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Rahnasto-Rilla M, Puumalainen T, Karttunen V, Adla SK, Lahtela-Kakkonen M. Novel inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain trigger cell death in breast cancer cell lines. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117884. [PMID: 39226716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117884] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors targeting the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins have emerged as a promising class of anti-cancer drugs. Nevertheless, the clinical advancement of these agents has been significantly hampered by challenges related to their potency, oral bioavailability, or toxicity. In this study, virtual screening approaches were employed to discover novel inhibitors of the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) by analyzing their comparable chemical structural features to established BRD4 inhibitors. Several of these compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on BRD4 activity ranging from 60 % to 70 % at 100 µM concentrations, while one compound also exhibited an 84 % inhibition of Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) activity. Furthermore, a subset of structurally diverse compounds from the BRD4 inhibitors was selected to investigate their anti-cancer properties in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. These compounds exhibited varying effects on cell numbers depending on the specific cell line, and some of them induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. Moreover, all the compounds studied reduced the sizes of spheroids, and the most potent compound exhibited a 90 % decrease in growth at a concentration of 10 µM in T47D cells. These compounds hold potential as epigenetic regulators for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatu Puumalainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vilma Karttunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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2
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Ma Z, Zhang C, Bolinger AA, Zhou J. An updated patent review of BRD4 degraders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024:1-23. [PMID: 39219068 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2400166] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an important epigenetic reader, is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including various cancers, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Targeting BRD4 inhibition or protein elimination with small molecules represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED The recent advances of patented BRD4 degraders were summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing novel potent and selective BRD4 degraders are also discussed. The patents of BRD4 degraders were searched using the SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence database. EXPERT OPINION BRD4 degraders exhibit superior efficacy and selectivity to BRD4 inhibitors, given their unique mechanism of protein degradation instead of protein inhibition. Excitingly, RNK05047 is now in phase I/II clinical trials, indicating that selective BRD4 protein degradation may offer a viable therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer. Targeting BRD4 with small-molecule degraders provides a promising approach with the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance for treating various BRD4-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cun Zhang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
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3
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Chen C, Pan Y, Yang X, Li H, Cai X, He S, Wang Q, Yang Y, Zheng R, Li H, Yuan S, Dong X, Samarawickrama PN, Zi M, He Y, Zhang X. Liver-targeting chimeras as a potential modality for the treatment of liver diseases. J Control Release 2024; 374:627-638. [PMID: 39208934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.044] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases pose significant challenges to global public health. In the realm of drug discovery and development, overcoming 'on-target off-tissue' effects remains a substantial barrier for various diseases. In this study, we have pioneered a Liver-Targeting Chimera (LIVTAC) approach using a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule coupled to the liver-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) through an innovative linker attachment strategy for the precise induction of target protein degradation within the liver. As a proof-of-concept study, we designed XZ1606, a mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET)-targeting LIVTAC agent, which not only demonstrated enduring tumor suppression (over 2 months) in combination with sorafenib but also an improved safety profile, notably ameliorating the incidence of thrombocytopenia, a common and severe on-target dose-limiting toxic effect associated with conventional BET inhibitors. These encouraging results highlight the potential of LIVTAC as a versatile platform for addressing a broad spectrum of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjie Chen
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xinhui Cai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengyuan He
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yiwen Yang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Runzi Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Aging and Tumor, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengjie Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Priyadarshani Nadeeshika Samarawickrama
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Meiting Zi
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Wang M, Huang Z, Li X, He P, Sun H, Peng Y, Fan Q. Apabetalone, a BET protein inhibitor, inhibits kidney damage in diabetes by preventing pyroptosis via modulating the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107306. [PMID: 39002871 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107306] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Many inflammatory disorders, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), are associated with pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-regulated cell death. The purpose of this work was to ascertain the effects of apabetalone, which targets BRD4, a specific inhibitor of the bromodomain (BRD) and extra-terminal (BET) proteins that target bromodomain 2, on kidney injury in DKD. This study utilized pharmacological and genetic approaches to investigate the effects of apabetalone on pyroptosis in db/db mice and human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). BRD4 levels were elevated in HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and in db/db mice. Modulating BRD4 levels led to changes in the generation of inflammatory cytokines and cell pyroptosis linked to NLRP3 inflammasome in HK-2 cells and db/db mice. Likewise, these cellular processes were mitigated by apabetalone through inhibition BRD4. Apabetalone or BRD4 siRNA suppressed PLK1 expression in HK-2 cells under high glucose by P300-dependent H3K27 acetylation on the PLK1 gene promoter, as demonstrated through chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation assays. To summarize, apabetalone relieves renal proptosis and fibrosis in DKD. BRD4 regulates the P300/H3K27ac/PLK1 axis, leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent cell pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. These results may provide new perspectives on DKD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - He Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yali Peng
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - QiuLing Fan
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Liu N, Wang S, Li M, Zhao N, Wang D, Zhang R, Yu M, Zhao L, Zhang S, Han F, Zhao Y, Liu Q. BET degrader exhibits lower antiproliferative activity than its inhibitor via EGR1 recruiting septins to promote E2F1-3 transcription in triple-negative breast cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107377. [PMID: 39209080 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins serve as primary readers of acetylated lysine residues and play crucial roles in cell proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of BET proteins has been implicated in tumorigenesis, making them important therapeutic targets. BET-bromodomain (BD) inhibitors and BET-targeting degraders have been developed to inhibit BET proteins. In this study, we found that the BET inhibitor MS645 exhibited superior antiproliferative activity than BET degraders including ARV771, AT1, MZ1 and dBET1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Treatment with MS645 led to the dissociation of BETs, MED1 and RNA polymerase II from the E2F1-3 promoter, resulting in the suppression of E2F1-3 transcription and subsequent inhibition of cell growth in TNBC. In contrast, while ARV771 displaced BET proteins from chromatin, it did not significantly alter E2F1-3 expression. Mechanistically, ARV771 induced BRD4 depletion at protein level, which markedly increased EGR1 expression. This elevation of EGR1 subsequently recruited septin 2 and septin 9 to E2F1-3 promoters, enhancing E2F1-3 transcription and promoting cell proliferation rate in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide valuable insights into differential mechanisms of BET inhibition and highlight potential of developing BET-targeting molecules as therapeutic strategies for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Munan Li
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Deyu Wang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Mingxin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Luoyi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Fangbin Han
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Ying Zhao
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, China.
