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Kritsi E, Christodoulou P, Tsiaka T, Georgiadis P, Zervou M. A Computational Approach for the Discovery of Novel DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3394-3407. [PMID: 38666943 PMCID: PMC11049320 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040213] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the explosion of knowledge in the field of epigenetics has revealed new pathways toward the treatment of multifactorial diseases, rendering the key players of the epigenetic machinery the focus of today's pharmaceutical landscape. Among epigenetic enzymes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are first studied as inhibition targets for cancer treatment. The increasing clinical interest in DNMTs has led to advanced experimental and computational strategies in the search for novel DNMT inhibitors. Considering the importance of epigenetic targets as a novel and promising pharmaceutical trend, the present study attempted to discover novel inhibitors of natural origin against DNMTs using a combination of structure and ligand-based computational approaches. Particularly, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening was performed, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations in order to establish an accurate and robust selection methodology. Our screening protocol prioritized five natural-derived compounds, derivatives of coumarins, flavones, chalcones, benzoic acids, and phenazine, bearing completely diverse chemical scaffolds from FDA-approved "Epi-drugs". Their total DNMT inhibitory activity was evaluated, revealing promising results for the derived hits with an inhibitory activity ranging within 30-45% at 100 µM of the tested compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftichia Kritsi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece; (P.C.); (T.T.); (P.G.)
| | | | | | | | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece; (P.C.); (T.T.); (P.G.)
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2
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Gil-Martín E, Ramos E, López-Muñoz F, Egea J, Romero A. Potential of melatonin to reverse epigenetic aberrations in oral cancer: new findings. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:1280-1310. [PMID: 38234969 PMCID: PMC10792176 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
It is now an accepted principle that epigenetic alterations cause cellular dyshomeostasis and functional changes, both of which are essential for the initiation and completion of the tumor cycle. Oral carcinogenesis is no exception in this regard, as most of the tumors in the different subsites of the oral cavity arise from the cross-reaction between (epi)genetic inheritance and the huge challenge of environmental stressors. Currently, the biochemical machinery is put at the service of the tumor program, halting the cell cycle, triggering uncontrolled proliferation, driving angiogenesis and resistance to apoptosis, until the archetypes of the tumor phenotype are reached. Melatonin has the ability to dynamically affect the epigenetic code. It has become accepted that melatonin can reverse (epi)genetic aberrations present in oral and other cancers, suggesting the possibility of enhancing the oncostatic capacity of standard multimodal treatments by incorporating this indolamine as an adjuvant. First steps in this direction confirm the potential of melatonin as a countermeasure to mitigate the detrimental side effects of conventional first-line radiochemotherapy. This single effect could produce synergies of extraordinary clinical importance, allowing doses to be increased and treatments not to be interrupted, ultimately improving patients' quality of life and prognosis. Motivated by the urgency of improving the medical management of oral cancer, many authors advocate moving from in vitro and preclinical research, where the bulk of melatonin cancer research is concentrated, to systematic randomized clinical trials on large cohorts. Recognizing the challenge to improve the clinical management of cancer, our motivation is to encourage comprehensive and robust research to reveal the clinical potential of melatonin in oral cancer control. To improve the outcome and quality of life of patients with oral cancer, here we provide the latest evidence of the oncolytic activity that melatonin can achieve by manipulating epigenetic patterns in oronasopharyngeal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Gil-Martín
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Eva Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López-Muñoz
- Faculty of Health, Camilo José Cela University of Madrid (UCJC), 28692 Madrid, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Egea
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Gladkova MG, Leidmaa E, Anderzhanova EA. Epidrugs in the Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders: A Way to Drive on? Cells 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37296584 PMCID: PMC10253154 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111464] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of this review is to understand what fundamental pathological mechanisms would be optimal to target with epidrugs in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric complications. To date, the use of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (HDACis and DNMTis) in the clinic is focused on the treatment of neoplasms (mainly of a glial origin) and is based on the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of these compounds. Preclinical data show that besides this activity, inhibitors of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, bromodomains, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins impact the expression of neuroimmune inflammation mediators (cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors), neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)), ion channels, ionotropic receptors, as well as pathoproteins (β-amyloid, tau protein, and α-synuclein). Based on this profile of activities, epidrugs may be favorable as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. For the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, drug addiction, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, contemporary epidrugs still require further development concerning a tuning of pharmacological effects, reduction in toxicity, and development of efficient treatment protocols. A promising strategy to further clarify the potential targets of epidrugs as therapeutic means to cure neurological and psychiatric syndromes is the profiling of the epigenetic mechanisms, which have evolved upon actions of complex physiological lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical exercise, and which are effective in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Este Leidmaa
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Kim SH, Hwang JH, Kim HJ, Oh SJ, Kim HJ, Shin N, Kim SH, Park JH, Bhatia SK, Yang YH. Enhancement of biohydrogen production in Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 by overexpression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Enzyme Microb Technol 2023; 168:110244. [PMID: 37196383 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In the dark fermentation of hydrogen, development of production host is crucial as bacteria act on substrates and produce hydrogen. The present study aimed to improve hydrogen production through the development of Clostridium acetobutylicum as a superior biohydrogen producer. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which produces NADH/NADPH for metabolites and energy in primary pathways, was introduced to enhance hydrogen production. The strain CAC824-G containing gapC that encodes GAPDH showed a 66.3 % higher hydrogen production than the wild-type strain, with increased NADH and NADPH pools. Glucose consumption and other byproducts, such as acetone, butanol, and ethanol, were also high in CAC824-G. Overexpression of gapC resulted in increased hydrogen production with sugars obtained from different biomass, even in the presence of inhibitors such as vanillin, 5-hydroxymethylfufural, acetic acid, and formic acid. Our results imply that overexpression of gapC in Clostridium is possible to expand the production of the reported biochemicals to produce hydrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Hwang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joong Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Jin Oh
