1
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Wei E, Mitanoska A, O'Brien Q, Porter K, Molina M, Ahsan H, Jung U, Mills L, Kyba M, Bosnakovski D. Pharmacological targeting of P300/CBP reveals EWS::FLI1-mediated senescence evasion in Ewing sarcoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:222. [PMID: 39367409 PMCID: PMC11453018 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02115-7] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to the difficulty in targeting its main oncodriver, EWS::FLI1. We show that pharmacological targeting of the EWS::FLI1 transcriptional complex via inhibition of P300/CBP drives a global transcriptional outcome similar to direct knockdown of EWS::FLI1, and furthermore yields prognostic risk factors for ES patient outcome. We find that EWS::FLI1 upregulates LMNB1 via repetitive GGAA motif recognition and acetylation codes in ES cells and EWS::FLI1-permissive mesenchymal stem cells, which when reversed by P300 inhibition leads to senescence of ES cells. P300-inhibited senescent ES cells can then be eliminated by senolytics targeting the PI3K signaling pathway. The vulnerability of ES cells to this combination therapy suggests an appealing synergistic strategy for future therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdong Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Ana Mitanoska
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Quinn O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Kendall Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - MacKenzie Molina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Haseeb Ahsan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Usuk Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Lauren Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- , Minneapolis, USA
| | - Darko Bosnakovski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- , Minneapolis, USA.
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2
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Mabe NW, Perry JA, Malone CF, Stegmaier K. Pharmacological targeting of the cancer epigenome. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:844-865. [PMID: 38937652 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is increasingly appreciated as a hallmark of cancer, including disease initiation, maintenance and therapy resistance. As a result, there have been advances in the development and evaluation of epigenetic therapies for cancer, revealing substantial promise but also challenges. Three epigenetic inhibitor classes are approved in the USA, and many more are currently undergoing clinical investigation. In this Review, we discuss recent developments for each epigenetic drug class and their implications for therapy, as well as highlight new insights into the role of epigenetics in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel W Mabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Perry
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clare F Malone
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Gold S, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of BET bromodomain and other epigenetic acetylrecognition domain-containing factors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102181. [PMID: 38564841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapies targeting chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulatory factors is rapidly expanding to include new targets and novel targeting strategies. At the same time, basic molecular research continues to refine our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating transcription, gene expression, and oncogenesis. This mini-review focuses on cancer therapies targeting the chromatin-associated factors that recognize histone lysine acetylation. Recently reported safety and efficacy are discussed for inhibitors targeting the bromodomains of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins. In light of recent results indicating that the transcriptional regulator BRD4-PTEFb can function independently of BRD4's bromodomains, the clinical trial performance of these BET inhibitors is placed in a broader context of existing and potential strategies for targeting BRD4-PTEFb. Recently developed therapies targeting bromodomain-containing factors within the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed, as is the potential for targeting the bromodomain-containing transcription factor TAF1 and the YEATS acetylrecognition domain-containing factor GAS41. Recent findings regarding the selectivity and combinatorial specificity of acetylrecognition are highlighted. In conclusion, the potential for further development is discussed with a focus on proximity-based therapies targeting this class of epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. https://twitter.com/@rwx_life
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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4
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Sotiriadis S, Beil J, Berchtold S, Smirnow I, Schenk A, Lauer UM. Multimodal Therapy Approaches for NUT Carcinoma by Dual Combination of Oncolytic Virus Talimogene Laherparepvec with Small Molecule Inhibitors. Viruses 2024; 16:775. [PMID: 38793657 PMCID: PMC11125747 DOI: 10.3390/v16050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
NUT (nuclear-protein-in-testis) carcinoma (NC) is a highly aggressive tumor disease. Given that current treatment regimens offer a median survival of six months only, it is likely that this type of tumor requires an extended multimodal treatment approach to improve prognosis. In an earlier case report, we could show that an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (T-VEC) is functional in NC patients. To identify further combination partners for T-VEC, we have investigated the anti-tumoral effects of T-VEC and five different small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) alone and in combination in human NC cell lines. Dual combinations were found to result in higher rates of tumor cell reductions when compared to the respective monotherapy as demonstrated by viability assays and real-time tumor cell growth monitoring. Interestingly, we found that the combination of T-VEC with SMIs resulted in both stronger and earlier reductions in the expression of c-Myc, a main driver of NC cell proliferation, when compared to T-VEC monotherapy. These results indicate the great potential of combinatorial therapies using oncolytic viruses and SMIs to control the highly aggressive behavior of NC cancers and probably will pave the way for innovative multimodal clinical studies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Sotiriadis
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Julia Beil
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Irina Smirnow
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Schenk
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Sánchez-Marín D, Silva-Cázares MB, González-Del Carmen M, Campos-Parra AD. Drug repositioning in thyroid cancer: from point mutations to gene fusions. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407511. [PMID: 38779099 PMCID: PMC11109414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407511] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased dramatically in recent years. Papillary TC is the most frequent type and has shown a good prognosis. Conventional treatments for TC are surgery, hormonal therapy, radioactive iodine, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, resistance to treatments is well documented in almost 20% of all cases. Genomic sequencing has provided valuable information to help identify variants that hinder the success of chemotherapy as well as to determine which of those represent potentially druggable targets. There is a plethora of targeted therapies for cancer, most of them directed toward point mutations; however, chromosomal rearrangements that generate fusion genes are becoming relevant in cancer but have been less explored in TC. Therefore, it is relevant to identify new potential inhibitors for genes that are recurrent in the formation of gene fusions. In this review, we focus on describing potentially druggable variants and propose both point variants and fusion genes as targets for drug repositioning in TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sánchez-Marín
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Macrina Beatriz Silva-Cázares
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Región Altiplano, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, (UASL), Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Alma D. Campos-Parra
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana (UV), Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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6
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Lei YH, Tang Q, Ni Y, Li CH, Luo P, Huang K, Chen X, Zhu YX, Wang NY. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new RNF126-based p300/CBP degraders. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107427. [PMID: 38728911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107427] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Histone acetyltransferase CREB-binding protein (CBP) and its homologous protein p300 are key transcriptional activators that can activate oncogene transcription, which present promising targets for cancer therapy. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of p300/CBP targeted low molecular weight PROTACs by assembling the covalent ligand of RNF126 E3 ubiquitin ligase and the bromodomain ligand of the p300/CBP. The optimal molecule A8 could effectively degrade p300 and CBP through the ubiquitin-proteasome system in time- and concentration-dependent manners, with half-maximal degradation (DC50) concentrations of 208.35/454.35 nM and 82.24/79.45 nM for p300/CBP in MV4-11 and Molm13 cell lines after 72 h of treatment. And the degradation of p300/CBP by A8 is dependent on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and its simultaneous interactions with the target proteins and RNF126. A8 exhibits good antiproliferative activity in a series of p300/CBP-dependent cancer cells. It could transcriptionally inhibit the expression of c-Myc, induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in MV4-11 cells. This study thus provided us a new chemotype for the development of drug-like PROTACs targeting p300/CBP, which is expected to be applied in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hua Lei
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing Tang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Ni
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cai-Hua Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Xia Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ning-Yu Wang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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7
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Luo J, Sanchez M, Lee E, Hertzler H, Luong N, Mazzola E, Finstein B, Tamen R, Brisbane G, Nguyen T, Paik PK, Chaft JE, Cheng ML, Khalil H, Piha-Paul SA, Sholl LM, Nishino M, Jänne PA, DuBois SG, Hanna GJ, Shapiro GI, French CA. Initial Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced and Metastatic NUT Carcinoma. J Thorac Oncol 2024; 19:829-838. [PMID: 38154515 PMCID: PMC11081848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NUT carcinoma (NC) is an underdiagnosed and aggressive poorly differentiated or squamous cell cancer. A subset of NC is sensitive to chemotherapy, but the optimal regimen is unknown. Experts have recommended platinum- and ifosfamide-based therapy based on case reports. METHODS Patients with pathologically confirmed NC with known survival outcomes after chemotherapy and consented to participate in a worldwide registry were studied. Results were summarized using descriptive methods. RESULTS The study included 118 patients with NC. Median age was 34 (range: 1-82) years, 39% were women, and 61% harbored a BRD4::NUTM1 fusion. Patients received platinum (74%) or ifosfamide (26%, including regimens with both, 13%). Of 62 patients with nonmetastatic disease, 40% had a thoracic primary. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy, patients who received ifosfamide-based chemotherapy had nominally higher progression-free survival (12 mo: 59% [95% CI: 32-87] versus 37% [95% CI: 22-52], hazard ratio = 0.68 [0.32, 1.42], p = 0.3) but not overall survival (OS). Among the 56 patients with metastatic disease, 80% had a thoracic primary. Ifosfamide had an objective response rate (ORR) of 75% (six of eight) and platinum had an ORR of 31% (11 of 36). Nevertheless, there was no difference in progression-free survival or OS. The 3-year OS of the entire cohort was 19% (95% CI: 10%-28%). Of the 11 patients alive greater than 3 years, all presented with nonmetastatic and operable or resectable disease. CONCLUSION There is a numerically higher ORR for ifosfamide-based therapy compared with platinum-based therapy, with limited durability. OS at 3 years is only 19%, and development of effective therapies is an urgent unmet need for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Luo
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle Sanchez
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elinton Lee
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hans Hertzler
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nhi Luong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryanna Finstein
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rubii Tamen
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gifty Brisbane
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tom Nguyen
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul K Paik
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jamie E Chaft
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael L Cheng
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hassan Khalil
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lynette M Sholl
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mizuki Nishino
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pasi A Jänne
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven G DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Glenn J Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher A French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Strachowska M, Robaszkiewicz A. Characteristics of anticancer activity of CBP/p300 inhibitors - Features of their classes, intracellular targets and future perspectives of their application in cancer treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 257:108636. [PMID: 38521246 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108636] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to the contribution of highly homologous acetyltransferases CBP and p300 to transcription elevation of oncogenes and other cancer promoting factors, these enzymes emerge as possible epigenetic targets of anticancer therapy. Extensive efforts in search for small molecule inhibitors led to development of compounds targeting histone acetyltransferase catalytic domain or chromatin-interacting bromodomain of CBP/p300, as well as dual BET and CBP/p300 inhibitors. The promising anticancer efficacy in in vitro and mice models led CCS1477 and NEO2734 to clinical trials. However, none of the described inhibitors is perfectly specific to CBP/p300 since they share similarity of a key functional domains with other enzymes, which are critically associated with cancer progression and their antagonists demonstrate remarkable clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Therefore, we revise the possible and clinically relevant off-targets of CBP/p300 inhibitors that can be blocked simultaneously with CBP/p300 thereby improving the anticancer potential of CBP/p300 inhibitors and pharmacokinetic predicting data such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Strachowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Banacha 12 /16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Robaszkiewicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute of Fundamental and Basic Research, 600 5(th) Street South, Saint Petersburg FL33701, United States of America.
