1
|
Yang YH, Yan F, Yuan W, Shi PS, Wu SM, Cui DJ. High-altitude hypoxia promotes BRD4-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and disruption of intestinal barrier. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111187. [PMID: 38648894 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia, commonly experienced at elevated altitudes, presents significant physiological challenges. Our investigation is centered on the impact of the bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) under these conditions, especially its interaction with the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and resultant effects on glycolytic inflammation and intestinal barrier stability. By combining transcriptome sequencing with bioinformatics, we identified BRD4's key role in hypoxia-related intestinal anomalies. Clinical parameters of altitude sickness patients, including serum BRD4 levels, inflammatory markers, and barrier integrity metrics, were scrutinized. In vitro studies using CCD 841 CoN cells depicted expression changes in BRD4, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and β-Catenin. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FD4 analyses assessed barrier resilience. Hypoxia-induced mouse models, analyzed via H&E staining and Western blot, provided insights into barrier and protein alterations. Under hypoxic conditions, marked BRD4 expression variations emerged. Elevated serum BRD4 in patients coincided with intensified Wnt signaling, inflammation, and barrier deterioration. In vitro, findings showed hypoxia-induced upregulation of BRD4 and inflammatory markers but a decline in Occludin and ZO1, affecting barrier strength-effects mitigated by BRD4 inhibition. Mouse models echoed these patterns, linking BRD4 upregulation in hypoxia to barrier perturbations. Hypobaric hypoxia-induced BRD4 upregulation disrupts the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling, sparking glycolysis-fueled inflammation and weakening intestinal tight junctions and barrier degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Han Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Wenqiang Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Peng-Shuang Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Shi-Min Wu
- Graduate School, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - De-Jun Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, Zhongshan East Road, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen X, Zhong J, Yu P, Liu F, Peng H, Chen N. YTHDC1-dependent m6A modification modulated FOXM1 promotes glycolysis and tumor progression through CENPA in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1881-1895. [PMID: 38566554 PMCID: PMC11145146 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16137] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits heightened aggressiveness compared with other breast cancer (BC) subtypes, with earlier relapse, a higher risk of distant metastasis, and a worse prognosis. Transcription factors play a pivotal role in various cancers. Here, we found that factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) expression was significantly higher in TNBC than in other BC subtypes and normal tissues. Combining the findings of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and a series of experiments, we found that knockdown of the FOXM1 gene attenuated the ability of TNBC cells to proliferate and metastasize both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, Spearman's test showed that FOXM1 significantly correlated with glycolysis-related genes, especially centromere protein A (CENPA) in datasets (GSE76250, GSE76124, GSE206912, and GSE103091). The effect of silencing FOXM1 on the inhibition of CENPA expression, TNBC proliferation, migration, and glycolysis could be recovered by overexpression of CENPA. According to MeRIP, the level of m6A modification on FOMX1 decreased in cells treated with cycloleucine (a m6A inhibitor) compared with that in the control group. The increase in FOXM1 expression caused by YTHDC1 overexpression could be reversed by the m6A inhibitor, which indicated that YTHDC1 enhanced FOXM1 expression depending on m6A modification. Therefore, we concluded that the YTHDC1-m6A modification/FOXM1/CENPA axis plays an important role in TNBC progression and glycolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Shen
- Department of Oncology, The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Jianxin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Breast OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Pan Yu
- Department of Health ManagementThe Second Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryWuhan Fourth HospitalWuhanChina
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Stomatology, Shenzhen HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Nianyong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shi M, Li Y, Pan W, Fu Z, Wang K, Liu X, Li N, Tang B. A BRD4-Targeting Photothermal Agent for Controlled Protein Degradation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202403258. [PMID: 38721770 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403258] [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: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
BRD4 protein plays a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation and differentiation. Disrupting the activity of BRD4 has emerged as a promising strategy for inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Herein, we introduced a BRD4-targeting photothermal agent for controlled protein degradation, aiming to enhance low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment. By incorporating a BRD4 protein inhibitor into a cyanine dye scaffold, the photothermal agent specifically bond to the bromodomain of BRD4. Upon low power density laser irradiation, the agent induced protein degradation, directly destroying the BRD4 structure and inhibiting its transcriptional regulatory function. This strategy not only prolonged the retention time of the photothermal agent in cancer cells but also confined the targeted protein degradation process solely to the tumor tissue, minimizing side effects on normal tissues through the aid of exogenous signals. This work established a simple and feasible platform for future PTT agent design in clinical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingwan Shi
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Wei Pan