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Lee H, Nam J, Jang H, Park YS, Son MH, Lee IH, Eyun SI, Yang JH, Jeon J, Yang S. BRD2-specific inhibitor, BBC0403, inhibits the progression of osteoarthritis pathogenesis in osteoarthritis-induced C57BL/6 male mice. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2528-2544. [PMID: 38600628 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16359] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The discovery of new bromo- and extra-terminal inhibitors presents new drugs to treat osteoarthritis (OA). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The new drug, BBC0403, was identified in the DNA-encoded library screening system by searching for compounds that target BRD (bromodomain-containing) proteins. The binding force with BRD proteins was evaluated using time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) and binding kinetics assays. Subsequently, in vitro and ex vivo analyses demonstrated the effects of the BRD2 inhibitor, BBC0403, on OA. For animal experiments, medial meniscus destabilization was performed to create a 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mouse model, and intra-articular (i.a.) injections were administered. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were then performed. The underlying mechanism was confirmed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using RNA-seq. KEY RESULTS TR-FRET and binding kinetics assays revealed that BBC0403 exhibited higher binding specificity for BRD2 compared to BRD3 and BRD4. The anti-OA effects of BBC0403 were tested at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 μM (no cell toxicity in the range tested). The expression of catabolic factors, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation was reduced. Additionally, the i.a. injection of BBC0403 prevented OA cartilage degradation in mice. Finally, BBC0403 was demonstrated to suppress NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated that BBC0403 is a novel BRD2-specific inhibitor and a potential i.a.-injectable therapeutic agent to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jiho Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hahyeong Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Seong-Il Eyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Yang
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jimin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Siyoung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
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Peng X, Huang X, Zhang S, Zhang N, Huang S, Wang Y, Zhong Z, Zhu S, Gao H, Yu Z, Yan X, Tao Z, Dai Y, Zhang Z, Chen X, Wang F, Claret FX, Elkabets M, Ji N, Zhong Y, Kong D. Sequential Inhibition of PARP and BET as a Rational Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307747. [PMID: 38896791 PMCID: PMC11321613 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPi) hold substantial promise in treating glioblastoma (GBM). However, the adverse effects have restricted their broad application. Through unbiased transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing, it is discovered that the BET inhibitor (BETi) Birabresib profoundly alters the processes of DNA replication and cell cycle progression in GBM cells, beyond the previously reported impact of BET inhibition on homologous recombination repair. Through in vitro experiments using established GBM cell lines and patient-derived primary GBM cells, as well as in vivo orthotopic transplantation tumor experiments in zebrafish and nude mice, it is demonstrated that the concurrent administration of PARPi and BETi can synergistically inhibit GBM. Intriguingly, it is observed that DNA damage lingers after discontinuation of PARPi monotherapy, implying that sequential administration of PARPi followed by BETi can maintain antitumor efficacy while reducing toxicity. In GBM cells with elevated baseline replication stress, the sequential regimen exhibits comparable efficacy to concurrent treatment, protecting normal glial cells with lower baseline replication stress from DNA toxicity and subsequent death. This study provides compelling preclinical evidence supporting the development of innovative drug administration strategies focusing on PARPi for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Department of Systems Biologythe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Xin Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Shaolu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical CountermeasuresBeijing Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyBeijing100850China
| | - Naixin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Shengfan Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Zhenxing Zhong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Haiwang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Zixiang Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Xiaotong Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Zhennan Tao
- Department of Neurosurgerythe Affiliated Drum Tower HospitalSchool of MedicineNanjing UniversityNanjing210008China
| | - Yuxiang Dai
- Department of Neurosurgerythe Affiliated Drum Tower HospitalSchool of MedicineNanjing UniversityNanjing210008China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Xi Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceTianjin Eye InstituteTianjin Eye HospitalTianjin300020China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of GeneticsSchool of Basic Medical SciencesTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
| | - Francois X. Claret
- Department of Systems Biologythe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of MicrobiologyImmunology and GeneticsFaculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐Sheva84105Israel
| | - Ning Ji
- National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjin300060China
| | - Yuxu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical CountermeasuresBeijing Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyBeijing100850China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education)International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education)Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin300070China
- Department of PharmacyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
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8
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Khan I, Kashani-Sabet M. Bromodomain inhibition targeting BPTF in the treatment of melanoma and other solid tumors. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:509-515. [PMID: 38683257 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10265-7] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to play an important role in the development of cancer. These include the activation of chromatin remodeling factors in various malignancies, including bromodomain plant homeodomain (PHD) finger transcription factor (BPTF), the largest component of the human nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF). In the last few years, BPTF has been identified as a pro-tumorigenic factor in melanoma, stimulated by research into the molecular mechanisms underlying BPTF function. Developing therapy targeting the BPTF bromodomain would represent a significant advance. Melanoma therapy has been revolutionized by the efficacy of immunotherapeutic and targeted strategies, but the development of drug resistance calls for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent work has shown both a biomarker as well as functional role for BPTF in melanoma progression and as a possible target for its therapy. BPTF was shown to stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which is targeted by selective BRAF inhibitors. The advent of small molecule inhibitors that target bromodomain motifs has shown that bromodomains are druggable. By combining the bromodomain inhibitor bromosporine with existing treatments that target mutant BRAF, BPTF targeting has emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic approach for metastatic melanoma. This article summarizes the functional role of BPTF in tumor progression, reviews the clinical experience to date with bromodomain inhibitors, and discusses the promise of BPTF targeting in melanoma and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, 475 Brannan St, Suite 130, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - Mohammed Kashani-Sabet
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, 475 Brannan St, Suite 130, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA.
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9
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Kulkarni S, Gajjar K, Madhusudan S. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor therapy and mechanisms of resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1414112. [PMID: 39135999 PMCID: PMC11317305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1414112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is the commonest cause of gynaecological cancer deaths. First-line treatment for advanced disease includes a combination of platinum-taxane chemotherapy (post-operatively or peri-operatively) and maximal debulking surgery whenever feasible. Initial response rate to chemotherapy is high (up to 80%) but most patients will develop recurrence (approximately 70-90%) and succumb to the disease. Recently, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibition (by drugs such as Olaparib, Niraparib or Rucaparib) directed synthetic lethality approach in BRCA germline mutant or platinum sensitive disease has generated real hope for patients. PARP inhibitor (PARPi) maintenance therapy can prolong survival but therapeutic response is not sustained due to intrinsic or acquired secondary resistance to PARPi therapy. Reversion of BRCA1/2 mutation can lead to clinical PARPi resistance in BRCA-germline mutated ovarian cancer. However, in the more common platinum sensitive sporadic HGSOC, the clinical mechanisms of development of PARPi resistance remains to be defined. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the current status of PARPi and the mechanisms of resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanat Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ketankumar Gajjar
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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10
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Hayatigolkhatmi K, Valzelli R, El Menna O, Minucci S. Epigenetic alterations in AML: Deregulated functions leading to new therapeutic options. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 387:27-75. [PMID: 39179348 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in disruption of the hematopoietic differentiation process. Crucial progress has been made, and new therapeutic strategies for AML have been developed. Induction chemotherapy, however, remains the main option for the majority of AML patients. Epigenetic dysregulation plays a central role in AML pathogenesis, supporting leukemogenesis and maintenance of leukemic stem cells. Here, we provide an overview of the intricate interplay of altered epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, in AML development. We explore the role of epigenetic regulators, such as DNMTs, HMTs, KDMs, and HDACs, in mediating gene expression patterns pushing towards leukemic cell transformation. Additionally, we discuss the impact of cytogenetic lesions on epigenomic remodeling and the potential of targeting epigenetic vulnerabilities as a therapeutic strategy. Understanding the epigenetic landscape of AML offers insights into novel therapeutic avenues, including epigenetic modifiers and particularly their use in combination therapies, to improve treatment outcomes and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Hayatigolkhatmi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Valzelli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Oualid El Menna
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Hemato-Oncology, Università Statale di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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11
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Wang Z, Che S, Yu Z. PROTAC: Novel degradable approach for different targets to treat breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 198:106793. [PMID: 38740076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106793] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The revolutionary Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTACs) have the exciting potential to reshape the pharmaceutical industry landscape by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women, could be treated using PROTAC therapy. Although substantial work has been conducted, there is not yet a comprehensive overview or progress update on PROTAC therapy for breast cancer. Hence, in this article, we've compiled recent research progress focusing on different breast cancer target proteins, such as estrogen receptor (ER), BET, CDK, HER2, PARP, EZH2, etc. This resource aims to serve as a guide for future PROTAC-based breast cancer treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Office of Drug Clinical Trials, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China
| | - Siyao Che
- Hepatological Surgery Department, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523018, PR China.
