1
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Zimmerman SM, Suh E, Smith SR, Souroullas GP. Stat3-mediated Atg7 expression enhances anti-tumor immunity in melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598284. [PMID: 38915518 PMCID: PMC11195126 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications to DNA and chromatin control oncogenic and tumor suppressive mechanisms in melanoma. EZH2, the catalytic component of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which mediates methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3), can regulate both melanoma initiation and progression. We previously found that mutant Ezh2 Y641F interacts with the immune regulator Stat3 and together they affect anti-tumor immunity. However, given the numerous downstream targets and pathways affected by EZH2, many mechanisms that determine its oncogenic activity remain largely unexplored. Using genetically engineered mouse models we further investigated the role of pathways downstream of EZH2 in melanoma carcinogenesis and identified significant enrichment in several autophagy signatures, along with increased expression of autophagy regulators, such as Atg7. In this study, we investigated the effect of Atg7 on melanoma growth and tumor immunity within the context of an Ezh2 Y641F epigenetic state. We found that expression of Atg7 is largely dependent on Stat3 expression and that deletion of Atg7 slows down melanoma cell growth in vivo, but not in vitro. Atg7 deletion also results in increased CD8+ T cells and reduced myelosuppressive cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting a strong immune system contribution in the role of Atg7 in melanoma progression. These findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic mutations, epigenetic regulators, and autophagy in shaping tumor immunity in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Zimmerman
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Erin Suh
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Sofia R. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - George P. Souroullas
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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2
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Cai J, You H, Qin X, Wang Y, Li W. Design, synthesis and activity evaluation of quinolinone derivatives as EZH2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 105:129726. [PMID: 38580135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is the core catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2, which catalyzes lysine 27 methylation of histone H3. Herein, a series of quinolinone derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the structure of Tazemetostat as the lead compound. Compound 9l (EZH2WT IC50 = 0.94 nM) showed stronger antiproliferative activity in HeLa cells than the lead compound. Moreover, compound 9e (EZH2WT IC50 = 1.01 nM) significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China.
| | - Haoyuan You
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Xintong Qin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
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3
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Kaur P, Shankar E, Gupta S. EZH2-mediated development of therapeutic resistance in cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216706. [PMID: 38331087 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) regulates gene expression and plays a definite role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Overexpression of EZH2 has been found in various human malignancies, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, and is associated with increased metastasis and poor prognosis. EZH2 catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) as a canonical role in a PRC2-dependent manner. This mechanism silences various tumor suppressor genes through EZH2-mediated histone lysine methyltransferase activity. As a non-canonical role, EZH2 partners with other signaling molecules to undergo post-translational modification to orchestrate its function as a co-activator playing a critical role in cancer progression. Dysregulation of EZH2 has also been associated with therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Given the role of EZH2 in promoting carcinogenesis and therapy resistance, both canonical and non-canonical EZH2 inhibitors have been used to combat multiple cancer types. Moreover, combining EZH2 inhibitors with other therapeutic modalities have shown to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and overcome potential resistance mechanisms in these cancerous cells. Therefore, targeting EZH2 through canonical and non-canonical modes appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Kaur
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA.
| | - Eswar Shankar
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Division of General Medical Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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4
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Zhang M, Wu K, Zhang W, Lin X, Cao Q, Zhang L, Chen K. The therapeutic potential of targeting the CHD protein family in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108610. [PMID: 38367868 PMCID: PMC10942663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic events undergo deregulation in various cancer types, playing crucial roles in tumor development. Among the epigenetic factors involved in the epigenetic remodeling of chromatin, the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) family frequently exhibits gain- or loss-of-function mutations in distinct cancer types. Therefore, targeting CHD remodelers holds the potential for antitumor treatment. In this review, we discuss epigenetic regulations of cancer development. We emphasize proteins in the CHD family, delving deeply into the intricate mechanisms governing their functions. Additionally, we provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies targeting CHD family members in preclinical trials. We further discuss the promising approaches that have demonstrated early signs of success in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Kaiyuan Wu
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Urology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lili Zhang
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Prostate Cancer Program, Dana-Farber and Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Prostate Cancer Program, Dana-Farber and Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Zhang Q, Shi Y, Liu S, Yang W, Chen H, Guo N, Sun W, Zhao Y, Ren Y, Ren Y, Jia L, Yang J, Yun Y, Chen G, Wang L, Wu C. EZH2/G9a interact to mediate drug resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer by regulating the SMAD4/ERK/c-Myc signaling axis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113714. [PMID: 38306271 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113714] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is the leading problem in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. The contribution of histone methylation in mediating malignant phenotypes of NSCLC is well known. However, the role of histone methylation in NSCLC drug-resistance mechanisms remains unclear. Here, our data show that EZH2 and G9a, two histone methyltransferases, are involved in the drug resistance of NSCLC. Gene manipulation results indicate that the combination of EZH2 and G9a promotes tumor growth and mediates drug resistance in a complementary manner. Importantly, clinical study demonstrates that co-expression of both enzymes predicts a poor outcome in patients with NSCLC. Mechanistically, G9a and EZH2 interact and promote the silencing of the tumor-suppressor gene SMAD4, activating the ERK/c-Myc signaling pathway. Finally, SU08, a compound targeting both EZH2 and G9a, is demonstrated to sensitize resistant cells to therapeutic drugs by regulating the SMAD4/ERK/c-Myc signaling axis. These findings uncover the resistance mechanism and a strategy for reversing NSCLC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yajie Shi
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weiming Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Huiping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wanyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yongshan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yuxiang Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yong Ren
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of People's Liberation Army, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lina Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yi Yun
- Biobank Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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6
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Sharma S, Wang SA, Yang WB, Lin HY, Lai MJ, Chen HC, Kao TY, Hsu FL, Nepali K, Hsu TI, Liou JP. First-in-Class Dual EZH2-HSP90 Inhibitor Eliciting Striking Antiglioblastoma Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2963-2985. [PMID: 38285511 PMCID: PMC10895674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Structural analysis of tazemetostat, an FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor, led us to pinpoint a suitable site for appendage with a pharmacophoric fragment of second-generation HSP90 inhibitors. Resultantly, a magnificent dual EZH2/HSP90 inhibitor was pinpointed that exerted striking cell growth inhibitory efficacy against TMZ-resistant Glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. Exhaustive explorations of chemical probe 7 led to several revelations such as (i) compound 7 increased apoptosis/necrosis-related gene expression, whereas decreased M phase/kinetochore/spindle-related gene expression as well as CENPs protein expression in Pt3R cells; (ii) dual inhibitor 7 induced cell cycle arrest at the M phase; (iii) compound 7 suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) catabolism pathway, causing the death of TMZ-resistant GBM cells; and (iv) compound 7 elicited substantial in vivo anti-GBM efficacy in experimental mice xenografted with TMZ-resistant Pt3R cells. Collectively, the study results confirm the potential of dual EZH2-HSP90 inhibitor 7 as a tractable anti-GBM agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sharma
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School
of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Yang
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Lin
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jung Lai
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chung Chen
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department
of Neurosurgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yuan Kao
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Lin Hsu
- School
of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-I Hsu
- TMU
Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research
Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International
Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science
and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110 Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School
of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei
Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU
Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110 Taiwan
- Ph.D.
Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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7
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Zhang Y, Liu F, Zheng J, Jiang K, Ai H, Liu L, Mao D. MAPRE3 as an epigenetic target of EZH2 restricts ovarian cancer proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Exp Cell Res 2024; 435:113913. [PMID: 38199479 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal gynecologic cancer and the common cause of death within women worldwide. The polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase highly expressed in various tumors, including OC. However, the mechanistic basis of EZH2 oncogenic activity in OC remain incompletely understood. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of MAPRE3 was lower in OC tissues than in normal tissues, and was positively correlated with the overall survival. MAPRE3 overexpression decreased cell growth, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in OC cells, whereas MAPRE3 silencing promoted proliferation and accelerated cell cycle progression of OC cells. The in vivo study validated that overexpression of MAPRE3 impeded tumor formation and growth of OC xenografts in nude mice. In addition, knockdown of EZH2 in OC cells downregulated H3K27me3 expression and increased MAPRE3 expression. Inhibiting EZH2 in OC cells reduced the enrichment of H3K27me3 on the promoter of MAPRE3. Furthermore, MAPRE3 silencing significantly reversed changes in the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related markers and cell growth mediated by EZH2 knockdown in OC cells. MAPRE3 functions as a suppressor of OC and is epigenetic repressed by EZH2, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for OC by targeting EZH2/MAPRE3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Fanglin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Jindan Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Keping Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Hao Ai
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Dong Mao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
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8
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Saggese P, Pandey A, Alcaraz M, Fung E, Hall A, Yanagawa J, Rodriguez EF, Grogan TR, Giurato G, Nassa G, Salvati A, Shirihai OS, Weisz A, Dubinett SM, Scafoglio C. Glucose Deprivation Promotes Pseudohypoxia and Dedifferentiation in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2024; 84:305-327. [PMID: 37934116 PMCID: PMC10790128 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Increased utilization of glucose is a hallmark of cancer. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) is a critical player in glucose uptake in early-stage and well-differentiated lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SGLT2 inhibitors, which are FDA approved for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease, have been shown to significantly delay LUAD development and prolong survival in murine models and in retrospective studies in diabetic patients, suggesting that they may be repurposed for lung cancer. Despite the antitumor effects of SGLT2 inhibition, tumors eventually escape treatment. Here, we studied the mechanisms of resistance to glucose metabolism-targeting treatments. Glucose restriction in LUAD and other tumors induced cancer cell dedifferentiation, leading to a more aggressive phenotype. Glucose deprivation caused a reduction in alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG), leading to attenuated activity of αKG-dependent histone demethylases and histone hypermethylation. The dedifferentiated phenotype depended on unbalanced EZH2 activity that suppressed prolyl-hydroxylase PHD3 and increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Finally, a HIF1α-dependent transcriptional signature of genes upregulated by low glucose correlated with prognosis in human LUAD. Overall, this study furthers current knowledge of the relationship between glucose metabolism and cell differentiation in cancer, characterizing the epigenetic adaptation of cancer cells to glucose deprivation and identifying targets to prevent the development of resistance to therapies targeting glucose metabolism. SIGNIFICANCE Epigenetic adaptation allows cancer cells to overcome the tumor-suppressive effects of glucose restriction by inducing dedifferentiation and an aggressive phenotype, which could help design better metabolic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Saggese
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aparamita Pandey
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Martín Alcaraz
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eileen Fung
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abbie Hall
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jane Yanagawa
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erika F. Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tristan R. Grogan
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana,’ University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana,’ University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana,’ University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Onco-Hematology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona,” University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Orian S. Shirihai
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana,’ University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Onco-Hematology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona,” University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Steven M. Dubinett
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Claudio Scafoglio
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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9
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Ju J, Zhang H, Guan S, Liu C, Du J, Shen X, Wang S. Insight into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Embryonic Ectoderm Development Subunit by Triazolopyrimidine Derivatives as Inhibitors through Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2023; 28:7997. [PMID: 38138487 PMCID: PMC10745707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28247997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) subunit in Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) can inhibit tumor growth. In this paper, we selected six experimentally designed EED competitive Inhibitors of the triazolopyrimidine derivatives class. We investigated the difference in the binding mode of the natural substrate to the Inhibitors and the effects of differences in the parent nuclei, heads, and tails of the Inhibitors on the inhibitory capacity. The results showed that the binding free energy of this class of Inhibitors was close to or lower compared to the natural substrate, providing an energetic basis for competitive inhibition. For the Inhibitors, the presence of a strong negatively charged group at the 6-position of the parent nucleus or the 8'-position of the head would make the hydrogen atom on the head imino group prone to flip, resulting in the vertical movement of the parent nucleus, which significantly decreased the inhibitory ability. When the 6-position of the parent nucleus was a nonpolar group, the parent nucleus would move horizontally, slightly decreasing the inhibitory ability. When the 8'-position of the head was methylene, it formed an intramolecular hydrophobic interaction with the benzene ring on the tail, resulting in a significant increase in inhibition ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Ju
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Shanshan Guan
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun 130052, China;
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition at Universities of Jilin Province, Changchun 130052, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Song Wang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
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10
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Gao M, Li Y, Cao P, Liu H, Chen J, Kang S. Exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting polycomb repressive complex 2 in lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216289. [PMID: 37909018 PMCID: PMC10613995 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216289] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of lung cancer (LC) is a multifaceted process that is influenced by a variety of factors. Alongside genetic mutations and environmental influences, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the development and progression of LC. The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), composed of EZH1/2, SUZ12, and EED, is an epigenetic silencer that controls the expression of target genes and is crucial for cell identity in multicellular organisms. Abnormal expression of PRC2 has been shown to contribute to the progression of LC through several pathways. Although targeted inhibition of EZH2 has demonstrated potential in delaying the progression of LC and improving chemotherapy sensitivity, the effectiveness of enzymatic inhibitors of PRC2 in LC is limited, and a more comprehensive understanding of PRC2's role is necessary. This paper reviews the core subunits of PRC2 and their interactions, and outlines the mechanisms of aberrant PRC2 expression in cancer and its role in tumor immunity. We also summarize the important role of PRC2 in regulating biological behaviors such as epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasive metastasis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, autophagy, and PRC2-mediated resistance to LC chemotherapeutic agents in LC cells. Lastly, we explored the latest breakthroughs in the research and evaluation of medications that target PRC2, as well as the latest findings from clinical studies investigating the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, First Clinical Medical College, Hohhot, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peijun Cao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shirong Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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11
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Yu F, Li L, Zhang M, Sun S. Phosphorylation of EZH2 differs HER2-positive breast cancer invasiveness in a site-specific manner. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:948. [PMID: 37803297 PMCID: PMC10557267 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) invasiveness and drug-resistance issue is the critical treatment obstacle recently. We investigated the total and phosphorylated status EZH2 expression in database and BC tissue microarray. We demonstrated for the first time that EZH2 is distributed both in cytoplasm and nucleus of breast cancer cells in a phosphorylation site-specific manner. High expressed-EZH2 cases more frequently had an advanced clinical stage (lymph node metastasis) and aggressive features than EZH2-low cases, potentially indicating the high risk of HER2-positive BC (p < 0.05). Notably, highly expressed phosphorylated EZH2 is differently located in cytoplasm or nucleus in a site-specific manner in breast cancer cells. Nucleus-located pEZH2-S21 is expressed in invasive and lymph node metastatic HER2-positive BC cases (p = 0.144, p = 0.001). Cytoplasmic pEZH2-T487 is correlated with HER2 positive status (p = 0.014).In conclusion, high expression of nucleus-located EZH2 might be a predictor of invasive BC. Activation of phosphorylated EZH2-S21 site in nucleus would be a potential predictor of HER2-positve BC and poor efficacy of HER2-target therapy. These results point to a PRC2-independent non-epigenetic mechanism and therapeutic strategy of EZH2 in HER2-positive BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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12
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Liu X, Tian F, Cui J, Gong L, Xiang L, Fan B, Liu S, Zhan J, Zhou Y, Jiang B, Wang M, Sun G, Gong Y, Zou Y. CUL4B functions as a tumor suppressor in KRAS-driven lung tumors by inhibiting the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:3113-3126. [PMID: 37653114 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. KRAS mutations are the most common oncogenic alterations found in lung cancer. Unfortunately, treating KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) remains a major oncotherapeutic challenge. Here, we used both autochthonous and transplantable KRAS-mutant tumor models to investigate the role of tumor-derived CUL4B in KRAS-driven lung cancers. We showed that knockout or knockdown of CUL4B promotes lung ADC growth and progression in both models. Mechanistically, CUL4B directly binds to the promoter of Cxcl2 and epigenetically represses its transcription. CUL4B deletion increases the expression of CXCL2, which binds to CXCR2 on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and promotes their migration to the tumor microenvironment. Targeting of MDSCs significantly delayed the growth of CUL4B knockdown KRAS-mutant tumors. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic insights into the novel tumor suppressor-like functions of CUL4B in regulating KRAS-driven lung tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianfeng Cui
