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Hushmandi K, Saadat SH, Raei M, Daneshi S, Aref AR, Nabavi N, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. Implications of c-Myc in the pathogenesis and treatment efficacy of urological cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155381. [PMID: 38833803 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155381] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Urological cancers, including prostate, bladder, and renal cancers, are significant causes of death and negatively impact the quality of life for patients. The development and progression of these cancers are linked to the dysregulation of molecular pathways. c-Myc, recognized as an oncogene, exhibits abnormal levels in various types of tumors, and current evidence supports the therapeutic targeting of c-Myc in cancer treatment. This review aims to elucidate the role of c-Myc in driving the progression of urological cancers. c-Myc functions to enhance tumorigenesis and has been documented to increase growth and metastasis in prostate, bladder, and renal cancers. Furthermore, the dysregulation of c-Myc can result in a diminished response to therapy in these cancers. Non-coding RNAs, β-catenin, and XIAP are among the regulators of c-Myc in urological cancers. Targeting and suppressing c-Myc therapeutically for the treatment of these cancers has been explored. Additionally, the expression level of c-Myc may serve as a prognostic factor in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health,School of Health,Jiroft University Of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Walker RL, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Transcriptional regulation and therapeutic potential of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) in sarcoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116342. [PMID: 38848777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116342] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sarcomas include various subtypes comprising two significant groups - soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Although the survival rate for some sarcoma subtypes has improved over time, the current methods of treatment remain efficaciously limited, as recurrent, and metastatic diseases remain a major obstacle. There is a need for better options and therapeutic strategies in treating sarcoma. Cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a transcriptional kinase and has emerged as a promising target for treating various cancers. The aberrant expression and activation of CDK9 have been observed in several sarcoma subtypes, including rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chordoma. Enhanced CDK9 expression has also been correlated with poorer prognosis in sarcoma patients. As a master regulator of transcription, CDK9 promotes transcription elongation by phosphorylation and releasing RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from its promoter proximal pause. Release of RNAPII from this pause induces transcription of critical genes in the tumor cell. Overexpression and activation of CDK9 have been observed to lead to the expression of oncogenes, including MYC and MCL-1, that aid sarcoma development and progression. Inhibition of CDK9 in sarcoma has been proven to reduce these oncogenes' expression and decrease proliferation and growth in different sarcoma cells. Currently, there are several CDK9 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical investigations. This review aims to highlight the recent discovery and results on the transcriptional role and therapeutic potential of CDK9 in sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Walker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building, 1550 N.W. 10(th) Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building, 1550 N.W. 10(th) Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building, 1550 N.W. 10(th) Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. USA.
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3
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Toure MA, Motoyama K, Xiang Y, Urgiles J, Kabinger F, Koglin AS, Iyer RS, Gagnon K, Kumar A, Ojeda S, Harrison DA, Rees MG, Roth JA, Ott CJ, Schiavoni R, Whittaker CA, Levine SS, White FM, Calo E, Richters A, Koehler AN. Targeted Degradation of CDK9 Potently Disrupts the MYC Transcriptional Network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.593352. [PMID: 38952800 PMCID: PMC11216368 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.593352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) coordinates signaling events that regulate RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pause-release states. It is an important co-factor for transcription factors, such as MYC, that drive aberrant cell proliferation when their expression is deregulated. CDK9 modulation offers an approach for attenuating dysregulation in such transcriptional programs. As a result, numerous drug development campaigns to inhibit CDK9 kinase activity have been pursued. More recently, targeted degradation has emerged as an attractive approach. However, comprehensive evaluation of degradation versus inhibition is still critically needed to assess the biological contexts in which degradation might offer superior therapeutic benefits. We validated that CDK9 inhibition triggers a compensatory mechanism that dampens its effect on MYC expression and found that this feedback mechanism was absent when the kinase is degraded. Importantly, CDK9 degradation is more effective than its inhibition for disrupting MYC transcriptional regulatory circuitry likely through the abrogation of both enzymatic and scaffolding functions of CDK9. Highlights - KI-CDK9d-32 is a highly potent and selective CDK9 degrader. - KI-CDK9d-32 leads to rapid downregulation of MYC protein and mRNA transcripts levels. - KI-CDK9d-32 represses canonical MYC pathways and leads to a destabilization of nucleolar homeostasis. - Multidrug resistance ABCB1 gene emerged as the strongest resistance marker for the CDK9 PROTAC degrader.
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Venkatraman S, Balasubramanian B, Thuwajit C, Meller J, Tohtong R, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting MYC at the intersection between cancer metabolism and oncoimmunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324045. [PMID: 38390324 PMCID: PMC10881682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324045] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC activation is a known hallmark of cancer as it governs the gene targets involved in various facets of cancer progression. Of interest, MYC governs oncometabolism through the interactions with its partners and cofactors, as well as cancer immunity via its gene targets. Recent investigations have taken interest in characterizing these interactions through multi-Omic approaches, to better understand the vastness of the MYC network. Of the several gene targets of MYC involved in either oncometabolism or oncoimmunology, few of them overlap in function. Prominent interactions have been observed with MYC and HIF-1α, in promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism and activation of antigen presentation on regulatory T cells, and its subsequent metabolic reprogramming. This review explores existing knowledge of the role of MYC in oncometabolism and oncoimmunology. It also unravels how MYC governs transcription and influences cellular metabolism to facilitate the induction of pro- or anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, considering the significant roles MYC holds in cancer development, the present study discusses effective direct or indirect therapeutic strategies to combat MYC-driven cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Venkatraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaroslaw Meller
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Milk, microbiome, Immunity and Lactation research for Child Health (MILCH) and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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5
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Gong D, Zhao Q, Liu J, Zhao S, Yi C, Lv J, Yu H, Bian E, Tian D. Identification of a novel MYC target gene set signature for predicting the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169430. [PMID: 37342196 PMCID: PMC10277635 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169430] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor found mainly in teenagers and young adults. Patients have very little long-term survival. MYC controls tumor initiation and progression by regulating the expression of its target genes; thus, constructing a risk signature of osteosarcoma MYC target gene set will benefit the evaluation of both treatment and prognosis. In this paper, we used GEO data to download the ChIP-seq data of MYC to obtain the MYC target gene. Then, a risk signature consisting of 10 MYC target genes was developed using Cox regression analysis. The signature indicates that patients in the high-risk group performed poorly. After that, we verified it in the GSE21257 dataset. In addition, the difference in tumor immune function among the low- and high-risk populations was compared by single sample gene enrichment analysis. Immunotherapy and prediction of response to the anticancer drug have shown that the risk signature of the MYC target gene set was positively correlated with immune checkpoint response and drug sensitivity. Functional analysis has demonstrated that these genes are enriched in malignant tumors. Finally, STX10 was selected for functional experimentation. STX10 silence has limited osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Therefore, these findings indicated that the MYC target gene set risk signature could be used as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic indicator in patients with osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Gong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qingzhong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shibing Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chengfeng Yi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianwei Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Erbao Bian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dasheng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Agarwal P, Glowacka A, Mahmoud L, Bazzar W, Larsson LG, Alzrigat M. MYCN Amplification Is Associated with Reduced Expression of Genes Encoding γ-Secretase Complex and NOTCH Signaling Components in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8141. [PMID: 37175848 PMCID: PMC10179553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098141] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amplification of the MYCN oncogene is found in ~20% of neuroblastoma (NB) cases and correlates with high-risk disease and poor prognosis. Despite the plethora of studies describing the role of MYCN in NB, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying MYCN's contribution to high-risk disease are not completely understood. Herein, we implemented an integrative approach combining publicly available RNA-Seq and MYCN ChIP-Seq datasets derived from human NB cell lines to define biological processes directly regulated by MYCN in NB. Our approach revealed that MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, when compared to non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, are characterized by reduced expression of genes involved in NOTCH receptor processing, axoneme assembly, and membrane protein proteolysis. More specifically, we found genes encoding members of the γ-secretase complex, which is known for its ability to liberate several intracellular signaling molecules from membrane-bound proteins such as NOTCH receptors, to be down-regulated in MYCN-amplified NB cell lines. Analysis of MYCN ChIP-Seq data revealed an enrichment of MYCN binding at the transcription start sites of genes encoding γ-secretase complex subunits. Notably, using publicly available gene expression data from NB primary tumors, we revealed that the expression of γ-secretase subunits encoding genes and other components of the NOTCH signaling pathway was also reduced in MYCN-amplified tumors and correlated with worse overall survival in NB patients. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of MYCN in NB cell lines induced the expression of γ-secretase genes and NOTCH-target genes. Chemical inhibition of γ-secretase activity dampened the expression of NOTCH-target genes upon MYCN depletion in NB cells. In conclusion, this study defines a set of MYCN-regulated pathways that are specific to MYCN-amplified NB tumors, and it suggests a novel role for MYCN in the suppression of genes of the γ-secretase complex, with an impact on the NOTCH-target gene expression in MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasoon Agarwal
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksandra Glowacka
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Martínez-Martín S, Beaulieu ME, Soucek L. Targeting MYC-driven lymphoma: lessons learned and future directions. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:205-222. [PMID: 37457123 PMCID: PMC10344726 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
MYC plays a central role in tumorigenesis by orchestrating cell proliferation, growth and survival, among other transformation mechanisms. In particular, MYC has often been associated with lymphomagenesis. In fact, MYC overexpressing lymphomas such as high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) and double expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), are considered addicted to MYC. In such a context, MYC targeting therapies are of special interest, as MYC withdrawal is expected to result in tumor regression. However, whether high MYC levels are always predictive of increased sensitivity to these approaches is not clear yet. Even though no MYC inhibitor has received regulatory approval to date, substantial efforts have been made to investigate avenues to render MYC a druggable target. Here, we summarize the different classes of molecules currently under development, which mostly target MYC indirectly in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, paying special attention to subtypes with MYC/BCL2 or BCL6 translocations or overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Eve Beaulieu
- Peptomyc S.L., Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Preclinical & Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
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Toure MA, Koehler AN. Addressing Transcriptional Dysregulation in Cancer through CDK9 Inhibition. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1114-1123. [PMID: 36854448 PMCID: PMC10035036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Undermining transcriptional addiction, the dependence of cancers on selected transcriptional programs, is critically important for addressing cancers with high unmet clinical need. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has long been considered an actionable therapeutic target for modulating transcription in many diseases. This appeal is due to its role in coordinating the biochemical events that regulate RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) pause-release state, one that offers a way for attenuating transcriptional dysregulation driven by amplified or overexpressed transcription factors implicated in cancer. However, targeting CDK9 in the clinic has historically proven elusive, a challenge that stems from the often highly intolerable cytotoxicity attributed to its essentiality across many cell lineages and the polypharmacology of the first generation of pan-CDK inhibitors to reach the clinic. A new wave of highly selective molecules progressing through the early stages of clinical evaluation offers renewed hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Toure
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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9
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When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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Drug Resistance in Medulloblastoma Is Driven by YB-1, ABCB1 and a Seven-Gene Drug Signature. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041086. [PMID: 36831428 PMCID: PMC9954169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy resistance represents an unmet challenge in the treatment of medulloblastoma. Accordingly, the identification of targets that mark drug-resistant cell populations, or drive the proliferation of resistant cells, may improve treatment strategies. To address this, we undertook a targeted approach focused on the multi-functional transcription factor YB-1. Genetic knockdown of YB-1 in Group 3 medulloblastoma cell lines diminished cell invasion in 3D in vitro assays and increased sensitivity to standard-of-care chemotherapeutic vincristine and anti-cancer agents panobinostat and JQ1. For vincristine, this occurred in part by YB-1-mediated transcriptional regulation of multi-drug resistance gene ABCB1, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Whole transcriptome sequencing of YB-1 knockdown cells identified a role for YB-1 in the regulation of tumourigenic processes, including lipid metabolism, cell death and survival and MYC and mTOR pathways. Stable cisplatin- and vincristine-tolerant Group 3 and SHH cell lines were generated to identify additional mechanisms driving resistance to standard-of-care medulloblastoma therapy. Next-generation sequencing revealed a vastly different transcriptomic landscape following chronic drug exposure, including a drug-tolerant seven-gene expression signature, common to all sequenced drug-tolerant cell lines, representing therapeutically targetable genes implicated in the acquisition of drug tolerance. Our findings provide significant insight into mechanisms and genes underlying therapy resistance in medulloblastoma.
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Grieb BC, Eischen CM. MTBP and MYC: A Dynamic Duo in Proliferation, Cancer, and Aging. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060881. [PMID: 35741402 PMCID: PMC9219613 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor c-MYC (MYC) is highly conserved across species and is frequently overexpressed or dysregulated in human cancers. MYC regulates a wide range of critical cellular and oncogenic activities including proliferation, metabolism, metastasis, apoptosis, and differentiation by transcriptionally activating or repressing the expression of a large number of genes. This activity of MYC is not carried out in isolation, instead relying on its association with a myriad of protein cofactors. We determined that MDM Two Binding Protein (MTBP) indirectly binds MYC and is a novel MYC transcriptional cofactor. MTBP promotes MYC-mediated transcriptional activity, proliferation, and cellular transformation by binding in a protein complex with MYC at MYC-bound promoters. This discovery provided critical context for data linking MTBP to aging as well as a rapidly expanding body of evidence demonstrating MTBP is overexpressed in many human malignancies, is often linked to poor patient outcomes, and is necessary for cancer cell survival. As such, MTBP represents a novel and potentially broad reaching oncologic drug target, particularly when MYC is dysregulated. Here we have reviewed the discovery of MTBP and the initial controversy with its function as well as its associations with proliferation, MYC, DNA replication, aging, and human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Grieb
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Christine M. Eischen
- Department of Cancer Biology and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Biophysical and Structural Methods to Study the bHLHZip Region of Human c-MYC. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34019285 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1476-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The C-terminal region of the c-MYC transcription factor consists of approximately 100 amino acids that in its native state does not adopt a stable structure. When this region binds to the obligatory partner MAX via a coupled folding-and-binding mechanism, it forms a basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) heterodimeric complex. The C-terminal region of MYC is the target for numerous drug discovery programs for direct MYC inhibition via blocking the dimerization event and/or binding to DNA, and a proper understanding of the partially folded, dynamic nature of the heterodimeric complex is essential to these efforts. The bHLHZip motif also drives protein-protein interactions with cofactors that are crucial for both transcriptional repression and activation of MYC target genes. Targeting these interactions could potentially provide a means of developing alternative approaches to halt MYC functions; however, the molecular mechanism of these regulatory interactions is poorly understood. Herein we provide methods to produce high-quality human c-MYC C-terminal by itself and in complex MAX, and how to study them using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Our protein expression and purification protocols have already been used to study interactions with cofactors.
