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Shukla M, Abdul-Hay M, Choi JH. Molecular Features and Treatment Paradigms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1768. [PMID: 39200232 PMCID: PMC11351617 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081768] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematologic malignancy that is considered to be a disease of aging, and traditionally has been treated with induction chemotherapy, followed by consolidation chemotherapy and/or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. More recently, with the use of next-generation sequencing and access to molecular information, targeted molecular approaches to the treatment of AML have been adopted. Molecular targeting is gaining prominence, as AML mostly afflicts the elderly population, who often cannot tolerate traditional chemotherapy. Understanding molecular changes at the gene level is also important for accurate disease classification, risk stratification, and prognosis, allowing for more personalized medicine. Some mutations are well studied and have an established gene-specific therapy, including FLT3 and IDH1/2, while others are being investigated in clinical trials. However, data on most known mutations in AML are still minimal and therapeutic studies are in pre-clinical stages, highlighting the importance of further research and elucidation of the pathophysiology involving these genes. In this review, we aim to highlight the key molecular alterations and chromosomal changes that characterize AML, with a focus on pathophysiology, presently available treatment approaches, and future therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun H. Choi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, NYU Langone Health, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (M.S.)
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2
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Honer MA, Ferman BI, Gray ZH, Bondarenko EA, Whetstine JR. Epigenetic modulators provide a path to understanding disease and therapeutic opportunity. Genes Dev 2024; 38:473-503. [PMID: 38914477 PMCID: PMC11293403 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351444.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of epigenetic modulators (writers, erasers, readers, and remodelers) has shed light on previously underappreciated biological mechanisms that promote diseases. With these insights, novel biomarkers and innovative combination therapies can be used to address challenging and difficult to treat disease states. This review highlights key mechanisms that epigenetic writers, erasers, readers, and remodelers control, as well as their connection with disease states and recent advances in associated epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison A Honer
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
| | - Benjamin I Ferman
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
| | - Zach H Gray
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
| | - Elena A Bondarenko
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
| | - Johnathan R Whetstine
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA;
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
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3
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Hayatigolkhatmi K, Valzelli R, El Menna O, Minucci S. Epigenetic alterations in AML: Deregulated functions leading to new therapeutic options. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 387:27-75. [PMID: 39179348 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.06.003] [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: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in disruption of the hematopoietic differentiation process. Crucial progress has been made, and new therapeutic strategies for AML have been developed. Induction chemotherapy, however, remains the main option for the majority of AML patients. Epigenetic dysregulation plays a central role in AML pathogenesis, supporting leukemogenesis and maintenance of leukemic stem cells. Here, we provide an overview of the intricate interplay of altered epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, in AML development. We explore the role of epigenetic regulators, such as DNMTs, HMTs, KDMs, and HDACs, in mediating gene expression patterns pushing towards leukemic cell transformation. Additionally, we discuss the impact of cytogenetic lesions on epigenomic remodeling and the potential of targeting epigenetic vulnerabilities as a therapeutic strategy. Understanding the epigenetic landscape of AML offers insights into novel therapeutic avenues, including epigenetic modifiers and particularly their use in combination therapies, to improve treatment outcomes and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Hayatigolkhatmi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Valzelli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Oualid El Menna
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Hemato-Oncology, Università Statale di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Yamagishi M, Kuze Y, Kobayashi S, Nakashima M, Morishima S, Kawamata T, Makiyama J, Suzuki K, Seki M, Abe K, Imamura K, Watanabe E, Tsuchiya K, Yasumatsu I, Takayama G, Hizukuri Y, Ito K, Taira Y, Nannya Y, Tojo A, Watanabe T, Tsutsumi S, Suzuki Y, Uchimaru K. Mechanisms of action and resistance in histone methylation-targeted therapy. Nature 2024; 627:221-228. [PMID: 38383791 PMCID: PMC10917674 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07103-x] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Epigenomes enable the rectification of disordered cancer gene expression, thereby providing new targets for pharmacological interventions. The clinical utility of targeting histone H3 lysine trimethylation (H3K27me3) as an epigenetic hallmark has been demonstrated1-7. However, in actual therapeutic settings, the mechanism by which H3K27me3-targeting therapies exert their effects and the response of tumour cells remain unclear. Here we show the potency and mechanisms of action and resistance of the EZH1-EZH2 dual inhibitor valemetostat in clinical trials of patients with adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma. Administration of valemetostat reduced tumour size and demonstrated durable clinical response in aggressive lymphomas with multiple genetic mutations. Integrative single-cell analyses showed that valemetostat abolishes the highly condensed chromatin structure formed by the plastic H3K27me3 and neutralizes multiple gene loci, including tumour suppressor genes. Nevertheless, subsequent long-term treatment encounters the emergence of resistant clones with reconstructed aggregate chromatin that closely resemble the pre-dose state. Acquired mutations at the PRC2-compound interface result in the propagation of clones with increased H3K27me3 expression. In patients free of PRC2 mutations, TET2 mutation or elevated DNMT3A expression causes similar chromatin recondensation through de novo DNA methylation in the H3K27me3-associated regions. We identified subpopulations with distinct metabolic and gene translation characteristics implicated in primary susceptibility until the acquisition of the heritable (epi)mutations. Targeting epigenetic drivers and chromatin homeostasis may provide opportunities for further sustained epigenetic cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Yamagishi
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yuta Kuze
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Kobayashi
- Division of Hematopoietic Disease Control, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakashima
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Morishima
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hematology and Rheumatology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Toyotaka Kawamata
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junya Makiyama
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Sasebo City General Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kako Suzuki
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumi Abe
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Imamura
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Watanabe
- IMSUT Clinical Flow Cytometry Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumi Tsuchiya
- IMSUT Clinical Flow Cytometry Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isao Yasumatsu
- Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kazumi Ito
- Translational Science I, Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Taira
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Nannya
- Division of Hematopoietic Disease Control, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiki Watanabe
- Department of Practical Management of Medical Information, Graduate School of Medicine, St Marianna University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Uchimaru
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Fobare S, Elgamal OA, Wunderlich M, Stahl E, Mehmood A, Furby C, Lerma JR, Sesterhenn TM, Pan J, Rai J, Johnstone ME, Abdul-Aziz A, Johnson ML, Rai SN, Byrd JC, Hertlein E. Inhibition of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Induces Blast Differentiation, Impairs Engraftment and Prolongs Survival in Murine Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:569. [PMID: 38339323 PMCID: PMC10854504 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the malignant proliferation of immature myeloid cells characterized by a block in differentiation. As such, novel therapeutic strategies to promote the differentiation of immature myeloid cells have been successful in AML, although these agents are targeted to a specific mutation that is only present in a subset of AML patients. In the current study, we show that targeting the epigenetic modifier enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) can induce the differentiation of immature blast cells into a more mature myeloid phenotype and promote survival in AML murine models. METHODS The EZH2 inhibitor EPZ011989 (EPZ) was studied in AML cell lines, primary in AML cells and normal CD34+ stem cells. A pharmacodynamic assessment of H3K27me3; studies of differentiation, cell growth, and colony formation; and in vivo therapeutic studies including the influence on primary AML cell engraftment were also conducted. RESULTS EPZ inhibited H3K27me3 in AML cell lines and primary AML samples in vitro. EZH2 inhibition reduced colony formation in multiple AML cell lines and primary AML samples, while exhibiting no effect on colony formation in normal CD34+ stem cells. In AML cells, EPZ promoted phenotypic evidence of differentiation. Finally, the pretreatment of primary AML cells with EPZ significantly delayed engraftment and prolonged the overall survival when engrafted into immunodeficient mice. CONCLUSIONS Despite evidence that EZH2 silencing in MDS/MPN can promote AML pathogenesis, our data demonstrate that the therapeutic inhibition of EZH2 in established AML has the potential to improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Fobare
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Ola A. Elgamal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Mark Wunderlich
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Emily Stahl
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Abeera Mehmood
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Casie Furby
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - James R. Lerma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Thomas M. Sesterhenn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Jianmin Pan
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- The Cancer Data Science Center, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jayesh Rai
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- The Cancer Data Science Center, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Megan E. Johnstone
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Amina Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Mariah L. Johnson
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shesh N. Rai
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- The Cancer Data Science Center, Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
| | - Erin Hertlein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA (J.C.B.)
