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Jarosz AS, Halo JV. Transcription of Endogenous Retroviruses: Broad and Precise Mechanisms of Control. Viruses 2024; 16:1312. [PMID: 39205286 PMCID: PMC11359688 DOI: 10.3390/v16081312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the remnants of retroviral germline infections and are highly abundant in the genomes of vertebrates. At one time considered to be nothing more than inert 'junk' within genomes, ERVs have been tolerated within host genomes over vast timescales, and their study continues to reveal complex co-evolutionary histories within their respective host species. For example, multiple instances have been characterized of ERVs having been 'borrowed' for normal physiology, from single copies to ones involved in various regulatory networks such as innate immunity and during early development. Within the cell, the accessibility of ERVs is normally tightly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation or histone modifications. However, these silencing mechanisms of ERVs are reversible, and epigenetic alterations to the chromatin landscape can thus lead to their aberrant expression, as is observed in abnormal cellular environments such as in tumors. In this review, we focus on ERV transcriptional control and draw parallels and distinctions concerning the loss of regulation in disease, as well as their precise regulation in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail S. Jarosz
- Science and Mathematics Division, Lorrain County Community College, Lorrain, OH 44035, USA;
| | - Julia V. Halo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
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2
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Zhu Z, Jin Y, Zhou J, Chen F, Chen M, Gao Z, Hu L, Xuan J, Li X, Song Z, Guo X. PD1/PD-L1 blockade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: mechanistic insights, clinical efficacy, and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:146. [PMID: 39014460 PMCID: PMC11251344 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors has significantly transformed the therapeutic landscape for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This review provides an in-depth analysis of the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of PD1 and PD-L1 in ccRCC, emphasizing their role in tumor immune evasion. We comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors, such as Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab, through a critical examination of recent clinical trial data. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges posed by resistance mechanisms to these therapies and potential strategies to overcome them. We also explores the synergistic potential of combination therapies, integrating PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors with other immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and conventional modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, we examine emerging predictive biomarkers for response to PD1/PD-L1 blockade and biomarkers indicative of resistance, providing a foundation for personalized therapeutic approaches. Finally, we outline future research directions, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies, deeper mechanistic insights, and the development of individualized treatment regimens. Our work summarizes the latest knowledge and progress in this field, aiming to provide a valuable reference for improving clinical efficacy and guiding future research on the application of PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Zhu
- Jiaxing University Master Degree Cultivation Base, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yigang Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Minjie Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhaofeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Hu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jinyan Xuan
- Department of General Practice, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Xiao Guo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 310000, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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3
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Koudonas A, Dimitriadis G, Anastasiadis A, Papaioannou M. DNA Methylation as Drug Sensitivity Marker in RCC: A Systematic Review. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:28. [PMID: 39051186 PMCID: PMC11270435 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Patient response after treatment of renal cell cancer (RCC) with systemic agents, which include various drug categories, is generally poor and unpredictable. In this context, the ideal drug administration includes tools to predict the sensitivity of the disease to therapy. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the reports on the predictive value of the methylation status in the systemic therapy of RCC. Only original articles reporting on the association of promoter methylation with the response of patients or cell lines to systemic agents were included in this review. We applied PRISMA recommendations to the structure and methodology of this systematic review. Our literature search concluded with 31 articles conducted on RCC cell lines and patient tissues. The majority of the studies demonstrated a methylation-dependent response to systemic agents. This correlation suggests that the methylation pattern can be used as a predictive tool in the management of RCC with various classes of systemic agents. However, although methylation biomarkers show promise for predicting response, the evidence of such correlation is still weak. More studies on the gene methylation pattern in patients under systemic therapy and its correlation with different degrees of response are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Koudonas
- First Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (G.D.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Urology, 424 Military Hospital, 564 29 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Dimitriadis
- First Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (G.D.); (A.A.)
| | - Anastasios Anastasiadis
- First Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (G.D.); (A.A.)
| | - Maria Papaioannou
- First Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.K.); (G.D.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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4
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Wu MJ, Kondo H, Kammula AV, Shi L, Xiao Y, Dhiab S, Xu Q, Slater CJ, Avila OI, Merritt J, Kato H, Kattel P, Sussman J, Gritti I, Eccleston J, Sun Y, Cho HM, Olander K, Katsuda T, Shi DD, Savani MR, Smith BC, Cleary JM, Mostoslavsky R, Vijay V, Kitagawa Y, Wakimoto H, Jenkins RW, Yates KB, Paik J, Tassinari A, Saatcioglu DH, Tron AE, Haas W, Cahill D, McBrayer SK, Manguso RT, Bardeesy N. Mutant IDH1 inhibition induces dsDNA sensing to activate tumor immunity. Science 2024; 385:eadl6173. [PMID: 38991060 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6173] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the most commonly mutated metabolic gene across human cancers. Mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) generates the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, disrupting enzymes involved in epigenetics and other processes. A hallmark of IDH1-mutant solid tumors is T cell exclusion, whereas mIDH1 inhibition in preclinical models restores antitumor immunity. Here, we define a cell-autonomous mechanism of mIDH1-driven immune evasion. IDH1-mutant solid tumors show selective hypermethylation and silencing of the cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensor CGAS, compromising innate immune signaling. mIDH1 inhibition restores DNA demethylation, derepressing CGAS and transposable element (TE) subclasses. dsDNA produced by TE-reverse transcriptase (TE-RT) activates cGAS, triggering viral mimicry and stimulating antitumor immunity. In summary, we demonstrate that mIDH1 epigenetically suppresses innate immunity and link endogenous RT activity to the mechanism of action of a US Food and Drug Administration-approved oncology drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ju Wu
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kondo
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ashwin V Kammula
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yi Xiao
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sofiene Dhiab
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qin Xu
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chloe J Slater
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Universite Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France
- Servier Pharmaceuticals LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omar I Avila
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Merritt
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Prabhat Kattel
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Sussman
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Graduate Group in Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ilaria Gritti
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Eccleston
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
| | - Hyo Min Cho
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kira Olander
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Takeshi Katsuda
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Diana D Shi
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milan R Savani
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bailey C Smith
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Raul Mostoslavsky
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vindhya Vijay
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yosuke Kitagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russell W Jenkins
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen B Yates
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jihye Paik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wilhelm Haas
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Cahill
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel K McBrayer
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert T Manguso
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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5
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Wang ZY, Ge LP, Ouyang Y, Jin X, Jiang YZ. Targeting transposable elements in cancer: developments and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189143. [PMID: 38936517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs), comprising nearly 50% of the human genome, have transitioned from being perceived as "genomic junk" to key players in cancer progression. Contemporary research links TE regulatory disruptions with cancer development, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Advances in long-read sequencing, computational analytics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have enriched our understanding of TEs' clinical implications, notably their impact on genome architecture, gene regulation, and evolutionary processes. In cancer, TEs, including long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), Alus, and long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, demonstrate altered patterns, influencing both tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. TE-derived nucleic acids and tumor antigens play critical roles in tumor immunity, bridging innate and adaptive responses. Given their central role in oncology, TE-targeted therapies, particularly through reverse transcriptase inhibitors and epigenetic modulators, represent a novel avenue in cancer treatment. Combining these TE-focused strategies with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens could enhance efficacy and offer a new dimension in cancer treatment. This review delves into recent TE detection advancements, explores their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and immune regulation, discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches centered on TEs, and anticipates future directions in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Ping Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Ouyang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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6
