1
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Gronkowska K, Robaszkiewicz A. Genetic dysregulation of EP300 in cancers in light of cancer epigenome control - targeting of p300-proficient and -deficient cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200871. [PMID: 39351073 PMCID: PMC11440307 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Some cancer types including bladder, cervical, and uterine cancers are characterized by frequent mutations in EP300 that encode histone acetyltransferase p300. This enzyme can act both as a tumor suppressor and oncogene. In this review, we describe the role of p300 in cancer initiation and progression regarding EP300 aberrations that have been identified in TGCA Pan-Cancer Atlas studies and we also discuss possible anticancer strategies that target EP300 mutated cancers. Copy number alterations, truncating mutations, and abnormal EP300 transcriptions that affect p300 abundance and activity are associated with several pathological features such as tumor grading, metastases, and patient survival. Elevated EP300 correlates with a higher mRNA level of other epigenetic factors and chromatin remodeling enzymes that co-operate with p300 in creating permissive conditions for malignant transformation, tumor growth and metastases. The status of EP300 expression can be considered as a prognostic marker for anticancer immunotherapy efficacy, as EP300 mutations are followed by an increased expression of PDL-1.HAT activators such as CTB or YF2 can be applied for p300-deficient patients, whereas the natural and synthetic inhibitors of p300 activity, as well as dual HAT/bromodomain inhibitors and the PROTAC degradation of p300, may serve as strategies in the fight against p300-fueled cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Gronkowska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Robaszkiewicz
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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2
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Galassi C, Esteller M, Vitale I, Galluzzi L. Epigenetic control of immunoevasion in cancer stem cells. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00171-7. [PMID: 39244477 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a poorly differentiated population of malignant cells that (at least in some neoplasms) is responsible for tumor progression, resistance to therapy, and disease relapse. According to a widely accepted model, all stages of cancer progression involve the ability of neoplastic cells to evade recognition or elimination by the host immune system. In line with this notion, CSCs are not only able to cope with environmental and therapy-elicited stress better than their more differentiated counterparts but also appear to better evade tumor-targeting immune responses. We summarize epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones through which CSCs evade immune recognition or elimination, and propose that such alterations constitute promising therapeutic targets to increase the sensitivity of some malignancies to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Galassi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ilio Vitale
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Poyia F, Neophytou CM, Christodoulou MI, Papageorgis P. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9555. [PMID: 39273502 PMCID: PMC11395109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer comprises different subtypes, where most cases include ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It is one of the deadliest tumor types, with a poor prognosis. In the majority of patients, the disease has already spread by the time of diagnosis, making full recovery unlikely and increasing mortality risk. Despite developments in its detection and management, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies as well as advances in immunotherapy, only in about 13% of PDAC patients does the overall survival exceed 5 years. This may be attributed, at least in part, to the highly desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) that acts as a barrier limiting perfusion, drug delivery, and immune cell infiltration and contributes to the establishment of immunologically 'cold' conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to unravel the complexity of the TME that promotes PDAC progression and decipher the mechanisms of pancreatic tumors' resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the major cellular and non-cellular components of PDAC TME, as well as their biological interplays. We also discuss the current state of PDAC therapeutic treatments and focus on ongoing and future immunotherapy efforts and multimodal treatments aiming at remodeling the TME to improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotini Poyia
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Christiana M Neophytou
- Apoptosis and Cancer Chemoresistance Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Ioanna Christodoulou
- Tumor Immunology and Biomarkers Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
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Principe DR, Pasquinelli MM, Nguyen RH, Munshi HG, Hulbert A, Aissa AF, Weinberg F. Loss of STK11 Suppresses Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates KRAS-Induced Immunogenicity in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2282-2294. [PMID: 39113608 PMCID: PMC11362717 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
As many as 30% of the patients with non-small cell lung cancer harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations, which leads to extensive remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. Although co-mutations in several genes have prognostic relevance in KRAS-mutated patients, their effect on tumor immunogenicity are poorly understood. In the present study, a total of 189 patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent a standardized analysis including IHC, whole-exome DNA sequencing, and whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. Patients with activating KRAS mutations demonstrated a significant increase in PDL1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Both were increased in the presence of a co-occurring TP53 mutation and lost with STK11 co-mutation. Subsequent genomic analysis demonstrated that KRAS/TP53 co-mutated tumors had a significant decrease in the expression of glycolysis-associated genes and an increase in several genes involved in lipid metabolism, notably lipoprotein lipase, low-density lipoprotein receptor, and LDLRAD4. Conversely, in the immune-excluded KRAS/STK11 co-mutated group, we observed diminished lipid metabolism and no change in anaerobic glycolysis. Interestingly, in patients with low expression of lipoprotein lipase, low-density lipoprotein receptor, or LDLRAD4, KRAS mutations had no effect on tumor immunogenicity. However, in patients with robust expression of