerated lung inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD mice, but the mechanism is still not clear. Recently, we found that miR-194-3p is a novel biomarker of both COPD and PM_2.5 exposure, and miR-194 family has been reported to be involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, we propose a hypothesis: PM_2.5 can accelerate apoptotic response of airway epithelial cells in COPD and miR-194 is a potential involved regulator.

Materials and methods

Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpiCs) were treated with normal media, cigarette smoke solution (CSS) and PM_2.5-CSS for 24 h. miR-194-3p mimics, inhibitors and scrambled controls were non-transfected or pre-transfected into HBEpiCs for 48 h. MircroRNAs and mRNA expression were quantified by qRT-PCR. Protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. Caspase activities, mitochondrial membrane potential and TUNEL-positive cells were detected to analyze apoptosis. Bioinformatics and luciferase analysis were used to identify the predicted binding site of miR-194-3p and potential targets.

Results

In our study, we found that PM_2.5 significantly aggravated apoptosis in cigarette-inflamed HBEpiCs. miR-194-3p was dramatically downregulated in PM_2.5-CSS-treated HBEpiCs. Bioinformatics and luciferase experiments reported that death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), regulating caspase 3 activities in apoptosis, was directly targeted by miR-194-3p. Inhibition of miR-194-3p increased DAPK1 expression and apoptosis in normal HBEpiCs. Importantly, overexpression of miR-194-3p suppressed apoptosis in PM_2.5-CSS HBEpiCs.

Conclusion

These results suggested that miR-194-3p was a protective regulator involved in apoptosis pathway and a potential therapeutic target for treatment of bronchial epithelial injury aggravation induced by PM_2.5.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor, CG200745 attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive kidney disease

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common feature of kidney disease. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been reported to attenuate renal fibrosis progression. Here, we investigated the effect of CG200745, a novel HDAC inhibitor, on renal fibrosis development in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). To examine the effects of CG200745 on renal fibrosis in UUO, C57BL/6 J male mice were divided into three groups: control, UUO, and CG200745 (30 mg/kg/day)-treated UUO groups. CG 200745 was administered through drinking water for 1 week. Human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells were also treated with CG200745 (10 µM) with or without TGF-β (2 ng/mL). Seven days after UUO, plasma creatinine did not differ among the groups. However, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were markedly increased in the UUO group, which were attenuated by CG200745 treatment. UUO kidneys developed marked fibrosis as indicated by collagen deposition and increased α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin expression. CG200745 treatment attenuated these fibrotic responses and suppressed UUO-induced production of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β) and phosphorylation of Smad-2/3. CG200745 treatment also attenuated UUO-induced inflammation as indicated by the expression of inflammatory markers. Furthermore, CG200745 attenuated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in UUO kidneys. In HK-2 cells, TGF-β induced the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, which were attenuated by CG200745 cotreatment. These results demonstrate that CG200745, a novel HDAC inhibitor, has a renoprotective effect by suppressing renal fibrosis and inflammation in a UUO mouse model.