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Zhongliang Fu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Kaiye Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Molecular and Nano Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee KH, Kim J, Kim JH. 3D epigenomics and 3D epigenopathies. BMB Rep 2024; 57:216-231. [PMID: 38627948 PMCID: PMC11139681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are intricately compacted to form sophisticated 3-dimensional structures within the tiny nucleus, so called 3D genome folding. Despite their shapes reminiscent of an entangled yarn, the rapid development of molecular and next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has revealed that mammalian genomes are highly organized in a hierarchical order that delicately affects transcription activities. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that 3D genome folding is implicated in diseases, giving us a clue on how to identify novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will study what 3D genome folding means in epigenetics, what types of 3D genome structures there are, how they are formed, and how the technologies have developed to explore them. We will also discuss the pathological implications of 3D genome folding. Finally, we will discuss how to leverage 3D genome folding and engineering for future studies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(5): 216-231].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwan Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jungyu Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Ji Hun Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi M. The Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum Extracts on Treating Endometrial Cancer: A Network Pharmacology Approach. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01500-3. [PMID: 38448739 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01500-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a prominent medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its potent antitumor properties. This study aimed to illustrate the efficacy of GL extracts (GLE) on treating endometrial cancer (EC) and explore the underlying mechanisms via network pharmacology and experimental validation. Network pharmacological analysis was conducted to explore the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of GL on EC. In vitro experimental validation was performed on human endometrial cancer cell lines HEC-1-A and KLE. Network pharmacology revealed that key targets of GL against EC were primarily associated with the Rap1 signaling pathway. In in vitro experiments, GLE or GGTI-298 (a GTPase inhibitor) treatment inhibited cell proliferation and migration, promoted cell apoptosis, increased caspase-3 level, and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase in HEC-1-A and KLE cells. GLE increased the protein expression of Rap1-GTP, p-AKT, and p-ERK2 in HEC-1-A and KLE cells. Moreover, GGTI-298 enhanced the effects of GLE on suppressing the malignant progression of EC cells and on activating Rap1 signaling pathway. GLE inhibited the malignant progression of EC cells probably via activating the Rap1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Putuo Hospital, Zhoushan, 316100, Zhejiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Korkaya H, Koksalar Alkan F, Caglayan A, Alkan H, Benson E, Gunduz Y, Sensoy O, Durdagi S, Zarbaliyev E, Dyson G, Assad H, Shull A, Chadli A, Shi H, Ozturk G. Dual activity of Minnelide chemosensitize basal/triple negative breast cancer stem cells and reprograms immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3959342. [PMID: 38464167 PMCID: PMC10925405 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3959342/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is characterized with higher EMT/stemness properties and immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Women with advanced TNBC exhibit aggressive disease and have limited treatment options. Although immune suppressive TME is implicated in driving aggressive properties of basal/TNBC subtype and therapy resistance, effectively targeting it remains a challenge. Minnelide, a prodrug of triptolide currently being tested in clinical trials, has shown anti-tumorigenic activity in multiple malignancies via targeting super enhancers, Myc and anti-apoptotic pathways such as HSP70. Distinct super-enhancer landscape drives cancer stem cells (CSC) in TNBC subtype while inducing immune suppressive TME. We show that Minnelide selectively targets CSCs in human and murine TNBC cell lines compared to cell lines of luminal subtype by targeting Myc and HSP70. Minnelide in combination with cyclophosphamide significantly reduces the tumor growth and eliminates metastasis by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and enhancing cytotoxic T cell infiltration in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Resection of residual tumors following the combination treatment leads to complete eradication of disseminated tumor cells as all mice are free of local and distant recurrences. All control mice showed recurrences within 3 weeks of post-resection while single Minnelide treatment delayed recurrence and one mouse was free of tumor. We provide evidence that Minnelide targets tumor intrinsic pathways and reprograms the immune suppressive microenvironment. Our studies also suggest that Minnelide in combination with cyclophosphamide may lead to durable responses in patients with basal/TNBC subtype warranting its clinical investigation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gu M, Ren B, Fang Y, Ren J, Liu X, Wang X, Zhou F, Xiao R, Luo X, You L, Zhao Y. Epigenetic regulation in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e495. [PMID: 38374872 PMCID: PMC10876210 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are defined as heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The oncogenic process is driven by the accumulation of alterations that impact genome's structure and function. Genetic mutations, which directly disrupt the DNA sequence, are complemented by epigenetic modifications that modulate gene expression, thereby facilitating the acquisition of malignant characteristics. Principals among these epigenetic changes are shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, which promote tumor development and metastasis. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic alterations, as opposed to the permanence of genetic changes, positions the epigenetic machinery as a prime target in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Our review delves into the complexities of epigenetic regulation, exploring its profound effects on tumor initiation, metastatic behavior, metabolic pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We place a particular emphasis on the dysregulation at each level of epigenetic modulation, including but not limited to, the aberrations in enzymes responsible for DNA methylation and histone modification, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodeling complexes, and the disturbances in higher-order chromatin structure. Finally, we also evaluate therapeutic approaches that leverage the growing understanding of chromatin dysregulation, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Gu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Feihan Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Ruiling Xiao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiyuan Luo
