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Molteni E, Baldan F, Damante G, Allegri L. Dihydrotanshinone I exhibits antitumor effects via β-catenin downregulation in papillary thyroid cancer cell lines. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7853. [PMID: 38570592 PMCID: PMC10991365 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine carcinoma and, among its different subtypes, the papillary subtype (PTC) is the most frequent. Generally, PTCs are well differentiated, but a minor percentage of PTCs are characterized by a worse prognosis and more aggressive behavior. Phytochemicals, naturally found in plant products, represent a heterogeneous group of bioactive compounds that can interfere with cell proliferation and the regulation of the cell cycle, taking part in multiple signaling pathways that are often disrupted in tumor initiation, proliferation, and progression. In this work, we focused on 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), a tanshinone isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). We first evaluated DHT biological effect on PTC cells regarding cell viability, colony formation ability, and migration capacity. All of these parameters were downregulated by DHT treatment. We then investigated gene expression changes after DHT treatment by performing RNA-seq. The analysis revealed that DHT significantly reduced the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays a role in various diseases, including cancer. Finally, we demonstrate that DHT treatment decreases protein levels of β-catenin, a final effector of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Overall, our data suggest a possible use of this nutraceutical as an adjuvant in the treatment of aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Academic Hospital of Udine, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
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2
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Zheng J, Huang B, Xiao L, Wu M. Effects of BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 on the expression profile of super-enhancer related lncRNAs and mRNAs in cervical cancer HeLa cells. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17035. [PMID: 38410799 PMCID: PMC10896078 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of bromine domain protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor JQ1 on the expression profile of super-enhancer-related lncRNAs (SE-lncRNAs) and mRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) HeLa-cells. Methods The CCK8 method was implemented to detect the inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cells and explore the best inhibitory concentration. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect the changes of lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in cells of the JQ1 treatment group and control group, respectively. The differentially expressed SE-lncRNAs were obtained by matching, while the co-expressed mRNAs were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The inhibitory effect of JQ1 on HeLa cell proliferation increased significantly with increasing concentration and treatment time (P < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions of three concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μmol/L of JQ1 on HeLa cells at 24, 48, 72 and 120 h, 1 μmol/L of JQ1 at 72 and 120 h had the same cell viability and the strongest cell proliferation inhibition. In order to understand the inhibitory mechanism of JQ1 on HeLa cells, this study analyzed the expression profile differences from the perspective of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 162 SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 8 SE-lncRNAs were down-regulated and seven SE-lncRNAs were up-regulated. A total of 418 differentially expressed mRNAs related to SE-lncRNAs were identified, of which 395 mRNAs had positive correlation with 12 SE-lncRNAs and 408 mRNAs had negative correlation with 15 SE-lncRNAs. Conclusion JQ1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells and affect the expression profile of SE-lncRNAs and mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqing Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bifen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Quanzhou Medical College People's Hospital Affiliated, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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3
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Miao T, Symonds A, Hickman OJ, Wu D, Wang P, Lemoine N, Wang Y, Linardopoulos S, Halldén G. Inhibition of Bromodomain Proteins Enhances Oncolytic HAdVC5 Replication and Efficacy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1265. [PMID: 38279262 PMCID: PMC10816486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021265] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive type of pancreatic cancer, which rapidly develops resistance to the current standard of care. Several oncolytic Human AdenoViruses (HAdVs) have been reported to re-sensitize drug-resistant cancer cells and in combination with chemotherapeutics attenuate solid tumour growth. Obstacles preventing greater clinical success are rapid hepatic elimination and limited viral replication and spread within the tumour microenvironment. We hypothesised that higher intratumoural levels of the virus could be achieved by altering cellular epigenetic regulation. Here we report on the screening of an enriched epigenetics small molecule library and validation of six compounds that increased viral gene expression and replication. The greatest effects were observed with three epigenetic inhibitors targeting bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins. Specifically, BRD4 inhibitors enhanced the efficacy of Ad5 wild type, Ad∆∆, and Ad-3∆-A20T in 3-dimensional co-culture models of PDAC and in vivo xenografts. RNAseq analysis demonstrated that the inhibitors increased viral E1A expression, altered expression of cell cycle regulators and inflammatory factors, and attenuated expression levels of tumour cell oncogenes such as c-Myc and Myb. The data suggest that the tumour-selective Ad∆∆ and Ad-3∆-A20T combined with epigenetic inhibitors is a novel strategy for the treatment of PDAC by eliminating both cancer and associated stromal cells to pave the way for immune cell access even after systemic delivery of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizong Miao
