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Schiffman JS, D'Avino AR, Prieto T, Pang Y, Fan Y, Rajagopalan S, Potenski C, Hara T, Suvà ML, Gawad C, Landau DA. Defining heritability, plasticity, and transition dynamics of cellular phenotypes in somatic evolution. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01920-6. [PMID: 39317739 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing has characterized cell state heterogeneity across diverse healthy and malignant tissues. However, the plasticity or heritability of these cell states remains largely unknown. To address this, we introduce PATH (phylogenetic analysis of trait heritability), a framework to quantify cell state heritability versus plasticity and infer cell state transition and proliferation dynamics from single-cell lineage tracing data. Applying PATH to a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, we observed heritability at the ends of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition spectrum, with higher plasticity at more intermediate states. In primary glioblastoma, we identified bidirectional transitions between stem- and mesenchymal-like cells, which use the astrocyte-like state as an intermediary. Finally, we reconstructed a phylogeny from single-cell whole-genome sequencing in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and delineated the heritability of B cell differentiation states linked with genetic drivers. Altogether, PATH replaces qualitative conceptions of plasticity with quantitative measures, offering a framework to study somatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Schiffman
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Andrew R D'Avino
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tamara Prieto
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yilin Fan
- Department of Pathology and Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Srinivas Rajagopalan
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Potenski
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Toshiro Hara
- Department of Pathology and Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mario L Suvà
- Department of Pathology and Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles Gawad
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dan A Landau
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Zuo WF, Pang Q, Zhu X, Yang QQ, Zhao Q, He G, Han B, Huang W. Heat shock proteins as hallmarks of cancer: insights from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:81. [PMID: 39232809 PMCID: PMC11375894 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins are essential molecular chaperones that play crucial roles in stabilizing protein structures, facilitating the repair or degradation of damaged proteins, and maintaining proteostasis and cellular functions. Extensive research has demonstrated that heat shock proteins are highly expressed in cancers and closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. The "Hallmarks of Cancer" are the core features of cancer biology that collectively define a series of functional characteristics acquired by cells as they transition from a normal state to a state of tumor growth, including sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, enabled replicative immortality, the induction of angiogenesis, and the activation of invasion and metastasis. The pivotal roles of heat shock proteins in modulating the hallmarks of cancer through the activation or inhibition of various signaling pathways has been well documented. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the roles of heat shock proteins in vital biological processes from the perspective of the hallmarks of cancer and summarizes the small-molecule inhibitors that target heat shock proteins to regulate various cancer hallmarks. Moreover, we further discuss combination therapy strategies involving heat shock proteins and promising dual-target inhibitors to highlight the potential of targeting heat shock proteins for cancer treatment. In summary, this review highlights how targeting heat shock proteins could regulate the hallmarks of cancer, which will provide valuable information to better elucidate and understand the roles of heat shock proteins in oncology and the mechanisms of cancer occurrence and development and aid in the development of more efficacious and less toxic novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Fang Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qiwen Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian-Qian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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3
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Smadja DM. Hyperthermia for Targeting Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells: Insights from Novel Cellular and Clinical Approaches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1532-1539. [PMID: 38795304 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10736-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The Cellular Heat Shock Response and in particular heat shock protein activation are vital stress reactions observed in both healthy and cancer cells. Hyperthermia (HT) has been proposed for several years as an advancing non-invasive cancer therapy. It selectively targets cancer cells through mechanisms influenced by temperature and temperature variations. This article delves into the impact of HT on cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), essential contributors to cancer recurrence and metastasis. HT has shown promise in eliminating CSCs, sensitizing them to conventional treatments and modulating the tumor microenvironment. The exploration extends to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which exhibit both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects. HT's potential in recruiting therapeutic MSCs for targeted delivery of antitumoral agents is also discussed. Furthermore, the article introduces Brain Thermodynamics-guided Hyperthermia (BTGH) technology, a breakthrough in temperature control and modulation of heat transfer under different conditions. This non-invasive method leverages the brain-eyelid thermal tunnel (BTT) to monitor and regulate internal brain temperature. BTGH technology, with its precision and noninvasive continuous monitoring capabilities, is under clinical investigation for applications in neurological disorders and cancer. The innovative three-phase approach involves whole-body HT, targeted brain HT, and organ-specific HT. In conclusion, the exploration of localized or whole-body HT offers promising avenues for cancer, psychiatric and neurological diseases. The ongoing clinical investigations and potential applications underscore the significance of understanding and harnessing heat's responses to enhance human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Smadja
- Paris Cité University, INSERM, Innovative Therapies in Hemostasis, Paris, F-75006, France.
- Hematology Department, AP-HP, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, 20 rue Leblanc, Paris, F-75015, France.
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4
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Guyon J, Haidar Ahmad S, El Baba R, Le Quang M, Bikfalvi A, Daubon T, Herbein G. Generation of glioblastoma in mice engrafted with human cytomegalovirus-infected astrocytes. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:1070-1080. [PMID: 38553638 PMCID: PMC11257955 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence is identifying human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a potential oncogenic virus. HCMV has been detected in glioblastoma multiforme (GB). Herewith, we present the first experimental evidence for the generation of CMV-Elicited Glioblastoma Cells (CEGBCs) possessing glioblastoma-like traits that lead to the formation of glioblastoma in orthotopically xenografted mice. In addition to the already reported oncogenic HCMV-DB strain, we isolated three HCMV clinical strains from GB tissues that transformed HAs toward CEGBCs and generated spheroids from CEGBCs that resulted in the appearance of glioblastoma-like tumors in xenografted mice. These tumors were nestin-positive mostly in the invasive part surrounded by GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes. The glioblastoma immunohistochemistry phenotype was confirmed by EGFR and cMet gene amplification in the tumor parallel to the detection of HCMV IE and UL69 genes and proteins. Our results fit with an HCMV-induced glioblastoma model of oncogenesis in vivo which will open the door to new therapeutic approaches and assess the anti-HCMV treatment as well as immunotherapy in fighting GB which is characterized by poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Guyon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM U1312, BRIC, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- University of Franche-Comté, Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Besançon, France
| | - Ranim El Baba
- University of Franche-Comté, Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Besançon, France
| | - Mégane Le Quang
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Thomas Daubon
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC UMR5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- University of Franche-Comté, Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Besançon, France.
- CHU Besançon, Department of Virology, Besançon, France.
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5
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Kaur P, Shankar E, Gupta S. EZH2-mediated development of therapeutic resistance in cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216706. [PMID: 38331087 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216706] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) regulates gene expression and plays a definite role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Overexpression of EZH2 has been found in various human malignancies, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, and is associated with increased metastasis and poor prognosis. EZH2 catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) as a canonical role in a PRC2-dependent manner. This mechanism silences various tumor suppressor genes through EZH2-mediated histone lysine methyltransferase activity. As a non-canonical role, EZH2 partners with other signaling molecules to undergo post-translational modification to orchestrate its function as a co-activator playing a critical role in cancer progression. Dysregulation of EZH2 has also been associated with therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Given the role of EZH2 in promoting carcinogenesis and therapy resistance, both canonical and non-canonical EZH2 inhibitors have been used to combat multiple cancer types. Moreover, combining EZH2 inhibitors with other therapeutic modalities have shown to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and overcome potential resistance mechanisms in these cancerous cells. Therefore, targeting EZH2 through canonical and non-canonical modes appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Kaur
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA.
