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Sabour-Takanlou M, Sabour-Takanlou L, Biray-Avci C. EZH2-associated tumor malignancy: A prominent target for cancer treatment. Clin Genet 2024. [PMID: 38881299 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The discussion in this review centers around the significant relationships between EZH2 and the initiation, progression, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immune regulation of cancer. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which encompass two primary Polycomb repressor complexes (PRC1 and PRC2), have been categorized. PRC2 consists mainly of four subunits, namely EZH2, EED, SUZ12, and RbAp46/48. As the crucial catalytic component within the PRC2 complex, EZH2 plays a pivotal role in controlling a wide range of biological processes. Overexpression/mutations of EZH2 have been detected in a wide variety of tumors. Several mechanisms of EZH regulation have been identified, including regulation EZH2 mRNA by miRNAs, LncRNAs, accessibility to DNA via DNA-binding proteins, post-translational modifications, and transcriptional regulation. EZH2 signaling triggers cancer progression and may intervene with anti-tumor immunity; therefore it has charmed attention as an effective therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Numerouss nucleic acid-based therapies have been used in the modification of EZH2. In addition to gene therapy approaches, pharmaceutical compounds can be used to target the EZH2 signaling pathway in the treatment of cancer. EZH2-associated tumor cells and immune cells enhance the effects of the immune response in a variety of human malignancies. The combination of epigenetic modifying agents, such as anti-EZH2 compounds with immunotherapy, could potentially be efficacious even in the context of immunosuppressive tumors. Summary, understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance to EZH2 inhibitors may facilitate the development of novel drugs to prevent or treat relapse in treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cigir Biray-Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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2
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Chen Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Tong S, Liu Y. EZH2: The roles in targeted therapy and mechanisms of resistance in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116624. [PMID: 38670045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116624] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance presents a formidable challenge in the realm of breast cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), may serve as a key regulator in controlling drug resistance. EZH2 overexpression has been observed in breast cancer and many other malignancies, showing a strong correlation with poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which EZH2 regulates drug resistance, with a specific focus on breast cancer, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular processes. Additionally, we will discuss the current strategies and outcomes of targeting EZH2 using both single agents and combination therapies, with the goal of offering improved guidance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer patients who have developed drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yi Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Biotheus Inc., Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519080, PR China.
| | - Shuangmei Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Révész M, Oberna F, Slezák A, Tóth E, Ferenczi Ö, Kenessey I, Takácsi-Nagy Z. EZH2 Expression in Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Cancer in Young Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5250. [PMID: 38791289 PMCID: PMC11121619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
EZH2 (Enhancer of zeste homolog 2) promotes tumor growth and survival through numerous mechanisms and is a promising target for novel therapeutic approaches. We aimed to characterize the expression of EZH2 in the tumors of young head-and-neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients in comparison with the general HNSCC patient population. We used formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 68 random young HNSCC patients (≤39 years, median age: 36 years; diagnosed between 2000 and 2018), which were compared with the samples of 58 age- and gender-matched general HNSCC subjects (median age: 62 years; all diagnosed in the year 2014). EZH2 and p53 expression of the tumors was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Lower EZH2 expression was found to be characteristic of the tumors of young HNSCC patients as opposed to the general population (median EZH2 staining intensity: 1 vs. 1.5 respectively, p < 0.001; median fraction of EZH2 positive tumor cells: 40% vs. 60%, respectively, p = 0.003, Mann-Whitney). Cox analysis identified a more advanced T status (T3-4 vs. T1-2), a positive nodal status, and alcohol consumption, but neither intratumoral EZH2 nor p53 were identified as predictors of mortality in the young patient group. The lower EZH2 expression of young HNSCC patients' tumors discourages speculations of a more malignant phenotype of early-onset tumors and suggests the dominant role of patient characteristics. Furthermore, our results might indicate the possibility of an altered efficacy of the novel anti-EZH2 therapies in this patient subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónika Révész
- Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ferenc Oberna
- Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Center, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - András Slezák
- Center of Tumor Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Erika Tóth
- Center of Tumor Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Örs Ferenczi
- Center of Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Kenessey
- Hungarian Cancer Registry, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary
- National Tumor Laboratory Project, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Takácsi-Nagy
- Center of Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- National Tumor Laboratory Project, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Oncology, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Velez J, Dale B, Park KS, Kaniskan HÜ, Yu X, Jin J. Discovery of a novel, highly potent EZH2 PROTAC degrader for targeting non-canonical oncogenic functions of EZH2. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116154. [PMID: 38295690 PMCID: PMC10901292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of EZH2, the main catalytic subunit of PRC2, has been implicated in numerous cancers, including leukemia, breast, and prostate. Recent studies have highlighted non-catalytic oncogenic functions of EZH2, which EZH2 catalytic inhibitors cannot attenuate. Therefore, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders have been explored as an alternative therapeutic approach to suppress both canonical and non-canonical oncogenic activity. Here we present MS8847, a novel, highly potent EZH2 PROTAC degrader that recruits the E3 ligase von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). MS8847 degrades EZH2 in a concentration-, time-, and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-dependent manner. Notably, MS8847 induces superior EZH2 degradation and anti-proliferative effects in MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells compared to previously published EZH2 PROTAC degraders. Moreover, MS8847 degrades EZH2 and inhibits cell growth in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, displays efficacy in a 3D TNBC in vitro model, and has a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile suitable for in vivo efficacy studies. Overall, MS8847 is a valuable chemical tool for the biomedical community to investigate canonical and non-canonical oncogenic functions of EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velez
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Brandon Dale
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Chen J, Tang S, Zheng Q, Li J, Jiang H, Lu H, Liao G, Li K, Liang Y. The competitive mechanism of EZH1 and EZH2 in promoting oral squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2024; 436:113957. [PMID: 38309675 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113957] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 1 (EZH1) and Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) are the key components of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2); however, the roles of these proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine the respective roles of these proteins in OSCC by investigating the expression levels of EZH1 and EZH2 in OSCC tissues (N = 63) by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we used lentiviruses to construct stable OSCC cell lines that overexpressed EZH1 and EZH2. Then, we investigated these cell lines for cell viability, colony formation capacity, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Binding competition between EZH1 and EZH2 with PRC2 was further evaluated using Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Compared with normal tissues, the expression levels of EZH2 in OSCC tissues was up-regulated, while the expression of EZH1 was down-regulated. EZH2 enhanced cell viability, colony formation capacity, stemness, and EMT, while EZH1 did not. Furthermore, analysis indicated that EZH1 and EZH2 bound competitively to PRC2 and influenced the methylation status of H3K27. In conclusion, our findings verified that EZH1 and EZH2 play opposing roles in OSCC and that EZH1 and EZH2 compete as the key component of PRC2, thus affecting the characteristics of OSCC via the methylation of H3K27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghai Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shanshan Tang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiuhan Zheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huanzi Lu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guiqing Liao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Kan Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yujie Liang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan West Street, Guangzhou, 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong-Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Mohebbi H, Esbati R, Hamid RA, Akhavanfar R, Radi UK, Siri G, Yazdani O. EZH2-interacting lncRNAs contribute to gastric tumorigenesis; a review on the mechanisms of action. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:334. [PMID: 38393645 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09237-7] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, demanding new targets to improve its diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated through gastric tumorigenesis and play a significant role in GC progression and development. Recent studies have revealed that lncRNAs can interact with histone-modifying polycomb protein, enhance Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), and mediate its site-specific functioning. EZH2, which functions as an oncogene in GC, is the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex that induces H3K27 trimethylation and epigenetically represses gene expression. EZH2-interacting lncRNAs can recruit EZH2 to the promoter regions of various tumor suppressor genes and cause their transcriptional deactivation via histone methylation. The interactions between EZH2 and this lncRNA modulate different processes, such as cell cycle, cell proliferation and growth, migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, in vitro and in vivo GC models. Therefore, EZH2-interacting lncRNAs are exciting targets for developing novel targeted therapies for GC. Subsequently, this review aims to focus on the roles of these interactions in GC progression to understand the therapeutic value of EZH2-interacting lncRNAs further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mohebbi
- Kermanshah University of medical sciences, International branch, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Romina Esbati
- Department of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Roozbeh Akhavanfar
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Usama Kadem Radi
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Goli Siri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Yazdani
- Department of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
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Estevão-Pereira H, Guimarães-Teixeira C, Flores BCT, Moreira-Silva F, Tavares NT, Guimarães R, Braga I, Maurício J, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Lobo J. EHMT2/G9a and EZH2: Epimarkers in testicular germ cell tumors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38380739 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13604] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors remain the most frequent solid malignancies in young males. Despite excellent prognosis, the fact that only 60% of patients at diagnosis have elevated serum tumor markers (dependent on stage and histology) and the poor quality of life of patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy cannot be neglected. Consequently, it is mandatory to bring out novel biomarkers. OBJECTIVES The main goal was to evaluate EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression in a well-characterized patients' cohort of primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumors, seeking associations with clinicopathological features and discovering differential immunoexpression patterns among specific subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, an in silico analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database was performed regarding EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a. Then, immunohistochemistry for EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a was carried out in a cohort of testicular germ cell tumor patients, comprising 155 chemo-naïve primary tumors and 11 chemo-treated metastases. Immunoexpression was evaluated using a digital pathology analysis software. RESULTS Higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a expression levels were found in non-seminoma in the in silico analysis, particularly in embryonal carcinoma. Through digital pathology analysis, non-seminomas showed significantly higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression, with embryonal carcinoma showing higher expression. Moreover, mixed tumors with 50% or more of embryonal carcinoma component revealed the highest nuclei positivity for both biomarkers. Cisplatin-exposed metastases demonstrated a higher EZH2-positive nuclei and H-score, as well as higher EHMT2/G9a-positive nuclei. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest that EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a might be associated with greater aggressiveness and, eventually, involved in the metastatic setting, paving the way for testing targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Estevão-Pereira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bianca C T Flores
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moreira-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Oncology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Torban E, Goodyer P. Wilms' tumor gene 1: lessons from the interface between kidney development and cancer. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F3-F19. [PMID: 37916284 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00248.2023] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1990, mutations of the Wilms' tumor-1 gene (WT1), encoding a transcription factor in the embryonic kidney, were found in 10-15% of Wilms' tumors; germline WT1 mutations were associated with hereditary syndromes involving glomerular and reproductive tract dysplasia. For more than three decades, these discoveries prompted investigators to explore the embryonic role of WT1 and the mechanisms by which loss of WT1 leads to malignant transformation. Here, we discuss how alternative splicing of WT1 generates isoforms that act in a context-specific manner to activate or repress target gene transcription. WT1 also regulates posttranscriptional regulation, alters the epigenetic landscape, and activates miRNA expression. WT1 functions at multiple stages of kidney development, including the transition from resting stem cells to committed nephron progenitor, which it primes to respond to WNT9b signals from the ureteric bud. WT1 then drives nephrogenesis by activating WNT4 expression and directing the development of glomerular podocytes. We review the WT1 mutations that account for Denys-Drash syndrome, Frasier syndrome, and WAGR syndrome. Although the WT1 story began with Wilms' tumors, an understanding of the pathways that link aberrant kidney development to malignant transformation still has some important gaps. Loss of WT1 in nephrogenic rests may leave these premalignant clones with inadequate DNA repair enzymes and may disturb the epigenetic landscape. Yet none of these observations provide a complete picture of Wilms' tumor pathogenesis. It appears that the WT1 odyssey is unfinished and still holds a great deal of untilled ground to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Goodyer
- Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ju J, Zhang H, Guan S, Liu C, Du J, Shen X, Wang S. Insight into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Embryonic Ectoderm Development Subunit by Triazolopyrimidine Derivatives as Inhibitors through Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2023; 28:7997. [PMID: 38138487 PMCID: PMC10745707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28247997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) subunit in Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) can inhibit tumor growth. In this paper, we selected six experimentally designed EED competitive Inhibitors of the triazolopyrimidine derivatives class. We investigated the difference in the binding mode of the natural substrate to the Inhibitors and the effects of differences in the parent nuclei, heads, and tails of the Inhibitors on the inhibitory capacity. The results showed that the binding free energy of this class of Inhibitors was close to or lower compared to the natural substrate, providing an energetic basis for competitive inhibition. For the Inhibitors, the presence of a strong negatively charged group at the 6-position of the parent nucleus or the 8'-position of the head would make the hydrogen atom on the head imino group prone to flip, resulting in the vertical movement of the parent nucleus, which significantly decreased the inhibitory ability. When the 6-position of the parent nucleus was a nonpolar group, the parent nucleus would move horizontally, slightly decreasing the inhibitory ability. When the 8'-position of the head was methylene, it formed an intramolecular hydrophobic interaction with the benzene ring on the tail, resulting in a significant increase in inhibition ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Ju
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Shanshan Guan
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun 130052, China;
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition at Universities of Jilin Province, Changchun 130052, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
| | - Song Wang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2 Liutiao Road, Changchun 130023, China; (J.J.); (H.Z.); (C.L.); (J.D.); (X.S.)
