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Sen T, Takahashi N, Chakraborty S, Takebe N, Nassar AH, Karim NA, Puri S, Naqash AR. Emerging advances in defining the molecular and therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:610-627. [PMID: 38965396 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has traditionally been considered a recalcitrant cancer with a dismal prognosis, with only modest advances in therapeutic strategies over the past several decades. Comprehensive genomic assessments of SCLC have revealed that most of these tumours harbour deletions of the tumour-suppressor genes TP53 and RB1 but, in contrast to non-small-cell lung cancer, have failed to identify targetable alterations. The expression status of four transcription factors with key roles in SCLC pathogenesis defines distinct molecular subtypes of the disease, potentially enabling specific therapeutic approaches. Overexpression and amplification of MYC paralogues also affect the biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC. Several other attractive targets have emerged in the past few years, including inhibitors of DNA-damage-response pathways, epigenetic modifiers, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. However, the rapid development of therapeutic resistance and lack of biomarkers for effective selection of patients with SCLC are ongoing challenges. Emerging single-cell RNA sequencing data are providing insights into the plasticity and intratumoural and intertumoural heterogeneity of SCLC that might be associated with therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in genomic and transcriptomic characterization of SCLC with a particular focus on opportunities for translation into new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triparna Sen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Subhamoy Chakraborty
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amin H Nassar
- Division of Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nagla A Karim
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute Virginia, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sonam Puri
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Medical Oncology/ TSET Phase 1 program, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Shukla V, Wang H, Varticovski L, Baek S, Wang R, Wu X, Echtenkamp F, Villa-Hernandez F, Prothro KP, Gara SK, Zhang MR, Shiffka S, Raziuddin R, Neckers LM, Linehan WM, Chen H, Hager GL, Schrump DS. Genome-Wide Analysis Identifies Nuclear Factor 1C as a Novel Transcription Factor and Potential Therapeutic Target in SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2024; 19:1201-1217. [PMID: 38583771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.03.023] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent insights regarding mechanisms mediating stemness, heterogeneity, and metastatic potential of lung cancers have yet to be fully translated to effective regimens for the treatment of these malignancies. This study sought to identify novel targets for lung cancer therapy. METHODS Transcriptomes and DNA methylomes of 14 SCLC and 10 NSCLC lines were compared with normal human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones derived from SAEC. SCLC lines, lung iPSC (Lu-iPSC), and SAEC were further evaluated by DNase I hypersensitive site sequencing (DHS-seq). Changes in chromatin accessibility and depths of transcription factor (TF) footprints were quantified using Bivariate analysis of Genomic Footprint. Standard techniques were used to evaluate growth, tumorigenicity, and changes in transcriptomes and glucose metabolism of SCLC cells after NFIC knockdown and to evaluate NFIC expression in SCLC cells after exposure to BET inhibitors. RESULTS Considerable commonality of transcriptomes and DNA methylomes was observed between Lu-iPSC and SCLC; however, this analysis was uninformative regarding pathways unique to lung cancer. Linking results of DHS-seq to RNA sequencing enabled identification of networks not previously associated with SCLC. When combined with footprint depth, NFIC, a transcription factor not previously associated with SCLC, had the highest score of occupancy at open chromatin sites. Knockdown of NFIC impaired glucose metabolism, decreased stemness, and inhibited growth of SCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-seq analysis identified numerous sites occupied by BRD4 in the NFIC promoter region. Knockdown of BRD4 or treatment with Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETis) markedly reduced NFIC expression in SCLC cells and SCLC PDX models. Approximately 8% of genes down-regulated by BETi treatment were repressed by NFIC knockdown in SCLC, whereas 34% of genes repressed after NFIC knockdown were also down-regulated in SCLC cells after BETi treatment. CONCLUSIONS NFIC is a key TF and possible mediator of transcriptional regulation by BET family proteins in SCLC. Our findings highlight the potential of genome-wide chromatin accessibility analysis for elucidating mechanisms of pulmonary carcinogenesis and identifying novel targets for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Shukla
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Present Address: Division of Nonclinical Sciences (DNCS), FDA, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lyuba Varticovski
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Songjoon Baek