| | - Eswar Shankar
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Division of General Medical Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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6
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Sharma S, Wang SA, Yang WB, Lin HY, Lai MJ, Chen HC, Kao TY, Hsu FL, Nepali K, Hsu TI, Liou JP. First-in-Class Dual EZH2-HSP90 Inhibitor Eliciting Striking Antiglioblastoma Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2963-2985. [PMID: 38285511 PMCID: PMC10895674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Structural analysis of tazemetostat, an FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor, led us to pinpoint a suitable site for appendage with a pharmacophoric fragment of second-generation HSP90 inhibitors. Resultantly, a magnificent dual EZH2/HSP90 inhibitor was pinpointed that exerted striking cell growth inhibitory efficacy against TMZ-resistant Glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. Exhaustive explorations of chemical probe 7 led to several revelations such as (i) compound 7 increased apoptosis/necrosis-related gene expression, whereas decreased M phase/kinetochore/spindle-related gene expression as well as CENPs protein expression in Pt3R cells; (ii) dual inhibitor 7 induced cell cycle arrest at the M phase; (iii) compound 7 suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) catabolism pathway, causing the death of TMZ-resistant GBM cells; and (iv) compound 7 elicited substantial in vivo anti-GBM efficacy in experimental mice xenografted with TMZ-resistant Pt3R cells. Collectively, the study results confirm the potential of dual EZH2-HSP90 inhibitor 7 as a tractable anti-GBM agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sharma
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School
of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Yang
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Lin
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jung Lai
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chung Chen
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department
of Neurosurgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yuan Kao
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Lin Hsu
- School
of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-I Hsu
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International
Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science
and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110 Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110 Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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7
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Iwase T, Wang X, Thi Hanh Phi L, Sridhar N, Ueno NT, Lee J. Advances in targets in inflammatory breast cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 384:125-152. [PMID: 38637096 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lan Thi Hanh Phi
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nithya Sridhar
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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8
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Sprinzen L, Garcia F, Mela A, Lei L, Upadhyayula P, Mahajan A, Humala N, Manier L, Caprioli R, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Casaccia P, Canoll P. EZH2 Inhibition Sensitizes IDH1R132H-Mutant Gliomas to Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor. Cells 2024; 13:219. [PMID: 38334611 PMCID: PMC10854521 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) is commonly mutated in lower-grade diffuse gliomas. The IDH1R132H mutation is an important diagnostic tool for tumor diagnosis and prognosis; however, its role in glioma development, and its impact on response to therapy, is not fully understood. We developed a murine model of proneural IDH1R132H-mutated glioma that shows elevated production of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) and increased trimethylation of lysine residue K27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) compared to IDH1 wild-type tumors. We found that using Tazemetostat to inhibit the methyltransferase for H3K27, Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2), reduced H3K27me3 levels and increased acetylation on H3K27. We also found that, although the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) Panobinostat was less cytotoxic in IDH1R132H-mutated cells (either isolated from murine glioma or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells infected in vitro with a retrovirus expressing IDH1R132H) compared to IDH1-wild-type cells, combination treatment with Tazemetostat is synergistic in both mutant and wild-type models. These findings indicate a novel therapeutic strategy for IDH1-mutated gliomas that targets the specific epigenetic alteration in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sprinzen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.S.); (F.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Franklin Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.S.); (F.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Angeliki Mela
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.S.); (F.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Liang Lei
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.L.); (P.U.); (N.H.)
| | - Pavan Upadhyayula
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.L.); (P.U.); (N.H.)
| | - Aayushi Mahajan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.L.); (P.U.); (N.H.)
| | - Nelson Humala
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.L.); (P.U.); (N.H.)
| | - Lisa Manier
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (L.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Richard Caprioli
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (L.M.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Patrizia Casaccia
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA;
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (L.S.); (F.G.); (A.M.)
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9
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Su R, Cao W, Ma G, Li W, Li Z, Liu Y, Chen L, Chen Z, Li X, Cui P, Huang G. Cyclohexene oxide CA, a derivative of zeylenone, exhibits anti-cancer activity in glioblastoma by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest through interference with EZH2. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1326245. [PMID: 38264522 PMCID: PMC10803536 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1326245] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Due to its highly aggressiveness and malignancy, glioblastoma (GBM) urgently requires a safe and effective treatment strategy. Zeylenone, a natural polyoxygenated cyclohexenes compound isolated from Uvaria grandiflora, has exhibited potential biological activities in various human diseases, including tumors. Methods: We designed and synthesized a series of (+)-Zeylenone analogues and evaluated their anti-GBM roles through structural-activity analysis. Cell Counting Kit-8, TUNEL, transwell and flow cytometry were employed for investigating the anticancer effects of CA on GBM cells. Western blotting, molecular docking, qRT-PCR and ChIP assays were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms by which CA regulates the GBM cell cycle. The nude mouse xenograft model, HE staining, immunohistochemistry and was used to evaluate the anticancer effect of CA in vivo. Results: We identified CA ((1R, 2R, 3S)-3-p-fluorobenzoyl-zeylenone) as having the lowest IC50 value in GBM cells. CA treatment significantly inhibited the malignant behaviors of GBM cells and induced G0/G1 phase arrest in vitro. Furthermore, we validated the molecular mechanism by which CA interferes with EZH2, attenuating the down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27 and p16 by the PRC2 complex. By establishing orthotopic nude mice models, we further validated the inhibitory role of CA on tumorigenesis of GBM cells in vivo and its potential values to synergistically potentiate the anti-tumor effects of EZH2 inhibitors. Conclusion: Overall, this paper elucidated the anti-GBM effects and potential mechanisms of CA, and may provide a therapeutic drug candidate for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Cao
- Institute of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoxu Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zongyang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongpei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuejuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guodong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Liu J, Fan H, Liang X, Chen Y. Polycomb repressor complex: Its function in human cancer and therapeutic target strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115897. [PMID: 37981459 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115897] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb Repressor Complex (PRC) plays a pivotal role in gene regulation during development and disease, with dysregulation contributing significantly to various human cancers. The intricate interplay between PRC and cellular signaling pathways sheds light on cancer complexity. PRC presents promising therapeutic opportunities, with inhibitors undergoing rigorous evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we emphasize the critical role of PRC complex in gene regulation, particularly PcG proteins mediated chromatin compaction through phase separation. We also highlight the pathological implications of PRC complex dysregulation in various tumors, elucidating underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. The burgeoning field of therapeutic strategies targeting PRC complexes, notably EZH2 inhibitors, has advanced significantly. However, we explore the need for combination therapies to enhance PRC targeted treatments efficacy, providing a glimpse into the future of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Liu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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11
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Kim S, Jo S, Paek SH, Kang SS, Chung H. SUZ12 inhibition attenuates cell proliferation of glioblastoma via post-translational regulation of CDKN1B. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1623-1632. [PMID: 37856053 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01468-5] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human gliomas are aggressive brain tumors characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation. Differential expression of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has been reported in various subtypes of glioma. However, the role of PRC2 in uncontrolled growth in glioma and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the functional role of PRC2 in human glioblastoma cell growth by silencing SUZ12, the non-catalytic core component of PRC2. METHODS Knockdown of SUZ12 was achieved by infecting T98G cells with lentivirus carrying sequences specifically targeting SUZ12 (shSUZ12). Gene expression was examined by quantitative PCR and western analysis. The impact of shSUZ12 on cell growth was assessed using a cell proliferation assay. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry, and protein stability was evaluated in cycloheximide-treated cells. Subcellular localization was examined through immunofluorescence staining and biochemical cytoplasmic-nuclear fractionation. Gene expression analysis was also performed on human specimens from normal brain and glioblastoma patients. RESULTS SUZ12 knockdown (SUZ12 KD) led to widespread decrease in the PRC2-specific histone mark, accompanied by a slowdown of cell proliferation through G1 arrest. In SUZ12 KD cells, the degradation of CDKN1B protein was reduced, resulting from alterations in the MYC-SKP2-CDKN1B axis. Furthermore, nuclear localization of CDKN1B was enhanced in SUZ12 KD cells. Analysis of human glioblastoma samples yielded increased expression of EZH2 and MYC along with reduced CDKN1B compared to normal human brain tissue. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a novel role for SUZ12 in cell proliferation through post-translational regulation of CDKN1B in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daegu Health College, Daegu, 41453, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsin Jo
- Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research (HYIRR), Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Ha Paek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Soo Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Heekyoung Chung
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Isachesku E, Braicu C, Pirlog R, Kocijancic A, Busuioc C, Pruteanu LL, Pandey DP, Berindan-Neagoe I. The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Epigenetic Dysregulation in Glioblastoma Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16320. [PMID: 38003512 PMCID: PMC10671451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary brain tumor arising from glial cells. The tumor is highly aggressive, the reason for which it has become the deadliest brain tumor type with the poorest prognosis. Like other cancers, it compromises molecular alteration on genetic and epigenetic levels. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype without the occurrence of any genetic mutations or DNA sequence alterations in the driver tumor-related genes. These epigenetic changes are reversible, making them convenient targets in cancer therapy. Therefore, we aim to review critical epigenetic dysregulation processes in glioblastoma. We will highlight the significant affected tumor-related pathways and their outcomes, such as regulation of cell cycle progression, cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell invasiveness, immune evasion, or acquirement of drug resistance. Examples of molecular changes induced by epigenetic modifications, such as DNA epigenetic alterations, histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, are highlighted. As understanding the role of epigenetic regulators and underlying molecular mechanisms in the overall pro-tumorigenic landscape of glioblastoma is essential, this literature study will provide valuable insights for establishing the prognostic or diagnostic value of various non-coding transcripts, including miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Isachesku
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (C.B.); (R.P.); (L.-L.P.)
