1
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Qiao XP, Wang XT, Wang S, Mu HX, Wang QS, Chen SW. Discovery of indole-2-one derivatives as BRD4 (BD1) selective inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 106:117752. [PMID: 38749341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) is a member of the BET family, and its overexpression is closely associated with the development of many tumors. Inhibition of BRD4 shows great therapeutic potential in anti-tumor, and pan-BRD4 inhibitors show adverse effects of dose limiting toxicity and thrombocytopenia in clinical trials. To improve clinical effects and reduce side effects, more efforts have focused on seeking selective inhibitors of BD1 or BD2. Herein, a series of indole-2-one derivatives were designed and synthesized through docking-guided optimization to find BRD4-BD1 selective inhibitors, and their BRD4 inhibitory and antiproliferation activities were evaluated. Among them, compound 21r had potent BRD4 inhibitory activity (the IC50 values of 41 nM and 313 nM in BD1 and BD2 domain), excellent anti-proliferation (the IC50 values of 4.64 ± 0.30 µM, 0.78 ± 0.03 µM, 5.57 ± 1.03 µM against HL-60, MV-4-11 and HT-29 cells), and displayed low toxicity against normal cell GES-1 cells. Further studies revealed that 21r inhibited proliferation by decreasing the expression of proto-oncogene c-Myc, blocking cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and inducing apoptosis in MV-4-11 cells in a dose-dependent manner. All the results showed that compound 21r was a potent BRD4 inhibitor with BD1 selectivity, which had potential in treatment of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Peng Qiao
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xue-Ting Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hong-Xia Mu
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shi-Wu Chen
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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2
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Wang J, Yang W, Zhao L, Wei B, Chen J. Binding Mechanism of Inhibitors to BRD4 and BRD9 Decoded by Multiple Independent Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Deep Learning. Molecules 2024; 29:1857. [PMID: 38675678 PMCID: PMC11054187 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081857] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain 4 and 9 (BRD4 and BRD9) have been regarded as important targets of drug designs in regard to the treatment of multiple diseases. In our current study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, deep learning (DL) and binding free energy calculations are integrated to probe the binding modes of three inhibitors (H1B, JQ1 and TVU) to BRD4 and BRD9. The MD trajectory-based DL successfully identify significant functional function domains, such as BC-loop and ZA-loop. The information from the post-processing analysis of MD simulations indicates that inhibitor binding highly influences the structural flexibility and dynamic behavior of BRD4 and BRD9. The results of the MM-GBSA calculations not only suggest that the binding ability of H1B, JQ1 and TVU to BRD9 are stronger than to BRD4, but they also verify that van der Walls interactions are the primary forces responsible for inhibitor binding. The hot spots of BRD4 and BRD9 revealed by residue-based free energy estimation provide target sites of drug design in regard to BRD4 and BRD9. This work is anticipated to provide useful theoretical aids for the development of selective inhibitors over BRD family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Wanchun Yang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Benzheng Wei
- Center for Medical Artificial Intelligence, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao 266112, China
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
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3
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Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
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4
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. Oncogene 2024; 43:729-743. [PMID: 38243078 PMCID: PMC11157427 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Rizvi S, Chhabra A, Tripathi A, Tyagi RK. Mitotic genome-bookmarking by nuclear hormone receptors: A novel dimension in epigenetic reprogramming and disease assessment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112069. [PMID: 37730146 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Arrival of multi-colored fluorescent proteins and advances in live cell imaging has immensely contributed to our understanding of intracellular trafficking of nuclear receptors and their roles in gene regulatory functions. These regulatory events need to be faithfully propagated from progenitor to progeny cells. This is corroborated by multiple converging mechanisms that include histone modifications and lately, the phenomenon of 'mitotic genome-bookmarking' by specific transcription factors. This phenomenon refers to the retention and feed-forward transmission of progenitor's architectural blueprint of active transcription status which is silenced and preserved during mitosis. Upon mitotic exit, this phenomenon ensures accurate reactivation of transcriptome, proteome, cellular traits and phenotypes in the progeny cells. In addition to diverse modes of genome-bookmarking by nuclear receptors, a correlation between disease-associated receptor polymorphism and disruption of this phenomenon is apparent. However, breakthrough technologies shall reveal finer details of this phenomenon to help achieve normalcy in receptor-specific diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Rizvi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ayushi Chhabra
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anjali Tripathi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rakesh K Tyagi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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6
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Rani AQ, Bonam SR, Zhou J, Li J, Hu H, Liu X. BRD4 as a potential target for human papillomaviruses associated cancer. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29294. [PMID: 38100650 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Around 99% of cervical cancer and 5%-10% of human cancer are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Notably, the life-cycle of HPV begins by low-level infection of the basal cells of the stratified epithelium, where the viral genomes are replicated and passed on to the daughter proliferating basal cells. The production of new viral particles remains restricted to eventually differentiated cells. HPVs support their persistent infectious cycle by hijacking pivotal pathways and cellular processes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the essential cellular factors involved in multiple stages of viral transcription and replication. In this review, we demonstrate the role of BRD4 in the multiple stages of HPV infectious cycle. Also, we provide an overview of the intense research about the cellular functions of BRD4, the mechanism of action of bromodomain and extra terminal inhibitors, and how it could lead to the development of antiviral/anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Qawee Rani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jenny Li
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Departments of Pathology, Urology and Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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7
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Sun J, Gui Y, Zhou S, Zheng XL. Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00329-6. [PMID: 37956861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.006] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Sun
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
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8
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Harris RJ, Heer M, Levasseur MD, Cartwright TN, Weston B, Mitchell JL, Coxhead JM, Gaughan L, Prendergast L, Rico D, Higgins JMG. Release of Histone H3K4-reading transcription factors from chromosomes in mitosis is independent of adjacent H3 phosphorylation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7243. [PMID: 37945563 PMCID: PMC10636195 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications influence the recruitment of reader proteins to chromosomes to regulate events including transcription and cell division. The idea of a histone code, where combinations of modifications specify unique downstream functions, is widely accepted and can be demonstrated in vitro. For example, on synthetic peptides, phosphorylation of Histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph) prevents the binding of reader proteins that recognize trimethylation of the adjacent lysine-4 (H3K4me3), including the TAF3 component of TFIID. To study these combinatorial effects in cells, we analyzed the genome-wide distribution of H3T3ph and H3K4me2/3 during mitosis. We find that H3T3ph anti-correlates with adjacent H3K4me2/3 in cells, and that the PHD domain of TAF3 can bind H3K4me2/3 in isolated mitotic chromatin despite the presence of H3T3ph. Unlike in vitro, H3K4 readers are still displaced from chromosomes in mitosis in Haspin-depleted cells lacking H3T3ph. H3T3ph is therefore unlikely to be responsible for transcriptional downregulation during cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Harris
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Maninder Heer
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Mark D Levasseur
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Tyrell N Cartwright
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Bethany Weston
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Jennifer L Mitchell
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Jonathan M Coxhead
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Lisa Prendergast
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK
| | - Daniel Rico
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), CSIC-Universidad Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Jonathan M G Higgins
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1HH, UK.
