1
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Wang Z, Townley SL, Zhang S, Liu M, Li M, Labaf M, Patalano S, Venkataramani K, Siegfried KR, Macoska JA, Han D, Gao S, Risbridger GP, Taylor RA, Lawrence MG, He HH, Selth LA, Cai C. FOXA2 rewires AP-1 for transcriptional reprogramming and lineage plasticity in prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4914. [PMID: 38851846 PMCID: PMC11162502 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
FOXA family proteins act as pioneer factors by remodeling compact chromatin structures. FOXA1 is crucial for the chromatin binding of the androgen receptor (AR) in both normal prostate epithelial cells and the luminal subtype of prostate cancer (PCa). Recent studies have highlighted the emergence of FOXA2 as an adaptive response to AR signaling inhibition treatments. However, the role of the FOXA1 to FOXA2 transition in regulating cancer lineage plasticity remains unclear. Our study demonstrates that FOXA2 binds to distinct classes of developmental enhancers in multiple AR-independent PCa subtypes, with its binding depending on LSD1. Moreover, we reveal that FOXA2 collaborates with JUN at chromatin and promotes transcriptional reprogramming of AP-1 in lineage-plastic cancer cells, thereby facilitating cell state transitions to multiple lineages. Overall, our findings underscore the pivotal role of FOXA2 as a pan-plasticity driver that rewires AP-1 to induce the differential transcriptional reprogramming necessary for cancer cell lineage plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifeng Wang
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Department of Cell Biology and Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Scott L Townley
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Songqi Zhang
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Mingyu Liu
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Muqing Li
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Maryam Labaf
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Susan Patalano
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Kavita Venkataramani
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Kellee R Siegfried
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Jill A Macoska
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, 10595, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, 10595, USA
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Renea A Taylor
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Mitchell G Lawrence
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Luke A Selth
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Changmeng Cai
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA.
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2
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Li J, Hilimire TA, Liu Y, Wang L, Liang J, Gyorffy B, Sikirzhytski V, Ji H, Zhang L, Cheng C, Ding X, Kerr KR, Dowling CE, Chumanevich AA, Mack ZT, Schools GP, Lim CU, Ellis L, Zi X, Porter DC, Broude EV, McInnes C, Wilding G, Lilly MB, Roninson IB, Chen M. Mediator kinase inhibition reverses castration resistance of advanced prostate cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176709. [PMID: 38546787 DOI: 10.1172/jci176709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mediator kinases CDK19 and CDK8, pleiotropic regulators of transcriptional reprogramming, are differentially regulated by androgen signaling, but both kinases are upregulated in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CDK8 and CDK19 reverses the castration-resistant phenotype and restores the sensitivity of CRPC xenografts to androgen deprivation in vivo. Prolonged CDK8/19 inhibitor treatment combined with castration not only suppressed the growth of CRPC xenografts but also induced tumor regression and cures. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Mediator kinase inhibition amplified and modulated the effects of castration on gene expression, disrupting CRPC adaptation to androgen deprivation. Mediator kinase inactivation in tumor cells also affected stromal gene expression, indicating that Mediator kinase activity in CRPC molded the tumor microenvironment. The combination of castration and Mediator kinase inhibition downregulated the MYC pathway, and Mediator kinase inhibition suppressed a MYC-driven CRPC tumor model even without castration. CDK8/19 inhibitors showed efficacy in patient-derived xenograft models of CRPC, and a gene signature of Mediator kinase activity correlated with tumor progression and overall survival in clinical samples of metastatic CRPC. These results indicate that Mediator kinases mediated androgen-independent in vivo growth of CRPC, supporting the development of CDK8/19 inhibitors for the treatment of this presently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas A Hilimire
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Senex Biotechnology Inc., Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yueying Liu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Balazs Gyorffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Vitali Sikirzhytski
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chen Cheng
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaokai Ding
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kendall R Kerr
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Charles E Dowling
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander A Chumanevich
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary T Mack
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Gary P Schools
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chang-Uk Lim
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Leigh Ellis
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc.; Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaolin Zi
- Departments of Urology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | | | - Eugenia V Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Michael B Lilly
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Igor B Roninson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mengqian Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Senex Biotechnology Inc., Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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3