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10
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Liang G, Han L, Qu M, Xue J, Xu D, Wu X, Lu Y. Down-regulation of EZH2 genes targeting RUNX3 affects proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of human colon cancer cells by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:13655-13668. [PMID: 38048186 PMCID: PMC10756104 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205197] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to detect the effect of EZH2 genes on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of colon carcinoma cell strains HCT116 and HT29 by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, qRT-PCR was applied to measure relative expressions of EZH2, RUNX3, CEA, CA199, MMP-9, VEGF, β-catenin, and CyclinD1 in each group; Western-blot was employed with the intention of exploring relative expressions of these proteins in vivo and in vitro; monoclonal proliferation experiments and CCK-8 assay was adopted so as to check cell proliferation; the effect on cell migration was investigated via Transwell assay and cell scratch wound assay; flow cytometry was applied with a view to determining the effect on cell apoptosis. Transfected HCT116 cells are injected subcutaneously into nude mice. In colon cell strains HCT-116 and HT29, contrasted to the si-NC group, the RUNX3 expression was prominently up-regulated in the si-EZH2 group. Besides, expressions of CEA, CA199, MMP-9, and VEGF were significantly reduced; down-regulation of EZH2 genes remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration when facilitating apoptosis; down-regulation of EZH2 genes also significantly reduced expressions of essential proteins β-catenin and CyclinD1 on the Wnt pathway. The subcutaneous tumor body of nude mice was reduced. EZH2-OE is the opposite trend to si-EZH2; The EZH2 gene may target regulatory RUNX3 regulation via that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, hence affecting colon carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Therefore, EZH2 may become a promising target for the clinical therapy of colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanli Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Ming Qu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
- Institute of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Xueliang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
- Institute of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang 05000, China
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11
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Aziz N, Hong YH, Kim HG, Kim JH, Cho JY. Tumor-suppressive functions of protein lysine methyltransferases. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2475-2497. [PMID: 38036730 PMCID: PMC10766653 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01117-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) play crucial roles in histone and nonhistone modifications, and their dysregulation has been linked to the development and progression of cancer. While the majority of studies have focused on the oncogenic functions of PKMTs, extensive evidence has indicated that these enzymes also play roles in tumor suppression by regulating the stability of p53 and β-catenin, promoting α-tubulin-mediated genomic stability, and regulating the transcription of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Despite their contradictory roles in tumorigenesis, many PKMTs have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, PKMT inhibitors may have unintended negative effects depending on the specific cancer type and target enzyme. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the tumor-suppressive effects of PKMTs and to provide new insights into the development of anticancer drugs targeting PKMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Aziz
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo Han Hong
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Gyung Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Wang K, Jiang X, Jiang Y, Liu J, Du Y, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao X, Li J, Zhang R. EZH2-H3K27me3-mediated silencing of mir-139-5p inhibits cellular senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating TOP2A. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:320. [PMID: 38008711 PMCID: PMC10680220 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02855-2] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a well-known epigenetic modifier that functions as an oncogene in tumors by promoting the H3K27me3-mediated transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. "Senescent cells" has been proposed as a possible core component of the hallmarks of cancer conceptualization. Induction of cell senescence and targeted elimination of these senescent tumor cells are new strategies for tumor therapy. However, the role of EZH2 in regulating cellular senescence remains poorly understood. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses suggested that EZH2 and DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) are coexpressed in tumors, including HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) suggests a correlation of EZH2 and TOP2A expression with cellular senescence in HCC. MicroRNA (miRNA) inhibitor and mimics, siRNA, PLKO-shRNA, and plenti6.3-miR-139 were used to upregulate or downregulate the expression of target genes. CCK8, EdU, clone formation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and cellular senescence phenotypes. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the targeted binding and inhibition of TOP2A 3' untranslated region (UTR) by miR-139-5p and the DNA enrichment of miR139-5p by EZH2 and H3K27me3. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish a xenograft tumor model and verify the phenotypes upon EZH2 and TOP2A silencing and miR-139 overexpression in vivo. In addition, tissue microarrays were used to analyze the expression patterns and correlations among EZH2, TOP2A, and miR-139-5p expression in HCC. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that EZH2 and TOP2A are coexpressed in HCC. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that inhibition of EZH2 and TOP2A induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells. In vivo tumorigenesis assays indicated that EZH2 and TOP2A knockdown inhibits tumorigenesis by inducing cellular senescence. Mechanistically, EZH2 promotes TOP2A expression by regulating the H3K27me3-mediated epigenetic silencing of miR-139-5p. TOP2A is a direct target of miR-139-5p, and inhibition of miR-139-5p can reverse the promotion by EZH2 of TOP2A expression. The overexpression of miR-139-5p induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A are higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues, and this high coexpression indicates a worse outcome of patients with HCC. Moreover, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A is significantly correlated with tumor differentiation grade, tumor invasion, and TNM stage in HCC. miR-139-5p expression is lower in HCC tumors than in normal tissues and is correlated with better prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the role of the EZH2/miR-139-5p/TOP2A axis in regulating cellular senescence and cell proliferation in HCC, enriching the molecular mechanisms of EZH2-mediated epigenetic regulation in HCC. Therefore, our results provide insight into the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 to induce cellular senescence and then destroy senescent cells for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, 430064, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xunliang Jiang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, XI'AN DAXING hospital, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongtao Du
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zecheng Zhang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinhui Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Jipeng Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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13
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Li X, Chen Y, Bai L, Zhao R, Wu Y, Xie ZR, Wu JM, Bowen NJ, Danaher A, Cook N, Li D, Qui M, Du Y, Fu H, Osunkoya AO, Kucuk O, Wu D. Nicardipine is a putative EED inhibitor and has high selectivity and potency against chemoresistant prostate cancer in preclinical models. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:884-894. [PMID: 37474721 PMCID: PMC10449793 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02359-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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is imperative to develop novel therapeutics to overcome chemoresistance, a significant obstacle in the clinical management of prostate cancer (PCa) and other cancers. METHODS A phenotypic screen was performed to identify novel inhibitors of chemoresistant PCa cells. The mechanism of action of potential candidate(s) was investigated using in silico docking, and molecular and cellular assays in chemoresistant PCa cells. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in mouse xenograft models of chemoresistant PCa. RESULTS Nicardipine exhibited high selectivity and potency against chemoresistant PCa cells via inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Computational, molecular, and cellular studies identified nicardipine as a putative inhibitor of embryonic ectoderm development (EED) protein, and the results are consistent with a proposed mechanism of action that nicardipine destabilised enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) and inhibited key components of noncanonical EZH2 signalling, including transducer and activator of transcription 3, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2, ATP binding cassette B1, and survivin. As a monotherapy, nicardipine effectively inhibited the skeletal growth of chemoresistant C4-2B-TaxR tumours. As a combination regimen, nicardipine synergistically enhanced the in vivo efficacy of docetaxel against C4-2 xenografts. CONCLUSION Our findings provided the first preclinical evidence supporting nicardipine as a novel EED inhibitor that has the potential to be promptly tested in PCa patients to overcome chemoresistance and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, Georgia Cancer Center; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, Georgia Cancer Center; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lijuan Bai