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9
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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10
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Wahi A, Manchanda N, Jain P, Jadhav HR. Targeting the epigenetic reader "BET" as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106833. [PMID: 37683545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106833] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins have the ability to bind to acetylated lysine residues present in both histones and non-histone proteins. This binding is facilitated by the presence of tandem bromodomains. The regulatory role of BET proteins extends to chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease progression. The BET family comprises of BRD 2, 3, 4 and BRDT. The BET proteins are a class of epigenetic readers that regulate the transcriptional activity of a multitude of genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, targeting BET proteins has been identified as a potentially efficacious approach for the treatment of cancer. BET inhibitors (BETis) are known to interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin, thereby leading to the suppression of transcription of several genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Here in this review, we focus on role of Bromodomain and extra C-terminal (BET) proteins in cancer progression. Furthermore, numerous small-molecule inhibitors with pan-BET activity have been documented, with certain compounds currently undergoing clinical assessment. However, it is apparent that the clinical effectiveness of the present BET inhibitors is restricted, prompting the exploration of novel technologies to enhance their clinical outcomes and mitigate undesired adverse effects. Thus, strategies like development of selective BET-BD1, & BD2 inhibitors, dual and acting BET are also presented in this review and attempts to cover the chemistry needed for proper establishment of designed molecules into BRD have been made. Moreover, the review attempts to summarize the details of research till date and proposes a space for future development of BET inhibitor with diminished side effects. It can be concluded that discovery of isoform selective BET inhibitors can be a way forward in order to develop BET inhibitors with negligible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Wahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Namish Manchanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Hemant R Jadhav
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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11
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Patnaik E, Madu C, Lu Y. Epigenetic Modulators as Therapeutic Agents in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14964. [PMID: 37834411 PMCID: PMC10573652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics play a crucial role in gene regulation and cellular processes. Most importantly, its dysregulation can contribute to the development of tumors. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are reversible processes that can be utilized as targets for therapeutic intervention. DNA methylation inhibitors disrupt DNA methylation patterns by inhibiting DNA methyltransferases. Such inhibitors can restore normal gene expression patterns, and they can be effective against various forms of cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors increase histone acetylation levels, leading to altered gene expressions. Like DNA methylation inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors target molecules involved in histone methylation. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors target proteins involved in gene expression. They can be effective by inhibiting oncogene expression and inducing anti-proliferative effects seen in cancer. Understanding epigenetic modifications and utilizing epigenetic inhibitors will offer new possibilities for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Chikezie Madu
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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12
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Kotekar A, Singh AK, Devaiah BN. BRD4 and MYC: power couple in transcription and disease. FEBS J 2023; 290:4820-4842. [PMID: 35866356 PMCID: PMC9867786 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogene and BRD4, a BET family protein, are two cardinal proteins that have a broad influence in cell biology and disease. Both proteins are expressed ubiquitously in mammalian cells and play central roles in controlling growth, development, stress responses and metabolic function. As chromatin and transcriptional regulators, they play a critical role in regulating the expression of a burgeoning array of genes, maintaining chromatin architecture and genome stability. Consequently, impairment of their function or regulation leads to many diseases, with cancer being the most predominant. Interestingly, accumulating evidence indicates that regulation of the expression and functions of MYC are tightly intertwined with BRD4 at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Here, we review the mechanisms by which MYC and BRD4 are regulated, their functions in governing various molecular mechanisms and the consequences of their dysregulation that lead to disease. We present a perspective of how the regulatory mechanisms for the two proteins could be entwined at multiple points in a BRD4-MYC nexus that leads to the modulation of their functions and disease upon dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kotekar
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Sheikh MA, Alawathugoda TT, Vyas G, Emerald BS, Ansari SA. O-GlcNAc transferase promotes glioblastoma by modulating genes responsible for cell survival, invasion, and inflammation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105235. [PMID: 37689115 PMCID: PMC10570119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as one of the key hallmarks of cancer cells. Various metabolic pathways are dysregulated in cancers, including the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Protein O-GlcNAcylation is catalyzed by the enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), an effector of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway that is found to be upregulated in most cancers. Posttranslational O-GlcNAcylation of various signaling and transcriptional regulators could promote cancer cell maintenance and progression by regulating gene expression, as gene-specific transcription factors and chromatin regulators are among the most highly O-GlcNAcylated proteins. Here, we investigated the role of OGT in glioblastoma. We demonstrate that OGT knockdown and chemical inhibition led to reduced glioblastoma cell proliferation and downregulation of many genes known to play key roles in glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We show that genes downregulated due to OGT reduction are also known to be transcriptionally regulated by transcriptional initiation/elongation cofactor BRD4. We found BRD4 to be O-GlcNAcylated in glioblastoma cells; however, OGT knockdown/inhibition neither changed its expression nor its chromatin association on promoters. Intriguingly, we observed OGT knockdown led to reduced Pol II-Ser2P chromatin association on target genes without affecting other transcription initiation/elongation factors. Finally, we found that chemical inhibition of BRD4 potentiated the effects of OGT inhibition in reducing glioblastoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. We propose BRD4 and OGT act independently in the transcriptional regulation of a common set of genes and that combined inhibition of OGT and BRD4 could be utilized therapeutically for more efficient glioblastoma cell targeting than targeting of either protein alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abid Sheikh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thilina T Alawathugoda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Garima Vyas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi (PMRIAD), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suraiya A Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi (PMRIAD), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Wu T, Hou H, Dey A, Bachu M, Chen X, Wisniewski J, Kudoh F, Chen C, Chauhan S, Xiao H, Pan R, Ozato K. BRD4 directs mitotic cell division by inhibiting DNA damage. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.02.547436. [PMID: 37546888 PMCID: PMC10401944 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.02.547436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BRD4 binds to acetylated histones to regulate transcription and drive cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of BRD4 in normal cell growth remains to be elucidated. Here we investigated the question by using mouse embryonic fibroblasts with conditional Brd4 knockout (KO). We found that Brd4KO cells grow more slowly than wild type cells: they do not complete replication, fail to achieve mitosis, and exhibit extensive DNA damage throughout all cell cycle stages. BRD4 was required for expression of more than 450 cell cycle genes including genes encoding core histones and centromere/kinetochore proteins that are critical for genome replication and chromosomal segregation. Moreover, we show that many genes controlling R-loop formation and DNA damage response (DDR) require BRD4 for expression. Finally, BRD4 constitutively occupied genes controlling R-loop, DDR and cell cycle progression. We suggest that BRD4 epigenetically marks those genes and serves as a master regulator of normal cell growth.