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Cai H, Liang J, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Li H, Wang W, Wang C, Hou J. KLF7 regulates super-enhancer-driven IGF2BP2 overexpression to promote the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:69. [PMID: 38443991 PMCID: PMC10913600 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) is known for its high aggressiveness and susceptibility to cervical lymph node metastasis, which greatly contributes to its poor prognosis. During tumorigenesis, many types of cancer cells acquire oncogenic super-enhancers (SEs) that drive the overexpression of oncogenes, thereby maintaining malignant progression. This study aimed to identify and validate the role of oncogenic SE-associated genes in the malignant progression of HNSCC. METHODS We identified HNSCC cell-specific SE-associated genes through H3K27Ac ChIP-seq and overlapped them with HNSCC-associated genes obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify hub genes. The expression of IGF2BP2 and KLF7 in HNSCC was detected using clinical samples. To determine the biological role of IGF2BP2, we performed CCK-8, colony formation assay, Transwell migration assay, invasion assay, and orthotopic xenograft model experiments. Furthermore, we utilized a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system, small-molecule inhibitors, ChIP-qPCR, and dual-luciferase reporter assays to investigate the molecular mechanisms of IGF2BP2 and its upstream transcription factors. RESULTS Our study identified IGF2BP2 as a hub SE-associated gene that exhibited aberrant expression in HNSCC tissues. Increased expression of IGF2BP2 was observed to be linked with malignant progression and unfavorable prognosis in HNSCC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that IGF2BP2 promotes the tumorigenicity and metastasis of HNSCC by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, the IGF2BP2-SE region displayed enrichment for H3K27Ac, BRD4, and MED1, which led to the inhibition of IGF2BP2 transcription and expression through deactivation of the SE-associated transcriptional program. Additionally, KLF7 was found to induce the transcription of IGF2BP2 and directly bind to its promoter and SE regions. Moreover, the abundance of KLF7 exhibited a positive correlation with the abundance of IGF2BP2 in HNSCC. Patients with high expression of both KLF7 and IGF2BP2 showed poorer prognosis. Lastly, we demonstrated that the small molecule inhibitor JQ1, targeting BRD4, attenuated the proliferation and metastatic abilities of HNSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the critical role of IGF2BP2 overexpression mediated by SE and KLF7 in promoting HNSCC progression. Targeting SE-associated transcriptional programs may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in managing HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshi Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianfeng Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yaoqi Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenjin Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology,, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 51055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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4
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Fan L, Wang H, Ben S, Cheng Y, Chen S, Ding Z, Zhao L, Li S, Wang M, Cheng G. Genetic variant in a BaP-activated super-enhancer increases prostate cancer risk by promoting AhR-mediated FAM227A expression. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:149-162. [PMID: 38410974 PMCID: PMC11001591 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in super-enhancers (SEs) are increasingly implicated as a disease risk-driving mechanism. Previous studies have reported an associations between benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure and some malignant tumor risk. Currently, it is unclear whether BaP is involved in the effect of genetic variants in SEs on prostate cancer risk, nor the associated intrinsic molecular mechanisms. In the current study, by using logistic regression analysis, we found that rs5750581T>C in 22q-SE was significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (odds ratio = 1.26, P = 7.61 × 10 -5). We also have found that the rs6001092T>G, in a high linkage disequilibrium with rs5750581T>C ( r 2 = 0.98), is located in a regulatory aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) motif and may interact with the FAM227A promoter in further bioinformatics analysis. We then performed a series of functional and BaP acute exposure experiments to assess biological function of the genetic variant and the target gene. Biologically, the rs6001092-G allele strengthened the transcription factor binding affinity to AhR, thereby upregulating FAM227A, especially upon exposure to BaP, which induced the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer. The current study highlights that AhR acts as an environmental sensor of BaP and is involved in the SE-mediated prostate cancer risk, which may provide new insights into the etiology of prostate cancer associated with the inherited SE variants under environmental carcinogen stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Fan
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Shuai Ben
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Silu Chen
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Zhutao Ding
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Lingyan Zhao
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Shuwei Li
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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5
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Armaos A, Serra F, Núñez-Carpintero I, Seo JH, Baca SC, Gustincich S, Valencia A, Freedman ML, Cirillo D, Giambartolomei C, Tartaglia GG. The PENGUIN approach to reconstruct protein interactions at enhancer-promoter regions and its application to prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8084. [PMID: 38057321 PMCID: PMC10700545 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We introduce Promoter-Enhancer-Guided Interaction Networks (PENGUIN), a method for studying protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks within enhancer-promoter interactions. PENGUIN integrates H3K27ac-HiChIP data with tissue-specific PPIs to define enhancer-promoter PPI networks (EPINs). We validated PENGUIN using cancer (LNCaP) and benign (LHSAR) prostate cell lines. Our analysis detected EPIN clusters enriched with the architectural protein CTCF, a regulator of enhancer-promoter interactions. CTCF presence was coupled with the prevalence of prostate cancer (PrCa) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the same EPIN clusters, suggesting functional implications in PrCa. Within the EPINs displaying enrichments in both CTCF and PrCa SNPs, we also show enrichment in oncogenes. We substantiated our identified SNPs through CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and RNAi screens experiments. Here we show that PENGUIN provides insights into the intricate interplay between enhancer-promoter interactions and PPI networks, which are crucial for identifying key genes and potential intervention targets. A dedicated server is available at https://penguin.life.bsc.es/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Armaos
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CHT@Erzelli, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 7th floor, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - François Serra
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ji-Heui Seo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sylvan C Baca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CHT@Erzelli, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 7th floor, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA - Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matthew L Freedman
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, 415 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Davide Cirillo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Claudia Giambartolomei
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CHT@Erzelli, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 7th floor, 16152, Genova, Italy.