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, Georgia Cancer Center; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, Georgia Cancer Center; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Zhong-Ru Xie
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jason M Wu
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nathan J Bowen
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alira Danaher
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas Cook
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dehong Li
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Min Qui
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adeboye O Osunkoya
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Omer Kucuk
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daqing Wu
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development and Department of Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, Georgia Cancer Center; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- MetCure Therapeutics LLC, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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14
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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15
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Long Y, Wang Y, Qu M, Zhang D, Zhang X, Zhang J. Combined inhibition of EZH2 and the autotaxin-LPA-LPA2 axis exerts synergistic antitumor effects on colon cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216226. [PMID: 37230222 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX), also known as ENPP2, is the key enzyme in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) production. LPA acts on its receptors on the cell membrane to promote cell proliferation and migration, and thus, the ATX-LPA axis plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Clinical data analysis indicated that in colon cancer, there is a strong negative correlation between the expression of ATX and EZH2, the enzymatic catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Here, we demonstrated that ATX expression was epigenetically silenced by PRC2, which was recruited by MTF2 and catalyzed H3K27me3 modification in the ATX promoter region. EZH2 inhibition is a promising strategy for cancer treatment, and ATX expression is induced in colon cancer cells by EZH2 inhibitors. With both EZH2 and ATX as targets, their combined inhibition exerted synergistic antitumor effects on colon cancer cells. In addition, LPA receptor 2 (LPA2) deficiency significantly enhanced the sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors in colon cancer cells. In summary, our study identified ATX as a novel PRC2 target gene and found that cotargeting EZH2 and the ATX-LPA-LPA2 axis may be a potential combination therapy strategy for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Long
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuqin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengxia Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Di Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Junjie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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16
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Bai YK, Sun J, Wang YS, Zheng N, Xu QL, Wang Y. The clinicopathological and prognostic significances of EZH2 expression in urological cancers: A meta‑analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:315. [PMID: 37346412 PMCID: PMC10280112 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila zeste enhancer homolog 2 gene (enhancer of zeste homolog 2; EZH2) is an important member of the polycomb group (PcG) gene family, which maintains the homologous gene via chromosome modification during embryonic development. EZH2 is overexpressed in various tumors, is closely related to tumor formation and growth, and has a malignant phenotype that promotes tumor cell proliferation, proliferation and metastasis. In the present study, a meta- and bioinformatic analysis was performed using data from multiple online databases until August 30, 2022. EZH2 upregulation was found in kidney, bladder and prostate cancers. EZH2 expression was negatively related to TNM staging and pathological grade in kidney and prostate cancers (P<0.05), as well as invasion depth and pathological grade in bladder cancer. According to the KM-plotter database, EZH2 expression was inversely associated with poor overall survival in patients with kidney clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and papillary RCC and with favorable survival in bladder cancer. EZH2 expression was negatively related to relapse-free survival in kidney papillary RCC and bladder cancer but positively associated with kidney clear cell RCC. According to GEPIA and UALCAN databases, EZH2 expression was higher in tumor tissue than normal tissue. The TIMER database showed that EZH2 was closely associated with the proportion of seven immune cell infiltrates in kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers. High EZH2 expression may be a potential marker of tumorigenesis and metastasis in patients with urological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Kai Bai
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Ye-Song Wang
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
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17
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Zhang W, Nie Q, Zhang X, Huang L, Pang G, Chu J, Yuan X. miR-26a-5p restoration via EZH2 silencing blocks the IL-6/STAT3 axis to repress the growth of prostate cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1285-1297. [PMID: 38155599 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2293750] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the activation of several oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer. However, its upstream trans-signaling pathway remains largely unknown. This work proposes a mechanistic explanation of IL-6's upstream effectors in prostate carcinogenesis. RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS Samples were harvested to validate the expression of EZH2, miR-26a-5p, and IL-6. Moreover, the protein and its phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and transcription activator 3) were assessed in prostate cancer cells. We explored the effects of these effectors on malignant phenotypes in vitro and tumor growth in vivo using functional assays. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine their binding relationships. RESULTS Overexpression of EZH2 and IL-6, and under expression of miR-26a-5p was observed in prostate cancer. Silencing IL-6 repressed STAT3 to suppress the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, EZH2 inhibited miR-26a-5p expression by promoting H3K27 histone methylation, and miR-26a-5p restricted the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer by targeting IL-6. Ectopic EZH2 expression reduced xenograft growth by inhibiting miR-26a-5p and activating the IL-6/STAT3 axis. CONCLUSION EZH2 May potentially be involved in regulating its expression by recruiting H3K27me3 to the miR-26a-5p promoter region, which could further impact the IL6/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qiwei Nie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xuling Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guofu Pang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Aerospace Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yuan
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
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18
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Sun L, Li X, Luo H, Guo H, Zhang J, Chen Z, Lin F, Zhao G. EZH2 can be used as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115594. [PMID: 37207700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115594] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of polycomb repressor complex 2 and plays important roles in endothelial cell homeostasis. EZH2 functionally methylates lysine 27 of histone H3 and represses gene expression through chromatin compaction. EZH2 mediates the effects of environmental stimuli by regulating endothelial functions, such as angiogenesis, endothelial barrier integrity, inflammatory signaling, and endothelial mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the significance of EZH2 in endothelial function. The aim of this review is to provide a concise summary of the roles EZH2 plays in endothelial function and elucidate its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Xuefang Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Huige Guo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
| | - Guoan Zhao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
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19
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Bhuvanadas S, Devi A. JARID2 and EZH2, The Eminent Epigenetic Drivers In Human Cancer. Gene 2023:147584. [PMID: 37353042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become a prominent cause of death, accounting for approximately 10 million death worldwide as per the World Health Organization reports 2020. Epigenetics deal with the alterations of heritable phenotypes, except for DNA alterations. Currently, we are trying to comprehend the role of utmost significant epigenetic genes involved in the burgeoning of human cancer. A sundry of studies reported the Enhancer of Zeste Homologue2 (EZH2) as a prime catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex2, which is involved in several pivotal activities, including embryogenesis. In addition, EZH2 has detrimental effects leading to the onset and metastasis of several cancers. Jumonji AT Rich Interacting Domain2 (JARID2), an undebated crucial nuclear factor, has strong coordination with the PRC2 family. In this review, we discuss various epigenetic entities, primarily focusing on the possible role and mechanism of EZH2 and the significant contribution of JARID2 in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeshma Bhuvanadas
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203
| | - Arikketh Devi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203.
