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Meng Y, Chen S, Li P, Wang C, Ni X. Tumor Cell Membrane-Encapsulated MLA Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Diagnosis and Radiosensitization Therapy of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3218-3232. [PMID: 38885477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01247] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common nonmelanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy plays an integral role in treating SCC due to its characteristics, such as diminished intercellular adhesion, heightened cell migration and invasion capabilities, and immune evasion. These problems lead to inaccurate tumor boundary positioning and radiotherapy tolerance in SCC treatment. Thus, accurate localization and enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity are imperative for effective SCC treatment. To address the existing limitations in SCC therapy, we developed monoglyceride solid lipid nanoparticles (MG SLNs) and enveloped them with the A431 cell membrane (A431 CM) to create A431@MG. The characterization results showed that A431@MG was spherical. Furthermore, A431@MG had specific targeting for A431 cells. In A431 tumor-bearing mice, A431@MG demonstrated prolonged accumulation within tumors, ensuring precise boundary localization of SCC. We further advanced the approach by preparing MG SLNs encapsulating 5-aminolevulinic acid methyl ester (MLA) and desferrioxamine (DFO) with an A431 CM coating to yield A431@MG-MLA/DFO. Several studies have revealed that DFO effectively reduced iron content, impeding protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) biotransformation and promoting PpIX accumulation. Simultaneously, MLA was metabolized into PpIX upon cellular entry. During radiotherapy, the heightened PpIX levels enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inducing DNA and mitochondrial damage and leading to cell apoptosis. In A431 tumor-bearing mice, the A431@MG-MLA/DFO group exhibited notable radiotherapy sensitization, displaying superior tumor growth inhibition. Combining A431@MG-MLA/DFO with radiotherapy significantly improved anticancer efficacy, highlighting its potential to serve as an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Shaoqing Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Pengyin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Cheli Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Xinye Ni
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou 213003, China
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2
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Wu Z, Zhou R, Li B, Cao M, Wang W, Li X. Methylation modifications in tRNA and associated disorders: Current research and potential therapeutic targets. Cell Prolif 2024:e13692. [PMID: 38943267 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has sparked increased research interest in RNA modifications, particularly tRNA methylation, and its connection to various diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the development of these diseases remain largely elusive. This review sheds light on the roles of several tRNA methylations (m1A, m3C, m5C, m1G, m2G, m7G, m5U, and Nm) in diverse biological functions, including metabolic processing, stability, protein interactions, and mitochondrial activities. It further outlines diseases linked to aberrant tRNA modifications, related enzymes, and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, disruptions in tRNA regulation and abnormalities in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) contribute to disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. The review also delves into the exploration of drugs development targeting tRNA methylation enzymes, emphasizing the therapeutic prospects of modulating these processes. Continued research is imperative for a comprehensive comprehension and integration of these molecular mechanisms in disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruixin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baizao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingyu Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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3
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Lai GQ, Li Y, Zhu H, Zhang T, Gao J, Zhou H, Yang CG. A covalent compound selectively inhibits RNA demethylase ALKBH5 rather than FTO. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:335-343. [PMID: 38576724 PMCID: PMC10989504 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00230f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent mRNA modification and is required for gene regulation in eukaryotes. ALKBH5, an m6A demethylase, is a promising target, particularly for anticancer drug discovery. However, the development of selective and potent inhibitors of ALKBH5 rather than FTO remains challenging. Herein, we used a targeted covalent inhibition strategy and identified a covalent inhibitor, TD19, which selectively inhibits ALKBH5 compared with FTO demethylase in protein-based and tumor cell-based assays. TD19 irreversibly modifies the residues C100 and C267, preventing ALKBH5 from binding to m6A-containing RNA. Moreover, TD19 displays good anticancer efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia and glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. Thus, the ALKBH5 inhibitor developed in this study, which selectively targets ALKBH5 compared with FTO, can potentially be used as a probe for investigating the biological functions of RNA demethylase and as a lead compound in anticancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-Qiang Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Yali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Heping Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Hu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery Yantai 264117 China
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4
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Wang J, Zhao G, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Yang S, Zhou A, Li P, Zhang S. N 6-methylation in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of gastric cancer. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:5-21. [PMID: 38525439 PMCID: PMC10956730 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third among cancers in terms of mortality rate worldwide. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the genesis and progression of GC will contribute to clinical decision making. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant among diverse mRNA modification types and regulates multiple facets of RNA metabolism. In recent years, emerging studies have shown that m6A modifications are involved in gastric carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression and can potentially be valuable new prospects for diagnosis and prognosis. This article reviews the recent progress regarding m6A in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guiping Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuyue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
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Wang J, Zhang J, Guo Z, Hua H, Zhang H, Liu Y, Jiang Y. Targeting HSP70 chaperones by rhein sensitizes liver cancer to artemisinin derivatives. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155156. [PMID: 37897861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of common types of cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapies. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are molecular chaperones that have important roles in tumorigenesis, and emerging as therapeutic targets. Artemisinin and rhein are natural agents from Artemisia annua L. and Rheum undulatum L., respectively. Both rhein and artemisinin have anticancer effects; however, the molecular targets of rhein remain to be identified. It is also unclear whether rhein can synergize with artemisinin derivatives to inhibit liver cancer. PURPOSE We aim to identify the targets of rhein in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma and determine the effects of combining rhein and artemisinin derivatives on liver cancer cells. METHODS The targets of rhein were detected by mass spectrometry and validated by rhein-proteins interaction assays. The effects of rhein on the chaperone activity of HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 were determined by luciferase refolding assays. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. For in vivo study, xenograft tumor models were established and treated with rhein and artesunate. Tumor growth was monitored regularly. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis of rhein-binding proteins in HepG2 cells revealed that HSP72, HSC70 and GRP78 were more profoundly pulled down by rhein-crosslinked sepharose 4B beads compared to the control beads. Further experiments demonstrated that rhein directly interacted with HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 proteins, and inhibit their activity of refolding denatured luciferase. Meanwhile, rhein induced proteasomal degradation of HIF1α and β-catenin. Artesunate or dihydroartemisinin in combination with knockdown of both HSP72 and HSC70 significantly inhibited cell viability. The HSP70/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitors VER-155,008 and rhein phenocopied HSP72/HSC70 knockdown, synergizing with artesunate or dihydroartemisinin to inhibit hepatocarcinoma cell viability. Combinatorial treatment with rhein and artemisinin derivatives significantly induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that rhein is a novel HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitor that suppresses the chaperone activity of HSP70s. Dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 can enhance the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells to artemisinin derivatives. Combined treatment with artemisinin derivative and rhein significantly inhibits hepatocarcinoma. Artemisinin derivatives in combination with dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 represents a new approach to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China; School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Zeyu Guo
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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Wang YZ, Li HY, Zhang Y, Jiang RX, Xu J, Gu J, Jiang Z, Jiang ZY, You QD, Guo XK. Discovery of Pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidine Derivative as a Novel and Selective ALKBH5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of AML. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15944-15959. [PMID: 37983486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