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Nara Shin
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyoun Kim
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Park
- Sustainable Technology and Wellness R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Jeju-si 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yung-Hun Yang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Sahafnejad Z, Ramazi S, Allahverdi A. An Update of Epigenetic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers and Brain Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040873. [PMID: 37107631 PMCID: PMC10137918 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has long been recognized as a significant field in biology and is defined as the investigation of any alteration in gene expression patterns that is not attributed to changes in the DNA sequences. Epigenetic marks, including histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in gene regulation. Numerous studies in humans have been carried out on single-nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation, the CpG island, new histone modifications, and genome-wide nucleosome positioning. These studies indicate that epigenetic mutations and aberrant placement of these epigenetic marks play a critical role in causing the disease. Consequently, significant development has occurred in biomedical research in identifying epigenetic mechanisms, their interactions, and changes in health and disease conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about the different types of diseases caused by alterations in epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation. Recent studies reported that epigenetics could influence the evolution of human cancer via aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions, which is associated with reduced gene function. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the DNA methylation process as well as histone acetyltransferases (HATs)/histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs)/demethylases (HDMs) in histone modifications play important roles both in the catalysis and inhibition of target gene transcription and in many other DNA processes such as repair, replication, and recombination. Dysfunction in these enzymes leads to epigenetic disorders and, as a result, various diseases such as cancers and brain diseases. Consequently, the knowledge of how to modify aberrant DNA methylation as well as aberrant histone acetylation or methylation via inhibitors by using epigenetic drugs can be a suitable therapeutic approach for a number of diseases. Using the synergistic effects of DNA methylation and histone modification inhibitors, it is hoped that many epigenetic defects will be treated in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetic marks and their effects on brain and cancer diseases. Designing appropriate drugs could provide novel strategies for the management of these diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sahafnejad
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
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Smith DA, Sadler MC, Altman RB. Promises and challenges in pharmacoepigenetics. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS. PRECISION MEDICINE 2023; 1:e18. [PMID: 37560024 PMCID: PMC10406571 DOI: 10.1017/pcm.2023.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics, the study of how interindividual genetic differences affect drug response, does not explain all observed heritable variance in drug response. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, and histone acetylation may account for some of the unexplained variances. Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression and can be suitable drug targets and can impact the action of nonepigenetic drugs. Pharmacoepigenetics is the field that studies the relationship between epigenetic variability and drug response. Much of this research focuses on compounds targeting epigenetic mechanisms, called epigenetic drugs, which are used to treat cancers, immune disorders, and other diseases. Several studies also suggest an epigenetic role in classical drug response; however, we know little about this area. The amount of information correlating epigenetic biomarkers to molecular datasets has recently expanded due to technological advances, and novel computational approaches have emerged to better identify and predict epigenetic interactions. We propose that the relationship between epigenetics and classical drug response may be examined using data already available by (1) finding regions of epigenetic variance, (2) pinpointing key epigenetic biomarkers within these regions, and (3) mapping these biomarkers to a drug-response phenotype. This approach expands on existing knowledge to generate putative pharmacoepigenetic relationships, which can be tested experimentally. Epigenetic modifications are involved in disease and drug response. Therefore, understanding how epigenetic drivers impact the response to classical drugs is important for improving drug design and administration to better treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney A Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marie C Sadler
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- University Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Russ B Altman
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Brooks-Warburton J, Modos D, Sudhakar P, Madgwick M, Thomas JP, Bohar B, Fazekas D, Zoufir A, Kapuy O, Szalay-Beko M, Verstockt B, Hall LJ, Watson A, Tremelling M, Parkes M, Vermeire S, Bender A, Carding SR, Korcsmaros T. A systems genomics approach to uncover patient-specific pathogenic pathways and proteins in ulcerative colitis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2299. [PMID: 35484353 PMCID: PMC9051123 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a precision medicine workflow, the integrated single nucleotide polymorphism network platform (iSNP), designed to determine the mechanisms by which SNPs affect cellular regulatory networks, and how SNP co-occurrences contribute to disease pathogenesis in ulcerative colitis (UC). Using SNP profiles of 378 UC patients we map the regulatory effects of the SNPs to a human signalling network containing protein-protein, miRNA-mRNA and transcription factor binding interactions. With unsupervised clustering algorithms we group these patient-specific networks into four distinct clusters driven by PRKCB, HLA, SNAI1/CEBPB/PTPN1 and VEGFA/XPO5/POLH hubs. The pathway analysis identifies calcium homeostasis, wound healing and cell motility as key processes in UC pathogenesis. Using transcriptomic data from an independent patient cohort, with three complementary validation approaches focusing on the SNP-affected genes, the patient specific modules and affected functions, we confirm the regulatory impact of non-coding SNPs. iSNP identified regulatory effects for disease-associated non-coding SNPs, and by predicting the patient-specific pathogenic processes, we propose a systems-level way to stratify patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Brooks-Warburton
