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Silva-Hurtado TJ, Inocencio JF, Yong RL. Emerging applications of hypomethylating agents in the treatment of glioblastoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 21:59. [PMID: 39006906 PMCID: PMC11240870 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) such as decitabine and 5-azacytidine have established roles in the treatment paradigms for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia, where they are considered to exert their anticancer effects by restoring the expression of tumor suppressor genes. Due to their relatively favorable adverse effect profile and known ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier, applications in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) and other central nervous system malignancies are under active investigation. The present review examines the types of HMAs currently available, their known and less-understood antineoplastic mechanisms, and the evidence to date of their preclinical and clinical efficacy in glioblastoma and other solid malignancies. The present review discusses the potential synergies HMAs may have with established and emerging GBM treatments, including temozolomide, immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines. Recent successes and setbacks in clinical trials for newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM are summarized in order to highlight opportunities for HMAs to improve therapeutic responses. Challenges for future clinical trials are also assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thenzing J. Silva-Hurtado
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Julio F. Inocencio
- Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Raymund L. Yong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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2
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Cai H, Li X, Liu Y, Ke J, Liu K, Xie Y, Xie C, Zhou D, Han M, Ji B. Decitabine-based nanoparticles for enhanced immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma via DNA hypermethylation reversal. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL 2024; 492:152175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.152175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
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3
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Nwosu GO, Ross DM, Powell JA, Pitson SM. Venetoclax therapy and emerging resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukaemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:413. [PMID: 38866760 PMCID: PMC11169396 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and devastating malignancy of the bone marrow and blood. For decades, intensive chemotherapy has been the frontline treatment for AML but has yielded only poor patient outcomes as exemplified by a 5-year survival rate of < 30%, even in younger adults. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of AML has advanced, so too has the development new strategies with potential to improve the treatment of AML patients. To date the most promising of these targeted agents is the BH3-mimetic venetoclax which in combination with standard of care therapies, has manageable non-haematological toxicity and exhibits impressive efficacy. However, approximately 30% of AML patients fail to respond to venetoclax-based regimens and almost all treatment responders eventually relapse. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired venetoclax resistance in AML and highlight recent efforts to identify novel strategies to overcome resistance to venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gus O Nwosu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David M Ross
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Flinders University and Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jason A Powell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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4
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Nandi P, Manna S, Baral T, Niharika, Roy A, Mishra P, Patra SK. Epigenetic regulation of androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 161:223-320. [PMID: 39032951 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.05.007] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. Besides genetic alterations, epigenetic modulations including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA mediated alteration of gene expression are the key driving forces for the prostate tumor development and cancer progression. Aberrant expression and/or the activity of the epigenetic modifiers/enzymes, results in aberrant expression of genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor suppression and hormone response and thereby disease progression. Altered epigenome is associated with prostate cancer recurrence, progression, aggressiveness and transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent phenotype. These epigenetic modifications are reversible and various compounds/drugs targeting the epigenetic enzymes have been developed that are effective in cancer treatment. This chapter focuses on the epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer initiation and progression, listing different epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease and their potential as therapeutic targets. This chapter also summarizes different epigenetic drugs approved for prostate cancer therapy and the drugs available for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Prahallad Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir Kumar Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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5
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Das C, Bhattacharya A, Adhikari S, Mondal A, Mondal P, Adhikary S, Roy S, Ramos K, Yadav KK, Tainer JA, Pandita TK. A prismatic view of the epigenetic-metabolic regulatory axis in breast cancer therapy resistance. Oncogene 2024; 43:1727-1741. [PMID: 38719949 PMCID: PMC11161412 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation established during development to maintain patterns of transcriptional expression and silencing for metabolism and other fundamental cell processes can be reprogrammed in cancer, providing a molecular mechanism for persistent alterations in phenotype. Metabolic deregulation and reprogramming are thus an emerging hallmark of cancer with opportunities for molecular classification as a critical preliminary step for precision therapeutic intervention. Yet, acquisition of therapy resistance against most conventional treatment regimens coupled with tumor relapse, continue to pose unsolved problems for precision healthcare, as exemplified in breast cancer where existing data informs both cancer genotype and phenotype. Furthermore, epigenetic reprograming of the metabolic milieu of cancer cells is among the most crucial determinants of therapeutic resistance and cancer relapse. Importantly, subtype-specific epigenetic-metabolic interplay profoundly affects malignant transformation, resistance to chemotherapy, and response to targeted therapies. In this review, we therefore prismatically dissect interconnected epigenetic and metabolic regulatory pathways and then integrate them into an observable cancer metabolism-therapy-resistance axis that may inform clinical intervention. Optimally coupling genome-wide analysis with an understanding of metabolic elements, epigenetic reprogramming, and their integration by metabolic profiling may decode missing molecular mechanisms at the level of individual tumors. The proposed approach of linking metabolic biochemistry back to genotype, epigenetics, and phenotype for specific tumors and their microenvironment may thus enable successful mechanistic targeting of epigenetic modifiers and oncometabolites despite tumor metabolic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Apoorva Bhattacharya
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Swagata Adhikari
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Atanu Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Payel Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Kenneth Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kamlesh K Yadav
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tej K Pandita
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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6
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Pekkarinen M, Nordfors K, Uusi-Mäkelä J, Kytölä V, Hartewig A, Huhtala L, Rauhala M, Urhonen H, Häyrynen S, Afyounian E, Yli-Harja O, Zhang W, Helen P, Lohi O, Haapasalo H, Haapasalo J, Nykter M, Kesseli J, Rautajoki KJ. Aberrant DNA methylation distorts developmental trajectories in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302088. [PMID: 38499326 PMCID: PMC10948937 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are pediatric brain tumors known for their aggressiveness and aberrant but still unresolved epigenetic regulation. To better understand their malignancy, we investigated how AT/RT-specific DNA hypermethylation was associated with gene expression and altered transcription factor binding and how it is linked to upstream regulation. Medulloblastomas, choroid plexus tumors, pluripotent stem cells, and fetal brain were used as references. A part of the genomic regions, which were hypermethylated in AT/RTs similarly as in pluripotent stem cells and demethylated in the fetal brain, were targeted by neural transcriptional regulators. AT/RT-unique DNA hypermethylation was associated with polycomb repressive complex 2 and linked to suppressed genes with a role in neural development and tumorigenesis. Activity of the several NEUROG/NEUROD pioneer factors, which are unable to bind to methylated DNA, was compromised via the suppressed expression or DNA hypermethylation of their target sites, which was also experimentally validated for NEUROD1 in medulloblastomas and AT/RT samples. These results highlight and characterize the role of DNA hypermethylation in AT/RT malignancy and halted neural cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeri Pekkarinen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kristiina Nordfors
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Center for Child Health Research, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Unit of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joonas Uusi-Mäkelä
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ville Kytölä
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anja Hartewig
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Huhtala
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Rauhala
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henna Urhonen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sergei Häyrynen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ebrahim Afyounian
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Yli-Harja
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Pauli Helen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Lohi
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Center for Child Health Research, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Haapasalo
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/031y6w871 Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/031y6w871 Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Nykter
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha Kesseli
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kirsi J Rautajoki
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Institute for Advanced Study, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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7
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Shu J, Jelinek J, Chen H, Zhang Y, Qin T, Li M, Liu L, Issa JPJ. Genome-wide screening and functional validation of methylation barriers near promoters. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4857-4871. [PMID: 38647050 PMCID: PMC11109949 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CpG islands near promoters are normally unmethylated despite being surrounded by densely methylated regions. Aberrant hypermethylation of these CpG islands has been associated with the development of various human diseases. Although local genetic elements have been speculated to play a role in protecting promoters from methylation, only a limited number of methylation barriers have been identified. In this study, we conducted an integrated computational and experimental investigation of colorectal cancer methylomes. Our study revealed 610 genes with disrupted methylation barriers. Genomic sequences of these barriers shared a common 41-bp sequence motif (MB-41) that displayed homology to the chicken HS4 methylation barrier. Using the CDKN2A (P16) tumor suppressor gene promoter, we validated the protective function of MB-41 and showed that loss of such protection led to aberrant hypermethylation. Our findings highlight a novel sequence signature of cis-acting methylation barriers in the human genome that safeguard promoters from silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Shu
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Hai Chen
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Taichun Qin
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ming Li
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Li Liu
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
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8
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Walia Y, de Bock CE, Huang Y. The landscape of alterations affecting epigenetic regulators in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Roles in leukemogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1522-1536. [PMID: 38155420 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34819] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy accounting for 10%-15% of pediatric and 20%-25% of adult ALL cases. Epigenetic irregularities in T-ALL include alterations in both DNA methylation and the post-translational modifications on histones which together play a critical role in the initiation and development of T-ALL. Characterizing the oncogenic mutations that result in these epigenetic changes combined with the reversibility of epigenetic modifications represents an opportunity for the development of epigenetic therapies. Oncogenic mutations and deregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Ten-Eleven Translocation dioxygenases (TETs), Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and members of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) have all been identified in T-ALL. This review focuses on the current understanding of how these mutations lead to epigenetic changes in T-ALL, their association with disease pathogenesis and the current efforts to exploit these clinically through the development of epigenetic therapies in T-ALL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashna Walia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charles E de Bock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Zhou J, Chen Q, Ren R, Yang J, Liu B, Horton JR, Chang C, Li C, Maksoud L, Yang Y, Rotili D, Zhang X, Blumenthal RM, Chen T, Gao Y, Valente S, Mai A, Cheng X. Quinoline-based compounds can inhibit diverse enzymes that act on DNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.587980. [PMID: 38617249 PMCID: PMC11014617 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.587980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation, as exemplified by cytosine-C5 methylation in mammals and adenine-N6 methylation in bacteria, is a crucial epigenetic mechanism driving numerous vital biological processes. Developing non-nucleoside inhibitors to cause DNA hypomethylation is a high priority, in order to treat a variety of significant medical conditions without the toxicities associated with existing cytidine-based hypomethylating agents. In this study, we have characterized fifteen quinoline-based analogs. Notably, compounds with additions like a methylamine ( 9 ) or methylpiperazine ( 11 ) demonstrate similar low micromolar inhibitory potency against both human DNMT1 (which generates C5-methylcytosine) and Clostridioides difficile CamA (which generates N6-methyladenine). Structurally, compounds 9 and 11 specifically intercalate into CamA-bound DNA via the minor groove, adjacent to the target adenine, leading to a substantial conformational shift that moves the catalytic domain away from the DNA. This study adds to the limited examples of DNA methyltransferases being inhibited by non-nucleotide compounds through DNA intercalation, following the discovery of dicyanopyridine-based inhibitors for DNMT1. Furthermore, our study shows that some of these quinoline-based analogs inhibit other enzymes that act on DNA, such as polymerases and base excision repair glycosylases. Finally, in cancer cells compound 11 elicits DNA damage response via p53 activation. Abstract Figure Highlights Six of fifteen quinoline-based derivatives demonstrated comparable low micromolar inhibitory effects on human cytosine methyltransferase DNMT1, and the bacterial adenine methyltransferases Clostridioides difficile CamA and Caulobacter crescentus CcrM. Compounds 9 and 11 were found to intercalate into a DNA substrate bound by CamA. These quinoline-based derivatives also showed inhibitory activity against various base excision repair DNA glycosylases, and DNA and RNA polymerases. Compound 11 provokes DNA damage response via p53 activation in cancer cells.