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9
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Maddeboina K, Yada B, Kumari S, McHale C, Pal D, Durden DL. Recent advances in multitarget-directed ligands via in silico drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103904. [PMID: 38280625 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
To combat multifactorial refractory diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases, multitarget drugs have become an emerging area of research aimed at 'synthetic lethality' (SL) relationships associated with drug-resistance mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the in silico design of dual and triple-targeted ligands, strategies by which specific 'warhead' groups are incorporated into a parent compound or scaffold with primary inhibitory activity against one target to develop one small molecule that inhibits two or three molecular targets in an effort to increase potency against multifactorial diseases. We also discuss the analytical exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs), physicochemical properties, polypharmacology, scaffold feature extraction of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved multikinase inhibitors (MKIs), and updates regarding the clinical status of dual-targeted chemotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaiah Maddeboina
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Bharath Yada
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA
| | - Shikha Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Cody McHale
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA
| | - Dhananjaya Pal
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA
| | - Donald L Durden
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute/Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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10
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Herbison H, Davis S, Nickless D, Haydon A, Ameratunga M. Sustained Clinical Response to Immunotherapy Followed by BET Inhibitor in a Patient with Unresectable Sinonasal NUT Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2024; 7:67-72. [PMID: 38327754 PMCID: PMC10846633 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-23-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
NUT carcinomas (NCs) are a group of rare tumors that can occur anywhere in the body and are defined by the fusion of the nuclear protein in testis (NUTM1) resulting in increased transcription of proto-oncogenes. NCs have a poor prognosis that varies according to the site of origin with an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies. Case reports on immunotherapy in pulmonary NC have been published, and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors have shown activity in NC in phase I/II trials. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman with an unresectable sinonasal NC who had a sustained clinical response to both immunotherapy and BET inhibitor therapy. This is the first reported case of immunotherapy in sinonasal NC, and it highlights the different responses to a range of treatments including BET inhibitor therapy. This case supports the theory that NCs arising from different primary sites have differing prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Herbison
- Department of Medical Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sidney Davis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Nickless
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Cabrini Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Haydon
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malaka Ameratunga
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Gou P, Zhang W. Protein lysine acetyltransferase CBP/p300: A promising target for small molecules in cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116130. [PMID: 38215693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
CBP and p300 are homologous proteins exhibiting remarkable structural and functional similarity. Both proteins function as acetyltransferase and coactivator, underscoring their significant roles in cellular processes. The function of histone acetyltransferases is to facilitate the release of DNA from nucleosomes and act as transcriptional co-activators to promote gene transcription. Transcription factors recruit CBP/p300 by co-condensation and induce transcriptional bursting. Disruption of CBP or p300 functions is associated with different diseases, especially cancer, which can result from either loss of function or gain of function. CBP and p300 are multidomain proteins containing HAT (histone acetyltransferase) and BRD (bromodomain) domains, which perform acetyltransferase activity and maintenance of HAT signaling, respectively. Inhibitors targeting HAT and BRD have been explored for decades, and some BRD inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials for treating hematologic malignancies or advanced solid tumors. Here, we review the development and application of CBP/p300 inhibitors. Several inhibitors have been evaluated in vivo, exhibiting notable potency but limited selectivity. Exploring these inhibitors emphasizes the promise of targeting CBP and p300 with small molecules in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panhong Gou
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenchao Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Durall RT, Huang J, Wojenski L, Huang Y, Gokhale PC, Leeper BA, Nash JO, Ballester PL, Davidson S, Shlien A, Sotirakis E, Bertaux F, Dubus V, Luo J, Wu CJ, Keskin DB, Eagen KP, Shapiro GI, French CA. The BRD4-NUT Fusion Alone Drives Malignant Transformation of NUT Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3846-3860. [PMID: 37819236 PMCID: PMC10690098 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive squamous carcinoma defined by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein. Routinely effective systemic treatments are unavailable for most NC patients. The lack of an adequate animal model precludes identifying and leveraging cell-extrinsic factors therapeutically in NC. Here, we created a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of NC that forms a Brd4::NUTM1 fusion gene upon tamoxifen induction of Sox2-driven Cre. The model displayed complete disease penetrance, with tumors arising from the squamous epithelium weeks after induction and all mice succumbing to the disease shortly thereafter. Closely resembling human NC (hNC), GEMM tumors (mNC) were poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas with high expression of MYC that metastasized to solid organs and regional lymph nodes. Two GEMM-derived cell lines were developed whose transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes harbored key features of primary GEMM tumors. Importantly, GEMM tumor and cell line transcriptomes co-classified with those of human NC. BRD4-NUT also blocked differentiation and maintained the growth of mNC as in hNC. Mechanistically, GEMM primary tumors and cell lines formed large histone H3K27ac-enriched domains, termed megadomains, that were invariably associated with the expression of key NC-defining proto-oncogenes, Myc and Trp63. Small-molecule BET bromodomain inhibition (BETi) of mNC induced differentiation and growth arrest and prolonged survival of NC GEMMs, as it does in hNC models. Overall, tumor formation in the NC GEMM is definitive evidence that BRD4-NUT alone can potently drive the malignant transformation of squamous progenitor cells into NC. SIGNIFICANCE The development of an immunocompetent model of NUT carcinoma that closely mimics the human disease provides a valuable global resource for mechanistic and preclinical studies to improve treatment of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Taylor Durall
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julianna Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brittaney A. Leeper
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua O. Nash
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory of Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pedro L. Ballester
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Davidson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam Shlien
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory of Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Jia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Derin B. Keskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle P. Eagen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher A. French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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13
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Huang Y, Durall RT, Luong NM, Hertzler HJ, Huang J, Gokhale PC, Leeper BA, Persky NS, Root DE, Anekal PV, Montero Llopis PD, David CN, Kutok JL, Raimondi A, Saluja K, Luo J, Zahnow CA, Adane B, Stegmaier K, Hawkins CE, Ponne C, Le Q, Shapiro GI, Lemieux ME, Eagen KP, French CA. EZH2 Cooperates with BRD4-NUT to Drive NUT Carcinoma Growth by Silencing Key Tumor Suppressor Genes. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3956-3973. [PMID: 37747726 PMCID: PMC10843040 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1475] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is an aggressive carcinoma driven by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein, which activates chromatin to promote expression of progrowth genes. BET bromodomain inhibitors (BETi) are a promising treatment for NUT carcinoma that can impede BRD4-NUT's ability to activate genes, but the efficacy of BETi as monotherapy is limited. Here, we demonstrated that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which silences genes through establishment of repressive chromatin, is a dependency in NUT carcinoma. Inhibition of EZH2 with the clinical compound tazemetostat potently blocked growth of NUT carcinoma cells. Epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that tazemetostat reversed the EZH2-specific H3K27me3 silencing mark and restored expression of multiple tumor suppressor genes while having no effect on key oncogenic BRD4-NUT-regulated genes. Indeed, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac domains were found to be mutually exclusive in NUT carcinoma cells. CDKN2A was identified as the only gene among all tazemetostat-derepressed genes to confer resistance to tazemetostat in a CRISPR-Cas9 screen. Combined inhibition of EZH2 and BET synergized to downregulate cell proliferation genes, resulting in more pronounced growth arrest and differentiation than either inhibitor alone. In preclinical models, combined tazemetostat and BETi synergistically blocked tumor growth and prolonged survival of NUT carcinoma-xenografted mice, with complete remission without relapse in one cohort. Identification of EZH2 as a dependency in NUT carcinoma substantiates the reliance of NUT carcinoma tumor cells on epigenetic dysregulation of functionally opposite, yet highly complementary, chromatin regulatory pathways to maintain NUT carcinoma growth. SIGNIFICANCE Repression of tumor suppressor genes, including CDKN2A, by EZH2 provides a mechanistic rationale for combining EZH2 and BET inhibitors for the clinical treatment of NUT carcinoma. See related commentary by Kazansky and Kentsis, p. 3827.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R. Taylor Durall