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12
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Mabe NW, Perry JA, Malone CF, Stegmaier K. Pharmacological targeting of the cancer epigenome. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:844-865. [PMID: 38937652 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is increasingly appreciated as a hallmark of cancer, including disease initiation, maintenance and therapy resistance. As a result, there have been advances in the development and evaluation of epigenetic therapies for cancer, revealing substantial promise but also challenges. Three epigenetic inhibitor classes are approved in the USA, and many more are currently undergoing clinical investigation. In this Review, we discuss recent developments for each epigenetic drug class and their implications for therapy, as well as highlight new insights into the role of epigenetics in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel W Mabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Perry
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clare F Malone
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Zhou Y, Tao L, Qiu J, Xu J, Yang X, Zhang Y, Tian X, Guan X, Cen X, Zhao Y. Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:132. [PMID: 38763973 PMCID: PMC11102923 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01823-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinqi Guan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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14
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Kawaguchi M, Yonetani Y, Mizuguchi T, Spratt SJ, Asanuma M, Shimizu H, Sasaki M, Ozeki Y. Visualization of Modified Bisarylbutadiyne-Tagged Small Molecules in Live-Cell Nuclei by Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6643-6651. [PMID: 38626411 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05946] [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: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Visualizing the distribution of small-molecule drugs in living cells is an important strategy for developing specific, effective, and minimally toxic drugs. As an alternative to fluorescence imaging using bulky fluorophores or cell fixation, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging combined with bisarylbutadiyne (BADY) tagging enables the observation of small molecules closer to their native intracellular state. However, there is evidence that the physicochemical properties of BADY-tagged analogues of small-molecule drugs differ significantly from those of their parent drugs, potentially affecting their intracellular distribution. Herein, we developed a modified BADY to reduce deviations in physicochemical properties (in particular, lipophilicity and membrane permeability) between tagged and parent drugs, while maintaining high Raman activity in live-cell SRS imaging. We highlight the practical application of this approach by revealing the nuclear distribution of a modified BADY-tagged analogue of JQ1, a bromodomain and extra-terminal motif inhibitor with applications in targeted cancer therapy, in living HeLa cells. The modified BADY, methoxypyridazyl pyrimidyl butadiyne (MPDY), revealed intranuclear JQ1, while BADY-tagged JQ1 did not show a clear nuclear signal. We anticipate that the present approach combining MPDY tagging with live-cell SRS imaging provides important insight into the behavior of intracellular drugs and represents a promising avenue for improving drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuki Yonetani
- Future Technology R&D Center, Canon Inc., Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
| | - Takaha Mizuguchi
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Spencer J Spratt
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Masato Asanuma
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shimizu
- Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo 134-8630, Japan
| | - Masato Sasaki
- Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo 134-8630, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ozeki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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15
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Rosenthal ZC, Fass DM, Payne NC, She A, Patnaik D, Hennig KM, Tesla R, Werthmann GC, Guhl C, Reis SA, Wang X, Chen Y, Placzek M, Williams NS, Hooker J, Herz J, Mazitschek R, Haggarty SJ. Epigenetic modulation through BET bromodomain inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for progranulin-deficient frontotemporal dementia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9064. [PMID: 38643236 PMCID: PMC11032351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59110-7] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder with currently no disease-modifying treatment options available. Mutations in GRN are one of the most common genetic causes of FTD, near ubiquitously resulting in progranulin (PGRN) haploinsufficiency. Small molecules that can restore PGRN protein to healthy levels in individuals bearing a heterozygous GRN mutation may thus have therapeutic value. Here, we show that epigenetic modulation through bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi) potently enhance PGRN protein levels, both intracellularly and secreted forms, in human central nervous system (CNS)-relevant cell types, including in microglia-like cells. In terms of potential for disease modification, we show BETi treatment effectively restores PGRN levels in neural cells with a GRN mutation known to cause PGRN haploinsufficiency and FTD. We demonstrate that BETi can rapidly and durably enhance PGRN in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in a manner dependent upon BET protein expression, suggesting a gain-of-function mechanism. We further describe a CNS-optimized BETi chemotype that potently engages endogenous BRD4 and enhances PGRN expression in neuronal cells. Our results reveal a new epigenetic target for treating PGRN-deficient forms of FTD and provide mechanistic insight to aid in translating this discovery into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C Rosenthal
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M Fass
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Connor Payne
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela She
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debasis Patnaik
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krista M Hennig
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Tesla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gordon C Werthmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Charlotte Guhl
- Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Surya A Reis
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yueting Chen
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Placzek
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Hooker
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph Mazitschek
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Wang S, Lei K, Lai HT, Liu T, Du L, Wu SY, Ye X, Chiang CM, Li M. Novel BRD4-p53 Inhibitor SDU-071 Suppresses Proliferation and Migration of MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1178-1190. [PMID: 38633583 PMCID: PMC11019737 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
A promising alternative for cancer treatment involves targeted inhibition of the epigenetic regulator bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4); however, available BRD4 inhibitors are constrained by their potency, oral bioavailability, and cytotoxicity. Herein, to overcome the drawback of the translational BRD4 inhibitors, we describe a novel BRD4-p53 inhibitor, SDU-071, which suppresses BRD4 interaction with the p53 tumor suppressor and its biological activity in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in vitro and in vivo. This novel small-molecule BRD4-p53 inhibitor suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by downregulating the expression of BRD4-targeted genes, such as c-Myc and Mucin 5AC, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as demonstrated in cultured MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. Its antitumor activity is illustrated in an orthotopic mouse xenograft mammary tumor model. Overall, our results show that SDU-071 is a viable option for potentially treating TNBC as a new BRD4-p53 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Kang Lei
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China
| | - Hsien-Tsung Lai
- Simmons
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lupei Du
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shwu-Yuan Wu
- Simmons
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xiaohan Ye
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Minyong Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE),
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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17
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Jakobsen ST, Jensen RAM, Madsen MS, Ravnsborg T, Vaagenso CS, Siersbæk MS, Einarsson H, Andersson R, Jensen ON, Siersbæk R. MYC activity at enhancers drives prognostic transcriptional programs through an epigenetic switch. Nat Genet 2024; 56:663-674. [PMID: 38454021 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01676-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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC is overexpressed in most cancers, where it drives multiple hallmarks of cancer progression. MYC is known to promote oncogenic transcription by binding to active promoters. In addition, MYC has also been shown to invade distal enhancers when expressed at oncogenic levels, but this enhancer binding has been proposed to have low gene-regulatory potential. Here, we demonstrate that MYC directly regulates enhancer activity to promote cancer type-specific gene programs predictive of poor patient prognosis. MYC induces transcription of enhancer RNA through recruitment of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), rather than regulating RNAPII pause-release, as is the case at promoters. This process is mediated by MYC-induced H3K9 demethylation and acetylation by GCN5, leading to enhancer-specific BRD4 recruitment through its bromodomains, which facilitates RNAPII recruitment. We propose that MYC drives prognostic cancer type-specific gene programs through induction of an enhancer-specific epigenetic switch, which can be targeted by BET and GCN5 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon T Jakobsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rikke A M Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria S Madsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina Ravnsborg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Majken S Siersbæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hjorleifur Einarsson
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robin Andersson
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Siersbæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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18