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Chan YJ, Liu NT, Hsin F, Lu JY, Lin JY, Liu HM. Temporal regulation of MDA5 inactivation by Caspase-3 dependent cleavage of 14-3-3η. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012287. [PMID: 38843304 PMCID: PMC11185488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The kinetics of type I interferon (IFN) induction versus the virus replication compete, and the result of the competition determines the outcome of the infection. Chaperone proteins that involved in promoting the activation kinetics of PRRs rapidly trigger antiviral innate immunity. We have previously shown that prior to the interaction with MAVS to induce type I IFN, 14-3-3η facilitates the oligomerization and intracellular redistribution of activated MDA5. Here we report that the cleavage of 14-3-3η upon MDA5 activation, and we identified Caspase-3 activated by MDA5-dependent signaling was essential to produce sub-14-3-3η lacking the C-terminal helix (αI) and tail. The cleaved form of 14-3-3η (sub-14-3-3η) could strongly interact with MDA5 but could not support MDA5-dependent type I IFN induction, indicating the opposite functions between the full-length 14-3-3η and sub-14-3-3η. During human coronavirus or enterovirus infections, the accumulation of sub-14-3-3η was observed along with the activation of Caspase-3, suggesting that RNA viruses may antagonize 14-3-3η by promoting the formation of sub-14-3-3η to impair antiviral innate immunity. In conclusion, sub-14-3-3η, which could not promote MDA5 activation, may serve as a negative feedback to return to homeostasis to prevent excessive type I IFN production and unnecessary inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jui Chan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Nien-Tzu Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Fu Hsin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ying Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yi Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Helene Minyi Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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7
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Achinger-Kawecka J, Stirzaker C, Portman N, Campbell E, Chia KM, Du Q, Laven-Law G, Nair SS, Yong A, Wilkinson A, Clifton S, Milioli HH, Alexandrou S, Caldon CE, Song J, Khoury A, Meyer B, Chen W, Pidsley R, Qu W, Gee JMW, Schmitt A, Wong ES, Hickey TE, Lim E, Clark SJ. The potential of epigenetic therapy to target the 3D epigenome in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:498-512. [PMID: 38182927 PMCID: PMC10948365 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) epigenome remodeling is an important mechanism of gene deregulation in cancer. However, its potential as a target to counteract therapy resistance remains largely unaddressed. Here, we show that epigenetic therapy with decitabine (5-Aza-mC) suppresses tumor growth in xenograft models of pre-clinical metastatic estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast tumor. Decitabine-induced genome-wide DNA hypomethylation results in large-scale 3D epigenome deregulation, including de-compaction of higher-order chromatin structure and loss of boundary insulation of topologically associated domains. Significant DNA hypomethylation associates with ectopic activation of ER-enhancers, gain in ER binding, creation of new 3D enhancer-promoter interactions and concordant up-regulation of ER-mediated transcription pathways. Importantly, long-term withdrawal of epigenetic therapy partially restores methylation at ER-enhancer elements, resulting in a loss of ectopic 3D enhancer-promoter interactions and associated gene repression. Our study illustrates the potential of epigenetic therapy to target ER+ endocrine-resistant breast cancer by DNA methylation-dependent rewiring of 3D chromatin interactions, which are associated with the suppression of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Achinger-Kawecka
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Clare Stirzaker
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neil Portman
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elyssa Campbell
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kee-Ming Chia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qian Du
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geraldine Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shalima S Nair
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aliza Yong
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Wilkinson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel Clifton
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heloisa H Milioli
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Alexandrou
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenny Song
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Khoury
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Braydon Meyer
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wenhan Chen
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruth Pidsley
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wenjia Qu
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia M W Gee
- Breast Cancer Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | - Emily S Wong
- Victor Chang Cardiac Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan J Clark
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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8
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Ye C, Jiang N, Zheng J, Zhang S, Zhang J, Zhou J. Epigenetic therapy: Research progress of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189066. [PMID: 38163523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189066] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Decitabine's early successful therapeutic outcomes in hematologic malignancies have led to regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for addressing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These approvals have sparked keen interest in exploring the potential of decitabine for treating solid tumors. Continuous preclinical and clinical trials have proved that low doses of decitabine also bring benefits in treating solid tumors, and various proposed mechanisms attempt to explain the potential efficacy. It is important to note that the application of decitabine in solid tumors is still considered investigational. This article reviews the application mechanism and current status of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Ye
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shumeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianya Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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Choy L, Norris S, Wu X, Kolumam G, Firestone A, Settleman J, Stokoe D. Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:540-555. [PMID: 38358346 PMCID: PMC10896070 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Type I IFN signaling is a crucial component of antiviral immunity that has been linked to promoting the efficacy of some chemotherapeutic drugs. We developed a reporter system in HCT116 cells that detects activation of the endogenous IFI27 locus, an IFN target gene. We screened a library of annotated compounds in these cells and discovered Aurora kinase inhibitors (AURKi) as strong hits. Type I IFN signaling was found to be the most enriched gene signature after AURKi treatment in HCT116, and this signature was also strongly enriched in other colorectal cancer cell lines. The ability of AURKi to activate IFN in HCT116 was dependent on MAVS and RIG-I, but independent of STING, whose signaling is deficient in these cells. MAVS dependence was recapitulated in other colorectal cancer lines with STING pathway deficiency, whereas in cells with intact STING signaling, the STING pathway was required for IFN induction by AURKi. AURKis were found to induce expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERV). These ERVs were distinct from those induced by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), which can induce IFN signaling via ERV induction, suggesting a novel mechanism of action. The antitumor effect of alisertib in mice was accompanied by an induction of IFN expression in HCT116 or CT26 tumors. CT26 tumor growth inhibition by alisertib was absent in NSG mice versus wildtype (WT) mice, and tumors from WT mice with alisertib treatment showed increased in CD8+ T-cell infiltration, suggesting that antitumor efficacy of AURKi depends, at least in part, on an intact immune response. SIGNIFICANCE Some cancers deactivate STING signaling to avoid consequences of DNA damage from aberrant cell division. The surprising activation of MAVS/RIG-I signaling by AURKi might represent a vulnerability in STING signaling deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Choy
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Stephen Norris
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Xiumin Wu
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Ganesh Kolumam
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Ari Firestone
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - David Stokoe
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California
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10
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Liang Y, Qu X, Shah NM, Wang T. Towards targeting transposable elements for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:123-140. [PMID: 38228901 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) represent almost half of the human genome. Historically deemed 'junk DNA', recent technological advancements have stimulated a wave of research into the functional impact of TEs on gene-regulatory networks in evolution and development, as well as in diseases including cancer. The genetic and epigenetic evolution of cancer involves the exploitation of TEs, whereby TEs contribute directly to cancer-specific gene activities. This Review provides a perspective on the role of TEs in cancer as being a 'double-edged sword', both promoting cancer evolution and representing a vulnerability that could be exploited in cancer therapy. We discuss how TEs affect transcriptome regulation and other cellular processes in cancer. We highlight the potential of TEs as therapeutic targets for cancer. We also summarize technical hurdles in the characterization of TEs with genomic assays. Last, we outline open questions and exciting future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Liang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuan Qu
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nakul M Shah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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11
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Mendez-Dorantes C, Burns KH. LINE-1 retrotransposition and its deregulation in cancers: implications for therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dev 2023; 37:948-967. [PMID: 38092519 PMCID: PMC10760644 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351051.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only protein-coding transposon that is active in humans. LINE-1 propagates in the genome using RNA intermediates via retrotransposition. This activity has resulted in LINE-1 sequences occupying approximately one-fifth of our genome. Although most copies of LINE-1 are immobile, ∼100 copies are retrotransposition-competent. Retrotransposition is normally limited via epigenetic silencing, DNA repair, and other host defense mechanisms. In contrast, LINE-1 overexpression and retrotransposition are hallmarks of cancers. Here, we review mechanisms of LINE-1 regulation and how LINE-1 may promote genetic heterogeneity in tumors. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to exploit LINE-1 biology in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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12
