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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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2
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Xu J, Liu X, Sun Y, Zhang D, Zhou H, Fan T. Bioinspired Photonic Microchip with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Single Recognition of c-Myc Protein in Predictive Medical Diagnostics. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203227. [PMID: 37037193 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of trace c-Myc protein as the biomarker of ubiquitous cancers is critical in achieving predictive medical diagnostics. However, qualitative and quantitative detection of c-Myc protein with superior single selectivity and sensitivity is still challenging. Herein, a bioinspired photonic sensing microchip for single recognition of c-Myc protein is outlined with two synergistic aspects involving chemical and physical design criteria. Chemical design uses specific molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with exquisite complementarity in its chemical functions and spatial geometries to targeted c-Myc protein, leading to excellent sensitivity and selectivity for single identification. Physical design involves optical geometrical double-reflection polarization rotation and multilayer interference of the fabricated periodic photonic architecture inspired by Papilio palinurus butterfly wings to enhance the spectral diversity of reflectance. Therefore, a one-of-a-kind sensing platform integrates the advantages of MIP and bioinspired photonic structure is demonstrated to actualize distinctive signal conversion and amplification for qualitative and quantitative detection of trace c-Myc protein, accompanied with superior sensitivity (detection limit is 0.014 µg mL-1 ), selectivity, stability, anti-interference ability as well as rapid response/recovery time. This sensor microchip uniquely ventures into the territory of functionally combining bioinspired photonic structure with MIP absorbers, proven promising for prevention or diagnosis of cancers in medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianghui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Han Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Future Materials Innovation Center, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tongxiang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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3
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Computational insights into the differentiated binding affinities of Myc, Max, and Omomyc dimers to the E-boxes of DNA. J Mol Model 2022; 28:329. [PMID: 36149511 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Myc is a bHLHZip protein involved in growth control and cancer, which does not form a homodimer. Myc operates in a network with its heterodimerization partner Max, the latter of which can form homodimer and heterodimer. Omomyc, a polypeptide, can block Myc to treat cancers because it can both homodimerize as efficiently as Max and heterodimerize with both Myc and Max. However, the binding efficiencies to DNA for the mentioned two homodimers (Omomyc-Omomyc and Max-Max) and three heterodimers (Myc-Max, Omomyc-Myc, and Omomyc-Max) are still controversial. By molecular dynamics simulations and MM/GBSA free energy calculation, we ranked the binding affinities of five dimers to DNA and analyzed the contribution of single amino acids to the molecular recognition of dimers to DNA. Our simulation showed that the Omomyc-Omomyc dimer exhibited the highest binding energy to DNA, followed by the Omomyc-Myc, Max-Max, Omomyc-Max, and Myc-Max dimers. Moreover, five Arg residues (i.e., 7, 8, 15, 17, and 18 numbered by Omomyc) and five Lys residues (i.e., 6, 22, 40, 43, and 48 numbered by Omomyc) dominated the binding of various dimers to DNA while the residues Asp23 and Asp37 weakened the affinities via repulsive interaction. Our simulation would provide worthy information for further development of the structure-based design of novel Omomyc-like peptide inhibitors against Myc in the future.
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4
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Comparison of Selected Non-Coding RNAs and Gene Expression Profiles between Common Osteosarcoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184533. [PMID: 36139691 PMCID: PMC9496707 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184533] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumour affecting mainly children and elderly people. Despite significant advances in cancer medicine, osteosarcoma patients’ survival is not improving. The primary treatment methods are established using in vitro models that rely upon the application of well-established cell lines, including U-2 OS, Saos-2 and MG-63. The molecular phenotype of these cell lines is still not fully outlined. Therefore, our study aimed to establish the expression profile of molecular markers related to osteosarcoma survival, progression and metastasis. Non-bone-related cells were used as a reference, i.e. HeLa cell line and human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs). Evaluated osteosarcoma cell lines showed characteristic phenotypes with unique patterns related to upregulation of MMP-7, MMP-14, BMP-7, miR-21-5p, miR-124-3p and downregulation of lncRNA MEG3. Our findings may facilitate the selection of the most reliable cellular model for pre-clinical investigations focused on developing new and satisfying methods of osteosarcoma therapy. Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is a bone tumour affecting adolescents and elderly people. Unfortunately, basic treatment methods are still underdeveloped, which has a high impact on the poor survivability of the patients. Studies designed to understand the underlying mechanisms of osteosarcoma development, as well as preclinical investigations aimed at establishing novel therapeutic strategies, rely significantly upon in vitro models, which apply well-established cell lines such as U-2 OS, Saos-2 and MG-63. In this study, the expression of chosen markers associated with tumour progression, metastasis and survival were identified using RT-qPCR. Levels of several onco-miRs (miR-21-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-223-3p and miR-320a-3p) and long non-coding RNA MEG3 were established. The mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), including BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, as well as their receptors: BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB and BMPR-II was also determined. Other tested markers included metalloproteinases, i.e., MMP-7 and MMP-14 and survivin (BIRC5), C-MYC, as well as CYCLIN D (CCND1). The analysis included comparing obtained profiles with transcript levels established for the osteogenic HeLa cell line and human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs). The tested OS cell lines were characterised by a cancer-related phenotype, such as increased expression of mRNA for BMP-7, as well as MMP-7 and MMP-14. Osteosarcoma cells differ considerably in miR-21-5p and miR-124-3p levels, which can be related to uncontrolled tumour growth. The comprehensive examination of osteosarcoma transcriptome profiles may facilitate the selection of appropriate cell models for preclinical investigations aimed at the development of new strategies for OS treatment.
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Pang Y, Bai G, Zhao J, Wei X, Li R, Li J, Hu S, Peng L, Liu P, Mao H. The BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 suppresses tumor growth by reducing c-Myc expression in endometrial cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:336. [PMID: 35902869 PMCID: PMC9331486 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries. Efficacy of the bromodomain 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 has been reported for the treatment of various human cancers, but its potential impact on EC remains unclear. We therefore aimed to elucidate the function of BRD4 and the effects of JQ1 in EC in vivo and in vitro. Methods The mRNA expression of BRD4 was evaluated using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). BRD4 protein expression in EC tissues was measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The effects of JQ1 on EC were determined by using MTT and colony formation assays, flow cytometry and xenograft mouse models. The underlying mechanism was also examined by western blot and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Results BRD4 was overexpressed in EC tissues, and the level of BRD4 expression was strongly related to poor prognosis. The BRD4-specific inhibitor JQ1 suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation and triggered cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and changes in the expression of proteins in related signaling pathways. Moreover, JQ1 decreased the protein expression of BRD4 and c-Myc, and knockdown of BRD4 or c-Myc reduced the viability of EC cells. Intraperitoneal administration of JQ1 (50 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the tumorigenicity of EC cells in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that BRD4 is a potential marker of EC and that the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of EC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03545-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Gaigai Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shunxue Hu
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peishu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Hongluan Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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6
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Gao J, Wang Y, Li K, Zhang J, Geng X. Comparative analysis of compound NSC13728 as Omomyc homodimer stabilizer by molecular dynamics simulation and MM/GBSA free energy calculation. J Mol Model 2022; 28:92. [PMID: 35294626 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Myc is a master transcriptional regulator that controls almost all cellular processes, whose function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner Max. Stabilization of Max homodimer by small molecules (such as compound NSC13728) has proven an effective way to reduce the availability of Myc-Max dimer. Omomyc, a peptide inhibitor of Myc, is able to form Omomyc homodimer, which can competitively inhibit the binding of Myc-Max to the E-box of DNA. Considering the high amino acid sequence homology between Omomyc and Max, we put forward the hypothesis that Max-Max stabilizers could stabilize the Omomyc homodimer. Hence, through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) free energy calculation, we discovered that the stability of Omomyc-Omomyc is remarkably higher than that of Max-Max. Moreover, after adding the compound NSC13728 into the well-defined "Site 3," the binding affinity between two Omomyc monomers can be further increased. Compound NSC13728 has stronger binding interaction to Omomyc-Omomyc than to Max-Max. "Site 3" of Omomyc is more hydrophobic than that of Max, which enlightens us that the more potent Omomyc-Omomyc stabilizers may be hydrophobic in structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China.
| | - Yinchuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Kaihang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Xiaoju Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
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7
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Abstract
The multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), initially discovered from bone marrow in 1976, have been identified in nearly all tissues of human body now. The multipotency of MSCs allows them to give rise to osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and other lineages. Moreover, armed with the immunomodulation capacity and tumor-homing property, MSCs are of special relevance for cell-based therapies in the treatment of cancer. However, hampered by lack of knowledge about the controversial roles that MSC plays in the crosstalk with tumors, limited progress has been made with regard to translational medicine. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the prospects of MSC-associated anticancer strategies in light of therapeutic mechanisms and signal transduction pathways. In addition, the clinical trials designed to appraise the efficacy and safety of MSC-based anticancer therapies will be assessed according to published data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxia Lan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Ahmadi SE, Rahimi S, Zarandi B, Chegeni R, Safa M. MYC: a multipurpose oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic implications in blood malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:121. [PMID: 34372899 PMCID: PMC8351444 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC oncogene is a transcription factor with a wide array of functions affecting cellular activities such as cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and hematopoiesis. Due to the multi-functionality of MYC, its expression is regulated at multiple levels. Deregulation of this oncogene can give rise to a variety of cancers. In this review, MYC regulation and the mechanisms by which MYC adjusts cellular functions and its implication in hematologic malignancies are summarized. Further, we also discuss potential inhibitors of MYC that could be beneficial for treating hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Zarandi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, College of Health and Human Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Zhao R, Liu Y, Wu C, Li M, Wei Y, Niu W, Yang J, Fan S, Xie Y, Li H, Wang W, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Li X, Li G, Zhou M. BRD7 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth Through Stabilization of c-Myc in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:659392. [PMID: 34109174 PMCID: PMC8181413 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.659392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD7 functions as a crucial tumor suppressor in numerous malignancies. However, the effects of BRD7 on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression are still unknown. Here, based on the BRD7 knockout (BRD7-/-) and BRD7 flox/flox (BRD7+/+) mouse models constructed in our previous work, we established an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced mouse model. BRD7+/+ mice were found to be highly susceptible to AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC, and BRD7 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle G1/S transition but showed no significant effect on cell apoptosis. Furthermore, BRD7 interacted with c-Myc and stabilized c-Myc by inhibiting its ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation. Moreover, restoring the expression of c-Myc in BRD7-silenced CRC cells restored cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BRD7 and c-Myc were both significantly upregulated in CRC patients, and high expression of these proteins was associated with clinical stage and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Collectively, BRD7 functions as an oncogene and promotes CRC progression by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent stabilization of c-Myc protein. Targeting the BRD7/c-Myc axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yukun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chunchun Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengna Li
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanmei Wei
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihong Niu
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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10
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Wang G, Li Q, Li C, Duan G, Sang H, Dong H, Yang Y, Ma C, Tao T. Knockdown of PNO1 inhibits esophageal cancer progression. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:85. [PMID: 33864661 PMCID: PMC8025143 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8036] [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: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the role of partner of NOB1 homolog (PNO1) in esophageal cancer (EC). The expression levels of PNO1 in EC were primarily analyzed using data obtained from databases. PNO1 expression was also knocked down in EC cells (Eca-109 and TE1) to determine the biological effects of PNO1 on tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, possible downstream targets of PNO1 in EC were identified. The expression levels of PNO1 were upregulated in the tumor tissues compared with that noted in normal tissues. Moreover, the knockdown (KD) of PNO1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, the protein expression levels of AKT1, Twist, Myc, mTOR, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and β-catenin 1 (CTNNB1) were downregulated following the KD of PNO1 in Eca-109 cells (P<0.05). In addition, the overexpression of CTNNB1 reversed the effects of PNO1 KD in Eca-109 cells (P<0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that PNO1 promotes EC progression by regulating AKT1, Twist, Myc, mTOR, MMP2, NF-κB p65 and CTNNB1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowen Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Qicai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Chuankui Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Guixin Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Haiwei Sang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Haijun Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Chang Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
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Abstract
Knowledge of the role of HOX proteins in cancer has been steadily accumulating in the last 25 years. They are encoded by 39 HOX genes arranged in 4 distinct clusters, and have unique and redundant function in all types of cancers. Many HOX genes behave as oncogenic transcriptional factors regulating multiple pathways that are critical to malignant progression in a variety of tumors. Some HOX proteins have dual roles that are tumor-site specific, displaying both oncogenic and tumor suppressor function. The focus of this review is on how HOX proteins contribute to growth or suppression of metastasis. The review will cover HOX protein function in the critical aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in cancer stem cell sustenance and in therapy resistance, manifested as distant metastasis. The emerging role of adiposity in both initiation and progression of metastasis is described. Defining the role of HOX genes in the metastatic process has identified candidates for targeted cancer therapies that may combat the metastatic process. We will discuss potential therapeutic opportunities, particularly in pathways influenced by HOX proteins.