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20
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Shan X, Long Q, Garfall AL, Susanibar-Adaniya SP. High SOX2 expression is associated with poor survival in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:86. [PMID: 37217520 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00855-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhe Shan
- Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qi Long
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alfred L Garfall
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandra P Susanibar-Adaniya
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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21
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Kuser-Abali G, Zhang Y, Szeto P, Zhao P, Masoumi-Moghaddam S, Fedele CG, Leece I, Huang C, Cheung JG, Ameratunga M, Noguchi F, Andrews MC, Wong NC, Schittenhelm RB, Shackleton M. UHRF1/UBE2L6/UBR4-mediated ubiquitination regulates EZH2 abundance and thereby melanocytic differentiation phenotypes in melanoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:1360-1373. [PMID: 36906655 PMCID: PMC10121471 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02631-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity in cancer is linked to disease progression and therapy response, although mechanisms regulating distinct cellular states within tumors are not well understood. We identified melanin pigment content as a major source of cellular heterogeneity in melanoma and compared RNAseq data from high-pigmented (HPCs) and low-pigmented melanoma cells (LPCs), suggesting EZH2 as a master regulator of these states. EZH2 protein was found to be upregulated in LPCs and inversely correlated with melanin deposition in pigmented patient melanomas. Surprisingly, conventional EZH2 methyltransferase inhibitors, GSK126 and EPZ6438, had no effect on LPC survival, clonogenicity and pigmentation, despite fully inhibiting methyltransferase activity. In contrast, EZH2 silencing by siRNA or degradation by DZNep or MS1943 inhibited growth of LPCs and induced HPCs. As the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 induced EZH2 protein in HPCs, we evaluated ubiquitin pathway proteins in HPC vs LPCs. Biochemical assays and animal studies demonstrated that in LPCs, the E2-conjugating enzyme UBE2L6 depletes EZH2 protein in cooperation with UBR4, an E3 ligase, via ubiquitination at EZH2's K381 residue, and is downregulated in LPCs by UHRF1-mediated CpG methylation. Targeting UHRF1/UBE2L6/UBR4-mediated regulation of EZH2 offers potential for modulating the activity of this oncoprotein in contexts in which conventional EZH2 methyltransferase inhibitors are ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Kuser-Abali
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Youfang Zhang
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pacman Szeto
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peinan Zhao
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Isobel Leece
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jen G Cheung
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Malaka Ameratunga
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumihito Noguchi
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Miles C Andrews
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas C Wong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Shackleton
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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22
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LncRNA LINC01094 Promotes Cells Proliferation and Metastasis through the PTEN/AKT Pathway by Targeting AZGP1 in Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041261. [PMID: 36831602 PMCID: PMC9954187 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were recently reported to play an essential role in multiple cancer types. Herein, through next-generation sequencing, we screened metastasis-driving molecules by using tissues from early-stage gastric cancer (GC) patients with lymph node metastasis, and we identified a lncRNA LINC01094, which was associated with the metastasis of GC. According to the clinical data from the TCGA, GSE15459, and GSE62254 cohorts, the high expression of LINC01094 was associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, 106 clinical GC and paired normal samples were collected, and the qRT-PCR results showed that the high expression of LINC01094 was associated with high T and N stages and a poor prognosis. We found that LINC01094 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of GC in vitro and in vivo. AZGP1 was found as the protein-binding partner of LINC01094 by using RNA pulldown and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. LINC01094 antagonizes the function of AZGP1, downregulates the expression of PTEN, and further upregulates the AKT pathway. Collectively, our results suggested that LINC01094 might predict the prognosis of GC patients and become the therapy target for GC.