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Xiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bowen Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuangteng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiafeng Zhan
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yadi Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Molin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Gongping Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yongxin Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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13
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Zimmerman SM, Lin PN, Souroullas GP. Non-canonical functions of EZH2 in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1233953. [PMID: 37664059 PMCID: PMC10473085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1233953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in chromatin modifying genes frequently occur in many kinds of cancer. Most mechanistic studies focus on their canonical functions, while therapeutic approaches target their enzymatic activity. Recent studies, however, demonstrate that non-canonical functions of chromatin modifiers may be equally important and therapeutically actionable in different types of cancer. One epigenetic regulator that demonstrates such a dual role in cancer is the histone methyltransferase EZH2. EZH2 is a core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a crucial role in cell identity, differentiation, proliferation, stemness and plasticity. While much of the regulatory functions and oncogenic activity of EZH2 have been attributed to its canonical, enzymatic activity of methylating lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3), a repressive chromatin mark, recent studies suggest that non-canonical functions that are independent of H3K27me3 also contribute towards the oncogenic activity of EZH2. Contrary to PRC2's canonical repressive activity, mediated by H3K27me3, outside of the complex EZH2 can directly interact with transcription factors and oncogenes to activate gene expression. A more focused investigation into these non-canonical interactions of EZH2 and other epigenetic/chromatin regulators may uncover new and more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize major findings on the non-canonical functions of EZH2 and how they are related to different aspects of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Zimmerman
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Phyo Nay Lin
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - George P. Souroullas
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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14
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Sterling J, Baker JR, McCluskey A, Munoz L. Systematic literature review reveals suboptimal use of chemical probes in cell-based biomedical research. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3228. [PMID: 37270653 PMCID: PMC10239480 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38952-1] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical probes have reached a prominent role in biomedical research, but their impact is governed by experimental design. To gain insight into the use of chemical probes, we conducted a systematic review of 662 publications, understood here as primary research articles, employing eight different chemical probes in cell-based research. We summarised (i) concentration(s) at which chemical probes were used in cell-based assays, (ii) inclusion of structurally matched target-inactive control compounds and (iii) orthogonal chemical probes. Here, we show that only 4% of analysed eligible publications used chemical probes within the recommended concentration range and included inactive compounds as well as orthogonal chemical probes. These findings indicate that the best practice with chemical probes is yet to be implemented in biomedical research. To achieve this, we propose 'the rule of two': At least two chemical probes (either orthogonal target-engaging probes, and/or a pair of a chemical probe and matched target-inactive compound) to be employed at recommended concentrations in every study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayden Sterling
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Baker
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lenka Munoz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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15
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Yang X, Xu L, Yang L. Recent advances in EZH2-based dual inhibitors in the treatment of cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115461. [PMID: 37156182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein is the catalytic subunit of one of the histone methyltransferases. EZH2 catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) and further alters downstream target levels. EZH2 is upregulated in cancer tissues, wherein its levels correlate strongly with cancer genesis, progression, metastasis, and invasion. Consequently, it has emerged as a novel anticancer therapeutic target. Nonetheless, developing EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) has encountered numerous difficulties, such as pre-clinical drug resistance and poor therapeutic effect. The EZH2i synergistically suppresses cancers when used in combination with additional antitumor drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, BRD4 inhibitors, EZH1 inhibitors, and EHMT2 inhibitors. Typically, the use of dual inhibitors of two different targets mediated by one individual molecule has been recognized as the preferred approach for overcoming the limitations of EZH2 monotherapy. The present review discusses the theoretical basis for designing EZH2-based dual-target inhibitors, and also describes some in vitro and in vivo analysis results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Lu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
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16
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Saggese P, Pandey A, Fung E, Hall A, Yanagawa J, Rodriguez EF, Grogan TR, Giurato G, Nassa G, Salvati A, Weisz A, Dubinett SM, Scafoglio C. Glucose deprivation promotes pseudo-hypoxia and de-differentiation in lung adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526207. [PMID: 36778362 PMCID: PMC9915520 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Increased utilization of glucose is a hallmark of cancer. Several studies are investigating the efficacy of glucose restriction by glucose transporter blockade or glycolysis inhibition. However, the adaptations of cancer cells to glucose restriction are unknown. Here, we report the discovery that glucose restriction in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) induces cancer cell de-differentiation, leading to a more aggressive phenotype. Glucose deprivation causes a reduction in alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG), leading to attenuated activity of αKG-dependent histone demethylases and histone hypermethylation. We further show that this de-differentiated phenotype depends on unbalanced EZH2 activity, causing inhibition of prolyl-hydroxylase PHD3 and increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), triggering epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Finally, we identified an HIF1α-dependent transcriptional signature with prognostic significance in human LUAD. Our studies further current knowledge of the relationship between glucose metabolism and cell differentiation in cancer, characterizing the epigenetic adaptation of cancer cells to glucose deprivation and identifying novel targets to prevent the development of resistance to therapies targeting glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Saggese
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aparamita Pandey
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eileen Fung
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abbie Hall
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane Yanagawa
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erika F. Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tristan R. Grogan
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Onco-Hematology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Onco-Hematology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Steven M. Dubinett
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudio Scafoglio
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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17
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Chen F, Byrd AL, Liu J, Flight RM, DuCote TJ, Naughton KJ, Song X, Edgin AR, Lukyanchuk A, Dixon DT, Gosser CM, Esoe DP, Jayswal RD, Orkin SH, Moseley HNB, Wang C, Brainson CF. Polycomb deficiency drives a FOXP2-high aggressive state targetable by epigenetic inhibitors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:336. [PMID: 36670102 PMCID: PMC9859827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35784-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) histone methyltransferase EZH2 are approved for certain cancers, but realizing their wider utility relies upon understanding PRC2 biology in each cancer system. Using a genetic model to delete Ezh2 in KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinomas, we observed that Ezh2 haplo-insufficient tumors were less lethal and lower grade than Ezh2 fully-insufficient tumors, which were poorly differentiated and metastatic. Using three-dimensional cultures and in vivo experiments, we determined that EZH2-deficient tumors were vulnerable to H3K27 demethylase or BET inhibitors. PRC2 loss/inhibition led to de-repression of FOXP2, a transcription factor that promotes migration and stemness, and FOXP2 could be suppressed by BET inhibition. Poorly differentiated human lung cancers were enriched for an H3K27me3-low state, representing a subtype that may benefit from BET inhibition as a single therapy or combined with additional EZH2 inhibition. These data highlight diverse roles of PRC2 in KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinomas, and demonstrate the utility of three-dimensional cultures for exploring epigenetic drug sensitivities for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Chen
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Aria L Byrd
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Robert M Flight
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Tanner J DuCote
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Kassandra J Naughton
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Xiulong Song
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Abigail R Edgin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Alexsandr Lukyanchuk
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Danielle T Dixon
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christian M Gosser
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Dave-Preston Esoe
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Rani D Jayswal
- Markey Cancer Center Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hunter N B Moseley
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christine Fillmore Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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18
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Multiomics characteristics and immunotherapeutic potential of EZH2 in pan-cancer. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232355. [PMID: 36545914 PMCID: PMC9842950 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222230] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a significant epigenetic regulator that plays a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. However, the multiomics features and immunological effects of EZH2 in pan-cancer remain unclear. Transcriptome and clinical raw data of pan-cancer samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and subsequent data analyses were conducted by using R software (version 4.1.0). Furthermore, numerous bioinformatics analysis databases also reapplied to comprehensively explore and elucidate the oncogenic mechanism and therapeutic potential of EZH2 from pan-cancer insight. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assays were performed to verify the differential expression of EZH2 gene in various cancers at the mRNA and protein levels. EZH2 was widely expressed in multiple normal and tumor tissues, predominantly located in the nucleoplasm. Compared with matched normal tissues, EZH2 was aberrantly expressed in most cancers either at the mRNA or protein level, which might be caused by genetic mutations, DNA methylation, and protein phosphorylation. Additionally, EZH2 expression was correlated with clinical prognosis, and its up-regulation usually indicated poor survival outcomes in cancer patients. Subsequent analysis revealed that EZH2 could promote tumor immune evasion through T-cell dysfunction and T-cell exclusion. Furthermore, expression of EZH2 exhibited a strong correlation with several immunotherapy-associated responses (i.e., immune checkpoint molecules, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR) status, and neoantigens), suggesting that EZH2 appeared to be a novel target for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy.