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ruihong Wang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinwei Wu
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Frank Echtenkamp
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Frank Villa-Hernandez
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Katherine P Prothro
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sudheer K Gara
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mary R Zhang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stephanie Shiffka
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Razi Raziuddin
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Leonard M Neckers
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - W Marston Linehan
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haobin Chen
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Present Address: Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David S Schrump
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Ryan CW, Peirent ER, Regan SL, Guxholli A, Bielas SL. H2A monoubiquitination: insights from human genetics and animal models. Hum Genet 2024; 143:511-527. [PMID: 37086328 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02557-x] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Metazoan development arises from spatiotemporal control of gene expression, which depends on epigenetic regulators like the polycomb group proteins (PcG) that govern the chromatin landscape. PcG proteins facilitate the addition and removal of histone 2A monoubiquitination at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1), which regulates gene expression, cell fate decisions, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage repair. Regulation of these processes by PcG proteins is necessary for proper development, as pathogenic variants in these genes are increasingly recognized to underly developmental disorders. Overlapping features of developmental syndromes associated with pathogenic variants in specific PcG genes suggest disruption of central developmental mechanisms; however, unique clinical features observed in each syndrome suggest additional non-redundant functions for each PcG gene. In this review, we describe the clinical manifestations of pathogenic PcG gene variants, review what is known about the molecular functions of these gene products during development, and interpret the clinical data to summarize the current evidence toward an understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Ryan
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Medical Science Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Emily R Peirent
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Samantha L Regan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Alba Guxholli
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA
| | - Stephanie L Bielas
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, 3703 Med Sci II, 1241 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48199-5618, USA.
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Chehelgerdi M, Behdarvand Dehkordi F, Chehelgerdi M, Kabiri H, Salehian-Dehkordi H, Abdolvand M, Salmanizadeh S, Rashidi M, Niazmand A, Ahmadi S, Feizbakhshan S, Kabiri S, Vatandoost N, Ranjbarnejad T. Exploring the promising potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer research and therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:189. [PMID: 38017433 PMCID: PMC10683363 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01873-0] [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] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of iPSCs has brought about a significant transformation in stem cell research, opening up promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment. The formation of cancer is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. iPSCs offer a distinctive platform for investigating the origin of cancer, paving the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment, drug testing, and tailored medical interventions. This review article will provide an overview of the science behind iPSCs, the current limitations and challenges in iPSC-based cancer therapy, the ethical and social implications, and the comparative analysis with other stem cell types for cancer treatment. The article will also discuss the applications of iPSCs in tumorigenesis, the future of iPSCs in tumorigenesis research, and highlight successful case studies utilizing iPSCs in tumorigenesis research. The conclusion will summarize the advancements made in iPSC-based tumorigenesis research and the importance of continued investment in iPSC research to unlock the full potential of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdolvand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Salmanizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar-Jereeb Street, Isfahan, 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anoosha Niazmand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Ahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sara Feizbakhshan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nasimeh Vatandoost