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23
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Loe AKH, Zhu L, Kim TH. Chromatin and noncoding RNA-mediated mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:22-31. [PMID: 36653445 PMCID: PMC9898530 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world. It is a multifactorial disease highly influenced by environmental factors, which include radiation, smoking, diet, and infectious pathogens. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic regulators are frequently altered in GC, playing critical roles in gastric tumorigenesis. Epigenetic regulation involves DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. While it is known that environmental factors cause widespread alterations in DNA methylation, promoting carcinogenesis, the chromatin- and noncoding RNA-mediated mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis are still poorly understood. In this review, we focus on discussing recent discoveries addressing the roles of histone modifiers and noncoding RNAs and the mechanisms of their interactions in gastric tumorigenesis. A better understanding of epigenetic regulation would likely facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting specific epigenetic regulators in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kwan Ho Loe
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Lexin Zhu
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Tae-Hee Kim
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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24
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Comprehensive analysis of immune subtypes reveals the prognostic value of cytotoxicity and FAP + fibroblasts in stomach adenocarcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:1763-1778. [PMID: 36650362 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03368-9] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heterogeneity limits the effective application of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). Precise immunotyping can help select people who may benefit from immunotherapy and guide postoperative management by describing the characteristics of tumor microenvironment. METHODS Gene expression profiles and clinical information of patients were collected from ACRG and TCGA-STAD datasets. The immune subtypes (ISs) were identified by consensus clustering analysis. The tumor immune microenvironments (TIME) of each IS were characterized using a series of immunogenomics methods and further confirmed by multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) staining in clinical samples. Two online datasets and one in-house dataset were utilized to construct and validate a prognostic immune-related gene (IRG) signature. RESULTS STAD patients were stratified into five reproducible ISs. IS1 (immune deserve subtype) had low immune infiltration and the highest degree of HER2 gene mutation. With abundant CD8+ T cells infiltration and activated cytotoxicity reaction, patients in the IS2 (immune-activated subtype) had the best overall survival (OS). IS3 and IS4 subtypes were both in the reactive stroma state and indicated the worst prognosis. However, IS3 (immune-inhibited subtype) was characterized by enrichment of FAP+ fibroblasts and upregulated TGF-β signaling pathway, while IS4 (activated stroma subtype) was characterized by enrichment of ACTA2+ fibroblasts. In addition, mIHC staining confirmed that TGF-β upregulated FAP+ fibroblasts were independent risk factor of OS. IS5 (chronic inflammation subtype) displayed moderate immune cells infiltration and had a relatively good survival. Lastly, we developed a nine-IRG signature model with a robust performance on overall survival prognostication. CONCLUSIONS The immunotyping is indicative for characterize the TIME heterogeneity and the prediction of tumor prognosis for STADs, which may provide valuable stratification for the design of future immunotherapy.
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25
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Multiomics characteristics and immunotherapeutic potential of EZH2 in pan-cancer. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232355. [PMID: 36545914 PMCID: PMC9842950 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a significant epigenetic regulator that plays a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. However, the multiomics features and immunological effects of EZH2 in pan-cancer remain unclear. Transcriptome and clinical raw data of pan-cancer samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and subsequent data analyses were conducted by using R software (version 4.1.0). Furthermore, numerous bioinformatics analysis databases also reapplied to comprehensively explore and elucidate the oncogenic mechanism and therapeutic potential of EZH2 from pan-cancer insight. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assays were performed to verify the differential expression of EZH2 gene in various cancers at the mRNA and protein levels. EZH2 was widely expressed in multiple normal and tumor tissues, predominantly located in the nucleoplasm. Compared with matched normal tissues, EZH2 was aberrantly expressed in most cancers either at the mRNA or protein level, which might be caused by genetic mutations, DNA methylation, and protein phosphorylation. Additionally, EZH2 expression was correlated with clinical prognosis, and its up-regulation usually indicated poor survival outcomes in cancer patients. Subsequent analysis revealed that EZH2 could promote tumor immune evasion through T-cell dysfunction and T-cell exclusion. Furthermore, expression of EZH2 exhibited a strong correlation with several immunotherapy-associated responses (i.e., immune checkpoint molecules, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR) status, and neoantigens), suggesting that EZH2 appeared to be a novel target for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy.
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26
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Li Y, Chen G, Zhang K, Cao J, Zhao H, Cong Y, Qiao G. Integrated transcriptome and network analysis identifies EZH2/CCNB1/PPARG as prognostic factors in breast cancer. Front Genet 2023; 13:1117081. [PMID: 36712863 PMCID: PMC9873965 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1117081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) has high morbidity, with significant relapse and mortality rates in women worldwide. Therefore, further exploration of its pathogenesis is of great significance. This study selected therapy genes and possible biomarkers to predict BC using bioinformatic methods. To this end, the study examined 21 healthy breasts along with 457 BC tissues in two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and then identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Survival-associated DEGs were screened using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, survival-associated DEGs were mostly associated with cell division and cellular response to hormone stimulus. The enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway was mostly correlated with cell cycle and tyrosine metabolism. Using overlapped survival-associated DEGs, a survival-associated PPI network was constructed. PPI analysis revealed three hub genes (EZH2, CCNB1, and PPARG) by their degree of connection. These hub genes were confirmed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-BRCA dataset and BC tissue samples. Through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the molecular mechanism of the potential therapy and prognostic genes were evaluated. Thus, hub genes were shown to be associated with KEGG_CELL_CYCLE and VANTVEER_BREAST_CANCER_POOR_PROGNOSIS gene sets. Finally, based on integrated bioinformatics analysis, this study identified three hub genes as possible prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BC. The results obtained further understanding of the underground molecular mechanisms related to BC occurrence and prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jianqiao Cao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Huishan Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yizi Cong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Yizi Cong, ; Guangdong Qiao,
| | - Guangdong Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Yizi Cong, ; Guangdong Qiao,
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27
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EZH2: An Accomplice of Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020425. [PMID: 36672374 PMCID: PMC9856299 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Understanding the factors influencing the therapeutic effects in gastric cancer patients and the molecular mechanism behind gastric cancer is still facing challenges. In addition to genetic alterations and environmental factors, it has been demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms can also induce the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), which trimethylates histone 3 at Lys-27 and regulates the expression of downstream target genes through epigenetic mechanisms. It has been found that EZH2 is overexpressed in the stomach, which promotes the progression of gastric cancer through multiple pathways. In addition, targeted inhibition of EZH2 expression can effectively delay the progression of gastric cancer and improve its resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Given the many effects of EZH2 in gastric cancer, there are no studies to comprehensively describe this mechanism. Therefore, in this review, we first introduce EZH2 and clarify the mechanisms of abnormal expression of EZH2 in cancer. Secondly, we summarize the role of EZH2 in gastric cancer, which includes the association of the EZH2 gene with genetic susceptibility to GC, the correlation of the EZH2 gene with gastric carcinogenesis and invasive metastasis, the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs of gastric cancer mediated by EZH2 and the high expression of EZH2 leading to poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Finally, we also clarify some of the current statuses of drug development regarding targeted inhibition of EZH2/PRC2 activity.