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Vilca S, Wahlestedt C, Izenwasser S, Gainetdinov RR, Pardo M. Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats Display Epigenetic Alterations in Response to Cocaine Exposure. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1107. [PMID: 37509143 PMCID: PMC10377455 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: There is an urgent need for effective treatments for cocaine use disorder (CUD), and new pharmacological approaches targeting epigenetic mechanisms appear to be promising options for the treatment of this disease. Dopamine Transporter (DAT) transgenic rats recently have been proposed as a new animal model for studying susceptibility to CUD. (2) Methods: DAT transgenic rats were treated chronically with cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 8 days, and the expression of epigenetic modulators, Lysine Demethylase 6B (KDM6B) and Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), was examined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). (3) Results: We show that only full knockout (KO) of DAT impacts basal levels of KDM6B in females. Additionally, cocaine altered the expression of both epigenetic markers in a sex- and genotype-dependent manner. In response to chronic cocaine, KDM6B expression was decreased in male rats with partial DAT mutation (HET), while no changes were observed in wild-type (WT) or KO rats. Indeed, while HET male rats have reduced KDM6B and BRD4 expression, HET female rats showed increased KDM6B and BRD4 expression levels, highlighting the impact of sex on epigenetic mechanisms in response to cocaine. Finally, both male and female KO rats showed increased expression of BRD4, but only KO females exhibited significantly increased KDM6B expression in response to cocaine. Additionally, the magnitude of these effects was bigger in females when compared to males for both epigenetic enzymes. (4) Conclusions: This preliminary study provides additional support that targeting KDM6B and/or BRD4 may potentially be therapeutic in treating addiction-related behaviors in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Vilca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sari Izenwasser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7-9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marta Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546707. [PMID: 37425776 PMCID: PMC10327161 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Current Affiliation: Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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Singh AK, Chen Q, Nguyen C, Meerzaman D, Singer DS. Cohesin regulates alternative splicing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade3876. [PMID: 36857449 PMCID: PMC9977177 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade3876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cohesin, a trimeric complex that establishes sister chromatid cohesion, has additional roles in chromatin organization and transcription. We report that among those roles is the regulation of alternative splicing through direct interactions and in situ colocalization with splicing factors. Degradation of cohesin results in marked changes in splicing, independent of its effects on transcription. Introduction of a single cohesin point mutation in embryonic stem cells alters splicing patterns, demonstrating causality. In primary human acute myeloid leukemia, mutations in cohesin are highly correlated with distinct patterns of alternative splicing. Cohesin also directly interacts with BRD4, another splicing regulator, to generate a pattern of splicing that is distinct from either factor alone, documenting their functional interaction. These findings identify a role for cohesin in regulating alternative splicing in both normal and leukemic cells and provide insights into the role of cohesin mutations in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K. Singh
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qingrong Chen
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cu Nguyen
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dinah S. Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Dawson MA, Borthakur G, Huntly BJ, Karadimitris A, Alegre A, Chaidos A, Vogl DT, Pollyea DA, Davies FE, Morgan GJ, Glass JL, Kamdar M, Mateos MV, Tovar N, Yeh P, Delgado RG, Basheer F, Marando L, Gallipoli P, Wyce A, Krishnatry AS, Barbash O, Bakirtzi E, Ferron-Brady G, Karpinich NO, McCabe MT, Foley SW, Horner T, Dhar A, Kremer BE, Dickinson M. A Phase I/II Open-Label Study of Molibresib for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:711-722. [PMID: 36350312 PMCID: PMC9932578 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Molibresib is a selective, small molecule inhibitor of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein family. This was an open-label, two-part, Phase I/II study investigating molibresib monotherapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies (NCT01943851). PATIENTS AND METHODS Part 1 (dose escalation) determined the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of molibresib in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), or multiple myeloma. Part 2 (dose expansion) investigated the safety and efficacy of molibresib at the RP2D in patients with relapsed/refractory myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; as well as AML evolved from antecedent MDS) or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The primary endpoint in Part 1 was safety and the primary endpoint in Part 2 was objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS There were 111 patients enrolled (87 in Part 1, 24 in Part 2). Molibresib RP2Ds of 75 mg daily (for MDS) and 60 mg daily (for CTCL) were selected. Most common Grade 3+ adverse events included thrombocytopenia (37%), anemia (15%), and febrile neutropenia (15%). Six patients achieved complete responses [3 in Part 1 (2 AML, 1 NHL), 3 in Part 2 (MDS)], and 7 patients achieved partial responses [6 in Part 1 (4 AML, 2 NHL), 1 in Part 2 (MDS)]. The ORRs for Part 1, Part 2, and the total study population were 10% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.8-18.7], 25% (95% CI, 7.3-52.4), and 13% (95% CI, 6.9-20.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS While antitumor activity was observed with molibresib, use was limited by gastrointestinal and thrombocytopenia toxicities. Investigations of molibresib as part of combination regimens may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Dawson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Anastasios Karadimitris
- Hugh and Josseline Langmuir Centre for Myeloma Research, Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London and Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Alegre
- Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aristeidis Chaidos
- Hugh and Josseline Langmuir Centre for Myeloma Research, Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London and Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dan T. Vogl
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Faith E. Davies
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Gareth J. Morgan
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jacob L. Glass
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Manali Kamdar
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Natalia Tovar
- Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Yeh
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Dickinson
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Eischer N, Arnold M, Mayer A. Emerging roles of BET proteins in transcription and co-transcriptional RNA processing. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1734. [PMID: 35491403 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) gives rise to all nuclear protein-coding and a large set of non-coding RNAs, and is strictly regulated and coordinated with RNA processing. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins including BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 have been implicated in the regulation of Pol II transcription in mammalian cells. However, only recent technological advances have allowed the analysis of direct functions of individual BET proteins with high precision in cells. These studies shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of transcription control by BET proteins challenging previous longstanding views. The most studied BET protein, BRD4, emerges as a master regulator of transcription elongation with roles also in coupling nascent transcription with RNA processing. In contrast, BRD2 is globally required for the formation of transcriptional boundaries to restrict enhancer activity to nearby genes. Although these recent findings suggest non-redundant functions of BRD4 and BRD2 in Pol II transcription, more research is needed for further clarification. Little is known about the roles of BRD3. Here, we illuminate experimental work that has initially linked BET proteins to Pol II transcription in mammalian cells, outline main methodological breakthroughs that have strongly advanced the understanding of BET protein functions, and discuss emerging roles of individual BET proteins in transcription and transcription-coupled RNA processing. Finally, we propose an updated model for the function of BRD4 in transcription and co-transcriptional RNA maturation. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > 3' End Processing RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Eischer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirjam Arnold
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
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Shen W, Zhang Y, Shi M, Ye B, Yin M, Li P, Shi S, Jin Y, Zhang Z, Zhang MQ, Chen Y, Zhao Z. Profiling and characterization of constitutive chromatin-enriched RNAs. iScience 2022; 25:105349. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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24