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nhi M. Luong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hans J. Hertzler
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julianna Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittaney A. Leeper
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David E. Root
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Praju V. Anekal
- MicRoN, Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Karan Saluja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Zahnow
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Biniam Adane
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine E. Hawkins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher Ponne
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Quan Le
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kyle P. Eagen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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15
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Kaplan HG, Subramaniam S, Vallières E, Barnett T. Prolonged Survival of NUT Midline Carcinoma and Current Approaches to Treatment. Oncologist 2023; 28:765-770. [PMID: 37311046 PMCID: PMC10485280 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
NUT midline carcinoma is a rare malignancy most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. The disease presents most often in the lung or head and neck area but can be seen occasionally elsewhere. The diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high degree of suspicion with demonstration of the classic fusion rearrangement mutation of the NUTM1 gene with one of a variety of partners by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization, or genomic analysis. Survival is usually only a number of months with few long-term survivors. Here we report one of the longest-known survivors of this disease treated with surgery and radiation without additional therapy. Systemic treatment approaches including the use of chemotherapy and BET and histone deacetylase inhibitors have yielded modest results. Further studies of these, as well as p300 and CDK9 inhibitors and combinations of BET inhibitors with chemotherapy or CDK 4/6 inhibitors, are being evaluated. Recent reports suggest there may be a role for immune checkpoint inhibitors, even in the absence of high tumor mutation burden or PD-L1 positivity. RNA sequencing of this patient's tumor demonstrated overexpression of multiple potentially targetable genes. Given the altered transcription that results from the causative mutation multi-omic evaluation of these tumors may uncover druggable targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Kaplan
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Eric Vallières
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Todd Barnett
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Huang Y, Durall RT, Luong NM, Hertzler HJ, Huang J, Gokhale PC, Leeper BA, Persky NS, Root DE, Anekal PV, Montero Llopis PD, David CN, Kutok JL, Raimondi A, Saluja K, Luo J, Zahnow CA, Adane B, Stegmaier K, Hawkins CE, Ponne C, Le Q, Shapiro GI, Lemieux ME, Eagen KP, French CA. EZH2 synergizes with BRD4-NUT to drive NUT carcinoma growth through silencing of key tumor suppressor genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.15.553204. [PMID: 37645799 PMCID: PMC10461970 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.15.553204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive carcinoma driven by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein, which activates chromatin to promote expression of pro-growth genes. BET bromodomain inhibitors (BETi) impede BRD4-NUT's ability to activate genes and are thus a promising treatment but limited as monotherapy. The role of gene repression in NC is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that EZH2, which silences genes through establishment of repressive chromatin, is a dependency in NC. Inhibition of EZH2 with the clinical compound tazemetostat (taz) potently blocked growth of NC cells. Epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that taz reversed the EZH2-specific H3K27me3 silencing mark, and restored expression of multiple tumor suppressor genes while having no effect on key oncogenic BRD4- NUT-regulated genes. CDKN2A was identified as the only gene amongst all taz-derepressed genes to confer resistance to taz in a CRISPR-Cas9 screen. Combined EZH2 inhibition and BET inhibition synergized to downregulate cell proliferation genes resulting in more pronounced growth arrest and differentiation than either inhibitor alone. In pre-clinical models, combined taz and BETi synergistically blocked growth and prolonged survival of NC-xenografted mice, with all mice cured in one cohort. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Identification of EZH2 as a dependency in NC substantiates the reliance of NC tumor cells on epigenetic dysregulation of functionally opposite, yet highly complementary chromatin regulatory pathways to maintain NC growth. In particular, repression of CDKN2A expression by EZH2 provides a mechanistic rationale for combining EZH2i with BETi for the clinical treatment of NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R. Taylor Durall
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nhi M. Luong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hans J. Hertzler
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julianna Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittaney A. Leeper
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David E. Root
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Praju V. Anekal
- MicRoN, Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Karan Saluja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Zahnow
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Biniam Adane
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine E. Hawkins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher Ponne
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Quan Le
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kyle P. Eagen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Yang JF, Liu W, You J. Characterization of molecular mechanisms driving Merkel cell polyomavirus oncogene transcription and tumorigenic potential. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011598. [PMID: 37647312 PMCID: PMC10468096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with approximately 80% of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive type of skin cancer. The incidence of MCC has tripled over the past twenty years, but there are currently very few effective targeted treatments. A better understanding of the MCPyV life cycle and its oncogenic mechanisms is needed to unveil novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of MCC. MCPyV infection and oncogenesis are reliant on the expression of the early viral oncoproteins, which drive the viral life cycle and MCPyV+ MCC tumor cell growth. To date, the molecular mechanisms regulating the transcription of the MCPyV oncogenes remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated how MCPyV early transcription is regulated to support viral infection and MCC tumorigenesis. Our studies established the roles of multiple cellular factors in the control of MCPyV gene expression. Inhibitor screening experiments revealed that the histone acetyltransferases p300 and CBP positively regulate MCPyV transcription. Their regulation of viral gene expression occurs through coactivation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which binds to the viral genome to drive MCPyV oncogene expression in a manner that is tightly controlled through a negative feedback loop. Furthermore, we discovered that small molecule inhibitors specifically targeting p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity are effective at blocking MCPyV tumor antigen expression and MCPyV+ MCC cell proliferation. Together, our work establishes key cellular factors regulating MCPyV transcription, providing the basis for understanding the largely unknown mechanisms governing MCPyV transcription that defines its infectious host cell tropism, viral life cycle, and oncogenic potential. Our studies also identify a novel therapeutic strategy against MCPyV+ MCC through specific blockage of MCPyV oncogene expression and MCC tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- June F. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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18
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Yu H, Shi T, Yao L, Xu D, Ding Y, Xia Q, Liu W, Wang X. Elevated nuclear PIGL disrupts the cMyc/BRD4 axis and improves PD-1 blockade therapy by dampening tumor immune evasion. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:867-880. [PMID: 37280393 PMCID: PMC10387471 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01048-3] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve the efficacy of lenvatinib in combination with programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we screened the suppressive metabolic enzymes that sensitize HCC to lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade, thus impeding HCC progression. After analysis of the CRISPR‒Cas9 screen, phosphatidylinositol-glycan biosynthesis class L (PIGL) ranked first in the positive selection list. PIGL depletion had no effect on tumor cell growth in vitro but reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo to support tumor cell survival. Specifically, nuclear PIGL disrupted the interaction between cMyc/BRD4 on the distant promoter of target genes and thus decreased the expression of CCL2 and CCL20, which are involved in shaping the immunosuppressive TME by recruiting macrophages and regulatory T cells. PIGL phosphorylation at Y81 by FGFR2 abolished the interaction of PIGL with importin α/β1, thus retaining PIGL in the cytosol and facilitating tumor evasion by releasing CCL2 and CCL20. Clinically, elevated nuclear PIGL predicts a better prognosis for HCC patients and presents a positive correlation with CD8 + T-cell enrichment in tumors. Clinically, our findings highlight that the nuclear PIGL intensity or the change in PIGL-Y81 phosphorylation should be used as a biomarker to guide lenvatinib with PD-1 blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yu
- Precise Genome Engineering Centre, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tiezhu Shi
- Precise Genome Engineering Centre, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Linli Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Dongwei Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yufeng Ding
- Precise Genome Engineering Centre, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China.