- Health Data Science Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CHT@Erzelli, Via Enrico Melen 83, Building B, 7th floor, 16152, Genova, Italy.
- ICREA - Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CNLS@Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Yang Y, Di Ruscio A, Inoue S, Wang G, Gao S. Editorial: Interplay between epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors in driving cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1211537. [PMID: 37404748 PMCID: PMC10315910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1211537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yongyong Yang
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Annalisa Di Ruscio
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Guocan Wang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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7
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Ma Q, Zhao M, Long B, Li H. Super-enhancer-associated gene CAPG promotes AML progression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:622. [PMID: 37296281 PMCID: PMC10256737 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04973-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common acute leukemia in adults, the barrier of refractory and drug resistance has yet to be conquered in the clinical. Abnormal gene expression and epigenetic changes play an important role in pathogenesis and treatment. A super-enhancer is an epigenetic modifier that promotes pro-tumor genes and drug resistance by activating oncogene transcription. Multi-omics integrative analysis identifies the super-enhancer-associated gene CAPG and its high expression level was correlated with poor prognosis in AML. CAPG is a cytoskeleton protein but has an unclear function in AML. Here we show the molecular function of CAPG in regulating NF-κB signaling pathway by proteomic and epigenomic analysis. Knockdown of Capg in the AML murine model resulted in exhausted AML cells and prolonged survival of AML mice. In conclusion, SEs-associated gene CAPG can contributes to AML progression through NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minyi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bing Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haixia Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
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8
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Zeng J, Chen J, Li M, Zhong C, Liu Z, Wang Y, Li Y, Jiang F, Fang S, Zhong W. Integrated high-throughput analysis identifies super enhancers in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1191129. [PMID: 37292153 PMCID: PMC10244677 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1191129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a highly aggressive stage of prostate cancer, and non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming plays a critical role in its progression. Super enhancers (SE), epigenetic elements, are involved in multiple tumor-promoting signaling pathways. However, the SE-mediated mechanism in mCRPC remains unclear. Methods: SE-associated genes and transcription factors were identified from a cell line (C4-2B) of mCRPC by the CUT&Tag assay. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between mCRPC and primary prostate cancer (PCa) samples in the GSE35988 dataset were identified. What's more, a recurrence risk prediction model was constructed based on the overlapping genes (termed SE-associated DEGs). To confirm the key SE-associated DEGs, BET inhibitor JQ1 was applied to cells to block SE-mediated transcription. Finally, single-cell analysis was performed to visualize cell subpopulations expressing the key SE-associated DEGs. Results: Nine human TFs, 867 SE-associated genes and 5417 DEGs were identified. 142 overlapping SE-associated DEGs showed excellent performance in recurrence prediction. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed strong predictive power at 1 year (0.80), 3 years (0.85), and 5 years (0.88). The efficacy of his performance has also been validated in external datasets. In addition, FKBP5 activity was significantly inhibited by JQ1. Conclusion: We present a landscape of SE and their associated genes in mCPRC, and discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings in terms of their translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahong Chen
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maozhang Li
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanfan Zhong
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zezhen Liu
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuejiao Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Funeng Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shumin Fang
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weide Zhong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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9
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Li M, Liu M, Han W, Wang Z, Han D, Patalano S, Macoska JA, Balk SP, He HH, Corey E, Gao S, Cai C. LSD1 Inhibition Disrupts Super-Enhancer-Driven Oncogenic Transcriptional Programs in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1684-1698. [PMID: 36877164 PMCID: PMC10192194 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The lysine demethylase LSD1 (also called KDM1A) plays important roles in promoting multiple malignancies including both hematologic cancers and solid tumors. LSD1 targets histone and nonhistone proteins and can function as a transcriptional corepressor or coactivator. LSD1 has been reported to act as a coactivator of androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer and to regulate the AR cistrome via demethylation of its pioneer factor FOXA1. A deeper understanding of the key oncogenic programs targeted by LSD1 could help stratify prostate cancer patients for treatment with LSD1 inhibitors, which are currently under clinical investigation. In this study, we performed transcriptomic profiling in an array of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) xenograft models that are sensitive to LSD1 inhibitor treatment. Impaired tumor