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Lee B, Park J, Voshall A, Maury E, Kang Y, Kim YJ, Lee JY, Shim HR, Kim HJ, Lee JW, Jung MH, Kim SC, Chu HBK, Kim DW, Kim M, Choi EJ, Hwang OK, Lee HW, Ha K, Choi JK, Kim Y, Choi Y, Park WY, Lee EA. Pan-cancer analysis reveals multifaceted roles of retrotransposon-fusion RNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562422. [PMID: 37905014 PMCID: PMC10614793 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Transposon-derived transcripts are abundant in RNA sequences, yet their landscape and function, especially for fusion transcripts derived from unannotated or somatically acquired transposons, remains underexplored. Here, we developed a new bioinformatic tool to detect transposon-fusion transcripts in RNA-sequencing data and performed a pan-cancer analysis of 10,257 cancer samples across 34 cancer types as well as 3,088 normal tissue samples. We identified 52,277 cancer-specific fusions with ~30 events per cancer and hotspot loci within transposons vulnerable to fusion formation. Exonization of intronic transposons was the most prevalent genic fusions, while somatic L1 insertions constituted a small fraction of cancer-specific fusions. Source L1s and HERVs, but not Alus showed decreased DNA methylation in cancer upon fusion formation. Overall cancer-specific L1 fusions were enriched in tumor suppressors while Alu fusions were enriched in oncogenes, including recurrent Alu fusions in EZH2 predictive of patient survival. We also demonstrated that transposon-derived peptides triggered CD8+ T-cell activation to the extent comparable to EBV viruses. Our findings reveal distinct epigenetic and tumorigenic mechanisms underlying transposon fusions across different families and highlight transposons as novel therapeutic targets and the source of potent neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Park
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Voshall
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo Maury
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics Program; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yeeok Kang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoen Jeong Kim
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ran Shim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Ju Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Lee
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyeok Jung
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Cho Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoang Bao Khanh Chu
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Won Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Kyung Hwang
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Won Lee
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsoo Ha
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjoon Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjoo Choi
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong-Yang Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Alice Lee
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Wen X, Shen J, De Miglio MR, Zeng D, Sechi LA. Endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1 is a potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1252905. [PMID: 37780849 PMCID: PMC10534008 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1252905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The activation of endogenous retroviral (ERV) genes in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) suggests the necessity for further research on their functions. Methods In this study, KIRC and healthy cohorts were obtained from TGGA and GEO datasets. Subsequently, differential analysis and functional annotation were conducted using GO, KEGG, and GSEA. Clinical outcomes were then observed and utilized in the development of a nomogram. Results We observed the general low expression of ERVFRD-1 in KIRC tumors compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001) across multiple cohorts. Differential analysis and functional annotation using GO, KEGG, GSEA analysis revealed significant involvement of ERVFRD-1 in tumor immunoregulation: a close relation to the infiltration levels of mast cells and Treg cell (P < 0.001) and occurrence with a variety of immune markers. Methylation status was then applied to uncover potential mechanisms of ERVFRD-1 in KIRC. Notably, higher expression levels of ERVFRD-1 were associated with extended overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Finally, based on Cox regression analysis, we constructed a nomogram incorporating ERVFRD-1, pathologic T, and age, which exhibited promising predictive power in assessing the survival outcomes of KIRC patients. Discussion To sum up, our study suggests that ERVFRD-1 plays a role in regulating immunological activity within the tumor microenvironment and is associated with overall survival in KIRC patients. ERVFRD-1 may therefore be a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis, immunotherapy, and prognosis assessment of KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Wen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Shen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maria Rosaria De Miglio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - De Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Leonardo A. Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Struttura Complessa (SC) Microbiologia e Virologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Sassari, Italy
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14
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Du G, Xing Z, Zhou J, Cui C, Liu C, Liu Y, Li Z. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I like receptor pathway in cancer: modification and treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227041. [PMID: 37662910 PMCID: PMC10468571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227041] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) like receptor (RLR) pathway is one of the most significant pathways supervising aberrant RNA in cells. In predominant conditions, the RLR pathway initiates anti-infection function via activating inflammatory effects, while recently it is discovered to be involved in cancer development as well, acting as a virus-mimicry responder. On one hand, the product IFNs induces tumor elimination. On the other hand, the NF-κB pathway is activated which may lead to tumor progression. Emerging evidence demonstrates that a wide range of modifications are involved in regulating RLR pathways in cancer, which either boost tumor suppression effect or prompt tumor development. This review summarized current epigenetic modulations including DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA interference, as well as post-transcriptional modification like m6A and A-to-I editing of the upstream ligand dsRNA in cancer cells. The post-translational modulations like phosphorylation and ubiquitylation of the pathway's key components were also discussed. Ultimately, we provided an overview of the current therapeutic strategies targeting the RLR pathway in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyuan Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zherui Xing
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jue Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenyuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xingya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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15
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Wolf MM, Rathmell WK, de Cubas AA. Immunogenicity in renal cell carcinoma: shifting focus to alternative sources of tumour-specific antigens. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:440-450. [PMID: 36973495 PMCID: PMC10801831 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00700-5] [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] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises a group of malignancies arising from the kidney with unique tumour-specific antigen (TSA) signatures that can trigger cytotoxic immunity. Two classes of TSAs are now considered potential drivers of immunogenicity in RCC: small-scale insertions and deletions (INDELs) that result in coding frameshift mutations, and activation of human endogenous retroviruses. The presence of neoantigen-specific T cells is a hallmark of solid tumours with a high mutagenic burden, which typically have abundant TSAs owing to non-synonymous single nucleotide variations within the genome. However, RCC exhibits high cytotoxic T cell reactivity despite only having an intermediate non-synonymous single nucleotide variation mutational burden. Instead, RCC tumours have a high pan-cancer proportion of INDEL frameshift mutations, and coding frameshift INDELs are associated with high immunogenicity. Moreover, cytotoxic T cells in RCC subtypes seem to recognize tumour-specific endogenous retrovirus epitopes, whose presence is associated with clinical responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Here, we review the distinct molecular landscapes in RCC that promote immunogenic responses, discuss clinical opportunities for discovery of biomarkers that can inform therapeutic immune checkpoint blockade strategies, and identify gaps in knowledge for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Wolf
- Department of Medicine, Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Aguirre A de Cubas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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16
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Felley-Bosco E. Exploring the Expression of the «Dark Matter» of the Genome in Mesothelioma for Potentially Predictive Biomarkers for Prognosis and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112969. [PMID: 37296931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent high-throughput RNA sequencing technologies have confirmed that a large part of the non-coding genome is transcribed. The priority for further investigations is nevertheless generally given in cancer to coding sequences, due to the obvious interest of finding therapeutic targets. In addition, several RNA-sequencing pipelines eliminate repetitive sequences, which are difficult to analyze. In this review, we shall focus on endogenous retroviruses. These sequences are remnants of ancestral germline infections by exogenous retroviruses. These sequences represent 8% of human genome, meaning four-fold the fraction of the genome encoding for proteins. These sequences are generally mostly repressed in normal adult tissues, but pathological conditions lead to their de-repression. Specific mesothelioma-associated endogenous retrovirus expression and their association to clinical outcome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zürich University Hospital, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Oreper D, Klaeger S, Jhunjhunwala S, Delamarre L. The peptide woods are lovely, dark and deep: Hunting for novel cancer antigens. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101758. [PMID: 37027981 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing the patient's immune system to control a tumor is a proven avenue for cancer therapy. T cell therapies as well as therapeutic vaccines, which target specific antigens of interest, are being explored as treatments in conjunction with immune checkpoint blockade. For these therapies, selecting the best suited antigens is crucial. Most of the focus has thus far been on neoantigens that arise from tumor-specific somatic mutations. Although there is clear evidence that T-cell responses against mutated neoantigens are protective, the large majority of these mutations are not immunogenic. In addition, most somatic mutations are unique to each individual patient and their targeting requires the development of individualized approaches. Therefore, novel antigen types are needed to broaden the scope of such treatments. We review high throughput approaches for discovering novel tumor antigens and some of the key challenges associated with their detection, and discuss considerations when selecting tumor antigens to target in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oreper
- Genentech, 1 DNA way, South San Francisco, 94080 CA, USA.