these genes, KRAS mutations were associated with increased immunogenicity and associated with improved overall survival. Our data further suggest that the loss of STK11 may function as a metabolic switch, suppressing lipid metabolism in favor of glycolysis, thereby negating KRAS-induced immunogenicity. Hence, this concept warrants continued exploration, both as a predictive biomarker and potential target for therapy in patients receiving ICI-based immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE In patients with lung cancer, we demonstrate that KRAS mutations increase tumor immunogenicity; however, KRAS/STK11 co-mutated patients display an immune-excluded phenotype. KRAS/STK11 co-mutated patients also demonstrated significant downregulation of several key lipid metabolism genes, many of which were associated with increased immunogenicity and improved overall survival in KRAS-mutated patients. Hence, alteration to lipid metabolism warrants further study as a potential biomarker and target for therapy in patients with KRAS-mutated lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary M. Pasquinelli
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Ryan H. Nguyen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago and Translational Oncology Program, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago and Translational Oncology Program, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois.
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Alicia Hulbert
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Alexandre F. Aissa
- Division of Genetics, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Frank Weinberg
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois.
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5
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Thompson PE, Shortt J. Defeating MYC with drug combinations or dual-targeting drugs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:490-502. [PMID: 38782688 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.008] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Members of the MYC family of proteins are a major target for cancer drug discovery, but the development of drugs that block MYC-driven cancers has not yet been successful. Approaches to achieve success may include the development of combination therapies or dual-acting drugs that target MYC at multiple nodes. Such treatments hold the possibility of additive or synergistic activity, potentially reducing side effect profiles and the emergence of resistance. In this review, we examine the prominent MYC-related targets and highlight those that have been targeted in combination and/or dual-target approaches. Finally, we explore the challenges of combination and dual-target approaches from a drug development perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Jake Shortt
- Blood Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash Hematology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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6
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Gold S, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of BET bromodomain and other epigenetic acetylrecognition domain-containing factors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102181. [PMID: 38564841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102181] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapies targeting chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulatory factors is rapidly expanding to include new targets and novel targeting strategies. At the same time, basic molecular research continues to refine our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating transcription, gene expression, and oncogenesis. This mini-review focuses on cancer therapies targeting the chromatin-associated factors that recognize histone lysine acetylation. Recently reported safety and efficacy are discussed for inhibitors targeting the bromodomains of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins. In light of recent results indicating that the transcriptional regulator BRD4-PTEFb can function independently of BRD4's bromodomains, the clinical trial performance of these BET inhibitors is placed in a broader context of existing and potential strategies for targeting BRD4-PTEFb. Recently developed therapies targeting bromodomain-containing factors within the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed, as is the potential for targeting the bromodomain-containing transcription factor TAF1 and the YEATS acetylrecognition domain-containing factor GAS41. Recent findings regarding the selectivity and combinatorial specificity of acetylrecognition are highlighted. In conclusion, the potential for further development is discussed with a focus on proximity-based therapies targeting this class of epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. https://twitter.com/@rwx_life
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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7
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Strachowska M, Robaszkiewicz A. Characteristics of anticancer activity of CBP/p300 inhibitors - Features of their classes, intracellular targets and future perspectives of their application in cancer treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 257:108636. [PMID: 38521246 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108636] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to the contribution of highly homologous acetyltransferases CBP and p300 to transcription elevation of oncogenes and other cancer promoting factors, these enzymes emerge as possible epigenetic targets of anticancer therapy. Extensive efforts in search for small molecule inhibitors led to development of compounds targeting histone acetyltransferase catalytic domain or chromatin-interacting bromodomain of CBP/p300, as well as dual BET and CBP/p300 inhibitors. The promising anticancer efficacy in in vitro and mice models led CCS1477 and NEO2734 to clinical trials. However, none of the described inhibitors is perfectly specific to CBP/p300 since they share similarity of a key functional domains with other enzymes, which are critically associated with cancer progression and their antagonists demonstrate remarkable clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Therefore, we revise the possible and clinically relevant off-targets of CBP/p300 inhibitors that can be blocked simultaneously with CBP/p300 thereby improving the anticancer potential of CBP/p300 inhibitors and pharmacokinetic predicting data such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Strachowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Banacha 12 /16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Robaszkiewicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute of Fundamental and Basic Research, 600 5(th) Street South, Saint Petersburg FL33701, United States of America.