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28
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Zhao Z, Li C, Peng Y, Liu R, Li Q. Construction of an original anoikis-related prognostic model closely related to immune infiltration in gastric cancer. Front Genet 2023; 13:1087201. [PMID: 36685842 PMCID: PMC9845267 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1087201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anoikis is considered as a particular type of programmed cell death, the weakness or resistance of which contributes greatly to the development and progression of most malignant solid tumors. However, the latent impact of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) on gastric cancer (GC) is still ambiguous. Based on these, this study established an anoikis-related prognostic model of GC to identify the prognosis of patients and provide more effective treatment in clinical practice. Methods: First, we extracted four public datasets containing the gene expression and clinicopathological information of GC, which were worked as the training and validating sets, separately. Then, an anoikis-related survival-predicted model of GC was developed via Lasso and COX regression analyses and verified by using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Next, we assigned GC patients to two groups characterized by the risk score calculated and analyzed somatic mutation, functional pathways, and immune infiltration between the different two groups. Finally, a unique nomogram was offered to clinicians to forecast the personal survival probability of GC patients. Results: Based on seven anoikis-related markers screened and identified, a carcinogenic model of risk score was produced. Patients placed in the high-score group suffered significantly worse overall survival (OS) in four cohorts. Additionally, the model revealed a high sensitivity and specificity to prognosticate the prognoses of GC patients [area under the ROC curve (AUC) at 5-year = 0.713; GSE84437, AUC at 5-year = 0.639; GSE15459, AUC at 5-year = 0.672; GSE62254, AUC at 5-year = 0.616]. Apart from the excellent predictive performance, the model was also identified as an independent prediction factor from other clinicopathological characteristics. Combining anoikis-related prognostic model with GC clinical features, we built a more comprehensive nomogram to foresee the likelihood of survival of GC patients in a given year, showing a well-accurate prediction performance. Conclusion: In summary, this study created a new anoikis-related signature for GC, which has potentially provided new critical insights into survival prediction and individualized therapy development.
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29
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Gan L, Li Q, Nie W, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Tan C, Zhang L, Zhang J, Li Q, Hou P, Yuan Y, Sun X, Liu D, Sheng W, Liu T, Xu M, Guo W. PROX1-mediated epigenetic silencing of SIRT3 contributes to proliferation and glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:50-65. [PMID: 36594098 PMCID: PMC9760442 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.73530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) is a homeobox transcription factor known to promote malignant transformation and stemness in human colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the biological function of PROX1 in metabolic rearrangement in CRC remains unclear. Here, we aimed to uncover the relationship between the expression profile and role of PROX1 and CRC cell glucose metabolism and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. PROX1 expression was significantly upregulated in human CRC tissues and positively associated with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), a measure of tissue 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and an indicator of glycolysis and tumor cell activity, in patients with CRC. Knockdown of PROX1 suppressed CRC cell proliferation and glucose metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, through a physical interaction, PROX1 recruited EZH2 to the SIRT3 promoter and inhibited SIRT3 promoter activity. Moreover, PROX1 or EZH2 knockdown decreased cell glycolysis by targeting SIRT3. Clinically, high PROX1 expression combined with low SIRT3 expression predicted poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Thus, our study suggests that the PROX1-EZH2 complex positively regulates cell proliferation and glucose metabolism by engaging SIRT3 in CRC, which may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Clinical Nutrition, The 452nd Hospital of PLA, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hesheng Jiang
- Department of Surgery, United Health Services Southern California Medical Education Consortium, Temecula Valley Hospital, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
| | - Cong Tan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jieyun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pengcong Hou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yitao Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Weijian Guo, PhD, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. E-mail: ; Midie Xu, PhD, Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. E-mail:
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Weijian Guo, PhD, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. E-mail: ; Midie Xu, PhD, Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. E-mail:
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30
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Dou F, Tian Z, Yang X, Li J, Wang R, Gao J. Valemetostat: First approval as a dual inhibitor of EZH1/2 to treat adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Drug Discov Ther 2022; 16:297-299. [PMID: 36310058 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Accumulating trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) caused by upregulated function of either enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) or its homolog EZH1 plays an essential role in the maintenance of transcriptional repression in ATL. Selective inhibition of EZH2 may complementarily induce EZH1 activation, so dual targeting EZH1/2 is a rational strategy in developing potent antitumor agents. Valemetostat is the first dual EZH1/2 inhibitor approved for treatment of aggressive ATL in Japan in September 2022. Several other dual EZH1/2 inhibitors such as HH2853, HM97594, and HM97662 have also demonstrated potential in treating malignant tumors. Dual targeting EZH1/2 may have promising antitumor action in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Dou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenxue Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ruquan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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31
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Li Q, Li Z, Luo T, Shi H. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways for cancer therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:47. [PMID: 36539659 PMCID: PMC9768098 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways are commonly activated by mutations and chromosomal translocation in vital targets. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is dysregulated in nearly all kinds of neoplasms, with the component in this pathway alternations. RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascades are used to conduct signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus to mediate gene expression, cell cycle processes and apoptosis. RAS, B-Raf, PI3K, and PTEN are frequent upstream alternative sites. These mutations resulted in activated cell growth and downregulated cell apoptosis. The two pathways interact with each other to participate in tumorigenesis. PTEN alterations suppress RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activity via AKT phosphorylation and RAS inhibition. Several inhibitors targeting major components of these two pathways have been supported by the FDA. Dozens of agents in these two pathways have attracted great attention and have been assessed in clinical trials. The combination of small molecular inhibitors with traditional regimens has also been explored. Furthermore, dual inhibitors provide new insight into antitumor activity. This review will further comprehensively describe the genetic alterations in normal patients and tumor patients and discuss the role of targeted inhibitors in malignant neoplasm therapy. We hope this review will promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways in facilitating tumors and will help direct drug selection for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ting Luo
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Breast, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Huashan Shi
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
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32
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Montella L, Cuomo M, Del Gaudio N, Buonaiuto M, Costabile D, Visconti R, Di Risi T, Vinciguerra R, Trio F, Ferraro S, Bove G, Facchini G, Altucci L, Chiariotti L, Della Monica R. Epigenetic alterations in glioblastomas: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Int J Cancer 2022. [PMID: 36479695 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most common and heterogeneous tumor affecting brain parenchyma, is dismally characterized by a very poor prognosis. Thus, the search of new, more effective treatments is a vital need. Here, we will review the druggable epigenetic features of glioblastomas that are, indeed, currently explored in preclinical studies and in clinical trials for the development of more effective, personalized treatments. In detail, we will review the studies that have led to the identification of epigenetic signatures, IDH mutations, MGMT gene methylation, histone modification alterations, H3K27 mutations and epitranscriptome landscapes of glioblastomas, in each case discussing the corresponding targeted therapies and their potential efficacy. Finally, we will emphasize how recent technological improvements permit to routinely investigate many glioblastoma epigenetic biomarkers in clinical practice, further enforcing the hope that personalized drugs, targeting specific epigenetic features, could be in future a therapeutic option for selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Montella
- ASL NA2 NORD, Oncology Operative Unit, "Santa Maria delle Grazie" Hospital, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Buonaiuto
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Costabile
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,SEMM-European School of Molecular Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Visconti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Institute for the Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, Italian National Council of Research, Naples, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Di Risi
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Ferraro
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Bove
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- ASL NA2 NORD, Oncology Operative Unit, "Santa Maria delle Grazie" Hospital, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Della Monica
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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33
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Sun H, Wang X, Zhang X, Wang X, Tan C, Weng W, Zhang M, Ni S, Wang L, Huang D, Xu M, Sheng W. Multiplexed immunofluorescence analysis of CAF-markers, EZH2 and FOXM1 in gastric tissue: associations with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1188. [DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is to explore the expression and clinical relevance of CAF-associated markers, EZH2 and FOXM1 in gastric samples.