| | - Susan Klaeger
- Genentech, 1 DNA way, South San Francisco, 94080 CA, USA.
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18
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Zhong F, Lin Y, Zhao L, Yang C, Ye Y, Shen Z. Reshaping the tumour immune microenvironment in solid tumours via tumour cell and immune cell DNA methylation: from mechanisms to therapeutics. Br J Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41416-023-02292-0. [PMID: 37117649 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02292-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the tumour microenvironment (TME) of solid tumours has attracted more and more attention from researchers, especially those non-tumour components such as immune cells. Infiltration of various immune cells causes tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) heterogeneity, and results in different therapeutic effects. Accumulating evidence showed that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in remodelling TIME and is associated with the response towards immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). During carcinogenesis, DNA methylation profoundly changes, specifically, there is a global loss of DNA methylation and increased DNA methylation at the promoters of suppressor genes. Immune cell differentiation is disturbed, and exclusion of immune cells from the TME occurs at least in part due to DNA methylation reprogramming. Therefore, pharmaceutical interventions targeting DNA methylation are promising. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) enhance antitumor immunity by inducing transcription of transposable elements and consequent viral mimicry. DNMTis upregulate the expression of tumour antigens, mediate immune cells recruitment and reactivate exhausted immune cells. In preclinical studies, DNMTis have shown synergistic effect when combined with immunotherapies, suggesting new strategies to treat refractory solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Changjiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China.
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China.
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Li L, Zhao J, Zhang H, Li D, Wu S, Xu W, Pan X, Hu W, Chu J, Luo W, Li P, Zhou X. HIGD1A inactivated by DNA hypermethylation promotes invasion of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154463. [PMID: 37086631 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia contributes to the tumorigenesis and metastasis of the tumor. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying hypoxia and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) development and progression remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the system HIG1 hypoxia inducible domain family member 1 A (HIGD1A) in the proliferation and metastasis of KIRC and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of HIGD1A is significantly downregulated in KIRC due to promoter hypermethylation. HIGD1A could serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker in KIRC. In addition, ectopic overexpression of HIGD1A significantly suppressed the growth and invasive capacity of KIRC cells in vitro under normal glucose conditions. Interestingly, the suppressive efficacy in invasion is much more significant when depleted glucose, but not in proliferation. Furthermore, mRNA expression of HIGD1A positively correlates with CDH1 and EPCAM, while negatively correlated with VIM and SPARC, indicating that HIGD1A impedes invasion of KIRC by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our data suggest that HIGD1A is a potential diagnostic biomarker and tumor suppressor in KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Li
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Haishan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Danping Li
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shu Wu
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Xinli Pan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Wenjin Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Jiemei Chu
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenqi Luo
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Department of Pathology, College & Hospital of Stomatology Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China; Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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20
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Mosaddeghi P, Farahmandnejad M, Zarshenas MM. The role of transposable elements in aging and cancer. Biogerontology 2023:10.1007/s10522-023-10028-z. [PMID: 37017895 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) constitute a large portion of the human genome. Various mechanisms at the transcription and post-transcription levels developed to suppress TE activity in healthy conditions. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that TE dysregulation is involved in various human diseases, including age-related diseases and cancer. In this review, we explained how sensing TEs by the immune system could induce innate immune responses, chronic inflammation, and following age-related diseases. We also noted that inflammageing and exogenous carcinogens could trigger the upregulation of TEs in precancerous cells. Increased inflammation could enhance epigenetic plasticity and upregulation of early developmental TEs, which rewires the transcriptional networks and gift the survival advantage to the precancerous cells. In addition, upregulated TEs could induce genome instability, activation of oncogenes, or inhibition of tumor suppressors and consequent cancer initiation and progression. So, we suggest that TEs could be considered therapeutic targets in aging and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Mosaddeghi
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mitra Farahmandnejad
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Quality Control of Drug Products Department, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad M Zarshenas
- Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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21
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Li HT, Jang HJ, Rohena-Rivera K, Liu M, Gujar H, Kulchycki J, Zhao S, Billet S, Zhou X, Weisenberger DJ, Gill I, Jones PA, Bhowmick NA, Liang G. RNA mis-splicing drives viral mimicry response after DNMTi therapy in SETD2-mutant kidney cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112016. [PMID: 36662621 PMCID: PMC10034851 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors with mutations in chromatin regulators present attractive targets for DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) therapy, which further disrupts cancer cells' epigenomic fidelity and reactivates transposable element (TE) expression to drive viral mimicry responses. SETD2 encodes a histone methyltransferase (H3K36me3) and is prevalently mutated in advanced kidney cancers. Here, we show that SETD2-mutant kidney cancer cells are especially sensitive in vitro and in vivo to DAC treatment. We find that the viral mimicry response are direct consequences of mis-splicing events, such as exon inclusions or extensions, triggered by DAC treatment in an SETD2-loss context. Comprehensive epigenomic analysis reveals H3K9me3 deposition, rather than DNA methylation dynamics, across intronic TEs might contribute to elevated mis-splicing rates. Through epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses, we show that SETD2-deficient kidney cancers are prone to mis-splicing, which can be therapeutically exacerbated with DAC treatment to increase viral mimicry activation and provide synergy with combinatorial immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tao Li
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - H Josh Jang
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Krizia Rohena-Rivera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Minmin Liu
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Hemant Gujar
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Justin Kulchycki
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Shuqing Zhao
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sandrin Billet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Daniel J Weisenberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Inderbir Gill
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Peter A Jones
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Neil A Bhowmick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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22
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Kitsou K, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Human endogenous retroviruses in cancer: Oncogenesis mechanisms and clinical implications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28350. [PMID: 36428242 PMCID: PMC10108094 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are viral sequences integrated into the human genome, resulting from the infection of human germ-line cells by ancient exogenous retroviruses. Despite losing their replication and retrotransposition abilities, HERVs appear to have been co-opted in human physiological functions while their aberrant expression is linked to human disease. The role of HERVs in multiple malignancies has been demonstrated, however, the extent to which HERV activation and expression participate in the development of cancer is not yet fully comprehended. In this review article, we discuss the presumed role of HERVs in carcinogenesis and their promising diagnostic and prognostic implications. Additionally, we explore recent data on the HERVs in cancer therapeutics, either through the manipulation of their expression, to induce antitumor innate immunity responses or as cancer immunotherapy targets. Finally, more precise and higher resolution high-throughput sequencing approaches will further elucidate HERV participation in human physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