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19
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapies in lung squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:353. [PMID: 36198685 PMCID: PMC9535022 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not benefitted from targeted therapies. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer patients' outcomes, the relatively low response rate and severe adverse events hinder the clinical application of this promising treatment in LSCC. Therefore, it is of vital importance to have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC as well as the inner connection among different signaling pathways, which will surely provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions for LSCC. In this review, new insights were given about classical signaling pathways which have been proved in other cancer types but not in LSCC, including PI3K signaling pathway, VEGF/VEGFR signaling, and CDK4/6 pathway. Other signaling pathways which may have therapeutic potentials in LSCC were also discussed, including the FGFR1 pathway, EGFR pathway, and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Next, chromosome 3q, which harbors two key squamous differentiation markers SOX2 and TP63 is discussed as well as its related potential therapeutic targets. We also provided some progress of LSCC in epigenetic therapies and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) therapies. Subsequently, we outlined some combination strategies of ICB therapies and other targeted therapies. Finally, prospects and challenges were given related to the exploration and application of novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.
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Critical Roles of Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Transcription and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179574. [PMID: 36076977 PMCID: PMC9455514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomp group (PcG) proteins are members of highly conserved multiprotein complexes, recognized as gene transcriptional repressors during development and shown to play a role in various physiological and pathological processes. PcG proteins consist of two Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complexes 1 (PRC1), a ubiquitin ligase, and Polycomb repressive complexes 2 (PRC2), a histone methyltransferase. Traditionally, PRCs have been described to be associated with transcriptional repression of homeotic genes, as well as gene transcription activating effects. Particularly in cancer, PRCs have been found to misregulate gene expression, not only depending on the function of the whole PRCs, but also through their separate subunits. In this review, we focused especially on the recent findings in the transcriptional regulation of PRCs, the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of PcG proteins, and the research progress of inhibitors targeting PRCs.
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21
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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22
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Shin DS, Park K, Garon E, Dubinett S. Targeting EZH2 to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy in lung cancer. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:S0093-7754(22)00045-8. [PMID: 35851153 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unleashing the immune system to fight cancer has been a major breakthrough in cancer therapeutics since 2014 when anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) were approved for patients with metastatic melanoma. Therapeutic indications have rapidly expanded for many types of advanced cancer, including lung cancer. A variety of antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint are contributing to this paradigm shift. The field now confronts two salient challenges: first, to improve the therapeutic outcome given the low response rate across the histologies; second, to identify biomarkers for improved patient selection. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are underway to evaluate combinatorial treatments to improve the therapeutic outcome paired with correlative studies to identify the factors associated with response and resistance. One of the emerging strategies is to combine epigenetic modifiers with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) based on the evidence that targeting epigenetic elements can enhance anti-tumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will briefly review pleotropic biological functions of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the enzymatic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), clinical developments of oral EZH2 inhibitors, and potentially promising approaches to combine EZH2 inhibitors and PD-1 blockade for patients with advanced solid tumors, focusing on lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA.
| | - Kevin Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edward Garon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
| | - Steven Dubinett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
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23
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Huang M, Ding J, Wu X, Peng X, Wu G, Peng C, Zhang H, Mao C, Huang B. EZH2 affects malignant progression and DNA damage repair of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating RAI2 expression. Mutat Res 2022; 825:111792. [PMID: 35939884 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2022.111792] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is featured in high morbidity and mortality. Aberrant activation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 has close association with cancer progression. This research aimed to deeply dive into the role and possible molecular mechanisms of EZH2 and its downstream genes in malignant progression and DNA damage repair of LUAD cells. METHODS Expression of EZH2 in LUAD cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the effects of EZH2 on proliferation, and apoptosis of LUAD cells were examined by CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays. The downstream targets of EZH2 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Then, the targeting relationship between EZH2 and RAI2 was examined by CHIP and luciferase reporter assays. Rescue assay were used to further validate the effect of EZH2/RAI2 on the malignant progression of LUAD cells. The expression levels of EZH2, RAI2 and p53 were examined by Western blot. RESULTS Upregulation of EZH2 was identified in LUAD tissues and cells. RAI2 was a downstream target gene of EZH2, and the two were negatively correlated. Silencing EZH2 suppressed proliferation of LUAD cells, promoted expression of p53, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While silencing RAI2 could reverse the above-mentioned effects caused by EZH2 silencing. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that EZH2 promoted malignant progression and DNA damage repair of LUAD cells by targeting and negatively regulating RAI2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjiang Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jianyang Ding
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xuhui Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xuyang Peng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Gongzhi Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Congxiong Peng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Huaizhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Chaofan Mao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China.
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24
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Zaiken MC, Flynn R, Paz KG, Rhee SY, Jin S, Mohamed FA, Saha A, Thangavelu G, Park PMC, Hemming ML, Sage PT, Sharpe AH, DuPage M, Bluestone JA, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, Cutler CS, Koreth J, Antin JH, Soiffer RJ, Ritz J, Luznik L, Maillard I, Hill GR, MacDonald KPA, Munn DH, Serody JS, Murphy WJ, Kean LS, Zhang Y, Bradner JE, Qi J, Blazar BR. BET-bromodomain and EZH2 inhibitor-treated chronic GVHD mice have blunted germinal centers with distinct transcriptomes. Blood 2022; 139:2983-2997. [PMID: 35226736 PMCID: PMC9101246 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the field, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Because treatment options remain limited, we tested efficacy of anticancer, chromatin-modifying enzyme inhibitors in a clinically relevant murine model of cGVHD with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). We observed that the novel enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 each improved pulmonary function; impaired the germinal center (GC) reaction, a prerequisite in cGVHD/BO pathogenesis; and JQ5 reduced EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 in donor T cells. Using conditional EZH2 knockout donor cells, we demonstrated that EZH2 is obligatory for the initiation of cGVHD/BO. In a sclerodermatous cGVHD model, JQ5 reduced the severity of cutaneous lesions. To determine how the 2 drugs could lead to the same physiological improvements while targeting unique epigenetic processes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of splenic GCB cells (GCBs) from transplanted mice treated with either drug. Multiple inflammatory and signaling pathways enriched in cGVHD/BO GCBs were reduced by each drug. GCBs from JQ5- but not JQ1-treated mice were enriched for proproliferative pathways also seen in GCBs from bone marrow-only transplanted mice, likely reflecting their underlying biology in the unperturbed state. In conjunction with in vivo data, these insights led us to conclude that epigenetic targeting of the GC is a viable clinical approach for the treatment of cGVHD, and that the EZH2 inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 demonstrated clinical potential for EZH2i and BETi in patients with cGVHD/BO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Zaiken
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Ryan Flynn
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Katelyn G Paz
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Stephanie Y Rhee
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sujeong Jin
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Fathima A Mohamed
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Asim Saha
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Govindarajan Thangavelu
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Paul M C Park
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew L Hemming
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Peter T Sage
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School-Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School-Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Michel DuPage
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | | | - Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | | | | | - Robert J Soiffer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Leo Luznik
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kelli P A MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David H Munn
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Jonathan S Serody
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Leslie S Kean
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; and
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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25
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Xia J, Li J, Tian L, Ren X, Liu C, Liang C. Targeting Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors: Candidate Structure–Activity Relationships Insights and Evolution Prospects. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7016-7043. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xia
- Laboratory of Hematologic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Lei Tian
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519030, P. R. China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, P. R. China
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26
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Zeng J, Zhang J, Sun Y, Wang J, Ren C, Banerjee S, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Targeting EZH2 for cancer therapy: From current progress to novel strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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27
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Hu FF, Chen H, Duan Y, Lan B, Liu CJ, Hu H, Dong X, Zhang Q, Cheng YM, Liu M, Guo AY, Xuan C. CBX2 and EZH2 cooperatively promote the growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:670-684. [PMID: 35070495 PMCID: PMC8760531 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The disruption of epigenetic regulation is common in tumors; the abnormal expression of epigenetic factors leads to cancer occurrence and development. In this study, to investigate the potential function of histone methylation regulators in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we performed differential expression analysis using RNA-seq data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and identified CBX2 and EZH2 as obviously upregulated histone methylation regulators. CBX2 knockdown significantly inhibited LUAD cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The combined high expression of CBX2 and EZH2 was an indicator of poor prognosis in LUAD. The inhibition of both CBX2 and EZH2 exerted cooperative suppressive effects on the growth and metastasis of LUAD cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that CBX2 and EZH2 downregulated several PPAR signaling pathway genes and tumor suppressor genes through binding to their promoter cooperatively or separately. Furthermore, knockdown of CBX2 improved the therapeutic efficiency of EZH2 inhibitor on A549 cells. Our study reveals the cooperative oncogenic role of CBX2 and EZH2 in promoting LUAD progression, thereby providing potential targets for LUAD diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Hu
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.,Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of medicine, Wuhan University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China.,Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Hao Chen
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yang Duan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.,Clinical Laboratory, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, China
| | - Bei Lan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chun-Jie Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xu Dong
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yi-Ming Cheng
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Shandong 250014, China
| | - An-Yuan Guo
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Chenghao Xuan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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28
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A PRC2-Kdm5b axis sustains tumorigenicity of acute myeloid leukemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2122940119. [PMID: 35217626 PMCID: PMC8892512 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122940119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) with the NUP98-NSD1 or mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) rearrangement (MLL-r) share transcriptomic profiles associated with stemness-related gene signatures and display poor prognosis. The molecular underpinnings of AML aggressiveness and stemness remain far from clear. Studies with EZH2 enzymatic inhibitors show that polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is crucial for tumorigenicity in NUP98-NSD1+ AML, whereas transcriptomic analysis reveal that Kdm5b, a lysine demethylase gene carrying "bivalent" chromatin domains, is directly repressed by PRC2. While ectopic expression of Kdm5b suppressed AML growth, its depletion not only promoted tumorigenicity but also attenuated anti-AML effects of PRC2 inhibitors, demonstrating a PRC2-|Kdm5b axis for AML oncogenesis. Integrated RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), and Cleavage Under Targets & Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) profiling also showed that Kdm5b directly binds and represses AML stemness genes. The anti-AML effect of Kdm5b relies on its chromatin association and/or scaffold functions rather than its demethylase activity. Collectively, this study describes a molecular axis that involves histone modifiers (PRC2-|Kdm5b) for sustaining AML oncogenesis.