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Reggiani F, Talarico G, Gobbi G, Sauta E, Torricelli F, Manicardi V, Zanetti E, Orecchioni S, Falvo P, Piana S, Lococo F, Paci M, Bertolini F, Ciarrocchi A, Sancisi V. BET inhibitors drive Natural Killer activation in non-small cell lung cancer via BRD4 and SMAD3. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2567. [PMID: 38519469 PMCID: PMC10960013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46778-8] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer and one of the pioneer tumors in which immunotherapy has radically changed patients' outcomes. However, several issues are emerging and their implementation is required to optimize immunotherapy-based protocols. In this work, we investigate the ability of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal protein inhibitors (BETi) to stimulate a proficient anti-tumor immune response toward NSCLC. By using in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo models, we demonstrate that these epigenetic drugs specifically enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. BETi down-regulate a large set of NK inhibitory receptors, including several immune checkpoints (ICs), that are direct targets of the transcriptional cooperation between the BET protein BRD4 and the transcription factor SMAD3. Overall, BETi orchestrate an epigenetic reprogramming that leads to increased recognition of tumor cells and the killing ability of NK cells. Our results unveil the opportunity to exploit and repurpose these drugs in combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Reggiani
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Talarico
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gobbi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sauta
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Veronica Manicardi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zanetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Falvo
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Filippo Lococo
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Paci
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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19
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Malfona F, Testi AM, Chiaretti S, Moleti ML. Refractory Burkitt Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Interventional Strategies. Blood Lymphat Cancer 2024; 14:1-15. [PMID: 38510818 PMCID: PMC10949171 DOI: 10.2147/blctt.s407804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite excellent results in frontline therapy, particularly in pediatric age, refractory Burkitt lymphoma still remains a therapeutic challenge, with dismal outcome. The prognosis is very poor, ranging from less than 10% to 30-40%, with longer survival only in transplanted patients. On account of the paucity of data, mostly reporting on small series of patients, with heterogeneous characteristics and salvage treatments, at present it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions on the treatment of choice for this difficult to treat subset of patients. New insights into Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia cell biology have led to the development of new drugs, currently being tested, directed at different specific targets. Herein, we describe the results so far reported in refractory Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia, with standard treatments and hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and we review the new targeted drugs currently under evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Malfona
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Testi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Chiaretti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Moleti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
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20
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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21
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Fornelli C, Sofia Cento A, Nevi L, Mastrocola R, Ferreira Alves G, Caretti G, Collino M, Penna F. The BET inhibitor JQ1 targets fat metabolism and counteracts obesity. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00051-1. [PMID: 38365172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.001] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity, one of the most frequent health problems in the adult population, is a condition characterized by excessive white adipose tissue accumulation and accompanied by the increased risk to develop other disorders such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, physical disability, frailty and sarcopenia. Total fat mass frequently increases during aging, often coexisting with sarcopenia, thus resulting in an emerging condition defined sarcopenic obesity (SO). Our previous data demonstrated the relevant role of the bromo and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins inhibitor JQ1 in attenuating inflammation and fibrosis in sarcopenic mice. Moreover, we preliminarily observed that JQ1 administration markedly reduces white adipose tissue mass, suggesting a potential role of BET proteins on visceral fat deposition during aging. OBJECTIVES Starting from those observations, the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of JQ1 to reduce adiposity in a chronic diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model mimicking the human metabolic syndrome. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were divided in subgroups, either fed a standard diet or a high fat diet for 22 or 12 weeks, treated over the last 14 days with JQ1 or with vehicle. RESULTS The results showed that JQ1 administration reduces fat mass, preserving skeletal muscle mass and function. A direct JQ1 lipolytic effect was demonstrated on mature adipocyte cultures. JQ1-mediated loss of adipose tissue mass was not associated with systemic inflammation or with lipid accumulation in muscle and liver. JQ1 administration did not impinge on skeletal muscle metabolism and oxidative capability, as shown by the lack of significant impact on mitochondrial mass and biogenesis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the current data highlight a potential benefit of JQ1 administration to counteract obesity, suggesting epigenetic modulation as a prospective target in the treatment of obesity and sarcopenic obesity, despite the underlying multiorgan molecular mechanism is still not completely elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fornelli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Sofia Cento
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mastrocola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Collino
- Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Penna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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22
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Masoudi E, Soleimani M, Zarinfard G, Homayoun M, Bakhtiari M. The effects of chitosan-loaded JQ1 nanoparticles on OVCAR-3 cell cycle and apoptosis-related gene expression. Res Pharm Sci 2024; 19:53-63. [PMID: 39006975 PMCID: PMC11244706 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.394820] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer. Bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins play major roles in the regulation of gene expression at the epigenetic level. Jun Qi (JQ1) is a potent inhibitor of BET proteins. Regarding the short half-life and poor pharmacokinetic profile, JQ1 was loaded into newly developed nano-carriers. Chitosan nanoparticles are one of the best and potential polymers in cancer treatment. The present study aimed to build chitosan-JQl nanoparticles (Ch-J-NPs), treat OVCAR-3 cells with Ch-J-NPs, and evaluate the effects of these nanoparticles on cell cycle and apoptosis-associated genes. Experimental approach Ch-J-NPs were synthesized and characterized. The size and morphology of Ch-J-NPs were defined by DLS and FE-SEM techniques. OVCAR-3 cells were cultured and treated with Ch-J-NPs. Then, IC50 was measured using MTT assay. The groups were defined and cells were treated with IC50 concentration of Ch-J-NPs, for 48 h. Finally, cells in different groups were assessed for the expression of genes of interest using quantitative RT-PCR. Findings/Results IC50 values for Ch-J-NPs were 5.625 μg/mL. RT-PCR results demonstrated that the expression of genes associated with cell cycle activity (c-MYC, hTERT, CDK1, CDK4, and CDK6) was significantly decreased following treatment of cancer cells with Ch-J-NPs. Conversely, the expression of caspase-3, and caspase-9 significantly increased. BAX (pro-apoptotic) to BCL2 (anti-apoptotic) expression ratio, also increased significantly after treatment of cells with Ch-J-NPs. Conclusion and implications Ch-J-NPs showed significant anti-cell cyclic and apoptotic effects on OVCAR-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Masoudi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mitra Soleimani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Giti Zarinfard
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mansour Homayoun
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bakhtiari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Behbahan University of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
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23
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Collie GW, Clark MA, Keefe AD, Madin A, Read JA, Rivers EL, Zhang Y. Screening Ultra-Large Encoded Compound Libraries Leads to Novel Protein-Ligand Interactions and High Selectivity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:864-884. [PMID: 38197367 PMCID: PMC10823476 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The DNA-encoded library (DEL) discovery platform has emerged as a powerful technology for hit identification in recent years. It has become one of the major parallel workstreams for small molecule drug discovery along with other strategies such as HTS and data mining. For many researchers working in the DEL field, it has become increasingly evident that many hits and leads discovered via DEL screening bind to target proteins with unique and unprecedented binding modes. This Perspective is our attempt to analyze reports of DEL screening with the purpose of providing a rigorous and useful account of the binding modes observed for DEL-derived ligands with a focus on binding mode novelty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ying Zhang
- X-Chem,
Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
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24
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Shirbhate E, Singh V, Jahoriya V, Mishra A, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, Rajak H. Dual inhibitors of HDAC and other epigenetic regulators: A novel strategy for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115938. [PMID: 37989059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant advancement in the field of epigenetic drug discovery has been evidenced in recent years. Epigenetic alterations are hereditary, nevertheless reversible variations to DNA or histone adaptations that regulate gene function individualistically of the fundamental sequence. The design and synthesis of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators open a new door for epigenetic-targeted therapies to parade worthwhile therapeutic potential for haematological and solid malignancies. Several ongoing clinical trials on dual targeting strategy are being conducted comprising HDAC inhibitory component and an epigenetic regulating agent. In this perspective, the review discusses the pharmacological aspects of HDAC and other epigenetic regulating factors as dual inhibitors as an emerging alternative approach for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shirbhate
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Varsha Jahoriya
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Aditya Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India
| | - Ravichandran Veerasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Cancer & System Therapeutics, UAMS College of Pharmacy, UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, United States
| | - Harish Rajak
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, 495 009, CG, India.