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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Aristodemou AEN, Rueda DS, Taylor GP, Bangham CRM. The transcriptome of HTLV-1-infected primary cells following reactivation reveals changes to host gene expression central to the proviral life cycle. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011494. [PMID: 37523412 PMCID: PMC10431621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011494] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections by Human T cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) persist for the lifetime of the host by integrating into the genome of CD4+ T cells. Proviral gene expression is essential for proviral survival and the maintenance of the proviral load, through the pro-proliferative changes it induces in infected cells. Despite their role in HTLV-1 infection and a persistent cytotoxic T lymphocyte response raised against the virus, proviral transcripts from the sense-strand are rarely detected in fresh cells extracted from the peripheral blood, and have recently been found to be expressed intermittently by a small subset of cells at a given time. Ex vivo culture of infected cells prompts synchronised proviral expression in infected cells from peripheral blood, allowing the study of factors involved in reactivation in primary cells. Here, we used bulk RNA-seq to examine the host transcriptome over six days in vitro, following proviral reactivation in primary peripheral CD4+ T cells isolated from subjects with non-malignant HTLV-1 infection. Infected cells displayed a conserved response to reactivation, characterised by discrete stages of gene expression, cell division and subsequently horizontal transmission of the virus. We observed widespread changes in Polycomb gene expression following reactivation, including an increase in PRC2 transcript levels and diverse changes in the expression of PRC1 components. We hypothesize that these transcriptional changes constitute a negative feedback loop that maintains proviral latency by re-deposition of H2AK119ub1 following the end of proviral expression. Using RNAi, we found that certain deubiquitinases, BAP1, USP14 and OTUD5 each promote proviral transcription. These data demonstrate the detailed trajectory of HTLV-1 proviral reactivation in primary HTLV-1-carrier lymphocytes and the impact on the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris E. N. Aristodemou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David S. Rueda
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham P. Taylor
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles R. M. Bangham
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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MBD5 and MBD6 stabilize the BAP1 complex and promote BAP1-dependent cancer. Genome Biol 2022; 23:206. [PMID: 36180891 PMCID: PMC9523997 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02776-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is an ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase, which forms a multi-protein complex with different epigenetic factors, such as ASXL1-3 and FOXK1/2. At the chromatin level, BAP1 catalyzes the removal of mono-ubiquitination on histone H2AK119 in collaboration with other subunits within the complex and functions as a transcriptional activator in mammalian cells. However, the crosstalk between different subunits and how these subunits impact BAP1’s function remains unclear. Results We report the identification of the methyl-CpG-binding domain proteins 5 and 6 (MBD5 and MBD6) that bind to the C-terminal PHD fingers of the large scaffold subunits ASXL1-3 and stabilize the BAP1 complex at the chromatin. We further identify a novel Drosophila protein, the six-banded (SBA), as an ortholog of human MBD5 and MBD6, and demonstrate that the core modules of the BAP1 complex is structurally and functionally conserved from Drosophila (Calypso/ASX/SBA) to human cells (BAP1/ASXL/MBD). Dysfunction of the BAP1 complex induced by the misregulation/mutations in its subunit(s) are frequent in many human cancers. In BAP1-dependent human cancers, such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), MBD6 tends to be a part of the predominant complex formed. Therefore, depletion of MBD6 leads to a global loss of BAP1 occupancy at the chromatin, resulting in a reduction of BAP1-dependent gene expression and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions We characterize MBD5 and MBD6 as important regulators of the BAP1 complex and maintain its transcriptional landscape, shedding light on the therapeutic potential of targeting MBD5 and MBD6 in BAP1-dependent human cancers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02776-x.
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Wang Q, Zhang J, Jiang N, Xie J, Yang J, Zhao X. De novo nonsense variant in ASXL3 in a Chinese girl causing Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome: A case report and review of literature. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1924. [PMID: 35276034 PMCID: PMC9034677 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1924] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome (BRPS, OMIM #615485) was first identified in 2013 by Bainbridge et al. and is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism and severe developmental delay. BRPS is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) variants in the additional sex combs-like 3 (ASXL3) gene. Due to the limited specific recognizable features and overlapping symptoms with Bohring-Opitz syndrome (BOS, OMIM #612990), clinical diagnosis of BRPS is challenging. METHODS In this study, a 2-year-8-month-old Chinese girl was referred for genetic evaluation of severe developmental delay. The reduced fetal movement was found during the antenatal period and bilateral varus deformity of feet was observed at birth. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect and confirm the variant. RESULTS A novel nonsense variant c.1063G>T (p.E355*) in the ASXL3 gene (NM_030632.3) was identified in the proband and the clinical symptoms were compatible with BRPS. The parents were physical and genetic normal and prenatal diagnosis was requested for her pregnant mother with a negative Sanger sequencing result. CONCLUSION The study revealed a de novo LOF variant in the ASXL3 gene and expanded the mutation spectrum for this clinical condition. By performing a literature review, we summarized genetic results and the clinical phenotypes of all BPRSs reported so far. More cases study may help to elucidate the function of the ASXL3 gene may be critical to understand the genetic aetiology of this syndrome and assist in accurate genetic counselling, informed decision making and prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Nan Jiang
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
- The University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen Hospital ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Jingxin Yang
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Xiaoshan Zhao
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityShenzhenChina
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Chakraborty AR, Vassilev A, Jaiswal SK, O'Connell CE, Ahrens JF, Mallon BS, Pera MF, DePamphilis ML. Selective elimination of pluripotent stem cells by PIKfyve specific inhibitors. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:397-412. [PMID: 35063131 PMCID: PMC8828683 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of PIKfyve phosphoinositide kinase selectively kills autophagy-dependent cancer cells by disrupting lysosome homeostasis. Here, we show that PIKfyve inhibitors can also selectively eliminate pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs), embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells under conditions where differentiated cells remain viable. PIKfyve inhibitors prevented lysosome fission, induced autophagosome accumulation, and reduced cell proliferation in both pluripotent and differentiated cells, but they induced death only in pluripotent cells. The ability of PIKfyve inhibitors to distinguish between pluripotent and differentiated cells was confirmed with xenografts derived from ECCs. Pretreatment of ECCs with the PIKfyve specific inhibitor WX8 suppressed their ability to form teratocarcinomas in mice, and intraperitoneal injections of WX8 into mice harboring teratocarcinoma xenografts selectively eliminated pluripotent cells. Differentiated cells continued to proliferate, but at a reduced rate. These results provide a proof of principle that PIKfyve specific inhibitors can selectively eliminate pluripotent stem cells in vivo as well as in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup R Chakraborty
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA
| | - Alex Vassilev
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA
| | - Sushil K Jaiswal
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA
| | - Constandina E O'Connell
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA
| | - John F Ahrens
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA
| | - Barbara S Mallon
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Melvin L DePamphilis
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/3A15, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2790, USA.
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Oncogenic Truncations of ASXL1 Enhance a Motif for BRD4 ET-Domain Binding. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167242. [PMID: 34536441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Proper regulation of gene-expression relies on specific protein-protein interactions between a myriad of epigenetic regulators. As such, mutation of genes encoding epigenetic regulators often drive cancer and developmental disorders. Additional sex combs-like protein 1 (ASXL1) is a key example, where mutations frequently drive haematological cancers and can cause developmental disorders. It has been reported that nonsense mutations in ASXL1 promote an interaction with BRD4, another central epigenetic regulator. Here we provide a molecular mechanism for the BRD4-ASXL1 interaction, demonstrating that a motif near to common truncation breakpoints of ASXL1 contains an epitope that binds the ET domain within BRD4. Binding-studies show that this interaction is analogous to common ET-binding modes of BRD4-interactors, and that all three ASX-like protein orthologs (ASXL1-3) contain a functional ET domain-binding epitope. Crucially, we observe that BRD4-ASXL1 binding is markedly increased in the prevalent ASXL1Y591X truncation that maintains the BRD4-binding epitope, relative to full-length ASXL1 or truncated proteins that delete the epitope. Together, these results show that ASXL1 truncation enhances BRD4 recruitment to transcriptional complexes via its ET domain, which could misdirect regulatory activity of either BRD4 or ASXL1 and may inform potential therapeutic interventions.