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (C.B.); (R.P.); (L.-L.P.)
| | - Radu Pirlog
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (C.B.); (R.P.); (L.-L.P.)
| | - Anja Kocijancic
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway; (A.K.)
| | - Constantin Busuioc
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Disease, 021105 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Onco Team Diagnostic, 010719 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lavinia-Lorena Pruteanu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (C.B.); (R.P.); (L.-L.P.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, North University Center, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 430122 Baia Mare, Romania
| | - Deo Prakash Pandey
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway; (A.K.)
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (C.B.); (R.P.); (L.-L.P.)
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13
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Yu F, Li L, Zhang M, Sun S. Phosphorylation of EZH2 differs HER2-positive breast cancer invasiveness in a site-specific manner. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:948. [PMID: 37803297 PMCID: PMC10557267 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) invasiveness and drug-resistance issue is the critical treatment obstacle recently. We investigated the total and phosphorylated status EZH2 expression in database and BC tissue microarray. We demonstrated for the first time that EZH2 is distributed both in cytoplasm and nucleus of breast cancer cells in a phosphorylation site-specific manner. High expressed-EZH2 cases more frequently had an advanced clinical stage (lymph node metastasis) and aggressive features than EZH2-low cases, potentially indicating the high risk of HER2-positive BC (p < 0.05). Notably, highly expressed phosphorylated EZH2 is differently located in cytoplasm or nucleus in a site-specific manner in breast cancer cells. Nucleus-located pEZH2-S21 is expressed in invasive and lymph node metastatic HER2-positive BC cases (p = 0.144, p = 0.001). Cytoplasmic pEZH2-T487 is correlated with HER2 positive status (p = 0.014).In conclusion, high expression of nucleus-located EZH2 might be a predictor of invasive BC. Activation of phosphorylated EZH2-S21 site in nucleus would be a potential predictor of HER2-positve BC and poor efficacy of HER2-target therapy. These results point to a PRC2-independent non-epigenetic mechanism and therapeutic strategy of EZH2 in HER2-positive BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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14
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Puppo M, Valluru MK, Croset M, Ceresa D, Iuliani M, Khan A, Wicinski J, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C, Pantano F, Ottewell PD, Clézardin P. MiR-662 is associated with metastatic relapse in early-stage breast cancer and promotes metastasis by stimulating cancer cell stemness. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:754-771. [PMID: 37443350 PMCID: PMC10449914 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) metastasis, which often occurs in bone, contributes substantially to mortality. MicroRNAs play a fundamental role in BC metastasis, although microRNA-regulated mechanisms driving metastasis progression remain poorly understood. METHODS MiRome analysis in serum from BC patients was performed by TaqMan™ low-density array. MiR-662 was overexpressed following MIMIC-transfection or lentivirus transduction. Animal models were used to investigate the role of miR-662 in BC (bone) metastasis. The effect of miR-662-overexpressing BC cell conditioned medium on osteoclastogenesis was investigated. ALDEFLUOR assays were performed to study BC stemness. RNA-sequencing transcriptomic analysis of miR-662-overexpressing BC cells was performed to evaluate gene expression changes. RESULTS High levels of hsa-miR-662 (miR-662) in serum from BC patients, at baseline (time of surgery), were associated with future recurrence in bone. At an early-stage of the metastatic disease, miR-662 could mask the presence of BC metastases in bone by inhibiting the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Nonetheless, metastatic miR-662-overexpressing BC cells then progressed as overt osteolytic metastases thanks to increased stem cell-like traits. CONCLUSIONS MiR-662 is involved in BC metastasis progression, suggesting it may be used as a prognostic marker to identify BC patients at high risk of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Puppo
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Manoj Kumar Valluru
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martine Croset
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Davide Ceresa
- IRCCS AOU San Martino, Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Iuliani
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Ashrin Khan
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Penelope Dawn Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philippe Clézardin
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
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15
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Joshi G, Basu A. Epigenetic control of cell signalling in cancer stem cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:67-88. [PMID: 38359971 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent one of the distinct cell populations occurring in a tumour that can differentiate into multiple lineages. This group of sparsely abundant cells play a vital role in tumour survival and resistance to different treatments during cancer. The lack of exclusive markers associated with CSCs makes diagnosis and prognosis in cancer patients extremely difficult. This calls for the identification of unique regulators and markers for CSCs. Various signalling pathways like the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hedgehog pathway, Notch pathway, and TGFβ/BMP play a major role in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms add another layer of complexity to control these signalling pathways. In this chapter, we discuss about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating the cellular signalling pathways in CSCs. The epigenetic regulatory mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs can modulate the diverse effectors of signalling pathways and consequently the growth, differentiation and tumorigenicity of CSCs. In the end, we briefly discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these epigenetic regulators and their target genes in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Joshi
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
| | - Amitava Basu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
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16
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Wang SH, Liu L, Bao KY, Zhang YF, Wang WW, Du S, Jia NE, Suo S, Cai J, Guo JF, Lv G. EZH2 Contributes to Anoikis Resistance and Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis by Regulating m6A. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:794-802. [PMID: 37498408 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2719-4] [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: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histone modification has a significant effect on gene expression. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) contributes to the epigenetic silencing of target chromatin through its roles as a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme. The development of anoikis resistance in tumor cells is considered to be a critical step in the metastatic process of primary malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of anoikis resistance in ovarian adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis. METHODS In addition to examining EZH2 protein expression in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues, we established a model of ovarian cancer cell anoikis and a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. Anoikis resistance and ovarian cancer progression were tested after EZH2 and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels were modified. RESULTS EZH2 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues than in normal ovarian tissues. Reducing the level of EZH2 decreased the level of m6A and ovarian cancer cell anoikis resistance in vitro and inhibited ovarian cancer progression in vivo. M6a regulation altered the effect of EZH2 on anoikis resistance. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that EZH2 contributes to anoikis resistance and promotes ovarian adenocarcinoma abdominal metastasis by m6A modification. Our findings imply the potential of the clinical application of m6A and EZH2 for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ke-Yong Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for The Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wen-Wen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shi Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Na-Er Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bozhou Branch of Union Hospital, Bozhou, 833400, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bozhou People's Hospital, Bozhou, 833400, China
| | - Suo Suo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bozhou Branch of Union Hospital, Bozhou, 833400, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bozhou People's Hospital, Bozhou, 833400, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jian-Feng Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Gang Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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17
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Sato Y, Yoshino H, Ishikawa J, Monzen S, Yamaguchi M, Kashiwakura I. Prediction of hub genes and key pathways associated with the radiation response of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells using integrated bioinformatics methods. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10762. [PMID: 37402866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are indispensable for the maintenance of the entire blood program through cytokine response. However, HSCs have high radiosensitivity, which is often a problem during radiation therapy and nuclear accidents. Although our previous study has reported that the combination cytokine treatment (interleukin-3, stem cell factor, and thrombopoietin) improves the survival of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) after radiation, the mechanism by which cytokines contribute to the survival of HSPCs is largely unclear. To address this issue, the present study characterized the effect of cytokines on the radiation-induced gene expression profile of human CD34+ HSPCs and explored the hub genes that play key pathways associated with the radiation response using a cDNA microarray, a protein-protein interaction-MCODE module analysis and Cytohubba plugin tool in Cytoscape. This study identified 2,733 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five hub genes (TOP2A, EZH2, HSPA8, GART, HDAC1) in response to radiation in only the presence of cytokines. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis found that hub genes and top DEGs based on fold change were enriched in the chromosome organization and organelle organization. The present findings may help predict the radiation response and improve our understanding of this response of human HSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Sato
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Hironori Yoshino
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Junya Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8612, Japan
| | - Satoru Monzen
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Masaru Yamaguchi
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kashiwakura
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan.
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18
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Young D, Guha C, Sidoli S. The role of histone H3 lysine demethylases in glioblastoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:445-454. [PMID: 37286866 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with an average survival of 15-18 months. Part of its malignancy derives from epigenetic regulation that occurs as the tumor develops and after therapeutic treatment. Specifically, enzymes involved in removing methylations from histone proteins on chromatin, i.e., lysine demethylases (KDMs), have a significant impact on GBM biology and reoccurrence. This knowledge has paved the way to considering KDMs as potential targets for GBM treatment. For example, increases in trimethylation of histone H3 on the lysine 9 residue (H3K9me3) via inhibition of KDM4C and KDM7A has been shown to lead to cell death in Glioblastoma initiating cells. KDM6 has been shown to drive Glioma resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and its inhibition decreases tumor resistance. In addition, increased expression of the histone methyltransferase MLL4 and UTX histone demethylase are associated with prolonged survival in a subset of GBM patients, potentially by regulating histone methylation on the promoter of the mgmt gene. Thus, the complexity of how histone modifiers contribute to glioblastoma pathology and disease progression is yet to be fully understood. To date, most of the current work on histone modifying enzymes in GBM are centered upon histone H3 demethylase enzymes. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of histone H3 demethylase enzymes in Glioblastoma tumor biology and therapy resistance. The objective of this work is to highlight the current and future potential areas of research for GBM epigenetics therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejauwne Young
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York City, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pathology, Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York City, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pathology, Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York City, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York City, NY, 10461, USA.