Methods
Protein expression were detected and evaluated by multi-plex immunofluorescence (mIF) in 93 cases of gastric cancer (GC) and 31 cases of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN). The correlation among their expression, and the relationship of them with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in GC were then analyzed.
Results
FAP was specific expressed in the CAFs of GC samples, and thus be utilized as a CAF-associated marker in our subsequently analysis. The immunostaining of EZH2, FOXM1 and FAP were significantly upregulated in patients with GC tissues than in those normal gastric mucosa or GIN tissues. The average fluorescence intensity of FAP was slightly positively correlated with EZH2 in GC, GIN and normal samples, whereas the percentage of FAP positive cells has no correlation with that of EZH2. Both the percentage of positive cells and the average fluorescence intensity of FOXM1 were positively correlated with that of FAP and EZH2 in GC, GIN and normal samples, except for FOXM1 and EZH2 expression in normal tissue samples. No significant association was observed between FAP expression and any clinicopathological parameters, whereas the positive frequency of EZH2 and FOXM1 were correlated with tumor location significantly and tumor invasion depth, respectively. In addition, there was strong positive correlations between FAP protein expression and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and EZH2 expression was positively associated with OS in patients with GC. Furthermore, EZH2 and FAP protein expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS, respectively.
Conclusions
These results suggest that both EZH2 and FOXM1 expression was positively associated with CAFs abundance in GC. They may be potential cellular target for therapeutic intervention, especially in patients with a large number of CAFs.
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34
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Nourmohammadi F, Forghanifard MM, Abbaszadegan MR, Zarrinpour V. EZH2 regulates oncomiR-200c and EMT markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18290. [PMID: 36316365 PMCID: PMC9622866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23253-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
EZH2, as a histone methyltransferase, has been associated with cancer development and metastasis possibly through the regulation of microRNAs and cellular pathways such as EMT. In this study, the effect of EZH2 expression on miR-200c and important genes of the EMT pathway was investigated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Comparative qRT-PCR was used to examine EZH2 expression in ESCC lines (YM-1 and KYSE-30) following the separately transfected silencing and ectopic expressional EZH2 vectors in ESCC. Subsequently, expression of miR-200c and EMT markers was also assessed using qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Underexpression of Mir200c was detected in YM-1 and KYSE-30 cells after EZH2 silencing, while its overexpression was observed after EZH2 induced expression. Following EZH2 silencing, downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers were detected in the ESCCs. Our results demonstrate that EZH2 regulates the expression of miR-200c and critical EMT genes, implying that overexpression of Zeb2, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin lead to a mesenchymal phenotype and morphology while underexpression of epithelial genes, enhance cell migration after enforced expression of EZH2 in ESCCs. EZH2 gene can be a beneficial treatment marker for patients with esophageal cancer through decrease invasiveness of the disease and efficient response to neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vajiheh Zarrinpour
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
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35
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SMYD3 regulates gastric cancer progression and macrophage polarization through EZH2 methylation. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 30:575-581. [PMID: 36127410 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3), a known histone methyltransferase, was reported to regulate cancer pathogenesis. However, its role in gastric development and progression remains unclear. EZH2 methylation had been associated with cancer metastasis, but the EZH2 methylation status in gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. Here, we report that EZH2 K421 methylation was responsible for gastric cancer cell soft agar colony formation, in vivo metastasis, and macrophage polarization. Mechanically, we identified SMYD3 as the methyltransferase of EZH2 at K421 residue which accelerates EZH2 Ubiquitin proteasome degradation. Cell harboring non-methylated EZH2 mutants promotes gastric cancer cell metastasis. Taken together, our results showed that SMYD3-EZH2 axis restricts gastric cancer metastasis via integrating epigenetic signaling.
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36
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Lu M, Lan X, Wu X, Fang X, Zhang Y, Luo H, Gao W, Wu D. Salvia miltiorrhiza in cancer: Potential role in regulating MicroRNAs and epigenetic enzymes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1008222. [PMID: 36172186 PMCID: PMC9512245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1008222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in gene regulation by influencing the translation and longevity of various target mRNAs and the expression of various target genes as well as by modifying histones and DNA methylation of promoter sites. Consequently, when dysregulated, microRNAs are involved in the development and progression of a variety of diseases, including cancer, by affecting cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Preparations from the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (Lamiaceae), also known as red sage or danshen, are widely used for treating cardiovascular diseases. Accumulating data suggest that certain bioactive constituents of this plant, particularly tanshinones, have broad antitumor effects by interfering with microRNAs and epigenetic enzymes. This paper reviews the evidence for the antineoplastic activities of S. miltiorrhiza constituents by causing or promoting cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and epigenetic changes to provide an outlook on their future roles in the treatment of cancer, both alone and in combination with other modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xintian Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxue