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Liu N, Wang S, Li M, Zhao N, Wang D, Zhang R, Yu M, Zhao L, Zhang S, Han F, Zhao Y, Liu Q. BET degrader exhibits lower antiproliferative activity than its inhibitor via EGR1 recruiting septins to promote E2F1-3 transcription in triple-negative breast cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107377. [PMID: 39209080 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins serve as primary readers of acetylated lysine residues and play crucial roles in cell proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of BET proteins has been implicated in tumorigenesis, making them important therapeutic targets. BET-bromodomain (BD) inhibitors and BET-targeting degraders have been developed to inhibit BET proteins. In this study, we found that the BET inhibitor MS645 exhibited superior antiproliferative activity than BET degraders including ARV771, AT1, MZ1 and dBET1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Treatment with MS645 led to the dissociation of BETs, MED1 and RNA polymerase II from the E2F1-3 promoter, resulting in the suppression of E2F1-3 transcription and subsequent inhibition of cell growth in TNBC. In contrast, while ARV771 displaced BET proteins from chromatin, it did not significantly alter E2F1-3 expression. Mechanistically, ARV771 induced BRD4 depletion at protein level, which markedly increased EGR1 expression. This elevation of EGR1 subsequently recruited septin 2 and septin 9 to E2F1-3 promoters, enhancing E2F1-3 transcription and promoting cell proliferation rate in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide valuable insights into differential mechanisms of BET inhibition and highlight potential of developing BET-targeting molecules as therapeutic strategies for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Munan Li
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Deyu Wang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Mingxin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Luoyi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Fangbin Han
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Ying Zhao
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
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Ma Z, Zhang C, Bolinger AA, Zhou J. An updated patent review of BRD4 degraders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:929-951. [PMID: 39219068 PMCID: PMC11427152 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2400166] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an important epigenetic reader, is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including various cancers, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Targeting BRD4 inhibition or protein elimination with small molecules represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED The recent advances of patented BRD4 degraders were summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing novel potent and selective BRD4 degraders are also discussed. The patents of BRD4 degraders were searched using the SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence database. EXPERT OPINION BRD4 degraders exhibit superior efficacy and selectivity to BRD4 inhibitors, given their unique mechanism of protein degradation instead of protein inhibition. Excitingly, RNK05047 is now in phase I/II clinical trials, indicating that selective BRD4 protein degradation may offer a viable therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer. Targeting BRD4 with small-molecule degraders provides a promising approach with the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance for treating various BRD4-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Cun Zhang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Chandrashekar DS, Afaq F, Karthikeyan SK, Athar M, Shrestha S, Singh R, Manne U, Varambally S. Bromodomain inhibitor treatment leads to overexpression of multiple kinases in cancer cells. Neoplasia 2024; 57:101046. [PMID: 39241280 PMCID: PMC11408867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins show altered expression across various cancers. The members of the bromodomain (BRD) family contain epigenetic reader domains that bind to acetylated lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. Since BRD proteins are involved in cancer initiation and progression, therapeutic targeting of these proteins has recently been an area of interest. In experimental settings, JQ1, a commonly used BRD inhibitor, is the first known inhibitor to target BRD-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a ubiquitously expressed BRD and extraterminal family protein. BRD4 is necessary for a normal cell cycle, and its aberrant expression activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to tumor initiation and progression. Various BRD4 inhibitors have been developed recently and tested in preclinical settings and are now in clinical trials. However, as with many targeted therapies, BRD inhibitor treatment can lead to resistance to treatment. Here, we investigated the kinases up-regulated on JQ1 treatment that may serve as target for combination therapy along with BRD inhibitors. To identify kinase targets, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression data using RNA from BRD inhibitor-treated cells or BRD-modulated cells and identified overexpression of several kinases, including FYN, NEK9, and ADCK5. We further validated, by immunoblotting, the overexpression of FYN tyrosine kinase; NEK9 serine/threonine kinase and ADCK5, an atypical kinase, to confirm their overexpression after BRD inhibitor treatment. Importantly, our studies show that targeting FYN or NEK9 along with BRD inhibitor effectively reduces proliferation of cancer cells. Therefore, our research emphasizes a potential approach of utilizing inhibitors targeting some of the overexpressed kinases in conjunction with BRD inhibitors to enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Afaq
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sadeep Shrestha
- Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Upender Manne
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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4
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Zhou L, Yu CW. Epigenetic modulations in triple-negative breast cancer: Therapeutic implications for tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107205. [PMID: 38719195 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and lacks HER2 overexpression. This absence of critical molecular targets poses significant challenges for conventional therapies. Immunotherapy, remarkably immune checkpoint blockade, offers promise for TNBC treatment, but its efficacy remains limited. Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and imbalances in regulators such as BET proteins, plays a crucial role in TNBC development and resistance to treatment. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters and the imbalance of histone methyltransferases such as EZH2 and histone deacetylases (HDACs) profoundly influence tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. In addition, epigenetic alterations critically shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cell composition, cytokine signaling, and immune checkpoint expression, ultimately contributing to immune evasion. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms with specific inhibitors such as EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy represents a compelling strategy to remodel the TME, potentially overcoming immune evasion and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in TNBC. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current understanding of epigenetic modulation in TNBC, its influence on the TME, and the potential of combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy to overcome the challenges posed by this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhou
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chen-Wei Yu
- Department of Statistics and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Hsia O, Hinterndorfer M, Cowan AD, Iso K, Ishida T, Sundaramoorthy R, Nakasone MA, Imrichova H, Schätz C, Rukavina A, Husnjak K, Wegner M, Correa-Sáez A, Craigon C, Casement R, Maniaci C, Testa A, Kaulich M, Dikic I, Winter GE, Ciulli A. Targeted protein degradation via intramolecular bivalent glues. Nature 2024; 627:204-211. [PMID: 38383787 PMCID: PMC10917667 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07089-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a pharmacological modality that is based on the induced proximity of an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a target protein to promote target ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This has been achieved either via proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs)-bifunctional compounds composed of two separate moieties that individually bind the target and E3 ligase, or via molecular glues that monovalently bind either the ligase or the target1-4. Here, using orthogonal genetic screening, biophysical characterization and structural reconstitution, we investigate the mechanism of action of bifunctional degraders of BRD2 and BRD4, termed intramolecular bivalent glues (IBGs), and find that instead of connecting target and ligase in trans as PROTACs do, they simultaneously engage and connect two adjacent domains of the target protein in cis. This conformational change 'glues' BRD4 to the E3 ligases DCAF11 or DCAF16, leveraging intrinsic target-ligase affinities that do not translate to BRD4 degradation in the absence of compound. Structural insights into the ternary BRD4-IBG1-DCAF16 complex guided the rational design of improved degraders of low picomolar potency. We thus introduce a new modality in targeted protein degradation, which works by bridging protein domains in cis to enhance surface complementarity with E3 ligases for productive ubiquitination and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hsia
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Matthias Hinterndorfer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angus D Cowan
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kentaro Iso
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tasuku Ishida
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Mark A Nakasone
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hana Imrichova
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Schätz
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Rukavina
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Koraljka Husnjak
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Wegner
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alejandro Correa-Sáez
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Conner Craigon
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ryan Casement
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Chiara Maniaci
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrea Testa
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Amphista Therapeutics, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manuel Kaulich
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg E Winter
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