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- Precise Genome Engineering Centre, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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19
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Kosno M, Currie SL, Kumar A, Xing C, Rosen MK. Molecular features driving condensate formation and gene expression by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein are overlapping but distinct. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11907. [PMID: 37488172 PMCID: PMC10366142 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant formation of biomolecular condensates has been proposed to play a role in several cancers. The oncogenic fusion protein BRD4-NUT forms condensates and drives changes in gene expression in Nut Carcinoma. Here we sought to understand the molecular elements of BRD4-NUT and its associated histone acetyltransferase (HAT), p300, that promote these activities. We determined that a minimal fragment of NUT (MIN) in fusion with BRD4 is necessary and sufficient to bind p300 and form condensates. Furthermore, a BRD4-p300 fusion protein also forms condensates and drives gene expression similarly to BRD4-NUT(MIN), suggesting the p300 fusion may mimic certain features of BRD4-NUT. The intrinsically disordered regions, transcription factor-binding domains, and HAT activity of p300 all collectively contribute to condensate formation by BRD4-p300, suggesting that these elements might contribute to condensate formation by BRD4-NUT. Conversely, only the HAT activity of BRD4-p300 appears necessary to mimic the transcriptional profile of cells expressing BRD4-NUT. Our results suggest a model for condensate formation by the BRD4-NUT:p300 complex involving a combination of positive feedback and phase separation, and show that multiple overlapping, yet distinct, regions of p300 contribute to condensate formation and transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Kosno
- Department of Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Simon L Currie
- Department of Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Michael K Rosen
- Department of Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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20
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Li J, Zhu R, Zhuang X, Zhang C, Shen H, Wu X, Zhang M, Huang C, Xiang Q, Zhao L, Xu Y, Zhang Y. Rational Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Benzo[d]isoxazole Derivatives as Potent BET Bivalent Inhibitors for Potential Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106495. [PMID: 37004437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Multivalency is an attractive strategy for effective binding to target protein. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family features two tandem bromodomains (BD1, BD2), which are considered to be potential new targets for prostate cancer. Herein, we report the rational design, optimization, and evaluation of a class of novel BET bivalent inhibitors based on our monovalent BET inhibitor 7 (Y06037). The representative bivalent inhibitor 17b effectively inhibited the cell growth of LNCaP, exhibiting 32 folds more potency than monovalent inhibitor 7. Besides, 17b induced 95.1 % PSA regression in LNCaP cell at 2 μM. Docking study was further carried out to reveal the potential binding mode of 17b with two BET bromodomains. Our study demonstrates that 17b (Y13021) is a promising BET bivalent inhibitor for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Run Zhu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Maofeng Zhang
- Suzhou Vocational Health College, No. 28 Kehua Road, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Cen Huang
- Jiangsu S&T Exchange Center with Foreign Countries, No. 175 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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21
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Baněčková M, Cox D. Top 10 Basaloid Neoplasms of the Sinonasal Tract. Head Neck Pathol 2023; 17:16-32. [PMID: 36928732 PMCID: PMC10063752 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basaloid neoplasms of the sinonasal tract represent a significant group of tumors with histological overlap but often with different etiologies (i.e., viral, genetics), clinical management, and prognostic significance. METHODS Review. RESULTS "Basaloid" generally refers to cells with coarse chromatin in round nuclei and sparse cytoplasm, resembling cells of epithelial basal layers or imparting an "immature" appearance. Tumors with this characteristic in the sinonasal tract are represented by a spectrum of benign to high-grade malignant neoplasms, such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, NUT carcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, SWI/SNF complex-deficient carcinomas, and adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma. CONCLUSION In some instances, histology alone may be sufficient for diagnosis. However, limited biopsy material or fine-needle aspiration specimens may be particularly challenging. Therefore, often other diagnostic procedures, including a combination of histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), DNA and RNA testing, and molecular genetics are necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Baněčková
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Plzen, Charles University, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Bioptic Laboratory Ltd, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Sikl's Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, E. Benese 13, 305 99, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Darren Cox
- University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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Chen J, Li M, Lu H. Nuclear protein in testis carcinoma of the lung. Transl Oncol 2023; 30:101640. [PMID: 36780749 PMCID: PMC9947104 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a kind of highly aggressive and fatal solid tumor characterized by a rearrangement of the NUT carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene located on chromosome 15 q l4, where the most common form of fusion is BRD4-NUT. NUT carcinoma occurred in different organs and was most commonly found in the midline organs and the lungs. NUT carcinoma can occur in patients of almost all ages, having a roughly consistent incidence in both sexes. Most of the patients were diagnosed in advanced stages with an extremely poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatment. After years of research, the mechanism of NUT carcinoma is still not fully clear, and its therapeutic approaches need to be further studied and explored. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of NUT carcinoma and explore the effective treatments, this review aimed to summarize the clinical features, pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, P.R. China
| | - Meihui Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China,The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, P.R. China
| | - Hongyang Lu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China; Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic and Cancer Medicine (IBCM), 310022, P.R. China.
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23
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Yu D, Liang Y, Kim C, Jaganathan A, Ji D, Han X, Yang X, Jia Y, Gu R, Wang C, Zhang Q, Cheung KL, Zhou MM, Zeng L. Structural mechanism of BRD4-NUT and p300 bipartite interaction in propagating aberrant gene transcription in chromatin in NUT carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:378. [PMID: 36690674 PMCID: PMC9870903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36063-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BRD4-NUT, a driver fusion mutant in rare and highly aggressive NUT carcinoma, acts in aberrant transcription of anti-differentiation genes by recruiting histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300 and promoting p300-driven histone hyperacetylation and nuclear condensation in chromatin. However, the molecular basis of how BRD4-NUT recruits and activates p300 remains elusive. Here, we report that BRD4-NUT contains two transactivation domains (TADs) in NUT that bind to the TAZ2 domain in p300. Our NMR structures reveal that NUT TADs adopt amphipathic helices when bound to the four-helical bundle TAZ2 domain. The NUT protein forms liquid-like droplets in-vitro that are enhanced by TAZ2 binding in 1:2 stoichiometry. The TAD/TAZ2 bipartite binding in BRD4-NUT/p300 triggers allosteric activation of p300 and acetylation-driven liquid-like condensation on chromatin that comprise histone H3 lysine 27 and 18 acetylation and transcription proteins BRD4L/S, CDK9, MED1, and RNA polymerase II. The BRD4-NUT/p300 chromatin condensation is key for activating transcription of pro-proliferation genes such as ALX1, resulting ALX1/Snail signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Our study provides a previously underappreciated structural mechanism illuminating BRD4-NUT's bipartite p300 recruitment and activation in NUT carcinoma that nucleates a feed-forward loop for propagating histone hyperacetylation and chromatin condensation to sustain aberrant anti-differentiation gene transcription and perpetual tumor cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yu
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yingying Liang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Claudia Kim
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Anbalagan Jaganathan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Donglei Ji
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xinye Han
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xuelan Yang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanjie Jia
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Ruirui Gu
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Ka Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Lei Zeng
- Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
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24
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Serra-Camprubí Q, Verdaguer H, Oliveros W, Lupión-Garcia N, Llop-Guevara A, Molina C, Vila-Casadesús M, Turpin A, Neuzillet C, Frigola J, Querol J, Yáñez-Bartolomé M, Castet F, Fabregat-Franco C, Escudero-Iriarte C, Escorihuela M, Arenas EJ, Bernadó-Morales C, Haro N, Giles FJ, Pozo ÓJ, Miquel JM, Nuciforo PG, Vivancos A, Melé M, Serra V, Arribas J, Tabernero J, Peiró S, Macarulla T, Tian TV. Human Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma Patient-Derived Xenografts and Tumoroids for Preclinical Drug Evaluation. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:432-445. [PMID: 36374558 PMCID: PMC9873249 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is usually diagnosed at advanced stages, with limited therapeutic options. Preclinical models focused on unresectable metastatic CCA are necessary to develop rational treatments. Pathogenic mutations in IDH1/2, ARID1A/B, BAP1, and BRCA1/2 have been identified in 30%-50% of patients with CCA. Several types of tumor cells harboring these mutations exhibit homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) phenotype with enhanced sensitivity to PARP inhibitors (PARPi). However, PARPi treatment has not yet been tested for effectiveness in patient-derived models of advanced CCA. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We have established a collection of patient-derived xenografts from patients with unresectable metastatic CCA (CCA_PDX). The CCA_PDXs were characterized at both histopathologic and genomic levels. We optimized a protocol to generate CCA tumoroids from CCA_PDXs. We tested the effects of PARPis in both CCA tumoroids and CCA_PDXs. Finally, we used the RAD51 assay to evaluate the HRD status of CCA tissues. RESULTS This collection of CCA_PDXs recapitulates the histopathologic and molecular features of their original tumors. PARPi treatments inhibited the growth of CCA tumoroids and CCA_PDXs with pathogenic mutations of BRCA2, but not those with mutations of IDH1, ARID1A, or BAP1. In line with these findings, only CCA_PDX and CCA patient biopsy samples with mutations of BRCA2 showed RAD51 scores compatible with HRD. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that patients with advanced CCA with pathogenic mutations of BRCA2, but not those with mutations of IDH1, ARID1A, or BAP1, are likely to benefit from PARPi therapy. This collection of CCA_PDXs provides new opportunities for evaluating drug response and prioritizing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queralt Serra-Camprubí
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Verdaguer
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Winona Oliveros
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Lupión-Garcia
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Llop-Guevara
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Molina
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Vila-Casadesús
- Cancer Genomics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anthony Turpin
- Université de Lille, CNRS INSERM UMR9020-U1277, CANTHER Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France.,Medical Oncology Department, CHRU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cindy Neuzillet
- Gastrointestinal Oncology, Medical Oncology Department, Curie Institute, Versailles St-Quentin-Paris Saclay University, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Joan Frigola
- Clinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jessica Querol
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariana Yáñez-Bartolomé
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Castet
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Fabregat-Franco
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escudero-Iriarte
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Escorihuela
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Bernadó-Morales
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Óscar J. Pozo
- Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Miquel
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo G. Nuciforo
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vivancos
- Cancer Genomics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Melé
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Violeta Serra
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Tian V. Tian, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain. Phone: (34)932543450, ext. 8656; E-mail: ; Teresa Macarulla, ; and Sandra Peiró,
| | - Teresa Macarulla
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Tian V. Tian, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain. Phone: (34)932543450, ext. 8656; E-mail: ; Teresa Macarulla, ; and Sandra Peiró,
| | - Tian V. Tian
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Tian V. Tian, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain. Phone: (34)932543450, ext. 8656; E-mail: ; Teresa Macarulla, ; and Sandra Peiró,
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25
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Thawani R, Kim MS, Arastu A, Feng Z, West MT, Taflin NF, Thein KZ, Li R, Geltzeiler M, Lee N, Fuller CD, Grandis JR, Floudas CS, Heinrich MC, Hanna E, Chandra RA. The contemporary management of cancers of the sinonasal tract in adults. CA Cancer J Clin 2023; 73:72-112. [PMID: 35916666 PMCID: PMC9840681 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinonasal malignancies make up <5% of all head and neck neoplasms, with an incidence of 0.5-1.0 per 100,000. The outcome of these rare malignancies has been poor, whereas significant progress has been made in the management of other cancers. The objective of the current review was to describe the incidence, causes, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and recent developments of malignancies of the sinonasal tract. The diagnoses covered in this review included sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, sinonasal adenocarcinoma, sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, and esthesioneuroblastoma, which are exclusive to the sinonasal tract. In addition, the authors covered malignances that are likely to be encountered in the sinonasal tract-primary mucosal melanoma, NUT (nuclear protein of the testis) carcinoma, and extranodal natural killer cell/T-cell lymphoma. For the purpose of keeping this review as concise and focused as possible, sarcomas and malignancies that can be classified as salivary gland neoplasms were excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Thawani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Myung Sun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Asad Arastu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Zizhen Feng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Malinda T. West
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | | | - Kyaw Zin Thein
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Ryan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Mathew Geltzeiler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | | | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Michael C. Heinrich
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Ehab Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Ravi A. Chandra
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University
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26
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Wen H, Shi X. Histone Readers and Their Roles in Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:245-272. [PMID: 38113004 PMCID: PMC11395558 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_8] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Histone proteins in eukaryotic cells are subjected to a wide variety of post-translational modifications, which are known to play an important role in the partitioning of the genome into distinctive compartments and domains. One of the major functions of histone modifications is to recruit reader proteins, which recognize the epigenetic marks and transduce the molecular signals in chromatin to downstream effects. Histone readers are defined protein domains with well-organized three-dimensional structures. In this Chapter, we will outline major histone readers, delineate their biochemical and structural features in histone recognition, and describe how dysregulation of histone readout leads to human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wen
- Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Xiaobing Shi
- Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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27
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Kumar A, Emdad L, Fisher PB, Das SK. Targeting epigenetic regulation for cancer therapy using small molecule inhibitors. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:73-161. [PMID: 36990539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells display pervasive changes in DNA methylation, disrupted patterns of histone posttranslational modification, chromatin composition or organization and regulatory element activities that alter normal programs of gene expression. It is becoming increasingly clear that disturbances in the epigenome are hallmarks of cancer, which are targetable and represent attractive starting points for drug creation. Remarkable progress has been made in the past decades in discovering and developing epigenetic-based small molecule inhibitors. Recently, epigenetic-targeted agents in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors have been identified and these agents are either in current clinical trials or approved for treatment. However, epigenetic drug applications face many challenges, including low selectivity, poor bioavailability, instability and acquired drug resistance. New multidisciplinary approaches are being designed to overcome these limitations, e.g., applications of machine learning, drug repurposing, high throughput virtual screening technologies, to identify selective compounds with improved stability and better bioavailability. We provide an overview of the key proteins that mediate epigenetic regulation that encompass histone and DNA modifications and discuss effector proteins that affect the organization of chromatin structure and function as well as presently available inhibitors as potential drugs. Current anticancer small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic modified enzymes that have been approved by therapeutic regulatory authorities across the world are highlighted. Many of these are in different stages of clinical evaluation. We also assess emerging strategies for combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy, standard chemotherapy or other classes of agents and advances in the design of novel epigenetic therapies.
