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Chen Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Tong S, Liu Y. EZH2: The roles in targeted therapy and mechanisms of resistance in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116624. [PMID: 38670045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance presents a formidable challenge in the realm of breast cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), may serve as a key regulator in controlling drug resistance. EZH2 overexpression has been observed in breast cancer and many other malignancies, showing a strong correlation with poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which EZH2 regulates drug resistance, with a specific focus on breast cancer, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular processes. Additionally, we will discuss the current strategies and outcomes of targeting EZH2 using both single agents and combination therapies, with the goal of offering improved guidance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer patients who have developed drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yi Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Biotheus Inc., Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519080, PR China.
| | - Shuangmei Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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2
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Lee MJ, de los Rios Kobara I, Barnard TR, Vales Torres X, Tobin NH, Ferbas KG, Rimoin AW, Yang OO, Aldrovandi GM, Wilk AJ, Fulcher JA, Blish CA. NK Cell-Monocyte Cross-talk Underlies NK Cell Activation in Severe COVID-19. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1693-1705. [PMID: 38578283 PMCID: PMC11102029 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
NK cells in the peripheral blood of severe COVID-19 patients exhibit a unique profile characterized by activation and dysfunction. Previous studies have identified soluble factors, including type I IFN and TGF-β, that underlie this dysregulation. However, the role of cell-cell interactions in modulating NK cell function during COVID-19 remains unclear. To address this question, we combined cell-cell communication analysis on existing single-cell RNA sequencing data with in vitro primary cell coculture experiments to dissect the mechanisms underlying NK cell dysfunction in COVID-19. We found that NK cells are predicted to interact most strongly with monocytes and that this occurs via both soluble factors and direct interactions. To validate these findings, we performed in vitro cocultures in which NK cells from healthy human donors were incubated with monocytes from COVID-19+ or healthy donors. Coculture of healthy NK cells with monocytes from COVID-19 patients recapitulated aspects of the NK cell phenotype observed in severe COVID-19, including decreased expression of NKG2D, increased expression of activation markers, and increased proliferation. When these experiments were performed in a Transwell setting, we found that only CD56bright CD16- NK cells were activated in the presence of severe COVID-19 patient monocytes. O-link analysis of supernatants from Transwell cocultures revealed that cultures containing severe COVID-19 patient monocytes had significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as TGF-β. Collectively, these results demonstrate that interactions between NK cells and monocytes in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients contribute to NK cell activation and dysfunction in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Izumi de los Rios Kobara
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Trisha R. Barnard
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Xariana Vales Torres
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Nicole H. Tobin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kathie G. Ferbas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anne W. Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Otto O. Yang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Grace M. Aldrovandi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aaron J. Wilk
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jennifer A. Fulcher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Catherine A. Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
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3
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Ling H, Li Y, Peng C, Yang S, Seto E. HDAC10 inhibition represses melanoma cell growth and BRAF inhibitor resistance via upregulating SPARC expression. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae018. [PMID: 38650694 PMCID: PMC11034028 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a conserved secreted glycoprotein, plays crucial roles in regulating various biological processes. SPARC is highly expressed and has profound implications in several cancer types, including melanoma. Understanding the mechanisms that govern SPARC expression in cancers has the potential to lead to improved cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) is a key regulator of SPARC expression in melanoma cells. Depletion or inhibition of HDAC10 upregulates SPARC expression, whereas overexpression of HDAC10 downregulates it. Mechanistically, HDAC10 coordinates with histone acetyltransferase p300 to modulate the state of acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac) at SPARC regulatory elements and the recruitment of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) to these regions, thereby fine-tuning SPARC transcription. HDAC10 depletion and resultant SPARC upregulation repress melanoma cell growth primarily by activating AMPK signaling and inducing autophagy. Moreover, SPARC upregulation due to HDAC10 depletion partly accounts for the resensitization of resistant cells to a BRAF inhibitor. Our work reveals the role of HDAC10 in gene regulation through indirect histone modification and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma or other cancers by targeting HDAC10 and SPARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Ling
- George Washington Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Yixuan Li
- George Washington Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Changmin Peng
- George Washington Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State Cancer Institute, The Penn State University, 400 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Edward Seto
- George Washington Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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El Baba R, Herbein G. EZH2-Myc Hallmark in Oncovirus/Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus' Resemblance to Oncoviruses. Cells 2024; 13:541. [PMID: 38534385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060541] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15-20% of global cancer cases are attributed to virus infections. Oncoviruses employ various molecular strategies to enhance replication and persistence. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), acting as an initiator or promoter, enables immune evasion, supporting tumor growth. HCMV activates pro-oncogenic pathways within infected cells and direct cellular transformation. Thus, HCMV demonstrates characteristics reminiscent of oncoviruses. Cumulative evidence emphasizes the crucial roles of EZH2 and Myc in oncogenesis and stemness. EZH2 and Myc, pivotal regulators of cellular processes, gain significance in the context of oncoviruses and HCMV infections. This axis becomes a central focus for comprehending the mechanisms driving virus-induced oncogenesis. Elevated EZH2 expression is evident in various cancers, making it a prospective target for cancer therapy. On the other hand, Myc, deregulated in over 50% of human cancers, serves as a potent transcription factor governing cellular processes and contributing to tumorigenesis; Myc activates EZH2 expression and induces global gene expression. The Myc/EZH2 axis plays a critical role in promoting tumor growth in oncoviruses. Considering that HCMV has been shown to manipulate the Myc/EZH2 axis, there is emerging evidence suggesting that HCMV could be regarded as a potential oncovirus due to its ability to exploit this critical pathway implicated in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