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10
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Chomiak AA, Tiedemann RL, Liu Y, Kong X, Cui Y, Wiseman AK, Thurlow KE, Cornett EM, Topper MJ, Baylin SB, Rothbart SB. Select EZH2 inhibitors enhance viral mimicry effects of DNMT inhibition through a mechanism involving NFAT:AP-1 signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk4423. [PMID: 38536911 PMCID: PMC10971413 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) efficacy in solid tumors is limited. Colon cancer cells exposed to DNMTi accumulate lysine-27 trimethylation on histone H3 (H3K27me3). We propose this Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2)-dependent repressive modification limits DNMTi efficacy. Here, we show that low-dose DNMTi treatment sensitizes colon cancer cells to select EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2is). Integrative epigenomic analysis reveals that DNMTi-induced H3K27me3 accumulates at genomic regions poised with EZH2. Notably, combined EZH2i and DNMTi alters the epigenomic landscape to transcriptionally up-regulate the calcium-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT):activating protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway. Blocking this pathway limits transcriptional activating effects of these drugs, including transposable element and innate immune response gene expression involved in viral defense. Analysis of primary human colon cancer specimens reveals positive correlations between DNMTi-, innate immune response-, and calcium signaling-associated transcription profiles. Collectively, we show that compensatory EZH2 activity limits DNMTi efficacy in colon cancer and link NFAT:AP-1 signaling to epigenetic therapy-induced viral mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison A. Chomiak
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Yanqing Liu
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Xiangqian Kong
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ashley K. Wiseman
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Kate E. Thurlow
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Evan M. Cornett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael J. Topper
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stephen B. Baylin
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Scott B. Rothbart
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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11
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Müller I, Helin K. Keep quiet: the HUSH complex in transcriptional silencing and disease. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:11-22. [PMID: 38216658 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The human silencing hub (HUSH) complex is an epigenetic repressor complex whose role has emerged as an important guardian of genome integrity. It protects the genome from exogenous DNA invasion and regulates endogenous retroelements by recruiting histone methyltransferases catalyzing histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and additional proteins involved in chromatin compaction. In particular, its regulation of transcriptionally active LINE1 retroelements, by binding to and neutralizing LINE1 transcripts, has been well characterized. HUSH is required for mouse embryogenesis and is associated with disease, in particular cancer. Here we provide insights into the structural and biochemical features of the HUSH complex. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which the HUSH complex is recruited to specific genomic regions and how it silences transcription. Finally, we discuss the role of HUSH complex members in mammalian development, antiretroviral immunity, and diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Müller
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristian Helin
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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12
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Cavalluzzi MM, Viale M, Rotondo NP, Ferraro V, Lentini G. Drug Repositioning for Ovarian Cancer Treatment: An Update. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:637-647. [PMID: 38367265 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206282904240122063914] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in female reproductive organs, and its 5-year survival is below 45%. Despite the advances in surgical and chemotherapeutic options, OC treatment is still a challenge, and new anticancer agents are urgently needed. Drug repositioning has gained significant attention in drug discovery, representing a smart way to identify new clinical applications for drugs whose human safety and pharmacokinetics have already been established, with great time and cost savings in pharmaceutical development endeavors. This review offers an update on the most promising drugs repurposable for OC treatment and/or prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Viale
- U.O.C. Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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13
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Li F, Liu P, Mi W, Li L, Anderson NM, Lesner NP, Burrows M, Plesset J, Majer A, Wang G, Li J, Zhu L, Keith B, Simon MC. Blocking methionine catabolism induces senescence and confers vulnerability to GSK3 inhibition in liver cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:131-146. [PMID: 38168934 PMCID: PMC11277537 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00671-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Availability of the essential amino acid methionine affects cellular metabolism and growth, and dietary methionine restriction has been implicated as a cancer therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, how liver cancer cells respond to methionine deprivation and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we find that human liver cancer cells undergo irreversible cell cycle arrest upon methionine deprivation in vitro. Blocking methionine adenosyl transferase 2A (MAT2A)-dependent methionine catabolism induces cell cycle arrest and DNA damage in liver cancer cells, resulting in cellular senescence. A pharmacological screen further identified GSK3 inhibitors as senolytics that selectively kill MAT2A-inhibited senescent liver cancer cells. Importantly, combined treatment with MAT2A and GSK3 inhibitors therapeutically blunts liver tumor growth in vitro and in vivo across multiple models. Together, methionine catabolism is essential for liver tumor growth, and its inhibition can be exploited as an improved pro-senescence strategy for combination with senolytic agents to treat liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuming Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Pingyu Liu
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Mi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liucheng Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicole M Anderson
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Nicholas P Lesner
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Burrows
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Plesset
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariana Majer
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guanlin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingzhi Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian Keith
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Adiga D, Eswaran S, Sriharikrishnaa S, Khan NG, Prasada Kabekkodu S, Kumar D. Epigenetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Past, Present and Future. ENZYMATIC TARGETS FOR DRUG DISCOVERY AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 2023:27-72. [DOI: 10.2174/9789815136142123010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exemplifies a looming epidemic lacking effective
treatment and manifests with the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid-β
plaques, neuroinflammation, behavioral changes, and acute cognitive impairments. It is
a complex, multifactorial disorder that arises from the intricate interaction between
environment and genetic factors, restrained via epigenetic machinery. Though the
research progress has improved the understanding of clinical manifestations and
disease advancement, the causal mechanism of detrimental consequences remains
undefined. Despite the substantial improvement in recent diagnostic modalities, it is
challenging to distinguish AD from other forms of dementia. Accurate diagnosis is a
major glitch in AD as it banks on the symptoms and clinical criteria. Several studies are
underway in exploring novel and reliable biomarkers for AD. In this direction,
epigenetic alterations have transpired as key modulators in AD pathogenesis with the
impeding inferences for the management of this neurological disorder. The present
chapter aims to discuss the significance of epigenetic modifications reported in the
pathophysiology of AD such as DNA methylation, hydroxy-methylation, methylation
of mtDNA, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. Additionally, the chapter also
describes the possible therapeutic avenues that target epigenetic modifications in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sangavi Eswaran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - S. Sriharikrishnaa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nadeem G. Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy
of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal – 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth
(Deemed to be University), Erandwane, Pune – 411038, Maharashtra, India
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15
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Sharma R, Zhang C, Narendran A. The Small-Molecule E26-Transformation-Specific Inhibitor TK216 Attenuates the Oncogenic Properties of Pediatric Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1916. [PMID: 37895265 PMCID: PMC10606408 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The E26-transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors regulate multiple aspects of the normal hematopoietic system. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting aberrant ETS activity and its contribution to leukemia initiation and progression. In this study, we evaluated the small-molecule ETS inhibitor TK216 and demonstrated its anti-tumor activity in pediatric leukemia. We found TK216 induced growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibited the migratory capability of leukemic cells, without significantly inhibiting the cell viability of normal blood mononuclear cells. Priming the leukemic cells with 5-Azacitidine enhanced the cytotoxic effects of TK216 on pediatric leukemia cells. Importantly, we found purine-rich box1 (PU.1) to be a potential target of TK216 in myeloid and B-lymphoid leukemic cells. In addition, TK216 sharply decreased Mcl-1 protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, TK216 also potentiated the cytotoxic effects of Bcl-2 inhibition in venetoclax-resistant cells. The sustained survival benefit provided to leukemic cells in the presence of bone-marrow-derived conditioned media is also found to be modulated by TK216. Taken together, our data indicates that TK216 could be a promising targeted therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute myeloid and B-lymphoid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aru Narendran
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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16
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Gallimore F, Fandy TE. Therapeutic Applications of Azanucleoside Analogs as DNA Demethylating Agents. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:12. [PMID: 37489400 PMCID: PMC10366911 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7030012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Azanucleosides, such as 5-azacytidine and decitabine, are DNA demethylating agents used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Researchers continue to explore their utility in the treatment of other hematologic and solid tumors. Based on the capacity of the compounds to inhibit DNA methyltransferase enzymes and the important role of DNA methylation in health and disease, it is essential to understand the molecular changes that azanucleosides induce and how these changes may improve treatment outcomes in subsets of patients. This review summarizes the molecular and therapeutic actions of azanucleosides and discusses recent clinical trials of these compounds as single agents or in combination therapy for the treatment of cancer and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fallon Gallimore
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
| | - Tamer E Fandy
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
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17