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28
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Kuang C, Tong J, Ermine K, Cai M, Dai F, Hao S, Giles F, Huang Y, Yu J, Zhang L. Dual inhibition of BET and HAT/p300 suppresses colorectal cancer via DR5- and p53/PUMA-mediated cell death. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1018775. [PMID: 36313707 PMCID: PMC9599411 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1018775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently has a dysregulated epigenome causing aberrant up-regulation of oncogenes such as c-MYC. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins and histone acetyltransferases (HAT) are epigenetic regulatory proteins that create and maintain epigenetic states supporting oncogenesis. BET inhibitors and HAT inhibitors are currently being investigated as cancer therapeutics due to their ability to suppress cancer-promoting epigenetic modifiers. Due to the extensive molecular crosstalk between BET proteins and HAT proteins, we hypothesized that dual inhibition of BET and HAT could more potently inhibit CRC cells than inhibition of each individual protein. Methods We investigated the activity and mechanisms of a dual BET and HAT inhibitor, NEO2734, in CRC cell lines and mouse xenografts. MTS, flow cytometry, and microscopy were used to assess cell viability. qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining were used to assess mechanisms of action. Results We found that NEO2734 more potently suppresses CRC cell growth than first generation BET inhibitors, regardless of the status of common CRC driver mutations. We previously showed that BET inhibitors upregulate DR5 to induce extrinsic apoptosis. In the current study, we show that NEO2734 treatment induces CRC cell apoptosis via both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. NEO2734 increases p53 expression and subsequently increased expression of the p53-upregulated mediator of apoptosis (PUMA), which is a critical mechanism for activating intrinsic apoptosis. We demonstrate that inhibition of either the intrinsic or extrinsic branches of apoptosis partially rescues CRC cells from NEO2734 treatment, while the dual inhibition of both branches of apoptosis more strongly rescues CRC cells from NEO2734 treatment. Finally, we show that NEO2734 monotherapy is able to suppress tumor growth in CRC xenografts by inducing apoptosis. Conclusions Our study demonstrates NEO2734 potently suppresses CRC cells in vitro and in vivo by simultaneously upregulating PUMA and DR5 to induce cell death. Further studies of NEO2734 for treating CRC are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyuan Kuang
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jingshan Tong
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kaylee Ermine
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Manbo Cai
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fujun Dai
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Suisui Hao
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Francis Giles
- Developmental Therapeutics Consortium, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yi Huang
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jian Yu
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lin Zhang
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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NUT Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents: The Expert European Standard Clinical Practice Harmonized Recommendations. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 45:165-173. [PMID: 36219702 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor mainly occurring in adolescents and young adults, defined by the presence of a somatic NUTM1 rearrangement. The aim is to establish internationally harmonized consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents and young adults with NC in the framework of the European Reference Network for Paediatric Oncology. METHODS The European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors developed recommendations according to the Consensus Conference Standard Operating procedure methodology and reviewed by external "experts." No evidence of level I to II exists. Recommendations were developed based on published prospective (level III), but more frequently retrospective series (level IV), case reports (level V), and personal expertise (level V). In addition, "strength" of recommendations were categorized by grading (grade A to E). RESULTS Histology is mandatory for the diagnosis of NC, including immunolabeling with anti-NUT antibodies and molecular biology (NUTM1 rearrangement) (level V; grade A). Treatment of NC usually combines aggressive approaches in multimodal regimens. Chemotherapy should be considered as first-line treatment (neoadjuvant vincristine-adriamycin-ifosfamide/cisplatin-adriamycin-ifsofamide or vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide-etoposide) for unresectable or metastatic tumor (ie, 3 courses), rapidly followed by local treatment (level IV; grade B). Referral to a specialized surgical oncology center is highly recommended (level V; grade A). In localized NC, a complete microscopic surgical resection should be attempted whenever and as soon as possible, followed by primary irradiation (60 to 70 Gy) and involved lymph nodes area (level IV; grade B). For head and neck tumors, a systematic neck dissection might be considered, even if N0 (level V; grade C). Adjuvant postirradiation chemotherapy is recommended, for a total of 9 to 12 courses (level IV; grade B). For first-line resected tumors, concomitant adjuvant chemotherapy to radiotherapy may be discussed (level IV; grade B). Targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic regimens should be delivered in the setting of prospective trials (level V; grade B). CONCLUSIONS This project leads to a consensus strategy based on international experience with this very rare disease.