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25
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Ma X, Wang M, Wang F, Li J, Zhang Z, Zhu J, Liu B. High resolution crystal structure of BRD4-BD1 in complex with a novel inhibitor precursor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 690:149284. [PMID: 38006801 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The inhibition of BRD4 bromodomain is an effective therapeutic strategy for a variety of diseases in which BRD4 are implicated. Herein, we identified a small-molecule BRD4 inhibitor hit named compound 3 using high-throughput screening. The 1.6 Å resolution co-crystal structure confirmed that the compound occupies the KAc recognition pockets of BRD4 by forming key hydrogen bonds with Asn140 and engaging in hydrophobic interactions, thus impedes the binding of acetylated lysine to BRD4. These findings suggest compound 3 can be a lead compound to develop a structurally novel BRD4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Ma
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jiao Li
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhengguang Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jiapeng Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
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26
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Sui JY, Eichenfield DZ, Sun BK. The role of enhancers in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2023; 190:10-19. [PMID: 37658835 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad321] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory elements, particularly enhancers, play a crucial role in disease susceptibility and progression. Enhancers are DNA sequences that activate gene expression and can be affected by epigenetic modifications, interactions with transcription factors (TFs) or changes to the enhancer DNA sequence itself. Altered enhancer activity impacts gene expression and contributes to disease. In this review, we define enhancers and the experimental techniques used to identify and characterize them. We also discuss recent studies that examine how enhancers contribute to atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Articles in the PubMed database were identified (from 1 January 2010 to 28 February 2023) that were relevant to enhancer variants, enhancer-associated TFs and enhancer histone modifications in psoriasis or AD. Most enhancers associated with these conditions regulate genes affecting epidermal homeostasis or immune function. These discoveries present potential therapeutic targets to complement existing treatment options for AD and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Sui
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dawn Z Eichenfield
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Bryan K Sun
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, CA, USA
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27
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Zhang WX, Huang J, Tian XY, Liu YH, Jia MQ, Wang W, Jin CY, Song J, Zhang SY. A review of progress in o-aminobenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115673. [PMID: 37487305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases, as a new class of anticancer targets, could maintain homeostasis by catalyzing histone deacetylation and play important roles in regulating the expression of target genes. Due to the fact that simultaneous intervention with dual tumor related targets could improve treatment effects, researches on innovative design of dual-target drugs are underway. HDAC is known as a "sensitizer" for the synergistic effects with other anticancer-target drugs because of its flexible structure design. The synergistic effects of HDAC inhibitor and other target inhibitors usually show enhanced inhibitory effects on tumor cells, and also provide new strategies to overcome multidrug resistance. Many research groups have reported that simultaneously inhibiting HDAC and other targets, such as tubulin, EGFR, could enhance the therapeutic effects. The o-aminobenzamide group is often used as a ZBG group in the design of HDAC inhibitors with potent antitumor effects. Given the prolonged inhibitory effects and reduced toxic side effects of HDAC inhibitors using o-aminobenzamide as the ZBG group, the o-aminobenzamide group is expected to become a more promising alternative to hydroxamic acid. In fact, o-aminobenzamide-based dual inhibitors of HDAC with different chemical structures have been extensively prepared and reported with synergistic and enhanced anti-tumor effects. In this work, we first time reviewed the rational design, molecular docking, inhibitory activities and potential application of o-aminobenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities in cancer therapy, which might provide a reference for developing new and more effective anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiao Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xin-Yi Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mei-Qi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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28
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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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29
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Li XY, Yu JT, Dong YH, Shen XY, Hou R, Xie MM, Wei J, Hu XW, Dong ZH, Shan RR, Jin J, Shao W, Meng XM. Protein acetylation and related potential therapeutic strategies in kidney disease. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106950. [PMID: 37820854 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Kidney disease can be caused by various internal and external factors that have led to a continual increase in global deaths. Current treatment methods can alleviate but do not markedly prevent disease development. Further research on kidney disease has revealed the crucial function of epigenetics, especially acetylation, in the pathology and physiology of the kidney. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and acetyllysine readers jointly regulate acetylation, thus affecting kidney physiological homoeostasis. Recent studies have shown that acetylation improves mechanisms and pathways involved in various types of nephropathy. The discovery and application of novel inhibitors and activators have further confirmed the important role of acetylation. In this review, we provide insights into the physiological process of acetylation and summarise its specific mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects on renal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ju-Tao Yu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Hang Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Man-Man Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Hu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei 230051, China
| | - Ze-Hui Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Run-Run Shan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei Shao
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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30
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Wang K, Tang J, Fan S, Su H, Yu R, Zhang Y, Wu H, Lv Y, Zhang S, Zou X. ABBV-744 induces autophagy in gastric cancer cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6k and MAPK signaling pathways. Neoplasia 2023; 45:100936. [PMID: 37769529 PMCID: PMC10539879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The mortality rates of gastric cancer remain high due to limited therapeutic strategies. As a highly selective inhibitor of the BD2 domain of BET family proteins, ABBV-744 has potent chemotherapeutic activity against various human solid tumors. However, whether ABBV-744 has potential anti-tumor effects in gastric cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ABBV-744 on gastric cancer cells and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that ABBV-744 inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and patient-derived tumor organoids in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular experiments revealed that ABBV-744 induced mitochondria damage, reactive oxygen species accumulation, cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death in gastric cancer cells. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-sequencing data identified autophagy as a crucial pathway involved in the cell death caused by ABBV-744. Mechanically, further studies showed that ABBV-744 induced autophagy flux in gastric cancer cells by inactivating PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6k and activating the MAPK signaling pathways. In vivo mouse xenograft studies demonstrated that ABBV-744 significantly suppressed the growth of gastric cancer cells via inducing autophagy. Taken together, our results suggest that ABBV-744 is a novel drug candidate for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008 Jiangsu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Nanjing University Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiatong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengxian Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School.Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haochen Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ranran Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008 Jiangsu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Nanjing University Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008 Jiangsu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Nanjing University Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008 Jiangsu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Nanjing University Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affilated Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital, Medical school of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Vallini G, Calabrese L, Canino C, Trovato E, Gentileschi S, Rubegni P, Tognetti L. Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2023; 12:2534. [PMID: 37947611 PMCID: PMC10647618 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212534] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common human neoplasms world-wide. In detail, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent malignancy in the fair-skinned population. The incidence of BCC remains difficult to assess due to the poor registration practice; however, it has been increasing in the last few years. Approximately, 85% of sporadic BCCs carry mutations in Hedgehog pathway genes, especially in PTCH, SUFU and SMO genes, which lead to the aberrant activation of GLI transcriptional factors, typically silent in cells of adult individuals. The management of advanced BCC (aBCC), both metastatic (mBCC) and locally advanced BCC (laBCC), not candidates for surgical excision or radiotherapy, remains challenging. The discovery of mutations in the Hh signaling pathway has paved the way for the development of Hh pathway inhibiting agents, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, which have represented a breakthrough in the aBCC management. However, the use of these agents is limited by the frequent occurrence of adverse events or the development of drug resistance. In this review, we thoroughly describe the current knowledge regarding the available options for the pharmacological management of aBCCs and provide a forward-looking update on novel therapeutic strategies that could enrich the therapeutic armamentarium of BCC in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vallini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Calabrese
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, Division of Dermatology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.); (P.R.); (L.T.)
- Institute of Dermatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Canino
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Trovato
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, Division of Dermatology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.); (P.R.); (L.T.)
| | - Stefano Gentileschi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Pietro Rubegni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, Division of Dermatology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.); (P.R.); (L.T.)
| | - Linda Tognetti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, Division of Dermatology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.C.); (E.T.); (P.R.); (L.T.)