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8
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Li Y, Shen Z, Ratia K, Zhao J, Huang F, Dubrovyskyii O, Indukuri D, Fu J, Lozano Ramos O, Thatcher GRJ, Xiong R. Structure-Guided Design and Synthesis of Pyridinone-Based Selective Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Domain (BET)-First Bromodomain (BD1) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2712-2731. [PMID: 38295759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers, regulating transcription via two highly homologous tandem bromodomains, BD1 and BD2. Clinical development of nonselective pan-BD BET inhibitors has been challenging, partly due to dose-limiting side effects such as thrombocytopenia. This has prompted the push for domain-selective BET inhibitors to achieve a more favorable therapeutic window. We report a structure-guided drug design campaign that led to the development of a potent BD1-selective BET inhibitor, 33 (XL-126), with a Kd of 8.9 nM and 185-fold BD1/BD2 selectivity. The high selectivity was first assayed by SPR, validated by a secondary time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer assay, and further corroborated by BROMOscan (∼57-373 fold selectivity). The cocrystal of 33 with BRD4 BD1 and BD2 demonstrates the source of selectivity: repulsion with His437 and lost binding with the leucine clamp. Notably, the BD1 selectivity of BET inhibitor 33 leads to both the preservation of platelets and potent anti-inflammatory efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Li
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Zhengnan Shen
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Kiira Ratia
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Jiong Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Fei Huang
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Oleksii Dubrovyskyii
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Divakar Indukuri
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jiqiang Fu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Omar Lozano Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Rui Xiong
- UICentre (Drug Discovery@UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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9
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Qian H, Zhu M, Tan X, Zhang Y, Liu X, Yang L. Super-enhancers and the super-enhancer reader BRD4: tumorigenic factors and therapeutic targets. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:470. [PMID: 38135679 PMCID: PMC10746725 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01775-6] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional super-enhancers and the BET bromodomain protein BRD4 are emerging as critical drivers of tumorigenesis and therapeutic targets. Characterized by substantial accumulation of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) signals at the loci of cell identity genes and critical oncogenes, super-enhancers are recognized, bound and activated by BRD4, resulting in considerable oncogene over-expression, malignant transformation, cancer cell proliferation, survival, tumor initiation and progression. Small molecule compound BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors block BRD4 binding to super-enhancers, suppress oncogene transcription and expression, reduce cancer cell proliferation and survival, and repress tumor progression in a variety of cancer types. Like other targeted therapy agents, BRD4 inhibitors show moderate anticancer effects on their own, and exert synergistic anticancer effects in vitro and in preclinical models, when combined with other anticancer agents including CDK7 inhibitors, CBP/p300 inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors. More recently, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors have been developed and shown better anticancer efficacy and/or safety profile. Importantly, more than a dozen BRD4 inhibitors have entered clinical trials in patients with cancer of various organ origins. In summary, super-enhancers and their reader BRD4 are critical tumorigenic drivers, and BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, PROTAC BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors are promising novel anticancer agents for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Qian
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xinyu Tan
- Department of Dentistry, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yixing Zhang
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Li Yang
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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10