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Yu Y, Tao M, Xu L, Cao L, Le B, An N, Dong J, Xu Y, Yang B, Li W, Liu B, Wu Q, Lu Y, Xie Z, Lian X. Systematic screening reveals synergistic interactions that overcome MAPK inhibitor resistance in cancer cells. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0560. [PMID: 34106558 PMCID: PMC8832956 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective adjuvant therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to overcome MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) resistance, which is one of the most common forms of resistance that has emerged in many types of cancers. Here, we aimed to systematically identify the genetic interactions underlying MAPKi resistance, and to further investigate the mechanisms that produce the genetic interactions that generate synergistic MAPKi resistance. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive pair-wise sgRNA-based high-throughput screening assay to identify synergistic interactions that sensitized cancer cells to MAPKi, and validated 3 genetic combinations through competitive growth, cell viability, and spheroid formation assays. We next conducted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and conducted immunohistochemistry to determine the clinical relevance of these synergistic combinations. We also investigated the MAPKi resistance mechanisms of these validated synergistic combinations by using co-immunoprecipitation, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS We constructed a systematic interaction network of MAPKi resistance and identified 3 novel synergistic combinations that effectively targeted MAPKi resistance (ITGB3 + IGF1R, ITGB3 + JNK, and HDGF + LGR5). We next analyzed their clinical relevance and the mechanisms by which they sensitized cancer cells to MAPKi exposure. Specifically, we discovered a novel protein complex, HDGF-LGR5, that adaptively responded to MAPKi to enhance cancer cell stemness, which was up- or downregulated by the inhibitors of ITGB3 + JNK or ITGB3 + IGF1R. CONCLUSIONS Pair-wise sgRNA library screening provided systematic insights into elucidating MAPKi resistance in cancer cells. ITGB3- + IGF1R-targeting drugs (cilengitide + linsitinib) could be used as an effective therapy for suppressing the adaptive formation of the HDGF-LGR5 protein complex, which enhanced cancer stemness during MAPKi stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Minzhen Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Libin Xu
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Baoyu Le
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Na An
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jilin Dong
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yajie Xu
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baoxing Yang
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- The Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The 5th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhen Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaohua Lian
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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14
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Zhang J, Zhang S, Shi Q, Allen TD, You F, Yang D. A high-content screen identifies the vulnerability of MYC-overexpressing cells to dimethylfasudil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248355. [PMID: 33760847 PMCID: PMC7990233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic lethal effect arises when a cancer-associated change introduces a unique vulnerability to cancer cells that makes them unusually susceptible to a drug’s inhibitory activity. The synthetic lethal approach is attractive because it enables targeting of cancers harboring specific genomic or epigenomic alterations, the products of which may have proven refractory to direct targeting. An example is cancer driven by overexpression of MYC. Here, we conducted a high-content screen for compounds that are synthetic lethal to elevated MYC using a small-molecule library to identify compounds that are closely related to, or are themselves, regulatory-approved drugs. The screen identified dimethylfasudil, a potent and reversible inhibitor of Rho-associated kinases, ROCK1 and ROCK2. Close analogs of dimethylfasudil are used clinically to treat neurologic and cardiovascular disorders. The synthetic lethal interaction was conserved in rodent and human cell lines and could be observed with activation of either MYC or its paralog MYCN. The synthetic lethality seems specific to MYC overexpressing cells as it could not be substituted by a variety of oncogenic manipulations and synthetic lethality was diminished by RNAi-mediated depletion of MYC in human cancer cell lines. Collectively, these data support investigation of the use of dimethylfasudil as a drug that is synthetic lethal for malignancies that specifically overexpress MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Shenqiu Zhang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Thaddeus D. Allen
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (DY); (TDA)
| | - Fengming You
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dun Yang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (DY); (TDA)
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15
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Reyes-González JM, Vivas-Mejía PE. c-MYC and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:601512. [PMID: 33718147 PMCID: PMC7952744 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.601512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynecological malignancies with approximately 49% of women surviving 5 years after initial diagnosis. The standard of care for ovarian cancer consists of cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based combination chemotherapy. Unfortunately, despite initial response, platinum resistance remains a major clinical challenge. Therefore, the identification of effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets is crucial to guide therapy regimen, maximize clinical benefit, and improve patient outcome. Given the pivotal role of c-MYC deregulation in most tumor types, including ovarian cancer, assessment of c-MYC biological and clinical relevance is essential. Here, we briefly describe the frequency of c-MYC deregulation in ovarian cancer and the consequences of its targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyshka M Reyes-González
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Pablo E Vivas-Mejía
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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16
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Butler DSC, Cafaro C, Putze J, Wan MLY, Tran TH, Ambite I, Ahmadi S, Kjellström S, Welinder C, Chao SM, Dobrindt U, Svanborg C. A bacterial protease depletes c-MYC and increases survival in mouse models of bladder and colon cancer. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 39:754-764. [PMID: 33574609 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Is the oncogene MYC upregulated or hyperactive? In the majority of human cancers, finding agents that target c-MYC has proved difficult. Here we report specific bacterial effector molecules that inhibit cellular MYC (c-MYC) in human cells. We show that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) degrade the c-MYC protein and attenuate MYC expression in both human cells and animal tissues. c-MYC protein was rapidly degraded by both cell-free bacterial lysates and the purified bacterial protease Lon. In mice, intravesical or peroral delivery of Lon protease delayed tumor progression and increased survival in MYC-dependent bladder and colon cancer models, respectively. These results suggest that bacteria have evolved strategies to control c-MYC tissue levels in the host and that the Lon protease shows promise for therapeutic targeting of c-MYC in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S C Butler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caterina Cafaro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johannes Putze
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Murphy Lam Yim Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thi Hien Tran
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ines Ambite
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shahram Ahmadi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sven Kjellström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, BioMS, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Welinder
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sing Ming Chao
- Department of Paediatrics, Nephrology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Catharina Svanborg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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17
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Cheng C, Li W, Peng X, Liu X, Zhang Z, Liu Z, Deng T, Luo R, Fang W, Deng X. miR-1254 induced by NESG1 inactivates HDGF/DDX5-stimulated nuclear translocation of β-catenin and suppresses NPC metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:615-624. [PMID: 33718512 PMCID: PMC7907678 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in Chinese and other Southeast Asians. We aimed to explore the precise mechanism for NESG1 in NPC for understanding the pathogenesis of NPC. Transwell, Boyden assays, and wounding healing were respectively performed for cell metastasis. The microRNA (miRNA) microarray and luciferase reporter assays were designed to clarify NESG1-modulated miRNAs and miR-1254-targeted protein. Western blotting assays examined the pathways regulated by miR-1254, the (Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor) HDGF/DDX5 complex, and NESG1. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and co-immunoprecipitation (coIP) assays were used to explore the DNA-protein complex and protein-protein complex. NESG1 suppressed NPC migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further, miR-1254 was confirmed as a positive downstream modulator of NESG1 reducing metastatic abilities of NPC cells in vivo and in vitro. Transduction of HDGF significantly restored cell migration and invasion ability in miR-1254-overexpressing NPC cells. In clinical samples, miR-1254 expression was negatively correlated with HDGF and positively correlated with NESG1 expression. miR-1254 acts as an independent prognostic factor for NPC, which was induced by NESG1 to suppress NPC metastasis via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its downstream EMT signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenmin Li