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Yu X, Zhao H, Wang R, Chen Y, Ouyang X, Li W, Sun Y, Peng A. Cancer epigenetics: from laboratory studies and clinical trials to precision medicine. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38225241 PMCID: PMC10789753 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of a myriad of human diseases, particularly cancer. Defining the epigenetic defects associated with malignant tumors has become a focus of cancer research resulting in the gradual elucidation of cancer cell epigenetic regulation. In fact, most stages of tumor progression, including tumorigenesis, promotion, progression, and recurrence are accompanied by epigenetic alterations, some of which can be reversed by epigenetic drugs. The main objective of epigenetic therapy in the era of personalized precision medicine is to detect cancer biomarkers to improve risk assessment, diagnosis, and targeted treatment interventions. Rapid technological advancements streamlining the characterization of molecular epigenetic changes associated with cancers have propelled epigenetic drug research and development. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation and discusses past and present examples of epigenetic inhibitors in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on the development of epigenetic enzyme inhibitors or drugs. In the final part, the prospect of precise diagnosis and treatment is considered based on a better understanding of epigenetic abnormalities in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Yichang Central People's Hospital Affiliated with China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yingyin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xumei Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yihao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Anghui Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Tracy KM, Prior S, Trowbridge WT, Boyd JR, Ghule PN, Frietze S, Stein JL, Stein GS, Lian JB. Bromodomain Proteins Epigenetically Regulate the Mitotically Associated lncRNA MANCR in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:61-71. [PMID: 38073442 PMCID: PMC11023627 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2023050109] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated control of gene expression contributes to regulation of biological processes that include proliferation and phenotype, as well as compromised expression of genes that are functionally linked to cancer initiation and tumor progression. lncRNAs have emerged as novel targets and biomarkers in breast cancer. We have shown that mitotically associated lncRNA MANCR is expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and that it serves a critical role in promoting genome stability and survival in aggressive breast cancer cells. Using an siRNA strategy, we selectively depleted BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, singly and in combination, to establish which bromodomain proteins regulate MANCR expression in TNBC cells. Our findings were confirmed by using in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescence analysis that revealed BRD4, either alone or with BRD2 and BRD3, can support MANCR regulation of TNBC cells. Here we provide evidence for MANCR-responsive epigenetic control of super enhancers by histone modifications that are required for gene transcription to support cell survival and expression of the epithelial tumor phenotype in triple negative breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M. Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Shannon Prior
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Willem T. Trowbridge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Joseph R. Boyd
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Janet L. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jane B. Lian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
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8
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Gajjela BK, Zhou MM. Bromodomain inhibitors and therapeutic applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102323. [PMID: 37207401 PMCID: PMC10524616 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The bromodomain acts to recognize acetylated lysine in histones and transcription proteins and plays a fundamental role in chromatin-based cellular processes including gene transcription and chromatin remodeling. Many bromodomain proteins, particularly the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) protein BRD4 have been implicated in cancers and inflammatory disorders and recognized as attractive drug targets. Although clinical studies of many BET bromodomain inhibitors have made substantial progress toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of targeting the bromodomain proteins, the development of this new class of epigenetic drugs is met with challenges, especially on-target dose-limiting toxicity. In this review, we highlight the current development of new-generation small molecule inhibitors for the BET and non-BET bromodomain proteins and discuss the research strategies used to target different bromodomain proteins for a wide array of human diseases including cancers and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Kumar Gajjela
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, United States.
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Gibson WJ, Sadagopan A, Shoba VM, Choudhary A, Meyerson M, Schreiber SL. Bifunctional small molecules that induce nuclear localization and targeted transcriptional regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548101. [PMID: 37461636 PMCID: PMC10350064 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant localization of proteins in cells is a key factor in the development of various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disease. To better understand and potentially manipulate protein localization for therapeutic purposes, we engineered bifunctional compounds that bind to proteins in separate cellular compartments. We show these compounds induce nuclear import of cytosolic cargoes, using nuclear-localized BRD4 as a "carrier" for co-import and nuclear trapping of cytosolic proteins. We use this system to calculate kinetic constants for passive diffusion across the nuclear pore and demonstrate single-cell heterogeneity in response to these bifunctional molecules, with cells requiring high carrier to cargo expression for complete import. We also observe incorporation of cargoes into BRD4-containing condensates. Proteins shown to be substrates for nuclear transport include oncogenic mutant nucleophosmin (NPM1c) and mutant PI3K catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CAE545K), suggesting potential applications to cancer treatment. In addition, we demonstrate that chemical-induced localization of BRD4 to cytosolic-localized DNA-binding proteins, namely, IRF1 with a nuclear export signal, induces target gene expression. These results suggest that induced localization of proteins with bifunctional molecules enables the rewiring of cell circuitry with significant implications for disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Gibson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Veronika M Shoba
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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Hosea R, Hillary S, Wu S, Kasim V. Targeting Transcription Factor YY1 for Cancer Treatment: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3506. [PMID: 37444616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents a significant and persistent global health burden, with its impact underscored by its prevalence and devastating consequences. Whereas numerous oncogenes could contribute to cancer development, a group of transcription factors (TFs) are overactive in the majority of tumors. Targeting these TFs may also combat the downstream oncogenes activated by the TFs, making them attractive potential targets for effective antitumor therapeutic strategy. One such TF is yin yang 1 (YY1), which plays crucial roles in the development and progression of various tumors. In preclinical studies, YY1 inhibition has shown efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth, promoting apoptosis, and sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy. Recent studies have also revealed the potential of combining YY1 inhibition with immunotherapy for enhanced antitumor effects. However, clinical translation of YY1-targeted therapy still faces challenges in drug specificity and delivery. This review provides an overview of YY1 biology, its role in tumor development and progression, as well as the strategies explored for YY1-targeted therapy, with a focus on their clinical implications, including those using small molecule inhibitors, RNA interference, and gene editing techniques. Finally, we discuss the challenges and current limitations of targeting YY1 and the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Sharon Hillary
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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11
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Pan Z, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xie X, Liu M, Zhang K, Wang L, Bai D, Foster LJ, Shu R, He G. Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:13. [PMID: 37142850 PMCID: PMC10159834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Xie
- College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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12
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Zhao L, Wang Y, Jaganathan A, Sun Y, Ma N, Li N, Han X, Sun X, Yi H, Fu S, Han F, Li X, Xiao K, Walsh MJ, Zeng L, Zhou M, Cheung KL. BRD4-PRC2 represses transcription of T-helper 2-specific negative regulators during T-cell differentiation. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111473. [PMID: 36719036 PMCID: PMC10015369 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BRD4 is a well-recognized transcriptional activator, but how it regulates gene transcriptional repression in a cell type-specific manner has remained elusive. In this study, we report that BRD4 works with Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to repress transcriptional expression of the T-helper 2 (Th2)-negative regulators Foxp3 and E3-ubiqutin ligase Fbxw7 during lineage-specific differentiation of Th2 cells from mouse primary naïve CD4+ T cells. Brd4 binds to the lysine-acetylated-EED subunit of the PRC2 complex via its second bromodomain (BD2) to facilitate histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at target gene loci and thereby transcriptional repression. We found that Foxp3 represses transcription of Th2-specific transcription factor Gata3, while Fbxw7 promotes its ubiquitination-directed protein degradation. BRD4-mediated repression of Foxp3 and Fbxw7 in turn promotes BRD4- and Gata3-mediated transcriptional activation of Th2 cytokines including Il4, Il5, and Il13. Chemical inhibition of the BRD4 BD2 induces transcriptional de-repression of Foxp3 and Fbxw7, and thus transcriptional downregulation of Il4, Il5, and Il13, resulting in inhibition of Th2 cell lineage differentiation. Our study presents a previously unappreciated mechanism of BRD4's role in orchestrating a Th2-specific transcriptional program that coordinates gene repression and activation, and safeguards cell lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Anbalagan Jaganathan
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Yifei Sun
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ning Ma
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Ning Li
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Xinye Han
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Xueying Sun
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Huanfa Yi
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Shibo Fu
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Fangbin Han
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Xue Li
- Department of ChemistryMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Kunhong Xiao
- Center for Proteomics & Artificial Intelligence and Center for Clinical Mass SpectrometryAllegheny Health Network Cancer InstitutePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Martin J Walsh
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Lei Zeng
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Ming‐Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ka Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacological SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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13
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Li J, Zhu R, Zhuang X, Zhang C, Shen H, Wu X, Zhang M, Huang C, Xiang Q, Zhao L, Xu Y, Zhang Y. Rational Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Benzo[d]isoxazole Derivatives as Potent BET Bivalent Inhibitors for Potential Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106495. [PMID: 37004437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Multivalency is an attractive strategy for effective binding to target protein. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family features two tandem bromodomains (BD1, BD2), which are considered to be potential new targets for prostate cancer. Herein, we report the rational design, optimization, and evaluation of a class of novel BET bivalent inhibitors based on our monovalent BET inhibitor 7 (Y06037). The representative bivalent inhibitor 17b effectively inhibited the cell growth of LNCaP, exhibiting 32 folds more potency than monovalent inhibitor 7. Besides, 17b induced 95.1 % PSA regression in LNCaP cell at 2 μM. Docking study was further carried out to reveal the potential binding mode of 17b with two BET bromodomains. Our study demonstrates that 17b (Y13021) is a promising BET bivalent inhibitor for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Run Zhu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Maofeng Zhang
- Suzhou Vocational Health College, No. 28 Kehua Road, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Cen Huang
- Jiangsu S&T Exchange Center with Foreign Countries, No. 175 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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14
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Yu D, Liang Y, Kim C, Jaganathan A, Ji D, Han X, Yang X, Jia Y, Gu R, Wang C, Zhang Q, Cheung KL, Zhou MM, Zeng L. Structural mechanism of BRD4-NUT and p300 bipartite interaction in propagating aberrant gene transcription in chromatin in NUT carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:378. [PMID: 36690674 PMCID: PMC9870903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36063-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BRD4-NUT, a driver fusion mutant in rare and highly aggressive NUT carcinoma, acts in aberrant transcription of anti-differentiation genes by recruiting histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300 and promoting p300-driven histone hyperacetylation and nuclear condensation in chromatin. However, the molecular basis of how BRD4-NUT recruits and activates p300 remains elusive. Here, we report that BRD4-NUT contains two transactivation domains (TADs) in NUT that bind to the TAZ2 domain in p300. Our NMR structures reveal that NUT TADs adopt amphipathic helices when bound to the four-helical bundle TAZ2 domain. The NUT protein forms liquid-like droplets in-vitro that are enhanced by TAZ2 binding in 1:2 stoichiometry. The TAD/TAZ2 bipartite binding in BRD4-NUT/p300 triggers allosteric activation of p300 and acetylation-driven liquid-like condensation on chromatin that comprise histone H3 lysine 27 and 18 acetylation and transcription proteins BRD4L/S, CDK9, MED1, and RNA polymerase II. The BRD4-NUT/p300 chromatin condensation is key for activating transcription of pro-proliferation genes such as ALX1, resulting ALX1/Snail signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Our study provides a previously underappreciated structural mechanism illuminating BRD4-NUT's bipartite p300 recruitment and activation in NUT carcinoma that nucleates a feed-forward loop for propagating histone hyperacetylation and chromatin condensation to sustain aberrant anti-differentiation gene transcription and perpetual tumor cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yu
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yingying Liang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Claudia Kim
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Anbalagan Jaganathan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Donglei Ji
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xinye Han
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xuelan Yang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanjie Jia
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Ruirui Gu
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Ka Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Lei Zeng
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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15
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Jiang J, Zhao PL, Sigua LH, Chan A, Schönbrunn E, Qi J, Georg GI. 1,4-Dihydropyridinebutyrolactone-derived ring-opened ester and amide analogs targeting BET bromodomains. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200288. [PMID: 35941525 PMCID: PMC9633406 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Based on a previously reported 1,4-dihydropyridinebutyrolactone virtual screening hit, nine lactone ring-opened ester and seven amide analogs were prepared. The analogs were designed to provide interactions with residues at the entrance of the ZA loop of the testis-specific bromodomain (ZA) channel to enhance the affinity and selectivity for the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) subfamily of bromodomains. Compound testing by AlphaScreen showed that neither the affinity nor the selectivity of the ester and lactam analogs was improved for BRD4-1 and the first bromodomain of the testis-specific bromodomain (BRDT-1). The esters retained affinity comparable to the parent compound, whereas the affinity for the amide analogs was reduced 10-fold. A representative benzyl ester analog was found to retain high selectivity for BET bromodomains as shown by a BROMOscan. X-ray analysis of the allyl ester analog in complex with BRD4-1 and BRDT-1 revealed that the ester side chain is located next to the ZA loop and solvent exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pei-Liang Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Logan H. Sigua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice Chan
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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16
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Wernersson S, Bobby R, Flavell L, Milbradt AG, Holdgate GA, Embrey KJ, Akke M. Bromodomain Interactions with Acetylated Histone 4 Peptides in the BRD4 Tandem Domain: Effects on Domain Dynamics and Internal Flexibility. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2303-2318. [PMID: 36215732 PMCID: PMC9631989 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein BRD4
regulates
gene expression via recruitment of transcriptional regulatory complexes
to acetylated chromatin. Like other BET proteins, BRD4 contains two
bromodomains, BD1 and BD2, that can interact cooperatively with target
proteins and designed ligands, with important implications for drug
discovery. Here, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
to study the dynamics and interactions of the isolated bromodomains,
as well as the tandem construct including both domains and the intervening
linker, and investigated the effects of binding a tetra-acetylated
peptide corresponding to the tail of histone 4. The peptide affinity
is lower for both domains in the tandem construct than for the isolated
domains. Using 15N spin relaxation, we determined the global
rotational correlation times and residue-specific order parameters
for BD1 and BD2. Isolated BD1 is monomeric in the apo state but apparently
dimerizes upon binding the tetra-acetylated peptide. Isolated BD2
partially dimerizes in both the apo and peptide-bound states. The
backbone order parameters reveal marked differences between BD1 and
BD2, primarily in the acetyl-lysine binding site where the ZA loop
is more flexible in BD2. Peptide binding reduces the order parameters
of the ZA loop in BD1 and the ZA and BC loops in BD2. The AB loop,
located distally from the binding site, shows variable dynamics that
reflect the different dimerization propensities of the domains. These
results provide a basis for understanding target recognition by BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Wernersson
- Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00Lund, Sweden
| | - Romel Bobby
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Liz Flavell
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park, CambridgeCB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Alexander G Milbradt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Geoffrey A Holdgate
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Kevin J Embrey
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Mikael Akke
- Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00Lund, Sweden
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17
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Luo M, Wu Q, Yang Y, Sun L, Huan X, Tian C, Xiong B, Miao Z, Wang Y, Chen D. Design and development of a novel series of oral bivalent BET inhibitors with potent anticancer activities. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 239:114519. [PMID: 35714446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114519] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) subfamily members are intriguing targets for cancer treatment. Most of the reported BET inhibitors were monovalent inhibitors. Recently, some bivalent inhibitors were disclosed, which bound to two bromodomains simultaneously. They had good activities, however, most of them also showed unsatisfactory pharmacokinetic properties, which were caused by long chain linkers. Based on our previous work on monovalent BRD4 inhibitors, we designed and synthesized a series of novel bivalent inhibitors with short and hydrophilic linkers. These compounds exhibited better activities than the corresponding monovalent inhibitors and good pharmacokinetic properties. Compound 21 showed excellent in vitro activities. And it also demonstrated potent in vivo antitumor efficacy under oral administration and was well tolerated in in vivo tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglan Luo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yueyue Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiajuan Huan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Changqing Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bing Xiong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zehong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yingqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research,Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Danqi Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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18
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Schwalm MP, Knapp S. BET bromodomain inhibitors. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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19
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Targeting CDCP1 gene transcription coactivated by BRD4 and CBP/p300 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:3251-3262. [PMID: 35513563 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), a transmembrane protein with tumor pro-metastatic activity, is highly expressed in late-stage and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the molecular mechanism driving CDCP1 overexpression in CRPC progress remains elusive. Here we report that transcription cofactors BRD4 and CBP/p300 co-regulate transcriptional expression of CDCP1 in CRPC tumorigenesis. In contrast to androgen receptor (AR) in CRPC, increased expression of BRD4 and CBP/p300 is strongly correlated with CDCP1 gene amplification. Combined knockdown or dual-inhibition of BRD4 and CBP/p300 down-regulated CDCP1 transcription and downstream PI3K/AKT and/or SRC/MAPK signaling pathways in CRPC cells much more so than single-protein perturbation. Our biochemical and structural analyses further showed that NEO2734, a dual-inhibitor targeting BRD4 and p300 bromodomains exhibits greater efficacy than single inhibitors for BRD4 or CBP/p300 in suppressing CDCP1 transcriptional expression and its downstream signaling pathways in CRPC cell proliferation and metastasis. Our study illustrates that targeting CDCP1 through dual-inhibition of BRD4 and CBP/p300 represents a synergistic therapeutic strategy for new treatment of CRPC.