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Krauß L, Schneider C, Hessmann E, Saur D, Schneider G. Epigenetic control of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1113-1131. [PMID: 37659057 PMCID: PMC10713713 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection, when combined with chemotherapy, has been shown to significantly improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, this treatment option is only feasible for a fraction of patients, as more than 50% of cases are diagnosed with metastasis. The multifaceted process of metastasis is still not fully understood, but recent data suggest that transcriptional and epigenetic plasticity play significant roles. Interfering with epigenetic reprogramming can potentially control the adaptive processes responsible for metastatic progression and therapy resistance, thereby enhancing treatment responses and preventing recurrence. This review will focus on the relevance of histone-modifying enzymes in pancreatic cancer, specifically on their impact on the metastatic cascade. Additionally, it will also provide a brief update on the current clinical developments in epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Krauß
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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11
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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12
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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13
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Zhang Z, Zhu Y. ANRGs impact on gastric cancer progression and drug efficacy: A comprehensive study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34861. [PMID: 37904473 PMCID: PMC10615463 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality globally, with the heterogeneity of metastasis and treatment impacting patient prognosis. Currently, the treatment of GC still relies on early surgical resection, and comprehensive treatment is needed for patients with metastatic GC. Anikis-related genes (ANRGs) have been shown to affect tumor metastasis. Exploring the role of ANRGs in GC will help us understand the mechanism of tumor metastasis; screening precise targets and selecting appropriate chemotherapeutics will help individualize the treatment of GC patients. In this study, we established a prognostic scoring model based on ANRGs and explored their association with GC patient prognosis, immune microenvironment, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, and small molecule compounds. Our findings revealed that a gene signature composed of ANXA5, CCN1, EGF, VTN, and ZBTB7A accurately predicted GC patient prognosis. Patients in the low-risk group had better outcomes, higher macrophage M1 infiltration, and higher tumor mutation burden. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Ponatinib (ap.24534), Motesanib (amg.706), and Navitoclax (abt.263) were lower in the high-risk group, indicating that patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to these chemotherapy drugs, meaning with better clinical outcomes. In addition, we screened the small molecule compound SGC-CBP30 that can inhibit ANXA5 and CCN1, and these results help individualized treatment of GC patients. Our study identified key genes based on ANRGs and developed a novel gene signature for predicting the prognosis of GC patients and understanding the relationship between immunity and tumor mutation burden. Additionally, we identified chemotherapeutic drugs that can guide GC treatment and elucidated the binding affinity between specific targeted drugs and distinct protein sites, providing novel insights for the precise treatment of GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Zhang
- Pharmacy, Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Yeqing Zhu
- Pharmacy, Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
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14
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Pan Z, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xie X, Liu M, Zhang K, Wang L, Bai D, Foster LJ, Shu R, He G. Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:13. [PMID: 37142850 PMCID: PMC10159834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Xie
- College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Histone Modifications Represent a Key Epigenetic Feature of Epithelial-to-Mesenchyme Transition in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054820. [PMID: 36902253 PMCID: PMC10003015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054820] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant diseases due to its high invasiveness, early metastatic properties, rapid disease progression, and typically late diagnosis. Notably, the capacity for pancreatic cancer cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is key to their tumorigenic and metastatic potential, and is a feature that can explain the therapeutic resistance of such cancers to treatment. Epigenetic modifications are a central molecular feature of EMT, for which histone modifications are most prevalent. The modification of histones is a dynamic process typically carried out by pairs of reverse catalytic enzymes, and the functions of these enzymes are increasingly relevant to our improved understanding of cancer. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms through which histone-modifying enzymes regulate EMT in pancreatic cancer.