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Peng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- E.N.T. Department of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongyuan Deng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongcheng Luo
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Deng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarabi A, Hushmandi K, Moghadam ER, Hashemi F, Daneshi S, Hashemi F, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Dudha N, Garg M. C-Myc Signaling Pathway in Treatment and Prevention of Brain Tumors. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:2-20. [PMID: 33069197 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201016121005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several factors such as the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), sensitive location in the brain, and unique biological features challenge the treatment of brain tumors. The conventional drugs are no longer effective in the treatment of brain tumors, and scientists are trying to find novel therapeutics for brain tumors. In this way, identification of molecular pathways can facilitate finding an effective treatment. c-Myc is an oncogene signaling pathway capable of regulation of biological processes such as apoptotic cell death, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and so on. These pleiotropic effects of c-Myc have resulted in much fascination with its role in different cancers, particularly brain tumors. In the present review, we aim to demonstrate the upstream and down-stream mediators of c-Myc in brain tumors such as glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and medulloblastoma. The capacity of c-Myc as a prognostic factor in brain tumors will be investigated. Our goal is to define an axis in which the c-Myc signaling pathway plays a crucial role and to provide direction for therapeutic targeting in these signaling networks in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Universite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanli, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- DVM. Graduated, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon, Iran
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Fardin Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of rehabilitation, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Namrata Dudha
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Sciences, Noida International University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida-201313, India
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19
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Abstract
To screen and identify ideal leading compounds from a drug library (ZINC15 database) with potential inhibition effect against c-Myc to contribute to medication design and development.A series of computer-aided virtual screening techniques were performed to identify potential inhibitors of c-Myc. LibDock from the software Discovery Studio was used to do a structure-based screening after ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and toxicity prediction. Molecular docking was utilized to show the binding affinity and potential mechanism between ligands and c-Myc. Stability of the ligand-receptor complex was analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation at the end of the research.Compounds with more interactive energy which are confirmed to be the potential inhibitors for c-Myc were identified from the ZINC15 databases. Additionally, those compounds are also anticipated with fewer ames mutagenicity, rodent carcinogenicity, nondevelopmental toxic potential, and tolerant with cytochrome p450 2D6(CYP2D6). Dynamic simulation analysis also revealed that the very compounds had more favorable potential energy compared with 10058-F4(ZINC12406714). Furthermore, we prove that those compounds are stable and can exist in natural conditions.This study demonstrates that the compounds are potential therapeutic inhibitors for c-Myc. These compounds are safe and stable for drug candidates and may play a critical role in c-Myc inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junan Ren
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
| | | | - Junliang Ge
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
| | - Bo Wu
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
- Department of Orthopedics
| | - Weihang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun
| | - Liyan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
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20
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Liu M, Yao B, Gui T, Guo C, Wu X, Li J, Ma L, Deng Y, Xu P, Wang Y, Yang D, Li Q, Zeng X, Li X, Hu R, Ge J, Yu Z, Chen Y, Chen B, Ju J, Zhao Q. PRMT5-dependent transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes promotes gastric cancer progression. Theranostics 2020; 10:4437-4452. [PMID: 32292506 PMCID: PMC7150477 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42047] [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: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene c-Myc regulates multiple biological processes mainly through selectively activating gene expression. However, the mechanisms underlying c-Myc-mediated gene repression in the context of cancer remain less clear. This study aimed to clarify the role of PRMT5 in the transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes in gastric cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of PRMT5, c-Myc and target genes in gastric cancer patients. PRMT5 and c-Myc interaction was assessed by immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. Bioinformatics analysis, immunoblotting, real-time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments were used to evaluate the mechanism. Results: We found that c-Myc directly interacts with protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) to transcriptionally repress the expression of a cohort of genes, including PTEN, CDKN2C (p18INK4C), CDKN1A (p21CIP1/WAF1), CDKN1C (p57KIP2) and p63, to promote gastric cancer cell growth. Specifically, we found that PRMT5 was required to promote gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and for transcriptional repression of this cohort of genes, which was dependent on its methyltransferase activity. Consistently, the promoters of this gene cohort were enriched for both PRMT5-mediated symmetric di-methylation of histone H4 on Arg 3 (H4R3me2s) and c-Myc, and c-Myc depletion also upregulated their expression. H4R3me2s also colocalized with the c-Myc-binding E-box motif (CANNTG) on these genes. We show that PRMT5 directly binds to c-Myc, and this binding is required for transcriptional repression of the target genes. Both c-Myc and PRMT5 expression levels were upregulated in primary human gastric cancer tissues, and their expression levels inversely correlated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which PRMT5-dependent transcriptional repression of c-Myc target genes is required for gastric cancer progression, and provides a potential new strategy for therapeutic targeting of gastric cancer.
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21
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Wang ZH, Liu Y, Chaitankar V, Pirooznia M, Xu H. Electron transport chain biogenesis activated by a JNK-insulin-Myc relay primes mitochondrial inheritance in Drosophila. eLife 2019; 8:49309. [PMID: 31612862 PMCID: PMC6809605 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis features an enormous increase in mitochondrial mass and mtDNA copy number, which are required to furnish mature eggs with an adequate supply of mitochondria and to curb the transmission of deleterious mtDNA variants. Quiescent in dividing germ cells, mtDNA replication initiates upon oocyte determination in the Drosophila ovary, which necessitates active mitochondrial respiration. However, the underlying mechanism for this dynamic regulation remains unclear. Here, we show that an feedforward insulin-Myc loop promotes mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis by boosting the expression of electron transport chain subunits and of factors essential for mtDNA replication and expression, and for the import of mitochondrial proteins. We further reveal that transient activation of JNK enhances the expression of the insulin receptor and initiates the insulin-Myc signaling loop. This signaling relay promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in the ovary, and thereby plays a role in limiting the transmission of deleterious mtDNA mutations. Our study demonstrates cellular mechanisms that couple mitochondrial biogenesis and inheritance with oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Heng Wang
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Yi Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Vijender Chaitankar
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Hong Xu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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22