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertford, UK
- Gastroenterology Department, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK
| | - Dezso Modos
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Centre for Molecular Science Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Padhmanand Sudhakar
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- KU Leuven, Department of Chronic diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew Madgwick
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - John P Thomas
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich, UK
| | - Balazs Bohar
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Fazekas
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Azedine Zoufir
- Centre for Molecular Science Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orsolya Kapuy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Bram Verstockt
- KU Leuven, Department of Chronic diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Leuven, Belgium
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- School of Life Sciences, ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333, Freising, Germany
| | - Alastair Watson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Mark Tremelling
- Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich, UK
| | - Miles Parkes
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Severine Vermeire
- KU Leuven, Department of Chronic diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Leuven, Belgium
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreas Bender
- Centre for Molecular Science Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon R Carding
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Tamas Korcsmaros
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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Yang BH, Lin WZ, Chiang YT, Chen YC, Chung CH, Chien WC, Shiau CY. Epigenetics-Associated Risk Reduction of Hematologic Neoplasms in a Nationwide Cohort Study: The Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Efficacy of Hydralazine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:809014. [PMID: 35186746 PMCID: PMC8848747 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.809014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although several epigenetic drugs have been reported to have therapeutic efficacy for some hematologic neoplasms (HNs) in clinical trials, few achieved disease-free survival benefit. The traditional drug discovery pathway is costly and time-consuming, and thus, more effective strategies are required. We attempted to facilitate epigenetic drug repositioning for therapy of HNs by screening the Human Epigenetic Drug Database (HEDD) in the web, conducting a bench-work cytotoxicity test and a retrospective nationwide cohort study prior to a clinical trial. Methods Four FDA-approved epigenetic drugs with antitumor properties and completion of clinical phase II trials were selected from HEDD. Hydralazine (HDZ) and valproate (VAL) among the four were selected with higher cytotoxicity to HN cells, no matter whether carrying the JAK2V617F mutation or not. Both of them were chosen for a cohort study using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) 2000–2015 (N = 1,936,512), a subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD, N= 25.68 millions) in Taiwan. Results In the initial cohort, HDZ or VAL exposure subjects (11,049) and matching reference subjects (44,196) were enrolled according to maximal daily consumption (300/2,100 mg per day of HDZ/VAL). The HN incidence in HDZ and VAL exposure groups reduced from 4.97% to 3.90% (p <.001) and 4.45% (p = .075), respectively. A further cohort study on HDZ at a lower range of the WHO defined daily dose (<34 mg per day) and HN incidence of HDZ exposure subjects (75,612) reduced from 5.01% to 4.16% (p = 1.725 × 10 -18) compared to the reference subjects (302,448). Conclusions An association of a chronically prescribed HDZ, even prescribed low dose, with reduction of overall incidence rate and in most subgroups of HN was observed in our study. Repositioning HDZ for HN management may be feasible. This is the first nationwide cohort study of the epigenetics-associated risk evaluation of overall HN in the existing literature, showing an effective method with a wider scope to inform contemporary clinical trials of epigenetic drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Heng Yang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Zhi Lin
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Fidelity Regulation Therapeutics Inc., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chiang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeu-Chin Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yang Shiau
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Fidelity Regulation Therapeutics Inc., Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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9
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Usefulness of Melatonin and Other Compounds as Antioxidants and Epidrugs in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010035. [PMID: 35052539 PMCID: PMC8773331 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic alterations are the initiators of head and neck cancer carcinogenesis. Currently, several drugs are being developed to correct these epigenetic alterations, known as epidrugs. Some compounds with an antioxidant effect have been shown to be effective in preventing these malignant lesions and in minimizing the complications derived from cytotoxic treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show a promising role in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is the case of supplements with DNA methylation inhibitory function (DNMTi), such as epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, and folic acid; histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), such as sodium butyrate and melatonin or histone acetyltransferase inhibitors (HATi), such as curcumin. The objective of this review is to describe the role of some antioxidants and their epigenetic mechanism of action, with special emphasis on melatonin and butyric acid given their organic production, in the prevention and treatment of HNSCC.
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10
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Bowden SA, Rodger EJ, Chatterjee A, Eccles MR, Stayner C. Recent Discoveries in Epigenetic Modifications of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413327. [PMID: 34948126 PMCID: PMC8708269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a heritable renal disease that results in end-stage kidney disease, due to the uncontrolled bilateral growth of cysts throughout the kidneys. While it is known that a mutation within a PKD-causing gene is required for the development of ADPKD, the underlying mechanism(s) causing cystogenesis and progression of the disease are not well understood. Limited therapeutic options are currently available to slow the rate of cystic growth. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, are known to be altered in neoplasia, and several FDA-approved therapeutics target these disease-specific changes. As there are many similarities between ADPKD and neoplasia, we (and others) have postulated that ADPKD kidneys contain alterations to their epigenetic landscape that could be exploited for future therapeutic discovery. Here we summarise the current understanding of epigenetic changes that are associated with ADPKD, with a particular focus on the burgeoning field of ADPKD-specific alterations in DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Bowden
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.A.B.); (E.J.R.); (A.C.); (M.R.E.)