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23
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Langbein LE, El Hajjar R, Kim WY, Yang H. The convergence of tumor suppressors on the type I interferon pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its therapeutic implications. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1417-C1429. [PMID: 36154696 PMCID: PMC9662805 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00255.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene/hypoxia inducible factor (VHL/HIF) axis lays the groundwork for tumorigenesis and is the target of many therapeutic agents. HIF activation alone, however, is largely insufficient for kidney tumor development, and secondary mutations in PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM5C, or other tumor suppressor genes are strong enablers of tumorigenesis. Interestingly, it has been discovered that VHL loss and subsequent HIF activation results in upregulation of a negative feedback loop mediated by ISGF3, a transcription factor activated by type I interferon (IFN). Secondary mutations in the aforementioned tumor suppressor genes all partially disable this negative feedback loop to facilitate tumor growth. The convergence of several cancer genes on this pathway suggests that it plays an important role in ccRCC development and maintenance. Tumors with secondary mutations that dampen the negative feedback loop may be exquisitely sensitive to its reactivation, and pharmacological activation of ISGF3 either alone or in combination with other therapies could be an effective method to treat patients with ccRCC. In this review, we examine the relevance of the type I IFN pathway to ccRCC, synthesize our current knowledge of the ccRCC tumor suppressors in its regulation, and explore how this may impact the future treatment of patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Langbein
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rayan El Hajjar
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William Y Kim
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Haifeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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24
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Zhou JG, Zeng Y, Wang H, Jin SH, Wang YJ, He S, Frey B, Fietkau R, Hecht M, Ma H, Zhang W, Gaipl US. Identification of an endogenous retroviral signature to predict anti-PD1 response in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an integrated analysis of three clinical trials. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221126154. [PMID: 37614979 PMCID: PMC10442641 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221126154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements are genomic footprints of ancestral retroviral infections within the human genome. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulated ERV transcription level is associated with immune cell infiltration in cancers, but the association between ERV expression and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade response is currently unraveled for solid cancers, such as advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods ERV mRNA profiles were obtained from three clinical trials of ccRCC where the patients were treated with anti-PD-1 (CM-009, CM-010, CM-025, and TCGA-KIRC data). Patients treated with nivolumab were divided into training and test cohort, while the TCGA-KIRC cohort was used as an external validation. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to establish the signature. Immune cell infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to explore potential biological mechanisms. Results An ERV signature was established based on nine ERV expression patterns. In the training cohort, the median overall survival in the low- and high-risk group was 45.2 and 19.6 months [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, 0.32-0.75, p < 0.001], respectively. The results were confirmed in the test (HR = 0.41, 0.20-0.83, p = 0.013), and in the TCGA-KIRC cohort (HR = 0.55, 0.34-0.90, p = 0.017). Moreover, in the CM-025 cohort, the low-risk group that received nivolumab had a more favorable survival compared with those that received the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, while no significant differences were observed in the high-risk group. CD8+ T cells were enriched in the low-risk group, while immune suppressive pathways were suppressed. Conclusion The newly identified ERV signature is not only a prognostic, but also a predictive biomarker for advanced ccRCC patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy, which can guide personalized treatment in cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Guo Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The second affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, GermanyDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Su-Han Jin
- Department of Orthodontic, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yun-Jia Wang
- Department of Oncology, The second affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Sisi He
- Department of Oncology, The second affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Benjamin Frey
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, GermanyDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hu Ma
- Director of Department of Oncology, Vice President of the second affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Intersection of Xinlong And Xinpu Avenue, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Wenchuan Zhang
- Director of Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Udo S. Gaipl
- Head of Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 27, Erlangen, 91054, Germany.Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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25
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Kim WR, Park EG, Lee YJ, Bae WH, Lee DH, Kim HS. Integration of TE Induces Cancer Specific Alternative Splicing Events. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10918. [PMID: 36142830 PMCID: PMC9502224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors contributes to genetic diversity by generating structurally and functionally distinct transcripts. In a disease state, alternative splicing promotes incidence and development of several cancer types through regulation of cancer-related biological processes. Transposable elements (TEs), having the genetic ability to jump to other regions of the genome, can bring about alternative splicing events in cancer. TEs can integrate into the genome, mostly in the intronic regions, and induce cancer-specific alternative splicing by adjusting various mechanisms, such as exonization, providing splicing donor/acceptor sites, alternative regulatory sequences or stop codons, and driving exon disruption or epigenetic regulation. Moreover, TEs can produce microRNAs (miRNAs) that control the proportion of transcripts by repressing translation or stimulating the degradation of transcripts at the post-transcriptional level. Notably, TE insertion creates a cancer-friendly environment by controlling the overall process of gene expression before and after transcription in cancer cells. This review emphasizes the correlative interaction between alternative splicing by TE integration and cancer-associated biological processes, suggesting a macroscopic mechanism controlling alternative splicing by TE insertion in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Ryung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Eun Gyung Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Yun Ju Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Woo Hyeon Bae
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Du Hyeong Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
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26
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Abstract
Germline loss-of-function mutations of the VHL tumor suppressor gene cause von Hippel–Lindau disease, which is associated with an increased risk of hemangioblastomas, clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs), and paragangliomas. This Review describes mechanisms involving the VHL gene product in oxygen sensing, protein degradation, and tumor development and current therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms. The VHL gene product is the substrate recognition subunit of a ubiquitin ligase that targets the α subunit of the heterodimeric hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factor for proteasomal degradation when oxygen is present. This oxygen dependence stems from the requirement that HIFα be prolyl-hydroxylated on one (or both) of two conserved prolyl residues by members of the EglN (also called PHD) prolyl hydroxylase family. Deregulation of HIF, and particularly HIF2, drives the growth of VHL-defective ccRCCs. Drugs that inhibit the HIF-responsive gene product VEGF are now mainstays of ccRCC treatment. An allosteric HIF2 inhibitor was recently approved for the treatment of ccRCCs arising in the setting of VHL disease and has advanced to phase III testing for sporadic ccRCCs based on promising phase I/II data. Orally available EglN inhibitors are being tested for the treatment of anemia and ischemia. Five of these agents have been approved for the treatment of anemia in the setting of chronic kidney disease in various countries around the world.
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27
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Liu H, Bergant V, Frishman G, Ruepp A, Pichlmair A, Vincendeau M, Frishman D. Influenza A Virus Infection Reactivates Human Endogenous Retroviruses Associated with Modulation of Antiviral Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071591. [PMID: 35891571 PMCID: PMC9320126 DOI: 10.3390/v14071591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus (HERVs), normally silenced by methylation or mutations, can be reactivated by multiple environmental factors, including infections with exogenous viruses. In this work, we investigated the transcriptional activity of HERVs in human A549 cells infected by two wild-type (PR8M, SC35M) and one mutated (SC35MΔNS1) strains of Influenza A virus (IAVs). We found that the majority of differentially expressed HERVs (DEHERVS) and genes (DEGs) were up-regulated in the infected cells, with the most significantly enriched biological processes associated with the genes differentially expressed exclusively in SC35MΔNS1 being linked to the immune system. Most DEHERVs in PR8M and SC35M are mammalian apparent LTR retrotransposons, while in SC35MΔNS1, more HERV loci from the HERVW9 group were differentially expressed. Furthermore, up-regulated pairs of HERVs and genes in close chromosomal proximity to each other tended to be associated with immune responses, which implies that specific HERV groups might have the potential to trigger specific gene networks and influence host immunological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyuan Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Valter Bergant
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Goar Frishman
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.F.); (A.R.)
| | - Andreas Ruepp
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.F.); (A.R.)
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany; (V.B.); (A.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Michelle Vincendeau
- Research Group Endogenous Retroviruses, Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (D.F.)
| | - Dmitrij Frishman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (D.F.)
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28
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Apoptotic caspases suppress an MDA5-driven IFN response during productive replication of human papillomavirus type 31. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200206119. [PMID: 35858339 PMCID: PMC9303994 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200206119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect the basal proliferating cells of the stratified epithelium, but the productive phase of the life cycle (consisting of viral genome amplification, late gene expression, and virion assembly) is restricted to the highly differentiated suprabasal cells. While much is known regarding the mechanisms that HPVs use to block activation of an innate immune response in undifferentiated cells, little is known concerning how HPV prevents an interferon (IFN) response upon differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that high-risk HPVs hijack a natural function of apoptotic caspases to suppress an IFN response in differentiating epithelial cells. We show that caspase inhibition results in the secretion of type I and type III IFNs that can act in a paracrine manner to induce expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and block productive replication of HPV31. Importantly, we demonstrate that the expression of IFNs is triggered by the melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS)-TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) pathway, signifying a response to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Additionally, we identify a role for MDA5 and MAVS in restricting productive viral replication during the normal HPV life cycle. This study identifies a mechanism by which HPV reprograms the cellular environment of differentiating cells through caspase activation, co-opting a nondeath function of proteins normally involved in apoptosis to block antiviral signaling and promote viral replication.
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29
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Solomon PE, Kirkemo LL, Wilson GM, Leung KK, Almond MH, Sayles LC, Sweet-Cordero EA, Rosenberg OS, Coon JJ, Wells JA. Discovery Proteomics Analysis Determines That Driver Oncogenes Suppress Antiviral Defense Pathways Through Reduction in Interferon-β Autocrine Stimulation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100247. [PMID: 35594991 PMCID: PMC9212846 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of oncogenes, there has been tremendous interest to understand their mechanistic basis and to develop broadly actionable therapeutics. Some of the most frequently activated oncogenes driving diverse cancers are c-MYC, EGFR, HER2, AKT, KRAS, BRAF, and MEK. Using a reductionist approach, we explored how cellular proteomes are remodeled in isogenic cell lines engineered with or without these driver oncogenes. The most striking discovery for all oncogenic models was the systematic downregulation of scores of antiviral proteins regulated by type 1 interferon. These findings extended to cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models of highly refractory pancreatic cancer and osteosarcoma driven by KRAS and MYC oncogenes. The oncogenes reduced basal expression of and autocrine stimulation by type 1 interferon causing remarkable convergence on common phenotypic and functional profiles. In particular, there was dramatically lower expression of dsRNA sensors including DDX58 (RIG-I) and OAS proteins, which resulted in attenuated functional responses when the oncogenic cells were treated with the dsRNA mimetic, polyI:C, and increased susceptibility to infection with an RNA virus shown using SARS-CoV-2. Our reductionist approach provides molecular and functional insights connected to immune evasion hallmarks in cancers and suggests therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige E Solomon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa L Kirkemo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gary M Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kevin K Leung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark H Almond
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UCSF Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Leanne C Sayles
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Oren S Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UCSF Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joshua J Coon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; National Center for Quantitative Biology of Complex Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James A Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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A Novel Cognition of Decitabine: Insights into Immunomodulation and Antiviral Effects. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061973. [PMID: 35335337 PMCID: PMC8950928 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, as one of the major means of epigenesis change, makes a large difference in the spatial structure of chromatin, transposable element activity and, fundamentally, gene transcription. It has been confirmed that DNA methylation is closely related to innate immune responses. Decitabine, the most efficient available DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, has demonstrated exhilarating immune activation and antiviral effects on multiple viruses, including HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV and EHV1. This review considers the role of decitabine in regulating innate immune responses and antiviral ability. Understanding the complex transcriptional and immune regulation of decitabine could help to identify and validate therapeutic methods to reduce pathogen infection-associated morbidity, especially virus infection-induced morbidity and mortality.
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Choueiri TK, Albiges L, Atkins MB, Bakouny Z, Bratslavsky G, Braun DA, Haas NB, Haanen JB, Hakimi AA, Jewett MA, Jonasch E, Kaelin WG, Kapur P, Labaki C, Lewis B, McDermott DF, Pal SK, Pels K, Poteat S, Powles T, Rathmell WK, Rini BI, Signoretti S, Tannir NM, Uzzo RG, Hammers HJ. From Basic Science to Clinical Translation in Kidney Cancer: A Report from the Second Kidney Cancer Research Summit. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:831-839. [PMID: 34965942 PMCID: PMC9223120 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3238] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The second Kidney Cancer Research Summit was held virtually in October 2020. The meeting gathered worldwide experts in the field of kidney cancer, including basic, translational, and clinical scientists as well as patient advocates. Novel studies were presented, addressing areas of unmet need related to different topics. These include novel metabolic targets, promising immunotherapeutic regimens, predictive genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers, and variant histologies of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). With the development of pioneering technologies, and an unprecedented commitment to kidney cancer research, the field has tremendously evolved. This perspective aims to summarize the different sessions of the conference, outline major advances in the understanding of RCC and discuss current challenges faced by the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni K. Choueiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurence Albiges
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Michael B. Atkins
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ziad Bakouny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gennady Bratslavsky
- Department of Urology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - David A. Braun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naomi B. Haas
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - John B.A.G. Haanen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Ari Hakimi
- Department of Surgery, Urology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael A.S. Jewett
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Jonasch
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G. Kaelin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Payal Kapur
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chris Labaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David F. McDermott
- Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumanta K. Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Pels
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Powles
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - W. Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nizar M. Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert G. Uzzo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hans J. Hammers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Human Cancers and the Use of Natural Compounds as Epidrugs: Mechanistic Pathways and Pharmacodynamic Actions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030367. [PMID: 35327559 PMCID: PMC8945214 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030367] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from the genetic and epigenetic disruption of normal cells. The mechanistic understanding of the pathways involved in tumor transformation has implicated a priori predominance of epigenetic perturbations and a posteriori genetic instability. In this work, we aimed to explain the mechanistic involvement of epigenetic pathways in the cancer process, as well as the abilities of natural bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal plants (flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and ketones) to specifically target the epigenome of tumor cells. The molecular events leading to transformation, angiogenesis, and dissemination are often complex, stochastic, and take turns. On the other hand, the decisive advances in genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have allowed, in recent years, for the mechanistic decryption of the molecular pathways of the cancerization process. This could explain the possibility of specifically targeting this or that mechanism leading to cancerization. With the plasticity and flexibility of epigenetic modifications, some studies have started the pharmacological screening of natural substances against different epigenetic pathways (DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone methylation, and chromatin remodeling) to restore the cellular memory lost during tumor transformation. These substances can inhibit DNMTs, modify chromatin remodeling, and adjust histone modifications in favor of pre-established cell identity by the differentiation program. Epidrugs are molecules that target the epigenome program and can therefore restore cell memory in cancerous diseases. Natural products isolated from medicinal plants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have shown their ability to exhibit several actions on epigenetic modifiers, such as the inhibition of DNMT, HMT, and HAT. The mechanisms of these substances are specific and pleiotropic and can sometimes be stochastic, and their use as anticancer epidrugs is currently a remarkable avenue in the fight against human cancers.
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Wang J, Zhang W, Chu X, Wang S, Wang Y, Ji H. Deoxyshikonin-Induced Gene Expression Profile in Porcine Epithelial Cells. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:711721. [PMID: 35097037 PMCID: PMC8792893 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.711721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- Sino-US Joint Laboratory of Animal Science, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Wang
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- Sino-US Joint Laboratory of Animal Science, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Sixin Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yamin Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Ji
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- Sino-US Joint Laboratory of Animal Science, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
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34
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Zhou M, Leung JY, Gessner KH, Hepperla AJ, Simon JM, Davis IJ, Kim WY. PBRM1 inactivation promotes upregulation of human endogenous retroviruses in a HIF-dependent manner. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:285-290. [PMID: 35013001 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is considered an immunotherapy-responsive disease; however, the reasons for this remain unclear. Studies have variably implicated PBRM1 mutations as a predictive biomarker of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response, and separate studies demonstrate that expression of human endogenous retroviruses (hERVs) might be an important class of tumor-associated antigens. We sought to understand if specific mutations were associated with hERV expression. Two large, annotated genomic datasets, TCGA KIRC and IMmotion150, were used to correlate mutations and hERV expression. PBRM1 mutations were consistently associated with increased hERV expression in primary tumors. In vitro silencing of PBRM1, HIF1A and HIF2A followed by RNA-seq was performed in UMRC2 cells, confirming that PBRM1 regulates hERVs in a HIF1α- and HIF2α- dependent manner and that hERVs of the HERVERI superfamily are enriched in PBRM1-regulated hERVs. Our results uncover a role of PBRM1 in the negative regulation of hERVs in ccRCC. Moreover, the HIF-dependent nature of hERV expression explains the previously reported ccRCC-specific clinical associations of PBRM1 mutant ccRCC with both a good prognosis as well as improved clinical outcomes to ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhou
- Medicine and Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Janet Y Leung
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Austin J Hepperla
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Department of Genetics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ian J Davis
- Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - William Y Kim
- Medicine, Genetics, Pharmacology, and Urology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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35
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Yuan D, Wei Z, Wang Y, Cheng F, Zeng Y, Yang L, Zhang S, Li J, Tang R. DNA Methylation Regulator-Meditated Modification Patterns Define the Distinct Tumor Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:734873. [PMID: 34552879 PMCID: PMC8450540 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.734873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic changes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been reported to be a relevant factor in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for DNA methylation patterns in the tumor immune-infiltrating microenvironment and in cancer immunotherapy remain unclear. Methods We conducted a global analysis of the DNA methylation modification pattern (DMP) and immune cell-infiltrating characteristics of LUAD patients based on 21 DNA methylation regulators. A DNA methylation score (DMS) system was constructed to quantify the DMP model in each patient and estimate their potential benefit from immunotherapy. Results Two DNA methylation modification patterns able to distinctly characterize the immune microenvironment characterization were identified among 513 LUAD samples. A lower DMS, characterized by increased CTLA-4/PD-1/L1 gene expression, greater methylation modifications, and tumor mutation burden, characterized a noninflamed phenotype with worse survival. A higher DMS, characterized by decreased methylation modification, a greater stromal-relevant response, and immune hyperactivation, characterized an inflamed phenotype with better prognosis. Moreover, a lower DMS indicated an increased mutation load and exhibited a poor immunotherapeutic response in the anti-CTLA-4/PD-1/PD-L1 cohort. Conclusion Evaluating the DNA methylation modification pattern of LUAD patients could enhance our understanding of the features of tumor microenvironment characterization and may promote more favorable immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didi Yuan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zehong Wei
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujie Zeng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shangyu Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Renkuan Tang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Hsu PS, Yu SH, Tsai YT, Chang JY, Tsai LK, Ye CH, Song NY, Yau LC, Lin SP. More than causing (epi)genomic instability: emerging physiological implications of transposable element modulation. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:58. [PMID: 34364371 PMCID: PMC8349491 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) initially attracted attention because they comprise a major portion of the genomic sequences in plants and animals. TEs may jump around the genome and disrupt both coding genes as well as regulatory sequences to cause disease. Host cells have therefore evolved various epigenetic and functional RNA-mediated mechanisms to mitigate the disruption of genomic integrity by TEs. TE associated sequences therefore acquire the tendencies of attracting various epigenetic modifiers to induce epigenetic alterations that may spread to the neighboring genes. In addition to posting threats for (epi)genome integrity, emerging evidence suggested the physiological importance of endogenous TEs either as cis-acting control elements for controlling gene regulation or as TE-containing functional transcripts that modulate the transcriptome of the host cells. Recent advances in long-reads sequence analysis technologies, bioinformatics and genetic editing tools have enabled the profiling, precise annotation and functional characterization of TEs despite their challenging repetitive nature. The importance of specific TEs in preimplantation embryonic development, germ cell differentiation and meiosis, cell fate determination and in driving species specific differences in mammals will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Han Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tzang Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuang Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Ye