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Lu X, Peng L, Ding J, Li Y, Li Q, Rao M, Shu T, He X, Liu C, Ye J, Liu W, You H. A deregulated m 6A writer complex axis driven by BRD4 confers an epitranscriptomic vulnerability in combined DNA repair-targeted therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304534120. [PMID: 37782793 PMCID: PMC10576145 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304534120] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant transcripts expression of the m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC) is widely found across human cancers, suggesting a dysregulated signaling cascade which integrates m6A epitranscriptome to drive tumorigenesis. However, the responsible transcriptional machinery directing the expression of distinct MTC subunits remains unclear. Here, we identified an unappreciated interplay between the histone acetyl-lysine reader BRD4 and the m6A writer complex across human cancers. BRD4 directly stimulates transcripts expression of seven MTC subunits, allowing the maintenance of the nuclear writer complex integrity. Upon BET inhibition, this BRD4-MTC signaling cascade accounts for global m6A reduction and the subsequent dynamic alteration of BRD4-dependent transcriptome, resulting in impaired DNA damage response that involves activation of homologous recombination (HR) repair and repression of apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the combined synergy upon BET/PARP inhibition largely relies on disrupted m6A modification of HR and apoptotic genes, counteracting PARP inhibitor (PARPi) resistance in patient-derived xenograft models. Our study revealed a widespread active cross-talk between BRD4-dependent epigenetic and MTC-mediated epitranscriptomic networks, which provides a unique therapeutic vulnerability that can be leveraged in combined DNA repair-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Lichao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Jiancheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Yuanpei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Mengchen Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Tong Shu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing100142, China
| | - Xiaoniu He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi710032, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Han You
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
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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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Parente M, Tonini C, Segatto M, Pallottini V. Regulation of cholesterol metabolism: New players for an old physiological process. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1449-1465. [PMID: 37796135 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30477] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Identified more than two centuries ago, cholesterol plays a pivotal role in human physiology. Since cholesterol metabolism is a physiologically significant process, it is not surprising that its alterations are associated with several pathologies. The discovery of new molecular targets or compounds able to modulate this sophisticated metabolism has been capturing the attention of research groups worldwide since many years. Endogenous and exogenous compounds are known to regulate cellular cholesterol synthesis and uptake, or reduce cholesterol absorption at the intestinal level, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis. However, there is a great need of new modulators and diverse new pathways have been uncovered. Here, after illustrating cholesterol metabolism and its well-known regulators, some new players of this important physiological process are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Valentina Pallottini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso Fiorano, Rome, Italy
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35
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Lee H, Nam J, Jang H, Park YS, Son MH, Lee IH, Eyun SI, Jeon J, Yang S. Novel molecule BBC0901 inhibits BRD4 and acts as a catabolic regulator in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115426. [PMID: 37666177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is induced by matrix degradation and inflammation mediated by bromo-domain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)-dependent catabolic factors. BRD4 acts as both a transcriptional regulator and an epigenetic reader. BBC0901 was identified as an inhibitor of BRD4 using a DNA-encoded library screening system. We aimed to demonstrate the effects of BBC0901 on OA pathogenesis by in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses. BBC0901 inhibited the expression of catabolic factors that degrade cartilage without significantly affecting the viability of mouse articular chondrocytes. Additionally, ex vivo experiments under conditions mimicking OA showed that BBC0901 suppressed extracellular matrix degradation. RNA sequencing analysis of gene expression patterns showed that BBC0901 inhibited the expression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)2, along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, intra-articular (IA) injection of BBC0901 into the knee joint blocked osteoarthritic cartilage destruction by inhibition of MMP3, MMP13, COX2, interleukin (IL)6, and ROS production, thereby obstructing the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling. In conclusion, BBC0901-mediated BRD4 inhibition prevented OA development by attenuating catabolic signaling and hence, can be considered a promising IA therapeutic for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiho Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hahyeong Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Sik Park
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Gyeonggi-do 13494, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Hee Son
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Gyeonggi-do 13494, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-Hyun Lee
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Gyeonggi-do 13494, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong-Il Eyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jimin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Siyoung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Musella M, Manduca N, Maccafeo E, Sistigu A. Epigenetics behind tumor immunology: a mini review. Oncogene 2023; 42:2932-2938. [PMID: 37604925 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic- and immune-therapies have become hot spots in the treatment of cancer. Although promising, these strategies are frequently associated with innate or acquired resistance, calling for combined targeting of immune inhibitory signals. Epigenetic therapy is attracting considerable attention as a combination partner for immune-based therapies due to its role in molding the state and fate of cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we describe epigenetic dysregulations in cancer, with a particular focus on those related to innate immune signaling and Type I interferons, and emphasize opportunities and current efforts to translate this knowledge into treatment regimens with improved clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Duska LR, Zamarin D, Hamilton E, Oza A, Fleming G, Spira A, Yeku OO, Richardson DL, Walling J, Inokuchi K, Matusow B, Bollag G, Swisher EM. Phase IIa Study of PLX2853 in Gynecologic Cancers With Known ARID1A Mutation and Phase Ib/IIa Study of PLX2853/Carboplatin in Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2300235. [PMID: 37797273 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) domain proteins facilitate the development of many human cancers via epigenetic regulation. BET inhibitors may be effective in reversing platinum resistance in ovarian cancer (OC) and may generate synthetic lethality with ARID1A loss. PLX2853 is an orally active, small-molecule inhibitor of BET bromodomain-mediated interactions that exhibits low nanomolar potency in blocking all four BET family members. METHODS We conducted a multicenter and open-label study with two parallel arms: a phase IIa study of PLX2853 monotherapy in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies with an ARID1A mutation and a phase Ib/IIa combination study of PLX2853 plus carboplatin in women with platinum-resistant OC. The primary objectives were safety and tolerability for phase Ib and efficacy for both phase IIa portions. Thirty-four of 37 enrolled patients completed at least one post-baseline response assessment. RESULTS Of the 14 evaluable patients on the monotherapy arm, 1 (7.1%) achieved a best overall response of partial response (PR), 5 (35.7%) had stable disease (SD), and 8 (57.1%) had progressive disease (PD). Of the 20 evaluable patients on the combination arm, 1 (5.0%) had PR, 9 (45.0%) had SD, and 10 (50%) had PD. CONCLUSION This study confirmed the safety profile of PLX2853 and demonstrated the feasibility of combination with carboplatin. Although these results did not meet the prespecified response criteria, evidence of clinical activity highlights the rationale for further exploration of BET inhibitors in patients with ARID1A-mutated gynecologic malignancies, possibly in combination with agents targeting potential feedback mechanisms such as the PI3K pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda R Duska
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | | | - Amit Oza
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON
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Wang Z, Yin L, Xiong Z, Huang F, Yang N, Jiang F, Li H, Cui Y, Ren J, Cheng Z, Jia K, Lu T, Zhu J, Hu Q, Chen Y. Discovery of a Bromodomain and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Inhibitor with the Selectivity for the Second Bromodomain (BD2) and the Capacity for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10824-10848. [PMID: 37478496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Selective inhibitors targeting the first bromodomain (BD1) or the second bromodomain (BD2) of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins have triggered extensive research to produce more specific agents. Herein, we described our efforts to design and synthesize a series of selective BET BD2 inhibitors with novel structures. Among them, compound 45 showed single-digit nanomolar potency against BRD4 BD2 (IC50: 1.6 nM) and a 328-fold selectivity for BRD4 BD2 over BRD4 BD1 (IC50: 524 nM). Besides, 45 possessed potent effects on regulating the differentiation of Th17 cells and reducing the levels of Th17-related cytokines by affecting the activation of STAT3 and NF-κB. Further studies demonstrated that 45 had significant therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This work provides a strong foundation for the development of selective BET BD2 inhibitors and the therapeutic strategy for psoriasis and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Li Yin
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Zhenghan Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Na Yang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Fei Jiang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Huili Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Yong Cui
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Jiwei Ren
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Zitian Cheng
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Kun Jia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Jiapeng Zhu
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
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Rana M, Kansal RG, Bisunke B, Fang J, Shibata D, Bajwa A, Yang J, Glazer ES. Bromo- and Extra-Terminal Domain Inhibitors Induce Mitochondrial Stress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:936-946. [PMID: 37294884 PMCID: PMC10527726 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0149] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Identifying novel, unique, and personalized molecular targets for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the greatest challenge in altering the biology of fatal tumors. Bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are activated in a noncanonical fashion by TGFβ, a ubiquitous cytokine in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that BET inhibitors (BETi) represent a new class of drugs that attack PDAC tumors via a novel mechanism. Using a combination of patient and syngeneic murine models, we investigated the effects of the BETi drug BMS-986158 on cellular proliferation, organoid growth, cell-cycle progression, and mitochondrial metabolic disruption. These were investigated independently and in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy (gemcitabine + paclitaxel [GemPTX]). BMS-986158 reduced cell viability and proliferation across multiple PDAC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, even more so in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). We found that BMS-986158 reduced both human and murine PDAC organoid growth (P < 0.001), with associated perturbations in the cell cycle leading to cell-cycle arrest. BMS-986158 disrupts normal cancer-dependent mitochondrial function, leading to aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and stress via dysfunctional cellular respiration, proton leakage, and ATP production. We demonstrated mechanistic and functional data that BETi induces metabolic mitochondrial dysfunction, abrogating PDAC progression and proliferation, alone and in combination with systemic cytotoxic chemotherapies. This novel approach improves the therapeutic window in patients with PDAC and offers another treatment approach distinct from cytotoxic chemotherapy that targets cancer cell bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Rana
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Rita G. Kansal
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Bijay Bisunke
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Amandeep Bajwa
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Evan S. Glazer
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Zhao Y, Jia H, Hua X, An T, Song J. Cardio-oncology: Shared Genetic, Metabolic, and Pharmacologic Mechanism. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:863-878. [PMID: 37493874 PMCID: PMC10403418 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01906-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The article aims to investigate the complex relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a focus on the effects of cancer treatment on cardiac health. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in cancer treatment have improved long-term survival rates, but CVD has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The interplay between cancer itself, treatment methods, homeostatic changes, and lifestyle modifications contributes to this comorbidity. Recent research in the field of cardio-oncology has revealed common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features associated with the co-occurrence of cancer and CVD. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research in cardio-oncology, including common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features, and explores the interactions between cancer treatment and CVD drugs, proposing novel approaches for the management of cancer and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Xiumeng Hua
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Tao An
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
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Mann MW, Fu Y, Gearhart RL, Xu X, Roberts DS, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 regulates innate inflammation via modulation of alternative splicing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212770. [PMID: 37435059 PMCID: PMC10331468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In the context of airway viral infection, BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream epithelial plasticity. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not well understood. Given BRD4's interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing. Methods To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i. Results We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 (IFRD1) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response (UPR). We identify requirement of BRD4 for expression of serine-arginine splicing factors, splicosome components and the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1 IREα affecting immediate early innate response and the UPR. Discussion These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing via modulating splicing factor expression in virus-induced innate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan W. Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert L. Gearhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Hu J, Hu B, Xu F, Wang M, Qin C, McEachern D, Stuckey J, Wang S. Precise Conformational Control Yielding Highly Potent and Exceptionally Selective BRD4 Degraders with Strong Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:8222-8237. [PMID: 37289649 PMCID: PMC10436693 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Starting from a nonselective bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitor and a cereblon ligand, we have used precise conformational control for the development of two potent and highly selective BRD4 degraders, BD-7148 and BD-9136. These compounds induce rapid degradation of BRD4 protein in cells at concentrations as low as 1 nM and demonstrate ≥1000-fold degradation selectivity over BRD2 or BRD3 protein. Proteomic analysis of >5700 proteins confirmed their highly selective BRD4 degradation. A single dose of BD-9136 selectively and effectively depletes BRD4 protein in tumor tissues for >48 h. BD-9136 effectively inhibits tumor growth without adverse effects on mice and is more efficacious than the corresponding pan BET inhibitor. This study suggests selective degradation of BRD4 as a strategy for the treatment of human cancers and demonstrates a strategy for the design of highly selective PROTAC degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fuming Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chong Qin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Donna McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Islam R, Jenkins CE, Cao Q, Wong J, Bilenky M, Carles A, Moksa M, Weng AP, Hirst M. RUNX1 colludes with NOTCH1 to reprogram chromatin in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. iScience 2023; 26:106795. [PMID: 37213235 PMCID: PMC10199266 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is oncogenic in diverse types of leukemia and epithelial cancers where its expression is associated with poor prognosis. Current models suggest that RUNX1 cooperates with other oncogenic factors (e.g., NOTCH1, TAL1) to drive the expression of proto-oncogenes in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) but the molecular mechanisms controlled by RUNX1 and its cooperation with other factors remain unclear. Integrative chromatin and transcriptional analysis following inhibition of RUNX1 and NOTCH1 revealed a surprisingly widespread role of RUNX1 in the establishment of global H3K27ac levels and that RUNX1 is required by NOTCH1 for cooperative transcription activation of key NOTCH1 target genes including MYC, DTX1, HES4, IL7R, and NOTCH3. Super-enhancers were preferentially sensitive to RUNX1 knockdown and RUNX1-dependent super-enhancers were disrupted following the treatment of a pan-BET inhibitor, I-BET151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashedul Islam
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | | | - Qi Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jasper Wong
- Genome Science and Technology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Misha Bilenky
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Annaïck Carles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michelle Moksa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Andrew P. Weng
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Martin Hirst
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
- Genome Science and Technology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Corresponding author
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Jeong S, Kim HR, Shin JH, Son MH, Lee IH, Roe JS. Streamlined DNA-encoded small molecule library screening and validation for the discovery of novel chemotypes targeting BET proteins. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:637-649. [PMID: 37207130 PMCID: PMC10189352 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Targeting aberrant epigenetic programs that drive tumorigenesis is a promising approach to cancer therapy. DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening is a core platform technology increasingly used to identify drugs that bind to protein targets. Here, we use DEL screening against bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) proteins to identify inhibitors with new chemotypes, and successfully identified BBC1115 as a selective BET inhibitor. While BBC1115 does not structurally resemble OTX-015, a clinically active pan-BET inhibitor, our intensive biological characterization revealed that BBC1115 binds to BET proteins, including BRD4, and suppresses aberrant cell fate programs. Phenotypically, BBC1115-mediated BET inhibition impaired proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia, pancreatic, colorectal, and ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, intravenous administration of BBC1115 inhibited subcutaneous tumor xenograft growth with minimal toxicity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. Since epigenetic regulations are ubiquitously distributed across normal and malignant cells, it will be critical to evaluate if BBC1115 affects normal cell function. Nonetheless, our study shows integrating DEL-based small-molecule compound screening and multi-step biological validation represents a reliable strategy to discover new chemotypes with selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles for targeting proteins involved in epigenetic regulation in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa-Ryeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - June-Ha Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Jae-Seok Roe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author: Jae-Seok Roe, PhD, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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D’Avola A, Kluckova K, Finch AJ, Riches JC. Spotlight on New Therapeutic Opportunities for MYC-Driven Cancers. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:371-383. [PMID: 37309471 PMCID: PMC10257908 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s366627] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC can be considered to be one of the most pressing and important targets for the development of novel anti-cancer therapies. This is due to its frequent dysregulation in tumors and due to the wide-ranging impact this dysregulation has on gene expression and cellular behavior. As a result, there have been numerous attempts to target MYC over the last few decades, both directly and indirectly, with mixed results. This article reviews the biology of MYC in the context of cancers and drug development. It discusses strategies aimed at targeting MYC directly, including those aimed at reducing its expression and blocking its function. In addition, the impact of MYC dysregulation on cellular biology is outlined, and how understanding this can underpin the development of approaches aimed at molecules and pathways regulated by MYC. In particular, the review focuses on the role that MYC plays in the regulation of metabolism, and the therapeutic avenues offered by inhibiting the metabolic pathways that are essential for the survival of MYC-transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa D’Avola
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Katarina Kluckova
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Andrew J Finch
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John C Riches
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Moreno V, Manuel Sepúlveda J, Reardon DA, Pérez-Núñez Á, González León P, Hanna B, Filvaroff E, Aronchik I, Chang H, Amoroso B, Zuraek M, Sanchez-Perez T, Mendez C, Stephens D, Nikolova Z, Vogelbaum MA. Trotabresib, an oral potent bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitor, in patients with high-grade gliomas: A phase I, "window-of-opportunity" study. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1113-1122. [PMID: 36455228 PMCID: PMC10237409 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bromodomain and extraterminal protein (BET) inhibitor trotabresib has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors, including high-grade gliomas. CC-90010-GBM-001 (NCT04047303) is a phase I study investigating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and CNS penetration of trotabresib in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas scheduled for salvage resection. METHODS Patients received trotabresib 30 mg/day on days 1-4 before surgery, followed by maintenance trotabresib 45 mg/day 4 days on/24 days off after surgery. Primary endpoints were plasma pharmacokinetics and trotabresib concentrations in resected tissue. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included safety, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity. RESULTS Twenty patients received preoperative trotabresib and underwent resection with no delays or cancelations of surgery; 16 patients received maintenance trotabresib after recovery from surgery. Trotabresib plasma pharmacokinetics were consistent with previous data. Mean trotabresib brain tumor tissue:plasma ratio was 0.84 (estimated unbound partition coefficient [KPUU] 0.37), and modulation of pharmacodynamic markers was observed in blood and brain tumor tissue. Trotabresib was well tolerated; the most frequent grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse event during maintenance treatment was thrombocytopenia (5/16 patients). Six-month progression-free survival was 12%. Two patients remain on treatment with stable disease at cycles 25 and 30. CONCLUSIONS Trotabresib penetrates the blood-brain-tumor barrier in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma and demonstrates target engagement in resected tumor tissue. Plasma pharmacokinetics, blood pharmacodynamics, and safety were comparable with previous results for trotabresib in patients with advanced solid tumors. Investigation of adjuvant trotabresib + temozolomide and concomitant trotabresib + temozolomide + radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma is ongoing (NCT04324840).
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Moreno
- START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David A Reardon
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ángel Pérez-Núñez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro González León
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bishoy Hanna
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Ida Aronchik
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Henry Chang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Barbara Amoroso
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Tania Sanchez-Perez
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Mendez
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Zariana Nikolova
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
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Ktena YP, Dionysiou M, Gondek LP, Cooke KR. The impact of epigenetic modifications on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188853. [PMID: 37325668 PMCID: PMC10264773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of epigenetics studies the complex processes that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. It is well established that epigenetic modifications are crucial to cellular homeostasis and differentiation and play a vital role in hematopoiesis and immunity. Epigenetic marks can be mitotically and/or meiotically heritable upon cell division, forming the basis of cellular memory, and have the potential to be reversed between cellular fate transitions. Hence, over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the role that epigenetic modifications may have on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation and growing enthusiasm in the therapeutic potential these pathways may hold. In this brief review, we provide a basic overview of the types of epigenetic modifications and their biological functions, summarizing the current literature with a focus on hematopoiesis and immunity specifically in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiouli P. Ktena
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Kumar K, Kanojia D, Bentrem DJ, Hwang RF, Butchar JP, Tridandapani S, Munshi HG. Targeting BET Proteins Decreases Hyaluronidase-1 in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:1490. [PMID: 37296612 PMCID: PMC10253193 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by the presence of dense stroma that is enriched in hyaluronan (HA), with increased HA levels associated with more aggressive disease. Increased levels of the HA-degrading enzymes hyaluronidases (HYALs) are also associated with tumor progression. In this study, we evaluate the regulation of HYALs in PDAC. METHODS Using siRNA and small molecule inhibitors, we evaluated the regulation of HYALs using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and ELISA. The binding of BRD2 protein on the HYAL1 promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Proliferation was evaluated by WST-1 assay. Mice with xenograft tumors were treated with BET inhibitors. The expression of HYALs in tumors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and by qRT-PCR. RESULTS We show that HYAL1, HYAL2, and HYAL3 are expressed in PDAC tumors and in PDAC and pancreatic stellate cell lines. We demonstrate that inhibitors targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins, which are readers of histone acetylation marks, primarily decrease HYAL1 expression. We show that the BET family protein BRD2 regulates HYAL1 expression by binding to its promoter region and that HYAL1 downregulation decreases proliferation and enhances apoptosis of PDAC and stellate cell lines. Notably, BET inhibitors decrease the levels of HYAL1 expression in vivo without affecting the levels of HYAL2 or HYAL3. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the pro-tumorigenic role of HYAL1 and identify the role of BRD2 in the regulation of HYAL1 in PDAC. Overall, these data enhance our understanding of the role and regulation of HYAL1 and provide the rationale for targeting HYAL1 in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepak Kanojia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David J. Bentrem
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Rosa F. Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Butchar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Susheela Tridandapani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Yang X, Xu L, Yang L. Recent advances in EZH2-based dual inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115461. [PMID: 37156182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115461] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein is the catalytic subunit of one of the histone methyltransferases. EZH2 catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) and further alters downstream target levels. EZH2 is upregulated in cancer tissues, wherein its levels correlate strongly with cancer genesis, progression, metastasis, and invasion. Consequently, it has emerged as a novel anticancer therapeutic target. Nonetheless, developing EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) has encountered numerous difficulties, such as pre-clinical drug resistance and poor therapeutic effect. The EZH2i synergistically suppresses cancers when used in combination with additional antitumor drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, BRD4 inhibitors, EZH1 inhibitors, and EHMT2 inhibitors. Typically, the use of dual inhibitors of two different targets mediated by one individual molecule has been recognized as the preferred approach for overcoming the limitations of EZH2 monotherapy. The present review discusses the theoretical basis for designing EZH2-based dual-target inhibitors, and also describes some in vitro and in vivo analysis results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Lu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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Yamazaki M, Hino S, Usuki S, Miyazaki Y, Oda T, Nakao M, Ito T, Yamagata K. YAP/BRD4-controlled ROR1 promotes tumor-initiating cells and hyperproliferation in pancreatic cancer. EMBO J 2023:e112614. [PMID: 37096681 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells are major drivers of chemoresistance and attractive targets for cancer therapy, however, their identity in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and the key molecules underlying their traits remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a cellular subpopulation with partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like signature marked by high expression of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is the origin of heterogeneous tumor cells in PDAC. We demonstrate that ROR1 depletion suppresses tumor growth, recurrence after chemotherapy, and metastasis. Mechanistically, ROR1 induces the expression of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) by activating E2F through c-Myc to enhance PDAC proliferation. Furthermore, epigenomic analyses reveal that ROR1 is transcriptionally dependent on YAP/BRD4 binding at the enhancer region, and targeting this pathway reduces ROR1 expression and prevents PDAC growth. Collectively, our findings reveal a critical role for ROR1high cells as tumor-initiating cells and the functional importance of ROR1 in PDAC progression, thereby highlighting its therapeutic targetability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Yamazaki
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ito
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yamagata
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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