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Rots D, Bouman A, Yamada A, Levy M, Dingemans AJM, de Vries BBA, Ruiterkamp-Versteeg M, de Leeuw N, Ockeloen CW, Pfundt R, de Boer E, Kummeling J, van Bon B, van Bokhoven H, Kasri NN, Venselaar H, Alders M, Kerkhof J, McConkey H, Kuechler A, Elffers B, van Beeck Calkoen R, Hofman S, Smith A, Valenzuela MI, Srivastava S, Frazier Z, Maystadt I, Piscopo C, Merla G, Balasubramanian M, Santen GWE, Metcalfe K, Park SM, Pasquier L, Banka S, Donnai D, Weisberg D, Strobl-Wildemann G, Wagemans A, Vreeburg M, Baralle D, Foulds N, Scurr I, Brunetti-Pierri N, van Hagen JM, Bijlsma EK, Hakonen AH, Courage C, Genevieve D, Pinson L, Forzano F, Deshpande C, Kluskens ML, Welling L, Plomp AS, Vanhoutte EK, Kalsner L, Hol JA, Putoux A, Lazier J, Vasudevan P, Ames E, O'Shea J, Lederer D, Fleischer J, O'Connor M, Pauly M, Vasileiou G, Reis A, Kiraly-Borri C, Bouman A, Barnett C, Nezarati M, Borch L, Beunders G, Özcan K, Miot S, Volker-Touw CML, van Gassen KLI, Cappuccio G, Janssens K, Mor N, Shomer I, Dominissini D, Tedder ML, Muir AM, Sadikovic B, Brunner HG, Vissers LELM, Shinkai Y, Kleefstra T. Comprehensive EHMT1 variants analysis broadens genotype-phenotype associations and molecular mechanisms in Kleefstra syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1605-1625. [PMID: 39013458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The shift to a genotype-first approach in genetic diagnostics has revolutionized our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, expanding both their molecular and phenotypic spectra. Kleefstra syndrome (KLEFS1) is caused by EHMT1 haploinsufficiency and exhibits broad clinical manifestations. EHMT1 encodes euchromatic histone methyltransferase-1-a pivotal component of the epigenetic machinery. We have recruited 209 individuals with a rare EHMT1 variant and performed comprehensive molecular in silico and in vitro testing alongside DNA methylation (DNAm) signature analysis for the identified variants. We (re)classified the variants as likely pathogenic/pathogenic (molecularly confirming Kleefstra syndrome) in 191 individuals. We provide an updated and broader clinical and molecular spectrum of Kleefstra syndrome, including individuals with normal intelligence and familial occurrence. Analysis of the EHMT1 variants reveals a broad range of molecular effects and their associated phenotypes, including distinct genotype-phenotype associations. Notably, we showed that disruption of the "reader" function of the ankyrin repeat domain by a protein altering variant (PAV) results in a KLEFS1-specific DNAm signature and milder phenotype, while disruption of only "writer" methyltransferase activity of the SET domain does not result in KLEFS1 DNAm signature or typical KLEFS1 phenotype. Similarly, N-terminal truncating variants result in a mild phenotype without the DNAm signature. We demonstrate how comprehensive variant analysis can provide insights into pathogenesis of the disorder and DNAm signature. In summary, this study presents a comprehensive overview of KLEFS1 and EHMT1, revealing its broader spectrum and deepening our understanding of its molecular mechanisms, thereby informing accurate variant interpretation, counseling, and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrijs Rots
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Genetics Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Arianne Bouman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ayumi Yamada
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Michael Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bert B A de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Nicole de Leeuw
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte W Ockeloen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elke de Boer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Kummeling
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bregje van Bon
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marielle Alders
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bart Elffers
- Cordaan, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability, AMSTA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Audrey Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Irene Valenzuela
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease Unit Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Zoe Frazier
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle Maystadt
- Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique Centre de Génétique Humaineavenue G. Lemaître, 256041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Carmelo Piscopo
- Medical and Laboratory Unit, Antonio cardarelli Hospital, via A.Cardarelli 9, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional Genomics, fondazione IRCCS casa sollievo della sofferenza, san giovanni rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Division of Clinical Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Gijs W E Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Soo-Mi Park
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurent Pasquier
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases, Hôpital Sud - CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dian Donnai
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Weisberg
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Annemieke Wagemans
- Maasveld, Koraal, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Vreeburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Diana Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Nicola Foulds
- Wessex Regional Genetics Services, UHS NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Scurr
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Johanna M van Hagen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetica, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna H Hakonen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Carolina Courage
- Department of Clinical Genetics, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Genevieve
- Université Montpellier, Unité INSERM U1183, Montpellier, France; Centre de reference Anomalies du développement, ERN ITHACA, Service de génétique Clinique, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucile Pinson
- Centre de reference Anomalies du développement, ERN ITHACA, Service de génétique Clinique, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francesca Forzano
- Clinical Genetics Department 7th Floor Borough WingGuy's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustGreat Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Charu Deshpande
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Els K Vanhoutte
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Louisa Kalsner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Janna A Hol
- Clinical Genetics Department, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Audrey Putoux
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique - Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Équipe GENDEV, INSERM U1028 CNRS UMR5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Johanna Lazier
- Regional Genetics Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pradeep Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ames
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica O'Shea
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Damien Lederer
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Julie Fleischer
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Mary O'Connor
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Pauly
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgia Vasileiou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Centre for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Catherine Kiraly-Borri
- Genetic Health Western Australia, Department of Health King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Arjan Bouman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chris Barnett
- Paediatric and Reproductive Genetics Unit 8th Floor, Clarence Rieger Building Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Road North, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Marjan Nezarati
- Genetics, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Borch
- Department of Medical Genetics, North York General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gea Beunders
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kübra Özcan
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association Çocuk Fizyoterapistleri Derneği Bobath Terapistleri Derneği, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Stéphanie Miot
- Geriatrics department, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France; INSERM U1298, INM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Koen L I van Gassen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, Naples, Italy; TIGEM (Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Katrien Janssens
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp, Edegem, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Nofar Mor
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Inna Shomer
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dan Dominissini
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Center of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands.