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Zhang C, Qian J, Wu Y, Zhu Z, Yu W, Gong Y, Li X, He Z, Zhou L. Identification of Novel Diagnosis Biomarkers for Therapy-Related Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609968. [PMID: 34646089 PMCID: PMC8503838 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Therapy-related neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) subtype that, at present, lacks well-characterized molecular biomarkers. The clinical diagnosis of this disease is dependent on biopsy and histological assessment: methods that are experience-based and easily misdiagnosed due to tumor heterogeneity. The development of robust diagnostic tools for NEPC may assist clinicians in making medical decisions on the choice of continuing anti-androgen receptor therapy or switching to platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical characteristics data of 208 samples of metastatic CRPC, including castration-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma (CRPC-adeno) and castration-resistant neuroendocrine prostate adenocarcinoma (CRPC-NE), were obtained from the prad_su2c_2019 dataset. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was subsequently used to construct a free-scale gene co-expression network to study the interrelationship between the potential modules and clinical features of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma and to identify hub genes in the modules. Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to build a model to predict the clinical characteristics of CRPC-NE. The findings were then verified in the nepc_wcm_2016 dataset. Results: A total of 51 co-expression modules were successfully constructed using WGCNA, of which three co-expression modules were found to be significantly associated with the neuroendocrine features and the NEPC score. In total, four novel genes, including NPTX1, PCSK1, ASXL3, and TRIM9, were all significantly upregulated in NEPC compared with the adenocarcinoma samples, and these genes were all associated with the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction pathway. Next, the expression levels of these four genes were used to construct an NEPC diagnosis model, which was successfully able to distinguish CRPC-NE from CRPC-adeno samples in both the training and the validation cohorts. Moreover, the values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were 0.995 and 0.833 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusion: The present study identified four specific novel biomarkers for therapy-related NEPC, and these biomarkers may serve as an effective tool for the diagnosis of NEPC, thereby meriting further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuijian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of Urology, National Urological Cancer Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
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11
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Zhang S, Fu F, Zhen L, Li R, Liao C. Alteration of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs expression profiles by compound heterozygous ASXL3 mutations in the mouse brain. Bioengineered 2021; 12:6935-6951. [PMID: 34559584 PMCID: PMC8806560 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1974811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Compound mutations in the additional sex combs-like 3 (ASXL3) gene greatly impact the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in mouse myocardial tissues. Little is known about ASXL3 mutation effects on lncRNAs and mRNAs expression in the cerebrum and cerebellum. This study aims to clarify this point using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Transcriptome analysis based on RNA-seq followed by bioinformatics analysis were used to compare lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles. Cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were evaluated after silencing of ASXL3 expression using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4- sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium method and flow cytometry. Results showed that ASXL3 gene expression was decreased in the cerebrum and cerebellum of mice with ASXL3 P723R*P1817A mutations. We identified 319 lncRNAs and 252 mRNAs differentially expressed in the cerebrum of ASXL3 P723R*P1817A mutant mice. In the cerebellum of ASXL3 P723R*P1817A mutant mice, 5330 lncRNAs and 2204 mRNAs were differentially expressed. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were widely distributed across the mouse genome and were associated with various biological processes and pathways. ASXL3 silencing by siRNA transfection affected the proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis of neural cells. Therefore, the ASXL3 P723R*P1817A mutations greatly modify the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the mouse cerebrum and cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhui Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Fu
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhen
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ru Li
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Liao