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Zou S, Kim B, Tian Y, Liu G, Zhang J, Zerda R, Li Z, Zhang G, Du X, Lin W, Gao X, Huang W, Fu X. Enhanced nuclear translation is associated with proliferation and progression across multiple cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e248. [PMID: 37063610 PMCID: PMC10104727 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances have re-invigorated the interest in nuclear translation (NT), but the underlying mechanisms and functional implications of NT remain unknown. Here we show that NT is enhanced in malignant cancer cells and is associated with rapid cell growth. Nuclear ribopuromycylation analyses in a panel of diverse cell lines revealed that NT is scarce in normal immortalized cells, but is ubiquitous and robust in malignant cancer cells. Moreover, NT occurs in the nucleolus and requires normal nucleolar function. Intriguingly, NT is reduced by cellular stresses and anti-tumor agents and positively correlates with cancer cell proliferation and growth. By using a modified puromycin-associated nascent chain proteomics, we further identified numerous oncoproteins that are preferentially translated in the nucleus, such as transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFB2) and nucleophosmin 1 (NMP1). Specific overexpression of TGFB2 and NMP1 messenger RNAs in the nucleus can increase their protein levels and promote tumorigenesis. These findings establish a previously unknown link between NT and malignancy and suggest that cancer cells might have adapted a mechanism of NT to support their need for rapid growth, which highlight the potential of NT in tumorigenesis and might also open up new possibilities for therapeutic targeting of cancer-specific cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailan Zou
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Byung‐Wook Kim
- Department of Diabetes Complications and MetabolismArthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research InstituteIrell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUSA
| | - Yan Tian
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Geng Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and MetabolismArthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research InstituteIrell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUSA
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of Education)Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Ricardo Zerda
- Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy CoreCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUSA
| | - Zhuo Li
- Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy CoreCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUSA
| | - Guixiang Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal SurgeryDepartment of General Surgery and Gastric Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiao Du
- Division of Gastrointestinal SurgeryDepartment of General Surgery and Gastric Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of General SurgeryYaan People's HospitalYaanChina
| | - Weiqiang Lin
- Department of NephrologyThe Fourth Affiliated HospitalInternational Institutes of MedicineSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of NeurosurgeryState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalWest China Medical SchoolSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and MetabolismArthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research InstituteIrell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUSA
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduChina
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18
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Chen Q, Liu B, Zeng Y, Hwang JW, Dai N, Corrêa I, Estecio M, Zhang X, Santos MA, Chen T, Cheng X. GSK-3484862 targets DNMT1 for degradation in cells. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad022. [PMID: 37206360 PMCID: PMC10189803 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of genomic methylation patterns at DNA replication forks by DNMT1 is the key to faithful mitotic inheritance. DNMT1 is often overexpressed in cancer cells and the DNA hypomethylating agents azacytidine and decitabine are currently used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, the toxicity of these cytidine analogs and their ineffectiveness in treating solid tumors have limited wider clinical use. GSK-3484862 is a newly-developed, dicyanopyridine containing, non-nucleoside DNMT1-selective inhibitor with low cellular toxicity. Here, we show that GSK-3484862 targets DNMT1 for protein degradation in both cancer cell lines and murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs). DNMT1 depletion was rapid, taking effect within hours following GSK-3484862 treatment, leading to global hypomethylation. Inhibitor-induced DNMT1 degradation was proteasome-dependent, with no discernible loss of DNMT1 mRNA. In mESCs, GSK-3484862-induced Dnmt1 degradation requires the Dnmt1 accessory factor Uhrf1 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. We also show that Dnmt1 depletion and DNA hypomethylation induced by the compound are reversible after its removal. Together, these results indicate that this DNMT1-selective degrader/inhibitor will be a valuable tool for dissecting coordinated events linking DNA methylation to gene expression and identifying downstream effectors that ultimately regulate cellular response to altered DNA methylation patterns in a tissue/cell-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Bigang Liu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Jee Won Hwang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | | | - Marcos R Estecio
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Margarida A Santos
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Taiping Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
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19
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Edmund J, Thaliath LJ, Meleveedu K. Acute myeloid leukemia in the medically unfit elderly patients. Leuk Res 2023; 130:107306. [PMID: 37163857 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2023.107306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a clonal proliferative disorder whose incidence increases with age. While studies have shown that the elderly medically unfit patients have poorer outcomes with intensive chemotherapy, a vast majority of them are deemed ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Multiple studies have also shown that poor performance status prior to treatment initiation affects the prognosis. An accurate comprehensive assessment is hence vital to the selection of such patients. The chemotherapy agents that have been used for AML in the medically unfit patients have also changed significantly in the past few years. In this review we focus on the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment prior to chemotherapy initiation among patients who are 75 years and older and the treatment approaches available for the medically unfit, Acute Myeloid Leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Edmund
- Hematology and Oncology, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Kapil Meleveedu
- Hematology and Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Connecticut Health Center, CT, USA.
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20
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Man K, Brunet MY, Lees R, Peacock B, Cox SC. Epigenetic Reprogramming via Synergistic Hypomethylation and Hypoxia Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles for Bone Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087564. [PMID: 37108726 PMCID: PMC10142722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell population for regenerative medicine applications, where paracrine signalling through the extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulates bone tissue homeostasis and development. MSCs are known to reside in low oxygen tension, which promotes osteogenic differentiation via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation. Epigenetic reprogramming has emerged as a promising bioengineering strategy to enhance MSC differentiation. Particularly, the process of hypomethylation may enhance osteogenesis through gene activation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of inducing hypomethylation and hypoxia on improving the therapeutic efficacy of EVs derived from human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSCs). The effects of the hypoxia mimetic agent deferoxamine (DFO) and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (AZT) on hBMSC viability was assessed by quantifying the DNA content. The epigenetic functionality was evaluated by assessing histone acetylation and histone methylation. hBMSC mineralisation was determined by quantifying alkaline phosphate activity, collagen production and calcium deposition. EVs were procured from AZT, DFO or AZT/DFO-treated hBMSCs over a two-week period, with EV size and concentration defined using transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry and dynamic light scattering. The effects of AZT-EVs, DFO-EVs or AZT/DFO-EVs on the epigenetic functionality and mineralisation of hBMSCs were evaluated. Moreover, the effects of hBMSC-EVs on human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) angiogenesis was assessed by quantifying pro-angiogenic cytokine release. DFO and AZT caused a time-dose dependent reduction in hBMSC viability. Pre-treatment with AZT, DFO or AZT/DFO augmented the epigenetic functionality of the MSCs through increases in histone acetylation and hypomethylation. AZT, DFO and AZT/DFO pre-treatment significantly enhanced extracellular matrix collagen production and mineralisation in hBMSCs. EVs derived from AZT/DFO-preconditioned hBMSCs (AZT/DFO-EVs) enhanced the hBMSC proliferation, histone acetylation and hypomethylation when compared to EVs derived from AZT-treated, DFO-treated and untreated hBMSCs. Importantly, AZT/DFO-EVs significantly increased osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation of a secondary hBMSC population. Furthermore, AZT/DFO-EVs enhanced the pro-angiogenic cytokine release of HUVECs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the considerable utility of synergistically inducing hypomethylation and hypoxia to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the MSC-EVs as a cell-free approach for bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Man
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mathieu Y Brunet
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | | | - Sophie C Cox
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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21
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Greve G, Andrieux G, Schlosser P, Blagitko-Dorfs N, Rehman UU, Ma T, Pfeifer D, Heil G, Neubauer A, Krauter J, Heuser M, Salih HR, Döhner K, Döhner H, Hackanson B, Boerries M, Lübbert M. In vivo kinetics of early, non-random methylome and transcriptome changes induced by DNA-hypomethylating treatment in primary AML blasts. Leukemia 2023; 37:1018-1027. [PMID: 37024521 PMCID: PMC10169639 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite routine use of DNA-hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in AML/MDS therapy, their mechanisms of action are not yet unraveled. Pleiotropic effects of HMAs include global methylome and transcriptome changes. We asked whether in blasts and T-cells from AML patients HMA-induced in vivo demethylation and remethylation occur randomly or non-randomly, and whether gene demethylation is associated with gene induction. Peripheral blood AML blasts from patients receiving decitabine (20 mg/m2 day 1-5) were serially isolated for methylome analyses (days 0, 8 and 15, n = 28) and methylome-plus-transcriptome analyses (days 0 and 8, n = 23), respectively. T-cells were isolated for methylome analyses (days 0 and 8; n = 16). We noted massive, non-random demethylation at day 8, which was variable between patients. In contrast, T-cells disclosed a thousand-fold lesser, random demethylation, indicating selectivity of the demethylation for the malignant blasts. The integrative analysis of DNA demethylation and transcript induction revealed 87 genes displaying a significant inverse correlation, e.g. the tumor suppressor gene IFI27, whose derepression was validated in two AML cell lines. These results support HMA-induced, non-random early in vivo demethylation events in AML blasts associated with gene induction. Larger patient cohorts are needed to determine whether a demethylation signature may be predictive for response to this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Greve
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Schlosser
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nadja Blagitko-Dorfs
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Usama-Ur Rehman
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Ma
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Heil
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Philipps University Marburg, and University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krauter