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19
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Nikolic A, Maule F, Bobyn A, Ellestad K, Paik S, Marhon SA, Mehdipour P, Lun X, Chen HM, Mallard C, Hay AJ, Johnston MJ, Gafuik CJ, Zemp FJ, Shen Y, Ninkovic N, Osz K, Labit E, Berger ND, Brownsey DK, Kelly JJ, Biernaskie J, Dirks PB, Derksen DJ, Jones SJM, Senger DL, Chan JA, Mahoney DJ, De Carvalho DD, Gallo M. macroH2A2 antagonizes epigenetic programs of stemness in glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3062. [PMID: 37244935 PMCID: PMC10224928 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-renewal is a crucial property of glioblastoma cells that is enabled by the choreographed functions of chromatin regulators and transcription factors. Identifying targetable epigenetic mechanisms of self-renewal could therefore represent an important step toward developing effective treatments for this universally lethal cancer. Here we uncover an epigenetic axis of self-renewal mediated by the histone variant macroH2A2. With omics and functional assays deploying patient-derived in vitro and in vivo models, we show that macroH2A2 shapes chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements to antagonize transcriptional programs of self-renewal. macroH2A2 also sensitizes cells to small molecule-mediated cell death via activation of a viral mimicry response. Consistent with these results, our analyses of clinical cohorts indicate that high transcriptional levels of this histone variant are associated with better prognosis of high-grade glioma patients. Our results reveal a targetable epigenetic mechanism of self-renewal controlled by macroH2A2 and suggest additional treatment approaches for glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nikolic
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francesca Maule
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anna Bobyn
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katrina Ellestad
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Seungil Paik
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Parinaz Mehdipour
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xueqing Lun
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Huey-Miin Chen
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Claire Mallard
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander J Hay
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael J Johnston
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Gafuik
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Franz J Zemp
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yaoqing Shen
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicoletta Ninkovic
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katalin Osz
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Compararive Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - N Daniel Berger
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Duncan K Brownsey
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John J Kelly
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Compararive Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter B Dirks
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Darren J Derksen
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Donna L Senger
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Chan
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Gallo
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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20
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El Baba R, Pasquereau S, Haidar Ahmad S, Monnien F, Abad M, Bibeau F, Herbein G. EZH2-Myc driven glioblastoma elicited by cytomegalovirus infection of human astrocytes. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02709-3. [PMID: 37147437 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence is identifying human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a potential oncogenic virus. HCMV has been detected in malignant gliomas. EZH2 and Myc play a potential oncogenic role, correlating with the glioma grade. Herewith, we present the first experimental evidence for HCMV as a reprogramming vector, straight through the dedifferentiation of mature human astrocytes, and generation of CMV-Elicited Glioblastoma Cells (CEGBCs) possessing glioblastoma-like traits. HCMV counterparts the progression of the perceived cellular and molecular mechanisms succeeding the transformation and invasion processes with CEGBCs involved in spheroid formation and invasiveness. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) biopsies were characterized by an elevated EZH2 and Myc expression, possessing a strong positive correlation between the aforementioned markers in the presence of HCMV. From GBM tissues, we isolated HCMV clinical strains that transformed HAs toward CEGBCs exhibiting upregulated EZH2 and Myc. Spheroids generated from CEGBCs possessed invasion potential and were sensitive to EZH2 inhibitor, ganciclovir, and temozolomide triple therapy. HCMV clinical strains transform HAs and fit with an HCMV-induced glioblastoma model of oncogenesis, and supports the tumorigenic properties of Myc and EZH2 which might be highly pertinent in the pathophysiology of astrocytic brain tumors and thereby paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Marine Abad
- Department of Pathology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | - Georges Herbein
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.
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21
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McCornack C, Woodiwiss T, Hardi A, Yano H, Kim AH. The function of histone methylation and acetylation regulators in GBM pathophysiology. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1144184. [PMID: 37205197 PMCID: PMC10185819 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1144184] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain malignancy and is characterized by a high degree of intra and intertumor cellular heterogeneity, a starkly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and nearly universal recurrence. The application of various genomic approaches has allowed us to understand the core molecular signatures, transcriptional states, and DNA methylation patterns that define GBM. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have been shown to influence oncogenesis in a variety of malignancies, including other forms of glioma, yet comparatively less effort has been placed on understanding the transcriptional impact and regulation of histone PTMs in the context of GBM. In this review we discuss work that investigates the role of histone acetylating and methylating enzymes in GBM pathogenesis, as well as the effects of targeted inhibition of these enzymes. We then synthesize broader genomic and epigenomic approaches to understand the influence of histone PTMs on chromatin architecture and transcription within GBM and finally, explore the limitations of current research in this field before proposing future directions for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin McCornack
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Timothy Woodiwiss
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Angela Hardi
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hiroko Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- The Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Albert H. Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- The Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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22
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Kaur P, Verma S, Kushwaha PP, Gupta S. EZH2 and NF-κB: A context-dependent crosstalk and transcriptional regulation in cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216143. [PMID: 36958695 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications regulate critical biological processes that play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cancer. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a subunit of the Polycomb-Repressive Complex 2, catalyzes trimethylation of histone H3 on Lys 27 (H3K27) involved in gene silencing. EZH2 is amplified in human cancers and has roles in regulating several cellular processes, including survival, proliferation, invasion, and self-renewal. Though EZH2 is responsible for gene silencing through its canonical role, it also regulates the transcription of several genes promoting carcinogenesis via its non-canonical role. Constitutive activation of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κB) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of human malignancies. NF-κB is essential for regulating innate and adaptive immune responses and is one of the most important molecules that increases survival during carcinogenesis. Given the evidence that increased survival and proliferation are essential for tumor development and their association with epigenetic modifications, it seems plausible that EZH2 and NF-κB crosstalk may promote cancer progression. In this review, we expand on how EZH2 and NF-κB regulate cellular responses during cancer and their crosstalk of the canonical and non-canonical roles in a context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Kaur
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Shiv Verma
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Prem Prakash Kushwaha
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Division of General Medical Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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23
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Gorini F, Miceli M, de Antonellis P, Amente S, Zollo M, Ferrucci V. Epigenetics and immune cells in medulloblastoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1135404. [PMID: 36968588 PMCID: PMC10036437 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1135404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant childhood tumor of the cerebellum. Transcriptional and epigenetic signatures have classified MB into four molecular subgroups, further stratified into biologically different subtypes with distinct somatic copy-number aberrations, driver genes, epigenetic alterations, activated pathways, and clinical outcomes. The brain tumor microenvironment (BTME) is of importance to regulate a complex network of cells, including immune cells, involved in cancer progression in brain malignancies. MB was considered with a “cold” immunophenotype due to the low influx of immune cells across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Recently, this assumption has been reconsidered because of the identification of infiltrating immune cells showing immunosuppressive phenotypes in the BTME of MB tumors. Here, we are providing a comprehensive overview of the current status of epigenetics alterations occurring during cancer progression with a description of the genomic landscape of MB by focusing on immune cells within the BTME. We further describe how new immunotherapeutic approaches could influence concurring epigenetic mechanisms of the immunosuppressive cells in BTME. In conclusion, the modulation of these molecular genetic complexes in BTME during cancer progression might enhance the therapeutic benefit, thus firing new weapons to fight MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gorini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Miceli
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasqualino de Antonellis
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Amente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, ‘AOU Federico II Policlinico, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Veronica Ferrucci,
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24
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Chu DT, Ngo AD, Wu CC. Epigenetics in cancer development, diagnosis and therapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 198:73-92. [PMID: 37225325 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a dangerous disease and one of the leading causes of death in the world. In 2020, there were nearly 10 million cancer deaths and approximately 20 million new cases. New cases and deaths from cancer are expected to increase further in the coming years. To have a deeper insight into the mechanism of carcinogenesis, epigenetics studies have been published and received much attention from scientists, doctors, and patients. Among alterations in epigenetics, DNA methylation and histone modification are studied by many scientists. They have been reported to be a major contributor in tumor formation and are involved in metastasis. From the understanding of DNA methylation and histone modification, effective, accurate and cost-effective methods for diagnosis and screening of cancer patients have been introduced. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches and drugs targeting altered epigenetics have also been clinically studied and have shown positive results in combating tumor progression. Several cancer drugs that rely on DNA methylation inactivation or histone modification have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer patients. In summary, epigenetics changes such as DNA methylation or histone modification are take part in tumor growth, and they also have great prospect to study diagnostic and therapeutic methods of this dangerous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Anh-Dao Ngo
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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25
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EZH2 interacts with HP1BP3 to epigenetically activate WNT7B that promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:461-470. [PMID: 36517590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults and harbors a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone lysine methyltransferase, deeply involves in the stemness maintenance of GSC. However, the precise mechanism and therapeutic potential remain elusive. We postulated that the interactome of EZH2 in GSC is unique. Therefore, we performed proteomic and transcriptomic research to unveil the oncogenic mechanism of EZH2. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that co-precipitate with EZH2. We show that EZH2 binds to heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3) in GSCs and impairs the methylation of H3K9. Overexpression of HP1BP3 enhances the proliferation, self-renewal and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM cells. Furthermore, EZH2 and HP1BP3 co-activate WNT7B expression thereby increasing TMZ resistance and stemness of GBM cells. Importantly, inhibition of WNT7B autocrine via LGK974 effectively reverses the TMZ resistance. Our work clarifies a new oncogenic mechanism of EZH2 by which it interacts with HP1BP3 and epigenetically activates WNT7B thereby promoting TMZ resistance in GSCs. Our results provide a rationale for targeting WNT/β-catenin pathway as a promising strategy to overcome TMZ resistance in GSCs.