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Zhao Z, Szczepanski AP, Tsuboyama N, Abdala-Valencia H, Goo YA, Singer BD, Bartom ET, Yue F, Wang L. PAX9 Determines Epigenetic State Transition and Cell Fate in Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4696-4708. [PMID: 34341073 PMCID: PMC8448979 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities in genetic and epigenetic modifications can lead to drastic changes in gene expression profiles that are associated with various cancer types. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive and deadly form of lung cancer with limited effective therapies currently available. By utilizing a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screen in SCLC cells, we identified paired box protein 9 (PAX9) as an essential factor that is overexpressed in human malignant SCLC tumor samples and is transcriptionally driven by the BAP1/ASXL3/BRD4 epigenetic axis. Genome-wide studies revealed that PAX9 occupies distal enhancer elements and represses gene expression by restricting enhancer activity. In multiple SCLC cell lines, genetic depletion of PAX9 led to significant induction of a primed-active enhancer transition, resulting in increased expression of a large number of neural differentiation and tumor-suppressive genes. Mechanistically, PAX9 interacted and cofunctioned with the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex at enhancers to repress nearby gene expression, which was reversed by pharmacologic HDAC inhibition. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insight into the oncogenic function of the PAX9/NuRD complex epigenetic axis in human SCLC and suggests that reactivation of primed enhancers may have potential therapeutic efficacy in treating SCLC expressing high levels of PAX9. SIGNIFICANCE: A genome-wide screen in small cell lung cancer reveals PAX9/NuRD-mediated epigenetic enhancer silencing and tumor progression, supporting the development of novel personalized therapeutic approaches targeting the PAX9-regulated network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aileen P. Szczepanski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Natsumi Tsuboyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth T. Bartom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Corresponding Author: Lu Wang, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611. E-mail:
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13
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Tamburri S, Conway E, Pasini D. Polycomb-dependent histone H2A ubiquitination links developmental disorders with cancer. Trends Genet 2021; 38:333-352. [PMID: 34426021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is tightly controlled by specific transcriptional programs which require post-translational modifications of histones. These histone modifications allow the establishment and maintenance of active and repressed chromatin domains. Histone H2A lysine 119 ubiquitination (H2AK119ub1) has an essential role in building repressive chromatin domains during development. It is regulated by the counteracting activities of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and the Polycomb repressive-deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complexes, two multi-subunit ensembles that write and erase this modification, respectively. We have catalogued the recurrent genetic alterations in subunits of the PRC1 and PR-DUB complexes in both neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. These genetic lesions are often shared across disorders, and we highlight common mechanisms of H2AK119ub1 dysregulation and how they affect development in multiple disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tamburri
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Eric Conway
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Pasini
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Department of Experimental Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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14
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Zhang M, Hong JA, Kunst TF, Bond CD, Kenney CM, Warga CL, Yeray J, Lee MJ, Yuno A, Lee S, Miettinen M, Ripley RT, Hoang CD, Gnjatic S, Trepel JB, Schrump DS. Randomized phase II trial of a first-in-human cancer cell lysate vaccine in patients with thoracic malignancies. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:3079-3092. [PMID: 34430349 PMCID: PMC8350099 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-21-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most malignancies express cancer-testis antigens (CTA), immune responses to these proteins are limited in thoracic oncology patients. This trial was undertaken to examine if a cancer cell lysate vaccine could induce immunity to CTA, and to ascertain if metronomic cyclophosphamide and celecoxib enhances vaccine-induced immune responses. METHODS Eleven patients with primary thoracic malignancies and 10 patients with extrathoracic neoplasms metastatic to the chest rendered NED by conventional therapies were randomized to receive H1299 lung cancer cell lysates (10 mg protein/vaccine) with Iscomatrix™ adjuvant via deep intradermal injection q 4 weeks ×6 with or without daily oral metronomic cyclophosphamide/celecoxib. The primary endpoint was serologic response to purified CTA assessed 1 month after the 6th vaccination. Secondary endpoints included assessment of the effects of cyclophosphamide and celecoxib on frequency and magnitude of vaccine-induced immune responses to CTA. Exploratory endpoints included evaluation of the effects of the vaccine regimens on peripheral immune subsets. Standard of care imaging studies were obtained at baseline and 1 month after the 3rd and 6th vaccinations. RESULTS All patients exhibited local and systemic inflammatory responses lasting 72-96 hours following vaccinations. There were no dose limiting treatment related toxicities. Fourteen patients (67%) completed all six vaccinations. Eight of 14 patients (57%) exhibited serologic responses to NY-ESO-1. One patient developed antibodies to GAGE7; several patients exhibited reactivity to XAGE and MAGE-C2. Vaccine therapy decreased the percent of Tregs (P=0.0068), PD-1 expression on Tregs (P=0.0027), PD-L1 expression on CD14+ monocytes (P=0.0089), PD-L1 expression on classical monocytes (P=0.016), and PD-L1 expression on intermediate monocytes (P=0.0031). Cyclophosphamide/celecoxib did not appear to increase immune responses or enhance vaccine-induced alterations in peripheral immune subsets. CONCLUSIONS H1299 lysate vaccines with Iscomatrix™ induce immune responses to CTA and modulate peripheral immune subsets in a manner that may enhance antitumor immunity in patients with thoracic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Zhang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie A. Hong
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tricia F. Kunst
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Colleen D. Bond
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cara M. Kenney
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Warga
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Javier Yeray
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min-Jung Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Akira Yuno
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sunmin Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R. Taylor Ripley
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sacha Gnjatic
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jane B. Trepel
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David S. Schrump
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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15
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Maurya SK, Lakshmanan I, Jain M, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic landscape of small cell lung cancer: small image of a giant recalcitrant disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:57-76. [PMID: 33220460 PMCID: PMC8218609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particular subtype of lung cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in understanding SCLC genomics and breakthroughs of immunotherapy have substantially expanded existing knowledge and treatment modalities. However, challenges associated with SCLC remain enigmatic and elusive. Most of the conventional drug discovery approaches targeting altered signaling pathways in SCLC end up in the 'grave-yard of drug discovery', which mandates exploring novel approaches beyond inhibiting cell signaling pathways. Epigenetic modifications have long been documented as the key contributors to the tumorigenesis of almost all types of cancer, including SCLC. The last decade witnessed an exponential increase in our understanding of epigenetic modifications for SCLC. The present review highlights the central role of epigenetic regulations in acquiring neoplastic phenotype, metastasis, aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches of SCLC. Different types of epigenetic modifications (DNA/histone methylation or acetylation) that can serve as predictive biomarkers for prognostication, treatment stratification, neuroendocrine lineage determination, and development of potential SCLC therapies are also discussed. We also review the utility of epigenetic targets/epidrugs in combination with first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy that are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies. Altogether, the information presents the inclusive landscape of SCLC epigenetics and epidrugs that will help to improve SCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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16
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Reddington CJ, Fellner M, Burgess AE, Mace PD. Molecular Regulation of the Polycomb Repressive-Deubiquitinase. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217837. [PMID: 33105797 PMCID: PMC7660087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification of histone proteins plays a major role in histone–DNA packaging and ultimately gene expression. Attachment of ubiquitin to the C-terminal tail of histone H2A (H2AK119Ub in mammals) is particularly relevant to the repression of gene transcription, and is removed by the Polycomb Repressive-Deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex. Here, we outline recent advances in the understanding of PR-DUB regulation, which have come through structural studies of the Drosophila melanogaster PR-DUB, biochemical investigation of the human PR-DUB, and functional studies of proteins that associate with the PR-DUB. In humans, mutations in components of the PR-DUB frequently give rise to malignant mesothelioma, melanomas, and renal cell carcinoma, and increase disease risk from carcinogens. Diverse mechanisms may underlie disruption of the PR-DUB across this spectrum of disease. Comparing and contrasting the PR-DUB in mammals and Drosophila reiterates the importance of H2AK119Ub through evolution, provides clues as to how the PR-DUB is dysregulated in disease, and may enable new treatment approaches in cancers where the PR-DUB is disrupted.