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20
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Chromatin complexes subunit BAP18 promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression through transcriptional activation of oncogene S100A9. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:408. [PMID: 35484101 PMCID: PMC9050672 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal disease due to aggressive clinical phenotype and the lack of validated therapeutic targets. Our recent quantitative proteomic analysis of 90 cases of TNBC tissues and 72 cases of matched adjacent normal tissues revealed that the expression levels of BPTF-associated protein of 18 KDa (BAP18), a component of the MLL1 and NURF chromatin complexes, were upregulated in TNBC tissues relative to normal tissues. However, the biological function and the underlying mechanism of BAP18 in TNBC progression remain unexplored. Here, we report that BAP18 promoted TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and xenograft tumor growth and lung colonization in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), a member of the S100 protein family that is frequently upregulated in breast tumors and acts as an oncogenic driver in breast cancer progression, was a downstream target gene of BAP18. BAP18 was recruited to histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 4 (H3K4me3)-marked promoter of S100A9 and enhanced its promoter activities. Notably, knockdown of BAP18 by short hairpin RNA in TNBC cells suppressed xenograft tumor growth in mice, the noted effect was partially reverted by re-expression of S100A9 in BAP18-depleted cells. Taken together, these results suggest that BAP18 promotes TNBC progression through, at least in part, transcriptional activation of oncogene S100A9, and represents a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
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21
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Bowers RR, Jones CM, Paz EA, Barrows JK, Armeson K, Long D, Delaney J. SWAN pathway-network identification of common aneuploidy-based oncogenic drivers. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3673-3692. [PMID: 35380699 PMCID: PMC9023287 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency drives Darwinian evolution. Siblings, while alike in many aspects, differ due to monoallelic differences inherited from each parent. In cancer, solid tumors exhibit aneuploid genetics resulting in hundreds to thousands of monoallelic gene-level copy-number alterations (CNAs) in each tumor. Aneuploidy patterns are heterogeneous, posing a challenge to identify drivers in this high-noise genetic environment. Here, we developed Shifted Weighted Annotation Network (SWAN) analysis to assess biology impacted by cumulative monoallelic changes. SWAN enables an integrated pathway-network analysis of CNAs, RNA expression, and mutations via a simple web platform. SWAN is optimized to best prioritize known and novel tumor suppressors and oncogenes, thereby identifying drivers and potential druggable vulnerabilities within cancer CNAs. Protein homeostasis, phospholipid dephosphorylation, and ion transport pathways are commonly suppressed. An atlas of CNA pathways altered in each cancer type is released. These CNA network shifts highlight new, attractive targets to exploit in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Bowers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christian M Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Edwin A Paz
- Departments of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Cell Biology, and the Duke Center for Neurodegeneration & Neurotherapeutics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John K Barrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kent E Armeson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - David T Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joe R Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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22
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Liao M, Qin R, Huang W, Zhu HP, Peng F, Han B, Liu B. Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in triple-negative breast cancer: a revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:44. [PMID: 35414025 PMCID: PMC9006445 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of human breast cancer with one of the worst prognoses, with no targeted therapeutic strategies currently available. Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), has been widely reported to have numerous links to the progression and therapy of many types of human cancer. Of note, RCD can be divided into numerous different subroutines, including autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis. More recently, targeting the subroutines of RCD with small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy, which has rapidly progressed in the treatment of TNBC. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to TNBC and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subroutines. Moreover, we further discuss the combined strategies of one drug (e.g., narciclasine) or more drugs (e.g., torin-1 combined with chloroquine) to achieve the therapeutic potential on TNBC by regulating RCD subroutines. More importantly, we demonstrate several small-molecule compounds (e.g., ONC201 and NCT03733119) by targeting the subroutines of RCD in TNBC clinical trials. Taken together, these findings will provide a clue on illuminating more actionable low-hanging-fruit druggable targets and candidate small-molecule drugs for potential RCD-related TNBC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.,Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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23
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Marqués M, Sorolla MA, Urdanibia I, Parisi E, Hidalgo I, Morales S, Salud A, Sorolla A. Are Transcription Factors Plausible Oncotargets for Triple Negative Breast Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051101. [PMID: 35267409 PMCID: PMC8909618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have a selective and effective therapy. It is known that this cancer possesses high abundance of certain proteins called transcription factors, which are essential for their growth. However, inhibiting transcription factors is very difficult with common therapeutics due to their inaccessibility inside the cell and their molecular structure. In this work, we identified the most important transcription factors for the growth of triple negative breast cancers, and that can predict worse clinical outcome. Moreover, we described different strategies that have been utilised to inhibit them. A successful inhibition of these transcription factors could reduce the mortality and convalescence associated with triple negative breast cancers. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer deaths. BC is a heterogeneous disease composed of different BC intrinsic subtypes such as triple-negative BC (TNBC), which is one of the most aggressive subtypes and which lacks a targeted therapy. Recent comprehensive analyses across cell types and cancer types have outlined a vast network of protein–protein associations between transcription factors (TFs). Not surprisingly, protein–protein networks central to oncogenesis and disease progression are highly altered during TNBC pathogenesis and are responsible for the activation of oncogenic programs, such as uncontrollable proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. From the therapeutic viewpoint, inhibiting the interactions between TFs represents a very significant challenge, as the contact surfaces of TFs are relatively large and featureless. However, promising tools have emerged to offer a solution to the targeting problem. At the clinical level, some TF possess diagnostic and prognostic value in TNBC. In this review, we outline the recent advances in TFs relevant to TNBC growth and progression. Moreover, we highlight different targeting approaches to inhibit these TFs. Furthermore, the validity of such TFs as clinical biomarkers has been explored. Finally, we discuss how research is likely to evolve in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marqués
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Alba Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Izaskun Urdanibia
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Eva Parisi
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Iván Hidalgo
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Serafín Morales
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonieta Salud
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Azegami N, Taguchi R, Suzuki N, Sakata Y, Konuma T, Akashi S. Native Mass Spectrometry of BRD4 Bromodomains Linked to a Long Disordered Region. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 2022; 11:A0110. [PMID: 36713808 PMCID: PMC9853951 DOI: 10.5702/massspectrometry.a0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of disordered regions to protein function and structure is a relatively new field of study and of particular significance as their function has been implicated in some human diseases. Our objective was to analyze various deletion mutants of the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) using native mass spectrometry to characterize the gas-phase behavior of the disordered region connected to the folded domain. A protein with a single bromodomain but no long disordered linker displayed a narrow charge distribution at low charge states, suggesting a compact structure. In contrast, proteins containing one or two bromodomains connected to a long disordered region exhibited multimodal charge distributions, suggesting the presence of compact and elongated conformers. In the presence of a pan-BET-bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, the protein-JQ1 complex ions had relatively small numbers of positive charges, corresponding to compact conformers. In contrast, the ions with extremely high charge states did not form a complex with JQ1. This suggests that all of the JQ1-bound BRD4 proteins in the gas phase are in a compact conformation, including the linker region, while the unbound forms are considerably elongated. Although these are gas-phase phenomena, it is possible that the long disordered linker connected to the bromodomain causes the denaturation of the folded domain, which, in turn, affects its JQ1 recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Azegami