| | - Euan J. Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.A.B.); (E.J.R.); (A.C.); (M.R.E.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.A.B.); (E.J.R.); (A.C.); (M.R.E.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Michael R. Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.A.B.); (E.J.R.); (A.C.); (M.R.E.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Cherie Stayner
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.A.B.); (E.J.R.); (A.C.); (M.R.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-479-5060; Fax: +64-3-479-7136
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11
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Impact of epigenetics on human health and possible tool for remediation. THE NUCLEUS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13237-021-00379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent evidence from the fields of microbiology and immunology, as well as a small number of human sepsis studies, suggest that epigenetic regulation may play a central role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. The term "epigenetics" refers to regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression but are not related to changes in DNA sequence. These include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation of transcription via non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic modifications, occurring in response to external stressors, lead to changes in gene expression, and thus lie at the intersection between genetics and the environment. In this review, we examine data from in vitro studies, animal studies, and the existing human sepsis studies in epigenetics to demonstrate that epigenetic mechanisms are likely central to the pathogenesis of sepsis and that epigenetic therapies may have potential in the treatment of sepsis and its associated organ failures. DATA SOURCES Online search of published scientific literature via Pubmed using the term "epigenetics" in combination with the terms "sepsis", "infection", "bacterial infection", "viral infection", "critical illness", "acute respiratory distress syndrome", and "acute lung injury". STUDY SELECTION Articles were chosen for inclusion based on their relevance to sepsis, acute inflammation, sepsis-related immune suppression, and sepsis-related organ failure. Reference lists were reviewed to identify additional relevant articles. DATA EXTRACTION Relevant data was extracted and synthesized for narrative review. DATA SYNTHESIS Epigenetic regulation is a key determinant of gene expression in sepsis. At the onset of infection, host-pathogen interactions often result in epigenetic alterations to host cells that favor pathogen survival. In parallel, the host inflammatory response is characterized by epigenetic modifications in key regulatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1β. In human sepsis patients, multiple epigenetic modifying enzymes show differential expression in early sepsis, suggesting a role for epigenetics in coordinating the response to infection. In the later stages of sepsis, epigenetic modifications accompany endotoxin tolerance and the immune-suppressed state. In animal models, treatment with epigenetic modifiers can mitigate the effects of sepsis and improve survival as well as reverse sepsis-associated organ injury. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic modifications are associated with key phases of sepsis, from the host-pathogen interaction, to acute inflammation, to immune suppression. Epigenetic markers show promise in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis and epigenetic modifying agents show promise as therapeutic tools in animal models of sepsis. Human studies in the area of epigenetics are sorely lacking and should be a priority for sepsis researchers.
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13
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Oner E, Kotmakci M, Baird AM, Gray SG, Debelec Butuner B, Bozkurt E, Kantarci AG, Finn SP. Development of EphA2 siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles and combination with a small-molecule histone demethylase inhibitor in prostate cancer cells and tumor spheroids. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:71. [PMID: 33685469 PMCID: PMC7938557 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND siRNAs hold a great potential for cancer therapy, however, poor stability in body fluids and low cellular uptake limit their use in the clinic. To enhance the bioavailability of siRNAs in tumors, novel, safe, and effective carriers are needed. RESULTS Here, we developed cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLNs) to carry siRNAs targeting EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase (siEphA2), which is overexpressed in many solid tumors including prostate cancer. Using DDAB cationic lipid instead of DOTMA reduced nanoparticle size and enhanced both cellular uptake and gene silencing in prostate cancer cells. DDAB-cSLN showed better cellular uptake efficiency with similar silencing compared to commercial transfection reagent (Dharmafect 2). After verifying the efficacy of siEphA2-loaded nanoparticles, we further evaluated a potential combination with a histone lysine demethylase inhibitor, JIB-04. Silencing EphA2 by siEphA2-loaded DDAB-cSLN did not affect the viability (2D or 3D culture), migration, nor clonogenicity of PC-3 cells alone. However, upon co-administration with JIB-04, there was a decrease in cellular responses. Furthermore, JIB-04 decreased EphA2 expression, and thus, silencing by siEphA2-loaded nanoparticles was further increased with co-treatment. CONCLUSIONS We have successfully developed a novel siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticle for targeting EphA2. Moreover, preliminary results of the effects of JIB-04, alone and in combination with siEphA2, on prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer tumor spheroids were presented for the first time. Our delivery system provides high transfection efficiency and shows great promise for targeting other genes and cancer types in further in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Oner
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Sir Patrick Dun Translational Research Lab, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Balatcik, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kotmakci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Anne-Marie Baird
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Sir Patrick Dun Translational Research Lab, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven G Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bilge Debelec Butuner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emir Bozkurt
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir University of Economics, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gulten Kantarci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Stephen P Finn
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Sir Patrick Dun Translational Research Lab, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Department of Histopathology, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Cancer Molecular Diagnostics, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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14
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Arora I, Tollefsbol TO. Computational methods and next-generation sequencing approaches to analyze epigenetics data: Profiling of methods and applications. Methods 2021; 187:92-103. [PMID: 32941995 PMCID: PMC7914156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is mainly comprised of features that regulate genomic interactions thereby playing a crucial role in a vast array of biological processes. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications influence gene expression by modulating the packaging of DNA in the nucleus. A plethora of studies have emphasized the importance of analyzing epigenetics data through genome-wide studies and high-throughput approaches, thereby providing key insights towards epigenetics-based diseases such as cancer. Recent advancements have been made towards translating epigenetics research into a high throughput approach such as genome-scale profiling. Amongst all, bioinformatics plays a pivotal role in achieving epigenetics-related computational studies. Despite significant advancements towards epigenomic profiling, it is challenging to understand how various epigenetic modifications such as chromatin modifications and DNA methylation regulate gene expression. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides accurate and parallel sequencing thereby allowing researchers to comprehend epigenomic profiling. In this review, we summarize different computational methods such as machine learning and other bioinformatics tools, publicly available databases and resources to identify key modifications associated with epigenetic machinery. Additionally, the review also focuses on understanding recent methodologies related to epigenome profiling using NGS methods ranging from library preparation, different sequencing platforms and analytical techniques to evaluate various epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. We also provide detailed information on bioinformatics tools and computational strategies responsible for analyzing large scale data in epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itika Arora