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Tao Y, Remillard D, Vinogradova EV, Yokoyama M, Banchenko S, Schwefel D, Melillo B, Schreiber SL, Zhang X, Cravatt BF. Targeted Protein Degradation by Electrophilic PROTACs that Stereoselectively and Site-Specifically Engage DCAF1. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:18688-18699. [PMID: 36170674 PMCID: PMC10347610 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation induced by heterobifunctional compounds and molecular glues presents an exciting avenue for chemical probe and drug discovery. To date, small-molecule ligands have been discovered for only a limited number of E3 ligases, which is an important limiting factor for realizing the full potential of targeted protein degradation. We report herein the discovery by chemical proteomics of azetidine acrylamides that stereoselectively and site-specifically react with a cysteine (C1113) in the E3 ligase substrate receptor DCAF1. We demonstrate that the azetidine acrylamide ligands for DCAF1 can be developed into electrophilic proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that mediated targeted protein degradation in human cells. We show that this process is stereoselective and does not occur in cells expressing a C1113A mutant of DCAF1. Mechanistic studies indicate that only low fractional engagement of DCAF1 is required to support protein degradation by electrophilic PROTACs. These findings, taken together, demonstrate how the chemical proteomic analysis of stereochemically defined electrophilic compound sets can uncover ligandable sites on E3 ligases that support targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Tao
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
| | - David Remillard
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
| | - Ekaterina V. Vinogradova
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
- Current address: Laboratory of Chemical Immunology and Proteomics, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065
| | - Minoru Yokoyama
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
| | - Sofia Banchenko
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Schwefel
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, 02142, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuart L. Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, 02142, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, 02138, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
- Current address: Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 60208, USA
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92307
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NUT Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents: The Expert European Standard Clinical Practice Harmonized Recommendations. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 45:165-173. [PMID: 36219702 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor mainly occurring in adolescents and young adults, defined by the presence of a somatic NUTM1 rearrangement. The aim is to establish internationally harmonized consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents and young adults with NC in the framework of the European Reference Network for Paediatric Oncology. METHODS The European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors developed recommendations according to the Consensus Conference Standard Operating procedure methodology and reviewed by external "experts." No evidence of level I to II exists. Recommendations were developed based on published prospective (level III), but more frequently retrospective series (level IV), case reports (level V), and personal expertise (level V). In addition, "strength" of recommendations were categorized by grading (grade A to E). RESULTS Histology is mandatory for the diagnosis of NC, including immunolabeling with anti-NUT antibodies and molecular biology (NUTM1 rearrangement) (level V; grade A). Treatment of NC usually combines aggressive approaches in multimodal regimens. Chemotherapy should be considered as first-line treatment (neoadjuvant vincristine-adriamycin-ifosfamide/cisplatin-adriamycin-ifsofamide or vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide-etoposide) for unresectable or metastatic tumor (ie, 3 courses), rapidly followed by local treatment (level IV; grade B). Referral to a specialized surgical oncology center is highly recommended (level V; grade A). In localized NC, a complete microscopic surgical resection should be attempted whenever and as soon as possible, followed by primary irradiation (60 to 70 Gy) and involved lymph nodes area (level IV; grade B). For head and neck tumors, a systematic neck dissection might be considered, even if N0 (level V; grade C). Adjuvant postirradiation chemotherapy is recommended, for a total of 9 to 12 courses (level IV; grade B). For first-line resected tumors, concomitant adjuvant chemotherapy to radiotherapy may be discussed (level IV; grade B). Targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic regimens should be delivered in the setting of prospective trials (level V; grade B). CONCLUSIONS This project leads to a consensus strategy based on international experience with this very rare disease.
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Abstract
Virtually all cell types have the same DNA, yet each type exhibits its own cell-specific pattern of gene expression. During the brief period of mitosis, the chromosomes exhibit changes in protein composition and modifications, a marked condensation, and a consequent reduction in transcription. Yet as cells exit mitosis, they reactivate their cell-specific programs with high fidelity. Initially, the field focused on the subset of transcription factors that are selectively retained in, and hence bookmark, chromatin in mitosis. However, recent studies show that many transcription factors can be retained in mitotic chromatin and that, surprisingly, such retention can be due to nonspecific chromatin binding. Here, we review the latest studies focusing on low-level transcription via promoters, rather than enhancers, as contributing to mitotic memory, as well as new insights into chromosome structure dynamics, histone modifications, cell cycle signaling, and nuclear envelope proteins that together ensure the fidelity of gene expression through a round of mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ito
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
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27
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Zhang M, Lin X, Yang Z, Li X, Zhou Z, Love PE, Huang J, Zhao B. Metabolic regulation of T cell development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:946119. [PMID: 35958585 PMCID: PMC9357944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.946119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus is tightly controlled by complex regulatory mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. Currently, many studies have focused on the transcriptional and posttranslational control of the intrathymic journey of T-cell precursors. However, over the last few years, compelling evidence has highlighted cell metabolism as a critical regulator in this process. Different thymocyte subsets are directed by distinct metabolic pathways and signaling networks to match the specific functional requirements of the stage. Here, we epitomize these metabolic alterations during the development of a T cell and review several recent works that provide insights into equilibrating metabolic quiescence and activation programs. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between cellular metabolism and T cell developmental programs may offer an opportunity to selectively regulate T cell subset functions and to provide potential novel therapeutic approaches to modulate autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Paul E. Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; ; Jiaqi Huang, ;;
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Gui Y, Dai Y, Wang Y, Li S, Xiang L, Tang Y, Tan X, Pei T, Bao X, Wang D. Taohong Siwu Decoction exerts anticancer effects on breast cancer via regulating MYC, BIRC5, EGF and PIK3R1 revealed by HTS2 technology. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3461-3472. [PMID: 35860405 PMCID: PMC9278046 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSD), a classical gynecological prescription that was firstly reported 600 years ago, has been widely used in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer (BRCA) in China. However, the mechanism of action of TSD in treating BRCA has remained unclear. Here, high-throughput sequencing-based high-throughput screening (HTS2) technology was used to reveal the molecular mechanism of TSD, combination with bioinformatics and systems pharmacology in this study. Firstly, our results showed that TSD exerts an anticancer effect on BRCA cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and inducing apoptosis as well as cell-cycle arrest. And our results from HTS2 suggested that herbs of TSD could significantly inhibit KRAS pathway and pathway in cancer, and activate apoptosis pathway, p53 pathway and hypoxia pathway, which may lead to the anticancer function of TSD. Further, we found that TSD clearly regulates MYC, BIRC5, EGF, and PIK3R1 genes, which play an important role in the development and progression of tumor and have significant correlation with overall survival in BRCA patients. By molecular docking, we discovered that Pentagalloylglucose, a compound derived from TSD, might directly bind to and inhibit the function of BRD4, which is a reported transcriptional activator of MYC gene, and thus repress the expression of MYC. Taken together, this study explores the mechanism of TSD in anti-BRCA by combining HTS2 technology, bioinformatics analysis and systems pharmacology.