M6A (N6-methyladenosine) plays a significant role in regulating RNA processing, splicing, nucleation, translation, and stability. AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) is an Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent dioxygenase that demethylates mono- or dimethylated adenosines. ALKBH5 can be regarded as an oncogenic factor for various human cancers. However, the discovery of potent and selective ALKBH5 inhibitors remains a challenge. We identified DDO-2728 as a novel and selective inhibitor of ALKBH5 by structure-based virtual screening and optimization. DDO-2728 was not a 2-oxoglutarate analogue and could selectively inhibit the demethylase activity of ALKBH5 over FTO. DDO-2728 increased the abundance of m6A modifications in AML cells, reduced the mRNA stability of TACC3, and inhibited cell cycle progression. Furthermore, DDO-2728 significantly suppressed tumor growth in the MV4-11 xenograft mouse model and showed a favorable safety profile. Collectively, our results highlight the development of a selective probe for ALKBH5 that will pave the way for the further study of ALKBH5 targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rui-Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Huang M, Guo J, Liu L, Jin H, Chen X, Zou J. m6A demethylase FTO and osteoporosis: potential therapeutic interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1275475. [PMID: 38020896 PMCID: PMC10667916 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1275475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, characterized by a descent in bone mass due to the dysregulation of bone homeostasis. Although different studies have identified an association between osteoporosis and epigenetic alterations in osteogenic genes, the mechanisms of osteoporosis remain unclear. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a methylated adenosine nucleotide, which regulates the translocation, exporting, translation, and decay of RNA. FTO is the first identified m6A demethylase, which eliminates m6A modifications from RNAs. Variation in FTO disturbs m6A methylation in RNAs to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Besides, FTO as an obesity-associated gene, also affects osteogenesis by regulating adipogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of FTO markedly altered bone mass, bone mineral density and the distribution of adipose tissue. Small molecules which modulate FTO function are potentially novel remedies to the treatment of osteoporosis by adjusting the m6A levels. This article reviews the roles of m6A demethylase FTO in regulating bone metabolism and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Huang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Guo
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Lifei Liu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Haiming Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Sports Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jun Zou
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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8
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Huang Y, Xia W, Dong Z, Yang CG. Chemical Inhibitors Targeting the Oncogenic m 6A Modifying Proteins. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3010-3022. [PMID: 37889223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is brought to RNA, introducing a new dimension to gene expression regulation. Among numerous RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal modification on eukaryote mRNA first identified in the 1970s. However, the significance of m6A modification in mRNA had been long neglected until the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) enzyme was identified as the first m6A demethylase almost 40 years later. The m6A modification influences nearly every step of RNA metabolism and thus broadly affects gene expression at multiple levels, playing a critical role in many biological processes, including cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. The m6A level is dynamically regulated by RNA epigenetic machinery comprising methyltransferases such as methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3), demethylases FTO and AlkB human homologue 5 (ALKBH5), and multiple reader proteins. The understanding of the biology of RNA epigenetics and its translational drug discovery is still in its infancy. It is essential to further develop chemical probes and lead compounds for an in-depth investigation into m6A biology and the translational discovery of anticancer drugs targeting m6A modifying oncogenic proteins.In this Account, we present our work on the development of chemical inhibitors to regulate m6A in mRNA by targeting the FTO demethylase, and the elucidation of their mode of action. We reported rhein to be the first substrate competitive FTO inhibitor. Due to rhein's poor selectivity, we identified meclofenamic acid (MA) that selectively inhibits FTO compared with ALKBH5. Based on the structural complex of MA bound with FTO, we designed MA analogs FB23-2 and Dac51, which exhibit significantly improved activities compared with MA. For example, FB23-2 is specific to FTO inhibition in vitro among over 400 other oncogenic proteins, including kinases, proteases, and DNA and histone epigenetic proteins. Mimicking FTO depletion, FB23-2 promotes the differentiation/apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and inhibits the progression of primary cells in xenotransplanted mice. Dac51 treatment impairs the glycolytic activity of tumor cells and restores the function of CD8+ T cells, thereby inhibiting the growth of solid tumors in vivo. These FTO inhibitors were and will continue to be used as probes to promote biological studies of m6A modification and as lead compounds to target FTO in anticancer drug discovery.Toward the end, we also include a brief review of ALKBH5 demethylase inhibitors and METTL3 methyltransferase modulators. Collectively, these small-molecule modulators that selectively target RNA epigenetic proteins will promote in-depth studies on the regulation of gene expression and potentially accelerate anticancer target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenyang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Li Q, Qian W, Zhang Y, Hu L, Chen S, Xia Y. A new wave of innovations within the DNA damage response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:338. [PMID: 37679326 PMCID: PMC10485079 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome instability has been identified as one of the enabling hallmarks in cancer. DNA damage response (DDR) network is responsible for maintenance of genome integrity in cells. As cancer cells frequently carry DDR gene deficiencies or suffer from replicative stress, targeting DDR processes could induce excessive DNA damages (or unrepaired DNA) that eventually lead to cell death. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have brought impressive benefit to patients with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), which proves the concept of synthetic lethality in cancer treatment. Moreover, the other two scenarios of DDR inhibitor application, replication stress and combination with chemo- or radio- therapy, are under active clinical exploration. In this review, we revisited the progress of DDR targeting therapy beyond the launched first-generation PARP inhibitors. Next generation PARP1 selective inhibitors, which could maintain the efficacy while mitigating side effects, may diversify the application scenarios of PARP inhibitor in clinic. Albeit with unavoidable on-mechanism toxicities, several small molecules targeting DNA damage checkpoints (gatekeepers) have shown great promise in preliminary clinical results, which may warrant further evaluations. In addition, inhibitors for other DNA repair pathways (caretakers) are also under active preclinical or clinical development. With these progresses and efforts, we envision that a new wave of innovations within DDR has come of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyuan Qian
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanfeng Xia
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Yang L, Tian S, Zheng X, Zhang M, Zhou X, Shang Y, Han Y. N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in liver diseases: from mechanism to treatment. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:718-733. [PMID: 37380929 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modification occurring in RNA has become the hotspot of the field. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant RNA internal modification mainly occurring at the consensus motif DR (m6A) CH (D = A/G/U, R = A/G, H = A/C/U) in the 3'-UTR particularly the region near stop codons. The life cycle of m6A methylation includes "writers," "erasers," and "readers", which are responsible for the addition, removal, and recognition of m6A, respectively. m6A modification has been reported changing RNA secondary structure or modulating the stability, localization, transport, and translation of mRNAs to play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. Liver, as the largest metabolic and digestive organ, modulates vital physiological functions, and its dysfunction gives rise to the occurrence of various diseases. Despite the advanced intervening measures, mortality due to liver diseases is continuously high. Recent studies have explored the roles of m6A RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, providing new insights for studying the molecular mechanism of liver diseases. In the review, we extensively summarize the life cycle of m6A methylation, as well as its function and relevant mechanisms in liver fibrosis (LF), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatitis virus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and eventually we explore the potential of m6A as a treatment option for these liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Woo S, Marquez L, Crandall WJ, Risener CJ, Quave CL. Recent advances in the discovery of plant-derived antimicrobial natural products to combat antimicrobial resistant pathogens: insights from 2018-2022. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1271-1290. [PMID: 37439502 PMCID: PMC10472255 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00090c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2018 to 2022Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat. There is a rising demand for innovative drug scaffolds and new targets to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Before the advent of antibiotics, infections were treated with plants chosen from traditional medicine practices. Of Earth's 374 000 plant species, approximately 9% have been used medicinally, but most species remain to be investigated. This review illuminates discoveries of antimicrobial natural products from plants covering 2018 to 2022. It highlights plant-derived natural products with antibacterial, antivirulence, and antibiofilm activity documented in lab studies. Additionally, this review examines the development of novel derivatives from well-studied parent natural products, as natural product derivatives have often served as scaffolds for anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmin Woo
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Lewis Marquez
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, USA
| | - William J Crandall
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, USA
| | - Caitlin J Risener
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, USA
| | - Cassandra L Quave
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
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12