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French CA, Cheng ML, Hanna GJ, DuBois SG, Chau NG, Hann CL, Storck S, Salgia R, Trucco M, Tseng J, Stathis A, Piekarz R, Lauer UM, Massard C, Bennett K, Coker S, Tontsch-Grunt U, Sos ML, Liao S, Wu CJ, Polyak K, Piha-Paul SA, Shapiro GI. Report of the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2493-2505. [PMID: 35417004 PMCID: PMC9197941 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer defined by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene. No routinely effective treatments of NUT carcinoma exist, despite harboring a targetable oncoprotein, most commonly BRD4-NUT. The vast majority of cases are fatal. Poor awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to progress in the treatment of NUT carcinoma. While the incidence likely exceeds that of Ewing sarcoma, and BRD4-NUT heralded the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor class of selective epigenetic modulators, NUT carcinoma is incorrectly perceived as "impossibly rare," and therefore receives comparatively little private or governmental funding or prioritization by pharma. To raise awareness, propagate scientific knowledge, and initiate a consensus on standard and targeted treatment of NUT carcinoma, we held the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma on March 3, 2021. This virtual event had more than eighty attendees from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Patients with NUT carcinoma and family members were represented and shared perspectives. Broadly, the four areas discussed by experts in the field included (1) the biology of NUT carcinoma; (2) standard approaches to the treatment of NUT carcinoma; (3) results of clinical trials using BET inhibitors; and (4) future directions, including novel BET bromodomain inhibitors, combinatorial approaches, and immunotherapy. It was concluded that standard chemotherapeutic approaches and first-generation BET bromodomain inhibitors, the latter complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, are only modestly effective in a minority of cases. Nonetheless, emerging second-generation targeted inhibitors, novel rational synergistic combinations, and the incorporation of immuno-oncology approaches hold promise to improve the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Simone Storck
- Swabian Children’s Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Christophe Massard
- Gustave Roussy-Molecular Radiotherapy INSERM U1030, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin-Bicêtre and Paris-Saclay University , France
| | | | - Shodeinde Coker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Sos
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sida Liao
- TScan Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarina A. Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Ohnesorge PV, Berchtold S, Beil J, Haas SA, Smirnow I, Schenk A, French CA, Luong NM, Huang Y, Fehrenbacher B, Schaller M, Lauer UM. Efficacy of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus T-VEC Combined with BET Inhibitors as an Innovative Therapy Approach for NUT Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112761. [PMID: 35681742 PMCID: PMC9179288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Since T-VEC is already approved for treatment of melanoma, its promising efficacy shown here also for NUT carcinoma (NC) cell lines may create a rapid transition to individual treatments as well as clinical trials in NC patients. The idea of combining T-VEC immunotherapy with BET inhibitors is strengthened by the assumption that the initial rapid response of NC to BET inhibitor therapy and the additional direct tumor cell lysis triggered by virotherapeutics may be able to effectively stabilize or even shrink the tumor cell mass to bridge the time gap until the durable immune response, induced by immunovirotherapy, can lead to complete tumor remission. This would signify a real breakthrough for patients suffering from this extremely aggressive tumor, whose average survival time is currently in the range of only six months. Abstract NUT carcinoma (NC) is an extremely aggressive tumor and current treatment regimens offer patients a median survival of six months only. This article reports on the first in vitro studies using immunovirotherapy as a promising therapy option for NC and its feasible combination with BET inhibitors (iBET). Using NC cell lines harboring the BRD4-NUT fusion protein, the cytotoxicity of oncolytic virus talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and the iBET compounds BI894999 and GSK525762 were assessed in vitro in monotherapeutic and combinatorial approaches. Viral replication, marker gene expression, cell proliferation, and IFN-β dependence of T-VEC efficiency were monitored. T-VEC efficiently infected and replicated in NC cell lines and showed strong cytotoxic effects. This implication could be enhanced by iBET treatment following viral infection. Viral replication was not impaired by iBET treatment. In addition, it was shown that pretreatment of NC cells with IFN-β does impede the replication as well as the cytotoxicity of T-VEC. T-VEC was found to show great potential for patients suffering from NC. Of note, when applied in combination with iBETs, a reinforcing influence was observed, leading to an even stronger anti-tumor effect. These findings suggest combining virotherapy with diverse molecular therapeutics for the treatment of NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul V. Ohnesorge
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Julia Beil
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simone A. Haas
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Irina Smirnow
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Schenk
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Christopher A. French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.A.F.); (N.M.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Nhi M. Luong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.A.F.); (N.M.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.A.F.); (N.M.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Birgit Fehrenbacher
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (P.V.O.); (S.B.); (J.B.); (S.A.H.); (I.S.); (A.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)7071-29-83190
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Tontsch-Grunt U, Traexler PE, Baum A, Musa H, Marzin K, Wang S, Trapani F, Engelhardt H, Solca F. Therapeutic impact of BET inhibitor BI 894999 treatment: backtranslation from the clinic. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:577-586. [PMID: 35444289 PMCID: PMC9346113 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BET inhibitors have been tested in several clinical trials where, despite encouraging preclinical results, substantial clinical benefit in monotherapy remains limited. This work illustrates the translational challenges and reports new data around the novel BET inhibitor, BI 894999. At clinically achievable concentrations, mechanistic studies were carried out to study pathway modulation and rational drug combinations. METHODS BRD-NUT fusions are oncogenic drivers in NUT carcinoma (NC). The effects of BI 894999 on proliferation, chromatin binding and pathway modulation were studied in NC in vitro. These studies were complemented by efficacy studies either as a single agent or in combination with the clinical p300/CBP inhibitor CCS1477. RESULTS Based on the modelling of preclinical and clinical data, we proposed and implemented a new clinical scheduling regimen. This led to plasma levels sufficient to fully dislodge BRD-NUT from chromatin and to sustained and pronounced pharmacodynamic (PD) modulation of HEXIM1 and HIST2H2BF. Platelet counts in patient blood samples were improved compared to previous schedules. Rational combination studies of BI 894999 performed at clinically meaningful concentrations led to tumour regressions in all NC xenograft models tested. CONCLUSIONS BI 894999 holds significant potential as a combination drug and CCS1477 p300/CBP inhibitor is a promising partner for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anke Baum
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, A-1120, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanny Musa
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Kristell Marzin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Shaonan Wang
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | | | | | - Flavio Solca
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, A-1120, Vienna, Austria
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Moreno V, Saluja K, Pina-Oviedo S. NUT Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic Features, Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics. Front Oncol 2022; 12:860830. [PMID: 35372003 PMCID: PMC8966081 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.860830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive, poorly differentiated carcinoma occurring mostly in adolescents and young adults. This tumor usually arises from the midline structures of the thorax, head, and neck, and exhibits variable degrees of squamous differentiation. NUT carcinoma is defined by the presence of a NUTM1 (15q14) rearrangement with multiple other genes. In about 70-80% of the cases, NUTM1 is involved in a balanced translocation with the BRD4 gene (19p13.12), leading to a BRD4-NUTM1 fusion oncogene. Other variant rearrangements include BRD3-NUTM1 fusion (~15-20%) and NSD3-NUTM1 fusion (~6%), among others. The diagnosis of NUT carcinoma requires the detection of nuclear expression of the NUT protein by immunohistochemistry. Additional methods for diagnosis include the detection of a NUTM1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization or by reverse transcriptase PCR. NUT carcinoma is usually underrecognized due to its rarity and lack of characteristic histological features. Therefore, the goal of this review is to provide relevant recent information regarding the clinicopathologic features of NUT carcinoma, the role of the multiple NUTM1 gene rearrangements in carcinogenesis, and the impact of understanding these underlying molecular mechanisms that may result in the development of possible novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Karan Saluja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sergio Pina-Oviedo
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Lemelle L, Moya-Plana A, Dumont B, Fresneau B, Laprie A, Claude L, Deneuve S, Cordero C, Pierron G, Couloigner V, Bernard S, Cardoen L, Brisse HJ, Jehanno N, Metayer L, Fréneaux P, Helfre S, Kolb F, Thariat J, Réguerre Y, Orbach D. NUT carcinoma in children, adolescents and young adults. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:491-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Saiki A, Sakamoto K, Bee Y, Izumo T. Nuclear protein of the testis midline carcinoma of the thorax. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2022; 52:531-538. [PMID: 35325167 PMCID: PMC9157292 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare tumor that typically presents in the head, neck, and chest region. NMC is characterized by rearrangement of the NUTM1 gene. It mainly affects children and young adults and is rapidly progressive and lethal. Reportedly, the prognoses of NMCs of the head and neck improve following aggressive initial surgical resection +/- postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT). However, as NMC of the thorax was identified later, treatments to improve its prognosis are yet to be identified. Our review reveals that NMC is an extremely rare cancer, and most patients remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, this review outlines the clinical characteristics of NMC of the thorax and the prospects for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayae Saiki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuan Bee
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Izumo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Towards a Molecular Classification of Sinonasal Carcinomas: Clinical Implications and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061463. [PMID: 35326613 PMCID: PMC8946109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, there have been several molecular and immunohistochemical additions to the pathologic diagnosis of sinonasal malignancies that could facilitate the identification of clinically relevant groups of sinonasal malignancies. Molecular profiling is progressively integrated in the histopathologic classification of sinonasal carcinomas, and it is likely to influence the management of these tumors in the near future. In this article we review the recent literature on molecular analysis and/or subtyping of sinonasal carcinomas and we discuss the possible clinical implications of a classification of sinonasal tumors based on their molecular features. Abstract Sinonasal carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors, often with high-grade and/or undifferentiated morphology and aggressive clinical course. In recent years, with increasing molecular testing, unique sinonasal tumor subsets have been identified based on specific genetic alterations, including protein expression, chromosomal translocations, specific gene mutations, or infection by oncogenic viruses. These include, among others, the identification of a subset of sinonasal carcinomas associated with HPV infection, the identification of a subset of squamous cell carcinomas with EGFR alterations, and of rare variants with chromosomal translocations (DEK::AFF2, ETV6::NTRK and others). The group of sinonasal adenocarcinomas remains very heterogeneous at the molecular level, but some recurrent and potentially targetable genetic alterations have been identified. Finally, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated sinonasal carcinomas have undergone a significant refinement of their subtyping, with the identification of several new novel molecular subgroups, such as NUT carcinoma, IDH mutated sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma and SWI/SNF deficient sinonasal malignancies. Thus, molecular profiling is progressively integrated in the histopathologic classification of sinonasal carcinomas, and it is likely to influence the management of these tumors in the near future. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the molecular characterization of sinonasal carcinomas and we discuss how these findings are likely to contribute to the classification of this group of rare tumors, with a focus on the potential new opportunities for treatment.
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NUTM1-Rearranged Neoplasms-A Heterogeneous Group of Primitive Tumors with Expanding Spectrum of Histology and Molecular Alterations-An Updated Review. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4485-4503. [PMID: 34898574 PMCID: PMC8628659 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein of testis (NUT), a protein product of the NUTM1 gene (located on the long arm of chromosome 15) with highly restricted physiologic expression in post-meiotic spermatids, is the oncogenic driver of a group of emerging neoplasms when fused with genes involved in transcription regulation. Although initially identified in a group of lethal midline carcinomas in which NUT forms fusion proteins with bromodomain proteins, NUTM1-rearrangement has since been identified in tumors at non-midline locations, with non-bromodomain partners and with varied morphology. The histologic features of these tumors have also expanded to include sarcoma, skin adnexal tumors, and hematologic malignancies that harbor various fusion partners and are associated with markedly different clinical courses varying from benign to malignant. Most of these tumors have nondescript primitive morphology and therefore should be routinely considered in any undifferentiated neoplasm. The diagnosis is facilitated by the immunohistochemical use of the monoclonal C52 antibody, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and, recently, RNA-sequencing. The pathogenesis is believed to be altered expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes by NUT-mediated genome-wide histone modification. NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms respond poorly to classical chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Targeted therapies such as bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitor (BETi) therapy are being developed. This current review provides an update on NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms, focusing on the correlation between basic sciences and clinical aspects.