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Harrington CT, Sotillo E, Robert A, Hayer KE, Bogusz AM, Psathas J, Yu D, Taylor D, Dang CV, Klein PS, Hogarty MD, Geoerger B, El-Deiry WS, Wiels J, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. Transient stabilization, rather than inhibition, of MYC amplifies extrinsic apoptosis and therapeutic responses in refractory B-cell lymphoma. Leukemia 2019; 33:2429-2441. [PMID: 30914792 PMCID: PMC6884148 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of initiating oncogenes is the mainstay of precision medicine. Considerable efforts have been expended toward silencing MYC, which drives many human cancers including Burkitt lymphomas (BL). Yet, the effects of MYC silencing on standard-of-care therapies are poorly understood. Here we found that inhibition of MYC transcription renders B-lymphoblastoid cells refractory to chemotherapeutic agents. This suggested that in the context of chemotherapy, stabilization of Myc protein could be more beneficial than its inactivation. We tested this hypothesis by pharmacologically inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), which normally targets Myc for proteasomal degradation. We discovered that chemorefractory BL cell lines responded better to doxorubicin and other anti-cancer drugs when Myc was transiently stabilized. In vivo, GSK3 inhibitors (GSK3i) enhanced doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in BL patient-derived xenografts (BL-PDX), as well as in murine MYC-driven lymphoma allografts. This enhancement was accompanied by and required deregulation of several key genes acting in the extrinsic, death-receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway. Consistent with this mechanism of action, GSK3i also facilitated lymphoma cell killing by a death ligand TRAIL and by a death receptor agonist mapatumumab. Thus, GSK3i synergizes with both standard chemotherapeutics and direct engagers of death receptors and could improve outcomes in patients with refractory lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen T Harrington
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, 265 Campus Dr., Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aude Robert
- CNRS UMR 8126, Univ Paris-Sud - Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Katharina E Hayer
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Agata M Bogusz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James Psathas
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 200 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA, 19355, USA
| | - Duonan Yu
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Noncoding RNA Center, Yangzhou University, 225001, Yangzhou, China
| | - Deanne Taylor
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chi V Dang
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Peter S Klein
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- CNRS UMR 8203, Univ Paris-Sud - Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Univ Paris-Sud - Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Joëlle Wiels
- CNRS UMR 8126, Univ Paris-Sud - Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Littler S, Sloss O, Geary B, Pierce A, Whetton AD, Taylor SS. Oncogenic MYC amplifies mitotic perturbations. Open Biol 2019; 9:190136. [PMID: 31455158 PMCID: PMC6731591 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor MYC modulates vast arrays of genes, thereby influencing numerous biological pathways including biogenesis, metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis and pluripotency. When deregulated, MYC drives genomic instability via several mechanisms including aberrant proliferation, replication stress and ROS production. Deregulated MYC also promotes chromosome instability, but less is known about how MYC influences mitosis. Here, we show that deregulating MYC modulates multiple aspects of mitotic chromosome segregation. Cells overexpressing MYC have altered spindle morphology, take longer to align their chromosomes at metaphase and enter anaphase sooner. When challenged with a variety of anti-mitotic drugs, cells overexpressing MYC display more anomalies, the net effect of which is increased micronuclei, a hallmark of chromosome instability. Proteomic analysis showed that MYC modulates multiple networks predicted to influence mitosis, with the mitotic kinase PLK1 identified as a central hub. In turn, we show that MYC modulates several PLK1-dependent processes, namely mitotic entry, spindle assembly and SAC satisfaction. These observations thus underpin the pervasive nature of oncogenic MYC and provide a mechanistic rationale for MYC's ability to drive chromosome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Littler
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Olivia Sloss
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Bethany Geary
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NQ, UK
| | - Andrew Pierce
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Anthony D. Whetton
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NQ, UK
| | - Stephen S. Taylor
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
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24
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Sammak S, Hamdani N, Gorrec F, Allen MD, Freund SMV, Bycroft M, Zinzalla G. Crystal Structures and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of the Apo Form of the c-MYC:MAX bHLHZip Complex Reveal a Helical Basic Region in the Absence of DNA. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3144-3154. [PMID: 31260268 PMCID: PMC6791285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The c-MYC transcription
factor is a master regulator of cell growth
and proliferation and is an established target for cancer therapy.
This basic helix–loop–helix Zip protein forms a heterodimer
with its obligatory partner MAX, which binds to DNA via the basic
region. Considerable research efforts are focused on targeting the
heterodimerization interface and the interaction of the complex with
DNA. The only available crystal structure is that of a c-MYC:MAX complex
artificially tethered by an engineered disulfide linker and prebound
to DNA. We have carried out a detailed structural analysis of the
apo form of the c-MYC:MAX complex, with no artificial linker, both
in solution using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and
by X-ray crystallography. We have obtained crystal structures in three
different crystal forms, with resolutions between 1.35 and 2.2 Å,
that show extensive helical structure in the basic region. Determination
of the α-helical propensity using NMR chemical shift analysis
shows that the basic region of c-MYC and, to a lesser extent, that
of MAX populate helical conformations. We have also assigned the NMR
spectra of the c-MYC basic helix–loop–helix Zip motif
in the absence of MAX and showed that the basic region has an intrinsic
helical propensity even in the absence of its dimerization partner.
The presence of helical structure in the basic regions in the absence
of DNA suggests that the molecular recognition occurs via a conformational
selection rather than an induced fit. Our work provides both insight
into the mechanism of DNA binding and structural information to aid
in the development of MYC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Sammak
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Najoua Hamdani
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Fabrice Gorrec
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Mark D Allen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Stefan M V Freund
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Mark Bycroft
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Giovanna Zinzalla
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
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25
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Shao Y, Wichern E, Childress PJ, Adaway M, Misra J, Klunk A, Burr DB, Wek RC, Mosley AL, Liu Y, Robling AG, Brustovetsky N, Hamilton J, Jacobs K, Vashishth D, Stayrook KR, Allen MR, Wallace JM, Bidwell JP. Loss of Nmp4 optimizes osteogenic metabolism and secretion to enhance bone quality. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 316:E749-E772. [PMID: 30645175 PMCID: PMC6580174 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00343.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A goal of osteoporosis therapy is to restore lost bone with structurally sound tissue. Mice lacking the transcription factor nuclear matrix protein 4 (Nmp4, Zfp384, Ciz, ZNF384) respond to several classes of osteoporosis drugs with enhanced bone formation compared with wild-type (WT) animals. Nmp4-/- mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) exhibit an accelerated and enhanced mineralization during osteoblast differentiation. To address the mechanisms underlying this hyperanabolic phenotype, we carried out RNA-sequencing and molecular and cellular analyses of WT and Nmp4-/- MSPCs during osteogenesis to define pathways and mechanisms associated with elevated matrix production. We determined that Nmp4 has a broad impact on the transcriptome during osteogenic differentiation, contributing to the expression of over 5,000 genes. Phenotypic anchoring of transcriptional data was performed for the hypothesis-testing arm through analysis of cell metabolism, protein synthesis and secretion, and bone material properties. Mechanistic studies confirmed that Nmp4-/- MSPCs exhibited an enhanced capacity for glycolytic conversion: a key step in bone anabolism. Nmp4-/- cells showed elevated collagen translation and secretion. The expression of matrix genes that contribute to bone material-level mechanical properties was elevated in Nmp4-/- cells, an observation that was supported by biomechanical testing of bone samples from Nmp4-/- and WT mice. We conclude that loss of Nmp4 increases the magnitude of glycolysis upon the metabolic switch, which fuels the conversion of the osteoblast into a super-secretor of matrix resulting in more bone with improvements in intrinsic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shao