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29
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Zhao Y, Guan YY, Zhao F, Yu T, Zhang SJ, Zhang YZ, Duan YC, Zhou XL. Recent strategies targeting Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) for cancer therapy: Allosteric inhibitors, PPI inhibitors, and PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Sun S, Yu F, Xu D, Zheng H, Li M. EZH2, a prominent orchestrator of genetic and epigenetic regulation of solid tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188700. [PMID: 35217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of numerous solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance remains unknown. EZH2 orchestrates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Profound epigenetic and transcriptomic changes induced by EZH2 in tumor cells and immune cells mobilize the elements of the TME, leading to immune-suppressive activity of solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functions of EZH2 on the different components of the TME, including tumor cells, T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Several ongoing anti-tumor clinical trials using EZH2 inhibitors have also been included as translational perspectives. In conclusion, based combinational therapy to enable ICB could offer a survival benefit in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Feng Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
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31
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Xu Q, Cha Q, Qin H, Liu B, Wu X, Shi J. Identification of Master Regulators Driving Disease Progression, Relapse, and Drug Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 2:813960. [PMID: 36304306 PMCID: PMC9580914 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2022.813960] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Current treatment strategies primarily involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, determined by TNM stages, histologic types, and genetic profiles. Plenty of studies have been trying to identify robust prognostic gene expression signatures. Even for high performance signatures, they usually have few shared genes. This is not totally unexpected, since a prognostic signature is associated with patient survival and may contain no upstream regulators. Identification of master regulators driving disease progression is a vital step to understand underlying molecular mechanisms and develop new treatments. Methods: In this study, we have utilized a robust workflow to identify potential master regulators that drive poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. This workflow takes gene expression signatures that are associated with poor survival of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, EGFR-TKI resistance, and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, respectively, and identifies recurrent master regulators from seven public gene expression datasets by a regulatory network-based approach. Results: We have found that majority of the master regulators driving poor prognosis in early stage LUAD are cell-cycle related according to Gene Ontology annotation. However, they were demonstrated experimentally to promote a spectrum of processes such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Master regulators predicted from EGFR-TKI resistance signature and the EMT pathway signature are largely shared, which suggests that EMT pathway functions as a hub and interact with other pathways such as hypoxia, angiogenesis, TNF-α signaling, inflammation, TNF-β signaling, Wnt, and Notch signaling pathways. Master regulators that repress immunotherapy are enriched with MYC targets, E2F targets, oxidative phosphorylation, and mTOR signaling. Conclusion: Our study uncovered possible mechanisms underlying recurrence, resistance to targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The predicted master regulators may serve as potential therapeutic targets in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Xu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongfang Cha
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Qin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueling Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xueling Wu, ; Jiantao Shi,
| | - Jiantao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xueling Wu, ; Jiantao Shi,
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32
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April-Monn SL, Andreasi V, Schiavo Lena M, Sadowski MC, Kim-Fuchs C, Buri MC, Ketkar A, Maire R, Di Domenico A, Schrader J, Muffatti F, Doglioni C, Partelli S, Falconi M, Perren A, Marinoni I. EZH2 Inhibition as New Epigenetic Treatment Option for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (PanNENs). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13195014. [PMID: 34638497 PMCID: PMC8508156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195014] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are epigenetically driven tumors, but therapies against underlying epigenetic drivers are currently not available in the clinical practice. We aimed to investigate EZH2 (Enhancer of Zest homolog) expression in PanNEN and the impact of EZH2 inhibition in three different PanNEN preclinical models. EZH2 expression in PanNEN patient samples (n = 172) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinico-pathological data. Viability of PanNEN cell lines treated with EZH2 inhibitor (GSK126) was determined in vitro. Lentiviral transduction of shRNA targeting EZH2 was performed in QGP1 cells, and cell proliferation was measured. Rip1TAG2 mice underwent GSK126 treatment for three weeks starting from week 10 of age. Primary cells isolated from PanNEN patients (n = 6) were cultivated in 3D as islet-like tumoroids and monitored for 10 consecutive days upon GSK126 treatment. Viability was measured continuously for the whole duration of the treatment. We found that high EZH2 expression correlated with higher tumor grade (p < 0.001), presence of distant metastases (p < 0.001), and shorter disease-free survival (p < 0.001) in PanNEN patients. Inhibition of EZH2 in vitro in PanNEN cell lines and in patient-derived islet-like tumoroids reduced cell viability and impaired cell proliferation, while inhibition of EZH2 in vivo in Rip1TAG2 mice reduced tumor burden. Our results show that EZH2 is highly expressed in high-grade PanNENs, and during disease progression it may contribute to aberrations in the epigenetic cellular landscape. Targeting EZH2 may represent a valuable epigenetic treatment option for patients with PanNEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Leonhard April-Monn
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Andreasi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (S.P.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marco Schiavo Lena
- Unit of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Martin Carl Sadowski
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Corina Kim-Fuchs
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Michelle Claudine Buri
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Avanee Ketkar
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Renaud Maire
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Annunziata Di Domenico
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Jörg Schrader
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Francesca Muffatti
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (S.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Unit of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Stefano Partelli
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (S.P.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (S.P.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, University & University Hospital of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (I.M.)
| | - Ilaria Marinoni
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.L.A.-M.); (V.A.); (M.C.S.); (M.C.B.); (A.K.); (R.M.); (A.D.D.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (I.M.)