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan
| | - Rina Taguchi
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan
| | - Noa Suzuki
- School of Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sakata
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Konuma
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan,School of Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan,Correspondence to: Tsuyoshi Konuma, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan, e-mail:
| | - Satoko Akashi
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan,School of Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan,Correspondence to: Satoko Akashi, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1–7–29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230–0045, Japan, e-mail:
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25
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Hung KL, Yost KE, Xie L, Shi Q, Helmsauer K, Luebeck J, Schöpflin R, Lange JT, Chamorro González R, Weiser NE, Chen C, Valieva ME, Wong ITL, Wu S, Dehkordi SR, Duffy CV, Kraft K, Tang J, Belk JA, Rose JC, Corces MR, Granja JM, Li R, Rajkumar U, Friedlein J, Bagchi A, Satpathy AT, Tjian R, Mundlos S, Bafna V, Henssen AG, Mischel PS, Liu Z, Chang HY. ecDNA hubs drive cooperative intermolecular oncogene expression. Nature 2021; 600:731-736. [PMID: 34819668 PMCID: PMC9126690 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04116-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is prevalent in human cancers and mediates high expression of oncogenes through gene amplification and altered gene regulation1. Gene induction typically involves cis-regulatory elements that contact and activate genes on the same chromosome2,3. Here we show that ecDNA hubs-clusters of around 10-100 ecDNAs within the nucleus-enable intermolecular enhancer-gene interactions to promote oncogene overexpression. ecDNAs that encode multiple distinct oncogenes form hubs in diverse cancer cell types and primary tumours. Each ecDNA is more likely to transcribe the oncogene when spatially clustered with additional ecDNAs. ecDNA hubs are tethered by the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein BRD4 in a MYC-amplified colorectal cancer cell line. The BET inhibitor JQ1 disperses ecDNA hubs and preferentially inhibits ecDNA-derived-oncogene transcription. The BRD4-bound PVT1 promoter is ectopically fused to MYC and duplicated in ecDNA, receiving promiscuous enhancer input to drive potent expression of MYC. Furthermore, the PVT1 promoter on an exogenous episome suffices to mediate gene activation in trans by ecDNA hubs in a JQ1-sensitive manner. Systematic silencing of ecDNA enhancers by CRISPR interference reveals intermolecular enhancer-gene activation among multiple oncogene loci that are amplified on distinct ecDNAs. Thus, protein-tethered ecDNA hubs enable intermolecular transcriptional regulation and may serve as units of oncogene function and cooperative evolution and as potential targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- King L Hung
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn E Yost
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Liangqi Xie
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Quanming Shi
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Konstantin Helmsauer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Luebeck
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert Schöpflin
- Development and Disease Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua T Lange
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rocío Chamorro González
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natasha E Weiser
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Celine Chen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria E Valieva
- Development and Disease Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivy Tsz-Lo Wong
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sihan Wu
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Siavash R Dehkordi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Connor V Duffy
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katerina Kraft
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jun Tang
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julia A Belk
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John C Rose
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - M Ryan Corces
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Granja
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Utkrisht Rajkumar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jordan Friedlein
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anindya Bagchi
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Robert Tjian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Mundlos
- Development and Disease Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vineet Bafna
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anton G Henssen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul S Mischel
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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26
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Malvezzi F, Stubbs CJ, Jowitt TA, Dale IL, Guo X, DeGnore JP, Degliesposti G, Skehel JM, Bannister AJ, McAlister MS. Phosphorylation-dependent BRD4 dimerization and implications for therapeutic inhibition of BET family proteins. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1273. [PMID: 34754068 PMCID: PMC8578508 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic reader and oncology drug target that regulates gene transcription through binding to acetylated chromatin via bromodomains. Phosphorylation by casein kinase II (CK2) regulates BRD4 function, is necessary for active transcription and is involved in resistance to BRD4 drug inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer. Here, we provide the first biophysical analysis of BRD4 phospho-regulation. Using integrative structural biology, we show that phosphorylation by CK2 modulates the dimerization of human BRD4. We identify two conserved regions, a coiled-coil motif and the Basic-residue enriched Interaction Domain (BID), essential for the BRD4 structural rearrangement, which we term the phosphorylation-dependent dimerization domain (PDD). Finally, we demonstrate that bivalent inhibitors induce a conformational change within BRD4 dimers in vitro and in cancer cells. Our results enable the proposal of a model for BRD4 activation critical for the characterization of its protein-protein interaction network and for the development of more specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malvezzi
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Molecular Partners AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christopher J Stubbs
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas A Jowitt
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian L Dale
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xieyang Guo
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jon P DeGnore
- Mechanistic Biology & Profiling, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
| | - Gianluca Degliesposti
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Mark Skehel
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Bannister
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark S McAlister
- Structure, Biophysics and Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
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Cheng X, Zhao JX, Dong F, Cao XC. ARID1A Mutation in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2021; 11:759577. [PMID: 34804958 PMCID: PMC8599951 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.759577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis is the principal cause of mortality for breast cancer patients. Targeting specific mutations that have been acquired during the evolution process of advanced breast cancer is a potential means of enhancing the clinical efficacy of treatment strategies. In metastatic breast cancer, ARID1A is the most prevalent mutation of the SWI/SNF complex, which regulates DNA repair, recombination, and gene transcription. The low expression of ARID1A is associated with poor disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with luminal A or HER2-rich breast cancer. In addition, ARID1A plays a prominent role in maintaining luminal characteristics and has an advantage for identifying responses to treatment, including endocrine therapies, HDAC inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors. The therapeutic vulnerabilities initiated by ARID1A alterations encourage us to explore new approaches to cope with ARID1A mutant-related drug resistance or metastasis. In this review, we describe the mutation profiles of ARID1A in metastatic breast cancer and the structure and function of ARID1A and the SWI/SNF complex as well as discuss the potential mechanisms of ARID1A-mediated endocrine resistance and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cheng
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Zhao
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu-Chen Cao
- The First Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
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28
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Bhola NE, Njatcha C, Hu L, Lee ED, Shiah JV, Kim MO, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. PD-L1 is upregulated via BRD2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models of acquired cetuximab resistance. Head Neck 2021; 43:3364-3373. [PMID: 34346116 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor models resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors or cisplatin express higher levels of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. We sought to determine whether PD-L1 expression is elevated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) models of acquired cetuximab resistance and whether the expression is regulated by bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins. METHODS Expression of PD-L1 was assessed in HNSCC cell line models of acquired cetuximab resistance. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)- and RNAi-mediated targeting were used to assess the role of BET proteins. RESULTS Cetuximab-resistant HNSCC cells expressed elevated PD-L1 compared to cetuximab-sensitive controls. Treatment with the BET inhibitor JQ1, the BET PROTAC MZ1, or RNAi-mediated knockdown of BRD2 decreased PD-L1 expression. Knockdown of BRD2 also reduced the elevated levels of PD-L1 seen in a model of acquired cisplatin resistance. CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 is significantly elevated in HNSCC models of acquired cetuximab and cisplatin resistance where BRD2 is the primary regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E Bhola