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Li X, Shi H, Zhang W, Bai C, He M, Ta N, Huang H, Ning Y, Fang C, Qin H, Dong Y. Immunotherapy and Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: Current Place and New Insights in Primary Pulmonary NUT Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:690115. [PMID: 34660264 PMCID: PMC8515126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.690115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor. It accounts for approximately 0.22% of primary thoracic tumors and is little known, so it is often misdiagnosed as pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma. No effective treatment has been formed yet, and the prognosis is extremely poor. This review aims to summarize the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma in order to better recognize it and discuss the current and innovative strategies to overcome it. With the increasing importance of cancer immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment, the review also discusses whether immunotherapy and targeting the tumor microenvironment can improve the prognosis of primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma and possible treatment strategies. We reviewed and summarized the clinicopathological features of all patients with primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma who received immunotherapy, including initial misdiagnosis, disease stage, immunohistochemical markers related to tumor neovascularization, and biomarkers related to immunotherapy, such as PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) and TMB (tumor mutational burden). In the meanwhile, we summarized and analyzed the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) of patients with primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma treated with PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1)/PD-L1 inhibitors and explored potential population that may benefit from immunotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review on the exploration of the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy effectiveness in primary pulmonary nuclear protein of testis carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxia He
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Na Ta
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yunye Ning
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchao Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University), Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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39
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Feng L, Wang G, Chen Y, He G, Liu B, Liu J, Chiang CM, Ouyang L. Dual-target inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins in cancer: A review from medicinal chemistry perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:710-743. [PMID: 34633088 DOI: 10.1002/med.21859] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), as the most studied member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family, is a chromatin reader protein interpreting epigenetic codes through binding to acetylated histones and non-histone proteins, thereby regulating diverse cellular processes including cell cycle, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. As a promising drug target, BRD4 function is closely related to cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and liver fibrosis. Currently, clinical resistance to BET inhibitors has limited their applications but synergistic antitumor effects have been observed when used in combination with other tumor inhibitors targeting additional cellular components such as PLK1, HDAC, CDK, and PARP1. Therefore, designing dual-target inhibitors of BET bromodomains is a rational strategy in cancer treatment to increase potency and reduce drug resistance. This review summarizes the protein structures and biological functions of BRD4 and discusses recent advances of dual BET inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective. We also discuss the current design and discovery strategies for dual BET inhibitors, providing insight into potential discovery of additional dual-target BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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40
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Gen Y, Muramatsu T, Inoue J, Inazawa J. miR-766-5p targets super-enhancers by downregulating CBP and BRD4. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5190-5201. [PMID: 34353856 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SE) are clusters of transcription enhancers that drive gene expression. SEs are typically characterized by high levels of acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac), which is catalyzed by the histone lysine acetyltransferase CREB binding protein (CBP). Cancer cells frequently acquire tumor-specific SEs at key oncogenes, such as MYC, which induce several hallmarks of cancer. BRD4 is recruited to SEs and consequently functions as an epigenetic reader to promote transcription of SE-marked genes in cancer cells. miRNAs can be potent candidates for nucleic acid therapeutics for cancer. We previously identified miR-766-5p as a miRNA that downregulated MYC expression and inhibited cancer cell growth in vitro. In this study, we show that miR-766-5p directly targets CBP and BRD4. Concurrent suppression of CBP and BRD4 cooperatively downregulated MYC expression in cancer cells but not in normal cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that miR-766-5p reduced levels of H3K27ac at MYC SEs via CBP suppression. Moreover, miR-766-5p suppressed expression of a BRD4-NUT fusion protein that drives NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). In vivo administration of miR-766-5p suppressed tumor growth in two xenograft models. Collectively, these data suggest that targeting SEs using miR-766-5p-based therapeutics may serve as an effective strategy for the treatment of MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Gen
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Tomoki Muramatsu
- Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Jun Inoue
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Johji Inazawa
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
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41
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Patel SA, Singer B, Shen C, Zanation AM, Yarbrough WG, Weiss J. A case of metastatic NUT carcinoma with prolonged response on gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04616. [PMID: 34429997 PMCID: PMC8365542 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NUT carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by translocations in the NUTM1 gene. There are currently no consensus treatment recommendations for NUT carcinomas. METHODS Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy male diagnosed with NUT carcinoma after presenting with sinus pressure, found to have a sinonasal mass and distant metastatic disease in the lungs. While pathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry were consistent with NUT carcinoma, initial genomic profiling did not demonstrate a NUTM1 translocation. RESULTS Whole transcriptomic RNA sequencing of the tumor revealed a YAP1-NUTM1 fusion. Based on an in vitro drug sensitivity screen, the patient was treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, achieving a partial response that persisted for 9 months. CONCLUSIONS Unbiased transcriptomic sequencing may identify previously uncharacterized NUTM1 fusion partners. Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel is a well-tolerated combination chemotherapy regimen and could offer a novel treatment approach for NUT carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shetal A. Patel
- Division of OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Bart Singer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Colette Shen
- Department of Radiation OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Adam M. Zanation
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Wendell G. Yarbrough
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jared Weiss
- Division of OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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42
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Shiota H, Alekseyenko AA, Wang ZA, Filic I, Knox TM, Luong NM, Huang Y, Scott DA, Jones KL, Gokhale PC, Lemieux ME, Cole PA, Kuroda MI, French CA. Chemical Screen Identifies Diverse and Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as Repressors of NUT Function: Implications for NUT Carcinoma Pathogenesis and Treatment. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1818-1830. [PMID: 34285087 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC), characterized most commonly by the BRD4-NUTM1 fusion, is a rare, aggressive variant of squamous carcinoma with no effective treatment. BRD4-NUT drives growth and maintains the poorly differentiated state of NC by activating pro-growth genes such as MYC, through the formation of massive, hyperacetylated, superenhancer-like domains termed megadomains. BRD4-NUT-mediated hyperacetylation of chromatin is facilitated by the chromatin-targeting tandem bromodomains of BRD4, combined with NUT, which recruits the histone acetyltransferase, p300. Here, we developed a high-throughput small-molecule screen to identify inhibitors of transcriptional activation by NUT. In this dCAS9-based GFP-reporter assay, the strongest hits were diverse histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Two structurally unrelated HDAC inhibitors, panobinostat and the novel compound, IRBM6, both repressed growth and induced differentiation of NC cells in proportion to their inhibition of NUT transcriptional activity. These two compounds repressed transcription of megadomain-associated oncogenic genes, such as MYC and SOX2, while upregulating pro-differentiation, non-megadomain-associated genes, including JUN, FOS, and key cell-cycle regulators, such as CDKN1A. The transcriptional changes correlate with depletion of BRD4-NUT from megadomains, and redistribution of the p300/CBP-associated chromatin acetylation mark, H3K27ac, away from megadomains toward regular enhancer regions previously populated by H3K27ac. In NC xenograft models, we demonstrated that suppression of tumor growth by panobinostat was comparable with that of bromodomain inhibition, and when combined they improved both survival and growth suppression. IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide mechanistic and preclinical rationale for the use of HDAC inhibitors, alone or combined with other agents, in the treatment of NUT carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Shiota
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Artyom A Alekseyenko
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhipeng A Wang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ivona Filic
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatiana M Knox
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nhi M Luong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yeying Huang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Scott
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristen L Jones
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Prafulla C Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Philip A Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mitzi I Kuroda
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher A French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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43
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Deregulation of Transcriptional Enhancers in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143532. [PMID: 34298745 PMCID: PMC8303223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One of the major challenges in cancer treatments is the dynamic adaptation of tumor cells to cancer therapies. In this regard, tumor cells can modify their response to environmental cues without altering their DNA sequence. This cell plasticity enables cells to undergo morphological and functional changes, for example, during the process of tumour metastasis or when acquiring resistance to cancer therapies. Central to cell plasticity, are the dynamic changes in gene expression that are controlled by a set of molecular switches called enhancers. Enhancers are DNA elements that determine when, where and to what extent genes should be switched on and off. Thus, defects in enhancer function can disrupt the gene expression program and can lead to tumour formation. Here, we review how enhancers control the activity of cancer-associated genes and how defects in these regulatory elements contribute to cell plasticity in cancer. Understanding enhancer (de)regulation can provide new strategies for modulating cell plasticity in tumour cells and can open new research avenues for cancer therapy. Abstract Epigenetic regulations can shape a cell’s identity by reversible modifications of the chromatin that ultimately control gene expression in response to internal and external cues. In this review, we first discuss the concept of cell plasticity in cancer, a process that is directly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, with a particular focus on transcriptional enhancers as the cornerstone of epigenetic regulation. In the second part, we discuss mechanisms of enhancer deregulation in adult stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as two paradigms of cell plasticity that are dependent on epigenetic regulation and serve as major sources of tumour heterogeneity. Finally, we review how genetic variations at enhancers and their epigenetic modifiers contribute to tumourigenesis, and we highlight examples of cancer drugs that target epigenetic modifications at enhancers.