growth by LSD1 inhibition was attributed to significantly decreased MYC signaling, and MYC was found to be a consistent target of LSD1. Moreover, LSD1 formed a network with BRD4 and FOXA1 and was enriched at super-enhancer regions exhibiting liquid-liquid phase separation. Combining LSD1 inhibitors with BET inhibitors exhibited strong synergy in disrupting the activities of multiple drivers in CRPC, thereby inducing significant growth repression of tumors. Importantly, the combination treatment showed superior effects than either inhibitor alone in disrupting a subset of newly identified CRPC-specific super-enhancers. These results provide mechanistic and therapeutic insights for cotargeting two key epigenetic factors and could be rapidly translated in the clinic for CRPC patients. SIGNIFICANCE LSD1 drives prostate cancer progression by activating super-enhancer-mediated oncogenic programs, which can be targeted with the combination of LSD1 and BRD4 inhibitors to suppress the growth of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqing Li
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Mingyu Liu
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Wanting Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Susan Patalano
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Jill A. Macoska
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
| | - Steven P. Balk
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Shuai Gao
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
| | - Changmeng Cai
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, USA
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10
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Targeting ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk in colorectal cancer and the deregulation of DNA repair and apoptosis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:20. [PMID: 36801948 PMCID: PMC9938505 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ACE2 overexpression in colorectal cancer patients might increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report that knockdown, forced overexpression, and pharmacologic inhibition in human colon cancer cells targeted ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk to mediate marked changes in DNA damage/repair and apoptosis. In colorectal cancer patients for whom high ACE2 plus high BRD4 expression is predictive of poor survival, pan-BET inhibition would need to consider proviral/antiviral actions of different BET proteins during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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11
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Zhang F, Biswas M, Massah S, Lee J, Lingadahalli S, Wong S, Wells C, Foo J, Khan N, Morin H, Saxena N, Kung SY, Sun B, Parra Nuñez A, Sanchez C, Chan N, Ung L, Altıntaş U, Bui J, Wang Y, Fazli L, Oo H, Rennie P, Lack N, Cherkasov A, Gleave M, Gsponer J, Lallous N. Dynamic phase separation of the androgen receptor and its coactivators key to regulate gene expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:99-116. [PMID: 36535377 PMCID: PMC9841400 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa), are addicted to transcription programs driven by specific genomic regions known as super-enhancers (SEs). The robust transcription of genes at such SEs is enabled by the formation of phase-separated condensates by transcription factors and coactivators with intrinsically disordered regions. The androgen receptor (AR), the main oncogenic driver in PCa, contains large disordered regions and is co-recruited with the transcriptional coactivator mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) to SEs in androgen-dependent PCa cells, thereby promoting oncogenic transcriptional programs. In this work, we reveal that full-length AR forms foci with liquid-like properties in different PCa models. We demonstrate that foci formation correlates with AR transcriptional activity, as this activity can be modulated by changing cellular foci content chemically or by silencing MED1. AR ability to phase separate was also validated in vitro by using recombinant full-length AR protein. We also demonstrate that AR antagonists, which suppress transcriptional activity by targeting key regions for homotypic or heterotypic interactions of this receptor, hinder foci formation in PCa cells and phase separation in vitro. Our results suggest that enhanced compartmentalization of AR and coactivators may play an important role in the activation of oncogenic transcription programs in androgen-dependent PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | | | - Joseph Lee
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Shreyas Lingadahalli
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Samantha Wong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Christopher Wells
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Jane Foo
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Nabeel Khan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Helene Morin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Neetu Saxena
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Sonia H Y Kung
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Bei Sun
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ana Karla Parra Nuñez
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Christophe Sanchez
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Novia Chan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Lauren Ung
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Umut Berkay Altıntaş
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul 34450, Turkey,Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Jennifer M Bui
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ladan Fazli
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Htoo Zarni Oo
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Nathan A Lack
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada,School of Medicine, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul 34450, Turkey,Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Jörg Gsponer
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jörg Gsponer.