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christian Njatcha
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Eliot D Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jamie V Shiah
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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29
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Milner JJ, Toma C, Quon S, Omilusik K, Scharping NE, Dey A, Reina-Campos M, Nguyen H, Getzler AJ, Diao H, Yu B, Delpoux A, Yoshida TM, Li D, Qi J, Vincek A, Hedrick SM, Egawa T, Zhou MM, Crotty S, Ozato K, Pipkin ME, Goldrath AW. Bromodomain protein BRD4 directs and sustains CD8 T cell differentiation during infection. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20202512. [PMID: 34037670 PMCID: PMC8160575 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to infection, pathogen-specific CD8 T cells differentiate into functionally diverse effector and memory T cell populations critical for resolving disease and providing durable immunity. Through small-molecule inhibition, RNAi studies, and induced genetic deletion, we reveal an essential role for the chromatin modifier and BET family member BRD4 in supporting the differentiation and maintenance of terminally fated effector CD8 T cells during infection. BRD4 bound diverse regulatory regions critical to effector T cell differentiation and controlled transcriptional activity of terminal effector-specific super-enhancers in vivo. Consequentially, induced deletion of Brd4 or small molecule-mediated BET inhibition impaired maintenance of a terminal effector T cell phenotype. BRD4 was also required for terminal differentiation of CD8 T cells in the tumor microenvironment in murine models, which we show has implications for immunotherapies. Taken together, these data reveal an unappreciated requirement for BRD4 in coordinating activity of cis regulatory elements to control CD8 T cell fate and lineage stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Justin Milner
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Clara Toma
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Sara Quon
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Kyla Omilusik
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Nicole E. Scharping
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Anup Dey
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Miguel Reina-Campos
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Hongtuyet Nguyen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Adam J. Getzler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL
| | - Huitian Diao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL
| | - Bingfei Yu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Arnaud Delpoux
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Tomomi M. Yoshida
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Deyao Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam Vincek
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Stephen M. Hedrick
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Takeshi Egawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Shane Crotty
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Keiko Ozato
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Matthew E. Pipkin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL
| | - Ananda W. Goldrath
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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30
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Engelberg IA, Foley CA, James LI, Frye SV. Improved methods for targeting epigenetic reader domains of acetylated and methylated lysine. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:132-144. [PMID: 33852996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Responsible for interpreting histone post-translational modifications, epigenetic reader proteins have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases. Chemical probes have been critical in enabling target validation studies and have led to translational advances in cancer and inflammation-related pathologies. Here, we present the most recently reported probes of reader proteins that recognize acylated and methylated lysine. We will discuss challenges associated with achieving potent antagonism of reader domains and review ongoing efforts to overcome these hurdles, focusing on targeting strategies including the use of peptidomimetic ligands, allosteric modulators, and protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle A Engelberg
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Caroline A Foley
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
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31
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Liao M, Zhang J, Wang G, Wang L, Liu J, Ouyang L, Liu B. Small-Molecule Drug Discovery in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Current Situation and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2382-2418. [PMID: 33650861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, but an effective targeted therapy has not been well-established so far. Considering the lack of effective targets, where do we go next in the current TNBC drug development? A promising intervention for TNBC might lie in de novo small-molecule drugs that precisely target different molecular characteristics of TNBC. However, an ideal single-target drug discovery still faces a huge challenge. Alternatively, other new emerging strategies, such as dual-target drug, drug repurposing, and combination strategies, may provide new insight into the improvement of TNBC therapeutics. In this review, we focus on summarizing the current situation of a series of candidate small-molecule drugs in TNBC therapy, including single-target drugs, dual-target drugs, as well as drug repurposing and combination strategies that will together shed new light on the future directions targeting TNBC vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs for future therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leiming Wang
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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32
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Cribbs AP, Filippakopoulos P, Philpott M, Wells G, Penn H, Oerum H, Valge-Archer V, Feldmann M, Oppermann U. Dissecting the Role of BET Bromodomain Proteins BRD2 and BRD4 in Human NK Cell Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:626255. [PMID: 33717143 PMCID: PMC7953504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in the immune surveillance and elimination of transformed or virally infected cells. Using a chemo-genetic approach, we identify BET bromodomain containing proteins BRD2 and BRD4 as central regulators of NK cell functions, including direct cytokine secretion, NK cell contact-dependent inflammatory cytokine secretion from monocytes as well as NK cell cytolytic functions. We show that both BRD2 and BRD4 control inflammatory cytokine production in NK cells isolated from healthy volunteers and from rheumatoid arthritis patients. In contrast, knockdown of BRD4 but not of BRD2 impairs NK cell cytolytic responses, suggesting BRD4 as critical regulator of NK cell mediated tumor cell elimination. This is supported by pharmacological targeting where the first-generation pan-BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1(+) displays anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit tumor cell eradication, while the novel bivalent BET bromodomain inhibitor AZD5153, which shows differential activity towards BET family members, does not. Given the important role of both cytokine-mediated inflammatory microenvironment and cytolytic NK cell activities in immune-oncology therapies, our findings present a compelling argument for further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Cribbs
- Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Philpott
- Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Wells
- Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Penn
- Arthritis Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, United Kingdom
| | - Henrik Oerum
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Viia Valge-Archer
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Feldmann
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany.,Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
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33
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Yang Z, Wang W, Zhao L, Wang X, Gimple RC, Xu L, Wang Y, Rich JN, Zhou S. Plasma cells shape the mesenchymal identity of ovarian cancers through transfer of exosome-derived microRNAs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/9/eabb0737. [PMID: 33627414 PMCID: PMC7904265 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer represents a highly lethal disease that poses a substantial burden for females, with four main molecular subtypes carrying distinct clinical outcomes. Here, we demonstrated that plasma cells, a subset of antibody-producing B cells, were enriched in the mesenchymal subtype of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs). Plasma cell abundance correlated with the density of mesenchymal cells in clinical specimens of HGSCs. Coculture of nonmesenchymal ovarian cancer cells and plasma cells induced a mesenchymal phenotype of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Phenotypic switch was mediated by the transfer of plasma cell–derived exosomes containing miR-330-3p into nonmesenchymal ovarian cancer cells. Exosome-derived miR-330-3p increased expression of junctional adhesion molecule B in a noncanonical fashion. Depletion of plasma cells by bortezomib reversed the mesenchymal characteristics of ovarian cancer and inhibited in vivo tumor growth. Collectively, our work suggests targeting plasma cells may be a novel approach for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengnan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China.,Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, P. R. China
| | - Linjie Zhao
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Ryan C Gimple
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lian Xu
- Department of Pathology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China.