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26
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Montella L, Cuomo M, Del Gaudio N, Buonaiuto M, Costabile D, Visconti R, Di Risi T, Vinciguerra R, Trio F, Ferraro S, Bove G, Facchini G, Altucci L, Chiariotti L, Della Monica R. Epigenetic alterations in glioblastomas: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Int J Cancer 2022. [PMID: 36479695 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most common and heterogeneous tumor affecting brain parenchyma, is dismally characterized by a very poor prognosis. Thus, the search of new, more effective treatments is a vital need. Here, we will review the druggable epigenetic features of glioblastomas that are, indeed, currently explored in preclinical studies and in clinical trials for the development of more effective, personalized treatments. In detail, we will review the studies that have led to the identification of epigenetic signatures, IDH mutations, MGMT gene methylation, histone modification alterations, H3K27 mutations and epitranscriptome landscapes of glioblastomas, in each case discussing the corresponding targeted therapies and their potential efficacy. Finally, we will emphasize how recent technological improvements permit to routinely investigate many glioblastoma epigenetic biomarkers in clinical practice, further enforcing the hope that personalized drugs, targeting specific epigenetic features, could be in future a therapeutic option for selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Montella
- ASL NA2 NORD, Oncology Operative Unit, "Santa Maria delle Grazie" Hospital, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Buonaiuto
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Costabile
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,SEMM-European School of Molecular Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Visconti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Institute for the Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, Italian National Council of Research, Naples, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Di Risi
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Ferraro
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Bove
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- ASL NA2 NORD, Oncology Operative Unit, "Santa Maria delle Grazie" Hospital, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Della Monica
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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27
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von Knebel Doeberitz N, Paech D, Sturm D, Pusch S, Turcan S, Saunthararajah Y. Changing paradigms in oncology: Toward noncytotoxic treatments for advanced gliomas. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1431-1446. [PMID: 35603902 PMCID: PMC9474618 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glial-lineage malignancies (gliomas) recurrently mutate and/or delete the master regulators of apoptosis p53 and/or p16/CDKN2A, undermining apoptosis-intending (cytotoxic) treatments. By contrast to disrupted p53/p16, glioma cells are live-wired with the master transcription factor circuits that specify and drive glial lineage fates: these transcription factors activate early-glial and replication programs as expected, but fail in their other usual function of forcing onward glial lineage-maturation-late-glial genes have constitutively "closed" chromatin requiring chromatin-remodeling for activation-glioma-genesis disrupts several epigenetic components needed to perform this work, and simultaneously amplifies repressing epigenetic machinery instead. Pharmacologic inhibition of repressing epigenetic enzymes thus allows activation of late-glial genes and terminates glioma self-replication (self-replication = replication without lineage-maturation), independent of p53/p16/apoptosis. Lineage-specifying master transcription factors therefore contrast with p53/p16 in being enriched in self-replicating glioma cells, reveal a cause-effect relationship between aberrant epigenetic repression of late-lineage programs and malignant self-replication, and point to specific epigenetic targets for noncytotoxic glioma-therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Paech
- Division of RadiologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Department of NeuroradiologyBonn University HospitalBonnGermany
| | - Dominik Sturm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & ImmunologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Pusch
- Department of NeuropathologyInstitute of Pathology, Ruprecht‐Karls‐University HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Sevin Turcan
- Department of NeurologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology ResearchTaussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
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28
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Wang J, Liu X, Li P, Wang J, Shu Y, Zhong X, Gao Z, Yang J, Jiang Y, Zhou X, Yang G. Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR regulates the stemness of breast cancer cells via activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102630. [PMID: 36273585 PMCID: PMC9691943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women, and it is characterized by a high rate of tumor development and heterogeneity. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) may well contribute to these pathological properties, but the mechanisms underlying their self-renewal and maintenance are still elusive. Here, we found that the long noncoding RNA HOTAIR is highly expressed in breast CSCs. HOTAIR is required for breast CSC self-renewal and tumor propagation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that HOTAIR recruits the PRC2 protein complex to the promoter of IκBα to inhibit its expression, leading to activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The activated NF-κB signaling promotes downstream c-Myc and Cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, our analysis of clinical samples from the GEPIA database indicated that the IκBα level, as well as the survival rate of patients, with high HOTAIR expression was significantly lower than that of patients with relatively low HOTAIR expression. Our data suggest that HOTAIR-mediated NF-κB signaling primes breast CSC self-renewal and tumor propagation. In sum, we have identified HOTAIR-based NF-κB signaling regulatory circuit that promotes tumorigenic activity in breast CSCs, further indicating that HOTAIR could be a promising target for clinical treatment of breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China,Core Facilities, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingzhu Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China,School of Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Shu
- School of Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China,College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yashuang Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xile Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Geng Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China,For correspondence: Geng Yang
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29
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Lyu C, Wang L, Stadlbauer B, Noessner E, Buchner A, Pohla H. Identification of EZH2 as Cancer Stem Cell Marker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and the Anti-Tumor Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4200. [PMID: 36077742 PMCID: PMC9454898 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop a new therapeutic strategy to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and to identify typical CSC markers to improve therapy effectiveness. It was found that the corrected-mRNA expression-based stemness index was upregulated in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) tissues compared to non-tumor tissue and increased with higher tumor stage and grade. EZH2 was identified as a CSC marker and prognosis factor for KIRC patients. The expression of EZH2 was associated with several activated tumor-infiltrating immune cells. High expression of EZH2 was enriched in immune-related pathways, low expression was related to several metabolic pathways. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was identified as the most potent suppressor of EZH2, was able to inhibit viability, migration, and invasion, and to increase the apoptosis rate of ccRCC CSCs. KIF11, VEGF, and MMP2 were identified as predictive EGCG target genes, suggesting a potential mechanism of how EZH2 might regulate invasiveness and migration. The percentages of FoxP3+ Treg cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ccRCC patients decreased significantly when cultured with spheres pretreated with EGCG plus sunitinib compared to spheres without treatment. Our findings provide new insights into the treatment options of ccRCC based on targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lyu
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Lili Wang
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Birgit Stadlbauer
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Department of Urology, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Elfriede Noessner
- Immunoanalytics Research Group Tissue Control of Immunocytes, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Buchner
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Department of Urology, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Pohla
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, LIFE Center, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Department of Urology, LMU Klinikum, University Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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PAR-Induced Harnessing of EZH2 to β-Catenin: Implications for Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158758. [PMID: 35955891 PMCID: PMC9368822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in a wide array of physiological and disease functions, yet knowledge of their role in colon cancer stem cell maintenance is still lacking. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying GPCR-induced post-translational signaling regulation are poorly understood. Here, we find that protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) unexpectedly acts as a potent oncogene, inducing β-catenin stability and transcriptional activity. Both PAR4 and PAR2 are able to drive the association of methyltransferase EZH2 with β-catenin, culminating in β-catenin methylation. This methylation on a lysine residue at the N-terminal portion of β-catenin suppresses the ubiquitination of β-catenin, thereby promoting PAR-induced β-catenin stability and transcriptional activity. Indeed, EZH2 is found to be directly correlated with high PAR4-driven tumors, and is abundantly expressed in large tumors, whereas very little to almost none is expressed in small tumors. A truncated form of β-catenin, ∆N133β-catenin, devoid of lysine, as well as serine/threonine residues, exhibits low levels of β-catenin and a markedly reduced transcriptional activity following PAR4 activation, in contrast to wt β-catenin. Our study demonstrates the importance of β-catenin lysine methylation in terms of its sustained expression and function. Taken together, we reveal that PAR-induced post-transcriptional regulation of β-catenin is centrally involved in colon cancer.
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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Uthamacumaran A, Zenil H. A Review of Mathematical and Computational Methods in Cancer Dynamics. Front Oncol 2022; 12:850731. [PMID: 35957879 PMCID: PMC9359441 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.850731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are complex adaptive diseases regulated by the nonlinear feedback systems between genetic instabilities, environmental signals, cellular protein flows, and gene regulatory networks. Understanding the cybernetics of cancer requires the integration of information dynamics across multidimensional spatiotemporal scales, including genetic, transcriptional, metabolic, proteomic, epigenetic, and multi-cellular networks. However, the time-series analysis of these complex networks remains vastly absent in cancer research. With longitudinal screening and time-series analysis of cellular dynamics, universally observed causal patterns pertaining to dynamical systems, may self-organize in the signaling or gene expression state-space of cancer triggering processes. A class of these patterns, strange attractors, may be mathematical biomarkers of cancer progression. The emergence of intracellular chaos and chaotic cell population dynamics remains a new paradigm in systems medicine. As such, chaotic and complex dynamics are discussed as mathematical hallmarks of cancer cell fate dynamics herein. Given the assumption that time-resolved single-cell datasets are made available, a survey of interdisciplinary tools and algorithms from complexity theory, are hereby reviewed to investigate critical phenomena and chaotic dynamics in cancer ecosystems. To conclude, the perspective cultivates an intuition for computational systems oncology in terms of nonlinear dynamics, information theory, inverse problems, and complexity. We highlight the limitations we see in the area of statistical machine learning but the opportunity at combining it with the symbolic computational power offered by the mathematical tools explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hector Zenil
- Machine Learning Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- The Alan Turing Institute, British Library, London, United Kingdom
- Oxford Immune Algorithmics, Reading, United Kingdom
- Algorithmic Dynamics Lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Algorithmic Nature Group, LABORES, Paris, France
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Sukocheva OA, Lukina E, Friedemann M, Menschikowski M, Hagelgans A, Aliev G. The crucial role of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance: Current findings and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 82:35-59. [PMID: 33301860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell de-sensitization to Tamoxifen (TAM) or other selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERM) is a complex process associated with BC heterogeneity and the transformation of ER signalling. The most influential resistance-related mechanisms include modifications in ER expression and gene regulation patterns. During TAM/SERM treatment, epigenetic mechanisms can effectively silence ER expression and facilitate the development of endocrine resistance. ER status is efficiently regulated by specific epigenetic tools including hypermethylation of CpG islands within ER promoters, increased histone deacetylase activity in the ER promoter, and/or translational repression by miRNAs. Over-methylation of the ER α gene (ESR1) promoter by DNA methyltransferases was associated with poor prognosis and indicated the development of resistance. Moreover, BC progression and spreading were marked by transformed chromatin remodelling, post-translational histone modifications, and expression of specific miRNAs and/or long non-coding RNAs. Therefore, targeted inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (e.g. MYST3), deacetylases (e.g. HDAC1), and/or demethylases (e.g. lysine-specific demethylase LSD1) was shown to recover and increase BC sensitivity to anti-estrogens. Indicated as a powerful molecular instrument, the administration of epigenetic drugs can regain ER expression along with the activation of tumour suppressor genes, which can in turn prevent selection of resistant cells and cancer stem cell survival. This review examines recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of endocrine drug resistance and evaluates novel anti-resistance strategies. Underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation will be discussed, emphasising the utilization of epigenetic enzymes and their inhibitors to re-program irresponsive BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Elena Lukina
- Discipline of Biology, College of Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Markus Friedemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Mario Menschikowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Albert Hagelgans
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia; Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia; Federal State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute of Human Morphology», 3, Tsyurupy Str., Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation; GALLY International Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Xia J, Li J, Tian L, Ren X, Liu C, Liang C. Targeting Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors: Candidate Structure–Activity Relationships Insights and Evolution Prospects. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7016-7043. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xia
- Laboratory of Hematologic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Lei Tian
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519030, P. R. China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
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35
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Zhou P, Chen X, Shi K, Qu H, Xia J. The characteristics, tumorigenicities and therapeutics of cancer stem cells based on circRNAs. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 233:153822. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sun S, Yu F, Xu D, Zheng H, Li M. EZH2, a prominent orchestrator of genetic and epigenetic regulation of solid tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188700. [PMID: 35217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of numerous solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance remains unknown. EZH2 orchestrates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Profound epigenetic and transcriptomic changes induced by EZH2 in tumor cells and immune cells mobilize the elements of the TME, leading to immune-suppressive activity of solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functions of EZH2 on the different components of the TME, including tumor cells, T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Several ongoing anti-tumor clinical trials using EZH2 inhibitors have also been included as translational perspectives. In conclusion, based combinational therapy to enable ICB could offer a survival benefit in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Feng Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
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Demirci Y, Heger G, Katkat E, Papatheodorou I, Brazma A, Ozhan G. Brain Regeneration Resembles Brain Cancer at Its Early Wound Healing Stage and Diverges From Cancer Later at Its Proliferation and Differentiation Stages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:813314. [PMID: 35223842 PMCID: PMC8868567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.813314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most frequent type of brain cancers and characterized by continuous proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion and dedifferentiation, which are also among the initiator and sustaining factors of brain regeneration during restoration of tissue integrity and function. Thus, brain regeneration and brain cancer should share more molecular mechanisms at early stages of regeneration where cell proliferation dominates. However, the mechanisms could diverge later when the regenerative response terminates, while cancer cells sustain proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we exploited the adult zebrafish that, in contrast to the mammals, can efficiently regenerate the brain in response to injury. By comparing transcriptome profiles of the regenerating zebrafish telencephalon at its three different stages, i.e., 1 day post-lesion (dpl)-early wound healing stage, 3 dpl-early proliferative stage and 14 dpl-differentiation stage, to those of two brain cancers, i.e., low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM), we reveal the common and distinct molecular mechanisms of brain regeneration and brain cancer. While the transcriptomes of 1 dpl and 3 dpl harbor unique gene modules and gene expression profiles that are more divergent from the control, the transcriptome of 14 dpl converges to that of the control. Next, by functional analysis of the transcriptomes of brain regeneration stages to LGG and GBM, we reveal the common and distinct molecular pathways in regeneration and cancer. 1 dpl and LGG and GBM resemble with regard to signaling pathways related to metabolism and neurogenesis, while 3 dpl and LGG and GBM share pathways that control cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, 14 dpl and LGG and GBM converge with respect to developmental and morphogenetic processes. Finally, our global comparison of gene expression profiles of three brain regeneration stages, LGG and GBM exhibit that 1 dpl is the most similar stage to LGG and GBM while 14 dpl is the most distant stage to both brain cancers. Therefore, early convergence and later divergence of brain regeneration and brain cancer constitutes a key starting point in comparative understanding of cellular and molecular events between the two phenomena and development of relevant targeted therapies for brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeliz Demirci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Esra Katkat
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Irene Papatheodorou
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory–European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alvis Brazma
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory–European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Gunes Ozhan,
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38
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Qi L, Lindsay H, Kogiso M, Du Y, Braun FK, Zhang H, Guo L, Zhao S, Injac SG, Baxter PA, Su JM, Xiao S, Erickson SW, Earley EJ, Teicher B, Smith MA, Li XN. Evaluation of an EZH2 inhibitor in patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of pediatric brain tumors alone and in combination with chemo- and radiation therapies. J Transl Med 2022; 102:185-193. [PMID: 34802040 PMCID: PMC10228180 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00700-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Tazemetostat is an FDA-approved enhancer of zeste homolog (EZH2) inhibitor. To determine its role in difficult-to-treat pediatric brain tumors, we examined EZH2 levels in a panel of 22 PDOX models and confirmed EZH2 mRNA over-expression in 9 GBM (34.6 ± 12.7-fold) and 11 medulloblastoma models (6.2 ± 1.7 in group 3, 6.0 ± 2.4 in group 4) accompanied by elevated H3K27me3 expression. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in 4 models (1 GBM, 2 medulloblastomas and 1 ATRT) via systematically administered tazemetostat (250 and 400 mg/kg, gavaged, twice daily) alone and in combination with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p., twice) and/or radiation (2 Gy/day × 5 days). Compared with the untreated controls, tazemetostat significantly (Pcorrected < 0.05) prolonged survival times in IC-L1115ATRT (101% at 400 mg/kg) and IC-2305GBM (32% at 250 mg/kg, 45% at 400 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of tazemetostat with radiation was evaluated in 3 models, with only one [IC-1078MB (group 4)] showing a substantial, though not statistically significant, prolongation in survival compared to radiation treatment alone. Combining tazemetostat (250 mg/kg) with cisplatin was not superior to cisplatin alone in any model. Analysis of in vivo drug resistance detected predominance of EZH2-negative cells in the remnant PDOX tumors accompanied by decreased H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 expressions. These data supported the use of tazemetostat in a subset of pediatric brain tumors and suggests that EZH2-negative tumor cells may have caused therapy resistance and should be prioritized for the search of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Qi
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Holly Lindsay
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mari Kogiso
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuchen Du
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frank K Braun
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sibo Zhao
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah G Injac
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patricia A Baxter
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jack Mf Su
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Xiao
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112532. [PMID: 34906772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.
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40
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Cell-of-Origin and Genetic, Epigenetic, and Microenvironmental Factors Contribute to the Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity of Pediatric Intracranial Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236100. [PMID: 34885210 PMCID: PMC8657076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that posits major challenges for the clinical management of cancer patients. Genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors are concurrent drivers of diversity among the distinct populations of cancer cells. ITH may also be installed by cancer stem cells (CSCs), that foster unidirectional hierarchy of cellular phenotypes or, alternatively, shift dynamically between distinct cellular states. Ependymoma (EPN), a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors, shows a specific spatiotemporal distribution that suggests a link between ependymomagenesis and alterations of the biological processes involved in embryonic brain development. In children, EPN most often arises intra-cranially and is associated with an adverse outcome. Emerging evidence shows that EPN displays large intra-patient heterogeneity. In this review, after touching on EPN inter-tumoral heterogeneity, we focus on the sources of ITH in pediatric intra-cranial EPN in the framework of the CSC paradigm. We also examine how single-cell technology has shed new light on the complexity and developmental origins of EPN and the potential impact that this understanding may have on the therapeutic strategies against this deadly pediatric malignancy.
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Emerging role of G9a in cancer stemness and promises as a therapeutic target. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:76. [PMID: 34775469 PMCID: PMC8590690 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase G9a is well-documented for its implication in neoplastic growth. However, recent investigations have demonstrated a key involvement of this chromatin writer in maintaining the self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacities of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Direct inhibition of G9a’s catalytic activity was reported as a promising therapeutic target in multiple preclinical studies. Yet, none of the available pharmacological inhibitors of G9a activity have shown success at the early stages of clinical testing. Here, we discuss central findings of oncogenic expression and activation of G9a in CSCs from different origins, as well as the impact of the suppression of G9a histone methyltransferase activity in such contexts. We will explore the challenges posed by direct and systemic inhibition of G9a activity in the perspective of clinical translation of documented small molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in drug discovery as viable strategies to develop context-specific drugs, selectively targeting G9a in CSC populations.
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The Pivotal Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase in the Glioma Microenvironment: Its Biomarker and Therapy Potentials. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2021; 2021:4907167. [PMID: 34745848 PMCID: PMC8566080 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4907167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase that encrypts a member of the Polycomb group (PcG) family. EZH2 forms a repressive chromatin structure which eventually participates in regulating the development as well as lineage propagation of stem cells and glioma progression. Posttranslational modifications are distinct approaches for the adjusted modification of EZH2 in the development of cancer. The amino acid succession of EZH2 protein makes it appropriate for covalent modifications, like phosphorylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. The glioma microenvironment is a dynamic component that comprises, besides glioma cells and glioma stem cells, a complex network that comprises diverse cell types like endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia as well as stromal components, soluble factors, and the extracellular membrane. EZH2 is well recognized as an essential modulator of cell invasion as well as metastasis in glioma. EZH2 oversecretion was implicated in the malfunction of several fundamental signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Ras and NF-κB signaling, PI3K/AKT signaling, β-adrenergic receptor signaling, and bone morphogenetic protein as well as NOTCH signaling pathways. EZH2 was more secreted in glioblastoma multiforme than in low-grade gliomas as well as extremely secreted in U251 and U87 human glioma cells. Thus, the blockade of EZH2 expression in glioma could be of therapeutic value for patients with glioma. The suppression of EZH2 gene secretion was capable of reversing temozolomide resistance in patients with glioma. EZH2 is a promising therapeutic as well as prognostic biomarker for the treatment of glioma.
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Mormino A, Cocozza G, Fontemaggi G, Valente S, Esposito V, Santoro A, Bernardini G, Santoni A, Fazi F, Mai A, Limatola C, Garofalo S. Histone-deacetylase 8 drives the immune response and the growth of glioma. Glia 2021; 69:2682-2698. [PMID: 34310727 PMCID: PMC8457175 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many epigenetic modifications occur in glioma, in particular the histone-deacetylase class proteins play a pivotal role in glioma development, driving the proliferation rate and the invasiveness of tumor cells, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we evaluated the role of the histone deacetylase HDAC8 in the regulation of the immune response in glioma and tumor growth. We found that inhibition of HDAC8 by the specific inhibitor PCI-34051 reduces tumor volume in glioma mouse models. We reported that HDAC8 modulates the viability and the migration of human and murine glioma cells. Interestingly, HDAC8 inhibition increases the acetylation of alpha-tubulin, suggesting this epigenetic modification controls glioma migration. Furthermore, we identify HDAC8 as a key molecule that supports a poorly immunogenic tumor microenvironment, modulating microglial phenotype and regulating the gene transcription of NKG2D ligands that trigger the Natural Killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Altogether, these results identify HDAC8 as a key actor in glioma growth and tumor microenvironment, and pave the way to a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of immune escape in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit“Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute – IFORomeItaly
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and TechnologiesSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Vincenzo Esposito
- IRCCS NeuromedPozzilliItaly
- Department of Neurology and PsychiatrySapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Antonio Santoro
- Department of Neurology and PsychiatrySapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Giovanni Bernardini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur ItaliaSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | | | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur ItaliaSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and TechnologiesSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Cristina Limatola
- IRCCS NeuromedPozzilliItaly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur ItaliaSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Stefano Garofalo
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySapienza UniversityRomeItaly
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Villasante A, Godier-Furnemont A, Hernandez-Barranco A, Coq JL, Boskovic J, Peinado H, Mora J, Samitier J, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Horizontal transfer of the stemness-related markers EZH2 and GLI1 by neuroblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles in stromal cells. Transl Res 2021; 237:82-97. [PMID: 34217898 PMCID: PMC9204390 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid cancer originating from undifferentiated neural crest cells. NB cells express EZH2 and GLI1 genes that are known to maintain the undifferentiated phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSC) in NB. Recent studies suggest that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate the transformation of surrounding cells into CSC by transferring tumor-specific molecules they contain. However, the horizontal transfer of EVs molecules in NB remains largely unknown. We report the analysis of NB-derived EVs in bioengineered models of NB that are based on a collagen 1/hyaluronic acid scaffold designed to mimic the native tumor niche. Using these models, we observed an enrichment of GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in NB-derived EVs. As a consequence of the uptake of NB-derived EVs, the host cells increased the expression levels of GLI1 and EZH2. These results suggest the alteration of the expression profile of stromal cells through an EV-based mechanism, and point the GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in the EV cargo as diagnostic biomarkers in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranzazu Villasante
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York,USA; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Alberto Hernandez-Barranco
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Johanne Le Coq
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jasminka Boskovic
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Oncology Department, Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York,USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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Kondo N, Nagano Y, Hasegawa A, Ishizawa M, Katagiri K, Yoneda T, Masuda T, Kannagi M. Involvement of EZH2 inhibition in lenalidomide and pomalidomide-mediated growth suppression in HTLV-1-infected cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 574:104-109. [PMID: 34455369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.051] [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: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), such as lenalidomide and pomalidomide, exert pleiotropic effects, e.g., antitumor effects in multiple myeloma, by binding the protein Cereblon and altering its substrate specificity. Lenalidomide is approved for the treatment of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), although the precise mechanisms responsible for its effectiveness have not been fully elucidated. Here, we used HTLV-1-infected cell lines to investigate how IMiDs exert anti-ATL effects. In three of four tested HTLV-1-infected cell lines, the cells treated with lenalidomide or pomalidomide exhibited mild growth suppression without apoptosis, which was associated with decreased IRF4, c-Myc, and phosphorylated STAT3 levels as well as enhanced SOCS3 expression. Additionally, the levels of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and trimethyl histone 3 Lys27 (H3K27me3) were decreased following IMiD treatment in all three susceptible cell lines. An IMiD-mediated reduction of EZH2 and H3K27me3 levels was also observed in a multiple myeloma cell line. Furthermore, treatment with an EZH2-inhibitor reproduced the IMiD-mediated effects in HTLV-1-infected cells and multiple myeloma cells. These findings strongly suggest that a reduction of EZH2 expression is involved in the mechanism underlying the antitumor effects of IMiD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyo Kondo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nagano