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33
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Zhang K, Fang T, Shao Y, Wu Y. TGF-β-MTA1-SMAD7-SMAD3-SOX4-EZH2 Signaling Axis Promotes Viability, Migration, Invasion and EMT of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:7087-7099. [PMID: 34531686 PMCID: PMC8439444 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s297765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but whether transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-metastasis associated 1 (MTA1)-SMAD7-SMAD3-SRY-Box Transcription Factor 4 (SOX4)-EZH2 signaling axis, in which EZH2 participates, is also involved in HCC remained unknown. Methods Data on EZH2 expression in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and its relation with prognosis of HCC patients were predicted and analyzed using online databases. Following transfection with or without TGF-β1, HCC cell viability, migration and invasion were determined with MTT, Scratch and Transwell assays. Relative expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors (N-Cadherin, Vimentin, and E-Cadherin) and TGF-β-MTA1-SMAD7-SMAD3-SOX4-EZH2 signaling axis factors (TGF-β, MTA1, SMAD7, phosphorylated-SMAD3, SOX4 and EZH2) were calculated via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Results EZH2 was upregulated in HCC, which was related to poor prognosis. Silencing EZH2 suppressed EZH2 expression and HCC cell viability, migration, and invasion, and increased E-Cadherin expression yet decreased N-Cadherin and Vimentin expression, whereas EZH2 overexpression did conversely. Also, silencing EZH2 reversed the effects of TGF-β1 on promoting viability, migration, and invasion, as well as N-Cadherin and Vimentin expressions, yet suppressing E-Cadherin expression in HCC cells. In addition, TGF-β1 promoted TGF-β, MTA1, SOX4 and EZH2 expressions and p-SMAD3/SMAD3 ratio yet suppressed SMAD7, whereas silencing EZH2 solely reversed the effects of TGF-β1 on EZH2 expression in HCC cells. Conclusion The present study provides a theoretical basis for TGF-β-MTA1-SMAD7-SMAD3-SOX4-EZH2 signaling cascade in viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells. Inhibiting these signals may represent a therapeutic pathway for the treatment of metastatic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjun Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Department, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Taishi Fang
- Hepatic Surgery Department, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajie Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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34
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Vanchin B, Sol M, Gjaltema RAF, Brinker M, Kiers B, Pereira AC, Harmsen MC, Moonen JRAJ, Krenning G. Reciprocal regulation of endothelial-mesenchymal transition by MAPK7 and EZH2 in intimal hyperplasia and coronary artery disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17764. [PMID: 34493753 PMCID: PMC8423795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97127-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a form of endothelial dysfunction wherein endothelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype and lose endothelial functions, which contributes to the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. The mitogen activated protein kinase 7 (MAPK7) inhibits EndMT and decreases the expression of the histone methyltransferase Enhancer-of-Zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), thereby maintaining endothelial quiescence. EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 that methylates lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3). It is elusive how the crosstalk between MAPK7 and EZH2 is regulated in the endothelium and if the balance between MAPK7 and EZH2 is disturbed in vascular disease. In human coronary artery disease, we assessed the expression levels of MAPK7 and EZH2 and found that with increasing intima/media thickness ratio, MAPK7 expression decreased, whereas EZH2 expression increased. In vitro, MAPK7 activation decreased EZH2 expression, whereas endothelial cells deficient of EZH2 had increased MAPK7 activity. MAPK7 activation results in increased expression of microRNA (miR)-101, a repressor of EZH2. This loss of EZH2 in turn results in the increased expression of the miR-200 family, culminating in decreased expression of the dual-specificity phosphatases 1 and 6 who may repress MAPK7 activity. Transfection of endothelial cells with miR-200 family members decreased the endothelial sensitivity to TGFβ1-induced EndMT. In endothelial cells there is reciprocity between MAPK7 signaling and EZH2 expression and disturbances in this reciprocal signaling associate with the induction of EndMT and severity of human coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byambasuren Vanchin
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Jamyan St 3, Ulaanbaatar, 14210, Mongolia
| | - Marloes Sol
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger A F Gjaltema
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marja Brinker
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Kiers
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology (LIM13), Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Eneas C. Aguiar 44, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre C Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology (LIM13), Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Eneas C. Aguiar 44, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Renier A J Moonen
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (CA40), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Krenning
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), 9713GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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35
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Tomassi S, Romanelli A, Zwergel C, Valente S, Mai A. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Modulation through the Development of EZH2-EED Interaction Inhibitors and EED Binders. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11774-11797. [PMID: 34351144 PMCID: PMC8404197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Epigenetics is nowadays
a well-accepted area of research. In the
last years, tremendous progress was made regarding molecules targeting
EZH2, directly or indirectly. Recently tazemetostat hit the market
after FDA-approval for the treatment of lymphoma. However, the impairment
of EZH2 activity by orthosteric intervention has proven to be effective
only in a limited subset of cancers. Considering the multiproteic
nature of the PRC2 complex and the marked dependence of EZH2 functions
on the other core subunits such as EED, in recent years, a new targeting
approach ascended to prominence. The possibility to cripple the function
of the PRC2 complex by interfering with its multimeric integrity fueled
the interest in developing EZH2–EED protein–protein
interaction and EED inhibitors as indirect modulators of PRC2-dependent
methyltransferase activity. In this Perspective, we aim to summarize
the latest findings regarding the development and the biological activity
of these emerging classes of PRC2 modulators from a medicinal chemist’s
viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Romanelli
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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36
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Lang X, Chen Z, Yang X, Yan Q, Xu M, Liu W, He Q, Zhang Y, Cheng W, Zhao W. Scutellarein induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer via inhibition of EZH2/FOXO1 signaling. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22870. [PMID: 34350670 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Scutellarein, a flavone found in the perennial herb Scutellaria baicalensis, has antitumorigenic activity in multiple human cancers. However, whether scutellarein can attenuate ovarian cancer (OC) is unclear. This study investigated the effects of scutellarein in OC. In vitro cell viability was assessed using MTT assay whereas proliferation was assessed using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to determine cell migration and invasion. The differential expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was measured by Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. We found that scutellarein inhibited viability, migration, invasion of A2780 and SKOV-3 cells, and reduced the expression of EZH2 in OC cells. In addition, FOXO1 was downregulated in OC tissues and cells and negatively regulated by EZH2. Also, scutellarein inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, scutellarein alleviates OC by the regulation of EZH2/FOXO1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyu Yang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Manfei Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Cheng
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxia Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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37
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Mathsyaraja H, Catchpole J, Freie B, Eastwood E, Babaeva E, Geuenich M, Cheng PF, Ayers J, Yu M, Wu N, Moorthi S, Poudel KR, Koehne A, Grady W, Houghton AM, Berger AH, Shiio Y, MacPherson D, Eisenman RN. Loss of MGA repression mediated by an atypical polycomb complex promotes tumor progression and invasiveness. eLife 2021; 10:e64212. [PMID: 34236315 PMCID: PMC8266391 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MGA, a transcription factor and member of the MYC network, is mutated or deleted in a broad spectrum of malignancies. As a critical test of a tumor suppressive role, we inactivated Mga in two mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer using a CRISPR-based approach. MGA loss significantly accelerated tumor growth in both models and led to de-repression of non-canonical Polycomb ncPRC1.6 targets, including genes involved in metastasis and meiosis. Moreover, MGA deletion in human lung adenocarcinoma lines augmented invasive capabilities. We further show that MGA-MAX, E2F6, and L3MBTL2 co-occupy thousands of promoters and that MGA stabilizes these ncPRC1.6 subunits. Lastly, we report that MGA loss also induces a pro-growth effect in human colon organoids. Our studies establish MGA as a bona fide tumor suppressor in vivo and suggest a tumor suppressive mechanism in adenocarcinomas resulting from widespread transcriptional attenuation of MYC and E2F target genes mediated by MGA-MAX associated with a non-canonical Polycomb complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritha Mathsyaraja
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Jonathen Catchpole
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Emily Eastwood
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Ekaterina Babaeva
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Michael Geuenich
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Pei Feng Cheng
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Jessica Ayers
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Ming Yu
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Nan Wu
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Sitapriya Moorthi
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Kumud R Poudel
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Amanda Koehne
- Comparative Pathology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - William Grady
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Alice H Berger
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Yuzuru Shiio
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science CenterSan AntonioUnited States
| | - David MacPherson
- Human Biology and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
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38
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Yao Y, Liu Y, Jin F, Meng Z. LINC00662 Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Growth and Metastasis through miR-144-3p/EZH2 Axis. Yonsei Med J 2021; 62:640-649. [PMID: 34164962 PMCID: PMC8236341 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.7.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is identified as an important regulator involved in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the functional role and underlying mechanism of LINC00662 in OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression levels of LINC00662, miR-144-3p, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) mRNA were quantified with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Western blot analysis was used to assay the expression levels of E-cadherin, Vimentin, and EZH2. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were monitored by cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were employed to verify the regulatory relationship between LINC00662 and miR-144-3p. RESULTS The expression of LINC00662, positively associated with the increased TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of the patients, was up-regulated in OSCC tissues and cells. The overexpression of LINC00662 facilitated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. MiR-144-3p could bind to LINC00662, and the promoting effect of LINC00662 overexpression was counteracted by miR-144-3p mimic. Moreover, EZH2 expression was negatively regulated by miR-144-3p and positively regulated by LINC00662. The silencing of EZH2 attenuated the promoting effects of overexpression of LINC00662 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION LINC00662, as an oncogenic lncRNA of OSCC, accelerates OSCC progression by repressing miR-144-3p expression and increasing EZH2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Yao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Medical College, Linyi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Dongping County People's Hospital, Dongping, China
| | - Fengqin Jin
- Department of Stomatology, Tianqiao People's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaohua Meng
- Department of Stomatology, Dongping Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Dongping, China.