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Alistair Symonds
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Oliver J. Hickman
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Dongsheng Wu
- Bioimaging Centre, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Ping Wang
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Nick Lemoine
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Spiros Linardopoulos
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Gunnel Halldén
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
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4
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Duggan NN, Dragic T, Chanda SK, Pache L. Breaking the Silence: Regulation of HIV Transcription and Latency on the Road to a Cure. Viruses 2023; 15:2435. [PMID: 38140676 PMCID: PMC10747579 DOI: 10.3390/v15122435] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has brought the HIV/AIDS epidemic under control, but a curative strategy for viral eradication is still needed. The cessation of ART results in rapid viral rebound from latently infected CD4+ T cells, showing that control of viral replication alone does not fully restore immune function, nor does it eradicate viral reservoirs. With a better understanding of factors and mechanisms that promote viral latency, current approaches are primarily focused on the permanent silencing of latently infected cells ("block and lock") or reactivating HIV-1 gene expression in latently infected cells, in combination with immune restoration strategies to eliminate HIV infected cells from the host ("shock and kill"). In this review, we provide a summary of the current, most promising approaches for HIV-1 cure strategies, including an analysis of both latency-promoting agents (LPA) and latency-reversing agents (LRA) that have shown promise in vitro, ex vivo, and in human clinical trials to reduce the HIV-1 reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Duggan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tatjana Dragic
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lars Pache
- NCI Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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5
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Sun Z, Fan J, Dang Y, Zhao Y. Enhancer in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220313. [PMID: 37548349 PMCID: PMC10405138 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are essential cis-acting regulatory elements that determine cell identity and tumor progression. Enhancer function is dependent on the physical interaction between the enhancer and its target promoter inside its local chromatin environment. Enhancer reprogramming is an important mechanism in cancer pathogenesis and can be driven by both cis and trans factors. Super enhancers are acquired at oncogenes in numerous cancer types and represent potential targets for cancer treatment. BET and CDK inhibitors act through mechanisms of enhancer function and have shown promising results in therapy for various types of cancer. Genome editing is another way to reprogram enhancers in cancer treatment. The relationship between enhancers and cancer has been revised by several authors in the past few years, which mainly focuses on the mechanisms by which enhancers can impact cancer. Here, we emphasize SE's role in cancer pathogenesis and the new therapies involving epigenetic regulators (BETi and CDKi). We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity would aid clinical success for these anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinbo Fan
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiong Dang
- Xi’an Medical University, School of Public Health, Weiyang District, Xi’an, 710021 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
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6
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Chen IP, Ott M. Viral Hijacking of BET Proteins. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102274. [PMID: 36298829 PMCID: PMC9609653 DOI: 10.3390/v14102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the bromodomain and exterminal domain (BET) family mediate critical host functions such as cell proliferation, transcriptional regulation, and the innate immune response, which makes them preferred targets for viruses. These multidomain proteins are best known as transcriptional effectors able to read acetylated histone and non-histone proteins through their tandem bromodomains. They also contain other short motif-binding domains such as the extraterminal domain, which recognizes transcriptional regulatory proteins. Here, we describe how different viruses have evolved to hijack or disrupt host BET protein function through direct interactions with BET family members to support their own propagation. The network of virus-BET interactions emerges as highly intricate, which may complicate the use of small-molecule BET inhibitors-currently in clinical development for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases-to treat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene P. Chen