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Klinikum Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Konstanze Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Björn Hackanson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Lim B, Yoo D, Chun Y, Go A, Kim JY, Lee HY, Boohaker RJ, Cho KJ, Ahn S, Lee JS, Jung D, Choi G. Integrative Analyses Reveal the Anticancer Mechanisms and Sensitivity Markers of the Next-Generation Hypomethylating Agent NTX-301. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061737. [PMID: 36980623 PMCID: PMC10046470 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation characterized by aberrant DNA hypermethylation is a hallmark of cancer, and it can be targeted by hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Recently, we described the superior therapeutic efficacy of a novel HMA, namely, NTX-301, when used as a monotherapy and in combination with venetoclax in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Following a previous study, we further explored the therapeutic properties of NTX-301 based on experimental investigations and integrative data analyses. Comprehensive sensitivity profiling revealed that NTX-301 primarily exerted anticancer effects against blood cancers and exhibited improved potency against a wide range of solid cancers. Subsequent assays showed that the superior efficacy of NTX-301 depended on its strong effects on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation. Due to its superior efficacy, low doses of NTX-301 achieved sufficiently substantial tumor regression in vivo. Multiomics analyses revealed the mechanisms of action (MoAs) of NTX-301 and linked these MoAs to markers of sensitivity to NTX-301 and to the demethylation activity of NTX-301 with high concordance. In conclusion, our findings provide a rationale for currently ongoing clinical trials of NTX-301 and will help guide the development of novel therapeutic options for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungho Lim
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (G.C.); Tel.: +82-42-860-7450 (B.L.); Fax: +82-42-861-4246 (B.L.)
| | - Dabin Yoo
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Areum Go
- Pinotbio, Inc., Suwon 16506, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Kim
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Kyung-Jin Cho
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjoo Ahn
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soo Lee
- Pinotbio, Inc., Suwon 16506, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Gildon Choi
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (G.C.); Tel.: +82-42-860-7450 (B.L.); Fax: +82-42-861-4246 (B.L.)
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23
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Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Cheung LC, Aya-Bonilla C, Cruickshank MN, Chiu SK, Kuek V, Anderson D, Chua GA, Singh S, Oommen J, Ferrari E, Hughes AM, Ford J, Kunold E, Hesselman MC, Post F, Faulk KE, Breese EH, Guest EM, Brown PA, Loh ML, Lock RB, Kees UR, Jafari R, Malinge S, Kotecha RS. Preclinical efficacy of azacitidine and venetoclax for infant KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals a new therapeutic strategy. Leukemia 2023; 37:61-71. [PMID: 36380143 PMCID: PMC9883157 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infants with KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a dismal prognosis. Survival outcomes have remained static in recent decades despite treatment intensification and novel therapies are urgently required. KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL cells are characterized by an abundance of promoter hypermethylation and exhibit high BCL-2 expression, highlighting potential for therapeutic targeting. Here, we show that hypomethylating agents exhibit in vitro additivity when combined with most conventional chemotherapeutic agents. However, in a subset of samples an antagonistic effect was seen between several agents. This was most evident when hypomethylating agents were combined with methotrexate, with upregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters identified as a potential mechanism. Single agent treatment with azacitidine and decitabine significantly prolonged in vivo survival in KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL xenografts. Treatment of KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL cell lines with azacitidine and decitabine led to differential genome-wide DNA methylation, changes in gene expression and thermal proteome profiling revealed the target protein-binding landscape of these agents. The selective BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, exhibited in vitro additivity in combination with hypomethylating or conventional chemotherapeutic agents. The addition of venetoclax to azacitidine resulted in a significant in vivo survival advantage indicating the therapeutic potential of this combination to improve outcome for infants with KMT2A-rearranged ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence C Cheung
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Carlos Aya-Bonilla
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Sung K Chiu
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Vincent Kuek
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Denise Anderson
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Grace-Alyssa Chua
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sajla Singh
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Joyce Oommen
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emanuela Ferrari
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anastasia M Hughes
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jette Ford
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elena Kunold
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Karolinska Institutet, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria C Hesselman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Karolinska Institutet, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Frederik Post
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Karolinska Institutet, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Kelly E Faulk
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erin H Breese
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erin M Guest
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Patrick A Brown
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mignon L Loh
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre/School of Women's and Children's Health/UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Ursula R Kees
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rozbeh Jafari
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Karolinska Institutet, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sébastien Malinge
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
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25
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Nayak D, Weadick B, Govindarajan R. Combination of Tissue Microarray Profiling and Multiplexed IHC Approaches to Investigate Transport Mechanism of Nucleoside Analog Drug Resistance. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2660:95-121. [PMID: 37191793 PMCID: PMC10311792 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3163-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside analogs (NAs) are an established class of anticancer agents being used clinically for the treatment of diverse cancers, either as monotherapy or in combination with other established anticancer or pharmacological agents. To date, nearly a dozen anticancer NAs are approved by the FDA, and several novel NAs are being tested in preclinical and clinical trials for future applications. However, improper delivery of NAs into tumor cells because of alterations in expression of one or more drug carrier proteins (e.g., solute carrier (SLC) transporters) within tumor cells or cells surrounding the tumor microenvironment stands as one of the primary reasons for therapeutic drug resistance. The combination of tissue microarray (TMA) and multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an advanced, high-throughput approach over conventional IHC that enables researchers to effectively investigate alterations to numerous such chemosensitivity determinants simultaneously in hundreds of tumor tissues derived from patients. In this chapter, taking an example of a TMA from pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine (a NA chemotherapeutic agent), we describe the step-by-step procedure of performing multiplexed IHC, imaging of TMA slides, and quantification of expression of some relevant markers in these tissue sections as optimized in our laboratory and discuss considerations while designing and carrying out this experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Nayak
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brenna Weadick
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rajgopal Govindarajan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Translational Therapeutics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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26
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Parik S, Fernández-García J, Lodi F, De Vlaminck K, Derweduwe M, De Vleeschouwer S, Sciot R, Geens W, Weng L, Bosisio FM, Bergers G, Duerinck J, De Smet F, Lambrechts D, Van Ginderachter JA, Fendt SM. GBM tumors are heterogeneous in their fatty acid metabolism and modulating fatty acid metabolism sensitizes cancer cells derived from recurring GBM tumors to temozolomide. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988872. [PMID: 36338708 PMCID: PMC9635944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly lethal grade of astrocytoma with very low median survival. Despite extensive efforts, there is still a lack of alternatives that might improve these prospects. We uncovered that the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide impinges on fatty acid synthesis and desaturation in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. This response is, however, blunted in recurring glioblastoma from the same patient. Further, we describe that disrupting cellular fatty acid homeostasis in favor of accumulation of saturated fatty acids such as palmitate synergizes with temozolomide treatment. Pharmacological inhibition of SCD and/or FADS2 allows palmitate accumulation and thus greatly augments temozolomide efficacy. This effect was independent of common GBM prognostic factors and was effective against cancer cells from recurring glioblastoma. In summary, we provide evidence that intracellular accumulation of saturated fatty acids in conjunction with temozolomide based chemotherapy induces death in glioblastoma cells derived from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Parik
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan Fernández-García
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lodi
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen De Vlaminck
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marleen Derweduwe
- Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Raf Sciot
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wietse Geens
- Department of Neurosurgery, UZ Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Linqian Weng
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Maria Bosisio
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Frederick De Smet
- Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo A. Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Ma Z, Wang Y, Quan Y, Wang Z, Liu Y, Ding Z. Maternal obesity alters methylation level of cytosine in CpG island for epigenetic inheritance in fetal umbilical cord blood. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:34. [PMID: 36045397 PMCID: PMC9429776 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00410-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few decades, global maternal obesity prevalence has rapidly increased. This condition may induce long-lasting pathophysiological effects on either fetal or infant health that could be attributable to unknown unique changes in the umbilical blood composition. METHODS A total of 34 overweight/obese and 32 normal-weight pregnant women were recruited. Fifteen umbilical blood samples including 8 overweight/obese subjects and 7 normal weight women were sequenced using Targeted Bisulfite Sequencing technology to detect the average methylation level of cytosine and identify the differentially methylated region (DMR). GO and KEGG analyses were then employed to perform pathway enrichment analysis of DMR-related genes and promoters. Moreover, the mRNA levels of methylation-related genes histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were characterized in the samples obtained from these two groups. RESULTS Average methylated cytosine levels in both the CpG islands (CGI) and promoter significantly decreased in overweight/obese groups. A total of 1669 DMRs exhibited differences in their DNA methylation status between the overweight/obese and control groups. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that DMR-related genes and promoters were enriched in the metabolism, cancer and cardiomyopathy signaling pathways. Furthermore, the HDACs and DNMTs mRNA levels trended to decline in overweight/obese groups. CONCLUSIONS Decreased methylated cytosine levels in overweight/obese women induce the gene expression activity at a higher level than in the control group. DMRs between these two groups in the fetal blood may contribute to the changes in gene transcription that underlie the increased risk of metabolic disorders, cancers and cardiomyopathy in their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyao Ma
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.280, Chongqing Road (South), Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yingjin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China
| | - Yanmei Quan
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.280, Chongqing Road (South), Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.280, Chongqing Road (South), Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Zhide Ding
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.280, Chongqing Road (South), Shanghai, 200025, China.