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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Yang C, Ma S, Zhang J, Han Y, Wan L, Zhou W, Dong X, Yang W, Chen Y, Gao L, Cui W, Jia L, Yang J, Wu C, Wang Q, Wang L. EHMT2-mediated transcriptional reprogramming drives neuroendocrine transformation in non-small cell lung cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317790121. [PMID: 38814866 PMCID: PMC11161775 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317790121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The transformation of lung adenocarcinoma to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recognized resistance mechanism and a hindrance to therapies using epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The paucity of pretranslational/posttranslational clinical samples limits the deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms and the exploration of effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we developed preclinical neuroendocrine (NE) transformation models. Next, we identified a transcriptional reprogramming mechanism that drives resistance to erlotinib in NE transformation cell lines and cell-derived xenograft mice. We observed the enhanced expression of genes involved in the EHMT2 and WNT/β-catenin pathways. In addition, we demonstrated that EHMT2 increases methylation of the SFRP1 promoter region to reduce SFRP1 expression, followed by activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway and TKI-mediated NE transformation. Notably, the similar expression alterations of EHMT2 and SFRP1 were observed in transformed SCLC samples obtained from clinical patients. Importantly, suppression of EHMT2 with selective inhibitors restored the sensitivity of NE transformation cell lines to erlotinib and delayed resistance in cell-derived xenograft mice. We identify a transcriptional reprogramming process in NE transformation and provide a potential therapeutic target for overcoming resistance to erlotinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Shuxiang Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou450008, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Wenlong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Weiming Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Lingyue Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Lina Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou450008, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
- Division of Drug Screening and Biology Evaluation, Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi117004, China
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4
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Rots D, Rooney K, Relator R, Kerkhof J, McConkey H, Pfundt R, Marcelis C, Willemsen MH, van Hagen JM, Zwijnenburg P, Alders M, Õunap K, Reimand T, Fjodorova O, Berland S, Liahjell EB, Bojovic O, Kriek M, Ruivenkamp C, Bonati MT, Brunner HG, Vissers LELM, Sadikovic B, Kleefstra T. Refining the 9q34.3 microduplication syndrome reveals mild neurodevelopmental features associated with a distinct global DNA methylation profile. Clin Genet 2024; 105:655-660. [PMID: 38384171 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14498] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Precise regulation of gene expression is important for correct neurodevelopment. 9q34.3 deletions affecting the EHMT1 gene result in a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder named Kleefstra syndrome. In contrast, duplications of the 9q34.3 locus encompassing EHMT1 have been suggested to cause developmental disorders, but only limited information has been available. We have identified 15 individuals from 10 unrelated families, with 9q34.3 duplications <1.5 Mb in size, encompassing EHMT1 entirely. Clinical features included mild developmental delay, mild intellectual disability or learning problems, autism spectrum disorder, and behavior problems. The individuals did not consistently display dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, or growth abnormalities. DNA methylation analysis revealed a weak DNAm profile for the cases with 9q34.3 duplication encompassing EHMT1, which could segregate the majority of the affected cases from controls. This study shows that individuals with 9q34.3 duplications including EHMT1 gene present with mild non-syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders and DNA methylation changes different from Kleefstra syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrijs Rots
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics Radboudumc, Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Genetics Laboratory, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Kathleen Rooney
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Marcelis
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna M van Hagen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Zwijnenburg
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marielle Alders
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction & development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrin Õunap
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tiia Reimand
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olga Fjodorova
- Department of Laboratory Genetics, Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Siren Berland
- Department of Mental Health, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway
| | | | - Ognjen Bojovic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marjolein Kriek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Teresa Bonati
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics Radboudumc, Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics Radboudumc, Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Niu L, Hu G. EHMT2 Suppresses ARRB1 Transcription and Activates the Hedgehog Signaling to Promote Malignant Phenotype and Stem Cell Property in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01130-9. [PMID: 38573544 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01130-9] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the primary subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), characterized by a high morbidity and mortality rate. Although previous studies have established specific correlations between euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), a histone lysine methyltransferase, and the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells, its biological functions in OSCC remain largely unknown. This study, grounded in bioinformatics predictions, aims to clarify the influence of EHMT2 on the malignant behavior of OSCC cells and delve into the underlying mechanisms. EHMT2 exhibited high expression in OSCC tissues and demonstrated an association with poor patient outcomes. Artificial EHMT2 silencing in OSCC cells, achieved through lentiviral vector infection, significantly inhibited colony formation, migration, invasion, and cell survival. Regarding the mechanism, EHMT2 was found to bind the promoter of arrestin beta 1 (ARRB1), thereby suppressing its transcription through H3K9me2 modification. ARRB1, in turn, was identified as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog pathway, leading to a reduction in the proteins GLI1 and PTCH1. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were enriched through repeated sphere formation assays in two OSCC cell lines. EHMT2 was found to activate the Hedgehog pathway, thus promoting sphere formation, migration and invasion, survival, and tumorigenic activity of the OSCC-CSCs. Notably, these effects were counteracted by the additional overexpression of ARRB1. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence suggesting that EHMT2 plays specific roles in enhancing stem cell properties in OSCC by modulating the ARRB1-Hedgehog signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Niu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, No. 3999, Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132011, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyao Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, No. 3999, Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132011, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Guo D, Li X, Wang J, Liu X, Wang Y, Huang S, Dang N. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals keratinocyte and fibroblast heterogeneity and their crosstalk via epithelial-mesenchymal transition in psoriasis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:207. [PMID: 38472183 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease with a high global prevalence, remains unclear. We performed a high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of 94,759 cells from 13 samples, including those from psoriasis model mice and wild-type mice. We presented a single-cell atlas of the skin of imiquimod-induced mice with psoriasis and WT mice, especially the heterogeneity of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. More interestingly, we discovered that special keratinocyte subtypes and fibroblast subtypes could interact with each other through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and validated the results with drug verification. Moreover, we conducted a tentative exploration of the potential pathways involved and revealed that the IL-17 signalling pathway may be the most relevant pathway. Collectively, we revealed the full-cycle landscape of key cells associated with psoriasis and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianhao Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University& Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaokang Li
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University& Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ningning Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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7
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Ideno H, Nakashima K, Komatsu K, Kimura H, Shinkai Y, Tachibana M, Nifuji A. Epigenetic modifier G9a is involved in regulation of mouse tongue development. J Oral Biosci 2024; 66:35-40. [PMID: 38142940 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.12.007] [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] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The tongue comprises multiple tissues of different embryonic origins, including pharyngeal arch, somite, and cranial neural crest (CNC). However, its developmental regulatory mechanisms, especially those involving epigenetic modifiers, remain poorly understood. This study examined the roles of the epigenetic modifier G9a in murine tongue development. METHODS We deleted G9a using Sox 9 (SRY-related HMG-box gene 9)-Cre recombinase, which acts in tongue progenitor cells, including CNC-derived cells, to generate G9a conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on sections prepared from tongue tissues of control and cKO mice. RESULTS Cre-dependent LacZ reporter mice, generated by crossing Rosa-LacZ mice with sox9-Cre mice, revealed Cre recombinase activity in the mucosal epithelium and tongue connective tissue of the embryonic tongue. Tongue volume was significantly reduced on embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5) and postnatal day 0 (P0) in cKO mice. Histological sections showed that the lingual mucosal epithelium was thinner in cKO mice. Reduced G9a levels were accompanied by decreased levels of a G9a substrate, dimethylated lysine 9 in histone H3, in the embryonic tongue. BrdU injection at E16.5 revealed reduced numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the mucosal epithelium and underlying connective tissue at E17.5 in cKO mice, indicating suppression of cell proliferation in both tissues. Investigation of keratin 5 and 8 protein localization showed significantly suppressed expression in the lingual mucosal epithelium in cKO mice. CONCLUSIONS G9a is required for proper proliferation and differentiation of sox9-expressing tongue progenitor cells and is thereby involved in tongue development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Ideno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Komatsu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako 351-0198, Saitama, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akira Nifuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8501, Japan.
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8
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Sun S, Su G, Zheng X. Inhibition of the Tumor Suppressor Gene SPINK5 via EHMT2 Induces the Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:208-221. [PMID: 37071303 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00740-z] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5 (SPINK5) has been revealed as a significant prognostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, there is little information regarding the detailed epigenetics mechanism underlying its dysregulation in OSCC. Using the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified SPINK5 as a significantly downregulated gene in OSCC tissues. Moreover, SPINK5 inhibited the malignant aggressiveness of HSC3 and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)9 cells, whereas depletion of SPINK5 using shRNAs led to the opposite trend. The euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) was found to bind to the SPINK5 promoter, and EHMT2 repressed the SPINK5 expression. SPINK5 reversed the stimulating effects of EHMT2 on the aggressiveness of HSC3 and SCC9 cells by impairing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor IWR-1 treatment reverted the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells in the presence of short hairpin RNA (sh)-SPINK5. Silencing of EHMT2 inhibited tumor growth and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in OSCC, which was reversed by SPINK5 knockdown. Our study shows that SPINK5, mediated by the loss of EHMT2, can inhibit the development of OSCC by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and may serve as a treatment target for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Sun
- Department of Stomatology, Ningbo First Hospital, No. 59, Liuting Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Geng Su
- Department of Paediatrics, Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, 433000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xijiao Zheng
- Department of Stomatology, Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Xiantao, 433000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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9