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6
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Chen Y, Ai L, Zhang Y, Li X, Xu S, Yang W, Jin J, Ma Y, Hu Z, Zhang Y, Rong Y, Zhang S. The EZH2-H3K27me3 axis modulates aberrant transcription and apoptosis in cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:413. [PMID: 37963880 PMCID: PMC10646043 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and infertility are significant concerns for women of childbearing age with cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Our study has revealed a close association between epigenetic regulation and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced ovarian damage. Specifically, CTX and its active metabolite 4-hydroperoxy cyclophosphamide (4-HC) were found to increase the apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) by reducing EZH2 and H3K27me3 levels, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses revealed that the loss of H3K27me3 peaks on promoters led to the overactivation of genes associated with transcriptional regulation and apoptosis, indicating that stable H3K27me3 status could help to provide a safeguard against CTX-induced ovarian damage. Administration of the H3K27me3-demethylase inhibitor, GSK-J4, prior to CTX treatment could partially mitigate GC apoptosis by reversing the reduction of H3K27me3 and the aberrant upregulation of specific genes involved in transcriptional regulation and apoptosis. GSK-J4 could thus potentially be a protective agent for female fertility when undergoing chemotherapy. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms for chemotherapy injury and future clinical interventions for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leilei Ai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqian Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yerong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinli Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Rong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Songying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China.
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7
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Rausch J, Ullrich E, Kühn MW. Epigenetic targeting to enhance acute myeloid leukemia-directed immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269012. [PMID: 37809078 PMCID: PMC10556528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AML is a malignant disease of hematopoietic progenitor cells with unsatisfactory treatment outcome, especially in patients that are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, comprising checkpoint inhibition, T-cell engaging antibody constructs, and cellular therapies, has dramatically improved the outcome of patients with solid tumors and lymphatic neoplasms. In AML, these approaches have been far less successful. Discussed reasons are the relatively low mutational burden of AML blasts and the difficulty in defining AML-specific antigens not expressed on hematopoietic progenitor cells. On the other hand, epigenetic dysregulation is an essential driver of leukemogenesis, and non-selective hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are the current backbone of non-intensive treatment. The first clinical trials that evaluated whether HMAs may improve immune checkpoint inhibitors' efficacy showed modest efficacy except for the anti-CD47 antibody that was substantially more efficient against AML when combined with azacitidine. Combining bispecific antibodies or cellular treatments with HMAs is subject to ongoing clinical investigation, and efficacy data are awaited shortly. More selective second-generation inhibitors targeting specific chromatin regulators have demonstrated promising preclinical activity against AML and are currently evaluated in clinical trials. These drugs that commonly cause leukemia cell differentiation potentially sensitize AML to immune-based treatments by co-regulating immune checkpoints, providing a pro-inflammatory environment, and inducing (neo)-antigen expression. Combining selective targeted epigenetic drugs with (cellular) immunotherapy is, therefore, a promising approach to avoid unintended effects and augment efficacy. Future studies will provide detailed information on how these compounds influence specific immune functions that may enable translation into clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Rausch
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Children’s Hospital, Experimental Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael W.M. Kühn
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Cai H, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wei Z, Yan T, Feng C, Xu Z, Zhou A, Wu Y. Discovery of Novel SIRT1/2 Inhibitors with Effective Cytotoxicity against Human Leukemia Cells. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4780-4790. [PMID: 37486605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The sirtuin enzyme family members, SIRT1 and SIRT2, play both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing roles, depending on the context and experimental conditions. Compounds that inhibit either SIRT1 or SIRT2 show promising antitumor effects in several types of cancer models, both in vitro and in vivo. The simultaneous inhibition of SIRT1 and SIRT2 is helpful in treating cancer by completely blocking p53 deacetylation, leading to cell death. However, only a few SIRT1/2 dual inhibitors have been developed. Here, we report the discovery of a novel series of SIRT1/2 dual inhibitors via a rational drug design that involved virtual screening and a substructure search. Eleven of the derived compounds exhibited high inhibitory activities, with IC50 < 5 μM and high specificity for both SIRT1 and SIRT2. Compounds hsa55 and PS9 strongly induced apoptosis and showed antiproliferative effects against human leukemia cell lines, which could be due to their ability to increase of p53 and α-tubulin acetylation, as we observed in MOLM-13 cells. Therefore, the new scaffolds of these compounds and their efficacy in leukemia cell lines provide important clues for the further development of novel anti-leukemia drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Cai
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhenquan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Teng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chenxi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhijian Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Aiwu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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9
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Bouligny IM, Maher KR, Grant S. Secondary-Type Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Updates from ELN 2022. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3292. [PMID: 37444402 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133292] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The characterization of the molecular landscape and the advent of targeted therapies have defined a new era in the prognostication and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Recent revisions in the European LeukemiaNet 2022 guidelines have refined the molecular, cytogenetic, and treatment-related boundaries between myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) and AML. This review details the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways of myeloid maturation aberrancies contributing to dysplasia and leukemogenesis, focusing on recent molecular categories introduced in ELN 2022. We provide insights into novel and rational therapeutic combination strategies that exploit mechanisms of leukemogenesis, highlighting the underpinnings of splicing factors, the cohesin complex, and chromatin remodeling. Areas of interest for future research are summarized, and we emphasize approaches designed to advance existing treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bouligny
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Keri R Maher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Steven Grant
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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10
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Chory EJ, Wang M, Ceribelli M, Michalowska AM, Golas S, Beck E, Klumpp-Thomas C, Chen L, McKnight C, Itkin Z, Wilson KM, Holland D, Divakaran S, Bradner J, Khan J, Gryder BE, Thomas CJ, Stanton BZ. High-throughput approaches to uncover synergistic drug combinations in leukemia. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:193-201. [PMID: 37121274 PMCID: PMC10449086 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We report a comprehensive drug synergy study in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this work, we investigate a panel of cell lines spanning both MLL-rearranged and non-rearranged subtypes. The work comprises a resource for the community, with many synergistic drug combinations that could not have been predicted a priori, and open source code for automation and analyses. We base our definitions of drug synergy on the Chou-Talalay method, which is useful for visualizations of synergy experiments in isobolograms, and median-effects plots, among other representations. Our key findings include drug synergies affecting the chromatin state, specifically in the context of regulation of the modification state of histone H3 lysine-27. We report open source high throughput methodology such that multidimensional drug screening can be accomplished with equipment that is accessible to most laboratories. This study will enable preclinical investigation of new drug combinations in a lethal blood cancer, with data analysis and automation workflows freely available to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Chory
- Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA..
| | - Meng Wang
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Aleksandra M Michalowska
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Stefan Golas
- Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erin Beck
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Carleen Klumpp-Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Crystal McKnight
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Zina Itkin
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Kelli M Wilson
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - David Holland
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Sanjay Divakaran
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Berkley E Gryder
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA.; Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Z Stanton
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Columbus, OH, USA.; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA..
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11
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Pathania AS. Crosstalk between Noncoding RNAs and the Epigenetics Machinery in Pediatric Tumors and Their Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2833. [PMID: 37345170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, every year, an estimated 400,000+ new cancer cases affect children under the age of 20 worldwide. Unlike adult cancers, pediatric cancers develop very early in life due to alterations in signaling pathways that regulate embryonic development, and environmental factors do not contribute much to cancer development. The highly organized complex microenvironment controlled by synchronized gene expression patterns plays an essential role in the embryonic stages of development. Dysregulated development can lead to tumor initiation and growth. The low mutational burden in pediatric tumors suggests the predominant role of epigenetic changes in driving the cancer phenotype. However, one more upstream layer of regulation driven by ncRNAs regulates gene expression and signaling pathways involved in the development. Deregulation of ncRNAs can alter the epigenetic machinery of a cell, affecting the transcription and translation profiles of gene regulatory networks required for cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development. Therefore, it is essential to understand the role of ncRNAs in pediatric tumor development to accelerate translational research to discover new treatments for childhood cancers. This review focuses on the role of ncRNA in regulating the epigenetics of pediatric tumors and their tumor microenvironment, the impact of their deregulation on driving pediatric tumor progress, and their potential as effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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12
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Zhuang H, Li F, Xu Y, Pei R, Chen D, Liu X, Li S, Ye P, Yuan J, Lian J, Lu Y. Loss of IRF8 inhibits the growth of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1063-1072. [PMID: 36959484 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05156-y] [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: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), as a member of the IRF family, is essential for myeloid cell differentiation. However, the precise role of IRF8 in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknown. By using multivariate analysis, we discovered that high IRF8 expression was an independent poor predictor of overall survival (OS) in AML patients from our clinical follow-up study. The proliferation of three AML cell lines was significantly inhibited by shRNA-mediated knockdown of IRF8, owing to cell cycle S-phase arrest. Furthermore, we demonstrated that knocking down IRF8 could suppress the expression of CyclinA and CyclinB1, resulting in a shift in cell cycle distribution. Loss of IRF8 in AML cells decreased the expression of STAT3 and phosphor-STAT3 (pSTAT3), which are key factors in JAK/STAT signal pathway and are important for AML progression. Using a xenograft mouse model, we discovered the antiproliferative effect of losing IRF8 in vivo. In conclusion, this study found that IRF8 may play a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihui Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Fenglin Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Yulian Xu
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renzhi Pei
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuhui Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuangyue Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Peipei Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiaojiao Yuan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiaying Lian
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Baizhang Road 251#, Ningbo, China.
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13
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Zhang X, Xie XF, Li A, Song W, Li C, Li F, Li XZ, Fan XY, Zhou CY, Wang G, Sun QY, Ou XH. USP7 reduction leads to developmental failure of mouse early embryos. Exp Cell Res 2023; 427:113605. [PMID: 37080417 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113605] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
As a member of Ubiquitin-specific protease subfamily, ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) has been reported to participate in a variety of cellular processes, including cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and epigenetic modification. However, its function in preimplantation embryos is still obscure. To investigate the functions of USP7 during preimplantation embryo development, we used siRNA to degrade endogenous USP7 messenger RNA. We found that USP7 knockdown significantly decreased the development rate of mouse early embryos. Moreover, depletion of USP7 induced the accumulation of the DNA lesions and apoptotic blastomeres in early embryos. In addition, USP7 knockdown caused an abnormal H3K27me3 modification in 2-cell embryos. Overall, our results indicate that USP7 maintains genome stability perhaps via regulating H3K27me3 and DNA damage, consequently controlling the embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Feng Xie
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Song
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Fan
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Yin Zhou
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, Division of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Polycomb Alterations in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: From Structure to Function. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061693. [PMID: 36980579 PMCID: PMC10046783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of many haematological malignancies and is very frequent in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A cardinal example is the altered activity of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) due to somatic mutations and deletions in genes encoding PRC2 core factors that are necessary for correct complex assembly. These genetic alterations typically lead to reduced histone methyltransferase activity that, in turn, has been strongly linked to poor prognosis and chemoresistance. In this review, we provide an overview of genetic alterations of PRC components in AML, with particular reference to structural and functional features of PRC2 factors. We further review genetic interactions between these alterations and other AML-associated mutations in both adult and paediatric leukaemias. Finally, we discuss reported prognostic links between PRC2 mutations and deletions and disease outcomes and potential implications for therapy.
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15
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Matias-Barrios VM, Dong X. The Implication of Topoisomerase II Inhibitors in Synthetic Lethality for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010094. [PMID: 36678591 PMCID: PMC9866718 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA topoisomerase II (Top2) is essential for all eukaryotic cells in the regulation of DNA topology through the generation of temporary double-strand breaks. Cancer cells acquire enhanced Top2 functions to cope with the stress generated by transcription and DNA replication during rapid cell division since cancer driver genes such as Myc and EZH2 hijack Top2 in order to realize their oncogenic transcriptomes for cell growth and tumor progression. Inhibitors of Top2 are therefore designed to target Top2 to trap it on DNA, subsequently causing protein-linked DNA breaks, a halt to the cell cycle, and ultimately cell death. Despite the effectiveness of these inhibitors, cancer cells can develop resistance to them, thereby limiting their therapeutic utility. To maximize the therapeutic potential of Top2 inhibitors, combination therapies to co-target Top2 with DNA damage repair (DDR) machinery and oncogenic pathways have been proposed to induce synthetic lethality for more thorough tumor suppression. In this review, we will discuss the mode of action of Top2 inhibitors and their potential applications in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M. Matias-Barrios
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Xuesen Dong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
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16
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Courcier J, De La Taille A, Bertolo R, Amparore D, Erdem S, Kara O, Marchioni M, Pavan N, Roussel E, Mamodaly M, Campi R, Ingels A. Surgical and oncological management of renal medullary carcinoma in a young patient: a case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1073728. [PMID: 37205186 PMCID: PMC10185901 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1073728] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare form of renal cell carcinoma that has a poor prognosis. It is known to be associated with sickle cell trait or disease, although the exact underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The diagnosis is made through immunochemical staining for SMARCB1 (INI1). In this report, we present a case of a 31-year-old male patient with sickle cell trait who was diagnosed with stage III right RMC. Despite the poor prognosis, the patient survived for a remarkable duration of 37 months. Radiological assessment and follow-up were primarily performed using 18F-FDG PET/MRI. The patient underwent upfront cisplatin-based cytotoxic chemotherapy before surgical removal of the right kidney and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Identical adjuvant chemotherapy was administered post-surgery. Disease relapses were detected in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes; these were managed with chemotherapy and surgical rechallenges. We also discuss the oncological and surgical management of RMC, which currently relies on perioperative cytotoxic chemotherapy strategies, as there are no known alternative therapies that have been shown to be superior to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Courcier
- Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Villejuif, France
- *Correspondence: Jean Courcier,
| | - Alexandre De La Taille
- Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
| | | | - Daniele Amparore
- Division of Urology, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Selcuk Erdem
- Division of Urologic Oncology, Department of Urology, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Onder Kara
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Türkiye
| | - Michele Marchioni
- Urology Unit, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Pavan
- Urology Clinic, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eduard Roussel
- Department of Urology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis (OLV) Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Mamodaly
- Pathology Department, University of Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Riccardo Campi
- Unit of Urological Robotic Surgery and Renal Transplantation, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alexandre Ingels
- Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
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17
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Adema V, Colla S. EZH2 Inhibitors: The Unpacking Revolution. Cancer Res 2022; 82:359-361. [PMID: 35110396 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) is a chromatin mark associated with nucleosome condensation and gene expression silencing. EZH2 is a lysine methyltransferase that catalyzes H3K27me3. In this issue of Cancer Research, Porazzi and colleagues report that pretreatment with EZH2 inhibitors opened up the H3K27me3-marked chromatin of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, which enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents, in particular the topoisomerase II inhibitors, doxorubicin and etoposide. The EZH2 inhibitor/doxorubicin combination also enabled the expression of proapoptotic genes, potentially contributing to the death of AML cells. This study has significant implications for improving the efficacy of DNA-damaging cytotoxic agents in AML, thereby enabling lower chemotherapy doses and reducing treatment-related side effects.See related article by Porazzi et al., p. 458.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Adema
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Simona Colla
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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