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Patnaik D, Jena AB, Kerry RG, Duttaroy AK. In silico profiling of nonsynonymous SNPs of fat mass and obesity-associated gene: possible impacts on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:17. [PMID: 36717943 PMCID: PMC9885621 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver, or NAFLD, is the most common chronic liver ailment. It is characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes of individuals who consume little or no alcohol and are unaffected by specific liver damaging factors. It is also associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. The global burden of NAFLD is increasing at an alarming rate. However, no pharmacologically approved drugs against NAFLD are available owing to their complex pathophysiology. Genome-wide association studies have uncovered SNPs in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) that are robustly associated with obesity and higher BMI. The prevalence of NAFLD increases in parallel with the increasing prevalence of obesity. Since FTO might play a crucial role in NAFLD development, the current study identified five potentially deleterious mutations from 383 ns-SNPs in the human FTO gene using various in silico tools. METHODS This study aims to identify potentially deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs (ns-SNPs) employing various in silico tools. Additionally, molecular modeling approaches further studied the structural changes caused by identified SNPs. Moreover, molecular dynamics studies finally investigated the binding potentials of the phytochemicals resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, and capsaicin with different mutant forms of FTO. RESULTS The current investigation has five potentially deleterious mutations from 383 ns-SNPs in the human FTO gene using various in silico tools. The present study identified five nsSNPs of the human gene FTO, Gly103Asp, Arg96Pro, Tyr295Cys, and Arg322Gln, with an apparent connection to the disease condition. Modulation of demethylation activity by phytomolecule scanning explains the hepatoprotective action of molecules. The current investigation also suggested that predicted mutations did not affect the binding ability of three polyphenols: rosamarinic acid, resveratrol, and capsaicin. CONCLUSION This study showed that the predicted mutations in FTO did not affect the binding of three polyphenols. Thus, these three molecules can significantly aid drug development against FTO and NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damini Patnaik
- grid.412779.e0000 0001 2334 6133Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, 751004 Odisha India
| | - Atala Bihari Jena
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Rout George Kerry
- grid.412779.e0000 0001 2334 6133Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, 751004 Odisha India
| | - Asim K. Duttaroy
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Li P, Wang Y, Sun Y, Jiang S, Li J. N 6-methyladenosine RNA methylation: From regulatory mechanisms to potential clinical applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1055808. [PMID: 36407103 PMCID: PMC9669580 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1055808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics has emerged as another level of epigenetic regulation similar to DNA and histone modifications. N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent and abundant posttranscriptional modifications, widely distributed in many biological species. The level of N 6-methyladenosine RNA methylation is dynamically and reversibly regulated by distinct effectors including methyltransferases, demethylases, histone modification and metabolites. In addition, N 6-methyladenosine RNA methylation is involved in multiple RNA metabolism pathways, such as splicing, localization, translation efficiency, stability and degradation, ultimately affecting various pathological processes, especially the oncogenic and tumor-suppressing activities. Recent studies also reveal that N 6-methyladenosine modification exerts the function in immune cells and tumor immunity. In this review, we mainly focus on the regulatory mechanisms of N 6-methyladenosine RNA methylation, the techniques for detecting N 6-methyladenosine methylation, the role of N 6-methyladenosine modification in cancer and other diseases, and the potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yiwen Sun
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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14
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Zhang D, Wornow S, Peehl DM, Rankin EB, Brooks JD. The controversial role and therapeutic development of the m6A demethylase FTO in renal cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101518. [PMID: 36037557 PMCID: PMC9440419 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) protein, the first m6A demethylase identified in 2011, regulates multiple aspects of RNA biology including splicing, localization, stability, and translation. Accumulating data show that FTO is involved in numerous physiological processes and is implicated in multiple cancers including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the exact role of FTO in RCC remains controversial. Some studies demonstrated that decreased FTO expression was associated with aggressive clinical features and shorter overall survival in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients, while others found that FTO inhibition selectively reduced the growth and survival of VHL-deficient ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the evidence supporting either a promoting or suppressive role of FTO in kidney cancers, the mechanisms of action of FTO, and recent progress in developing FTO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah Wornow
- Undergraduate Student Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Donna M Peehl
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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15
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Interplay between the m 6A Epitranscriptome and Tumor Metabolism: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102589. [PMID: 36289851 PMCID: PMC9599308 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102589] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) influences the stability and translation of the transcripts into functional proteins. Recent studies reveal the role of m6A modifications in regulating the metabolism of basic biomolecules such as glucose, lipids and amino acids. Such mechanisms are not only important for physiological functions of normal cells but also prove to be pivotal for the pathogenesis of cancers by driving dysregulated metabolism. M6A writers, readers and erasers function co-operatively to promote aberrant glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism in cancer cells, which in turn support increased proliferative and metastatic potential. Better understanding of the relationship between m6A and metabolism in malignancy may unravel novel therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers in cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent evidence demonstrating the interplay between m6A modification and cancer metabolism and their therapeutic implications.
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16
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Negi R, Jena TK, Jyoti, Tuti NK, Anindya R, Khan FA. Solvent controlled synthesis of 2,3-diarylepoxy indenones and α-hydroxy diarylindanones and their evaluation as inhibitors of DNA alkylation repair. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:5820-5835. [PMID: 35838243 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00595f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report a novel and unexpected metal-free oxygenation of 2,3-diphenyl-1-indenones, under an oxygen atmosphere (air), to either 2,3-epoxy-2,3-diphenyl-1-indenone or 2-hydroxy-2,3-diphenyl-1-indanone, depending on the conditions. Several bioactive epoxy indenones and one-pot α-hydroxy indanones (α-acyloin) were synthesized from 2,3-diaryl dihydroindanone and 2,3-diarylindenone, respectively. A plausible reaction mechanism is also proposed, where oxygenation would take place at the α-position and further proton abstraction from the β-position leads to epoxy indenone derivatives. A one-pot cis-hydroxy indanone protocol is also achieved directly from biaryl indenone via reduction, epimerization, and oxygenation. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against the DNA repair protein AlkB. Among the screened (17 tested) compounds, one epoxide derivative was found to be a specific inhibitor of AlkB enzyme function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rollania Negi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
| | - Tapan Kumar Jena
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
| | - Jyoti
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
| | - Nikhil Kumar Tuti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
| | - Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
| | - Faiz Ahmed Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi - 502 285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
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17
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Liu Z, Duan Z, Zhang D, Xiao P, Zhang T, Xu H, Wang CH, Rao GW, Gan J, Huang Y, Yang CG, Dong Z. Structure-Activity Relationships and Antileukemia Effects of the Tricyclic Benzoic Acid FTO Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10638-10654. [PMID: 35793358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase FTO is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and promotes leukemogenesis. We previously developed tricyclic benzoic acid FB23 as a highly potent FTO inhibitor in vitro. However, it showed a moderate antiproliferative effect on AML cells. In this work, we performed a structure-activity relationship study of tricyclic benzoic acids as FTO inhibitors. The analog 13a exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on FTO similar to that of FB23 in vitro. In contrast to FB23, 13a exerted a strong antiproliferative effect on AML cells. Like FTO knock down, 13a upregulated ASB2 and RARA expression and increased the protein abundance while it downregulated MYC expression and decreased MYC protein abundance. These genes are key FTO targets in AML cells. Finally, 13a treatment improved the survival rate of MONOMAC6-transplanted NSG mice. Collectively, our data suggest that targeting FTO with tricyclic benzoic acid inhibitors may be a potential strategy for treating AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zongliang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Deyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongjiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Guo-Wu Rao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianhua Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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18