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Yu X, Zhao H, Wang R, Chen Y, Ouyang X, Li W, Sun Y, Peng A. Cancer epigenetics: from laboratory studies and clinical trials to precision medicine. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38225241 PMCID: PMC10789753 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01803-z] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of a myriad of human diseases, particularly cancer. Defining the epigenetic defects associated with malignant tumors has become a focus of cancer research resulting in the gradual elucidation of cancer cell epigenetic regulation. In fact, most stages of tumor progression, including tumorigenesis, promotion, progression, and recurrence are accompanied by epigenetic alterations, some of which can be reversed by epigenetic drugs. The main objective of epigenetic therapy in the era of personalized precision medicine is to detect cancer biomarkers to improve risk assessment, diagnosis, and targeted treatment interventions. Rapid technological advancements streamlining the characterization of molecular epigenetic changes associated with cancers have propelled epigenetic drug research and development. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation and discusses past and present examples of epigenetic inhibitors in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on the development of epigenetic enzyme inhibitors or drugs. In the final part, the prospect of precise diagnosis and treatment is considered based on a better understanding of epigenetic abnormalities in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Yichang Central People's Hospital Affiliated with China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yingyin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xumei Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yihao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Anghui Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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10
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Xu W, Zhong Z, Gu L, Xiao Y, Chen B, Hu W. circCPA4 induces malignant behaviors of prostate cancer via miR-491-5p/SHOC2 feedback loop. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100314. [PMID: 38219533 PMCID: PMC10826157 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE circCPA4 has been defined to be an oncogenic gene. This study examined whether circCPA4 regulates Prostate Cancer (PC) development and revealed its molecular mechanism. METHODS PC tissues and PC cell lines were collected, in which circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2 levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunoblot. Colony formation assay and EdU assay assessed cell proliferation, flow cytometry measured apoptosis, and Transwell assessed invasion and migration. Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were evaluated by immunoblot. Based on the luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay the authors investigated the targeting relationship between circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2. The effect of circCPA4 on tumor growth was evaluated by xenotransplantation in nude mice. RESULTS circCPA4 and SHOC2 levels were abundant while miR-491-5p expression was low in PC. Loss of circCPA4 decreased the proliferation and EdU-positive rate of PC cells, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited invasion, migration, and EMT. Upregulation of circCPA4 forced the malignant behaviors of PC cells, and this promotion could be abolished when miR-491-5p was overexpressed or SHOC2 was silenced. CircCAP4 competitively decoyed miR-491-5p mediating SHOC2 expression. circCAP4 suppression inhibited PC tumor growth. CONCLUSION circCAP4 acts as a novel oncogenic factor in PC, accelerating the malignant behavior of PC cells via miR-491-5p/SHOC2 interaction. This novel ceRNA axis may be a potential target for PC drug development and targeted therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Xu
- Department of Urology, The First School of Clinical Medicine of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Development District Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Long Gu
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Development District Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yiming Xiao
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Development District Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - BinShen Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weilie Hu
- Department of Urology, The First School of Clinical Medicine of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
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11
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Deng C, Ye C, Liao X, Zhou F, Shi Y, Zhong H, Huang J. KMT2A maintains stemness of gastric cancer cells through regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling-activated transcriptional factor KLF11. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230764. [PMID: 38025523 PMCID: PMC10655684 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in gastric cancer development are not yet well established. In this study, we demonstrated that KMT2A was highly expressed in gastric cancer and associated with poor outcomes of patients and revealed that KMT2A was significantly associated with stemness and increased nuclear β-catenin in gastric cancer. Mechanistically, KMT2A activated the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus of gastric cancer cells, and then, β-catenin served as a coactivator of KLF11, which promoted the expression of specific gastric cancer stemness-related molecules, including SOX2 and FOXM1. Together, KMT2A is an important epigenetic regulator of gastric cancer stemness, which provides a novel insight to the potential application of targeting against KMT2A in treating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongwen Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, No. 51, Changqing Middle Street, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwang Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fuyin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youxiong Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junbiao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi, 417000, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Wei H, Huang L, Lu Q, Huang Z, Huang Y, Xu Z, Li W, Pu J. N 6-Methyladenosine-Modified LEAWBIH Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through Epigenetically Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1991-2007. [PMID: 37954496 PMCID: PMC10637240 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s433070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an important role in regulating RNA maturation, stability, and translation. Thus, m6A modification is involved in various pathophysiological processes including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the direct contribution of m6A modifications to RNA function in HCC remains unclear. Here, we identified LEAWBIH (long non-coding RNA epigenetically activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling in HCC) as an m6A-modified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and investigated the effects of m6A on the function of LEAWBIH in HCC. Methods Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the gene expression in tissues and cells. The level of m6A modification was detected using a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay and single-base elongation- and ligation-based qPCR amplification method. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the Glo cell viability and CCK-8 assays. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell migration and invasion assays. The mechanisms of m6A modified LEAWBIH were investigated using chromatin isolation by RNA purification, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results LEAWBIH was highly expressed and correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. LEAWBIH was identified as a m6A-modified transcript. m6A modification increased LEAWBIH transcript stability. The m6A modification level of LEAWBIH was increased in HCC, and a high m6A modification level of LEAWBIH predicted poor survival. LEAWBIH promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in an m6A modification-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations revealed that m6A-modified LEAWBIH activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. m6A-modified LEAWBIH binds to the m6A reader YTHDC1, which further interacts with and recruits H3K9me2 demethylase KDM3B to CTNNB1 promoter, leading to H3K9me2 demethylation and CTNNB1 transcription activation. Functional rescue assays showed that blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling abolished the role of LEAWBIH in HCC. Conclusion m6A-modified LEAWBIH exerts oncogenic effects in HCC by epigenetically activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, highlighting m6A-modified LEAWBIH as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuoming Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Baise, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Pollin G, De Assuncao T, Doria Jorge S, Chi YI, Charlesworth M, Madden B, Iovanna J, Zimmermann M, Urrutia R, Lomberk G. Writers and readers of H3K9me2 form distinct protein networks during the cell cycle that include candidates for H3K9 mimicry. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20231093. [PMID: 37782747 PMCID: PMC10611923 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me), which is written by the Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferases EHMT1 and EHMT2 and read by the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) chromobox (CBX) protein family, is dysregulated in many types of cancers. Approaches to inhibit regulators of this pathway are currently being evaluated for therapeutic purposes. Thus, knowledge of the complexes supporting the function of these writers and readers during the process of cell proliferation is critical for our understanding of their role in carcinogenesis. Here, we immunopurified each of these proteins and used mass spectrometry to define their associated non-histone proteins, individually and at two different phases of the cell cycle, namely G1/S and G2/M. Our findings identify novel binding proteins for these writers and readers, as well as corroborate known interactors, to show the formation of distinct protein complex networks in a cell cycle phase-specific manner. Furthermore, there is an organizational switch between cell cycle phases for interactions among specific writer-reader pairs. Through a multi-tiered bioinformatics-based approach, we reveal that many interacting proteins exhibit histone mimicry, based on an H3K9-like linear motif. Gene ontology analyses, pathway enrichment, and network reconstruction inferred that these comprehensive EHMT and CBX-associated interacting protein networks participate in various functions, including transcription, DNA repair, splicing, and membrane disassembly. Combined, our data reveals novel complexes that provide insight into key functions of cell cycle-associated epigenomic processes that are highly relevant for better understanding these chromatin-modifying proteins during cell cycle and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Pollin
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Thiago M. De Assuncao
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Salomao Doria Jorge
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Young-In Chi
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | | | - Benjamin Madden
- Medical Genome Facility, Proteomics Core, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Michael T. Zimmermann
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
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14
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Kang Z, Fu P, Ma H, Li T, Lu K, Liu J, Ginjala V, Romanienko P, Feng Z, Guan M, Ganesan S, Xia B. Distinct functions of EHMT1 and EHMT2 in cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560719. [PMID: 37873068 PMCID: PMC10592889 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
EHTM1 (GLP) and EHMT2 (G9a) are closely related protein lysine methyltransferases often thought to function together as a heterodimer to methylate histone H3 and non-histone substrates in diverse cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, genome methylation, and DNA repair. Here we show that EHMT1/2 inhibitors cause ATM-mediated slowdown of replication fork progression, accumulation of single-stranded replication gaps, emergence of cytosolic DNA, and increased expression of STING. EHMT1/2 inhibition strongly potentiates the efficacy of alkylating chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in mouse models of tripe negative breast cancer. The effects on DNA replication and alkylating agent sensitivity are largely caused by the loss of EHMT1-mediated methylation of LIG1, whereas the elevated STING expression and remarkable response to immunotherapy appear mainly elicited by the loss of EHMT2 activity. Depletion of UHRF1, a protein known to be associated with EHMT1/2 and LIG1, also induces STING expression, and depletion of either EHMT2 or UHRF1 leads to demethylation of specific CpG sites in the STING1 promoter, suggestive of a distinct EHMT2-UHRF1 axis that regulates DNA methylation and gene transcription. These results highlight distinct functions of the two EHMT paralogs and provide enlightening paradigms and corresponding molecular basis for combination therapies involving alkylating agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Kang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Pan Fu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kevin Lu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Juan Liu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Vasudeva Ginjala
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Zhaohui Feng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ming Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Bing Xia
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Lead contact
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15
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Musella M, Manduca N, Maccafeo E, Sistigu A. Epigenetics behind tumor immunology: a mini review. Oncogene 2023; 42:2932-2938. [PMID: 37604925 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic- and immune-therapies have become hot spots in the treatment of cancer. Although promising, these strategies are frequently associated with innate or acquired resistance, calling for combined targeting of immune inhibitory signals. Epigenetic therapy is attracting considerable attention as a combination partner for immune-based therapies due to its role in molding the state and fate of cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we describe epigenetic dysregulations in cancer, with a particular focus on those related to innate immune signaling and Type I interferons, and emphasize opportunities and current efforts to translate this knowledge into treatment regimens with improved clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy.