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Wang Y, Wu Y, Jiang J, Zhang Y, Fu Y, Zheng M, Tao X, Yi J, Mu D, Cao X. The prognostic significance of bromodomain protein 4 expression in solid tumor patients: A meta-analysis. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 234:153918. [PMID: 35561521 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. At present, several inhibitors of bromodomain protein 4 have shown promising anti-tumor responses in clinical trials. Numerous studies have reported the value of bromodomain protein 4 expression in predicting the prognosis of patients with cancers, but their conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between bromodomain protein 4 and patient prognosis with the aim to provide new directions for the development of strategies for targeted cancer therapy. METHODS The meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/; Registration No. CRD42020184948) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed Central, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were thoroughly searched to identify eligible studies published through March 31, 2021. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between bromodomain protein 4 expression and clinicopathological features. We computed pooled estimated hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals using Stata 12.0 software to clarify the relationship between bromodomain protein 4 expression and overall survival of various cancers. A quality assessment of the eligible articles was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS A total of 974 patients from 10 studies were enrolled in the meta-analysis. Our results revealed that compared to low bromodomain protein 4 expression, high bromodomain protein 4 expression in cancer tissues was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (Odds ratio = 3.59, 95% confidence interval: 2.62-4.91), distant metastasis (Odds ratio = 4.22, 95% confidence interval: 2.40-7.45), advanced TNM stage (III+IV vs. I+II: Odds ratio = 3.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-8.08), and poorly differentiated tumors (Odds ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-2.63). In addition, an elevated expression of bromodomain protein 4 tended to shorten survival time (Hazard ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.62-3.07). The subgroup analysis results showed that bromodomain protein 4 upregulation was related to poor prognosis in patients with digestive system cancers (Hazard ratio = 2.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.85-3.50). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis indicated that bromodomain protein 4 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for cancers and a direct effective cancer treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqi Wang
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Jing Jiang
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Yangyu Zhang
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Yingli Fu
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Min Zheng
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Xuerong Tao
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Jiaxin Yi
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Dongmei Mu
- Division of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Xueyuan Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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Ali HA, Li Y, Bilal AHM, Qin T, Yuan Z, Zhao W. A Comprehensive Review of BET Protein Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathological Roles. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:818891. [PMID: 35401196 PMCID: PMC8990909 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.818891] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, specifically acetylation of histone plays a decisive role in gene regulation and transcription of normal cellular mechanisms and pathological conditions. The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT), being epigenetic readers, ligate to acetylated regions of histone and synchronize gene transcription. BET proteins are crucial for normal cellular processing as they control cell cycle progression, neurogenesis, differentiation, and maturation of erythroids and spermatogenesis, etc. Research-based evidence indicated that BET proteins (mainly BRD4) are associated with numeral pathological ailments, including cancer, inflammation, infections, renal diseases, and cardiac diseases. To counter the BET protein-related pathological conditions, there are some BET inhibitors developed and also under development. BET proteins are a topic of most research nowadays. This review, provides an ephemeral but comprehensive knowledge about BET proteins’ basic structure, biochemistry, physiological roles, and pathological conditions in which the role of BETs have been proven. This review also highlights the current and future approaches to pledge BET protein-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Akbar Ali
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Akram Hafiz Muhammad Bilal
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Qin
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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31
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Lemelle L, Moya-Plana A, Dumont B, Fresneau B, Laprie A, Claude L, Deneuve S, Cordero C, Pierron G, Couloigner V, Bernard S, Cardoen L, Brisse HJ, Jehanno N, Metayer L, Fréneaux P, Helfre S, Kolb F, Thariat J, Réguerre Y, Orbach D. NUT carcinoma in children, adolescents and young adults. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:491-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gousias K, Theocharous T, Simon M. Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030564. [PMID: 35327366 PMCID: PMC8945784 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells of glioblastoma, the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor, are characterized by their rapid growth and infiltration of adjacent healthy brain parenchyma, which reflects their aggressive biological behavior. In order to maintain their excessive proliferation and invasion, glioblastomas exploit the innate biological capacities of the patients suffering from this tumor. The pathways involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis are the mechanisms most commonly affected. The following work reviews the regulatory pathways of cell growth in general as well as the dysregulated cell cycle and apoptosis relevant mechanisms observed in glioblastomas. We then describe the molecular targeting of the current established adjuvant therapy and present ongoing trials or completed studies on specific promising therapeutic agents that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Gousias
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Marien Academic Hospital Lünen, KLW St. Paulus Corporation, 44534 Luenen, Germany;
- Medical School, Westfälische Wilhelms University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-2306-773151
| | - Theocharis Theocharous
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Marien Academic Hospital Lünen, KLW St. Paulus Corporation, 44534 Luenen, Germany;
| | - Matthias Simon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bethel Clinic, University of Bielefeld Medical School, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
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Chen L, Liu Z, Li X. Recent Advances in Dual BRD4-Kinase Inhibitors Base on Polypharmacology. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100731. [PMID: 35146935 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100731] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic reader BRD4 is involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation, making it a promising therapeutic target. However, during the past decades, the results of many BRD4 inhibitors that have entered clinical trials were, in the main, unsatisfactory, due to some therapeutic limitations such as off-target effects and drug resistance. Combining a BRD4 inhibitor with another drug was expected to be an ideal option to overcome these "bottlenecks" and achieve improved therapeutic outcomes. However, combination therapy might trigger toxicity caused by drug-drug interaction, complex pharmacokinetic and additive effects. Recently, the application of dual-target drugs targeting BRD4 and other kinases has emerged to be an attractive approach to remedy defects of a single BRD4 inhibitor. Herein, this review focuses on recent advances in the discovery of dual BRD4-kinase inhibitors, with emphasis on their co-crystal structures and structure-activity relationships (SARs), as well as perspective prospects in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine, Medicinal chemistry, West Wenhua Road 44, 250012, Jinnan, CHINA
| | - Zhaopeng Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong Un, No.44 WhenHua XiLu, 250012, Jinan, CHINA
| | - Xun Li
- Shandong First Medical University, Institute of Materia Medica, CHINA
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Dreval K, Lake RJ, Fan HY. Analyzing the Interaction of RBPJ with Mitotic Chromatin and Its Impact on Transcription Reactivation upon Mitotic Exit. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2472:95-108. [PMID: 35674895 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2201-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sequence-specific transcription factor RBPJ, also known as CSL (CBF1, Su(H), Lag1), is an evolutionarily conserved protein that mediates Notch signaling to guide cell fates. When cells enter mitosis, DNA is condensed and most transcription factors dissociate from chromatin; however, a few, select transcription factors, termed bookmarking factors, remain associated. These mitotic chromatin-bound factors are believed to play important roles in maintaining cell fates through cell division. RBPJ is one such factor that remains mitotic chromatin associated and therefore could function as a bookmarking factor. Here, we describe how to obtain highly purified mitotic cells from the mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line F9, perform chromatin immunoprecipitation with mitotic cells, and measure the first run of RNA synthesis upon mitotic exit. These methods serve as basis to understand the roles of mitotic bookmarking by RBPJ in propagating Notch signals through cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostiantyn Dreval