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Correspondence:
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7
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Snyder KJ, Choe HK, Gao Y, Sell NE, Braunreiter KM, Zitzer NC, Neidemire-Colley L, Kalyan S, Dorrance AM, Keller A, Mihaylova MM, Singh S, Sehgal L, Bollag G, Ma Y, Powell B, Devine SM, Ranganathan P. Inhibition of Bromodomain and Extra Terminal (BET) Domain Activity Modulates the IL-23R/IL-17 Axis and Suppresses Acute Graft- Versus-Host Disease. Front Oncol 2021; 11:760789. [PMID: 34722316 PMCID: PMC8554203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The majority of patients non-responsive to front line treatment with steroids have an estimated overall 2-year survival rate of only 10%. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins influence inflammatory gene transcription, and therefore represent a potential target to mitigate inflammation central to acute GVHD pathogenesis. Using potent and selective BET inhibitors Plexxikon-51107 and -2853 (PLX51107 and PLX2853), we show that BET inhibition significantly improves survival and reduces disease progression in murine models of acute GVHD without sacrificing the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia response. BET inhibition reduces T cell alloreactive proliferation, decreases inflammatory cytokine production, and impairs dendritic cell maturation both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing studies in human T cells revealed that BET inhibition impacts inflammatory IL-17 and IL-12 gene expression signatures, and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing revealed that BRD4 binds directly to the IL-23R gene locus. BET inhibition results in decreased IL-23R expression and function as demonstrated by decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 in response to IL-23 stimulation in human T cells in vitro as well as in mouse donor T cells in vivo. Furthermore, PLX2853 significantly reduced IL-23R+ and pathogenic CD4+ IFNγ+ IL-17+ double positive T cell infiltration in gastrointestinal tissues in an acute GVHD murine model. Our findings identify a role for BET proteins in regulating the IL-23R/STAT3/IL-17 pathway. Based on our preclinical data presented here, PLX51107 will enter clinical trial for refractory acute GVHD in a Phase 1 safety, biological efficacy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiri J Snyder
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hannah K Choe
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yandi Gao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Natalie E Sell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kara M Braunreiter
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nina C Zitzer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lotus Neidemire-Colley
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sonu Kalyan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Adrienne M Dorrance
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Andrea Keller
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Columbus, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maria M Mihaylova
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Columbus, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Satishkumar Singh
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lalit Sehgal
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Gideon Bollag
- Plexxikon Inc, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yan Ma
- Plexxikon Inc, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ben Powell
- Plexxikon Inc, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Steven M Devine
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Parvathi Ranganathan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Duan L. Baicalin exerts anti-tumor effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the microRNA-106b-5p-Wnt/β-catenin pathway via upregulating disabled homolog 2. Arch Oral Biol 2021; 130:105219. [PMID: 34364169 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the role and molecular regulatory mechanisms of baicalin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. DESIGN Gene expression in OSCC cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion and stemness were measured by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing, Transwell, and sphere formation assays. The target genes of miR-106b-5p were predicted using bioinformatic tools. The interaction between microRNA-miR-106b-5p (miR-106b-5p) and disabled homolog 2 (DAB2) was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay. TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assay and western blot analysis were used to analyze the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RESULTS Baicalin inhibited OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion, and stemness. Baicalin downregulated miR-106b-5p expression. In addition, MiR-106b-5p upregulation reversed the effects of baicalin on OSCC cells. As a target gene of miR-106b-5p, DAB2 was negatively regulated by miR-106b-5p and upregulated by baicalin in OSCC cells. MiR-106b-5p activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in OSCC cells by inhibiting DAB2. Baicalin suppressed Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating DAB2. In rescue assays, miR-106b-5p overexpression-induced promotion of OSCC cellular processes was attenuated by DAB2 upregulation. CONCLUSIONS Baicalin exerts anti-tumor effects in OSCC by inhibiting the miR-106b-5p-Wnt/β-catenin pathway via upregulating DAB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Liangwei Duan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