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16
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Hao J, Huang J, Hua C, Zuo Y, Yu W, Wu X, Li L, Xue G, Wan X, Ru L, Guo Z, Han S, Deng W, Lin F, Guo W. A novel TOX3-WDR5-ABCG2 signaling axis regulates the progression of colorectal cancer by accelerating stem-like traits and chemoresistance. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002256. [PMID: 37708089 PMCID: PMC10501593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The eradication of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with drug resistance confers the probability of local tumor control after chemotherapy or targeted therapy. As the main drug resistance marker, ABCG2 is also critical for colorectal cancer (CRC) evolution, in particular cancer stem-like traits expansion. Hitherto, the knowledge about the expression regulation of ABCG2, in particular its upstream transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, remains limited in cancer, including CRC. Here, ABCG2 was found to be markedly up-regulated in CRC CSCs (cCSCs) expansion and chemo-resistant CRC tissues and closely associated with CRC recurrence. Mechanistically, TOX3 was identified as a specific transcriptional factor to drive ABCG2 expression and subsequent cCSCs expansion and chemoresistance by binding to -261 to -141 segments of the ABCG2 promoter region. Moreover, we found that TOX3 recruited WDR5 to promote tri-methylation of H3K4 at the ABCG2 promoter in cCSCs, which further confers stem-like traits and chemoresistance to CRC by co-regulating the transcription of ABCG2. In line with this observation, TOX3, WDR5, and ABCG2 showed abnormal activation in chemo-resistant tumor tissues of in situ CRC mouse model and clinical investigation further demonstrated the comprehensive assessment of TOX3, WDR5, and ABCG2 could be a more efficient strategy for survival prediction of CRC patients with recurrence or metastasis. Thus, our study found that TOX3-WDR5/ABCG2 signaling axis plays a critical role in regulating CRC stem-like traits and chemoresistance, and a combination of chemotherapy with WDR5 inhibitors may induce synthetic lethality in ABCG2-deregulated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Hao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Hua
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zuo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wendan Yu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liren Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Xue
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wan
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liyuan Ru
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ziyue Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilong Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; The Affiliated Nanhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Jinan University, Foshan, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells & The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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17
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Besschetnova A, Han W, Liu M, Gao Y, Li M, Wang Z, Labaf M, Patalano S, Venkataramani K, Muriph RE, Macoska JA, Siegfried KR, Evans J, Balk SP, Gao S, Han D, Cai C. Demethylation of EHMT1/GLP Protein Reprograms Its Transcriptional Activity and Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1716-1730. [PMID: 37663929 PMCID: PMC10470473 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming, mediated by genomic alterations and dysregulation of histone reader and writer proteins, plays a critical role in driving prostate cancer progression and treatment resistance. However, the specific function and regulation of EHMT1 (also known as GLP) and EHMT2 (also known as G9A), well-known histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferases, in prostate cancer progression remain poorly understood. Through comprehensive investigations, we discovered that both EHMT1 and EHMT2 proteins have the ability to activate oncogenic transcription programs in prostate cancer cells. Silencing EHMT1/2 or targeting their enzymatic activity with small-molecule inhibitors can markedly decrease prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In-depth analysis of posttranslational modifications of EHMT1 protein revealed the presence of methylation at lysine 450 and 451 residues in multiple prostate cancer models. Notably, we found that lysine 450 can be demethylated by LSD1. Strikingly, concurrent demethylation of both lysine residues resulted in a rapid and profound expansion of EHMT1's chromatin binding capacity, enabling EHMT1 to reprogram the transcription networks in prostate cancer cells and activate oncogenic signaling pathways. Overall, our studies provide valuable molecular insights into the activity and function of EHMT proteins during prostate cancer progression. Moreover, we propose that the dual-lysine demethylation of EHMT1 acts as a critical molecular switch, triggering the induction of oncogenic transcriptional reprogramming in prostate cancer cells. These findings highlight the potential of targeting EHMT1/2 and their demethylation processes as promising therapeutic strategies for combating prostate cancer progression and overcoming treatment resistance. Significance In this study, we demonstrate that EHMT1 and EHMT2 proteins drive prostate cancer development by transcriptionally activating multiple oncogenic pathways. Mechanistically, the chromatin binding of EHMT1 is significantly expanded through demethylation of both lysine 450 and 451 residues, which can serve as a critical molecular switch to induce oncogenic transcriptional reprogramming in prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Besschetnova
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wanting Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mingyu Liu
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yanfei Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Muqing Li
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maryam Labaf
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Patalano
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kavita Venkataramani
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel E. Muriph
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jill A. Macoska
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kellee R. Siegfried
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jason Evans
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven P. Balk
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Dong Han
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Changmeng Cai
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Maksimova V, Makus J, Popova V, Prus A, Usalka O, Trapeznikova E, Zhidkova E, Belitsky G, Yakubovskaya M, Kirsanov K. Histone Methyltransferases as a New Target for Epigenetic Action of Vorinostat. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:968-978. [PMID: 37751867 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792307009x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic genome regulation during malignant cell transformation is characterized by the aberrant methylation and acetylation of histones. Vorinostat (SAHA) is an epigenetic modulator actively used in clinical oncology. The antitumor activity of vorinostat is commonly believed to be associated with the inhibition of histone deacetylases, while the impact of this drug on histone methylation has been poorly studied. Using HeLa TI cells as a test system allowing evaluation of the effect of epigenetically active compounds from the expression of the GFP reporter gene and gene knockdown by small interfering RNAs, we showed that vorinostat not only suppressed HDAC1, but also reduced the activity of EZH2, SUV39H1, SUV39H2, and SUV420H1. The ability of vorinostat to suppress expression of EZH2, SUV39H1/2, SUV420H1 was confirmed by Western blotting. Vorinostat also downregulated expression of SUV420H2 and DOT1L enzymes. The data obtained expand our understanding of the epigenetic effects of vorinostat and demonstrate the need for a large-scale analysis of its activity toward other enzymes involved in the epigenetic genome regulation. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the epigenetic action of vorinostat will contribute to its more proper use in the treatment of tumors with an aberrant epigenetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Maksimova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Julia Makus