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Emily Wichern
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Paul J Childress
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Michele Adaway
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jagannath Misra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Angela Klunk
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - David B Burr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ronald C Wek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Amber L Mosley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Alexander G Robling
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nickolay Brustovetsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - James Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kylie Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Deepak Vashishth
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York
| | - Keith R Stayrook
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Matthew R Allen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Joseph M Wallace
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University , Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Joseph P Bidwell
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana
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26
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Carabet LA, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Therapeutic Inhibition of Myc in Cancer. Structural Bases and Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E120. [PMID: 30597997 PMCID: PMC6337544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc (avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) represents one of the most sought after drug targets in cancer. Myc transcription factor is an essential regulator of cell growth, but in most cancers it is overexpressed and associated with treatment-resistance and lethal outcomes. Over 40 years of research and drug development efforts did not yield a clinically useful Myc inhibitor. Drugging the "undruggable" is problematic, as Myc inactivation may negatively impact its physiological functions. Moreover, Myc is a disordered protein that lacks effective binding pockets on its surface. It is well established that the Myc function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner, Max (Myc associated factor X), which together form a functional DNA-binding domain to activate genomic targets. Herein, we provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated to date on Myc regulation and function, its critical role in cancer, and summarize various strategies that are employed to tackle Myc-driven malignant transformation. We focus on important structure-function relationships of Myc with its interactome, elaborating structural determinants of Myc-Max dimer formation and DNA recognition exploited for therapeutic inhibition. Chronological development of small-molecule Myc-Max prototype inhibitors and corresponding binding sites are comprehensively reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on modern computational drug design methods. On the outlook, technological advancements may soon provide the so long-awaited Myc-Max clinical candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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27
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Tu WB, Shiah YJ, Lourenco C, Mullen PJ, Dingar D, Redel C, Tamachi A, Ba-Alawi W, Aman A, Al-Awar R, Cescon DW, Haibe-Kains B, Arrowsmith CH, Raught B, Boutros PC, Penn LZ. MYC Interacts with the G9a Histone Methyltransferase to Drive Transcriptional Repression and Tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell 2018; 34:579-595.e8. [PMID: 30300580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
MYC is an oncogenic driver that regulates transcriptional activation and repression. Surprisingly, mechanisms by which MYC promotes malignant transformation remain unclear. We demonstrate that MYC interacts with the G9a H3K9-methyltransferase complex to control transcriptional repression. Inhibiting G9a hinders MYC chromatin binding at MYC-repressed genes and de-represses gene expression. By identifying the MYC box II region as essential for MYC-G9a interaction, a long-standing missing link between MYC transformation and gene repression is unveiled. Across breast cancer cell lines, the anti-proliferative response to G9a pharmacological inhibition correlates with MYC sensitivity and gene signatures. Consistently, genetically depleting G9a in vivo suppresses MYC-dependent tumor growth. These findings unveil G9a as an epigenetic regulator of MYC transcriptional repression and a therapeutic vulnerability in MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Tu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Yu-Jia Shiah
- Informatics and Biocomputing Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G0A3, Canada
| | - Corey Lourenco
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Peter J Mullen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | | | - Cornelia Redel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Aaliya Tamachi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Wail Ba-Alawi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Ahmed Aman
- Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G0A3, Canada
| | - Rima Al-Awar
- Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G0A3, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada
| | - David W Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Haibe-Kains
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Structural Genomics Consortium, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Informatics and Biocomputing Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G0A3, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Linda Z Penn
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada.
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28
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Caforio M, Sorino C, Iacovelli S, Fanciulli M, Locatelli F, Folgiero V. Recent advances in searching c-Myc transcriptional cofactors during tumorigenesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:239. [PMID: 30261904 PMCID: PMC6161371 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0912-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The mechanism by which c-Myc exerts its oncogenic functions is not completely clear and different hypotheses are still under investigation. The knowledge of the capacity of c-Myc to bind exclusively E-box sequences determined the discrepancy between, on the one hand, genomic studies showing the binding of c-Myc to all active promoters and, on the other hand, the evidence that only 60% or less of the binding sites have E-box sequences. Main body In this review, we provide support to the hypothesis that the cooperation of c-Myc with transcriptional cofactors mediates c-Myc-induced cellular functions. We produce evidence that recently identified cofactors are involved in c-Myc control of survival mechanisms of cancer cells. Conclusion The identification of new c-Myc cofactors could favor the development of therapeutic strategies able to compensate the difficulty of targeting c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caforio
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Iacovelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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29
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The MYC transcription factor network: balancing metabolism, proliferation and oncogenesis. Front Med 2018; 12:412-425. [PMID: 30054853 PMCID: PMC7358075 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-018-0650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor networks have evolved in order to control, coordinate, and separate, the functions of distinct network modules spatially and temporally. In this review we focus on the MYC network (also known as the MAX-MLX Network), a highly conserved super-family of related basic-helix-loop-helix-zipper (bHLHZ) proteins that functions to integrate extracellular and intracellular signals and modulate global gene expression. Importantly the MYC network has been shown to be deeply involved in a broad spectrum of human and other animal cancers. Here we summarize molecular and biological properties of the network modules with emphasis on functional interactions among network members. We suggest that these network interactions serve to modulate growth and metabolism at the transcriptional level in order to balance nutrient demand with supply, to maintain growth homeostasis, and to influence cell fate. Moreover, oncogenic activation of MYC and/or loss of a MYC antagonist, results in an imbalance in the activity of the network as a whole, leading to tumor initiation, progression and maintenance.
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30
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Ferrucci F, Ciaccio R, Monticelli S, Pigini P, di Giacomo S, Purgato S, Erriquez D, Bernardoni R, Norris M, Haber M, Milazzo G, Perini G. MAX to MYCN intracellular ratio drives the aggressive phenotype and clinical outcome of high risk neuroblastoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:235-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Monzón-Casanova E, Screen M, Díaz-Muñoz MD, Coulson RMR, Bell SE, Lamers G, Solimena M, Smith CWJ, Turner M. The RNA-binding protein PTBP1 is necessary for B cell selection in germinal centers. Nat Immunol 2018; 19:267-278. [PMID: 29358707 PMCID: PMC5842895 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-017-0035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antibody affinity maturation occurs in germinal centres (GC) where B
cells cycle between the light zone (LZ) and the dark zone. In the LZ GC B cells
bearing immunoglobulins with the highest affinity for antigen receive positive
selection signals from T helper cells that promotes their rapid proliferation.