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44
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The Novel Oral BET-CBP/p300 Dual Inhibitor NEO2734 Is Highly Effective in Eradicating Acute Myeloid Leukemia Blasts and Stem/Progenitor Cells. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e610. [PMID: 34258514 PMCID: PMC8265862 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000610] [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: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease characterized by transcriptional dysregulation that results in a block in differentiation and aberrant self-renewal. Inhibitors directed to epigenetic modifiers, aiming at transcriptional reprogramming of AML cells, are currently in clinical trials for AML patients. Several of these inhibitors target bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, cyclic AMP response binding protein-binding protein (CBP), and the E1A-interacting protein of 300 kDa (p300), affecting histone acetylation. Unfortunately, single epigenetic inhibitors showed limited efficacy due to appearance of resistance and lack of effective eradication of leukemic stem cells. Here, we describe the efficacy of 2 novel, orally available inhibitors targeting both the BET and CBP/p300 proteins, NEO1132 and NEO2734, in primary AML. NEO2734 and NEO1132 efficiently reduced the viability of AML cell lines and primary AML cells by inducing apoptosis. Importantly, both NEO drugs eliminated leukemic stem/progenitor cells from AML patient samples, and NEO2734 increased the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy treatment in an in vivo AML patient-derived mouse model. Thus, dual inhibition of BET and CBP/p300 using NEO2734 is a promising therapeutic strategy for AML patients, making it a focus for clinical translation.
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45
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What Is New in Biomarker Testing at Diagnosis of Advanced Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma? Implications for Cytology and Liquid Biopsy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and clinical validation of biomarkers predictive of the response of non-squamous non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC) to therapeutic strategies continue to provide new data. The evaluation of novel treatments is based on molecular analyses aimed at determining their efficacy. These tests are increasing in number, but the tissue specimens are smaller and smaller and/or can have few tumor cells. Indeed, in addition to tissue samples, complementary cytological and/or blood samples can also give access to these biomarkers. To date, it is recommended and necessary to look for the status of five genomic molecular biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAFV600, NTRK) and of a protein biomarker (PD-L1). However, the short- and more or less long-term emergence of new targeted treatments of genomic alterations on RET and MET, but also on others’ genomic alteration, notably on KRAS, HER2, NRG1, SMARCA4, and NUT, have made cellular and blood samples essential for molecular testing. The aim of this review is to present the interest in using cytological and/or liquid biopsies as complementary biological material, or as an alternative to tissue specimens, for detection at diagnosis of new predictive biomarkers of NS-NSCLC.
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46
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Duan YC, Zhang SJ, Shi XJ, Jin LF, Yu T, Song Y, Guan YY. Research progress of dual inhibitors targeting crosstalk between histone epigenetic modulators for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113588. [PMID: 34107385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal epigenetics is a critical hallmark of human cancers. Anticancer drug discovery directed at histone epigenetic modulators has gained impressive advances with six drugs available for cancer therapy and numerous other candidates undergoing clinical trials. However, limited therapeutic profile, drug resistance, narrow safety margin, and dose-limiting toxicities pose intractable challenges for their clinical utility. Because histone epigenetic modulators undergo intricate crosstalk and act cooperatively to shape an aberrant epigenetic profile, co-targeting histone epigenetic modulators with a different mechanism of action has rapidly emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome the limitations faced by the single-target epigenetic inhibitors. In this review, we summarize in detail the crosstalk of histone epigenetic modulators in regulating gene transcription and the progress of dual epigenetic inhibitors targeting this crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chao Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Shao-Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lin-Feng Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Tong Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Yu Song
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
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47
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Enhancer rewiring in tumors: an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Oncogene 2021; 40:3475-3491. [PMID: 33934105 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Enhancers are cis-regulatory sequences that fine-tune expression of their target genes in a spatiotemporal manner. They are recognized by sequence-specific transcription factors, which in turn recruit transcriptional coactivators that facilitate transcription by promoting assembly and activation of the basal transcriptional machinery. Their functional importance is underscored by the fact that they are often the target of genetic and nongenetic events in human disease that disrupt their sequence, interactome, activation potential, and/or chromatin environment. Dysregulation of transcription and addiction to transcriptional effectors that interact with and modulate enhancer activity are common features of cancer cells and are amenable to therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on enhancer biology, the broad spectrum of mechanisms that lead to their malfunction in tumor cells, and recent progress in developing drugs that efficaciously target their dependencies.
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48
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Xu B, Ghossein R, Ho A, Viswanathan K, Khimraj A, Saliba M, Cracchiolo JR, Katabi N. Diagnostic discrepancy in second opinion reviews of primary epithelial neoplasms involving salivary gland: An 11-year experience from a tertiary referral center focusing on useful pathologic approaches and potential clinical impacts. Head Neck 2021; 43:2497-2509. [PMID: 33893750 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26719] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS In the era of precision medicine, accurate pathologic diagnoses are crucial for appropriate management. METHODS We herein described the histologic features and clinical impacts of 66 salivary gland epithelial neoplasms in which the diagnosis was altered after expert review. RESULTS The most common revised diagnosis was that of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC, n = 12), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 12), and myoepithelial carcinoma (n = 10). The most common initial diagnosis was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 19) with SDC being the most common revised diagnosis (7/19). Thirteen salivary gland carcinomas were initially diagnosed as benign entities, whereas five benign tumors were initially interpreted as carcinoma. The change in diagnosis was considered to be clinically significant in 65 (97%) cases. CONCLUSIONS Given their rarity, salivary gland neoplasms are prone to diagnostic inaccuracy and discrepancy. A constellation of histologic features and ancillary studies are useful in reaching the correct diagnosis, which can have significant clinical impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan Ho
- Department of Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kartik Viswanathan
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anjanie Khimraj
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maelle Saliba
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cracchiolo
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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49
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Hung YP, Chen AL, Taylor MS, Huynh TG, Kem M, Selig MK, Nielsen GP, Lennerz JK, Azzoli CG, Dagogo-Jack I, Kradin RL, Mino-Kenudson M. Thoracic nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma: expanded pathological spectrum with expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 and neuroendocrine markers. Histopathology 2021; 78:896-904. [PMID: 33231320 DOI: 10.1111/his.14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma, an aggressive tumour driven by NUTM1 rearrangements, often involves the lung/mediastinum and shows squamous differentiation. We encountered an index patient with a thoracic NUT carcinoma diagnosed by molecular testing, showing extensive pleural involvement and diffuse thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression, initially suggestive of lung adenocarcinoma with pseudomesotheliomatous growth. We thus gathered an institutional series of thoracic NUT carcinomas to examine their pathological spectrum. METHODS AND RESULTS We searched for thoracic NUT carcinomas in our surgical pathology files and in 2289 consecutive patients with primary thoracic tumours investigated with RNA-based assays. We performed NUT immunohistochemistry on 425 additional lung adenocarcinomas. Collectively, we identified six patients (five men and one woman; age 31-80 years; four never-smokers) with thoracic NUT carcinomas confirmed by molecular testing (including five with positive NUT immunohistochemistry). They died at 2.3-12.9 months (median, 2.8 months) after presentation. Two patients were diagnosed by histopathological assessment, and the remaining four (including the index patient) were diagnosed by molecular testing. Analysis of the index case revealed expression of multiple neuroendocrine markers and TTF-1; no ultrastructural evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation was noted. No additional NUT-positive cases were found by immunohistochemical screening. CONCLUSIONS Although NUT carcinoma classically shows squamous differentiation, it can rarely express TTF-1 (even diffusely) and/or multiple neuroendocrine markers. This immunophenotypic spectrum may lead to diagnostic confusion with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumour, and others. To circumvent this pitfall, NUT immunohistochemistry and/or NUTM1 molecular testing should be considered in primitive-appearing tumours, regardless of their immunophenotypic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin P Hung
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Athena L Chen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin S Taylor
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany G Huynh
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marina Kem
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin K Selig
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher G Azzoli
- Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ibiayi Dagogo-Jack
- Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard L Kradin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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A noncanonical AR addiction drives enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1521. [PMID: 33750801 PMCID: PMC7943793 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to next-generation anti-androgen enzalutamide (ENZ) constitutes a major challenge for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). By performing genome-wide ChIP-seq profiling in ENZ-resistant CRPC cells we identify a set of androgen receptor (AR) binding sites with increased AR binding intensity (ARBS-gained). While ARBS-gained loci lack the canonical androgen response elements (ARE) and pioneer factor FOXA1 binding motifs, they are highly enriched with CpG islands and the binding sites of unmethylated CpG dinucleotide-binding protein CXXC5 and the partner TET2. RNA-seq analysis reveals that both CXXC5 and its regulated genes including ID1 are upregulated in ENZ-resistant cell lines and these results are further confirmed in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and patient specimens. Consistent with the finding that ARBS-gained loci are highly enriched with H3K27ac modification, ENZ-resistant PCa cells, organoids, xenografts and PDXs are hyper-sensitive to NEO2734, a dual inhibitor of BET and CBP/p300 proteins. These results not only reveal a noncanonical AR function in acquisition of ENZ resistance, but also posit a treatment strategy to target this vulnerability in ENZ-resistant CRPC. Resistance to second generation anti-androgen therapies such as enzalutamide (ENZ) can emerge in prostate cancer patients. Here, the authors identify an ENZ-resistant mechanism driven by AR-dependent transcription of noncanonical targets that make resistant cells susceptible to dual inhibition of BET and CBP/p300 signaling.
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