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Kobori Y, Tachizaki M, Imaizumi T, Tanaka Y, Seya K, Miki Y, Kawaguchi S, Matsumiya T, Tobisawa Y, Ohyama C, Tasaka S. TMEM2 suppresses TLR3-mediated IFN-β/ISG56/CXCL10 expression in BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:417. [PMID: 38483660 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchial epithelial cells are at the front line of viral infections. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) cascade causes the expression of interferon (IFN)-β and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which in turn induce an antiviral response. Members of the transmembrane protein (TMEM) family are expressed in various cell types. Although the prognostic value of TMEM2 in various cancers has been reported, its association with infectious diseases remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of TMEM2 on antiviral immunity in BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS TMEM2 protein was found in the cytoplasm of normal human bronchial epithelial cells and differed between organs using immunohistochemistry. Cultured BEAS-2B cells were transfected with TMEM2 siRNA, followed by administration of TLR3 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC) or recombinant human (r(h)) IFN-β. The expression of TMEM2, IFN-β, ISG56, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and hyaluronan were evaluated appropriately by western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TMEM2 expression was not altered by poly IC stimulation. Knockdown of TMEM2 increased poly IC-induced expression of IFN-β, CXCL10, and ISG56, while IFN-β-induced expression of ISG56 and CXCL10 were not changed by TMEM2 knockdown. The hyaluronan concentration in the medium was decreased by either TMEM2 knockdown or poly IC, but additive or synergistic effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS TMEM2 knockdown enhanced TLR3-mediated IFN-β, CXCL10, and ISG56 expression in BEAS-2B cells. This implies that TMEM2 suppresses antiviral immune responses and prevents tissue injury in bronchial epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Kobori
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifucho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan.
| | - Mayuki Tachizaki
- Department of Vascular and Inflammatory Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Tadaatsu Imaizumi
- Department of Vascular and Inflammatory Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifucho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Seya
- Department of Vascular and Inflammatory Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yasuo Miki
- Department of Neuropathology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shogo Kawaguchi
- Department of Vascular and Inflammatory Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Tomoh Matsumiya
- Department of Vascular and Inflammatory Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Tobisawa
- Department of Urology, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Chikara Ohyama
- Department of Advanced Transplant and Regenerative Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Sadatomo Tasaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifucho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
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Li D, Peng X, Hu Z, Li S, Chen J, Pan W. Small molecules targeting selected histone methyltransferases (HMTs) for cancer treatment: Current progress and novel strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115982. [PMID: 38056296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) play a critical role in gene post-translational regulation and diverse physiological processes, and are implicated in a plethora of human diseases, especially cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that HMTs may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Thus, the development of HMTs inhibitor have been pursued with steadily increasing interest over the past decade. However, the disadvantages such as insufficient clinical efficacy, moderate selectivity, and propensity for acquired resistance have hindered the development of conventional HMT inhibitors. New technologies and methods are imperative to enhance the anticancer activity of HMT inhibitors. In this review, we first review the structure and biological functions of the several essential HMTs, such as EZH2, G9a, PRMT5, and DOT1L. The internal relationship between these HMTs and cancer is also expounded. Next, we mainly focus on the latest progress in the development of HMT modulators encompassing dual-target inhibitors, targeted protein degraders and covalent inhibitors from perspectives such as rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical status. Lastly, we also discuss the challenges and future directions for HMT-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 516000, PR China.
| | - Wanyi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
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7
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Ling H, Li Y, Peng C, Yang S, Seto E. HDAC10 blockade upregulates SPARC expression thereby repressing melanoma cell growth and BRAF inhibitor resistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.05.570182. [PMID: 38106051 PMCID: PMC10723323 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC), a highly conserved secreted glycoprotein, is crucial for various bioprocesses. Here we demonstrate that histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) is a key regulator of SPARC expression. HDAC10 depletion or inhibition upregulates, while overexpression of HDAC10 downregulates, SPARC expression. Mechanistically, HDAC10 coordinates with histone acetyltransferase p300 to modulate the acetylation state of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) at SPARC regulatory elements and the recruitment of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) to these regions, thereby tuning SPARC transcription. HDAC10 depletion and resultant SPARC upregulation repress melanoma cell growth, primarily by induction of autophagy via activation of AMPK signaling. Moreover, SPARC upregulation due to HDAC10 depletion partly accounts for the resensitivity of resistant cells to a BRAF inhibitor. Our work reveals the role of HDAC10 in gene regulation through epigenetic modification and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma or other cancers by targeting HDAC10 and SPARC. Highlights HDAC10 is the primary HDAC member that tightly controls SPARC expression. HDAC10 coordinates with p300 in modulating the H3K27ac state at SPARC regulatory elements and the recruitment of BRD4 to these regions. HDAC10 depletion and resultant SPARC upregulation inhibit melanoma cell growth by inducing autophagy via activation of AMPK signaling.SPARC upregulation as a result of HDAC10 depletion resensitizes resistant cells to BRAF inhibitors.