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Chen Z, Hu Y, Jin L, Yang F, Ding H, Zhang L, Li L, Pan T. The Emerging Role of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation as Regulators in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873030. [PMID: 35462896 PMCID: PMC9022635 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has been considered the most prevalent, abundant, and conserved internal transcriptional modification throughout the eukaryotic mRNAs. Typically, m6A RNA methylation is catalyzed by the RNA methyltransferases (writers), is removed by its demethylases (erasers), and interacts with m6A-binding proteins (readers). Accumulating evidence shows that abnormal changes in the m6A levels of these regulators are increasingly associated with human tumorigenesis and drug resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying m6A RNA methylation in tumor occurrence and development have not been comprehensively clarified. We reviewed the recent findings on biological regulation of m6A RNA methylation and summarized its potential therapeutic strategies in various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Le Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Clinical Medical, The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiwen Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Hematopathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tingting Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Thyroid and Breast, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
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19
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Wu W, Zhang F, Zhao J, He P, Li Y. The N6-methyladenosine:mechanisms, diagnostic value, immunotherapy prospec-ts and challenges in gastric cancer. Exp Cell Res 2022; 415:113115. [PMID: 35341774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine(m6A) RNA modification is important in post-transcriptional regulation of RNA and are regulated reversibly by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers) and m6A recognition proteins (readers). Changes in the structure and function of key RNAs contribute to the development of diseases, particularly tumors. Many abnormal expressions of molecules related to m6A RNA methylation modification are discovered in gastric cancer(GC), which changes the methylation level and stability of target genes after transcription, and then regulates related metabolic pathways, affecting the occurrence and progression of GC. Therefore, an in-depth study of m6A RNA modification in GC is conducive to the development of new tumor therapies and the achieve of individualized treatment. At present, both basic and clinical studies indicate that m6A plays a complex and contentious role in GC. In this paper, we not only review the roles and mechanisms of m6A modified related proteins, but also discuss the value of m6A modulators in the clinical applications and current challenges of GC, aiming to provide research clues for the early diagnosis and explore the feasibility of m6A related proteins as specific targets for GC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Puyi He
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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20
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Zhao X, Ji X, Qu J, Xie K, Wang Z, Fang P, Wang Y, Wan Y, Yang Y, Zhang W, Shi P. Sequencing-free Analysis of Multiple Methylations on Gene-Specific mRNAs. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6010-6018. [PMID: 35321539 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA epigenetics is a new layer of mechanism to regulate gene expression, but limited techniques are available to profile the status of mRNA modifications. Here, we describe a molecule proximity-based technique for simultaneous analysis of multiple types of mRNA methylation with specific gene information in living cells. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) or N1-methyladenosine (m1A) modifications on multiple mRNAs can be individually or simultaneously analyzed. A chip fabricated with vertically aligned, high-aspect-ratio diamond nanoneedles was used to access the intracellular domain in a minimum-invasive format and to isolate the mRNAs out of the cell cytoplasm while keeping cells alive. In the subsequent on-chip analytical procedures, the isolated RNAs were encoded, amplified, and visualized to derive a quantitative measurement of the associated gene-specific m6A or m1A modifications. Notably, a proximity ligation approach was developed to resolve dual methylation on an individual mRNA segment. Using this method, we investigated the dynamics of mRNA methylation in mammalian cells under physical or chemical stimuli and showed that m6A and m1A in mRNAs are heavily involved in the cellular stress response. Our results also suggested the common existence of single m6A modification in the basigin (BSG) mRNA but a rare occurrence of m6A and m1A dual methylation in the same BSG transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xianglin Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jin Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Zixun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Peilin Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Youyang Wan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Advanced Energy Storage Technology Research Center, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China 999077
| | - Peng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China 999077.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
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21
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Mi S, Shi Y, Dari G, Yu Y. Function of m6A and its regulation of domesticated animals' complex traits. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6524534. [PMID: 35137116 PMCID: PMC8942107 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most functionally important epigenetic modification in RNA. The m6A modification widely exists in mRNA and noncoding RNA, influences the mRNA processing, and regulates the secondary structure and maturation of noncoding RNA. Studies showed the important regulatory roles of m6A modification in animal's complex traits, such as development, immunity, and reproduction-related traits. As an important intermediate stage from animal genome to phenotype, the function of m6A in the complex trait formation of domestic animals cannot be neglected. This review discusses recent research advances on m6A modification in well-studied organisms, such as human and model organisms, and introduces m6A detection technologies, small-molecule inhibitors of m6A-related enzymes, interaction between m6A and other biological progresses, and the regulation mechanisms of m6A in domesticated animals' complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Mi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and
Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and National Engineering
Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China
Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China
| | - Yuanjun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and
Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and National Engineering
Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China
Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China
| | - Gerile Dari
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and
Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and National Engineering
Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China
Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China
| | - Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and
Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and National Engineering
Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China
Agricultural University, Beijing 100193,
China,Corresponding author:
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22
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Schmidl D, Jonasson NSW, Menke A, Schneider S, Daumann L. Spectroscopic and in vitro investigations of Fe2+/α-Ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes involved in nucleic acid repair and modification. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100605. [PMID: 35040547 PMCID: PMC9401043 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The activation of molecular oxygen for the highly selective functionalization and repair of DNA and RNA nucleobases is achieved by α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)/iron-dependent dioxygenases. Enzymes of special interest are the human homologs AlkBH of Escherichia coli EcAlkB and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes. These enzymes are involved in demethylation or dealkylation of DNA and RNA, although additional physiological functions are continuously being revealed. Given their importance, studying enzyme-substrate interactions, turnover and kinetic parameters is pivotal for the understanding of the mode of action of these enzymes. Diverse analytical methods, including X-ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopy have been employed to study the changes in the active site and the overall enzyme structure upon substrate, cofactor and inhibitor addition. Several methods are now available to assess activity of these enzymes. By discussing limitations and possibilities of these techniques for EcAlkB, AlkBH and TET we aim to give a comprehensive synopsis from a bioinorganic point of view, addressing researchers from different disciplines working in the highly interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving field of epigenetic processes and DNA/RNA repair and modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Schmidl
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Niko S W Jonasson
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Annika Menke
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Chemistry, GERMANY
| | - Lena Daumann
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Chemistry, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, München, GERMANY
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Huang L, Zhang J, Zhu X, Mi X, Li Q, Gao J, Zhou J, Zhou J, Liu XM. The Phytochemical Rhein Mediates M 6A-Independent Suppression of Adipocyte Differentiation. Front Nutr 2021; 8:756803. [PMID: 34790688 PMCID: PMC8592053 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.756803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipogenesis is mediated by the complex gene expression networks involving the posttranscriptional modifications. The natural compound rhein has been linked to the regulation of adipogenesis, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we systematically analyzed the effects of rhein on adipogenesis at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Rhein remarkably suppresses adipogenesis in the stage-specific and dose-dependent manners. Rhein has been identified to inhibit fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) demethylase activity. Surprisingly, side-by-side comparison analysis revealed that the rhein treatment and Fto knockdown triggered the differential gene regulatory patterns, resulting in impaired adipocyte formation. Specifically, rhein treatment mildly altered the transcriptome with hundreds of genes dysregulated. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylome profile showed that, although the supply of rhein induced increased m6A levels on a small subset of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), few of them showed dramatic transcriptional response to this compound. Moreover, the specific rhein-responsive mRNAs, which are linked to mitotic pathway, are barely methylated or contain m6A peaks without dramatic response to rhein, suggesting separate regulation of global m6A pattern and adipogenesis mediated by rhein. Further identification of m6A-independent pathways revealed a positive regulator, receptor expressing-enhancing protein 3 (REEP3), in guidance of adipogenesis. Hence, this study provides the mechanistic view of the cellular actions of rhein in the modulation of adipogenesis and identifies a potential novel target for obesity therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyuan Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyun Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Mi