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28
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Acharya N, Singh KP. Recent advances in the molecular basis of chemotherapy resistance and potential application of epigenetic therapeutics in chemorefractory renal cell carcinoma. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1575. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Acharya
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) Texas Tech University Lubbock Texas USA
| | - Kamaleshwar P. Singh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) Texas Tech University Lubbock Texas USA
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29
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Boukhaled GM, Gadalla R, Elsaesser HJ, Abd-Rabbo D, Quevedo R, Yang SYC, Guo M, Wang BX, Noamani B, Gray D, Lau SCM, Taylor K, Aung K, Spreafico A, Hansen AR, Saibil SD, Hirano N, Guidos C, Pugh TJ, McGaha TL, Ohashi PS, Sacher AG, Butler MO, Brooks DG. Pre-encoded responsiveness to type I interferon in the peripheral immune system defines outcome of PD1 blockade therapy. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:1273-1283. [PMID: 35835962 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are central regulators of anti-tumor immunity and responses to immunotherapy, but they also drive the feedback inhibition underlying therapeutic resistance. In the present study, we developed a mass cytometry approach to quantify IFN-I-stimulated protein expression across immune cells and used multi-omics to uncover pre-therapy cellular states encoding responsiveness to inflammation. Analyzing peripheral blood cells from multiple cancer types revealed that differential responsiveness to IFN-Is before anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) treatment was highly predictive of long-term survival after therapy. Unexpectedly, IFN-I hyporesponsiveness efficiently predicted long-term survival, whereas high responsiveness to IFN-I was strongly associated with treatment failure and diminished survival time. Peripheral IFN-I responsive states were not associated with tumor inflammation, identifying a disconnect between systemic immune potential and 'cold' or 'hot' tumor states. Mechanistically, IFN-I responsiveness was epigenetically imprinted before therapy, poising cells for differential inflammatory responses and dysfunctional T cell effector programs. Thus, we identify physiological cell states with clinical importance that can predict success and long-term survival of PD1-blocking immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle M Boukhaled
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ramy Gadalla
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heidi J Elsaesser
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diala Abd-Rabbo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rene Quevedo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Y Cindy Yang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengdi Guo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ben X Wang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Babak Noamani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diana Gray
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sally C M Lau
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirsty Taylor
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyaw Aung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron R Hansen
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel D Saibil
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naoto Hirano
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Guidos
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy L McGaha
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela S Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian G Sacher
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David G Brooks
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Horton JR, Pathuri S, Wong K, Ren R, Rueda L, Fosbenner DT, Heerding DA, McCabe MT, Pappalardi MB, Zhang X, King BW, Cheng X. Structural characterization of dicyanopyridine containing DNMT1-selective, non-nucleoside inhibitors. Structure 2022; 30:793-802.e5. [PMID: 35395178 PMCID: PMC9177618 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNMT1 maintains the parental DNA methylation pattern on newly replicated hemimethylated DNA. The failure of this maintenance process causes aberrant DNA methylation that affects transcription and contributes to the development and progression of cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we structurally characterized a set of newly discovered DNMT1-selective, reversible, non-nucleoside inhibitors that bear a core 3,5-dicyanopyridine moiety, as exemplified by GSK3735967, to better understand their mechanism of inhibition. All of the dicyanopydridine-containing inhibitors examined intercalate into the hemimethylated DNA between two CpG base pairs through the DNA minor groove, resulting in conformational movement of the DNMT1 active-site loop. In addition, GSK3735967 introduces two new binding sites, where it interacts with and stabilizes the displaced DNMT1 active-site loop and it occupies an open aromatic cage in which trimethylated histone H4 lysine 20 is expected to bind. Our work represents a substantial step in generating potent, selective, and non-nucleoside inhibitors of DNMT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarath Pathuri
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristen Wong
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Ren Ren
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lourdes Rueda
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - David T Fosbenner
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Dirk A Heerding
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Michael T McCabe
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Melissa B Pappalardi
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bryan W King
- Cancer Epigenetics Research Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Zhu J, Wu Q, Wang J, Niu T. Cost-effectiveness analysis of azacitidine maintenance therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:375-382. [PMID: 35437111 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2061456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The QUAZAR AML-001 trial (NCT01757535) showed survival benefits with the maintenance treatment of oral azacitidine(CC-486) for acute myeloid leukemia(AML) in first complete remission. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to explore the costs and benefits of oral azacitidine in AML from the perspective of payers in the United States. METHODS We constructed a Markov model to evaluate the economic value of oral azacitidine. The model was conducted with a 10-year time horizon. The health utility scores and until prices of medical costs were acquired from previous studies and GoodRX. The transition probabilities were derived from the survival curves of the QUAZAR AML-001 study. Outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS Compared with placebo, oral azacitidine improved 0.39 QALY, with an increasing cost of $458928.66. The ICER of oral azacitidine is $1176740.15, higher than the willingness to pay (P < 0.05). Deterministic sensitivity analysis showed that the price of oral azacitidine has a significant impact on ICERs (P < 0.05). Probability sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of cost-effectiveness for oral azacitidine is 0. CONCLUSION In the United States, oral azacitidine is unlikely to be cost-effective for AML patients at current prices. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT01757535).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbing Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Fu Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Wang P, Chu W, Zhao W, Wang Y, Zhou G, Yu Y, Zhang H. The DNMT1-PAS1-PH20 axis drives breast cancer growth and metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:81. [PMID: 35307730 PMCID: PMC8934873 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00896-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PH20 is a member of the human hyaluronidase family that degrades hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix and controls tumor progression. Inhibition of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) leads to elevated hyaluronan levels; however, whether DNMT inhibitors control PH20 remains unclear. Here, we report that the DNMT1 inhibitor, decitabine, suppresses PH20 expression by activating the long non-coding RNA PHACTR2-AS1 (PAS1). PAS1 forms a tripartite complex with the RNA-binding protein vigilin and histone methyltransferase SUV39H1. The interaction between PAS1 and vigilin maintains the stability of PAS1. Meanwhile, PAS1 recruits SUV39H1 to trigger the H3K9 methylation of PH20, resulting in its silencing. Functionally, PAS1 inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis, at least partially, by suppressing PH20. Combination therapy of decitabine and PAS1-30nt-RNA, which directly binds to SUV39H1, effectively blocked breast cancer growth and metastasis in mice. Taken together, DNMT1, PAS1, and PH20 comprise a regulatory axis to control breast cancer growth and metastasis. These findings reveal that the DNMT1-PAS1-PH20 axis is a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Shah V, Shah J. Restoring Ravaged Heart: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Application of miRNA in Heart Regeneration. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:835138. [PMID: 35224063 PMCID: PMC8866653 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.835138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human heart development is a complex and tightly regulated process, conserving proliferation, and multipotency of embryonic cardiovascular progenitors. At terminal stage, progenitor cell type gets suppressed for terminal differentiation and maturation. In the human heart, most cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated and so have limited proliferation capacity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNA that regulate gene expression and mRNA silencing at the post-transcriptional level. These miRNAs play a crucial role in numerous biological events, including cardiac development, and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Several cardiac cells specific miRNAs have been discovered. Inhibition or overexpression of these miRNAs could induce cardiac regeneration, cardiac stem cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Clinical application of miRNAs extends to heart failure, wherein the cell cycle arrest of terminally differentiated cardiac cells inhibits the heart regeneration. The regenerative capacity of the myocardium can be enhanced by cardiomyocyte specific miRNAs controlling the cell cycle. In this review, we focus on cardiac-specific miRNAs involved in cardiac regeneration and cardiomyocyte proliferation, and their potential as a new clinical therapy for heart regeneration.