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17
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Szczepanski AP, Zhao Z, Sosnowski T, Goo YA, Bartom ET, Wang L. ASXL3 bridges BRD4 to BAP1 complex and governs enhancer activity in small cell lung cancer. Genome Med 2020; 12:63. [PMID: 32669118 PMCID: PMC7362484 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a more aggressive subtype of lung cancer that often results in rapid tumor growth, early metastasis, and acquired therapeutic resistance. Consequently, such phenotypical characteristics of SCLC set limitations on viable procedural options, making it difficult to develop both screenings and effective treatments. In this study, we examine a novel mechanistic insight in SCLC cells that could potentially provide a more sensitive therapeutic alternative for SCLC patients. METHODS Biochemistry studies, including size exclusion chromatography, mass spectrometry, and western blot analysis, were conducted to determine the protein-protein interaction between additional sex combs-like protein 3 (ASXL3) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4). Genomic studies, including chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), RNA sequencing, and genome-wide analysis, were performed in both human and mouse SCLC cells to determine the dynamic relationship between BRD4/ASXL3/BAP1 epigenetic axis in chromatin binding and its effects on transcriptional activity. RESULTS We report a critical link between BAP1 complex and BRD4, which is bridged by the physical interaction between ASXL3 and BRD4 in an SCLC subtype (SCLC-A), which expresses a high level of ASCL1. We further showed that ASXL3 functions as an adaptor protein, which directly interacts with BRD4's extra-terminal (ET) domain via a novel BRD4 binding motif (BBM), and maintains chromatin occupancy of BRD4 to active enhancers. Genetic depletion of ASXL3 results in a genome-wide reduction of histone H3K27Ac levels and BRD4-dependent gene expression in SCLC. Pharmacologically induced inhibition with BET-specific chemical degrader (dBET6) selectively inhibits cell proliferation of a subtype of SCLC that is characterized with high expression of ASXL3. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study provides a mechanistic insight into the oncogenic function of BRD4/ASXL3/BAP1 epigenetic axis at active chromatin enhancers in SCLC-A subtype, as well as a potential new therapeutic option that could become more effective in treating SCLC patients with a biomarker of ASXL3-highly expressed SCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Patricia Szczepanski
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zibo Zhao
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Tori Sosnowski
- Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, 2145 North Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, 2145 North Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Elizabeth Thomas Bartom
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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18
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Quintanal-Villalonga Á, Molina-Pinelo S. Epigenetics of lung cancer: a translational perspective. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:739-756. [PMID: 31396859 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related death, with a 5-year survival rate of only 18%. In recent years, the development of targeted pharmacological agents and immunotherapies has substantially increased the survival of a subset of patients. However, most patients lack such efficacious therapy and are, thus, treated with classical chemotherapy with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, the development of epigenetic assays and their application to cancer research have highlighted the relevance of epigenetic regulation in the initiation, development, progression and treatment of lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS A variety of epigenetic modifications do occur at different steps of lung cancer development, some of which are key to tumor progression. The rise of cutting-edge technologies such as single cell epigenomics is, and will continue to be, crucial for uncovering epigenetic events at a single cell resolution, leading to a better understanding of the biology underlying lung cancer development and to the design of novel therapeutic options. This approach has already led to the development of strategies involving single agents or combined agents targeting epigenetic modifiers, currently in clinical trials. Here, we will discuss the epigenetics of every step of lung cancer development, as well as the translation of these findings into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Molina-Pinelo
- Unidad Clínica de Oncología Médica, Radioterapia y Radiofísica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS) (HUVR, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla), Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain. .,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Zheng Z, Li C, Ha P, Chang GX, Yang P, Zhang X, Kim JK, Jiang W, Pang X, Berthiaume EA, Mills Z, Haveles CS, Chen E, Ting K, Soo C. CDKN2B upregulation prevents teratoma formation in multipotent fibromodulin-reprogrammed cells. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:3236-3251. [PMID: 31305260 PMCID: PMC6668700 DOI: 10.1172/jci125015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenicity is a well-documented risk to overcome for pluripotent or multipotent cell applications in regenerative medicine. To address the emerging demand for safe cell sources in tissue regeneration, we established a novel, protein-based reprogramming method that does not require genome integration or oncogene activation to yield multipotent fibromodulin (FMOD)-reprogrammed (FReP) cells from dermal fibroblasts. When compared with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), FReP cells exhibited a superior capability for bone and skeletal muscle regeneration with markedly less tumorigenic risk. Moreover, we showed that the decreased tumorigenicity of FReP cells was directly related to an upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B) expression during the FMOD reprogramming process. Indeed, sustained suppression of CDKN2B resulted in tumorigenic, pluripotent FReP cells that formed teratomas in vivo that were indistinguishable from iPSC-derived teratomas. These results highlight the pivotal role of CDKN2B in cell fate determination and tumorigenic regulation and reveal an alternative pluripotent/multipotent cell reprogramming strategy that solely uses FMOD protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Zheng
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Chenshuang Li
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Pin Ha
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Grace X. Chang
- David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinli Zhang
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Wenlu Jiang
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Pang
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatology Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Zane Mills
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and
| | | | - Eric Chen
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
| | - Kang Ting
- Division of Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, and
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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