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34
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Li J, Galbo PM, Gong W, Storey AJ, Tsai YH, Yu X, Ahn JH, Guo Y, Mackintosh SG, Edmondson RD, Byrum SD, Farrar JE, He S, Cai L, Jin J, Tackett AJ, Zheng D, Wang GG. ZMYND11-MBTD1 induces leukemogenesis through hijacking NuA4/TIP60 acetyltransferase complex and a PWWP-mediated chromatin association mechanism. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1045. [PMID: 33594072 PMCID: PMC7886901 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurring chromosomal translocation t(10;17)(p15;q21) present in a subset of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients creates an aberrant fusion gene termed ZMYND11-MBTD1 (ZM); however, its function remains undetermined. Here, we show that ZM confers primary murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells indefinite self-renewal capability ex vivo and causes AML in vivo. Genomics profilings reveal that ZM directly binds to and maintains high expression of pro-leukemic genes including Hoxa, Meis1, Myb, Myc and Sox4. Mechanistically, ZM recruits the NuA4/Tip60 histone acetyltransferase complex to cis-regulatory elements, sustaining an active chromatin state enriched in histone acetylation and devoid of repressive histone marks. Systematic mutagenesis of ZM demonstrates essential requirements of Tip60 interaction and an H3K36me3-binding PWWP (Pro-Trp-Trp-Pro) domain for oncogenesis. Inhibitor of histone acetylation-'reading' bromodomain proteins, which act downstream of ZM, is efficacious in treating ZM-induced AML. Collectively, this study demonstrates AML-causing effects of ZM, examines its gene-regulatory roles, and reports an attractive mechanism-guided therapeutic strategy.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylation
- Animals
- Carcinogenesis
- Cell Cycle Proteins/chemistry
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Chromatin/metabolism
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/chemistry
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/metabolism
- Co-Repressor Proteins/chemistry
- Co-Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Genome, Human
- HEK293 Cells
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Histones/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Lysine Acetyltransferase 5/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Protein Domains
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Phillip M Galbo
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Weida Gong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aaron J Storey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yi-Hsuan Tsai
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeong Hyun Ahn
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yiran Guo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ricky D Edmondson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jason E Farrar
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Shenghui He
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ling Cai
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology and Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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35
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that bind to acetylated lysines of histones and regulate gene transcription. BET protein family members mediate the expression of various oncogenic drivers in ovarian cancer, such as the MYC and Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) genes. BRD4, the most thoroughly studied member of the BET family, is amplified in a significant subset of high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSC) of the ovary. It has been reported that BET inhibitors can attenuate the proliferation and dissemination of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting oncogenic pathways, such as the FOXM1 and JAK/STAT pathways. BET inhibition can re-sensitize resistant ovarian cancer cells to already approved anticancer agents, including cisplatin and PARP inhibitors. This synergism was also confirmed in vivo in animal models. These and other preclinical results provide a promising basis for the application of BET inhibitors in ovarian cancer treatment. Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials explore the safety and efficacy profiles of BET inhibitors in various solid tumors, including ovarian tumors. Here, we review current knowledge on the molecular effects and preclinical activities of BET inhibitors in ovarian tumors. CONCLUSIONS BET proteins have emerged as new druggable targets for ovarian cancer. BET inhibitors may enhance antitumor activity when co-administered with conventional treatment regimens. Results from ongoing Phase I/II studies are anticipated to confirm this notion.
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36
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Islam R, Lam KW. Recent progress in small molecule agents for the targeted therapy of triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Kalra P, McGraw L, Kimbrough JR, Pandey AK, Solberg J, Cui H, Divakaran A, John K, Hawkinson JE, Pomerantz WCK. Quantifying the Selectivity of Protein-Protein and Small Molecule Interactions with Fluorinated Tandem Bromodomain Reader Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:3038-3049. [PMID: 33138352 PMCID: PMC8185897 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multidomain bromodomain-containing proteins regulate gene expression via chromatin binding, interactions with the transcriptional machinery, and by recruiting enzymatic activity. Selective inhibition of members of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family is important to understand their role in disease and gene regulation, although due to the similar binding sites of BET bromodomains, selective inhibitor discovery has been challenging. To support the bromodomain inhibitor discovery process, here we report the first application of protein-observed fluorine (PrOF) NMR to the tandem bromodomains of BRD4 and BRDT to quantify the selectivity of their interactions with acetylated histones as well as small molecules. We further determine the selectivity profile of a new class of ligands, 1,4-acylthiazepanes, and find them to have ≥3-10-fold selectivity for the C-terminal bromodomain of both BRD4 and BRDT. Given the speed and lower protein concentration required over traditional protein-observed NMR methods, we envision that these fluorinated tandem proteins may find use in fragment screening and evaluating nucleosome and transcription factor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakriti Kalra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Logan McGraw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jennifer R Kimbrough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anil K Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jonathan Solberg
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Huarui Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anand Divakaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kristen John
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Jon E Hawkinson
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Cipriano A, Sbardella G, Ciulli A. Targeting epigenetic reader domains by chemical biology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:82-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Shao H, Zhu Q, Lu H, Chang A, Gao C, Zhou Q, Luo K. HEXIM1 controls P-TEFb processing and regulates drug sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1867-1878. [PMID: 32520633 PMCID: PMC7525814 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-12-0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), composed of CDK9 and cyclin T, stimulates transcriptional elongation by RNA polymerase (Pol) II and regulates cell growth and differentiation. Recently, we demonstrated that P-TEFb also controls the expression of EMT regulators to promote breast cancer progression. In the nucleus, more than half of P-TEFb are sequestered in the inactive-state 7SK snRNP complex. Here, we show that the assembly of the 7SK snRNP is preceded by an intermediate complex between HEXIM1 and P-TEFb that allows transfer of the kinase active P-TEFb from Hsp90 to 7SK snRNP for its suppression. Down-regulation of HEXIM1 locks P-TEFb in the Hsp90 complex, keeping it in the active state to enhance breast cancer progression, but also rendering the cells highly sensitive to Hsp90 inhibition. Because HEXIM1 is often down-regulated in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), these cells are particularly sensitive to Hsp90 inhibition. Our study provides a mechanistic explanation for the increased sensitivity of TNBC to Hsp90 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Shao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Qingwei Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Huasong Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Amanda Chang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Carol Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
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Hsu JY, Major JL, Riching AS, Sen R, Pires da Silva J, Bagchi RA. Beyond the genome: challenges and potential for epigenetics-driven therapeutic approaches in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 98:631-646. [PMID: 32706995 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease of the cardiopulmonary system caused by the narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased vascular resistance and pressure. This leads to right ventricle remodeling, dysfunction, and eventually, death. While conventional therapies have largely focused on targeting vasodilation, other pathological features of PAH including aberrant inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, cell proliferation, and migration have not been well explored. Thus, despite some recent improvements in PAH treatment, the life expectancy and quality of life for patients with PAH remains poor. Showing many similarities to cancers, PAH is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, decreased apoptotic signaling pathways, and changes in metabolism. The recent successes of therapies targeting epigenetic modifiers for the treatment of cancer has prompted epigenetic research in PAH, revealing many new potential therapeutic targets. In this minireview we discuss the emergence of epigenetic dysregulation in PAH and highlight epigenetic-targeting compounds that may be effective for the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer L Major
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew S Riching
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rwik Sen
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie Pires da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Qiao J, Chen Y, Mi Y, Jin H, Wang L, Huang T, Li H, Song Y, Cao J, Wu B, Wang Q, Zou Z. Macrophages confer resistance to BET inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer by upregulating IKBKE. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114126. [PMID: 32603665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BET inhibitors (BETi) exhibit a strong anti-tumor activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, BETi resistance has been reported in TNBC. The mechanisms of resistance have not been demonstrated. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are frequently involved in cancer cells resistance to chemotherapy, also associated with poor prognosis in TNBC. However, the role of TAMs in BETi resistance remains unknown. Here, we found that BETi JQ1 and I-BET151 exerted anti-tumor effects in TNBC by decreasing IKBKE expression to attenuate NF-κB signaling. TAMs have been reported to associate with chemoresistance in breast cancer. Here, we firstly found that TNBC-stimulated TAMs activated NF-κB signaling by upregulating IKBKE expression to enhance breast cancer cells resistance to BETi. The IKBKE levels were also proved to be higher in clinical TNBC tissues than Non-TNBC tissues, suggesting feedback induction of IKBKE expression by TNBC-stimulated TAMs in TNBC. Moreover, the induction of IKBKE by TAMs in TNBC cells was identified to be associated with STAT3 signaling, which was activated by TAM-secreted IL-6 and IL-10. Lastly, the combination of inhibitors of BET and STAT3 exerted a synergistic inhibition effects in TAM-cocultured or TAM CM-treated TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our findings illustrated TNBC-activated macrophages conferred TNBC cells resistance to BETi via IL-6 or IL-10/STAT3/IKBKE/NF-κB axis. Blockade of IKBKE or double inhibition of BET and STAT3 might be a novel strategy for treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghua Qiao
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008 China
| | - Yibing Chen
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yanjun Mi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research and Thoracic Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Huan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008 China
| | - Ting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haolong Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yucen Song
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Baoyan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008, China.