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Abstract
The epigenetic landscape, which in part includes DNA methylation, chromatin organization, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA regulation, greatly contributes to the heterogeneity that makes developing effective therapies for lung cancer challenging. This review will provide an overview of the epigenetic alterations that have been implicated in all aspects of cancer pathogenesis and progression as well as summarize clinical applications for targeting epigenetics in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Chao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Chad V Pecot
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
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40
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Alternative splicing perturbation landscape identifies RNA binding proteins as potential therapeutic targets in cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:792-806. [PMID: 33996260 PMCID: PMC8099609 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in gene regulation, and AS perturbations are frequently observed in cancer. RNA binding protein (RBP) is one of the molecular determinants of AS, and perturbations in RBP-gene network activity are causally associated with cancer development. Here, we performed a systematic analysis to characterize the perturbations in AS events across 18 cancer types. We showed that AS alterations were prevalent in cancer and involved in cancer-related pathways. Given that the extent of AS perturbation was associated with disease severity, we proposed a computational pipeline to identify RBP regulators. Pan-cancer analysis identified a number of conserved RBP regulators, which play important roles in regulating AS of genes involved in cancer hallmark pathways. Our application analysis revealed that the expression of 68 RBP regulators helped in cancer subtyping. Specifically, we identified four subtypes of kidney cancer with differences in cancer hallmark pathway activities and prognosis. Finally, we identified the small molecules that can potentially target the RBP genes and suggested potential candidates for cancer therapy. In summary, our comprehensive AS perturbation landscape analysis identified RBPs as potential therapeutic targets in cancer and provided novel insights into the regulatory functions of RBPs in cancer.
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41
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Zheng Y, Hu J, Li Y, Hao R, Qi Y. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of circRNAs in lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25415. [PMID: 33832139 PMCID: PMC8036086 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate multiple pathways during lung cancer pathogenesis. Apart from functional significance, many circRNAs have been shown to be associated with clinicopathological characteristics and predict lung cancer prognosis. Our aim is to summarize the expanding knowledge of clinical roles of circRNAs in lung cancer. METHODS A thorough search of literature was conducted to identify articles about the correlation between circRNA expression and its prognostic and clinicopathological values. Biological mechanisms were summarized. RESULTS This study included 35 original articles and 32 circRNAs with prognostic roles for lung cancer. Increased expression of 25 circRNAs and decreased expression of 7 circRNAs predicted poor prognosis. For non-small cell lung cancer, changes of circRNAs were correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and differentiation, indicating the major function of circRNAs is to promote lung cancer invasion and migration. Particularly, meta-analysis of ciRS-7, hsa_circ_0020123, hsa_circ_0067934 showed increase of the 3 circRNAs was associated with positive lymph node metastasis. Increase of ciRS-7 and hsa_circ_0067934 was also related with advanced TNM stage. The biological effects depend on the general function of circRNA as microRNA sponge. CONCLUSIONS CircRNAs have the potential to function as prognostic markers and are associated with lung cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zheng
- School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Morning Star Academic Cooperation, Shanghai
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Science and Technology, Hebei Medical University
| | - Yishuai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei Provincial Chest Hospital
| | - Ran Hao
- School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei
- Morning Star Academic Cooperation, Shanghai
| | - Yixin Qi
- Department of Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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42
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Huang J, Gou H, Yao J, Yi K, Jin Z, Matsuoka M, Zhao T. The noncanonical role of EZH2 in cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1376-1382. [PMID: 33615636 PMCID: PMC8019201 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Dysregulation of EZH2 causes alteration of gene expression and functions, thereby promoting cancer development. The regulatory function of EZH2 varies across different tumor types. The canonical role of EZH2 is gene silencing through catalyzing the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) in a PRC2-dependent manner. Accumulating evidence indicates that EZH2 has an H3K27me3-independent function as a transcriptional coactivator and plays a critical role in cancer initiation, development, and progression. In this review, we summarize the regulation and function of EZH2 and focus on the current understanding of the noncanonical role of EZH2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Huang
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Hongwei Gou
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Jia Yao
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Kaining Yi
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Zhigang Jin
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious DiseaseGraduate School of Medical SciencesFaculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Laboratory of Virus ControlInstitute for Frontier Life and Medical SciencesKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Tiejun Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Life SciencesZhejiang Normal UniversityJinhuaChina
- Laboratory of Virus ControlInstitute for Frontier Life and Medical SciencesKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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43
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Liu Z, Xu W, Tan X, Li C. EZH2-mediated epigenetic suppression of SH3BGRL potently inhibits lung cancer progression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 548:53-59. [PMID: 33631674 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of cancer cells with self-renewal, therapeutic resistance, and tumor relapse capability. Yet the molecular mechanisms underlying lung CSCs self-renewal remain largely unknown. Here, we report that SH3BGRL were down-regulated in lung cancer tissues comparing with normal lung tissues and SH3BGRL low expression was correlated with the poor clinical outcomes of patients with lung cancer. Moreover, SH3BGRL was also weakly expressed in lung CSCs compared with its corresponding lung cancer cells. We first characterize that EZH2 directly binds to SH3BGRL promoter and transcriptional represses SH3BGRL expression in epigenetic level. Functionally, overexpression of SH3BGRL potently suppresses Lung CSCs self-renewal in vitro. The gain of function study reveals that SH3BGRL acts as a novel tumor suppressor via inhibiting lung cancer cell proliferation and migration as well as Lung CSCs self-renewal in vitro. Collectively, our work demonstrates that SH3BGRL hold potential as a favorable prognostic marker and therapeutic target for patients with lung cancer in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiansheng Tan
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Chunhua Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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44
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Wang Z, Fang Z, Chen G, Liu B, Xu J, Li F, Li F, Liu H, Zhang H, Sun Y, Tian G, Chen H, Xu G, Zhang L, Hu L, Ji H. Chromobox 4 facilitates tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Neoplasia 2020; 23:222-233. [PMID: 33387960 PMCID: PMC7797484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromobox 4 (CBX4) is a core component of polycomb-repressive complex 1 with important roles in cancer biology and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant expression of CBX4 has been implicated in several human malignancies. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not been defined in vivo. Here, we found that expression of CBX4 was frequently up-regulated in human LUAD samples and correlated with poor patient survival. Importantly, genetic ablation of CBX4 greatly dampened lung tumor formation and improved survival in the KrasG12D/P53L/L (KP) autochthonous mouse model of LUAD. In addition, CBX4 depletion significantly inhibited proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of KP mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Moreover, ectopic CBX4 expression clearly promoted proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in both human and mouse LUAD cells, whereas silencing of CBX4 exerted opposite effects. Mechanistically, CBX4 promoted growth of LUAD cells through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, expression levels of CBX4 were positively correlated with β-catenin in human LUAD samples. In conclusion, our data suggest that CBX4 plays an oncogenic role via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaobin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihua Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoliang Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
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45
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Martin MC, Zeng G, Yu J, Schiltz GE. Small Molecule Approaches for Targeting the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) in Cancer. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15344-15370. [PMID: 33283516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is composed of three core subunits, enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2), embryonic ectoderm development (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12), along with a number of accessory proteins. It is the key enzymatic protein complex that catalyzes histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation to mediate epigenetic silencing of target genes. PRC2 thus plays essential roles in maintaining embryonic stem cell identity and in controlling cellular differentiation. Studies in the past decade have reported frequent overexpression or mutation of PRC2 in various cancers including prostate cancer and lymphoma. Aberrant PRC2 function has been extensively studied and proven to contribute to a large number of abnormal cellular processes, including those that lead to uncontrolled proliferation and tumorigenesis. Significant efforts have recently been made to develop small molecules targeting PRC2 function for potential use as anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we describe recent approaches to identify and develop small molecules that target PRC2. These various strategies include the inhibition of the function of individual PRC2 core proteins, the disruption of PRC2 complex formation, and the degradation of its subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cynthia Martin