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16
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Elrakaybi A, Ruess DA, Lübbert M, Quante M, Becker H. Epigenetics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact on Biology and Utilization in Diagnostics and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235926. [PMID: 36497404 PMCID: PMC9738647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with high potential of metastases and therapeutic resistance. Although genetic mutations drive PDAC initiation, they alone do not explain its aggressive nature. Epigenetic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, significantly contribute to inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, disease progression and metastasis. Thus, increased understanding of the epigenetic landscape in PDAC could offer new potential biomarkers and tailored therapeutic approaches. In this review, we shed light on the role of epigenetic modifications in PDAC biology and on the potential clinical applications of epigenetic biomarkers in liquid biopsy. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials assessing epigenetically targeted treatments alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies to improve outcomes of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elrakaybi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dietrich A. Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-36000
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17
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Patients deriving long-term benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate conserved patterns of site-specific mutations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11490. [PMID: 35798829 PMCID: PMC9263148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy and are now the preferred treatment for several tumor types. Though ICIs have shown remarkable efficacy in several cancer histologies, in many cases providing long-term disease control, not all patients will derive clinical benefit from such approaches. Given the lack of a reliable predictive biomarker for therapeutic responses to ICIs, we conducted a retrospective analysis of publicly available genomic data from a large pan-cancer cohort of patients receiving ICI-based immunotherapy. Consistent with previous results, patients in the combined cohort deriving a long-term survival benefit from ICIs were more likely to have a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB). However, this was not uniform across tumor-types, failing to predict for long-term survivorship in most non-melanoma cancers. Interestingly, long-term survivors in most cancers had conserved patterns of mutations affecting several genes. In melanoma, this included mutations affecting TET1 or PTPRD. In patients with colorectal cancer, mutations affecting TET1, RNF43, NCOA3, LATS1, NOTCH3, or CREBBP were also associated with improved prognosis, as were mutations affecting PTPRD, EPHA7, NTRK3, or ZFHX3 in non-small cell lung cancer, RNF43, LATS1, or CREBBP mutations in bladder cancer, and VHL mutations in renal cell carcinoma patients. Thus, this study identified several genes that may have utility as predictive biomarkers for therapeutic responses in patients receiving ICIs. As many have no known relationship to immunotherapy or ICIs, these genes warrant continued exploration, particularly for cancers in which established biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression or TMB have little predictive value.
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18
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Principe DR, Cataneo JL, Timbers KE, Koch RM, Valyi-Nagy K, Mellgren A, Rana A, Gantt G. Leukocyte subtyping predicts for treatment failure and poor survival in anal squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:697. [PMID: 35751111 PMCID: PMC9229146 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09742-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally carries a favorable prognosis, as most tumors are highly sensitive to standard of care chemoradiation. However, outcomes are poor for the 20–30% of patients who are refractory to this approach, and many will require additional invasive procedures with no guarantee of disease resolution. Methods To identify the patients who are unlikely to respond to the current standard of care chemoradiation protocol, we explored a variety of objective clinical findings as a potential predictor of treatment failure and/or mortality in a single center retrospective study of 42 patients with anal SCC. Results Patients with an increase in total peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and/or neutrophils (ANC) had comparatively poor clinical outcomes, with increased rates of death and treatment failure, respectively. Using pre-treatment biopsies from 27 patients, tumors with an inflamed, neutrophil dominant stroma also had poor therapeutic responses, as well as reduced overall and disease-specific survival. Following chemoradiation, we observed uniform reductions in nearly all peripheral blood leukocyte subtypes, and no association between peripheral white blood cells and/or neutrophils and clinical outcomes. Additionally, post-treatment biopsies were available from 13 patients. In post-treatment specimens, patients with an inflamed tumor stroma now demonstrated improved overall and disease-specific survival, particularly those with robust T-cell infiltration. Conclusions Combined, these results suggest that routinely performed leukocyte subtyping may have utility in risk stratifying patients for treatment failure in anal SCC. Specifically, pre-treatment patients with a high WBC, ANC, and/or a neutrophil-dense tumor stroma may be less likely to achieve complete response using the standard of care chemoradiation regimen, and may benefit from the addition of a subsequent line of therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09742-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA
| | - Jose L Cataneo
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA
| | - Kaytlin E Timbers
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA
| | - Regina M Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA
| | - Klara Valyi-Nagy