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li S, Guo Q, Guo R, Xu H. Transcriptional factor BRD4 promotes the stemness of esophageal cancer by activating the nuclear PD-L1/RelB axis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:669-679. [PMID: 37615218 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a prevalent malignancy associated with therapeutic resistance and poor prognosis. This study investigates the role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in esophageal cancer stem cell (ECSC) formation. ECSCs were enriched and characterized using various assays. We found that both PD-L1 and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) were upregulated in ECSCs, promoting their stemness. Inhibiting BRD4 suppressed ECSC markers expression and sphere formation. Furthermore, BRD4 inhibitors downregulated membrane and nuclear PD-L1 levels, with knockdown of PD-L1 inhibiting ECSC formation. PD-L1 degraders also affected PD-L1 and its downstream effector RelB expression. Moreover, inhibiting RelB influenced sphere formation through interleukin-6 expression. This study reveals the critical role of the BRD4/nuclear PD-L1/RelB axis in ECSC formation, highlighting nuclear PD-L1 as a potential immunotherapeutic target for refractory EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouguo Li
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qunhuang Guo
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ruixiang Guo
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Tumor Radiotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fernández S, Díaz E, Rita CG, Estévez M, Montalbán C, García JF. BET inhibitors induce NF-κB and E2F downregulation in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Exp Cell Res 2023; 430:113718. [PMID: 37468057 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with relapsed and/or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) continues to be poor. Therefore, there is a continuing need to develop novel therapies and to rationalize the use of target combinations. In recent years there has been growing interest in epigenetic targets for hematological malignancies under the rationale of the presence of common alterations in epigenetic transcriptional regulation. Since Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells have frequent inactivating mutations of the CREBBP and EP300 acetyltransferases, bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors can be a rational therapy for cHL. Here we aimed to confirm the efficacy of BET inhibitors (iBETs) using representative cell models and functional experiments, and to further explore biological mechanisms under iBET treatment using whole-transcriptome analyses. Our results reveal cytostatic rather than cytotoxic activity through the induction of G1/S and G2/M cell-cycle arrest, in addition to variable MYC downregulation. Additionally, massive changes in the transcriptome induced by the treatment include downregulation of relevant pathways in cHL disease: NF-kB and E2F, among others. Our findings support the therapeutic use of iBETs in selected cHL patients and reveal previously unknown biological mechanisms and consequences of pan-BET inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fernández
- Translational Research Laboratory, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Díaz
- Translational Research Laboratory, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia G Rita
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Eurofins-Megalab, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Estévez
- Department of Hematology, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Montalbán
- Department of Hematology, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan F García
- Translational Research Laboratory, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li S, Liberti D, Zhou S, Ying Y, Kong J, Basil MC, Cardenas-Diaz FL, Shiraishi K, Morley MP, Morrisey EE. DOT1L regulates lung developmental epithelial cell fate and adult alveolar stem cell differentiation after acute injury. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1841-1853. [PMID: 37595582 PMCID: PMC10545485 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AT2 cells harbor alveolar stem cell activity in the lung and can self-renew and differentiate into AT1 cells during homeostasis and after injury. To identify epigenetic pathways that control the AT2-AT1 regenerative response in the lung, we performed an organoid screen using a library of pharmacological epigenetic inhibitors. This screen identified DOT1L as a regulator of AT2 cell growth and differentiation. In vivo inactivation of Dot1l leads to precocious activation of both AT1 and AT2 gene expression during lung development and accelerated AT1 cell differentiation after acute lung injury. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals the presence of a new AT2 cell state upon loss of Dot1l, characterized by increased expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes and changes in expression of critical transcription and epigenetic factors. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Dot1l controls the rate of alveolar epithelial cell fate acquisition during development and regeneration after acute injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanru Li
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Derek Liberti
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yun Ying
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jun Kong
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria C Basil
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fabian L Cardenas-Diaz