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Guihua Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Jindan Yu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
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46
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Lo Sardo F, Pulito C, Sacconi A, Korita E, Sudol M, Strano S, Blandino G. YAP/TAZ and EZH2 synergize to impair tumor suppressor activity of TGFBR2 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 500:51-63. [PMID: 33296708 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent lung cancer subtype. YAP and TAZ have been implicated in lung cancer by acting as transcriptional co-activators of oncogenes or as transcriptional co-repressors of tumor suppressor genes. Previously we reported that YAP and TAZ regulate microRNAs expression in NSCLC. Among the set of regulated miRNAs, the oncogenic miR-25, 93, and 106b, clustering within the MCM7 gene were selected for further studies. We firstly identified Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Receptor 2 (TGFBR2), a member of the TGF-β signaling, as a target of the miRNA cluster, which exhibited prognostic value because of its tumor suppressor activity. We found that YAP/TAZ-mediated repression of TGFBR2 occurs both: post-transcriptionally through the miR-106b-25 cluster and transcriptionally by engaging the EZH2 epigenetic repressor that we reported here as a novel target gene of YAP/TAZ. Furthermore, we document that YAP/TAZ and EZH2 cooperate in lung tumorigenesis by transcriptionally repressing a specific subset of tumor suppressor genes, including TGFBR2. Our findings point to YAP/TAZ and EZH2 as potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lo Sardo
- UOSD Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pulito
- UOSD Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Etleva Korita
- UOSD Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marius Sudol
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Laboratory of Cancer Signaling & Domainopathies, Yong Loo Li School of Medicine, Block MD9, 2 Medical Drive #04-01, 117597, Republic of Singapore; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Sabrina Strano
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- UOSD Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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47
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Yang X, Wang J, Li H, Sun Y, Tong X. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0026123 suppresses ovarian cancer cell metastasis and proliferation through the miR‑124‑3p/EZH2 signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2020; 47:668-676. [PMID: 33416105 PMCID: PMC7797451 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in various types of cancer. The present study suggested that hsa_ circ_0026123 expression was upregulated in ovarian cancer (OVA), which was associated with its role in OVA. However, the role of hsa_circ_0026123 in OVA cell invasion and proliferation remains unclear. In the present study, OVA tissues and cell lines were used to investigate the functions of hsa_circ_0026123. The associations between hsa_circ_0026123, miR-124-3p and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) were examined using a luciferase reporter assay. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used for gene and protein expression analysis, respectively. Tumor growth was detected using nude mouse tumor xenografts derived from SKOV3 cells, with or without hsa_circ_0026123 downregulation. The results confirmed that hsa_circ_0026123 expression was upregulated in OVA tissues and cell lines, while hsa_circ_0026123 silencing suppressed cell proliferation and migration; it also suppressed the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) differentiation-related markers in either in vivoor in vitro experiments. The data revealed that hsa_circ_0026123 downregulation suppressed EZH2 expression by miR-124-3p 'sponging', which was confirmed by rescue experiments and luciferase reporter assays. The results revealed that hsa_circ_0026123 silencing suppressed ovarian cancer cell progression via the miR-124-3p/EZH2 signaling pathway. Overall, the findings demonstrated that hsa_circ_0026123 knockdown inhibited OVA cell progression by regulating the miR-124-3p/EZH2 axis. This methodology may thus be used for the targeted therapy of OVA, as well as a candidate biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of OVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Huaifang Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowen Tong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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48
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Long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: implications for lineage plasticity-mediated TKI resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1983-2000. [PMID: 33170304 PMCID: PMC7965852 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03691-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of targeted therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been impeded by various mechanisms of resistance. Besides the mutations in targeted oncogenes, reversible lineage plasticity has recently considered to play a role in the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) resistance in NSCLC. Lineage plasticity enables cells to transfer from one committed developmental pathway to another, and has been a trigger of tumor adaptation to adverse microenvironment conditions including exposure to various therapies. More importantly, besides somatic mutation, lineage plasticity has also been proposed as another source of intratumoural heterogeneity. Lineage plasticity can drive NSCLC cells to a new cell identity which no longer depends on the drug-targeted pathway. Histological transformation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are two well-known pathways of lineage plasticity-mediated TKI resistance in NSCLC. In the last decade, increased re-biopsy practice upon disease recurrence has increased the recognition of lineage plasticity induced resistance in NSCLC and has improved our understanding of the underlying biology. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the dark matter of the genome, are capable of regulating variant malignant processes of NSCLC like the invisible hands. Recent evidence suggests that lncRNAs are involved in TKI resistance in NSCLC, particularly in lineage plasticity-mediated resistance. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of lncRNAs in regulating lineage plasticity and TKI resistance in NSCLC. We also discuss how understanding these themes can alter therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy approaches to overcome TKI resistance.
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49
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Shao FF, Chen BJ, Wu GQ. The functions of EZH2 in immune cells: Principles for novel immunotherapies. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 110:77-87. [PMID: 33040370 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ru0520-311r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is aberrantly expressed or mutated in multiple types of cancer cells and plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis and development in most cancers. Results from pilot clinical studies have implied that EZH2 inhibitors have therapeutic potential against some cancers. However, the exact mechanisms by which EZH2 plays oncogenic roles and EZH2 inhibition exerts anticancer effects are incompletely understood. To date, the findings of studies focusing on EZH2 and cancer cells have failed to fully explain the observations in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, recent studies about the roles of EZH2 in cancers have shifted from cancer cells to immune cells. The human immune system is a complex network comprising multiple subpopulations of immune cells. Immune cells communicate and interact with cancer cells during cancer development and treatment, dictating the fate of cancer cells. Elucidating the roles of EZH2 in immune cells, especially in cancer patients, promises the identification of novel immunotherapeutic strategies or priming of existing immunotherapies against cancer. Hence, we reviewed the studies focusing on the involvement of EZH2 in various immune cells, aiming to provide ideas for immunotherapies targeting EZH2 in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fei Shao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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50
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Eich ML, Athar M, Ferguson JE, Varambally S. EZH2-Targeted Therapies in Cancer: Hype or a Reality. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5449-5458. [PMID: 32978169 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation genomic sequencing has identified multiple novel molecular alterations in cancer. Since the identification of DNA methylation and histone modification, it has become evident that genes encoding epigenetic modifiers that locally and globally regulate gene expression play a crucial role in normal development and cancer progression. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the enzymatic catalytic subunit of the polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that can alter gene expression by trimethylating lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27). EZH2 is involved in global transcriptional repression, mainly targeting tumor-suppressor genes. EZH2 is commonly overexpressed in cancer and shows activating mutations in subtypes of lymphoma. Extensive studies have uncovered an important role for EZH2 in cancer progression and have suggested that it may be a useful therapeutic target. In addition, tumors harboring mutations in other epigenetic genes such as ARID1A, KDM6, and BAP1 are highly sensitive to EZH2 inhibition, thus increasing its potential as a therapeutic target. Recent studies also suggest that inhibition of EZH2 enhances the response to tumor immunotherapy. Many small-molecule inhibitors have been developed to target EZH2 or the PRC2 complex, with some of these inhibitors now in early clinical trials reporting clinical responses with acceptable tolerability. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in targeting EZH2, its successes, and potential limitations, and we discuss the future directions of this therapeutic subclass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lisa Eich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James E Ferguson
- Department of Urology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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