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiujie Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianheng Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Min Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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24
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Perry GS, Das M, Woon ECY. Inhibition of AlkB Nucleic Acid Demethylases: Promising New Epigenetic Targets. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16974-17003. [PMID: 34792334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The AlkB family of nucleic acid demethylases is currently of intense chemical, biological, and medical interest because of its critical roles in several key cellular processes, including epigenetic gene regulation, RNA metabolism, and DNA repair. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of AlkB demethylases may underlie the pathogenesis of several human diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Hence there is strong interest in developing selective inhibitors for these enzymes to facilitate their mechanistic and functional studies and to validate their therapeutic potential. Herein we review the remarkable advances made over the past 20 years in AlkB demethylase inhibition research. We discuss the rational design of reported inhibitors, their mode-of-binding, selectivity, cellular activity, and therapeutic opportunities. We further discuss unexplored structural elements of the AlkB subfamilies and propose potential strategies to enable subfamily selectivity. It is hoped that this perspective will inspire novel inhibitor design and advance drug discovery research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma S Perry
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Mohua Das
- Lab of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Esther C Y Woon
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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25
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Qu N, Bo X, Li B, Ma L, Wang F, Zheng Q, Xiao X, Huang F, Shi Y, Zhang X. Role of N6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Methylation Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:755206. [PMID: 34692544 PMCID: PMC8529104 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.755206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most common malignant tumor in terms of incidence and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Although great progress has been made in surgical techniques, hepatic artery chemoembolization, molecular targeting and immunotherapy, the prognosis of liver cancer patients remains very poor. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells and regulates various stages of the RNA life cycle. Many studies have reported that the abnormal expression of m6A-related regulators in HCC represent diagnostic and prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, firstly, we introduce the latest research on m6A-related regulators in detail. Next, we summarize the mechanism of each regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC. Finally, we summarize the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of the regulators currently reported in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanfang Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaotong Bo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qinghua Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xuhua Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Fengmei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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26
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Zhou LL, Xu H, Huang Y, Yang CG. Targeting the RNA demethylase FTO for cancer therapy. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1352-1369. [PMID: 34704042 PMCID: PMC8496078 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00075f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification on mRNA and represents a new layer of gene expression in eukaryotes. The field of m6A-encoded epitranscriptomics was rejuvenated with the discovery of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) as the first m6A demethylase responsible for RNA modification in cells. Increasing evidence has revealed that FTO is significantly involved in physiological processes, and its dysregulation is implicated in various human diseases. Considering this functional significance, developing small-molecule modulators of the FTO protein represents a novel direction for biology research. However, such modulators remain in the early stages of development. Here, our review mainly focuses on the progress of FTO inhibitor development to date. We summarize screening methods used to identify FTO modulators, techniques used to assess the biological effects of these modulators, strategies used to achieve selective inhibition of FTO rather than its homologues, and the results of investigations of FTO modulator modes of action and anticancer efficacy. Thus, this review aims to facilitate novel chemical entity discovery, probe FTO biology, and promote the validation of FTO as a clinical drug target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Hongjiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
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27
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Mizuno TM, Lew PS. Regulation of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) Expression by Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) in Mouse Hepatocyte Cells. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2021; 17:26-32. [PMID: 34539907 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2021.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Context Abnormally increased hepatic glucose production contributes to hyperglycemia in diabetes. Interventions that suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis should be beneficial in improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Objectives It has been suggested that hepatic FTO is involved in glycemic control by regulating gluconeogenesis. Both FTO and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) positively regulate the expression of gluconeogenic genes in the liver, suggesting the possibility that ATF4 mediates the stimulatory effect of FTO on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The present study aimed to determine the effect of altered expression or activity of FTO on Atf4 and gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatocyte cells. Methods Mouse hepatocyte AML12 cells were treated with the FTO inhibitor rhein or transfected with an FTO-expressing plasmid. Levels of gluconeogenic glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pc) and Atf4 mRNA and protein were measured. Results Rhein treatment significantly reduced G6pc mRNA levels as well as Atf4 mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, enhanced FTO expression caused an increase in G6pc and Atf4 mRNA levels. Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that hepatic FTO participates in the regulation of hepatic gluconeogenic gene and ATF4 expression. Reducing the activity of the hepatic FTO-ATF4 pathway may be beneficial in reducing hepatic glucose production and ameliorating hyperglycemia in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Mizuno
- University of Manitoba, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - P S Lew
- University of Manitoba, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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28
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Li GM, Chen JR, Zhang HQ, Cao XY, Sun C, Peng F, Yin YP, Lin Z, Yu L, Chen Y, Tang YL, Xie XF, Peng C. Update on Pharmacological Activities, Security, and Pharmacokinetics of Rhein. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:4582412. [PMID: 34457021 PMCID: PMC8387172 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4582412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rhein, belonging to anthraquinone compounds, is one of the main active components of rhubarb and Polygonum multiflorum. Rhein has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as cardiocerebral protective effect, hepatoprotective effect, nephroprotective effect, anti-inflammation effect, antitumor effect, antidiabetic effect, and others. The mechanism is interrelated and complex, referring to NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/MAPK, p53, mitochondrial-mediated signaling pathway, oxidative stress signaling pathway, and so on. However, to some extent, its clinical application is limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Even more, rhein has potential liver and kidney toxicity. Therefore, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of rhein and its mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and safety studies were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the development and application of rhein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Jun-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Hui-Qiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan-Peng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Ziwei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Yun-Li Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
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29
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Berdasco M, Esteller M. Towards a druggable epitranscriptome: Compounds that target RNA modifications in cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2868-2889. [PMID: 34185879 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics is an exciting emerging area that studies biochemical modifications of RNA. The field has been opened up by the technical efforts of the last decade to characterize and quantify RNA modifications, and this has led to a map of post-transcriptional RNA marks in normal cell fate and development. However, the scientific interest has been fuelled by the discovery of aberrant epitranscriptomes associated with human diseases, mainly cancer. The challenge is now to see whether epitrancriptomics offers mechanisms that can be effectively targeted by low MW compounds and are thus druggable. In this review, we will describe the principal RNA modifications (with a focus on mRNA), summarize the latest scientific evidence of their dysregulation in cancer and provide an overview of the state-of-the-art drug discovery to target the epitranscriptome. Finally, we will discuss the principal challenges in the field of chemical biology and drug development to increase the potential of targeted-RNA for clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Berdasco