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Du J, Zhang G, Qiu H, Yu H, Yuan W. A novel positive feedback loop of linc02042 and c-Myc mediated by YBX1 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:75. [PMID: 32161513 PMCID: PMC7060651 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of endogenous RNA with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, which is emerging as a pivotal player in cancer development and progression. However, the functional roles of many members in this class remain largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we explored the biological relevance of linc02042 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS qRT-PCR was used to detect the levels of linc02042 and c-Myc. Western blot was used to assess protein expression level. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were employed to test ESCC cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. The mice study including xenograft tumor and lung metastasis models was used to determine the role of linc02042 in vivo. RNA pull-down, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were employed to test the relationship between linc02042, YBX1 and c-Myc. RESULTS Linc02042 was found to be markedly upregulated in ESCC cell lines, tissues and plasma, and was closely correlated with malignant clinical features. Knockdown of linc02042 significantly inhibited ESCC cell viability and invasion in vitro as well as tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo, whereas overexpression of linc02042 resulted in the opposite results. Mechanistically, linc02042 acted as a scaffold for YBX-1 binding to the 3'-UTR of c-Myc mRNA, leading to enhanced c-Myc mRNA stability, thereby facilitating ESCC growth and metastasis. Moreover, in turn, c-Myc was able to transcriptionally elevate linc02042 by directly binding to the E-box motif proximal to the transcription start site (TSS) of linc02042 promoter. Clinically, linc02042 was identified as an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ESCC patients, and its expression was strongly positively correlated with c-Myc expression in ESCC tissues. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that linc02042 plays an important tumor-promoting role in ESCC, which lays a foundation for considering it as a potential target for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Du
- Department of Minimally invasive surgery, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 1 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangzhao Zhang
- Department of Minimally invasive surgery, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 1 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongli Qiu
- Department of Minimally invasive surgery, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 1 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- Department of Minimally invasive surgery, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 1 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wuying Yuan
- Department of Minimally invasive surgery, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, No. 1 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450000 People’s Republic of China
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McDonald JT, Stainforth R, Miller J, Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Rathi KS, Hardiman G, Taylor D, Costes SV, Chauhan V, Meller R, Beheshti A. NASA GeneLab Platform Utilized for Biological Response to Space Radiation in Animal Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E381. [PMID: 32045996 PMCID: PMC7072278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is one of the major risk factors that will impact the health of astronauts on extended missions outside the protective effects of the Earth's magnetic field. The NASA GeneLab project has detailed information on radiation exposure using animal models with curated dosimetry information for spaceflight experiments. Methods: We analyzed multiple GeneLab omics datasets associated with both ground-based and spaceflight radiation studies that included in vivo and in vitro approaches. A range of ions from protons to iron particles with doses from 0.1 to 1.0 Gy for ground studies, as well as samples flown in low Earth orbit (LEO) with total doses of 1.0 mGy to 30 mGy, were utilized. Results: From this analysis, we were able to identify distinct biological signatures associating specific ions with specific biological responses due to radiation exposure in space. For example, we discovered changes in mitochondrial function, ribosomal assembly, and immune pathways as a function of dose. Conclusions: We provided a summary of how the GeneLab's rich database of omics experiments with animal models can be used to generate novel hypotheses to better understand human health risks from GCR exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Stainforth
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Komal S. Rathi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Deanne Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Vinita Chauhan
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Robert Meller
- Department of Neurobiology and Pharmacology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA;
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
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Transcription Factors That Govern Development and Disease: An Achilles Heel in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100794. [PMID: 31614829 PMCID: PMC6826716 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Development requires the careful orchestration of several biological events in order to create any structure and, eventually, to build an entire organism. On the other hand, the fate transformation of terminally differentiated cells is a consequence of erroneous development, and ultimately leads to cancer. In this review, we elaborate how development and cancer share several biological processes, including molecular controls. Transcription factors (TF) are at the helm of both these processes, among many others, and are evolutionarily conserved, ranging from yeast to humans. Here, we discuss four families of TFs that play a pivotal role and have been studied extensively in both embryonic development and cancer—high mobility group box (HMG), GATA, paired box (PAX) and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) in the context of their role in development, cancer, and their conservation across several species. Finally, we review TFs as possible therapeutic targets for cancer and reflect on the importance of natural resistance against cancer in certain organisms, yielding knowledge regarding TF function and cancer biology.
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