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kazushige Shiraishi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael P Morley
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Edward E Morrisey
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim JH, Pandit N, Yoo M, Park TH, Choi JU, Park CH, Jung KY, Lee BI. Crystal structure of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine derivatives as BRD4 bromodomain inhibitors and structure-activity relationship study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10805. [PMID: 37402749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BRD4 contains two tandem bromodomains (BD1 and BD2) that recognize acetylated lysine for epigenetic reading, and these bromodomains are promising therapeutic targets for treating various diseases, including cancers. BRD4 is a well-studied target, and many chemical scaffolds for inhibitors have been developed. Research on the development of BRD4 inhibitors against various diseases is actively being conducted. Herein, we propose a series of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine derivatives as bromodomain inhibitors with micromolar IC50 values. We characterized the binding modes by determining the crystal structures of BD1 in complex with four selected inhibitors. Compounds containing [1,2,4] triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine derivatives offer promising starting molecules for designing potent BRD4 BD inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hoon Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Navin Pandit
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyoun Yoo
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Park
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ji U Choi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwan-Young Jung
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Il Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Weber LI, Hartl M. Strategies to target the cancer driver MYC in tumor cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1142111. [PMID: 36969025 PMCID: PMC10032378 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1142111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncoprotein functions as a master regulator of cellular transcription and executes non-transcriptional tasks relevant to DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, thereby interacting with multiple proteins. MYC is required for fundamental cellular processes triggering proliferation, growth, differentiation, or apoptosis and also represents a major cancer driver being aberrantly activated in most human tumors. Due to its non-enzymatic biochemical functions and largely unstructured surface, MYC has remained difficult for specific inhibitor compounds to directly address, and consequently, alternative approaches leading to indirect MYC inhibition have evolved. Nowadays, multiple organic compounds, nucleic acids, or peptides specifically interfering with MYC activities are in preclinical or early-stage clinical studies, but none of them have been approved so far for the pharmacological treatment of cancer patients. In addition, specific and efficient delivery technologies to deliver MYC-inhibiting agents into MYC-dependent tumor cells are just beginning to emerge. In this review, an overview of direct and indirect MYC-inhibiting agents and their modes of MYC inhibition is given. Furthermore, we summarize current possibilities to deliver appropriate drugs into cancer cells containing derailed MYC using viral vectors or appropriate nanoparticles. Finding the right formulation to target MYC-dependent cancers and to achieve a high intracellular concentration of compounds blocking or attenuating oncogenic MYC activities could be as important as the development of novel MYC-inhibiting principles.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Fang F, Ling J, Chu X, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Li X, Tian Y, Li Z, Sang X, Zhang K, Lu L, Wan X, Chen Y, Yu J, Zhuo R, Wu S, Lu J, Pan J, Hu S. BRD4 PROTAC degrader MZ1 exerts anticancer effects in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting c-Myc and ANP32B genes. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-15. [PMID: 36170346 PMCID: PMC9543111 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2125748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly cancerous and aggressive hematologic disease with elevated levels of drug resistance and relapse resulting in high mortality. Recently, bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors have been extensively researched in hematological tumors as potential anticancer agents. MZ1 is a novel BET inhibitor that mediates selective proteins degradation and suppression of tumor growth through proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) technology. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the role and therapeutic potential of MZ1 in AML. In this study, we first identified that AML patients with high BRD4 expression had poor overall survival than those with low expression group. MZ1 inhibited AML cell growth and induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro. MZ1 induced degradation of BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2 in AML cell strains. Additionally, MZ1 also initiated the cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which showed cytotoxic effects on NB4 (PML-RARa), K562 (BCR-ABL), Kasumi-1 (AML1-ETO), and MV4-11 (MLL-AF4) cell lines representing different molecular subtypes of AML. In AML mouse leukemia model, MZ1 significantly decreased leukemia cell growth and increased the mouse survival time. According to the RNA-sequencing analysis, MZ1 led to c-Myc and ANP32B genes significant downregulation in AML cell lines. Knockdown of ANP32B promoted AML cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth. Overall, our data indicated that MZ1 had broad anti-cancer effects on AML cell lines with different molecular lesions, which might be exploited as a novel therapeutic strategy for AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Ling
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinran Chu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Sang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kunlong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lihui Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wan
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuiyan Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- CONTACT Shaoyan HuChildren’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| |
Collapse
|