- Epigenetic Therapies Group, Experimental and Clinical Hematology Program (PHEC), Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBCL), Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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30
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Garbo S, Zwergel C, Battistelli C. m6A RNA methylation and beyond - The epigenetic machinery and potential treatment options. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2559-2574. [PMID: 34126238 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
m6A is emerging as one of the most important RNA modifications because of its involvement in pathological and physiological events. Here, we provide an overview of this epitranscriptomic modification, beginning with a description of the molecular players involved and continuing with a focus on the role of m6A in the maintenance of stemness, induction of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor progression. Finally, we discuss the state of the art regarding the design and validation of inhibitors of m6A writers or erasers to provide a background for future investigations and for the development of specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Garbo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Oncohaematology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Battistelli
- Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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31
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Zhang Y, Wang C. Demethyltransferase AlkBH1 substrate diversity and relationship to human diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4747-4756. [PMID: 34046849 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AlkBH1 is a member of the AlkB superfamily which are kinds of Fe (II) and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenases. At present, only demethyltransferases FTO and AlkBH5 have relatively clear substrate studies among these members, the types and mechanisms of substrates catalysis of other members are not clear, especially the demethyltransferase AlkBH1. AlkBH1, as a demethylase, has important functions of reversing DNA methylation and repairing DNA damage. And it has become a promising target for the treatment of many cancers, the regulation of neurological and genetic related diseases. Many scholars have made important discoveries in the diversity of AlkBH1 substrates, but there is no comprehensive summary, which affects the design inhibitor target of AlkBH1. Herein, We are absorbed in the latest progress in the study of AlkBH1 substrate diversity and its relationship with human diseases. Besides, we also discuss future research directions and suggest other studies to reveal the specific catalytic effect of AlkBH1 on cancer substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
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32
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Li A, Liang C, Xu L, Wang Y, Liu W, Zhang K, Liu J, Shi J. Boosting 5-ALA-based photodynamic therapy by a liposomal nanomedicine through intracellular iron ion regulation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:1329-1340. [PMID: 34094837 PMCID: PMC8148057 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been approved for clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its negligible photosensitive toxicity. However, the curative effect of 5-ALA is restricted by intracellular biotransformation inactivation of 5-ALA and potential DNA repair of tumor cells. Inspired by the crucial function of iron ions in 5-ALA transformation and DNA repair, a liposomal nanomedicine (MFLs@5-ALA/DFO) with intracellular iron ion regulation property was developed for boosting the PDT of 5-ALA, which was prepared by co-encapsulating 5-ALA and DFO (deferoxamine, a special iron chelator) into the membrane fusion liposomes (MFLs). MFLs@5-ALA/DFO showed an improved pharmaceutical behavior and rapidly fused with tumor cell membrane for 5-ALA and DFO co-delivery. MFLs@5-ALA/DFO could efficiently reduce iron ion, thus blocking the biotransformation of photosensitive protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) to heme, realizing significant accumulation of photosensitivity. Meanwhile, the activity of DNA repair enzyme was also inhibited with the reduction of iron ion, resulting in the aggravated DNA damage in tumor cells. Our findings showed MFLs@5-ALA/DFO had potential to be applied for enhanced PDT of 5-ALA.
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Key Words
- 5-ALA, 5-aminolevulinic acid
- 5-Aminolevulinic acid
- ALKBH2
- Biotransformation interference
- CH, cholesterol
- CLs, custom liposomes
- Ce6, chlorine e6
- DFO, deferoxamine
- DNA repair inhibition
- DOPC, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
- DOPE, dioleoyl phosphatidy lethanolamine
- DPPC, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
- Drug delivery
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- H&E, hematoxylin and eosin
- Iron ion regulation
- LMPA, low melting point agarose
- MFLs, membrane fusion liposomes
- Membrane fusion liposomes
- NMPA, normal melting point agarose
- PDT, photodynamic therapy
- PS, photosensitizers
- Photodynamic therapy
- PpIX, protoporphyrin IX
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SM, sphingomyelin
- TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl trans-ferase dUTP nick end labeling
- calcein-AM/PI, calcein-AM/ propidiumiodide
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33
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Nigam R, Raveendra Babu K, Ghosh T, Kumari B, Das P, Anindya R, Ahmed Khan F. Synthesis of 2-Chloro-3-amino indenone derivatives and their evaluation as inhibitors of DNA dealkylation repair. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 97:1170-1184. [PMID: 33764683 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
DNA alkylation damage, emanating from the exposure to environmental alkylating agents or produced by certain endogenous metabolic processes, affects cell viability and genomic stability. Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase enzymes, such as Escherichia coli AlkB, are involved in protecting DNA from alkylation damage. Inspired by the natural product indenone derivatives reported to inhibit this class of enzymes, and a set of 2-chloro-3-amino indenone derivatives was synthesized and screened for their inhibitory properties against AlkB. The synthesis of 2-chloro-3-amino indenone derivatives was achieved from 2,3-dichloro indenones through addition-elimination method using alkyl/aryl amines under catalyst-free conditions. Using an in vitro reconstituted DNA repair assay, we have identified a 2-chloro-3-amino indenone compound 3o to be an inhibitor of AlkB. We have determined the binding affinity, mode of interaction, and kinetic parameters of inhibition of 3o and tested its ability to sensitize cells to methyl methanesulfonate that mainly produce DNA alkylation damage. This study established the potential of indenone-derived compounds as inhibitors of Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase AlkB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Nigam
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Kaki Raveendra Babu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Topi Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Bhavini Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Patna, India
| | - Prolay Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Patna, India
| | - Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Faiz Ahmed Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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Bayoumi M, Munir M. Structural Insights Into m6A-Erasers: A Step Toward Understanding Molecule Specificity and Potential Antiviral Targeting. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:587108. [PMID: 33511112 PMCID: PMC7835257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587108] [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: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular RNA can acquire a variety of chemical modifications during the cell cycle, and compelling pieces of evidence highlight the importance of these modifications in determining the metabolism of RNA and, subsequently, cell physiology. Among myriads of modifications, methylation at the N6-position of adenosine (m6A) is the most important and abundant internal modification in the messenger RNA. The m6A marks are installed by methyltransferase complex proteins (writers) in the majority of eukaryotes and dynamically reversed by demethylases such as FTO and ALKBH5 (erasers). The incorporated m6A marks on the RNA transcripts are recognized by m6A-binding proteins collectively called readers. Recent epigenetic studies have unequivocally highlighted the association of m6A demethylases with a range of biomedical aspects, including human diseases, cancers, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, the mechanisms of demethylation by m6A erasers represent a new frontier in the future basic research on RNA biology. In this review, we focused on recent advances describing various physiological, pathological, and viral regulatory roles of m6A erasers. Additionally, we aim to analyze structural insights into well-known m6A-demethylases in assessing their substrate binding-specificity, efficiency, and selectivity. Knowledge on cellular and viral RNA metabolism will shed light on m6A-specific recognition by demethylases and will provide foundations for the future development of efficacious therapeutic agents to various cancerous conditions and open new avenues for the development of antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Bayoumi
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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35
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Pan XY, Huang C, Li J. The emerging roles of m 6A modification in liver carcinogenesis. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:271-284. [PMID: 33390849 PMCID: PMC7757034 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.50003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The 'epitranscriptome', a collective term for chemical modifications that influence the structure, metabolism, and functions of RNA, has recently emerged as vitally important for the regulation of gene expression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mammalian mRNA internal modification, has been demonstrated to have a pivotal role in almost all vital bioprocesses, such as stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, heat shock or DNA damage response, tissue development, and maternal-to-zygotic transition. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is prevalent worldwide with high morbidity and mortality because of late diagnosis at an advanced stage and lack of effective treatment strategies. Epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation and histone modification have been demonstrated to be crucial for liver carcinogenesis. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of m6A in liver carcinogenesis are mostly unknown. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the m6A region and how these new findings remodel our understanding of m6A regulation of gene expression. We also describe the influence of m6A modification on liver carcinoma and lipid metabolism to instigate further investigations of the role of m6A in liver biological diseases and its potential application in the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yin Pan