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Yu Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Chiao Yau
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Center of Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,The Research Center of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kasperek A, Béguin A, Bawa O, De Azevedo K, Job B, Massard C, Scoazec JY, Heidmann T, Heidmann O. Therapeutic potential of the human endogenous retroviral envelope protein HEMO: a pan-cancer analysis. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1451-1473. [PMID: 34318590 PMCID: PMC8978518 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses represent approximately 8% of our genome. Most of these sequences are defective except for a few genes such as the ancestral retroviral HEMO envelope gene (Human Endogenous MER34 ORF), recently characterized by our group. In this study, we characterized transcriptional activation of HEMO in primary tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in metastatic tumors from a Gustave Roussy cohort. Pan‐cancer detection of the HEMO protein in a series of patient samples validated these results. Differential gene expression analysis in various TCGA datasets revealed a link between HEMO expression and activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, in particular in endometrial cancer. Studies on cell models led us to propose that the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway could act as an upstream regulator of this retroviral endogenous sequence in tumor condition. Characterization of transcriptomic profiles of both HEMOLow and HEMOHigh tumors suggested that activation of HEMO is negatively associated with immune response signatures. Taken together, these results highlight that HEMO, as an endogenous retroviral envelope protein specifically expressed in tumors, represents a promising tumor biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Kasperek
- CNRS UMR 9196, Laboratory of Physiology and Pathology of Infectious and Endogenous Retroviruses, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Anthony Béguin
- CNRS UMR 9196, Laboratory of Physiology and Pathology of Infectious and Endogenous Retroviruses, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Olivia Bawa
- PETRA platform, AMMICa, CNRS-UMS 3655 and INSERM-US23, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Kévin De Azevedo
- CNRS UMR 9196, Laboratory of Physiology and Pathology of Infectious and Endogenous Retroviruses, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Bastien Job
- Bioinformatic Core Facility, AMMICa, CNRS-UMS 3655 and INSERM-US23, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Christophe Massard
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- PETRA platform, AMMICa, CNRS-UMS 3655 and INSERM-US23, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France.,University Paris-Saclay, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, 94270, France.,Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Thierry Heidmann
- CNRS UMR 9196, Laboratory of Physiology and Pathology of Infectious and Endogenous Retroviruses, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
| | - Odile Heidmann
- CNRS UMR 9196, Laboratory of Physiology and Pathology of Infectious and Endogenous Retroviruses, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
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Pappalardo XG, Barra V. Losing DNA methylation at repetitive elements and breaking bad. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:25. [PMID: 34082816 PMCID: PMC8173753 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation is an epigenetic chromatin mark that allows heterochromatin formation and gene silencing. It has a fundamental role in preserving genome stability (including chromosome stability) by controlling both gene expression and chromatin structure. Therefore, the onset of an incorrect pattern of DNA methylation is potentially dangerous for the cells. This is particularly important with respect to repetitive elements, which constitute the third of the human genome. Main body Repetitive sequences are involved in several cell processes, however, due to their intrinsic nature, they can be a source of genome instability. Thus, most repetitive elements are usually methylated to maintain a heterochromatic, repressed state. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that repetitive elements (satellites, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), Alus) are frequently hypomethylated in various of human pathologies, from cancer to psychiatric disorders. Repetitive sequences’ hypomethylation correlates with chromatin relaxation and unscheduled transcription. If these alterations are directly involved in human diseases aetiology and how, is still under investigation. Conclusions Hypomethylation of different families of repetitive sequences is recurrent in many different human diseases, suggesting that the methylation status of these elements can be involved in preservation of human health. This provides a promising point of view towards the research of therapeutic strategies focused on specifically tuning DNA methylation of DNA repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xena Giada Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.,National Council of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Unit of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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Srinivasachar Badarinarayan S, Sauter D. Switching Sides: How Endogenous Retroviruses Protect Us from Viral Infections. J Virol 2021; 95:e02299-20. [PMID: 33883223 PMCID: PMC8315955 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02299-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long disregarded as junk DNA or genomic dark matter, endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have turned out to represent important components of the antiviral immune response. These remnants of once-infectious retroviruses not only regulate cellular immune activation, but may even directly target invading viral pathogens. In this Gem, we summarize mechanisms by which retroviral fossils protect us from viral infections. One focus will be on recent advances in the role of ERVs as regulators of antiviral gene expression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Endogenous Retroviruses/genetics
- Endogenous Retroviruses/physiology
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Double-Stranded/genetics
- RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism
- Receptors, Virus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Virus/metabolism
- Retroelements
- Viral Proteins/metabolism
- Virion/metabolism
- Virus Diseases/genetics
- Virus Diseases/immunology
- Virus Diseases/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Srinivasachar Badarinarayan
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
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Yang T, Yang Y, Wang Y. Predictive biomarkers and potential drug combinations of epi-drugs in cancer therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:113. [PMID: 34001246 PMCID: PMC8130364 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics studies heritable genomic modifications that occur with the participation of epigenetic modifying enzymes but without alterations of the nucleotide structure. Small-molecule inhibitors of these epigenetic modifying enzymes are known as epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs), which can cause programmed death of tumor cells by affecting the cell cycle, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration. Epi-drugs include histone methylation inhibitors, histone demethylation inhibitors, histone deacetylation inhibitors, and DNA methylation inhibitors. Currently, epi-drugs undergo extensive development, research, and application. Although epi-drugs have convincing anti-tumor effects, the patient's sensitivity to epi-drug application is also a fundamental clinical issue. The development and research of biomarkers for epi-drugs provide a promising direction for screening drug-sensitive patients. Here, we review the predictive biomarkers of 12 epi-drugs as well as the progress of combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs or immunotherapy. Further, we discuss the improvement in the development of natural ingredients with low toxicity and low side effects as epi-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yunkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Magnani E, Macchi F, Madakashira BP, Zhang C, Alaydaroos F, Sadler KC. uhrf1 and dnmt1 Loss Induces an Immune Response in Zebrafish Livers Due to Viral Mimicry by Transposable Elements. Front Immunol 2021; 12:627926. [PMID: 33854502 PMCID: PMC8039153 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.627926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of transposable elements (TEs) can cause cellular damage. Cytoplasmic nucleic acid sensing pathways evolved to detect pathogens, but can also serve to cull cells with inappropriate TE activation as TEs can be viral mimetics. Epigenetic silencing of TEs is mediated in part by DNA methylation, but it is not clear if TE activation or the immune system contribute to the cellular damage caused by loss of DNA methylation. Here, we provide mechanistic insight into the observation of an activated interferon response in the liver of zebrafish larvae with deletion in critical components of the DNA methylation machinery, uhrf1 and dnmt1. We focus on dissecting the relationship between DNA methylation, TE activation and induction of an immune response through cytoplasmic DNA and double stranded RNA sensing pathways and identify tnfa as a mediator of cell death in the liver of these mutants. Integrated RNAseq and methylome analysis identified LTR transposons as the most upregulated in these mutants and also the most methylated in control larvae, indicating a direct role of DNA methylation in suppressing this TE subclass. RNAseq analysis from these same samples revealed expression signatures of a type-I interferon response and of tnfa activation, mimicking the pattern of gene expression in virally infected cells. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated depletion of the cellular antiviral sensors sting and mavs reduced expression of interferon response genes and tnfa depletion dramatically reduced cell death in uhrf1 mutant livers. This suggests that the antiviral response induced by DNA hypomethylation and TE activation in the liver is mediated by the signaling pathways activated by both cytoplasmic double stranded RNA and DNA and that tnfa mediates cell death as a potential mechanism to eliminate these damaged cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Magnani
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Filippo Macchi
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Chi Zhang
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Alaydaroos
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kirsten C Sadler
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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