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8
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Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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9
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Musella M, Manduca N, Maccafeo E, Sistigu A. Epigenetics behind tumor immunology: a mini review. Oncogene 2023; 42:2932-2938. [PMID: 37604925 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic- and immune-therapies have become hot spots in the treatment of cancer. Although promising, these strategies are frequently associated with innate or acquired resistance, calling for combined targeting of immune inhibitory signals. Epigenetic therapy is attracting considerable attention as a combination partner for immune-based therapies due to its role in molding the state and fate of cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we describe epigenetic dysregulations in cancer, with a particular focus on those related to innate immune signaling and Type I interferons, and emphasize opportunities and current efforts to translate this knowledge into treatment regimens with improved clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Papaioannou S, See JX, Jeong M, De La Torre C, Ast V, Reiners-Koch PS, Sati A, Mogler C, Platten M, Cerwenka A, Stojanovic A. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells orchestrate NK cell recruitment and activation in acute inflammatory liver injury. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112836. [PMID: 37471222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) rapidly clear lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the bloodstream and establish intimate contact with immune cells. However, their role in regulating liver inflammation remains poorly understood. We show that LSECs modify their chemokine expression profile driven by LPS or interferon-γ (IFN-γ), resulting in the production of the myeloid- or lymphoid-attracting chemokines CCL2 and CXCL10, respectively, which accumulate in the serum of LPS-challenged animals. Natural killer (NK) cell exposure to LSECs in vitro primes NK cells for higher production of IFN-γ in response to interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18. In livers of LPS-injected mice, NK cells are the major producers of this cytokine. In turn, LSECs require exposure to IFN-γ for CXCL10 expression, and endothelial-specific Cxcl10 gene deletion curtails NK cell accumulation in the inflamed livers. Thus, LSECs respond to both LPS and immune-derived signals and fuel a positive feedback loop of immune cell attraction and activation in the inflamed liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Papaioannou
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jia-Xiang See
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mingeum Jeong
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolina De La Torre
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Volker Ast
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Mannheim (UMM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp-Sebastian Reiners-Koch
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, and Center of Excellence in Dermatology, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ankita Sati
- CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Mannheim (UMM), MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Ana Stojanovic
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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11
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Ali M, Stone D, Laknaur A, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. EZH2 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human uterine fibroids, which is inhibited by the natural compound methyl jasmonate. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:239-256. [PMID: 37182601 PMCID: PMC10527015 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the link between EZH2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in uterine fibroids (UFs) pathogenesis and explore the potential effect of natural compound methyl jasmonate (MJ) against UFs. DESIGN EZH2 overexpression or inhibition was achieved in human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM) cells using EZH2-expressing adenovirus or chemical EZH2 inhibitor (DZNep), respectively. The HuLM and normal uterine smooth muscle cells were treated with 0.1-3 mM of MJ, and several experiments were employed. SETTING Laboratory study. PATIENTS(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) Methyl jasmonate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Protein expression of EZH2, β-catenin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was measured by Western blot as well as gene expression alterations of Wnt ligands (Wnt5A, Wnt5b, and Wnt9A), WISP1, CTNNB1, and its responsive gene PITX2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels of several markers were measured in MJ-treated or untreated HuLM cells, including EZH2 and β-catenin, extracellular matrix markers collagen type 1 (COL1A1) and fibronectin (FN), proliferation markers cyclin D1 (CCND1) and PCNA, tumor suppressor marker p21, and apoptotic markers (BAX, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3). RESULT(S) EZH2 overexpression significantly increased the gene expression of several Wnt ligands (PITX2, WISP1, WNT5A, WNT5B, and WNT9A), which increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin and PCNA and eventually HuLM cell proliferation. EZH2 inhibition blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation where the aforementioned genes significantly decreased as well as PCNA, cyclin D1, and PITX2 protein expression compared with those in untreated HuLM. Methyl jasmonate showed a potent antiproliferative effect on HuLM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, the dose range (0.1-0.5 mM) showed a selective growth inhibitory effect on HuLM cells, not on normal uterine smooth muscle cells. Methyl jasmonate treatment at 0.5 mM for 24 hours significantly decreased both protein and RNA levels of EZH2, β-catenin, COL1A1, FN, CCND1, PCNA, WISP1, and PITX2 but increased the protein levels of p21, BAX, cytochrome, c and cleaved caspase 3 compared with untreated HuLM. Methyl jasmonate-treated cells exhibited down-regulation in the RNA expression of 36 genes, including CTNNB1, CCND1, Wnt5A, Wnt5B, and Wnt9A, and up-regulation in the expression of 34 genes, including Wnt antagonist genes WIF1, PRICKlE1, and DKK1 compared with control, confirming the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results. CONCLUSION(S) Our studies provide a novel link between EZH2 and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in UFs. Targeting EZH2 with MJ interferes with the activation of wnt/β-catenin signaling in our model. Methyl jasmonate may offer a promising therapeutic option as a nonhormonal and cost-effective treatment against UFs with favorable clinical utility, pending proven safe and efficient in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - David Stone
- Department of hospital medicine, university of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado
| | - Archana Laknaur
- Division of Translation Research, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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12
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Wang B, Liu Y, Liao Z, Wu H, Zhang B, Zhang L. EZH2 in hepatocellular carcinoma: progression, immunity, and potential targeting therapies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:52. [PMID: 37268997 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes is closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2, a histone methyltransferase) is suggested to be one of the principal factors that mediates oncogenesis by acting as a driver of epigenetic alternation. Recent studies show that EZH2 is widely involved in proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. In this review, the functions of EZH2 in HCC progression, the role of EZH2 in tumor immunity and the application of EZH2-related inhibitors in HCC therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yachong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Haofeng Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Shanxi Province (Preparatory), Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