| | - Nada Lallous
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 604 875 4111; Fax: +1 604 875 5654;
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12
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Booth L, Roberts JL, West C, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 kills prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1045459. [PMCID: PMC9671078 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1045459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 is undergoing clinical evaluation in solid tumors and lymphoma. We defined the biology of GZ17-6.02 in prostate cancer cells and determined whether it interacted with the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib to enhance tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 interacted in a greater than additive fashion with olaparib to kill prostate cancer cells, regardless of androgen receptor expression or loss of PTEN function. Mechanistically, GZ17-6.02 initially caused peri-nuclear activation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) that was followed after several hours by activation of nuclear ATM, and which at this time point was associated with increased levels of DNA damage. Directly downstream of ATM, GZ17-6.02 and olaparib cooperated to activate the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) which then activated the kinase ULK1, resulting in autophagosome formation that was followed by autophagic flux. Knock down of ATM, AMPKα or the autophagy-regulatory proteins Beclin1 or ATG5 significantly reduced tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 and olaparib cooperated to activate protein kinase R which phosphorylated and inactivated eIF2α, i.e., enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling. Knock down of eIF2α also significantly reduced autophagosome formation and tumor cell killing. We conclude that GZ17-6.02 and olaparib interact to kill prostate cancer cells in vitro by increasing autophagy and by enhancing ER stress signaling. In vivo, GZ17-6.02 as a single agent profoundly reduced tumor growth and significantly prolonged animal survival. GZ17-6.02 interacted with olaparib to further suppress the growth of LNCaP tumors without ultimately enhancing animal survival. Our data support the consideration of GZ17-6.02 as a possible therapeutic agent in patients with AR+ prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jane L. Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Sterling, KS, United States
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Paul Dent,
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13
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Shi Y, Wang M, Liu D, Ullah S, Ma X, Yang H, Liu B. Super-enhancers in esophageal carcinoma: Transcriptional addictions and therapeutic strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1036648. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1036648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumorigenesis of esophageal carcinoma arises from transcriptional dysregulation would become exceptionally dependent on specific regulators of gene expression, which could be preferentially attributed to the larger non-coding cis-regulatory elements, i.e. super-enhancers (SEs). SEs, large genomic regulatory entity in close genomic proximity, are underpinned by control cancer cell identity. As a consequence, the transcriptional addictions driven by SEs could offer an Achilles’ heel for molecular treatments on patients of esophageal carcinoma and other types of cancer as well. In this review, we summarize the recent findings about the oncogenic SEs upon which esophageal cancer cells depend, and discuss why SEs could be seen as the hallmark of cancer, how transcriptional dependencies driven by SEs, and what opportunities could be supplied based on this cancer-specific SEs.
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14
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Transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:3303-3315. [PMID: 35568739 PMCID: PMC9187515 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation has emerged as a hallmark of several cancer types. In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a stage in which systemic androgen deprivation therapies fail to show clinical benefit, transcriptional addiction to the androgen receptor is maintained in most patients. This has led to increased efforts to find novel therapies that prevent oncogenic transactivation of the androgen receptor. In this context, a group of druggable protein kinases, known as transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases (tCDKs), show great potential as therapeutic targets. Despite initial reservations about targeting tCDKs due to their ubiquitous and prerequisite nature, preclinical studies showed that selectively inhibiting such kinases could provide sufficient therapeutic window to exert antitumour effects in the absence of systemic toxicity. As a result, several highly specific inhibitors are currently being trialled in solid tumours, including prostate cancer. This article summarises the roles of tCDKs in regulating gene transcription and highlights rationales for their targeting in prostate cancer. It provides an overview of the most recent developments in this therapeutic area, including the most recent clinical advances, and discusses the utility of tCDK inhibitors in combination with established cancer agents.
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15
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Zhang W, Ma Q, Long B, Sun Z, Liu L, Lin D, Zhao M. Runt-Related Transcription Factor 3 Promotes Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:725336. [PMID: 34722267 PMCID: PMC8549545 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.725336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with high relapse/refractory rate. Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities are driving factors for leukemogenesis. RUNX1 and RUNX2 from the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family played important roles in AML pathogenesis. However, the relationship between RUNX3 and AML remains unclear. Here, we found that RUNX3 was a super-enhancer-associated gene and highly expressed in AML cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed high expression of RUNX3 correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients. We observed that Runx3 knockdown significantly inhibited leukemia progression by inducing DNA damage to enhance apoptosis in murine AML cells. By chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis, we discovered that RUNX3 in AML cells mainly bound more genes involved in DNA-damage repair and antiapoptosis pathways compared to that in normal bone marrow cells. Runx3 knockdown obviously inhibited the expression of these genes in AML cells. Overall, we identified RUNX3 as an oncogene overexpressed in AML cells, and Runx3 knockdown suppressed AML progression by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhangyi Sun
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China
| | - Minyi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China
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