- The Program in Cellular and Molecular Oncology, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Robert J Lake
- The Program in Cellular and Molecular Oncology, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Hua-Ying Fan
- The Program in Cellular and Molecular Oncology, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Cao C, Lan X, Shang B, Jiang W, Guo L, Zheng S, Bi X, Zhou A, Sun Z, Shou J. Phenotypical screening on metastatic PRCC-TFE3 fusion translocation renal cell carcinoma organoids reveals potential therapeutic agents. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1333-1346. [PMID: 35118587 PMCID: PMC9192364 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is a subtype that occurs predominantly in children and young individuals. Metastatic tRCC occurring in young patients is more aggressive than that occurring in older patients, and there are still no effective therapies. Organoids can mimic original tissues and be assessed by high-throughput screening (HTS). We aimed to utilize patient-derived organoids and HTS to screen drugs that can be repurposed for metastatic tRCC with PRCC-TFE3 fusion. METHODS Tumor tissues were obtained from treatment-naïve metastatic tRCC patients who underwent surgery. Histopathology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the tRCC. Organoids derived from the dissected tissues were cultured and verified by FISH and RNA-seq. HTS was performed to seek promising drugs, and potential mechanisms were explored by RNA-seq and cell-based studies. RESULTS We successfully established a metastatic tRCC organoid with PRCC-TFE3 fusion, a common fusion subtype, and its characteristics were verified by histopathology, FISH, and RNA-seq. An HTS assay was developed, and the robustness was confirmed. A compound library of 1816 drugs was screened. Eventually, axitinib, crizotinib, and JQ-1 were selected for further validation and were found to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA-seq analyses of posttreatment organoids indicated that crizotinib induced significant changes in autophagy-related genes, consistent with the potential pathogenesis of tRCC. CONCLUSIONS We established and validated organoids derived from tissues dissected from a patient with metastatic tRCC with PRCC-TFE3 fusion and achieved the HTS process for the first time. Crizotinib might be a targeted therapy worthy of exploration in the clinic for metastatic tRCC with PRCC-TFE3 fusion. Such organoid and HTS assays may represent a promising model system in translational research assisting in the development of clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanzhen Cao
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Lan
- K2 Oncology Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100176, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingqing Shang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixing Jiang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingang Bi
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijian Sun
- K2 Oncology Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100176, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianzhong Shou
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Panjiayuan Nanli 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou K, Zhuang S, Liu F, Chen Y, Li Y, Wang S, Li Y, Wen H, Lin X, Wang J, Huang Y, He C, Xu N, Li Z, Xu L, Zhang Z, Chen LF, Chen R, Liu M. Disrupting the Cdk9/Cyclin T1 heterodimer of 7SK snRNP for the Brd4 and AFF1/4 guided reconstitution of active P-TEFb. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:750-762. [PMID: 34935961 PMCID: PMC8789079 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
P-TEFb modulates RNA polymerase II elongation through alternative interaction with negative and positive regulation factors. While inactive P-TEFbs are mainly sequestered in the 7SK snRNP complex in a chromatin-free state, most of its active forms are in complex with its recruitment factors, Brd4 and SEC, in a chromatin-associated state. Thus, switching from inactive 7SK snRNP to active P-TEFb (Brd4/P-TEFb or SEC/P-TEFb) is essential for global gene expression. Although it has been shown that cellular signaling stimulates the disruption of 7SK snRNP, releasing dephosphorylated and catalytically inactive P-TEFb, little is known about how the inactive released P-TEFb is reactivated. Here, we show that the Cdk9/CycT1 heterodimer released from 7SK snRNP is completely dissociated into monomers in response to stress. Brd4 or SEC then recruits monomerized Cdk9 and CycT1 to reassemble the core P-TEFb. Meanwhile, the binding of monomeric dephosphorylated Cdk9 to either Brd4 or SEC induces the autophosphorylation of T186 of Cdk9. Finally, the same mechanism is employed during nocodazole released entry into early G1 phase of cell cycle. Therefore, our studies demonstrate a novel mechanism by which Cdk9 and CycT1 monomers are reassembled on chromatin to form active P-TEFb by its interaction with Brd4 or SEC to regulate transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Songkuan Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Fulong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Yanheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - You Li
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Shihui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Huixin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Cailing He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Nan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Zongshu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Lang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Lin-Feng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ruichuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
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Drumond-Bock AL, Bieniasz M. The role of distinct BRD4 isoforms and their contribution to high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma pathogenesis. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:145. [PMID: 34758842 PMCID: PMC8579545 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive type of ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Molecularly, HGSOC shows high degree of genomic instability associated with large number of genetic alterations. BRD4 is the 4th most amplified gene in HGSOC, which correlates with poor patients' prognosis. BRD4 is constitutively expressed and generates two proteins, BRD4 long (BRD4-L) and BRD4 short (BRD4-S). Both isoforms contain bromodomains that bind to lysine-acetylated histones. Amongst other functions, BRD4 participates in chromatin organization, acetylation of histones, transcriptional control and DNA damage repair. In cancer patients with amplified BRD4, the increased activity of BRD4 is associated with higher expression of oncogenes, such as MYC, NOTCH3 and NRG1. BRD4-driven oncogenes promote increased tumor cells proliferation, genetic instability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis and chemoresistance. Ablation of BRD4 activity can be successfully achieved with bromodomain inhibitors (BETi) and degraders, and it has been applied in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Inhibition of BRD4 function has an effective anti-cancer effect, reducing tumor growth whether ablated by single agents or in combination with other drugs. When combined with standard chemotherapy, BETi are capable of sensitizing highly resistant ovarian cancer cell lines to platinum drugs. Despite the evidence that BRD4 amplification in ovarian cancer contributes to poor patient prognosis, little is known about the specific mechanisms by which BRD4 drives tumor progression. In addition, newly emerging data revealed that BRD4 isoforms exhibit contradicting functions in cancer. Therefore, it is paramount to expand studies elucidating distinct roles of BRD4-L and BRD4-S in HGSOC, which has important implications on development of therapeutic approaches targeting BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luiza Drumond-Bock
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
| | - Magdalena Bieniasz
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
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Oncogenic Truncations of ASXL1 Enhance a Motif for BRD4 ET-Domain Binding. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167242. [PMID: 34536441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167242] [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: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Proper regulation of gene-expression relies on specific protein-protein interactions between a myriad of epigenetic regulators. As such, mutation of genes encoding epigenetic regulators often drive cancer and developmental disorders. Additional sex combs-like protein 1 (ASXL1) is a key example, where mutations frequently drive haematological cancers and can cause developmental disorders. It has been reported that nonsense mutations in ASXL1 promote an interaction with BRD4, another central epigenetic regulator. Here we provide a molecular mechanism for the BRD4-ASXL1 interaction, demonstrating that a motif near to common truncation breakpoints of ASXL1 contains an epitope that binds the ET domain within BRD4. Binding-studies show that this interaction is analogous to common ET-binding modes of BRD4-interactors, and that all three ASX-like protein orthologs (ASXL1-3) contain a functional ET domain-binding epitope. Crucially, we observe that BRD4-ASXL1 binding is markedly increased in the prevalent ASXL1Y591X truncation that maintains the BRD4-binding epitope, relative to full-length ASXL1 or truncated proteins that delete the epitope. Together, these results show that ASXL1 truncation enhances BRD4 recruitment to transcriptional complexes via its ET domain, which could misdirect regulatory activity of either BRD4 or ASXL1 and may inform potential therapeutic interventions.
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Cousin S, Blay JY, Garcia IB, de Bono JS, Le Tourneau C, Moreno V, Trigo J, Hann CL, Azad AA, Im SA, Cassier PA, French CA, Italiano A, Keedy VL, Plummer R, Sablin MP, Hemming ML, Ferron-Brady G, Wyce A, Khaled A, Datta A, Foley SW, McCabe MT, Wu Y, Horner T, Kremer BE, Dhar A, O'Dwyer PJ, Shapiro GI, Piha-Paul SA. Safety, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and clinical activity of molibresib for the treatment of nuclear protein of the testis carcinoma and other cancers: Results of a Phase I/II open-label, dose escalation study. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:993-1006. [PMID: 34724226 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Molibresib is an orally bioavailable, selective, small molecule BET protein inhibitor. Results from a first time in human study in solid tumors resulted in the selection of a 75 mg once daily dose of the besylate formulation of molibresib as the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Here we present the results of Part 2 of our study, investigating safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity of molibresib at the RP2D for nuclear protein in testis carcinoma (NC), small cell lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), triple-negative breast cancer, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The primary safety endpoints were incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs; the primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate. Secondary endpoints included plasma concentrations and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Molibresib 75 mg once daily demonstrated no unexpected toxicities. The most common treatment-related AEs (any grade) were thrombocytopenia (64%), nausea (43%) and decreased appetite (37%); 83% of patients required dose interruptions and 29% required dose reductions due to AEs. Antitumor activity was observed in NC and CRPC (one confirmed partial response each, with observed reductions in tumor size), although predefined clinically meaningful response rates were not met for any tumor type. Total active moiety median plasma concentrations after single and repeated administration were similar across tumor cohorts. GSEA revealed that gene expression changes with molibresib varied by patient, response status and tumor type. Investigations into combinatorial approaches that use BET inhibition to eliminate resistance to other targeted therapies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Cousin
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Irene Braña Garcia
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institut of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Johann S de Bono
- The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), INSERM U900 Research Unit, Institut Curie, Paris-Saclay University, Paris and Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Victor Moreno
- Medical Oncology, START Madrid-FJD, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Trigo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria y Regional, IBIMA, Málaga, Spain
| | - Christine L Hann
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arun A Azad
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria, Australia
| | - Seock-Ah Im
- Seoul National University Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Christopher A French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Early Phase Trials and Sarcoma Units, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vicki L Keedy
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ruth Plummer
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marie-Paule Sablin
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), INSERM U900 Research Unit, Institut Curie, Paris-Saclay University, Paris and Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Matthew L Hemming
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuehui Wu
- GSK, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter J O'Dwyer
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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40
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Liang Y, Tian J, Wu T. BRD4 in physiology and pathology: ''BET'' on its partners. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100180. [PMID: 34697817 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4), a member of Bromo and Extra-Terminal (BET) family, recognizes acetylated histones and is of importance in transcription, replication, and DNA repair. It also binds non-histone proteins, DNA and RNA, contributing to development, tissue growth, and various physiological processes. Additionally, BRD4 has been implicated in driving diverse diseases, ranging from cancer, viral infection, inflammation to neurological disorders. Inhibiting its functions with BET inhibitors (BETis) suppresses the progression of several types of cancer, creating an impetus for translating these chemicals to the clinic. The diverse roles of BRD4 are largely dependent on its interaction partners in different contexts. In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms of BRD4 with its interacting partners in physiology and pathology. Current development of BETis is also summarized. Further understanding the functions of BRD4 and its partners will facilitate resolving the liabilities of present BETis and accelerate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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41
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BET Proteins as Attractive Targets for Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011102. [PMID: 34681760 PMCID: PMC8538173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer and can be an essential driver of cancer initiation and progression. Loss of transcriptional control can cause cancer cells to become dependent on certain regulators of gene expression. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. BET inhibitors (BETis) disrupt BET protein binding to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin and suppress the transcription of various genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Phase I and II clinical trials demonstrated BETis’ potential as anticancer drugs against solid tumours and haematological malignancies; however, their clinical success was limited as monotherapies. Emerging treatment-associated toxicities, drug resistance and a lack of predictive biomarkers limited BETis’ clinical progress. The preclinical evaluation demonstrated that BETis synergised with different classes of compounds, including DNA repair inhibitors, thus supporting further clinical development of BETis. The combination of BET and PARP inhibitors triggered synthetic lethality in cells with proficient homologous recombination. Mechanistic studies revealed that BETis targeted multiple essential homologous recombination pathway proteins, including RAD51, BRCA1 and CtIP. The exact mechanism of BETis’ anticancer action remains poorly understood; nevertheless, these agents provide a novel approach to epigenome and transcriptome anticancer therapy.
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42
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Perea-Resa C, Wattendorf L, Marzouk S, Blower MD. Cohesin: behind dynamic genome topology and gene expression reprogramming. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:760-773. [PMID: 33766521 PMCID: PMC8364472 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Beyond its originally discovered role tethering replicated sister chromatids, cohesin has emerged as a master regulator of gene expression. Recent advances in chromatin topology resolution and single-cell studies have revealed that cohesin has a pivotal role regulating highly dynamic chromatin interactions linked to transcription control. The dynamic association of cohesin with chromatin and its capacity to perform loop extrusion contribute to the heterogeneity of chromatin contacts. Additionally, different cohesin subcomplexes, with specific properties and regulation, control gene expression across the cell cycle and during developmental cell commitment. Here, we discuss the most recent literature in the field to highlight the role of cohesin in gene expression regulation during transcriptional shifts and its relationship with human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Perea-Resa
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren Wattendorf
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sammer Marzouk
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D Blower
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Laurin CMC, Bluck JP, Chan AKN, Keller M, Boczek A, Scorah AR, See KFL, Jennings LE, Hewings DS, Woodhouse F, Reynolds JK, Schiedel M, Humphreys PG, Biggin PC, Conway SJ. Fragment-Based Identification of Ligands for Bromodomain-Containing Factor 3 of Trypanosoma cruzi. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2238-2249. [PMID: 33203208 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) parasite is the cause of Chagas disease, a neglected disease endemic in South America. The life cycle of the T. cruzi parasite is complex and includes transitions between distinct life stages. This change in phenotype (without a change in genotype) could be controlled by epigenetic regulation, and might involve the bromodomain-containing factors 1-5 (TcBDF1-5). However, little is known about the function of the TcBDF1-5. Here we describe a fragment-based approach to identify ligands for T. cruzi bromodomain-containing factor 3 (TcBDF3). We expressed a soluble construct of TcBDF3 in E. coli, and used this to develop a range of biophysical assays for this protein. Fragment screening identified 12 compounds that bind to the TcBDF3 bromodomain. On the basis of this screen, we developed functional ligands containing a fluorescence or 19F reporter group, and a photo-crosslinking probe for TcBDF3. These tool compounds will be invaluable in future studies on the function of TcBDF3 and will provide insight into the biology of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentine M. C. Laurin
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Joseph P. Bluck
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, 3 Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Anthony K. N. Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Michelle Keller
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Andrew Boczek
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Amy R. Scorah
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - K. F. Larissa See
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Laura E. Jennings
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - David S. Hewings
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Fern Woodhouse
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jessica K. Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Matthias Schiedel
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | | | - Philip C. Biggin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, 3 Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
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Tachmatzidi EC, Galanopoulou O, Talianidis I. Transcription Control of Liver Development. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082026. [PMID: 34440795 PMCID: PMC8391549 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During liver organogenesis, cellular transcriptional profiles are constantly reshaped by the action of hepatic transcriptional regulators, including FoxA1-3, GATA4/6, HNF1α/β, HNF4α, HNF6, OC-2, C/EBPα/β, Hex, and Prox1. These factors are crucial for the activation of hepatic genes that, in the context of compact chromatin, cannot access their targets. The initial opening of highly condensed chromatin is executed by a special class of transcription factors known as pioneer factors. They bind and destabilize highly condensed chromatin and facilitate access to other "non-pioneer" factors. The association of target genes with pioneer and non-pioneer transcription factors takes place long before gene activation. In this way, the underlying gene regulatory regions are marked for future activation. The process is called "bookmarking", which confers transcriptional competence on target genes. Developmental bookmarking is accompanied by a dynamic maturation process, which prepares the genomic loci for stable and efficient transcription. Stable hepatic expression profiles are maintained during development and adulthood by the constant availability of the main regulators. This is achieved by a self-sustaining regulatory network that is established by complex cross-regulatory interactions between the major regulators. This network gradually grows during liver development and provides an epigenetic memory mechanism for safeguarding the optimal expression of the regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia C. Tachmatzidi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, 70013 Herakleion, Crete, Greece; (E.C.T.); (O.G.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013 Herakleion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ourania Galanopoulou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, 70013 Herakleion, Crete, Greece; (E.C.T.); (O.G.)
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013 Herakleion, Crete, Greece
| | - Iannis Talianidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, 70013 Herakleion, Crete, Greece; (E.C.T.); (O.G.)
- Correspondence:
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45
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The Trithorax group protein ASH1 requires a combination of BAH domain and AT hooks, but not the SET domain, for mitotic chromatin binding and survival. Chromosoma 2021; 130:215-234. [PMID: 34331109 PMCID: PMC8426247 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila Trithorax group (TrxG) protein ASH1 remains associated with mitotic chromatin through mechanisms that are poorly understood. ASH1 dimethylates histone H3 at lysine 36 via its SET domain. Here, we identify domains of the TrxG protein ASH1 that are required for mitotic chromatin attachment in living Drosophila. Quantitative live imaging demonstrates that ASH1 requires AT hooks and the BAH domain but not the SET domain for full chromatin binding in metaphase, and that none of these domains are essential for interphase binding. Genetic experiments show that disruptions of the AT hooks and the BAH domain together, but not deletion of the SET domain alone, are lethal. Transcriptional profiling demonstrates that intact ASH1 AT hooks and the BAH domain are required to maintain expression levels of a specific set of genes, including several involved in cell identity and survival. This study identifies in vivo roles for specific ASH1 domains in mitotic binding, gene regulation, and survival that are distinct from its functions as a histone methyltransferase.
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46
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Wu C, Cheng D, Peng Y, Li Y, Fu C, Wang Y, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic BRD4 Is Upregulated in Liver Fibrosis of Various Etiologies and Positively Correlated to Fibrotic Severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:683506. [PMID: 34336890 PMCID: PMC8317578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.683506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has been implicated to play a regulatory role in fibrogenic gene expression in animal models of liver fibrosis. The potential role of BRD4 in liver fibrosis in humans remains unclear. We sought to investigate the expression and cellular localization of BRD4 in fibrotic liver tissues. Human liver tissues were collected from healthy individuals and patients with liver fibrosis of various etiologies. RNA-seq showed that hepatic BRD4 mRNA was elevated in patients with liver fibrosis compared with that in healthy controls. Subsequent multiple manipulations such as western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and dual immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the abnormal elevation of the BRD4 expression in liver fibrosis of various etiologies compared to healthy controls. BRD4 expression was positively correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and also correlated with the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Moreover, the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6), a factor interplayed with BRD4, was increased in hepatic tissues of the patients with liver fibrosis. Its expression level was positively correlated with BRD4 level. BRD4 is up-regulated in liver fibrosis, regardless of etiology, and its increased expression is positively correlated with higher degrees of liver fibrosis. Our data indicate that BRD4 play a critical role in the progress of liver fibrosis, and it holds promise as a potential target for intervention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cichun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanghui Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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47
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Shrestha S, Morcavallo A, Gorrini C, Chesler L. Biological Role of MYCN in Medulloblastoma: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges Ahead. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694320. [PMID: 34195095 PMCID: PMC8236857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The constitutive and dysregulated expression of the transcription factor MYCN has a central role in the pathogenesis of the paediatric brain tumour medulloblastoma, with an increased expression of this oncogene correlating with a worse prognosis. Consequently, the genomic and functional alterations of MYCN represent a major therapeutic target to attenuate tumour growth in medulloblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive synopsis of the biological role of MYCN and its family components, their interaction with distinct signalling pathways, and the implications of this network in medulloblastoma development. We will then summarise the current toolbox for targeting MYCN and highlight novel therapeutic avenues that have the potential to results in better-tailored clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Shrestha
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Alaide Morcavallo
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
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48
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Krishnatry AS, Voelkner A, Dhar A, Prohn M, Ferron-Brady G. Population pharmacokinetic modeling of molibresib and its active metabolites in patients with solid tumors: A semimechanistic autoinduction model. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:709-722. [PMID: 33955700 PMCID: PMC8302244 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Molibresib (GSK525762) is an investigational, orally bioavailable, small‐molecule bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein inhibitor for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. Molibresib was initially evaluated in a first‐time‐in‐human (FTIH) study BET115521 consisting of two parts: Part 1 of the study (dose escalation) was conducted in 94 patients with nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma and other solid tumors, and Part 2 (expansion cohort) was conducted in 99 patients with different solid tumor types. Molibresib is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes to produce two major active metabolites that are equipotent to the parent molecule. The metabolites are measured together after full conversion of one to the other and reported as an active metabolite composite (GSK3529246). The molibresib pharmacokinetic (PK) profile has been characterized by a decrease in exposure over time, with the decrease more pronounced at higher doses, and accompanied by a slight increase of the metabolite concentrations. Autoinduction of molibresib metabolism was suspected and confirmed in vitro. Here we report the development of a semimechanistic liver‐compartment population PK model using PK data from the FTIH study, which adequately describes the autoinduction of molibresib clearance and the PK of both molibresib and GSK3529246. Covariate analysis indicated body weight had a significant effect on the volume of distribution of molibresib and GSK3529246, and higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase resulted in the lower clearance of GSK3529246. This model was used to simulate individual patient exposures based on covariate information for use in future alternative dosing strategies and exposure–response analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Shilpa Krishnatry
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Arindam Dhar
- Epigenetics Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
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49
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Schnell AP, Kohrt S, Thoma-Kress AK. Latency Reversing Agents: Kick and Kill of HTLV-1? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115545. [PMID: 34073995 PMCID: PMC8197370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the cause of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), is a retrovirus, which integrates into the host genome and persistently infects CD4+ T-cells. Virus propagation is stimulated by (1) clonal expansion of infected cells and (2) de novo infection. Viral gene expression is induced by the transactivator protein Tax, which recruits host factors like positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) to the viral promoter. Since HTLV-1 gene expression is repressed in vivo by viral, cellular, and epigenetic mechanisms in late phases of infection, HTLV-1 avoids an efficient CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response directed against the immunodominant viral Tax antigen. Hence, therapeutic strategies using latency reversing agents (LRAs) sought to transiently activate viral gene expression and antigen presentation of Tax to enhance CTL responses towards HTLV-1, and thus, to expose the latent HTLV-1 reservoir to immune destruction. Here, we review strategies that aimed at enhancing Tax expression and Tax-specific CTL responses to interfere with HTLV-1 latency. Further, we provide an overview of LRAs including (1) histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and (2) activators of P-TEFb, that have mainly been studied in context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but which may also be powerful in the context of HTLV-1.
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50
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Anshabo AT, Milne R, Wang S, Albrecht H. CDK9: A Comprehensive Review of Its Biology, and Its Role as a Potential Target for Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:678559. [PMID: 34041038 PMCID: PMC8143439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.678559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins pivotal to a wide range of cellular functions, most importantly cell division and transcription, and their dysregulations have been implicated as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis. Besides the well-established role of cell cycle CDKs in cancer, the involvement of transcriptional CDKs has been confirmed more recently. Most cancers overtly employ CDKs that serve as key regulators of transcription (e.g., CDK9) for a continuous production of short-lived gene products that maintain their survival. As such, dysregulation of the CDK9 pathway has been observed in various hematological and solid malignancies, making it a valuable anticancer target. This therapeutic potential has been utilized for the discovery of CDK9 inhibitors, some of which have entered human clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure and biology of CDK9, its role in solid and hematological cancers, and an updated review of the available inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Tesfaye Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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