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Hasegawa
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miku Ishizawa
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniko Katagiri
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeru Yoneda
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Masuda
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Kannagi
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
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46
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Chaligne R, Gaiti F, Silverbush D, Schiffman JS, Weisman HR, Kluegel L, Gritsch S, Deochand SD, Gonzalez Castro LN, Richman AR, Klughammer J, Biancalani T, Muus C, Sheridan C, Alonso A, Izzo F, Park J, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Regev A, Suvà ML, Landau DA. Epigenetic encoding, heritability and plasticity of glioma transcriptional cell states. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1469-1479. [PMID: 34594037 PMCID: PMC8675181 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00927-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed extensive transcriptional cell state diversity in cancer, often observed independently of genetic heterogeneity, raising the central question of how malignant cell states are encoded epigenetically. To address this, here we performed multiomics single-cell profiling-integrating DNA methylation, transcriptome and genotype within the same cells-of diffuse gliomas, tumors characterized by defined transcriptional cell state diversity. Direct comparison of the epigenetic profiles of distinct cell states revealed key switches for state transitions recapitulating neurodevelopmental trajectories and highlighted dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms underlying gliomagenesis. We further developed a quantitative framework to directly measure cell state heritability and transition dynamics based on high-resolution lineage trees in human samples. We demonstrated heritability of malignant cell states, with key differences in hierarchal and plastic cell state architectures in IDH-mutant glioma versus IDH-wild-type glioblastoma, respectively. This work provides a framework anchoring transcriptional cancer cell states in their epigenetic encoding, inheritance and transition dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Chaligne
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Federico Gaiti
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Silverbush
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua S Schiffman
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah R Weisman
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lloyd Kluegel
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon Gritsch
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sunil D Deochand
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Nicolas Gonzalez Castro
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa R Richman
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Christoph Muus
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Franco Izzo
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jane Park
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mario L Suvà
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Dan A Landau
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Balandeh E, Mohammadshafie K, Mahmoudi Y, Hossein Pourhanifeh M, Rajabi A, Bahabadi ZR, Mohammadi AH, Rahimian N, Hamblin MR, Mirzaei H. Roles of Non-coding RNAs and Angiogenesis in Glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716462. [PMID: 34646821 PMCID: PMC8502969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the significant hallmarks of cancer is angiogenesis. It has a crucial function in tumor development and metastasis. Thus, angiogenesis has become one of the most exciting targets for drug development in cancer treatment. Here we discuss the regulatory effects on angiogenesis in glioblastoma (GBM) of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long ncRNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). These ncRNAs may function in trans or cis forms and modify gene transcription by various mechanisms, including epigenetics. NcRNAs may also serve as crucial regulators of angiogenesis-inducing molecules. These molecules include, metalloproteinases, cytokines, several growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and epidermal growth factor), phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and transforming growth factor signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Balandeh
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Yaser Mahmoudi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | | | - Ali Rajabi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Razaghi Bahabadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mohammadi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Neda Rahimian
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Estrada FGA, Miccoli S, Aniceto N, García-Sosa AT, Guedes RC. Exploring EZH2-Proteasome Dual-Targeting Drug Discovery through a Computational Strategy to Fight Multiple Myeloma. Molecules 2021; 26:5574. [PMID: 34577052 PMCID: PMC8468724 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell neoplastic disease representing about 10-15% of all haematological malignancies diagnosed in developed countries. Proteasome is a key player in multiple myeloma and proteasome inhibitors are the current first-line of treatment. However, these are associated with limited clinical efficacy due to acquired resistance. One of the solutions to overcome this problem is a polypharmacology approach, namely combination therapy and multitargeting drugs. Several polypharmacology avenues are currently being explored. The simultaneous inhibition of EZH2 and Proteasome 20S remains to be investigated, despite the encouraging evidence of therapeutic synergy between the two. Therefore, we sought to bridge this gap by proposing a holistic in silico strategy to find new dual-target inhibitors. First, we assessed the characteristics of both pockets and compared the chemical space of EZH2 and Proteasome 20S inhibitors, to establish the feasibility of dual targeting. This was followed by molecular docking calculations performed on EZH2 and Proteasome 20S inhibitors from ChEMBL 25, from which we derived a predictive model to propose new EZH2 inhibitors among Proteasome 20S compounds, and vice versa, which yielded two dual-inhibitor hits. Complementarily, we built a machine learning QSAR model for each target but realised their application to our data is very limited as each dataset occupies a different region of chemical space. We finally proceeded with molecular dynamics simulations of the two docking hits against the two targets. Overall, we concluded that one of the hit compounds is particularly promising as a dual-inhibitor candidate exhibiting extensive hydrogen bonding with both targets. Furthermore, this work serves as a framework for how to rationally approach a dual-targeting drug discovery project, from the selection of the targets to the prediction of new hit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe G. A. Estrada
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.G.A.E.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Silvia Miccoli
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.G.A.E.); (S.M.)
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Natália Aniceto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.G.A.E.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rita C. Guedes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.G.A.E.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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49
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Park SH, Fong KW, Mong E, Martin MC, Schiltz GE, Yu J. Going beyond Polycomb: EZH2 functions in prostate cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:5788-5798. [PMID: 34349243 PMCID: PMC8487936 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) protein Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is one of the three core subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). It harbors histone methyltransferase activity (MTase) that specifically catalyze histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation on target gene promoters. As such, PRC2 are epigenetic silencers that play important roles in cellular identity and embryonic stem cell maintenance. In the past two decades, mounting evidence supports EZH2 mutations and/or over-expression in a wide array of hematological cancers and solid tumors, including prostate cancer. Further, EZH2 is among the most upregulated genes in neuroendocrine prostate cancers, which become abundant due to the clinical use of high-affinity androgen receptor pathway inhibitors. While numerous studies have reported epigenetic functions of EZH2 that inhibit tumor suppressor genes and promote tumorigenesis, discordance between EZH2 and H3K27 methylation has been reported. Further, enzymatic EZH2 inhibitors have shown limited efficacy in prostate cancer, warranting a more comprehensive understanding of EZH2 functions. Here we first review how canonical functions of EZH2 as a histone MTase are regulated and describe the various mechanisms of PRC2 recruitment to the chromatin. We further outline non-histone substrates of EZH2 and discuss post-translational modifications to EZH2 itself that may affect substrate preference. Lastly, we summarize non-canonical functions of EZH2, beyond its MTase activity and/or PRC2, as a transcriptional cofactor and discuss prospects of its therapeutic targeting in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su H Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ka-Wing Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ezinne Mong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Cynthia Martin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jindan Yu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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50
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Wu Q, Berglund AE, Etame AB. The Impact of Epigenetic Modifications on Adaptive Resistance Evolution in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8324. [PMID: 34361090 PMCID: PMC8347012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly lethal cancer that is universally refractory to the standard multimodal therapies of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment. Temozolomide (TMZ) is currently the best chemotherapy agent for GBM, but the durability of response is epigenetically dependent and often short-lived secondary to tumor resistance. Therapies that can provide synergy to chemoradiation are desperately needed in GBM. There is accumulating evidence that adaptive resistance evolution in GBM is facilitated through treatment-induced epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling have all been implicated as mechanisms that enhance accessibility for transcriptional activation of genes that play critical roles in GBM resistance and lethality. Hence, understanding and targeting epigenetic modifications associated with GBM resistance is of utmost priority. In this review, we summarize the latest updates on the impact of epigenetic modifications on adaptive resistance evolution in GBM to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Anders E. Berglund
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Arnold B. Etame
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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