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
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36
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Xue X, Qian C, Tao Q, Dai Y, Lv M, Dong J, Su Z, Qian Y, Zhao J, Liu HK, Guo Z. Using bio-orthogonally catalyzed lethality strategy to generate mitochondria-targeting anti-tumor metallodrugs in vitro and in vivo. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 8:nwaa286. [PMID: 34691728 PMCID: PMC8433091 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic lethality was proposed nearly a century ago by geneticists and recently applied to develop precision anti-cancer therapies. To exploit the synthetic lethality concept in the design of chemical anti-cancer agents, we developed a bio-orthogonally catalyzed lethality (BCL) strategy to generate targeting anti-tumor metallodrugs both in vitro and in vivo. Metallodrug Ru-rhein was generated from two non-toxic species Ru-N3 and rhein-alkyne via exclusive endogenous copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction without the need of an external copper catalyst. The non-toxic species Ru-arene complex Ru-N3 and rhein-alkyne were designed to perform this strategy, and the mitochondrial targeting product Ru-rhein was generated in high yield (>83%) and showed high anti-tumor efficacy in vitro. This BCL strategy achieved a remarkable tumor suppression effect on the tumor-bearing mice models. It is interesting that the combination of metal-arene complexes with rhein via CuAAC reaction could transform two non-toxic species into a targeting anti-cancer metallodrug both in vitro and in vivo, while the product Ru-rhein was non-toxic towards normal cells. This is the first example that exclusive endogenous copper was used to generate metal-based anti-cancer drugs for cancer treatment. The anti-cancer mechanism of Ru-rhein was studied and autophagy was induced by increased reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial damage. The generality of this BCL strategy was also studied and it could be extended to other metal complexes such as Os-arene and Ir-arene complexes. Compared with the traditional methods for cancer treatment, this work presented a new approach to generating targeting metallodrugs in vivo via the BCL strategy from non-toxic species in metal-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuling Xue
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenggen Qian
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qin Tao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanxin Dai
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengdi Lv
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingwen Dong
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhi Su
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yong Qian
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong-Ke Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zijian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Bai N, Gan Y, Li X, Gao S, Yu W, Wang R, Chang J. The role of chlorine atom on the binding between acrylonitrile derivatives and fat mass and obesity‐associated protein. J Mol Recognit 2020; 34:e2880. [DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Bai
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Ya Gan
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Xitong Li
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Shuting Gao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Wenquan Yu
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Ruiyong Wang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Junbiao Chang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
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38
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Xu R, Pang G, Zhao Q, Yang L, Chen S, Jiang L, Shen Y, Shao W. The momentous role of N6-methyladenosine in lung cancer. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3244-3256. [PMID: 33135190 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although diagnostic methods and targeted drugs have been rapidly developed in recent years, the underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of lung cancer remain enigmatic. The N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modification is the most common modification of messenger RNA in eukaryotes and plays critical roles in many diseases, especially cancers. Ectopic m6 A modification is associated with human carcinogenesis, including lung cancer. The m6 A modification is mediated by methyltransferases (writers) and demethylases (erasers) and indirectly affects biological processes through the recruitment of specific reader proteins (readers). Many studies have shown that m6 A writers, erasers, and readers serve as specific and sensitive biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. This review summarizes recent studies on the biological functions of the m6 A modification in lung cancer and discusses the potential application of m6 A regulators in lung cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyao Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gaozong Pang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shu Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Long Jiang
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxian Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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39
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Reversal of nucleobase methylation by dioxygenases. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:1160-1169. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-00675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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40
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Zhang L, Qiao Y, Huang J, Wan D, Zhou L, Lin S, Zheng S. Expression Pattern and Prognostic Value of Key Regulators for m6A RNA Modification in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:556. [PMID: 33072775 PMCID: PMC7534531 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent type of mRNA modification in mammals, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in various biological processes. Accumulating studies have indicated that the deregulation of m6A RNA modification is linked to cancer and other diseases. However, its implications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poorly characterized. Herein, we sought to investigate the expression pattern of 13 key regulators for m6A RNA modification and to evaluate their prognostic value in HCC. First, we systematically analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database pertaining to patient clinical information and mRNA gene expression data. We found that 11 out of 13 key regulators for m6A RNA modification showed significantly higher expression levels in HCC. Subsequently, we identified two subgroups (clusters 1 and 2) via consensus clustering based on the expression of 13 m6A RNA methylation regulators. Cluster 2 had a worse prognosis and was also significantly correlated with higher histological grade and pathological stage when compared with cluster 1. Moreover, cluster 2 was remarkedly enriched for cancer-related pathways. We further constructed a robust risk signature of five regulators for m6A RNA modification. Further analysis indicated that this risk signature could be an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and the prognostic relevance of this five-gene risk signature was successfully validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Finally, we established a novel prognostic nomogram on the basis of age, gender, histological grade, pathological stage, and risk score to precisely predict the prognosis of patients with HCC. In summary, we herein uncovered the vital role of regulators for m6A RNA modification in HCC and developed a risk signature as a promising prognostic marker in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiting Qiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dalong Wan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhang Lin
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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41
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Xiao MZ, Liu JM, Xian CL, Chen KY, Liu ZQ, Cheng YY. Therapeutic potential of ALKB homologs for cardiovascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110645. [PMID: 32942149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of human death. Recently, ALKB homologs, including ALKBH1-8 and FTO, have been found to have a variety of biological functions, such as histone demethylation, RNA demethylation, and DNA demethylation. These functions may regulate the physiological and pathological processes of CVDs, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial, endothelial, and fat metabolism dysfunction. In the present review, we summarize the biological functions of ALKB homologs and the relationship between the ALKB homologs and CVDs. Importantly, we discuss the roles of ALKB homologs in the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and DNA damage in CVDs, as well as the practical applications of ALKB homologs inhibitors or agonists in treating CVDs. In conclusion, the ALKBH family might be a promising target for CVDs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhu Xiao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Ming Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cui-Ling Xian
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Keng-Yu Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
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42
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Anthraquinone: a promising scaffold for the discovery and development of therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1037-1069. [PMID: 32349522 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled malignant neoplasm, is a leading cause of death in both advanced and emerging countries. Although, ample drugs are accessible in the market to intervene with tumor progression, none are totally effective and safe. Natural anthraquinone (AQ) equivalents such as emodin, aloe-emodin, alchemix and many synthetic analogs extend their antitumor activity on different targets including telomerase, topoisomerases, kinases, matrix metalloproteinases, DNA and different phases of cell lines. Nano drug delivery strategies are advanced tools which deliver drugs into tumor cells with minimum drug leakage to normal cells. This review delineates the way AQ derivatives are binding on these targets by abolishing tumor cells to produce anticancer activity and purview of nanoformulations related to AQ analogs.