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13
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Chibaya L, Murphy KC, DeMarco KD, Gopalan S, Liu H, Parikh CN, Lopez-Diaz Y, Faulkner M, Li J, Morris JP, Ho YJ, Chana SK, Simon J, Luan W, Kulick A, de Stanchina E, Simin K, Zhu LJ, Fazzio TG, Lowe SW, Ruscetti M. EZH2 inhibition remodels the inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype to potentiate pancreatic cancer immune surveillance. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:872-892. [PMID: 37142692 PMCID: PMC10516132 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies that produce durable responses in some malignancies have failed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) due to rampant immune suppression and poor tumor immunogenicity. We and others have demonstrated that induction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can be an effective approach to activate anti-tumor natural killer (NK) cell and T cell immunity. In the present study, we found that the pancreas tumor microenvironment suppresses NK cell and T cell surveillance after therapy-induced senescence through enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-mediated epigenetic repression of proinflammatory SASP genes. EZH2 blockade stimulated production of SASP chemokines CCL2 and CXCL9/10, leading to enhanced NK cell and T cell infiltration and PDAC eradication in mouse models. EZH2 activity was also associated with suppression of chemokine signaling and cytotoxic lymphocytes and reduced survival in patients with PDAC. These results demonstrate that EZH2 represses the proinflammatory SASP and that EZH2 inhibition combined with senescence-inducing therapy could be a powerful means to achieve immune-mediated tumor control in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretah Chibaya
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Katherine C Murphy
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kelly D DeMarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sneha Gopalan
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chaitanya N Parikh
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yvette Lopez-Diaz
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Faulkner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Junhui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John P Morris
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sachliv K Chana
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Janelle Simon
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Luan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Kulick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl Simin
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Thomas G Fazzio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
| | - Marcus Ruscetti
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Immunology and Microbiology Program, University of Massachusetts Medical Chan School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Medical Chan School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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14
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Shen C, Li M, Duan Y, Jiang X, Hou X, Xue F, Zhang Y, Luo Y. HDAC inhibitors enhance the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170207. [PMID: 37304265 PMCID: PMC10250615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver malignancy with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence, remains a serious health problem worldwide. Immunotherapy has been described as one of the ideal ways to treat HCC and is transforming patient management. However, the occurrence of immunotherapy resistance still prevents some patients from benefiting from current immunotherapies. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in a variety of tumors, including HCC. In this review, we present current knowledge and recent advances in immunotherapy-based and HDACi-based therapies for HCC. We highlight the fundamental dynamics of synergies between immunotherapies and HDACis, further detailing current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits. In addition, we explored the possibility of nano-based drug delivery system (NDDS) as a novel strategy to enhance HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujuan Duan
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fulai Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Yan J, Deng XL, Ma SQ, Hui Li Y, Gao YM, Shi GT, Wang HS. Cantharidin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma development by regulating EZH2/H3K27me3-dependent cell cycle progression and antitumour immune response. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:160. [PMID: 37202806 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03975-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cantharidin (CTD) is a major ingredient of cantharis (Mylabris phalerata Pallas) and has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicines. It has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity in multiple types of cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is no systematic study on the relationships among the regulatory networks of its targets in HCC therapy. We focused on histone epigenetic regulation and the influence of CTD on the immune response in HCC. METHODS We performed a comprehensive analysis of novel CTD targets in HCC based on network pharmacology and RNA-seq approaches. The mRNA levels of target genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the corresponding protein levels were confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). ChIP-seq data were visualized by IGV software. The associations of gene transcript levels with the cancer immune score and infiltration level were investigated using TIMER. In vivo, the H22 mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma was established by treatment with CTD and 5-Fu. The immune cell proportions in the blood were elevated in model mice, as shown by flow cytometry. RESULTS We identified 58 targets of CTD, which were involved in various pathways in cancer, including apoptosis, the cell cycle, EMT and immune pathways. Moreover, we found that 100 EMT-related genes were differentially expressed after CTD treatment in HCC cells. Interestingly, our results confirmed that the EZH2/H3K27me3 -related cell cycle pathway is a therapeutic target of CTD in antitumour. In addition, we evaluated the influence of CTD on the immune response. Our data showed that the significantly enriched gene sets were positively correlated with the chemokine biosynthetic and chemokine metabolic modules. The proportions of CD4+/CD8 + T cells and B cells were increased, but the proportion of Tregs was decreased after treatment with CTD in vivo. Moreover, we found that the expression of the inflammatory factor and immune checkpoint genes PD-1/PD-L1 was significantly reduced in the mouse model. CONCLUSION We performed a novel integrated analysis of the potential role of CTD in HCC treatment. Our results provide innovative insight into the mechanism by which cantharidin exerts antitumour effects by regulating target genes expression to mediate apoptosis, EMT, cell cycle progression and the immune response in HCC. Based on the effect of CTD on the immune response, it can be used as a potential effective drug to activate antitumour immunity for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yan
- School of Basic medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiu Ling Deng
- School of Basic medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shi Qi Ma
- Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yu Hui Li
- School of Basic medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yu Min Gao
- School of Public health, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Gui Tao Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Hai Sheng Wang
- School of Basic medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