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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15
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Pyziak K, Sroka-Porada A, Rzymski T, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:730-753. [PMID: 33565092 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain-of-function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pyziak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Biology R&D, Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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16
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Montalvo-Casimiro M, González-Barrios R, Meraz-Rodriguez MA, Juárez-González VT, Arriaga-Canon C, Herrera LA. Epidrug Repurposing: Discovering New Faces of Old Acquaintances in Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:605386. [PMID: 33312959 PMCID: PMC7708379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.605386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene mutations are strongly associated with tumor progression and are well known in cancer development. However, recently discovered epigenetic alterations have shown the potential to greatly influence tumoral response to therapy regimens. Such epigenetic alterations have proven to be dynamic, and thus could be restored. Due to their reversible nature, the promising opportunity to improve chemotherapy response using epigenetic therapy has arisen. Beyond helping to understand the biology of the disease, the use of modern clinical epigenetics is being incorporated into the management of the cancer patient. Potential epidrug candidates can be found through a process known as drug repositioning or repurposing, a promising strategy for the discovery of novel potential targets in already approved drugs. At present, novel epidrug candidates have been identified in preclinical studies and some others are currently being tested in clinical trials, ready to be repositioned. This epidrug repurposing could circumvent the classic paradigm where the main focus is the development of agents with one indication only, while giving patients lower cost therapies and a novel precision medical approach to optimize treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. This review focuses on the main approved epidrugs, and their druggable targets, that are currently being used in cancer therapy. Also, we highlight the importance of epidrug repurposing by the rediscovery of known chemical entities that may enhance epigenetic therapy in cancer, contributing to the development of precision medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Montalvo-Casimiro
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Cristian Arriaga-Canon
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis A. Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
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17
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Shah SG, Mandloi T, Kunte P, Natu A, Rashid M, Reddy D, Gadewal N, Gupta S. HISTome2: a database of histone proteins, modifiers for multiple organisms and epidrugs. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:31. [PMID: 32746900 PMCID: PMC7398201 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics research is progressing in basic, pre-clinical and clinical studies using various model systems. Hence, updating the knowledge and integration of biological data emerging from in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies for different epigenetic factors is essential. Moreover, new drugs are being discovered which target various epigenetic proteins, tested in pre-clinical studies, clinical trials and approved by the FDA. It brings distinct challenges as well as opportunities to update the existing HIstome database for implementing and applying enormous data for biomedical research. RESULTS HISTome2 focuses on the sub-classification of histone proteins as variants and isoforms, post-translational modifications (PTMs) and modifying enzymes for humans (Homo sapiens), rat (Rattus norvegicus) and mouse (Mus musculus) on one interface for integrative analysis. It contains 232, 267 and 350 entries for histone proteins (non-canonical/variants and canonical/isoforms), PTMs and modifying enzymes respectively for human, rat, and mouse. Around 200 EpiDrugs for various classes of epigenetic modifiers, their clinical trial status, and pharmacological relevance have been provided in HISTome2. The additional features like 'Clustal omega' for multiple sequence alignment, link to 'FireBrowse' to visualize TCGA expression data and 'TargetScanHuman' for miRNA targets have been included in the database. CONCLUSION The information for multiple organisms and EpiDrugs on a common platform will accelerate the understanding and future development of drugs. Overall, HISTome2 has significantly increased the extent and diversity of its content which will serve as a 'knowledge Infobase' for biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians. HISTome2: The HISTone Infobase is freely available on http://www.actrec.gov.in/histome2/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket G. Shah
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, MH 400085 India
| | - Tushar Mandloi
- Bioinformatics Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
| | - Pooja Kunte
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Present Address: Diabetes Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411 011 India
| | - Abhiram Natu
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, MH 400085 India
| | - Mudasir Rashid
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, MH 400085 India
| | - Divya Reddy
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, MH 400085 India
- Present Address: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - Nikhil Gadewal
- Bioinformatics Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology Group, Gupta Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, MH 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, MH 400085 India
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18
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A Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitor Can Reverse Epigenetically Acquired Drug Resistance in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02021-19. [PMID: 32179524 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02021-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites invade and replicate within red blood cells (RBCs), extensively modifying their structure and gaining access to the extracellular environment by placing the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) into the RBC membrane. Expression of members of the cytoadherence linked antigen gene 3 (clag3) family is required for PSAC activity, a process that is regulated epigenetically. PSAC is a well-established route of uptake for large, hydrophilic antimalarial compounds, and parasites can acquire resistance by silencing clag3 gene expression, thereby reducing drug uptake. We found that exposure to sub-IC50 concentrations of the histone methyltransferase inhibitor chaetocin caused substantial changes in both clag3 gene expression and RBC permeability, and reversed acquired resistance to the antimalarial compound blasticidin S that is transported through PSACs. Chaetocin treatment also altered progression of parasites through their replicative cycle, presumably by changing their ability to modify chromatin appropriately to enable DNA replication. These results indicate that targeting histone modifiers could represent a novel tool for reversing epigenetically acquired drug resistance in P. falciparum.
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Singh AN, Sharma N. Epigenetic Modulators as Potential Multi-targeted Drugs Against Hedgehog Pathway for Treatment of Cancer. Protein J 2020; 38:537-550. [PMID: 30993446 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-019-09832-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Sonic hedgehog signalling is known to play a crucial role in regulating embryonic development, cancer stem cell maintenance and tissue patterning. Dysregulated hedgehog signalling has been reported to affect tumorigenesis and drug response in various human malignancies. Epigenetic therapy relying on DNA methyltransferase and Histone deacetylase inhibitors are being proposed as potential drug candidates considering their efficiency in preventing development of cancer progenitor cells, killing drug resistant cells and also dictating "on/off" switch of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. In this docking approach, epigenetic modulators were virtually screened for their efficiency in inhibiting key regulators of SHH pathway viz., sonic hedgehog, Smoothened and Gli using polypharmacological approach. The control drugs and epigenetic modulators were docked with PDB protein structures using AutoDock vina and further checked for their drug-likeness properties. Further molecular dynamics simulation using VMD and NAMD, and MMP/GBSA energy calculation were employed for verifying the stability and entropy of the ligand-receptor complex. EPZ-6438 and GSK 343 (EZH2 inhibitors), CHR 3996 and Mocetinostat (HDAC inhibitors), GSK 126 (HKMT inhibitor) and UNC 1215 (L3MBTL3 antagonist) exhibited multiple-targeted approach in modulating HH signalling. This is the first study to report these epigenetic drugs as potential multi-targeted hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Thus, epigenetic polypharmacology approach can be explored as a better alternative to challenges of acute long term toxicity and drug resistance occurring due to traditional single targeted chemotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika N Singh
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Gram-Lavale, Taluka-Mulshi, Pune, 412115, India
| | - Neeti Sharma
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Gram-Lavale, Taluka-Mulshi, Pune, 412115, India.
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20
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Lin Y, Qian F, Shen L, Chen F, Chen J, Shen B. Computer-aided biomarker discovery for precision medicine: data resources, models and applications. Brief Bioinform 2020; 20:952-975. [PMID: 29194464 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbx158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers are a class of measurable and evaluable indicators with the potential to predict disease initiation and progression. In contrast to disease-associated factors, biomarkers hold the promise to capture the changeable signatures of biological states. With methodological advances, computer-aided biomarker discovery has now become a burgeoning paradigm in the field of biomedical science. In recent years, the 'big data' term has accumulated for the systematical investigation of complex biological phenomena and promoted the flourishing of computational methods for systems-level biomarker screening. Compared with routine wet-lab experiments, bioinformatics approaches are more efficient to decode disease pathogenesis under a holistic framework, which is propitious to identify biomarkers ranging from single molecules to molecular networks for disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. In this review, the concept and characteristics of typical biomarker types, e.g. single molecular biomarkers, module/network biomarkers, cross-level biomarkers, etc., are explicated on the guidance of systems biology. Then, publicly available data resources together with some well-constructed biomarker databases and knowledge bases are introduced. Biomarker identification models using mathematical, network and machine learning theories are sequentially discussed. Based on network substructural and functional evidences, a novel bioinformatics model is particularly highlighted for microRNA biomarker discovery. This article aims to give deep insights into the advantages and challenges of current computational approaches for biomarker detection, and to light up the future wisdom toward precision medicine and nation-wide healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Lin
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuliang Qian
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Chen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Abstract
Aim: The druggability of epigenetic targets has prompted researchers to develop small-molecule therapeutics. However, no systematic assessment has ever been done to investigate the chemical space of epigenetic modulators. Herein, we report a comprehensive chemoinformatic analysis of epigenetic ligands from EpiDBase, HEMD, ChEMBL and PubChem databases. Results: Nearly, 0.45 × 106 ligands were analyzed for assay interference compounds, target profiling, drug-like properties and hit prioritization. After eliminating approximately 96,000 problematic compounds, the remaining 0.36 × 106 compounds were studied for their physicochemical distributions, principal component analysis and hit prioritization. More than 30% of assay interference compounds were determined for many proteins. Conclusion: This systematic assessment of epigenetic ligands will help in the enrichment of screening libraries with high-quality compounds and thus, the generation of efficacious drug candidates.
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Stayner C, Brooke DG, Bates M, Eccles MR. Targeted Therapies for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3081-3102. [PMID: 29737248 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180508095654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common life-threatening genetic disease in humans, affecting approximately 1 in 500 people. ADPKD is characterized by cyst growth in the kidney leading to progressive parenchymal damage and is the underlying pathology in approximately 10% of patients requiring hemodialysis or transplantation for end-stage kidney disease. The two proteins that are mutated in ADPKD, polycystin-1 and polycystin-2, form a complex located on the primary cilium and the plasma membrane to facilitate calcium ion release in the cell. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy to cure or slow the progression of the disease. Rodent ADPKD models do not completely mimic the human disease, and therefore preclinical results have not always successfully translated to the clinic. Moreover, the toxicity of many of these potential therapies has led to patient withdrawals from clinical trials. RESULTS Here, we review compounds in clinical trial for treating ADPKD, and we examine the feasibility of using a kidney-targeted approach, with potential for broadening the therapeutic window, decreasing treatment-associated toxicity and increasing the efficacy of agents that have demonstrated activity in animal models. We make recommendations for integrating kidney- targeted therapies with current treatment regimes, to achieve a combined approach to treating ADPKD. CONCLUSION Many compounds are currently in clinical trial for ADPKD yet, to date, none are FDA-approved for treating this disease. Patients could benefit from efficacious pharmacotherapy, especially if it can be kidney-targeted, and intensive efforts continue to be focused on this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Stayner
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Darby G Brooke
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Michael Bates
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Rahman MM, Brane AC, Tollefsbol TO. MicroRNAs and Epigenetics Strategies to Reverse Breast Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101214. [PMID: 31597272 PMCID: PMC6829616 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a sporadic disease with genetic and epigenetic components. Genomic instability in breast cancer leads to mutations, copy number variations, and genetic rearrangements, while epigenetic remodeling involves alteration by DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs (miRNAs) of gene expression profiles. The accrued scientific findings strongly suggest epigenetic dysregulation in breast cancer pathogenesis though genomic instability is central to breast cancer hallmarks. Being reversible and plastic, epigenetic processes appear more amenable toward therapeutic intervention than the more unidirectional genetic alterations. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic reprogramming associated with breast cancer such as shuffling of DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone methylation, and miRNAs expression profiles. As part of this, we illustrate how epigenetic instability orchestrates the attainment of cancer hallmarks which stimulate the neoplastic transformation-tumorigenesis-malignancy cascades. As reversibility of epigenetic controls is a promising feature to optimize for devising novel therapeutic approaches, we also focus on the strategies for restoring the epistate that favor improved disease outcome and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Andrew C Brane
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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24
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Pulley JM, Rhoads JP, Jerome RN, Challa AP, Erreger KB, Joly MM, Lavieri RR, Perry KE, Zaleski NM, Shirey-Rice JK, Aronoff DM. Using What We Already Have: Uncovering New Drug Repurposing Strategies in Existing Omics Data. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 60:333-352. [PMID: 31337270 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010919-023537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The promise of drug repurposing is to accelerate the translation of knowledge to treatment of human disease, bypassing common challenges associated with drug development to be more time- and cost-efficient. Repurposing has an increased chance of success due to the previous validation of drug safety and allows for the incorporation of omics. Hypothesis-generating omics processes inform drug repurposing decision-making methods on drug efficacy and toxicity. This review summarizes drug repurposing strategies and methodologies in the context of the following omics fields: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, phenomics, pregomics, and personomics. While each omics field has specific strengths and limitations, incorporating omics into the drug repurposing landscape is integral to its success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Pulley
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Jillian P Rhoads
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Rebecca N Jerome
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Anup P Challa
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Kevin B Erreger
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Meghan M Joly
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Robert R Lavieri
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Kelly E Perry
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Nicole M Zaleski
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Jana K Shirey-Rice
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - David M Aronoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.,Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA;
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25
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Simhadri C, Daze KD, Douglas SF, Milosevich N, Monjas L, Dev A, Brown TM, Hirsch AKH, Wulff JE, Hof F. Rational Adaptation of L3MBTL1 Inhibitors to Create Small‐Molecule Cbx7 Antagonists. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1444-1456. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin D. Daze
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Sarah F. Douglas
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Natalia Milosevich
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Leticia Monjas
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Amarjot Dev
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Tyler M. Brown
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Present affiliation: Department for Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)—Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)Saarland University Campus Building E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Jeremy E. Wulff
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Fraser Hof
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
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26
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Janssens Y, Wynendaele E, Vanden Berghe W, De Spiegeleer B. Peptides as epigenetic modulators: therapeutic implications. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:101. [PMID: 31300053 PMCID: PMC6624906 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides originating from different sources (endogenous, food derived, environmental, and synthetic) are able to influence different aspects of epigenetic regulation. Endogenous short peptides, resulting from proteolytic cleavage of proteins or upon translation of non-annotated out of frame transcripts, can block DNA methylation and hereby regulate gene expression. Peptides entering the body by digestion of food-related proteins can modulate DNA methylation and/or histone acetylation while environmental peptides, synthesized by bacteria, fungi, and marine sponges, mainly inhibit histone deacetylation. In addition, synthetic peptides that reverse or inhibit different epigenetic modifications of both histones and the DNA can be developed as well. Next to these DNA and histone modifications, peptides can also influence the expression of non-coding RNAs such as lncRNAs and the maturation of miRNAs. Seen the advantages over small molecules, the development of peptide therapeutics is an interesting approach to treat diseases with a strong epigenetic basis like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. To date, only a limited number of drugs with a proven epigenetic mechanism of action have been approved by the FDA of which two (romidepsin and nesiritide) are peptides. A large knowledge gap concerning epigenetic effects of peptides is present, and this class of molecules deserves more attention in the development as epigenetic modulators. In addition, none of the currently approved peptide drugs are under investigation for their potential effects on epigenetics, hampering drug repositioning of these peptides to other indications with an epigenetic etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorick Janssens
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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27
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Kaczmarek KA, Clifford RL, Knox AJ. Epigenetic Changes in Airway Smooth Muscle as a Driver of Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Asthma. Chest 2018; 155:816-824. [PMID: 30414795 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are heritable changes in gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic processes provide a critical link between environmental insults to the airway and functional changes that determine how airway cells respond to future stimuli. There are three primary epigenetic processes: histone modifications, DNA modification, and noncoding RNAs. Airway smooth muscle has several important roles in the development and maintenance of the pathologic processes occurring in asthma, including inflammation, remodeling, and contraction/hyperresponsiveness. In this review, we describe the evidence for the role of epigenetic changes in driving these processes in airway smooth muscle cells in asthma, with a particular focus on histone modifications. We also discuss how existing therapies may target some of these changes and how epigenetic processes provide targets for the development of novel asthma therapeutics. Epigenetic marks may also provide a biomarker to assess phenotype and treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia A Kaczmarek
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (City Hospital Campus); and the Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham MRC Molecular Pathology Node
| | - Rachel L Clifford
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (City Hospital Campus); and the Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham MRC Molecular Pathology Node
| | - Alan J Knox
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (City Hospital Campus); and the Nottingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham MRC Molecular Pathology Node.