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Valeriia Popova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, 125047, Russia
| | - Anzhelika Prus
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- MIREA, Russian Technological University, Moscow, 119571, Russia
| | - Olga Usalka
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Trapeznikova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zhidkova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Gennady Belitsky
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | | | - Kirill Kirsanov
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
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19
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Zhao H, Wang L, Ji X, Zhang L, Li C. Biology of breast cancer brain metastases and novel therapies targeting the blood brain barrier: an updated review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:181. [PMID: 37202575 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02047-0] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BM) is a critical cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with breast cancer (BC). Compared with other cancer cells, BC cells (BCs) exhibit special features in the metastatic process. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, especially the crosstalk between tumour cells and the microenvironment. To date, novel therapies for BM, including targeted therapy and antibody‒drug conjugates, have been developed. Due to an improved understanding of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and blood-tumour barrier (BTB), the development and testing of therapeutic agents in clinical phases have substantially increased. However, these therapies face a major challenge due to the low penetration of the BBB or BTB. As a result, researchers have increasingly focused on finding ways to promote drug penetration through these barriers. This review provides an updated overview of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) and summarizes the newly developed therapies for BCBM, especially drugs targeting the BBB or BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Zhao
- Clinical Medicine College, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Luxuan Wang
- Department of Neurological Function Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Xiaolin Ji
- Clinical Medicine College, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Lijian Zhang
- Clinical Medicine College, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
| | - Chunhui Li
- Clinical Medicine College, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
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20
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Mereu E, Abbo D, Paradzik T, Cumerlato M, Bandini C, Labrador M, Maccagno M, Ronchetti D, Manicardi V, Neri A, Piva R. Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 Inhibition Enhances Carfilzomib Sensitivity and Overcomes Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082199. [PMID: 37190128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are extensively used for the therapy of multiple myeloma. However, patients continuously relapse or are intrinsically resistant to this class of drugs. In addition, adverse toxic effects such as peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity could arise. Here, to identify compounds that can increase the efficacy of PIs, we performed a functional screening using a library of small-molecule inhibitors covering key signaling pathways. Among the best synthetic lethal interactions, the euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) inhibitor UNC0642 displayed a cooperative effect with carfilzomib (CFZ) in numerous multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines, including drug-resistant models. In MM patients, EHMT2 expression correlated to worse overall and progression-free survival. Moreover, EHMT2 levels were significantly increased in bortezomib-resistant patients. We demonstrated that CFZ/UNC0642 combination exhibited a favorable cytotoxicity profile toward peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone-marrow-derived stromal cells. To exclude off-target effects, we proved that UNC0642 treatment reduces EHMT2-related molecular markers and that an alternative EHMT2 inhibitor recapitulated the synergistic activity with CFZ. Finally, we showed that the combinatorial treatment significantly perturbs autophagy and the DNA damage repair pathways, suggesting a multi-layered mechanism of action. Overall, the present study demonstrates that EHMT2 inhibition could provide a valuable strategy to enhance PI sensitivity and overcome drug resistance in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Mereu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Damiano Abbo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Tina Paradzik
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Rudjer Boskovic Insitute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michela Cumerlato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bandini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Labrador
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Maccagno
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Domenica Ronchetti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Manicardi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Piva
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
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21
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Sbirkov Y, Schenk T, Kwok C, Stengel S, Brown R, Brown G, Chesler L, Zelent A, Fuchter MJ, Petrie K. Dual inhibition of EZH2 and G9A/GLP histone methyltransferases by HKMTI-1-005 promotes differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076458. [PMID: 37035245 PMCID: PMC10076884 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-based differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) represents one of the most clinically effective examples of precision medicine and the first example of targeted oncoprotein degradation. The success of ATRA in APL, however, remains to be translated to non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We previously showed that aberrant histone modifications, including histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation, were associated with this lack of response and that epigenetic therapy with small molecule inhibitors of the H3K4 demethylase LSD1/KDM1A could reprogram AML cells to respond to ATRA. Serving as the enzymatic component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, EZH2/KMT6A methyltransferase plays a critical role in normal hematopoiesis by affecting the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. The canonical function of EZH2 is methylation of H3K27, although important non-canonical roles have recently been described. EZH2 mutation or deregulated expression has been conclusively demonstrated in the pathogenesis of AML and response to treatment, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target. In this study, we therefore investigated whether inhibition of EZH2 might also improve the response of non-APL AML cells to ATRA-based therapy. We focused on GSK-343, a pyridone-containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine cofactor-competitive EZH2 inhibitor that is representative of its class, and HKMTI-1-005, a substrate-competitive dual inhibitor targeting EZH2 and the closely related G9A/GLP H3K9 methyltransferases. We found that treatment with HKMTI-1-005 phenocopied EZH2 knockdown and was more effective in inducing differentiation than GSK-343, despite the efficacy of GSK-343 in terms of abolishing H3K27 trimethylation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that in contrast to treatment with GSK-343, HKMTI-1-005 upregulated the expression of differentiation pathway genes with and without ATRA, while downregulating genes associated with a hematopoietic stem cell phenotype. These results pointed to a non-canonical role for EZH2, which was supported by the finding that EZH2 associates with the master regulator of myeloid differentiation, RARα, in an ATRA-dependent manner that was enhanced by HKMTI-1-005, possibly playing a role in co-regulator complex exchange during transcriptional activation. In summary, our results strongly suggest that addition of HKMTI-1-005 to ATRA is a new therapeutic approach against AML that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Sbirkov