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16
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Akce M, El-Rayes BF, Wajapeyee N. Combinatorial targeting of immune checkpoints and epigenetic regulators for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1051-1057. [PMID: 36854723 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The five-year survival rate of patients with unresectable HCC is about 12%. The liver tumor microenvironment (TME) is immune tolerant and heavily infiltrated with immunosuppressive cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in some cases, can reverse tumor cell immune evasion and enhance antitumor immunity. Rapidly evolving ICIs have expanded systemic treatment options in advanced HCC; however, single-agent ICIs achieve a limited 15-20% objective response rate in advanced HCC. Therefore, other combinatorial approaches that amplify the efficacy of ICIs or suppress other tumor-promoting pathways may enhance clinical outcomes. Epigenetic alterations (e.g., changes in chromatin states and non-genetic DNA modifications) have been shown to drive HCC tumor growth and progression as well as their response to ICIs. Recent studies have combined ICIs and epigenetic inhibitors in preclinical and clinical settings to contain several cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline current ICI treatments for HCC, the mechanism behind their successes and failures, and how ICIs can be combined with distinct epigenetic inhibitors to increase the durability of ICIs and potentially treat "immune-cold" HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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17
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Benefits and Challenges of Inhibiting EZH2 in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051537. [PMID: 36900330 PMCID: PMC10000483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051537] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive thoracic cancer that is mainly associated with prior exposure to asbestos fibers. Despite being a rare cancer, its global rate is increasing and the prognosis remains extremely poor. Over the last two decades, despite the constant research of new therapeutic options, the combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed has remained the only first-line therapy for MPM. The recent approval of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy has opened new promising avenues of research. However, MPM is still a fatal cancer with no effective treatments. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyl transferase that exerts pro-oncogenic and immunomodulatory activities in a variety of tumors. Accordingly, a growing number of studies indicate that EZH2 is also an oncogenic driver in MPM, but its effects on tumor microenvironments are still largely unexplored. This review describes the state-of-the-art of EZH2 in MPM biology and discusses its potential use both as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. We highlight current gaps of knowledge, the filling of which will likely favor the entry of EZH2 inhibitors within the treatment options for MPM patients.
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18
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Aziz S, Yalan L, Raza MA, Lemin J, Akram HMB, Zhao W. GSK126 an inhibitor of epigenetic regulator EZH2 suppresses cardiac fibrosis by regulating the EZH2-PAX6-CXCL10 pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:87-100. [PMID: 36469862 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathological companion of various cardiovascular diseases. To date, the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in cancer has been well demonstrated including in renal carcinoma and its inhibitors have entered the stage of phase I/II clinical trials. However, the precise mechanism of EZH2 in cardiac diseases is largely unclear. In the current study, we first found that EZH2 expression was increased in Ang-II-treated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and mouse heart homogenates following isoproterenol (ISO) administration for 21 days, respectively. Ang-II induces CFs activation and increased collagen-I, collagen-III, α-SMA, EZH2, and trimethylates lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) expressions can be reversed by EZH2 inhibitor (GSK126) and EZH2 siRNA. The ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis in vivo which were also related to the upregulation of EZH2 and its downstream target, H3K27me3, could be recovered by GSK126. Furthermore, the upregulation of EZH2 induces the decrease of paired box 6 (PAX6) and C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10) "which" were also reversed by GSK126 treatment. In summary, the present evidence strongly suggests that GSK126 could be a therapeutic intervention, blunting the development and progression of myocardial fibrosis in an EZH2-PAX6-CXCL10-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen Aziz
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Li Yalan
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Muhammad Ahmer Raza
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiao Lemin
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Hafiz Muhamamd Bilal Akram
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
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19
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Zhao L, Rao X, Huang C, Zheng R, Kong R, Chen Z, Yu X, Cheng H, Li S. Epigenetic reprogramming of carrier free photodynamic modulator to activate tumor immunotherapy by EZH2 inhibition. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121952. [PMID: 36502580 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells are characterized by unlimited proliferation and escape of immune clearance, which are closely associated with the down regulation of surface antigens. In this work, a carrier free photodynamic modulator (CeTaz) is developed to improve immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promote the recognition of tumors by T cells by epigenetic reprogramming. Specifically, CeTaz is assembled by chlorine e6 (Ce6) and tazemetostat (Taz) through intermolecular interactions. Upon light irradiation, CeTaz is able to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for a robust photodynamic therapy (PDT) to inhibit localized tumor growth. Meanwhile, the PDT also induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) to initiate immune response, leading to the activation of effector T cells. More importantly, CeTaz could inhibit the epigenetic regulator of EZH2 to suppress the methylation of H3K27, which would promote tumor cells to express MHC-I and release CXCL10. Consequently, the epigenetically reprogrammed tumor cells are readily recognized by effector T cells to enhance the antitumor immunity. Results indicate that the PDT activated immunotherapy of CeTaz could simultaneously inhibit the growth of primary and distant tumors with a low system toxicity. This study would advance the development of carrier free nanomedicine for precise treatment of metastatic tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linping Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiaona Rao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Chuyu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Rongrong Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Renjiang Kong
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Zuxiao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiyong Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
| | - Hong Cheng
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
| | - Shiying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
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20