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Hindle A, Bose C, Lee J, Palade PT, Peterson CJ, Reddy PH, Awasthi S, Singh SP. Rlip Depletion Alters Oncogene Transcription at Multiple Distinct Regulatory Levels. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030527. [PMID: 35158795 PMCID: PMC8833773 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rlip76 is a multifunctional membrane protein that facilitates cancer growth, and its depletion kills cancer cells. We recently found that Rlip depletion also results in broad changes to oncogene and tumor suppressor transcription. The present studies were designed to decipher the unknown downstream signaling pathways and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms driving the effect. Building on prior findings that Rlip depletion induces broad methylomic changes, we found using bioluminescence reporter assays that depletion of Rlip also exerts transcriptional control over several cancer genes through methylation-independent changes in transcription factor-mediated activation of their promoter regions and through additional as yet unidentified mechanisms. These findings have important implications for Rlip-targeted cancer therapy. Abstract Rlip76 (Rlip) is a multifunctional membrane protein that facilitates the high metabolic rates of cancer cells through the efflux of toxic metabolites and other functions. Rlip inhibition or depletion results in broad-spectrum anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Rlip depletion effectively suppresses malignancy and causes global reversion of characteristic CpG island methylomic and transcriptomic aberrations in the p53-null mouse model of spontaneous carcinogenesis through incompletely defined signaling and transcriptomic mechanisms. The methylome and transcriptome are normally regulated by the concerted actions of several mechanisms that include chromatin remodeling, promoter methylation, transcription factor interactions, and miRNAs. The present studies investigated the interaction of Rlip depletion or inhibition with the promoter methylation and transcription of selected cancer-related genes identified as being affected by Rlip depletion in our previous studies. We constructed novel promoter CpG island/luciferase reporter plasmids that respond only to CpG methylation and transcription factors. We found that Rlip depletion regulated expression by a transcription factor-based mechanism that functioned independently of promoter CpG methylation, lipid peroxidation, and p53 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly Hindle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
| | - Chhanda Bose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Philip T. Palade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Christopher J. Peterson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
| | - P. Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Sanjay Awasthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- UMC Cancer Center, UMC Health System, Lubbock, TX 79415, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.P.S.); Tel.: +1-806-743-3543 (S.A.); +1-806-743-1540 (S.P.S.)
| | - Sharda P. Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.H.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (C.J.P.); (P.H.R.)
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.P.S.); Tel.: +1-806-743-3543 (S.A.); +1-806-743-1540 (S.P.S.)
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Park MT, Kim SD, Han YK, Hyun JW, Lee HJ, Yi JM. Enhancement of Radiosensitivity by DNA Hypomethylating Drugs through Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Sarcoma Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:80-89. [PMID: 34887366 PMCID: PMC8724837 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeting of DNA methylation in cancer using DNA hypomethylating drugs has been well known to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy by affecting multiple pathways. Herein, we investigated the combinational effects of DNA hypomethylating drugs and ionizing radiation (IR) in human sarcoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Clonogenic assays were performed to determine the radiosensitizing properties of two DNA hypomethylating drugs on sarcoma cell lines we tested in this study with multiple doses of IR. We analyzed the effects of 5-aza-dC or SGI-110, as DNA hypomethylating drugs, in combination with IR in vitro on the proliferation, apoptosis, caspase-3/7 activity, migration/invasion, and Western blotting using apoptosis- or autophagy-related factors. To confirm the combined effect of DNA hypomethylating drugs and IR in our in vitro experiment, we generated the sarcoma cells in nude mouse xenograft models. Here, we found that the combination of DNA hypomethylating drugs and IR improved anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and by promoting synergistic cell death that is associated with both apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that the combination effects of DNA hypomethylating drugs with radiation exhibited greater cellular effects than the use of a single agent treatment, thus suggesting that the combination of DNA hypomethylating drugs and radiation may become a new radiotherapy to improve therapeutic efficacy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Taek Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Dae Kim
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Kyeong Han
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Hyun
- Jeju National University School of Medicine and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-June Lee
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Mi Yi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
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A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Azacitidine ± Durvalumab as First-line Therapy for Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Blood Adv 2021; 6:2207-2218. [PMID: 34972214 PMCID: PMC9006291 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first reported randomized trial of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in HR-MDS. Azacitidine combined with the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab was feasible but did not improve outcomes over azacitidine alone.
Azacitidine-mediated hypomethylation promotes tumor cell immune recognition but may increase the expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. We conducted the first randomized phase 2 study of azacitidine plus the immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab vs azacitidine monotherapy as first-line treatment for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS). In all, 84 patients received 75 mg/m2 subcutaneous azacitidine (days 1-7 every 4 weeks) combined with 1500 mg intravenous durvalumab on day 1 every 4 weeks (Arm A) for at least 6 cycles or 75 mg/m² subcutaneous azacitidine alone (days 1-7 every 4 weeks) for at least 6 cycles (Arm B). After a median follow-up of 15.25 months, 8 patients in Arm A and 6 in Arm B remained on treatment. Patients in Arm A received a median of 7.9 treatment cycles and those in Arm B received a median of 7.0 treatment cycles with 73.7% and 65.9%, respectively, completing ≥4 cycles. The overall response rate (primary end point) was 61.9% in Arm A (26 of 42) and 47.6% in Arm B (20 of 42; P = .18), and median overall survival was 11.6 months (95% confidence interval, 9.5 months to not evaluable) vs 16.7 months (95% confidence interval, 9.8-23.5 months; P = .74). Durvalumab-related adverse events (AEs) were reported by 71.1% of patients; azacitidine-related AEs were reported by 82% (Arm A) and 81% (Arm B). Grade 3 or 4 hematologic AEs were reported in 89.5% (Arm A) vs 68.3% (Arm B) of patients. Patients with TP53 mutations tended to have a worse response than patients without these mutations. Azacitidine increased programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1 [CD274]) surface expression on bone marrow granulocytes and monocytes, but not blasts, in both arms. In summary, combining azacitidine with durvalumab in patients with HR-MDS was feasible but with more toxicities and without significant improvement in clinical outcomes over azacitidine alone. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02775903.
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Azacitidine and Durvalumab in First-line Treatment of Elderly Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Blood Adv 2021; 6:2219-2229. [PMID: 34933333 PMCID: PMC9006260 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first reported randomized trial of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in older patients with AML. Azacitidine combined with the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab was feasible but did not improve outcomes over azacitidine alone.
Evidence suggests that combining immunotherapy with hypomethylating agents may enhance antitumor activity. This phase 2 study investigated the activity and safety of durvalumab, a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, combined with azacitidine for patients aged ≥65 years with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including analyses to identify biomarkers of treatment response. Patients were randomized to first-line therapy with azacitidine 75 mg/m2 on days 1 through 7 with (Arm A, n = 64) or without (Arm B, n = 65) durvalumab 1500 mg on day 1 every 4 weeks. Overall response rate (complete response [CR] + CR with incomplete blood recovery) was similar in both arms (Arm A, 31.3%; Arm B, 35.4%), as were overall survival (Arm A, 13.0 months; Arm B, 14.4 months) and duration of response (Arm A, 24.6 weeks; Arm B, 51.7 weeks; P = .0765). No new safety signals emerged with combination treatment. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events were constipation (Arm A, 57.8%; Arm B, 53.2%) and thrombocytopenia (Arm A, 42.2%; Arm B, 45.2%). DNA methylation, mutational status, and PD-L1 expression were not associated with response to treatment. In this study, first-line combination therapy with durvalumab and azacitidine in older patients with AML was feasible but did not improve clinical efficacy compared with azacitidine alone. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02775903.