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Wang Y, Xie Q, Tan H, Liao M, Zhu S, Zheng LL, Huang H, Liu B. Targeting cancer epigenetic pathways with small-molecule compounds: Therapeutic efficacy and combination therapies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105702. [PMID: 34102228 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics mainly refers to covalent modifications to DNA or histones without affecting genomes, which ultimately lead to phenotypic changes in cells or organisms. Given the abundance of regulatory targets in epigenetic pathways and their pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, the development of epigenetic drugs holds a great promise for the current cancer therapy. However, lack of potent, selective, and clinically tractable small-molecule compounds makes the strategy to target cancer epigenetic pathways still challenging. Therefore, this review focuses on epigenetic pathways, small molecule inhibitors targeting DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and small molecule inhibitors targeting histone modification (the main regulatory targets are histone acetyltransferases (HAT), histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTS)), as well as the combination strategies of the existing epigenetic therapeutic drugs and more new therapies to improve the efficacy, which will shed light on a new clue on discovery of more small-molecule drugs targeting cancer epigenetic pathways as promising strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People' Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, PR China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People' Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Huidan Tan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Minru Liao
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Provincial People' Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Ling-Li Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Rd, Xindu Region, Chengdu 610500, PR China.
| | - Haixia Huang
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China; Department of Prosthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, PR China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Meng Y, Qian X, Zhao L, Li N, Wu S, Chen B, Sun T, Wang X. Trichostatin A downregulates bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins to suppress osimertinib resistant non-small cell lung carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:216. [PMID: 33858423 PMCID: PMC8050891 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The third-generation epithelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have shown significant therapeutic effects on patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) who carry active EGFR mutations, as well as those who have developed acquired resistance to the first-generation of EGFR-TKIs due to the T790M mutation. However, most patients develop drug resistance after 8-10 months of treatment. Currently, the mechanism has not been well clarified, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. METHODS Osimertinib resistant cell lines were established by culturing sensitive cells in chronically increasing doses of osimertinib. The anticancer effect of reagents was examined both in vitro and in vivo using the sulforhodamine B assay and a xenograft mouse model. The molecular signals were detected by western blotting. The combination effect was analyzed using CompuSyn software. RESULTS We found that bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins (BETs) were upregulated in osimertinib resistant (H1975-OR) cells compared with those in the paired parental cells (H1975-P), and that knockdown of BETs significantly inhibited the growth of H1975-OR cells. The BET inhibitor JQ1 also exhibited stronger growth-inhibitory effects on H1975-OR cells and a greater expression of BETs and the downstream effector c-Myc than were observed in H1975-P cells. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) showed stronger growth suppression in H1975-OR cells than in H1975-P cells, but vorinostat, another HDAC inhibitor, showed equal inhibitory efficacy in both cell types. Consistently, downregulation of BET and c-Myc expression was greater with TSA than with vorinostat. TSA restrained the growth of H1975-OR and H1975-P xenograft tumors. The combination of TSA and JQ1 showed synergistic growth-inhibitory effects in parallel with decreased BET and c-Myc expression in both H1975-OR and H1975-P cells and in xenograft nude mouse models. BETs were not upregulated in osimertinib resistant HCC827 cells compared with parental cells, while TSA and vorinostat exhibited equal inhibitory effects on both cell types. CONCLUSION Upregulation of BETs contributed to the osimertinib resistance of H1975 cells. TSA downregulated BET expression and enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of JQ1 both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provided new strategies for the treatment of osimertinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xixi Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shengjie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baoan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Sun
- Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmiandadao, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xuerong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmiandadao, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Shibasaki H, Kinoh H, Cabral H, Quader S, Mochida Y, Liu X, Toh K, Miyano K, Matsumoto Y, Yamasoba T, Kataoka K. Efficacy of pH-Sensitive Nanomedicines in Tumors with Different c-MYC Expression Depends on the Intratumoral Activation Profile. ACS NANO 2021; 15:5545-5559. [PMID: 33625824 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Effective inhibition of the protein derived from cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-Myc) is one of the most sought-after goals in cancer therapy. While several c-Myc inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic potential, inhibiting c-Myc has proven challenging, since c-Myc is essential for normal tissues and tumors may present heterogeneous c-Myc levels demanding contrasting therapeutic strategies. Herein, we developed tumor-targeted nanomedicines capable of treating both tumors with high and low c-Myc levels by adjusting their ability to spatiotemporally control drug action. These nanomedicines loaded homologues of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) motif inhibitor JQ1 as epigenetic c-Myc inhibitors through pH-cleavable bonds engineered for fast or slow drug release at intratumoral pH. In tumors with high c-Myc expression, the fast-releasing (FR) nanomedicines suppressed tumor growth more effectively than the slow-releasing (SR) ones, whereas, in the low c-Myc tumors, the efficacy of the nanomedicines was the opposite. By studying the tumor distribution and intratumoral activation of the nanomedicines, we found that, despite SR nanomedicines achieved higher accumulation than the FR counterparts in both c-Myc high and low tumors, the antitumor activity profiles corresponded with the availability of activated drugs inside the tumors. These results indicate the potential of engineered nanomedicines for c-Myc inhibition and spur the idea of precision pH-sensitive nanomedicine based on cancer biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kinoh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Sabina Quader
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Xueying Liu
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuko Toh
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazuki Miyano
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center, 3-22-1, Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Yu Matsumoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Policy Alternative Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Lovison D, Allegri L, Baldan F, Ballico M, Damante G, Jandl C, Baratta W. Cationic carboxylate and thioacetate ruthenium(ii) complexes: synthesis and cytotoxic activity against anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Dalton Trans 2021; 49:8375-8388. [PMID: 32520028 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt01390k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The cationic acetate ruthenium complex [Ru(η1-OAc)(CO)(dppb)(phen)]OAc (1) is easily prepared in 83% yield from [Ru(η1-OAc)(η2-OAc)(CO)(dppb)] (dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in MeOH. The derivative 1 undergoes easy substitution of the coordinated acetate by reaction with NaOPiv, KSAc, and KSCN in MeOH, affording the corresponding complexes [RuX(CO)(dppb)(phen)]X (X = OPiv, 2; SAc, 3; and NCS, 4), whereas its reaction with NaCl and NH4PF6 affords [RuCl(CO)(dppb)(phen)]PF6 (5). Carboxylate complexes 1 and 2 show high solubility in water, enabling easy exchange of the coordinated carboxylate by water and other ligands (CH3CN, glutathione). Cationic complexes 1-5, compared to Cisplatin, display a strong cell viability decrease in two human anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines (SW1736 and 8505C), ranging from 3.10 μM to 0.09 μM EC50 values. The most active compounds 1-3 show a marked increment of apoptosis and decrease of cancer cell aggressiveness, making them promising candidates for further evaluation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Lovison
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, Via Cotonificio 108, I-33100 Udine, Italy.
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Kulikowski E, Rakai BD, Wong NCW. Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins for treating multiple human diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:223-245. [PMID: 32926459 PMCID: PMC7756446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical development of bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) protein inhibitors differs from the traditional course of drug development. These drugs are simultaneously being evaluated for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases due to their novel mechanism of action. BET proteins are epigenetic “readers,” which play a primary role in transcription. Here, we briefly describe the BET family of proteins, of which BRD4 has been studied most extensively. We discuss BRD4 activity at latent enhancers as an example of BET protein function. We examine BRD4 redistribution and enhancer reprogramming in embryonic development, cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, presenting hallmark studies that highlight BET proteins as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the currently available approaches to targeting BET proteins, methods of selectively targeting individual bromodomains, and review studies that compare the effects of selective BET inhibition to those of pan‐BET inhibition. Lastly, we examine the current clinical landscape of BET inhibitor development.