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Tao S, Liang S, Zeng T, Yin D. Epigenetic modification-related mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1043667. [PMID: 36685594 PMCID: PMC9845774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes most primary liver cancers and is one of the most lethal and life-threatening malignancies globally. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of HCC patients are identified at an advanced stage that is unavailable for curative surgery. Thus, palliative therapies represented by multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib remained the front-line treatment over the past decades. Recently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting the PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 axis, has achieved an inspiring clinical breakthrough for treating unresectable solid tumors. However, many HCC patients with poor responses lead to limited benefits in clinical applications, which has quickly drawn researchers' attention to the regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints in HCC immune evasion. Evasion of immune surveillance by cancer is attributed to intricate reprogramming modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Currently, more and more studies have found that epigenetic modifications, such as chromatin structure remodeling, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA levels, may contribute significantly to remodeling the tumor microenvironment to avoid immune clearance, affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy for HCC. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging progress of epigenetic-related changes during HCC resistance to ICIs and discusses the mechanisms of underlying epigenetic therapies available for surmounting immune resistance. Finally, we summarize the clinical advances in combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, aiming to promote the formation of immune combination therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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21
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dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
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22
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Wang Z, Guo Z, Wang X, Liao H, Chai Y, Wang Z, Wang Z. Inhibition of EZH2 Ameliorates Sepsis Acute Lung Injury (SALI) and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Proliferation through the PD-L1 Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243958. [PMID: 36552722 PMCID: PMC9777373 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Both sepsis acute lung injury (SALI) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are life-threatening diseases caused by immune response disorders and inflammation, but the underlining linking mechanisms are still not clear. This study aimed to detect the shared gene signature and potential molecular process between SALI and NSCLC. (2) Methods: RNA sequences and patient information on sepsis and NSCLC were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to build a co-expression network associated with sepsis and NSCLC. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of shared genes was intuitively performed by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database. The involvement of EZH2 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and sepsis immune microenvironment (IME) was assessed by R software. Western blot, flow cytometry, and other in vitro assays were performed to further confirm the function and mechanism of EZH2 in NSCLC and SALI. (3) Results: WGCNA recognized three major modules for sepsis and two major modules for NSCLC, and there were seven shared genes identified for the two diseases. Additionally, the hub gene EZH2 was screened out. It was shown that EZH2 was closely related to the IME in the two diseases. In the validation assay, our data showed that EZH2 was expressed at a higher level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of septic patients than those of healthy donors (HDs), and EZH2 was also expressed at a higher level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PBMCs and non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells. EZH2 inhibitor (GSK343) downregulated the proliferation ability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, parallel with the decreased expression level of PD-L1. Similarly, GSK343 inhibited PD-L1 protein expression and downregulated the level of proinflammatory factors in LPS-induced PBMCs. In the co-culture system of PBMCs and human type II alveolar epithelial cells (ATIIs), the addition of GSK343 to PBMCs significantly downregulated the apoptosis of LPS-induced ATIIs. (4) Conclusions: This study illustrated that EZH2 inhibition could ameliorate A549 cell proliferation and LPS-induced ATII apoptosis in parallel with downregulation of PD-L1 protein expression, which provided new insights into molecular signaling networks involved in the pathogenetics of SALI and NSCLC.
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23
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Sridaran D, Chouhan S, Mahajan K, Renganathan A, Weimholt C, Bhagwat S, Reimers M, Kim EH, Thakur MK, Saeed MA, Pachynski RK, Seeliger MA, Miller WT, Feng FY, Mahajan NP. Inhibiting ACK1-mediated phosphorylation of C-terminal Src kinase counteracts prostate cancer immune checkpoint blockade resistance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6929. [PMID: 36376335 PMCID: PMC9663509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumours are highly refractory to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies due to the functional impairment of effector T cells and their inefficient trafficking to tumours. T-cell activation is negatively regulated by C-terminal Src kinase (CSK); however, the exact mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that the conserved oncogenic tyrosine kinase Activated CDC42 kinase 1 (ACK1) is able to phosphorylate CSK at Tyrosine 18 (pY18), which enhances CSK function, constraining T-cell activation. Mice deficient in the Tnk2 gene encoding Ack1, are characterized by diminished CSK Y18-phosphorylation and spontaneous activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, resulting in inhibited growth of transplanted ICB-resistant tumours. Furthermore, ICB treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients results in re-activation of ACK1/pY18-CSK signalling, confirming the involvement of this pathway in ICB insensitivity. An ACK1 small-molecule inhibitor, (R)-9b, recapitulates inhibition of ICB-resistant tumours, which provides evidence for ACK1 enzymatic activity playing a pivotal role in generating ICB resistance. Overall, our study identifies an important mechanism of ICB resistance and holds potential for expanding the scope of ICB therapy to tumours that are currently unresponsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Sridaran
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Surbhi Chouhan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Arun Renganathan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Cody Weimholt
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shambhavi Bhagwat
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Melissa Reimers
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Eric H Kim
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Manish K Thakur
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Muhammad A Saeed
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Russell K Pachynski
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Markus A Seeliger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - W Todd Miller
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY, 11768, USA