Here we show that the RNA binding protein PTBP1 is necessary for the progression
of GC B cells through late S-phase of the cell cycle and for affinity
maturation. PTBP1 is required for the proper expression of the c-MYC-dependent
gene program induced in GC B cells receiving T cell help and directly regulates
the alternative splicing and abundance of transcripts increased during positive
selection to promote proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Monzón-Casanova
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Screen
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manuel D Díaz-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard M R Coulson
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah E Bell
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Greta Lamers
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michele Solimena
- Molecular Diabetology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Center Munich at University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Turner
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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32
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c-Myc promotes renal fibrosis by inducing integrin αv-mediated transforming growth factor-β signaling. Kidney Int 2017; 92:888-899. [PMID: 28483378 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fibrogenesis involves the activation of renal fibroblasts upon kidney injury. However, the mechanisms underlying renal fibroblast activation are poorly characterized. c-Myc is a predominant oncogene encoding a pleiotropic transcription factor that participates in the regulation of various genes, including genes vital for regulating the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Here we tested whether renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction and folic acid-induced renal fibrosis mouse models are associated with the overexpression of c-Myc. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as a key mediator of renal fibrosis, and it is secreted in an inactive form as a complex with latency-associated peptide and latent TGF-β-binding proteins. Five αv-containing integrins with different β -subunits can activate TGF-β, and consistent with this we found that c-Myc bound directly to the promoter of integrin αv in renal fibroblasts activating its transcription. This, in turn, induced activation of TGF-β signaling. Pharmacological blockade of c-Myc attenuated renal fibrosis in vivo in the ureteral obstruction and folic acid-treated mouse models and inhibited the proliferation and activation of renal fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, c-Myc overexpression stimulated proliferation and activation of renal fibroblasts by inducing integrin αv -mediated TGF-β signaling. Hence, targeting c-Myc may have clinical utility in the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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33
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Zhang Q, West-Osterfield K, Spears E, Li Z, Panaccione A, Hann SR. MB0 and MBI Are Independent and Distinct Transactivation Domains in MYC that Are Essential for Transformation. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8050134. [PMID: 28481271 PMCID: PMC5448008 DOI: 10.3390/genes8050134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC is a transcription factor that is essential for cellular proliferation and development. Deregulation or overexpression of MYC occurs in a variety of human cancers. Ectopic expression of MYC causes hyperproliferation and transformation of cells in culture and tumorigenesis in several transgenic mouse models. Deregulation of MYC can also induce apoptosis through activation of p53 and/or ARF tumor suppressors as a safeguard to prevent tumorigenesis. MYC binds to thousands of genomic sites and regulates hundreds of target genes in a context-dependent fashion to mediate these diverse biological roles. The N-terminal region of MYC contains several conserved domains or MYC Boxes (MB), which influence the different MYC transcriptional and biological activities to varying degrees. However, the specific domains that mediate the ability of MYC to activate transcription remain ill defined. In this report, we have identified a new conserved transactivation domain (TAD), MB0, which is essential for MYC transactivation and target gene induction. We demonstrate that MB0 and MBI represent two distinct and independent TADs within the N-terminal 62 amino acids of MYC. In addition, both MB0 and MBI are essential for MYC transformation of primary fibroblasts in cooperation with activated RAS, while MB0 is necessary for efficient MYC-induced p53-independent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Kimberly West-Osterfield
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Erick Spears
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Zhaoliang Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Alexander Panaccione
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Stephen R Hann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, 1121 21st Ave., Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitory prodrugs on epigenetic changes and DNA damage response in tumor and heart of glioblastoma xenograft. Invest New Drugs 2017; 35:412-426. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-017-0448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Fagnocchi L, Zippo A. Multiple Roles of MYC in Integrating Regulatory Networks of Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:7. [PMID: 28217689 PMCID: PMC5289991 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are defined by their self-renewal potential, which permits their unlimited propagation, and their pluripotency, being able to generate cell of the three embryonic lineages. These properties render PSCs a valuable tool for both basic and medical research. To induce and stabilize the pluripotent state, complex circuitries involving signaling pathways, transcription regulators and epigenetic mechanisms converge on a core transcriptional regulatory network of PSCs, thus determining their cell identity. Among the transcription factors, MYC represents a central hub, which modulates and integrates multiple mechanisms involved both in the maintenance of pluripotency and in cell reprogramming. Indeed, it instructs the PSC-specific cell cycle, metabolism and epigenetic landscape, contributes to limit exit from pluripotency and modulates signaling cascades affecting the PSC identity. Moreover, MYC extends its regulation on pluripotency by controlling PSC-specific non-coding RNAs. In this report, we review the MYC-controlled networks, which support the pluripotent state and discuss how their perturbation could affect cell identity. We further discuss recent finding demonstrating a central role of MYC in triggering epigenetic memory in PSCs, which depends on the establishment of a WNT-centered self-reinforcing circuit. Finally, we comment on the therapeutic implications of the role of MYC in affecting PSCs. Indeed, PSCs are used for both disease and cancer modeling and to derive cells for regenerative medicine. For these reasons, unraveling the MYC-mediated mechanism in those cells is fundamental to exploit their full potential and to identify therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fagnocchi
- Department of Epigenetics, Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM)Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Department of Epigenetics, Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM)Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan, Italy
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Gao R, Wang L, Cai H, Zhu J, Yu L. E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RLIM Negatively Regulates c-Myc Transcriptional Activity and Restrains Cell Proliferation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164086. [PMID: 27684546 PMCID: PMC5042457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF12/RLIM is a RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase whose function has only begun to be elucidated recently. Although RLIM was reported to play important roles in some biological processes such as imprinted X-chromosome inactivation and regulation of TGF-β pathway etc., other functions of RLIM are largely unknown. Here, we identified RLIM as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase for c-Myc, one of the most frequently deregulated oncoproteins in human cancers. RLIM associates with c-Myc in vivo and in vitro independently of the E3 ligase activity of RLIM. Moreover, RLIM promotes the polyubiquitination of c-Myc protein independently of Ser62 and Thr58 phosphorylation of c-Myc. However, RLIM-mediated ubiquitination does not affect c-Myc stability. Instead, RLIM inhibits the transcriptional activity of c-Myc through which RLIM restrains cell proliferation. Our results suggest that RLIM may function as a tumor suppressor by controlling the activity of c-Myc oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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37
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Stojanova A, Tu WB, Ponzielli R, Kotlyar M, Chan PK, Boutros PC, Khosravi F, Jurisica I, Raught B, Penn LZ. MYC interaction with the tumor suppressive SWI/SNF complex member INI1 regulates transcription and cellular transformation. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:1693-705. [PMID: 27267444 PMCID: PMC4957596 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1146836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a key driver of cellular transformation and is deregulated in most human cancers. Studies of MYC and its interactors have provided mechanistic insight into its role as a regulator of gene transcription. MYC has been previously linked to chromatin regulation through its interaction with INI1 (SMARCB1/hSNF5/BAF47), a core member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. INI1 is a potent tumor suppressor that is inactivated in several types of cancers, most prominently as the hallmark alteration in pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors. However, the molecular and functional interaction of MYC and INI1 remains unclear. Here, we characterize the MYC-INI1 interaction in mammalian cells, mapping their minimal binding domains to functionally significant regions of MYC (leucine zipper) and INI1 (repeat motifs), and demonstrating that the interaction does not interfere with MYC-MAX interaction. Protein-protein interaction network analysis expands the MYC-INI1 interaction to the SWI/SNF complex and a larger network of chromatin regulatory complexes. Genome-wide analysis reveals that the DNA-binding regions and target genes of INI1 significantly overlap with those of MYC. In an INI1-deficient rhabdoid tumor system, we observe that with re-expression of INI1, MYC and INI1 bind to common target genes and have opposing effects on gene expression. Functionally, INI1 re-expression suppresses cell proliferation and MYC-potentiated transformation. Our findings thus establish the antagonistic roles of the INI1 and MYC transcriptional regulators in mediating cellular and oncogenic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Stojanova
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - William B Tu
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Romina Ponzielli
- b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Max Kotlyar
- b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Pak-Kei Chan
- b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,c Informatics and Biocomputing Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Fereshteh Khosravi
- b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Igor Jurisica
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,d Department of Computer Science , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Linda Z Penn
- a Department of Medical Biophysics , Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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38