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - T. Schenk
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Clinic of Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, CMB, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - C. Kwok
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Stengel
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - R. Brown
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Brown
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - L. Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Zelent
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - M. J. Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - K. Petrie
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
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22
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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23
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Nguyen LL, Watson ZL, Ortega R, Woodruff ER, Jordan KR, Iwanaga R, Yamamoto TM, Bailey CA, Jeong AD, Guntupalli SR, Behbakht K, Gbaja V, Arnoult N, Chuong EB, Bitler BG. Combinatory EHMT and PARP inhibition induces an interferon response and a CD8 T cell-dependent tumor regression in PARP inhibitor-resistant models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529773. [PMID: 36865165 PMCID: PMC9980116 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferases 1 and 2 (EHMT1/2), which catalyze demethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2), contribute to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance through unknown mechanisms of action. In ovarian cancer, EHMT1/2 and H3K9me2 are directly linked to acquired resistance to poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Using a combination of experimental and bioinformatic analyses in several PARP inhibitor resistant ovarian cancer models, we demonstrate that combinatory inhibition of EHMT and PARP is effective in treating PARP inhibitor resistant ovarian cancers. Our in vitro studies show that combinatory therapy reactivates transposable elements, increases immunostimulatory dsRNA formation, and elicits several immune signaling pathways. Our in vivo studies show that both single inhibition of EHMT and combinatory inhibition of EHMT and PARP reduces tumor burden, and that this reduction is dependent on CD8 T cells. Together, our results uncover a direct mechanism by which EHMT inhibition helps to overcome PARP inhibitor resistance and shows how an epigenetic therapy can be used to enhance anti-tumor immunity and address therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily L. Nguyen
- Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Zachary L. Watson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Raquel Ortega
- Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Elizabeth R. Woodruff
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Kimberly R. Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ritsuko Iwanaga
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Tomomi M. Yamamoto
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Courtney A. Bailey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | - Abigail D. Jeong
- Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Saketh R. Guntupalli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kian Behbakht
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Nausica Arnoult
- Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Edward B. Chuong
- Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045
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24
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The expression of Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and 2 (EHMT1/2) is deregulated in many cancers. Most studies thus far have focused on the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMTs. However, the mechanisms that lead to their deregulated expression, and the interacting proteins that could impact EHMT activity are not well understood. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the upstream regulators and the interactors that provide alternative therapeutic approaches to tackle EHMT driven malignancies. Abstract Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-(65)-153-236; Fax: +65-(67)-788-161
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25
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Jiang N, Yang M, Han Y, Zhao H, Sun L. PRDM16 Regulating Adipocyte Transformation and Thermogenesis: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Obesity and Diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:870250. [PMID: 35462933 PMCID: PMC9024053 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.870250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that obesity and diabetes have been major public health concerns and that disease morbidities have been rising continuously, effective treatment for these diseases is urgently needed. Because adipose tissue metabolism is involved in the progression of obesity and diabetes, it might be efficient to target adipocyte metabolic pathways. Positive regulatory domain zinc finger region protein 16 (PRDM16), a transcription factor that is highly expressed in adipocytes, plays a key role in adipose tissue metabolism, such as the browning and thermogenesis of adipocytes, the beigeing of adipocytes, the adipogenic differentiation of myoblasts, and the conversion of visceral adipocytes to subcutaneous adipocytes. Furthermore, clinical and basic studies have shown that the expression of PRDM16 is associated with obesity and diabetes and that PRDM16 signaling participates in the treatment of the two diseases. For example, metformin promotes thermogenesis and alleviates obesity by activating the AMPK/αKG/PRDM16 signaling pathway; rosiglitazone alleviates obesity under the synergistic effect of PRDM16; resveratrol plays an antiobesity role by inducing the expression of PRDM16; liraglupeptide improves insulin resistance by inducing the expression of PRDM16; and mulberry leaves play an anti-inflammatory and antidiabetes role by activating the expression of brown fat cell marker genes (including PRDM16). In this review, we summarize the evidence of PRDM16 involvement in the progression of obesity and diabetes and that PRDM16 may be a promising therapy for obesity and diabetes.
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26
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Abstract
Over the past few decades, epigenetic regulators have emerged as major players in cellular processes that drive cancer initiation and progression, and subsequently modulate the responsiveness of cancers to therapeutic agents. This Special Issue of The FEBS Journal, Cancer Epigenetics, features an exciting collection of review articles that focus on the functions of a broad spectrum of epigenetic modulators in cancer. The diverse topics explored herein range from the roles of transposable elements and chromatin architecture in cancer and the most recent research advances on cancer-associated histone variants (oncohistones), to the effects of altered epigenetics on transcription and advanced cancer cell phenotypes. Moreover, the prospective key function of cancer metabolism in linking epigenetics and transcriptional regulation, and the potential of epigenetics for targeted cancer therapeutics is discussed. We hope that this collection of articles will give readers an enlightening overview of the most recent advances in the fast-moving field of cancer epigenetics.
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