| | - Felix Y Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Scuderi SA, Filippone A, Basilotta R, Mannino D, Casili G, Capra AP, Chisari G, Colarossi L, Sava S, Campolo M, Esposito E, Paterniti I. GSK343, an Inhibitor of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2, Reduces Glioblastoma Progression through Inflammatory Process Modulation: Focus on Canonical and Non-Canonical NF-κB/IκBα Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213915. [PMID: 36430394 PMCID: PMC9694970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a tumor of the central nervous system characterized by high proliferation and invasiveness. The standard treatment for GB includes radiotherapy and chemotherapy; however, new therapies are needed. Particular attention was given to the role of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste-homolog-2 (EZH2) in GB. Recently, several EZH2-inhibitors have been developed, particularly GSK343 is well-known to regulate apoptosis and autophagy processes; however, its abilities to modulate canonical/non-canonical NF-κB/IκBα pathways or an immune response in GB have not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated for the first time the effect of GSK343 on canonical/non-canonical NF-κB/IκBα pathways and the immune response, by an in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo model of GB. In vitro results demonstrated that GSK343 treatments 1, 10 and 25 μM significantly reduced GB cell viability, showing the modulation of canonical/non-canonical NF-κB/IκBα pathway activation. In vivo GSK343 reduced subcutaneous tumor mass, regulating canonical/non-canonical NF-κB/IκBα pathway activation and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Ex vivo results confirmed the anti-proliferative effect of GSK343 and also demonstrated its ability to regulate immune response through CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 expression in GB. Thus, GSK343 could represent a therapeutic strategy to counteract GB progression, thanks to its ability to modulate canonical/non-canonical NF-κB/IκBα pathways and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Filippone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Basilotta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Deborah Mannino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Chisari
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Serena Sava
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Michela Campolo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Huang R, Wu Y, Zou Z. Combining EZH2 inhibitors with other therapies for solid tumors: more choices for better effects. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1449-1464. [PMID: 36601794 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2 is an epigenetic regulator that methylates lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) and is closely related to the development and metastasis of tumors. It often shows gain-of-function mutations in hematological tumors, while it is often overexpressed in solid tumors. EZH2 inhibitors have shown good efficacy in hematological tumors in clinical trials but poor efficacy in solid tumors. Therefore, current research on EZH2 inhibitors has focused on exploring additional combination strategies in solid tumors. Herein we summarize the combinations and mechanisms of EZH2 inhibitors and other therapies, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and epigenetic therapy, both in clinical trials and preclinical studies, aiming to provide a reference for better antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhengyun Zou
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
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Yang FF, Hu T, Liu JQ, Yu XQ, Ma LY. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) as the promising immunotherapeutic targets for hematologic cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 245:114920. [PMID: 36399875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Wang YF, Yu L, Hu ZL, Fang YF, Shen YY, Song MF, Chen Y. Regulation of CCL2 by EZH2 affects tumor-associated macrophages polarization and infiltration in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:748. [PMID: 36038549 PMCID: PMC9424193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumorigenesis, development and anti-cancer drug therapy. However, very few epigenetic compounds have been elucidated to affect tumor growth by educating TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we identified that EZH2 performs a crucial role in the regulation of TAMs infiltration and protumoral polarization by interacting with human breast cancer (BC) cells. We showed that EZH2 inhibitors-treated BC cells induced M2 macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo, while EZH2 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. Mechanistically, inhibition of EZH2 histone methyltransferase alone by EZH2 inhibitors in breast cancer cells could reduce the enrichment of H3K27me3 on CCL2 gene promoter, elevate CCL2 transcription and secretion, contributing to the induction of M2 macrophage polarization and recruitment in TME, which reveal a potential explanation behind the frustrating results of EZH2 inhibitors against breast cancer. On the contrary, EZH2 depletion led to DNA demethylation and subsequent upregulation of miR-124-3p level, which inhibited its target CCL2 expression in the tumor cells, causing arrest of TAMs M2 polarization. Taken together, these data suggested that EZH2 can exert opposite regulatory effects on TAMs polarization through its enzymatic or non-enzymatic activities. Our results also imply that the effect of antitumor drugs on TAMs may affect its therapeutic efficacy, and the combined application with TAMs modifiers should be warranted to achieve great clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-fang Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Yu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-long Hu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-fen Fang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan-yan Shen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Min-fang Song
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Identification of a Necroptosis-Related Prognostic Signature and Associated Regulatory Axis in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:3968303. [PMID: 35855852 PMCID: PMC9288334 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3968303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) ranks the sixth in global cancer incidence with poor prognosis. Necroptosis is a kind of regulated cell death and has been proved to be of significance in cancer occurrence and progression. However, few studies comprehensively discuss the potential applications of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in the prognostic evaluation and immunotherapy of LIHC. Methods The prognostic signature in the present study was built up using LASSO Cox regression analysis. Integrated bioinformatics tools were utilized to explore the potential mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory axis in LIHC. Furthermore, qRT-PCR method was used to verify the EZH2 expression in LIHC tissues. Furthermore, prognostic performance of EZH2 in LIHC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 14 NRGs were differentially expressed in LIHC tissues. The overall genetic mutation status of these NRGs in LIHC was also shown. NRGs were significantly correlated with programmed necrotic cell death, as well as Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that ALDH2, EZH2, NDRG2, PGAM5, RIPK1, and TRAF2 were related to the prognosis. A prognostic signature was constructed by these six genes and showed medium to high accuracy in the prediction of LIHC patients' prognosis. Further analysis revealed that NRGs were correlated with pathological stage, immune infiltration, and drug resistance in LIHC. Moreover, we identified a potential lncRNA TUG1/miR-26b-5p/EZH2 regulatory axis in LIHC, which might affect the progression of LIHC. qRT-PCR suggested a higher mRNA level of EZH2 in LIHC tissues. And a poor overall survival rate was detected in LIHC patients with high EZH2 expression. Moreover, EZH2 expression and cancer stage were identified as the independent risk factors affecting LIHC patients' prognosis. Conclusion In the present study, we conducted comprehensive bioinformatic analyses and built up a necroptosis-related prognostic signature containing four genes (ALDH2, EZH2, NDRG2, and PGAM5) for patients with LIHC, and this prognostic signature showed a medium to high predictive accuracy. And our study also identified a lncRNA TUG1/miR-26b-5p/EZH2 regulatory axis, which might be of great significance in LIHC progression. In addition, based on the data from our center, the result of qRT-PCR and survival analysis showed a higher mRNA level of EZH2 in LIHC tissues and an unfavorable prognosis in high EZH2 expression group, respectively.
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Ran GH, Lin YQ, Tian L, Zhang T, Yan DM, Yu JH, Deng YC. Natural killer cell homing and trafficking in tissues and tumors: from biology to application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:205. [PMID: 35768424 PMCID: PMC9243142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a subgroup of innate lymphoid cells, act as the first line of defense against cancer. Although some evidence shows that NK cells can develop in secondary lymphoid tissues, NK cells develop mainly in the bone marrow (BM) and egress into the blood circulation when they mature. They then migrate to and settle down in peripheral tissues, though some special subsets home back into the BM or secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to its success in allogeneic adoptive transfer for cancer treatment and its "off-the-shelf" potential, NK cell-based immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention in the treatment of various cancers. However, insufficient infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells limits clinical utility, especially for solid tumors. Expansion of NK cells or engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells ex vivo prior to adoptive transfer by using various cytokines alters the profiles of chemokine receptors, which affects the infiltration of transferred NK cells into tumor tissue. Several factors control NK cell trafficking and homing, including cell-intrinsic factors (e.g., transcriptional factors), cell-extrinsic factors (e.g., integrins, selectins, chemokines and their corresponding receptors, signals induced by cytokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), etc.), and the cellular microenvironment. Here, we summarize the profiles and mechanisms of NK cell homing and trafficking at steady state and during tumor development, aiming to improve NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang He Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Qing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Dong Mei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Jian Hua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - You Cai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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30
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Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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31
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Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints (ICs) and the development of specific blockers to relieve immune effector cells from this inhibiting mechanism has changed the view of anti-cancer therapy. In addition to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1), classical ICs of T lymphocytes and recently described also on a fraction of natural killer (NK) cells, several NK cell receptors, including killer immunoglobulin-like inhibitory receptors (KIRs) and NGK2A, have been recognized as checkpoint members typical of the NK cell population. This offers the opportunity of a dual-checkpoint inhibition approach, targeting classical and non-classical ICs and leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect. In this review, we will overview and discuss this new perspective, focusing on the most relevant candidates for this role among the variety of potential NK ICs. Beside listing and defining classical ICs expressed also by NK cells, or non-classical ICs either on T or on NK cells, we will address their role in NK cell survival, chronic stimulation or functional exhaustion, and the potential relevance of this phenomenon on anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, NK ICs will be proposed as possible new targets for the development of efficient combined immunotherapy, not forgetting the relevant concerns that may be raised on NK IC blockade. Finally, the impact of epigenetic drugs in such a complex therapeutic picture will be briefly addressed.
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32
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Sun S, Yu F, Xu D, Zheng H, Li M. EZH2, a prominent orchestrator of genetic and epigenetic regulation of solid tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188700. [PMID: 35217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of numerous solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance remains unknown. EZH2 orchestrates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Profound epigenetic and transcriptomic changes induced by EZH2 in tumor cells and immune cells mobilize the elements of the TME, leading to immune-suppressive activity of solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functions of EZH2 on the different components of the TME, including tumor cells, T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Several ongoing anti-tumor clinical trials using EZH2 inhibitors have also been included as translational perspectives. In conclusion, based combinational therapy to enable ICB could offer a survival benefit in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Feng Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
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33
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Transcriptional determinants of cancer immunotherapy response and resistance. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:404-415. [PMID: 35125331 PMCID: PMC9035058 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The host immune response is a potent defense mechanism against cancer development and progression. To survive, cancer cells must develop mechanisms to evade the immune response. Based on this knowledge, a series of new therapies collectively referred to as immunotherapies have been developed and translated to the clinic for treating cancer patients. Although some cancer subtypes have shown strong clinical responses, including curative outcomes in some patients, immunotherapies have not worked as desired for some subtypes and forms of cancers. We provide an overview of the transcriptional mechanisms that drive the response and resistance to immunotherapies. We also discuss possible interventions to enhance the outcomes of immunotherapies by targeting dysregulated transcriptional networks in cancer cells.
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Zhou Y, Yang Z, Zhang H, Li H, Zhang M, Wang H, Zhang M, Qiu P, Zhang R, Liu J. DNMT3A facilitates colorectal cancer progression via regulating DAB2IP mediated MEK/ERK activation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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35
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Lu J, He X, Zhang L, Zhang R, Li W. Acetylation in Tumor Immune Evasion Regulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771588. [PMID: 34880761 PMCID: PMC8645962 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylation is considered as one of the most common types of epigenetic modifications, and aberrant histone acetylation modifications are associated with the pathological process of cancer through the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Recent studies have shown that immune system function and tumor immunity can also be affected by acetylation modifications. A comprehensive understanding of the role of acetylation function in cancer is essential, which may help to develop new therapies to improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we mainly discussed the functions of acetylase and deacetylase in tumor, immune system and tumor immunity, and listed the information of drugs targeting these enzymes in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wenzheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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36
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Fan C, Kam S, Ramadori P. Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205250. [PMID: 34680398 PMCID: PMC8534280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.
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