| | - Zhengzhi Zou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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Olp MD, Sprague DJ, Goetz CJ, Kathman SG, Wynia-Smith SL, Shishodia S, Summers SB, Xu Z, Statsyuk AV, Smith BC. Covalent-Fragment Screening of BRD4 Identifies a Ligandable Site Orthogonal to the Acetyl-Lysine Binding Sites. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1036-1049. [PMID: 32149490 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family, has emerged as a promising epigenetic target in cancer and inflammatory disorders. All reported BET family ligands bind within the bromodomain acetyl-lysine binding sites and competitively inhibit BET protein interaction with acetylated chromatin. Alternative chemical probes that act orthogonally to the highly conserved acetyl-lysine binding sites may exhibit selectivity within the BET family and avoid recently reported toxicity in clinical trials of BET bromodomain inhibitors. Here, we report the first identification of a ligandable site on a bromodomain outside the acetyl-lysine binding site. Inspired by our computational prediction of hotspots adjacent to nonhomologous cysteine residues within the C-terminal BRD4 bromodomain (BRD4-BD2), we performed a midthroughput mass spectrometry screen to identify cysteine-reactive fragments that covalently and selectively modify BRD4. Subsequent mass spectrometry, NMR, and computational docking analyses of electrophilic fragment hits revealed a novel ligandable site near Cys356 that is unique to BRD4 among human bromodomains. This site is orthogonal to the BRD4-BD2 acetyl-lysine binding site as Cys356 modification did not impact binding of the pan-BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 in fluorescence polarization assays nor an acetylated histone peptide in AlphaScreen assays. Finally, we tethered our top-performing covalent fragment to JQ1 and performed NanoBRET assays to provide proof of principle that this orthogonal site can be covalently targeted in intact human cells. Overall, we demonstrate the potential of targeting sites orthogonal to bromodomain acetyl-lysine binding sites to develop bivalent and covalent inhibitors that displace BRD4 from chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Olp
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Daniel J. Sprague
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Christopher J. Goetz
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Stefan G. Kathman
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Sarah L. Wynia-Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Shifali Shishodia
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Steven B. Summers
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Ziyang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Alexander V. Statsyuk
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, United States
| | - Brian C. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
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Ma Y, Xu B, Yu J, Huang L, Zeng X, Shen X, Ren C, Ben-David Y, Luo H. Fli-1 Activation through Targeted Promoter Activity Regulation Using a Novel 3', 5'-diprenylated Chalcone Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062216. [PMID: 32210104 PMCID: PMC7139342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli-1) gene is involved in the expression control of key genes in multiple pathogenic/physiological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis; this implies that Fli-1 is a strong candidate for drug development. In our previous study, a 3′,5′-diprenylated chalcone, (E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-3,5-diprenyl) phenyl-3-(3-pyridinyl)-propene-1-one (C10), was identified as a novel anti-prostate cancer (PCa) agent. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of C10 on the growth, metastasis, and invasion of PC3 cells in vitro. Our results show that C10 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on proliferation and metastasis of PC3 cells via several cellular and flow cytometric analyses. Further mechanism studies revealed that C10 likely serves as an Fli-1 agonist for regulating the expression of Fli-1 target genes including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P110), murine double minute2 (MDM2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Src homology-2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1), and globin transcription factor-1 (Gata-1) as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1 (ERK1). Further, we confirmed that C10 can regulate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGF-1), transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), p53, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) genes associated with tumor apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Thus, C10 exhibits stronger anticancer activity with novel molecular targets and regulatory molecular mechanisms, indicating its great potency for development as a novel targeted anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfen Ma
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- College of pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550029, China
| | - Bixue Xu
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Jia Yu
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Lirong Huang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, China;
| | - Xiaoping Zeng
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- College of pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550029, China
| | - Chunyan Ren
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yaacov Ben-David
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
- Correspondence: (Y.B.-D.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0851-83876210 (H.L.)
| | - Heng Luo
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Correspondence: (Y.B.-D.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0851-83876210 (H.L.)
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Roles of the BRD4 short isoform in phase separation and active gene transcription. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:333-341. [PMID: 32203489 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0394-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BRD4, a major tandem-bromodomain-containing transcription regulator, has two isoforms. The long isoform (BRD4L) has an extended C terminus that binds transcription cofactors, while the short isoform (BRD4S) lacks this C-terminal extension. Unlike BRD4L, the role of BRD4S in gene transcription remains unclear. Here, we report that, in human cancer cells, BRD4S forms nuclear puncta that possess liquid-like properties and that colocalize with BRD4L, MED1 and sites of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation. BRD4 puncta are correlated with BRD4S but not BRD4L expression levels. BRD4S knockdown reduces BRD4S condensation, and ectopic expression promotes puncta formation and target gene transcription. BRD4S nuclear condensation is mediated by its intrinsically disordered regions and binding of its bromodomains to DNA and acetylated chromatin, respectively, and BRD4S phosphorylation diminishes BRD4 condensation. Our study illuminates a previously unappreciated role of BRD4S in organizing chromatin and transcription factors through phase separation to sustain gene transcription in chromatin for cancer cell proliferation.
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Chen D, Lu T, Yan Z, Lu W, Zhou F, Lyu X, Xu B, Jiang H, Chen K, Luo C, Zhao Y. Discovery, structural insight, and bioactivities of BY27 as a selective inhibitor of the second bromodomains of BET proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111633. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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46
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Zaware N, Zhou MM. Bromodomain biology and drug discovery. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:870-879. [PMID: 31582847 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bromodomain (BrD) is a conserved structural module found in chromatin- and transcription-associated proteins that acts as the primary reader for acetylated lysine residues. This basic activity endows BrD proteins with versatile functions in the regulation of protein-protein interactions mediating chromatin-templated gene transcription, DNA recombination, replication and repair. Consequently, BrD proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. In this Review, we highlight our current understanding of BrD biology, and discuss the latest development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting BrDs as emerging epigenetic therapies for cancer and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Zaware
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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47
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Abstract
Less than a decade ago, it was shown that bromodomains, acetyl lysine 'reader' modules found in proteins with varied functions, were highly tractable small-molecule targets. This is an unusual property for protein-protein or protein-peptide interaction domains, and it prompted a wave of chemical probe discovery to understand the biological potential of new agents that targeted bromodomains. The original examples, inhibitors of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) class of bromodomains, showed enticing anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, and several compounds have since advanced to human clinical trials. Here, we review the current state of BET inhibitor biology in relation to clinical development, and we discuss the next wave of bromodomain inhibitors with clinical potential in oncology and non-oncology indications. The lessons learned from BET inhibitor programmes should affect efforts to develop drugs that target non-BET bromodomains and other epigenetic readers.
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48
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Liang F, Fu X, Wang L. miR-5590-3p-YY1 feedback loop promotes the proliferation and migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:18415-18424. [PMID: 31190375 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lacking of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is a significant reason for the poor prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered to engage in the tumorigenesis and development of TNBC. miR-5590-3p has been found to be involved in the development of gastric cancer, but its role and underlying mechanism in TNBC remain obscure. In this study, it was discovered that miR-5590-3p was downregulated in TNBC tissues and cells. Function assays confirmed that miR-5590-3p overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process as well as promoted cell apoptosis in TNBC. Moreover, YY1 could bind with the promoter of miR-5590-3p and overexpression of YY1 inhibited the transcription of miR-5590-3p. It was found that YY1 acted as a downstream target gene to bind with miR-5590-3p and was negatively regulated by miR-5590-3p. Finally, it was discovered that overexpression of YY1 could partially rescue the miR-5590-3p overexpression-mediated inhibitive effect on TNBC progression. Taken together these results, it can be concluded that miR-5590-3p-YY1 feedback loop promoted the proliferation and migration of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liang
- Department of Anaesthesia, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Anaesthesia, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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