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43
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Espinosa A, Paz-y-Miño-C G, Santos Y, Ma H, Nadeau M, Seeram NP, Rowley DC. Anti-amebic effects of Chinese rhubarb ( Rheum palmatum) leaves' extract, the anthraquinone rhein and related compounds. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03693. [PMID: 32258515 PMCID: PMC7118315 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infects 50 million people worldwide and causes 55 thousand fatalities every year. Current anti-amebic drugs (e.g. paromomycin) work either at the level of the intestinal lumen (where trophozoites proliferate via cell divisions) or on the invasive trophozoites that have penetrated the gut or colonized internal organs (e.g. metronidazole). Some of these drugs are highly toxic to patients, have generated trophozoite resistance, or caused mutations and cancer in laboratory animals. Thus, alternative anti-amebic compounds need to be identified to minimize the side effects (on patients) or resistance (by amebas) to current treatments. The literature suggests that anthraquinones (chemicals found in medicinal plants) have antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here we provide experimental evidence that Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) leaves' extract (rich in the anthraquinone rhein) inhibits E. histolytica trophozoite growth in vitro. In addition, from a set of ten isolated/synthetic anthraquinones (which we suspected to have anti-amebic properties), four analogs (rhein; AHHDAC = 1-amino-4-hydroxy-9, 10-dioxo-9, 10-dihydro-anthracene-2-carboxylic acid; unisol blue AS; and sennoside B) efficiently inhibited amebic growth at EIC50 concentrations comparable to metronidazole. The mechanism of action of these compounds still needs to be determined, although anthraquinones might enhance the production of toxic oxygen metabolites as it has been suggested for various protists (e.g. Leishmania, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma). Our research is the first to explore anti-amebic effects of Chinese rhubarb leaves' extract and isolated/synthetic anthraquinones on pathogenic Entamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avelina Espinosa
- Department of Biology, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
- New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C
- New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Yoly Santos
- Department of Biology, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Hang Ma
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Michael Nadeau
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Navindra P. Seeram
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - David C. Rowley
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
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44
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Chen M, Wong CM. The emerging roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) deregulation in liver carcinogenesis. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:44. [PMID: 32111216 PMCID: PMC7047367 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a common cancer worldwide. Although the etiological factors of liver carcinogenesis are well defined, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Epigenetic deregulations, such as aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a critical role in liver carcinogenesis. Analogous to DNA and core histone proteins, reversible chemical modifications on mRNA have recently been recognized as important regulatory mechanisms to control gene expression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in mammalian cells. m6A modification is important for controlling many cellular and biological processes. Deregulation of m6A modification has been recently implicated in human carcinogenesis, including liver cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on m6A regulation and its biological impacts in normal and cancer cells. We will focus on the deregulation of m6A modification and m6A regulators in liver diseases and liver cancers. We will highlight the clinical relevance of m6A deregulation in liver cancer. We will also discuss the potential of exploiting m6A modification for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Ming Wong
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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45
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Abstract
RNA plays essential roles in not only translating nucleic acids into proteins, but also in gene regulation, environmental interactions and many human diseases. Nature uses over 150 chemical modifications to decorate RNA and diversify its functions. With the fast-growing RNA research in the burgeoning field of 'epitranscriptome', a term describes post-transcriptional RNA modifications that can dynamically change the transcriptome, it becomes clear that these modifications participate in modulating gene expression and controlling the cell fate, thereby igniting the new interests in RNA-based drug discovery. The dynamics of these RNA chemical modifications is orchestrated by coordinated actions of an array of writer, reader and eraser proteins. Deregulated expression of these RNA modifying proteins can lead to many human diseases including cancer. In this review, we highlight several critical modifications, namely m6A, m1A, m5C, inosine and pseudouridine, in both coding and non-coding RNAs. In parallel, we present a few other cancer-related tRNA and rRNA modifications. We further discuss their roles in cancer promotion or tumour suppression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and turnover of these RNA modifications will be of great significance in the design and development of novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phensinee Haruehanroengra
- Department of Chemistry and the RNA Institute, College of Arts and Science, University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ya Ying Zheng
- Department of Chemistry and the RNA Institute, College of Arts and Science, University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany, NY, USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Sheng
- Department of Chemistry and the RNA Institute, College of Arts and Science, University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany, NY, USA
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46
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Xie LJ, Liu L, Cheng L. Selective Inhibitors of AlkB Family of Nucleic Acid Demethylases. Biochemistry 2019; 59:230-239. [PMID: 31603665 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The α-ketoglutarate-dependent (AlkB) superfamily of FeII/2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent dioxygenases consists of a unique class of nucleic acid repair enzymes that reversibly remove alkyl substituents from nucleobases through oxidative dealkylation. Recent studies have verified the involvement of AlkB dioxygenases in a variety of human diseases. However, the development of small organic molecules that can function as enzyme inhibitors to block the action of oxidative dealkylation is still in its infancy. These purposeful chemical motifs, if capable of influencing the dealkylation activity, would have a potential clinical value by controlling genetic information expression. In this Perspective, we will summarize some of the most updated inhibitors of AlkB family demethylases and hope to provide a thought for the follow-up screening optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Xie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences , Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences , Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences , Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
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Pilžys T, Marcinkowski M, Kukwa W, Garbicz D, Dylewska M, Ferenc K, Mieczkowski A, Kukwa A, Migacz E, Wołosz D, Mielecki D, Klungland A, Piwowarski J, Poznański J, Grzesiuk E. ALKBH overexpression in head and neck cancer: potential target for novel anticancer therapy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13249. [PMID: 31519943 PMCID: PMC6744417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49550-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The nine identified human homologues of E. coli AlkB 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) and Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenase, ALKBH1-8 and FTO, display different substrate specificities and diverse biological functions. Here we discovered the combined overexpression of members of the ALKBH family in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We found direct correlation of ALKBH3 and FTO expression with primary HNSCC tumor size. We observed unidentified thus far cytoplasmic localization of ALKBH2 and 5 in HNSCC, suggesting abnormal role(s) of ALKBH proteins in cancer. Further, high expression of ALKBHs was observed not only in HNSCC, but also in several cancerous cell lines and silencing ALKBH expression in HeLa cancer cells resulted in dramatically decreased survival. Considering the discovered impact of high expression of ALKBH proteins on HNSCC development, we screened for ALKBH blockers among newly synthetized anthraquinone derivatives and demonstrated their potential to support standard anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaš Pilžys
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Marcinkowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kukwa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Damian Garbicz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dylewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Ferenc
- Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Department of Large Animal Diseases with the Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mieczkowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kukwa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Migacz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Wołosz
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Damian Mielecki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Arne Klungland
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Piwowarski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Poznański
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Grzesiuk
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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48
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Cockova Z, Ujcikova H, Telensky P, Novotny J. Protein profiling of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: The effect of rhein. J Biosci 2019; 44:88. [PMID: 31502566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
4,5-Dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (Rhein) has been shown to have various physiological and pharmacological properties including anticancer activity and modulatory effects on bioenergetics. In this study, we explored the impact of rhein on protein profiling of undifferentiated (UC) and differentiated (DC) SH-SY5Y cells. Besides that, the cellular morphology and expression of differentiation markers were investigated to determine the effect of rhein on retinoic acidinduced neuronal cell differentiation. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry we evaluated the changes in the proteome of both UC and DC SH-SY5Y cells after 24 h treatment with rhein. Validation of selected differentially expressed proteins and the assessment of neuronal differentiation markers were performed by western blotting. Proteomic analysis revealed significant changes in the abundance of 15 proteins linked to specific cellular processes such as cytoskeleton structure and regulation, mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, protein synthesis and neuronal plasticity. We also observed that the addition of rhein to the cultured cells during differentiation resulted in a significantly reduced neurite outgrowth and decreased expression of neuronal markers. These results indicate that rhein may strongly interfere with the differentiation process of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and is capable of inducing marked proteomic changes in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Cockova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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49
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Jin X, Wang R, Xie L, Kong D, Liu L, Cheng L. A Chemical Photo‐Oxidation of 5‐Methyl Cytidines. Adv Synth Catal 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/adsc.201900811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Yang Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 People's Republic of China
| | - Rui‐Li Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
| | - Li‐Jun Xie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 People's Republic of China
| | - De‐Long Kong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 People's Republic of China
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50
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Cockova Z, Ujcikova H, Telensky P, Novotny J. Protein profiling of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: The effect of rhein. J Biosci 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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