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Xu S, Jiang C, Lin R, Wang X, Hu X, Chen W, Chen X, Chen T. Epigenetic activation of the elongator complex sensitizes gallbladder cancer to gemcitabine therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:373. [PMID: 34823564 PMCID: PMC8613969 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is known for its high malignancy and multidrug resistance. Previously, we uncovered that impaired integrity and stability of the elongator complex leads to GBC chemotherapy resistance, but whether its restoration can be an efficient therapeutic strategy for GBC remains unknown. Methods RT-qPCR, MS-qPCR and ChIP-qPCR were used to evaluate the direct association between ELP5 transcription and DNA methylation in tumour and non-tumour tissues of GBC. EMSA, chromatin accessibility assays, and luciferase assays were utilized to analysis the DNA methylation in interfering PAX5-DNA interactions. The functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to investigate the effects of DNA demethylating agent decitabine (DAC) on the transcription activation of elongator complex and the enhanced sensitivity of gemcitabine in GBC cells. Tissue microarray contains GBC tumour tissues was used to evaluate the association between the expression of ELP5, DNMT3A and PAX5. Results We demonstrated that transcriptional repression of ELP5 in GBC was highly correlated with hypermethylation of the promoter. Mechanistically, epigenetic analysis revealed that DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A-catalysed hypermethylation blocked transcription factor PAX5 activation of ELP5 by disrupting PAX5-DNA interaction, resulting in repressed ELP5 transcription. Pharmacologically, the DNA demethylating agent DAC eliminated the hypermethylated CpG dinucleotides in the ELP5 promoter and then facilitated PAX5 binding and reactivated ELP5 transcription, leading to the enhanced function of the elongator complex. To target this mechanism, we employed a sequential combination therapy of DAC and gemcitabine to sensitize GBC cells to gemcitabine-therapy through epigenetic activation of the elongator complex. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ELP5 expression in GBC is controlled by DNA methylation-sensitive induction of PAX5. The sequential combination therapy of DAC and gemcitabine could be an efficient therapeutic strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in GBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02186-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwang Xu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China. .,Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
| | - Cen Jiang
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ruirong Lin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Hu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiangjin Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Basura GJ, Smith JD, Ellsperman S, Bhangale A, Brenner JC. Targeted molecular characterization of external auditory canal squamous cell carcinomas. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021; 6:1151-1157. [PMID: 34667860 PMCID: PMC8513438 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) may harbor unique genomic alterations that may explain aggressive behavior and differentiate these tumors from cutaneous SCCs of other subsites. BACKGROUND EAC SCCs arise in a non-ultraviolet-exposed region of the head and neck, are often locally aggressive and may metastasize to lymph nodes or distant sites. The genomic alterations underlying cutaneous SCC of other sites are well-documented; however, mutational profiles of EAC SCC are less well characterized and may contribute to the unique anatomic site, high rates of recurrence and tumor spread. We performed targeted sequencing of a cohort of primary EAC SCCs to identify recurring and potentially targetable genomic alterations. METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 7 EAC SCCs and subjected to targeted DNA sequencing using a 227-gene panel. Somatic alterations and gene copy number alterations were annotated using our validated, in-house bioinformatics pipelines. RESULTS In our EAC SCCs, we found recurrent alterations in TP53 and genes of receptor tyrosine kinase (eg, EGFR, FGFR) and PI3K pathways (eg, PIK3CA), similar to cutaneous SCCs of other head and neck sites. We also observed a high frequency of telomerase reverse transcriptase amplification and DNA methyltransferase 1 alterations, both of which are rarely observed in cutaneous SCCs of other sites. CONCLUSION These data represent the first step toward precise molecular characterization of EAC SCCs that may lead to an enhanced understanding of tumor biology and modernized precision medicine approaches for unique tumors.Level of Evidence: NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J. Basura
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Joshua D. Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Susan Ellsperman
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Apurva Bhangale
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - John Chad Brenner
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Rogel Cancer CenterUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Zhao G, Wang Q, Li S, Wang X. Resistance to Hypomethylating Agents in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia From Clinical Data and Molecular Mechanism. Front Oncol 2021; 11:706030. [PMID: 34650913 PMCID: PMC8505973 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.706030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleoside analogs decitabine (5-AZA-dC) and azacitidine (5-AZA) have been developed as targeted therapies to reverse DNA methylation in different cancer types, and they significantly improve the survival of patients who are not suitable for traditional intensive chemotherapies or other treatment regimens. However, approximately 50% of patients have a response to hypomethylating agents (HMAs), and many patients have no response originally or in the process of treatment. Even though new combination regimens have been tested to overcome the resistance to 5-AZA-dC or 5-AZA, only a small proportion of patients benefited from these strategies, and the outcome was very poor. However, the mechanisms of the resistance remain unknown. Some studies only partially described management after failure and the mechanisms of resistance. Herein, we will review the clinical and molecular signatures of the HMA response, alternative treatment after failure, and the causes of resistance in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Chang X, Ma J, Xue X, Wang G, Yan T, Su L, Han X, Zhou H, Hou L. DNMT family induces down-regulation of NDRG1 via DNA methylation and clinicopathological significance in gastric cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12146. [PMID: 34616614 PMCID: PMC8450010 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a common event in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Our previous study showed NDRG1, which could suppress cell invasion and migration, was frequently down-regulated by DNA methylation of its promoter in GC. PURPOSE AND METHODS To analyze the relationship between the expression and DNA methylation of NDRG1 and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family. We performed a comprehensive comparison analysis using 407 patients including sequencing analysis data of GC from TCGA. RESULTS NDRG1 was down-regulated in GC, and was negatively correlative to DNMT1 (r = -0.11, p = 0.03), DNMT3A (r = -0.10, p = 0.01), DNMT3B (r = -0.01, p = 0.88), respectively, whereas the DNA methylation of NDRG1 was positively correlative to DNMT family (DNMT1 r = 0.20, p < 0.01; DNMT3A r = 0.26, p < 0.001; DNMT3B r = 0.03, p = 0.57, respectively). NDRG1 expression was significantly inverse correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.023), but DNMT1 was significantly positive correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.049). DNMT3B was significantly correlated with the degree of tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.030). However, there was no association between the expression of DNMT3A and clinicopathological features. The KM plotter showed that NDRG1 (HR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.8-1.12], p = 0.53) and DNMT1 (HR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.88-1.23], p = 0.67) had no association with prognosis of GC patients, while, DNMT3A (p = 0.0064) and DNMT3B (p = 0.00025) displayed significantly association. But the overall survival of high expression of NDRG1 tended to be prolonged. CONCLUSION These data suggest that down-regulation of NDRG1expression in GC may be due to its promoter DNA methylation via DNMT family. The demethylating agent maybe a potential target drug for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Chang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinguo Ma
- Department of Internal-Oncology, Hulun Buir People’s Hospital, Hulun Buir Medical School, Nationalities University of Inner Mongolia, Hulun Buir, China
| | - Xiaoying Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianfang Yan
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Linlin Su
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuetao Han
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huandi Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Liubing Hou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Hu C, Liu X, Zeng Y, Liu J, Wu F. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors combination therapy for the treatment of solid tumor: mechanism and clinical application. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:166. [PMID: 34452630 PMCID: PMC8394595 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, regulates gene transcription and maintains genome stability. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors can activate silenced genes at low doses and cause cytotoxicity at high doses. The ability of DNMT inhibitors to reverse epimutations is the basis of their use in novel strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we examined the literature on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. We summarized the mechanisms underlying combination therapy using DNMT inhibitors and clinical trials based on combining hypomethylation agents with other chemotherapeutic drugs. We also discussed the efficacy of such compounds as antitumor agents, the need to optimize treatment schedules and the regimens for maximal biologic effectiveness. Notably, the combination of DNMT inhibitors and chemotherapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide helpful insights into the development of efficient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Planques A, Kerner P, Ferry L, Grunau C, Gazave E, Vervoort M. DNA methylation atlas and machinery in the developing and regenerating annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BMC Biol 2021; 19:148. [PMID: 34340707 PMCID: PMC8330077 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01074-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylation of cytosines in DNA (5mC methylation) is a major epigenetic modification that modulates gene expression and constitutes the basis for mechanisms regulating multiple aspects of embryonic development and cell reprogramming in vertebrates. In mammals, 5mC methylation of promoter regions is linked to transcriptional repression. Transcription regulation by 5mC methylation notably involves the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex (NuRD complex) which bridges DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, less is known about regulatory mechanisms involving 5mC methylation and their function in non-vertebrate animals. In this paper, we study 5mC methylation in the marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii, an emerging evolutionary and developmental biology model capable of regenerating the posterior part of its body post-amputation. RESULTS Using in silico and experimental approaches, we show that P. dumerilii displays a high level of DNA methylation comparable to that of mammalian somatic cells. 5mC methylation in P. dumerilii is dynamic along the life cycle of the animal and markedly decreases at the transition between larval to post-larval stages. We identify a full repertoire of mainly single-copy genes encoding the machinery associated with 5mC methylation or members of the NuRD complex in P. dumerilii and show that this repertoire is close to the one inferred for the last common ancestor of bilaterians. These genes are dynamically expressed during P. dumerilii development and regeneration. Treatment with the DNA hypomethylating agent Decitabine impairs P. dumerilii larval development and regeneration and has long-term effects on post-regenerative growth. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal high levels of 5mC methylation in the annelid P. dumerilii, highlighting that this feature is not specific to vertebrates in the bilaterian clade. Analysis of DNA methylation levels and machinery gene expression during development and regeneration, as well as the use of a chemical inhibitor of DNA methylation, suggest an involvement of 5mC methylation in P. dumerilii development and regeneration. We also present data indicating that P. dumerilii constitutes a promising model to study biological roles and mechanisms of DNA methylation in non-vertebrate bilaterians and to provide new knowledge about evolution of the functions of this key epigenetic modification in bilaterian animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabelle Planques
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Kerner
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Laure Ferry
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Christoph Grunau
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, F-66860, Perpignan, France
| | - Eve Gazave
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | - Michel Vervoort
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75006, Paris, France.