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA
| | - Anders Mellgren
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, Chicago, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gerald Gantt
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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19
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Principe DR, Aissa AF, Kumar S, Pham TND, Underwood PW, Nair R, Ke R, Rana B, Trevino JG, Munshi HG, Benevolenskaya EV, Rana A. Calcium channel blockers potentiate gemcitabine chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200143119. [PMID: 35476525 PMCID: PMC9170157 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200143119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). While palliative chemotherapy offers a survival benefit to most patients, nearly all will eventually progress on treatment and long-term survivability remains poor. Given the lack of subsequent line treatment options, in this study, we sought to identify novel strategies to prevent, delay, or overcome resistance to gemcitabine, one of the most widely used medications in PDAC. Using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing and high-throughput proteomic analysis, we identified a subset of gemcitabine-resistant tumor cells enriched for calcium/calmodulin signaling. Pharmacologic inhibition of calcium-dependent calmodulin activation led to the rapid loss of drug-resistant phenotypes in vitro, which additional single-cell RNA sequencing identified was due to impaired activation of the RAS/ERK signaling pathway. Consistent with these observations, calcium chelation or depletion of calcium in the culture media also impaired ERK activation in gemcitabine-resistant cells, and restored therapeutic responses to gemcitabine in vitro. We observed similar results using calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as amlodipine, which inhibited prosurvival ERK signaling in vitro and markedly enhanced therapeutic responses to gemcitabine in both orthotopic xenografts and transgenic models of PDAC. Combined, these results offer insight into a potential means of gemcitabine resistance and suggest that select CCBs may provide a clinical benefit to PDAC patients receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Alexandre F. Aissa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Thao N. D. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611
| | - Patrick W. Underwood
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Rakesh Nair
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | | | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
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20
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Principe DR. Precision Medicine for BRCA/PALB2-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer and Emerging Strategies to Improve Therapeutic Responses to PARP Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040897. [PMID: 35205643 PMCID: PMC8869830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For the small subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with loss-of-function mutations to BRCA1/2 or PALB2, both first-line and maintenance therapy differs significantly. These mutations confer a loss of double-strand break DNA homologous recombination (HR), substantially altering drug sensitivities. In this review, we discuss the current treatment guidelines for PDAC tumors deficient in HR, as well as newly emerging strategies to improve drug responses in this population. We also highlight additional patient populations in which these strategies may also be effective, and novel strategies aiming to confer similar drug sensitivity to tumors proficient in HR repair. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. As patients typically present with advanced disease and show poor responses to broad-spectrum chemotherapy, overall survival remains a dismal 10%. This underscores an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic approaches for PDAC patients. Precision medicine is now the standard of care for several difficult-to-treat cancer histologies. Such approaches involve the identification of a clinically actionable molecular feature, which is matched to an appropriate targeted therapy. Selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors such as Niraparib, Olaparib, Talazoparib, Rucaparib, and Veliparib are now approved for several cancers with loss of high-fidelity double-strand break homologous recombination (HR), namely those with deleterious mutations to BRCA1/2, PALB2, and other functionally related genes. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of such mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and lethal pancreatic cancer histotype, significantly alters drug responses both with respect to first-line chemotherapy and maintenance therapy. In this review, we discuss the current treatment paradigm for PDAC tumors with confirmed deficits in double-strand break HR, as well as emerging strategies to both improve responses to PARP inhibition in HR-deficient PDAC and confer sensitivity to tumors proficient in HR repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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21
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Kawakubo K, Castillo CFD, Liss AS. Epigenetic regulation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the era of cancer immunotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:819-826. [PMID: 36048239 PMCID: PMC9596544 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with poor response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic alterations contribute to its aggressive biology and the tumor microenvironment which render it unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we review our current understandings of epigenetic dysregulation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, its effect on the tumor immune microenvironment, and the potential for epigenetic therapy to be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Kawakubo
- grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Scott Liss
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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