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28
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Tzika E, Dreker T, Imhof A. Epigenetics and Metabolism in Health and Disease. Front Genet 2018; 9:361. [PMID: 30279699 PMCID: PMC6153363 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the next 10 years, one billion people are estimated to suffer from disabling consequences of metabolic disorders, making them the number one noncommunicable disease on a global scale by 2030. Lots of risk factors such as dietary intake, lack of exercise and other life style behaviors are considered to play a role in the development of metabolic disorders. Despite the efforts that have been undertaken to unravel their potential causes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Evidence suggests that the pathogenesis involves changes on chromatin and chromatin-modifying enzymes, which can contribute to a persistent dysregulated metabolic phenotype. Indeed, a rising number of studies links epigenetic alterations with the diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic disorders. A prerequisite for exploiting these findings for pharmacological intervention is a detailed understanding of how differential epigenetic modifications control cell metabolism. In this mini review, we summarize the recent advances in uncovering the interplay between epigenetics and metabolic pathways on a cellular level and highlight potential new avenues for alternative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Tzika
- 4SC AG, Translational Pharmacology, Munich, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Axel Imhof
- Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Protein Analysis Unit (ZfP), Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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29
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Lee G, Plaksin J, Ramasamy R, Gold-von Simson G. Targeted drug discovery and development, from molecular signaling to the global market: an educational program at New York University, 5-year metrics. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 4:1-9. [PMID: 29657854 PMCID: PMC5898375 DOI: 10.15761/jts.1000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery and development (DDD) is a collaborative, dynamic process of great interest to researchers, but an area where there is a lack of formal training. The Drug Development Educational Program (DDEP) at New York University was created in 2012 to stimulate an improved, multidisciplinary DDD workforce by educating early stage scientists as well as a variety of other like-minded students. The first course of the program emphasizes post-compounding aspects of DDD; the second course focuses on molecular signaling pathways. In five years, 196 students (candidates for PhD, MD, Master's degree, and post-doctoral MD/PhD) from different schools (Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Engineering, Business, and Education) completed the course(s). Pre/post surveys demonstrate knowledge gain across all course topics. 26 students were granted career development awards (73% women, 23% underrepresented minorities). Some graduates of their respective degree-granting/post-doctoral programs embarked on DDD related careers. This program serves as a framework for other academic institutions to develop compatible programs designed to train a more informed DDD workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Lee
- T35 NIDDK Honors Trainee, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, New York University School of Medicine, NY, NY, USA
- State University of New York at Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Plaksin
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ravichandran Ramasamy
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, co-PI NIDDK R25, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle Gold-von Simson
- Department of Pediatrics, PI NIDDK R25, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Clinical Translational Science Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Association of Smoking, Alcohol Use, and Betel Quid Chewing with Epigenetic Aberrations in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061210. [PMID: 28587272 PMCID: PMC5486033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous environmental factors such as diet, alcohol use, stress, and environmental chemicals are known to elicit epigenetic changes, leading to increased rates of cancers and other diseases. The incidence of head and neck cancer, one of the most common cancers in Taiwanese males, is increasing: oral cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma are ranked fourth and tenth respectively, among the top ten cancers in this group, and a major cause of cancer-related deaths in Taiwanese males. Previous studies have identified smoking, alcohol use, and betel quid chewing as the three major causes of head and neck cancers; these three social habits are commonly observed in Taiwanese males, resulting in an increasing morbidity rate of head and neck cancers in this population. In this literature review, we discuss the association between specific components of betel quid, alcohol, and tobacco, and the occurrence of head and neck cancers, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and urethral cancer. We focus on regulatory mechanisms at the epigenetic level and their oncogenic effects. The review further discusses the application of FDA-approved epigenetic drugs as therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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31
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Lin Y, Chen J, Shen B. Interactions Between Genetics, Lifestyle, and Environmental Factors for Healthcare. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1005:167-191. [PMID: 28916933 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5717-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence and progression of diseases are strongly associated with a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Understanding the interplay between genetic and nongenetic components provides deep insights into disease pathogenesis and promotes personalized strategies for people healthcare. Recently, the paradigm of systems medicine, which integrates biomedical data and knowledge at multidimensional levels, is considered to be an optimal way for disease management and clinical decision-making in the era of precision medicine. In this chapter, epigenetic-mediated genetics-lifestyle-environment interactions within specific diseases and different ethnic groups are systematically discussed, and data sources, computational models, and translational platforms for systems medicine research are sequentially presented. Moreover, feasible suggestions on precision healthcare and healthy longevity are kindly proposed based on the comprehensive review of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Lin
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, No.1 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Materials Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No.1 Kerui road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215011, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, No.1 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China. .,Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China. .,Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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