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Maio M, Lahn M, Di Giacomo AM, Covre A, Calabrò L, Ibrahim R, Fox B. A vision of immuno-oncology: the Siena think tank of the Italian network for tumor biotherapy (NIBIT) foundation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:240. [PMID: 34301276 PMCID: PMC8298945 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The yearly Think Tank Meeting of the Italian Network for Tumor Biotherapy (NIBIT) Foundation, brings together in Siena, Tuscany (Italy), experts in immuno-oncology to review the learnings from current immunotherapy treatments, and to propose new pre-clinical and clinical investigations in selected research areas. MAIN: While immunotherapies in non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma led to practice changing therapies, the same therapies had only modest benefit for patients with other malignancies, such as mesothelioma and glioblastoma. One way to improve on current immunotherapies is to alter the sequence of each combination agent. Matching the immunotherapy to the host's immune response may thus improve the activity of the current treatments. A second approach is to combine current immunotherapies with novel agents targeting complementary mechanisms. Identifying the appropriate novel agents may require different approaches than the traditional laboratory-based discovery work. For example, artificial intelligence-based research may help focusing the search for innovative and most promising combination partners. CONCLUSION Novel immunotherapies are needed in cancer patients with resistance to or relapse after current immunotherapeutic drugs. Such new treatments may include targeted agents or monoclonal antibodies to overcome the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. The mode of combining the novel treatments, including vaccines, needs to be matched to the patient's immune status for achieving the maximum benefit. In this scenario, specific attention should be also paid nowadays to the immune intersection between COVID-19 and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy.
- Italian Network for Tumor Bio-Immunotherapy Foundation Onlus, Siena, Italy.
| | - Michael Lahn
- iOnctura SA, Avenue Secheron 15, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
- Italian Network for Tumor Bio-Immunotherapy Foundation Onlus, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Ramy Ibrahim
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, 1 Letterman Drive, San Francisco, 94012, USA
| | - Bernard Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, 4805 NE Glisan St. Suite 2N35, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
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Fernandez A, O’Leary C, O’Byrne KJ, Burgess J, Richard DJ, Suraweera A. Epigenetic Mechanisms in DNA Double Strand Break Repair: A Clinical Review. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:685440. [PMID: 34307454 PMCID: PMC8292790 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.685440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the induction of DNA damage, the chromatin structure unwinds to allow access to enzymes to catalyse the repair. The regulation of the winding and unwinding of chromatin occurs via epigenetic modifications, which can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation and DNA methylation are known to be reversible and have been indicated to play different roles in the repair of DNA. More importantly, the inhibition of such mechanisms has been reported to play a role in the repair of double strand breaks, the most detrimental type of DNA damage. This occurs by manipulating the chromatin structure and the expression of essential proteins that are critical for homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining repair pathways. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases have demonstrated efficacy in the clinic and represent a promising approach for cancer therapy. The aims of this review are to summarise the role of histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors involved in DNA double strand break repair and explore their current and future independent use in combination with other DNA repair inhibitors or pre-existing therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Fernandez
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Connor O’Leary
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth J O’Byrne
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Burgess
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Derek J Richard
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Amila Suraweera
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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46
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The Roles of DNA Demethylases in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070628. [PMID: 34209564 PMCID: PMC8308559 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are very heterogenous, molecularly diverse, and are characterized by a high propensity to relapse or metastasize. Clinically, TNBC remains a diagnosis of exclusion by the lack of hormone receptors (Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR)) as well as the absence of overexpression and/or amplification of HER2. DNA methylation plays an important role in breast cancer carcinogenesis and TNBCs have a distinct DNA methylation profile characterized by marked hypomethylation and lower gains of methylations compared to all other subtypes. DNA methylation is regulated by the balance of DNA methylases (DNMTs) and DNA demethylases (TETs). Here, we review the roles of TETs as context-dependent tumor-suppressor genes and/or oncogenes in solid tumors, and we discuss the current understandings of the oncogenic role of TET1 and its therapeutic implications in TNBCs.
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47
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Dervan E, Bhattacharyya DD, McAuliffe JD, Khan FH, Glynn SA. Ancient Adversary - HERV-K (HML-2) in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658489. [PMID: 34055625 PMCID: PMC8155577 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), ancient integrations of exogenous viruses, make up 8% of our genome. Long thought of as mere vestigial genetic elements, evidence is now accumulating to suggest a potential functional role in numerous pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and multiple cancers. The youngest member of this group of transposable elements is HERV-K (HML-2). Like the majority of HERV sequences, significant post-insertional mutations have disarmed HERV-K (HML-2), preventing it from producing infectious viral particles. However, some insertions have retained limited coding capacity, and complete open reading frames for all its constituent proteins can be found throughout the genome. For this reason HERV-K (HML-2) has garnered more attention than its peers. The tight epigenetic control thought to suppress expression in healthy tissue is lost during carcinogenesis. Upregulation of HERV-K (HML-2) derived mRNA and protein has been reported in a variety of solid and liquid tumour types, and while causality has yet to be established, progressively more data are emerging to suggest this phenomenon may contribute to tumour growth and metastatic capacity. Herein we discuss its potential utility as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target in light of the current in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence linking HERV-K (HML-2) to tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Dervan
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dibyangana D Bhattacharyya
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland.,Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jake D McAuliffe
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Faizan H Khan
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Sharon A Glynn
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
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Schiffer M, Zhao J, Johnson A, Lee J, Bewersdorf JP, Zeidan AM. The development and clinical use of oral hypomethylating agents in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: dawn of the total oral therapy era. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:989-1002. [PMID: 33853476 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1918002] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intravenous and subcutaneous hypomethylating agents have held a key role in myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Following the approval of the cedazuridine/decitabine combination, ASTX727, as well as development of an oral formulation of azacitidine, CC-486, in the USA in 2020, these agents could gradually replace their injectable counterparts. AREAS COVERED ASTX727 is approved for the treatment of adult patients with intermediate 1 or high-risk MDS as well as those with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia based on the findings from the ASTX727-01-B and ASCERTAIN trials. Oral azacitidine (CC-486) is approved for maintenance treatment of acute myeloid leukemia after induction chemotherapy for patients unfit for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant based on the findings from the QUAZAR AML-001 trial. EXPERT OPINION Oral hypomethylating agent formulations have the potential to offer a convenient alternative to injectable hypomethylating agent. However, their current FDA-approved indications are narrow and efficacy needs to be shown in clinical trials before considering use beyond the approved indications. Areas of special interest include: identification of predictive biomarkers for clinical benefit, post-transplant maintenance therapy, and potential combination therapies with other oral agents such as venetoclax, IDH and FLT3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Schiffer
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aubrey Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jane Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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Köberle B, Schoch S. Platinum Complexes in Colorectal Cancer and Other Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092073. [PMID: 33922989 PMCID: PMC8123298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cisplatin is successfully used for the treatment of various solid cancers. Unfortunately, it shows no activity in colorectal cancer. The resistance phenotype of colorectal cancer cells is mainly caused by alterations in p53-controlled DNA damage signaling and/or defects in the cellular mismatch repair pathway. Improvement of platinum-based chemotherapy in cisplatin-unresponsive cancers, such as colorectal cancer, might be achieved by newly designed cisplatin analogues, which retain activity in unresponsive tumor cells. Moreover, a combination of cisplatin with biochemical modulators of DNA damage signaling might sensitize cisplatin-resistant tumor cells to the drug, thus providing another strategy to improve cancer therapy. Abstract Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of various solid neoplasms, including testicular, lung, ovarian, head and neck, and bladder cancers. Unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin against colorectal cancer is poor. Various mechanisms appear to contribute to cisplatin resistance in cancer cells, including reduced drug accumulation, enhanced drug detoxification, modulation of DNA repair mechanisms, and finally alterations in cisplatin DNA damage signaling preventing apoptosis in cancer cells. Regarding colorectal cancer, defects in mismatch repair and altered p53-mediated DNA damage signaling are the main factors controlling the resistance phenotype. In particular, p53 inactivation appears to be associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. To overcome resistance in cancers, several strategies can be envisaged. Improved cisplatin analogues, which retain activity in resistant cancer, might be applied. Targeting p53-mediated DNA damage signaling provides another therapeutic strategy to circumvent cisplatin resistance. This review provides an overview on the DNA repair pathways involved in the processing of cisplatin damage and will describe signal transduction from cisplatin DNA lesions, with special attention given to colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, examples for improved platinum compounds and biochemical modulators of cisplatin DNA damage signaling will be presented in the context of colon cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Köberle
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Adenauerring 20a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sarah Schoch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 2, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
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50
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Petryk N, Bultmann S, Bartke T, Defossez PA. Staying true to yourself: mechanisms of DNA methylation maintenance in mammals. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3020-3032. [PMID: 33300031 PMCID: PMC8034647 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is essential to development and cellular physiology in mammals. Faulty DNA methylation is frequently observed in human diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Molecularly, this epigenetic mark is linked to other chromatin modifications and it regulates key genomic processes, including transcription and splicing. Each round of DNA replication generates two hemi-methylated copies of the genome. These must be converted back to symmetrically methylated DNA before the next S-phase, or the mark will fade away; therefore the maintenance of DNA methylation is essential. Mechanistically, the maintenance of this epigenetic modification takes place during and after DNA replication, and occurs within the very dynamic context of chromatin re-assembly. Here, we review recent discoveries and unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms, dynamics and fidelity of DNA methylation maintenance in mammals. We also discuss how it could be regulated in normal development and misregulated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Petryk
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216 CNRS, Université de Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Bultmann
- Department of Biology II, Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Till Bartke
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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