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Lundberg SM, Tu WB, Raught B, Penn LZ, Hoffman MM, Lee SI. ChromNet: Learning the human chromatin network from all ENCODE ChIP-seq data. Genome Biol 2016; 17:82. [PMID: 27139377 PMCID: PMC4852466 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-0925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A cell's epigenome arises from interactions among regulatory factors-transcription factors and histone modifications-co-localized at particular genomic regions. We developed a novel statistical method, ChromNet, to infer a network of these interactions, the chromatin network, by inferring conditional-dependence relationships among a large number of ChIP-seq data sets. We applied ChromNet to all available 1451 ChIP-seq data sets from the ENCODE Project, and showed that ChromNet revealed previously known physical interactions better than alternative approaches. We experimentally validated one of the previously unreported interactions, MYC-HCFC1. An interactive visualization tool is available at http://chromnet.cs.washington.edu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Lundberg
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William B Tu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Z Penn
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael M Hoffman
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Su-In Lee
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Targeted Downregulation of dMyc Suppresses Pathogenesis of Human Neuronal Tauopathies in Drosophila by Limiting Heterochromatin Relaxation and Tau Hyperphosphorylation. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:2706-2719. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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40
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Function and significance of MicroRNAs in benign and malignant human stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35:200-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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41
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Edmunds LR, Sharma L, Wang H, Kang A, d’Souza S, Lu J, McLaughlin M, Dolezal JM, Gao X, Weintraub ST, Ding Y, Zeng X, Yates N, Prochownik EV. c-Myc and AMPK Control Cellular Energy Levels by Cooperatively Regulating Mitochondrial Structure and Function. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134049. [PMID: 26230505 PMCID: PMC4521957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (Oxphos) although often for different purposes. Because Myc over-expression depletes ATP with the resultant activation of AMPK, we explored the potential co-dependency of and cross-talk between these proteins by comparing the consequences of acute Myc induction in ampk+/+ (WT) and ampk-/- (KO) murine embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). KO MEFs showed a higher basal rate of glycolysis than WT MEFs and an appropriate increase in response to activation of a Myc-estrogen receptor (MycER) fusion protein. However, KO MEFs had a diminished ability to increase Oxphos, mitochondrial mass and reactive oxygen species in response to MycER activation. Other differences between WT and KO MEFs, either in the basal state or following MycER induction, included abnormalities in electron transport chain function, levels of TCA cycle-related oxidoreductases and cytoplasmic and mitochondrial redox states. Transcriptional profiling of pathways pertinent to glycolysis, Oxphos and mitochondrial structure and function also uncovered significant differences between WT and KO MEFs and their response to MycER activation. Finally, an unbiased mass-spectrometry (MS)-based survey capable of quantifying ~40% of all mitochondrial proteins, showed about 15% of them to be AMPK- and/or Myc-dependent in their steady state. Significant differences in the activities of the rate-limiting enzymes pyruvate kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, which dictate pyruvate and acetyl coenzyme A abundance, were also differentially responsive to Myc and AMPK and could account for some of the differences in basal metabolite levels that were also detected by MS. Thus, Myc and AMPK are highly co-dependent and appear to engage in significant cross-talk across numerous pathways which support metabolic and ATP-generating functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia R. Edmunds
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Lokendra Sharma
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Huabo Wang
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Audry Kang
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Sonia d’Souza
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Jie Lu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Michael McLaughlin
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - James M. Dolezal
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, United States of America
| | - Susan T. Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, United States of America
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Nathan Yates
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Edward V. Prochownik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- The Hillman Cancer Center, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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42
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Topham C, Tighe A, Ly P, Bennett A, Sloss O, Nelson L, Ridgway RA, Huels D, Littler S, Schandl C, Sun Y, Bechi B, Procter DJ, Sansom OJ, Cleveland DW, Taylor SS. MYC Is a Major Determinant of Mitotic Cell Fate. Cancer Cell 2015; 28:129-40. [PMID: 26175417 PMCID: PMC4518499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Taxol and other antimitotic agents are frontline chemotherapy agents but the mechanisms responsible for patient benefit remain unclear. Following a genome-wide siRNA screen, we identified the oncogenic transcription factor Myc as a taxol sensitizer. Using time-lapse imaging to correlate mitotic behavior with cell fate, we show that Myc sensitizes cells to mitotic blockers and agents that accelerate mitotic progression. Myc achieves this by upregulating a cluster of redundant pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins and suppressing pro-survival Bcl-xL. Gene expression analysis of breast cancers indicates that taxane responses correlate positively with Myc and negatively with Bcl-xL. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of Bcl-xL restores apoptosis in Myc-deficient cells. These results open up opportunities for biomarkers and combination therapies that could enhance traditional and second-generation antimitotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Topham
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anthony Tighe
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Peter Ly
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ailsa Bennett
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Olivia Sloss
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Louisa Nelson
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Rachel A Ridgway
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61BD, UK
| | - David Huels
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61BD, UK
| | - Samantha Littler
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Claudia Schandl
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ying Sun
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Beatrice Bechi
- School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - David J Procter
- School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61BD, UK
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stephen S Taylor
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Abstract
MYC is a master regulator of stem cell state, embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and aging. As in health, in disease MYC figures prominently. Decades of biological research have identified a central role for MYC in the pathophysiology of cancer, inflammation, and heart disease. The centrality of MYC to such a vast breadth of disease biology has attracted significant attention to the historic challenge of developing inhibitors of MYC. This review will discuss therapeutic strategies toward the development of inhibitors of MYC-dependent transcriptional signaling, efforts to modulate MYC stability, and the elusive goal of developing potent, direct-acting inhibitors of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R McKeown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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44
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Cermelli S, Jang IS, Bernard B, Grandori C. Synthetic lethal screens as a means to understand and treat MYC-driven cancers. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:4/3/a014209. [PMID: 24591535 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a014209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although therapeutics against MYC could potentially be used against a wide range of human cancers, MYC-targeted therapies have proven difficult to develop. The convergence of breakthroughs in human genomics and in gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) have recently allowed functional interrogation of the genome and systematic identification of synthetic lethal interactions with hyperactive MYC. Here, we focus on the pathways that have emerged through RNAi screens and present evidence that a subset of genes showing synthetic lethality with MYC are significantly interconnected and linked to chromatin and transcriptional processes, as well as to DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints. Other synthetic lethal interactions with MYC point to novel pathways and potentially broaden the repertoire of targeted therapies. The elucidation of MYC synthetic lethal interactions is still in its infancy, and how these interactions may be influenced by tissue-specific programs and by concurrent genetic change will require further investigation. Nevertheless, we predict that these studies may lead the way to novel therapeutic approaches and new insights into the role of MYC in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cermelli
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
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45
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Abstract
MYC dimerizes with MAX to bind DNA, with a preference for the E-box consensus CACGTG and several variant motifs. In cells, MYC binds DNA preferentially within transcriptionally active promoter regions. Although several thousand promoters are bound under physiological (low MYC) conditions, these represent only a fraction of all accessible, active promoters. MYC overexpression-as commonly observed in cancer cells-leads to invasion of virtually all active promoters, as well as of distal enhancer elements. We summarize here what is currently known about the mechanisms that may guide this process. We propose that binding site recognition is determined by low-affinity protein-protein interactions between MYC/MAX dimers and components of the basal transcriptional machinery, other chromatin-associated protein complexes, and/or DNA-bound transcription factors. DNA binding occurs subsequently, without an obligate requirement for sequence recognition. Local DNA scanning then leads to preferential stabilization of the MYC/MAX dimer on high-affinity DNA elements. This model is consistent with the invasion of all active promoters that occurs at elevated MYC levels, but posits that important differences in affinity persist between physiological target sites and the newly invaded elements, which may not all be bound in a productive regulatory mode. The implications of this model for transcriptional control by MYC in normal and cancer cells are discussed in the light of the latest literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sabò
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milan, Italy
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46
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Conacci-Sorrell M, McFerrin L, Eisenman RN. An overview of MYC and its interactome. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a014357. [PMID: 24384812 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a014357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review is intended to provide a broad outline of the biological and molecular functions of MYC as well as of the larger protein network within which MYC operates. We present a view of MYC as a sensor that integrates multiple cellular signals to mediate a broad transcriptional response controlling many aspects of cell behavior. We also describe the larger transcriptional network linked to MYC with emphasis on the MXD family of MYC antagonists. Last, we discuss evidence that the network has evolved for millions of years, dating back to the emergence of animals.
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