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14
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Santos-de-Frutos K, Segrelles C, Lorz C. Hippo Pathway and YAP Signaling Alterations in Squamous Cancer of the Head and Neck. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122131. [PMID: 31817001 PMCID: PMC6947155 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects the upper aerodigestive tract and is the sixth leading cancer worldwide by incidence and the seventh by cause of death. Despite significant advances in surgery and chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapeutic options for this type of cancer are scarce and long term survival rates remain low. Recently, comprehensive genomic studies have highlighted the most commonly altered genes and signaling pathways in this cancer. The Hippo-YAP pathway has been identified as a key oncogenic pathway in multiple tumors. Expression of genes controlled by the Hippo downstream transcriptional coactivators YAP (Yes-associated protein 1) and TAZ (WWTR1, WW domain containing transcription regulator 1) is widely deregulated in human cancer including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Interestingly, YAP/TAZ signaling might not be as essential for the normal homeostasis of adult tissues as for oncogenic growth, altogether making the pathway an amenable therapeutic target in cancer. Recent advances in the role of Hippo-YAP pathway in HNSCC have provided evidence that genetic alterations frequent in this type of cancer such as PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha) overexpression or FAT1 (FAT atypical cadherin 1) functional loss can result in YAP activation. We discuss current therapeutic options targeting this pathway which are currently in use for other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Santos-de-Frutos
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Segrelles
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Ave Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Ave Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-4962-521; Fax: +34-91-3466-484
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Wang W, Tan J. Co‐inhibition of BET proteins and PD‐L1 as a potential therapy for OSCC through synergistic inhibition of FOXM1 and PD‐L1 expressions. J Oral Pathol Med 2019; 48:817-825. [PMID: 31177574 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Qingdao Oral Hospital Qingdao City China
| | - Junyan Tan
- Qingdao Oral Hospital Qingdao City China
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Oing C, Skowron MA, Bokemeyer C, Nettersheim D. Epigenetic treatment combinations to effectively target cisplatin-resistant germ cell tumors: past, present, and future considerations. Andrology 2019; 7:487-497. [PMID: 30924611 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type II germ cell tumors represent the most common solid malignancy in men aged 15-45 years. Despite high cure rates of >90% over all stages, 10-15% of advanced patients develop treatment resistance and potentially succumb to their disease. Treatment of refractory germ cell tumors remains unsatisfactory, and new approaches are needed to further improve outcomes. OBJECTIVES With this narrative review, we highlight epigenetic mechanisms related to resistance to standard systemic treatment, which may act as promising targets for novel combined epigenetic treatment approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted to identify original and review articles on resistance mechanisms and/or epigenetic treatment of germ cell tumors in vitro and in vivo. Review articles were hand-searched to identify additional articles. RESULTS Distinct epigenetic phenomena have been linked to chemotherapy resistance in germ cell tumors, among which DNA hypermethylation, histone acetylation, and bromodomain proteins appear as promising targets for therapeutic exploitation. Inhibitors of key regulators, for example DNA methyltransferases (e.g. decitabine, guadecitabine), histone deacetylases (e.g. romidepsin), and bromodomain proteins (e.g. JQ1) decreased cell viability, triggered apoptosis, and growth arrest. Additionally, these epigenetic drugs induced differentiation and led to loss of pluripotency and re-sensitization towards cisplatin in cell lines and animal models. DISCUSSION Epigenetic treatments hold promise to (i) reduce the treatment burden of and (ii) overcome resistance to standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Combined approaches may enhance activity, while the ideal target and treatment combination of epigenetic drugs, either with another epigenetic agent or conventional cytotoxic agents need to be defined. CONCLUSION Epigenetic (combination) treatment for germ cell tumors should be further explored in pre-clinical and clinical research for its potential to further improve germ cell tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Oing
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiooncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational Urooncology, University Medical School Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - C Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational Urooncology, University Medical School Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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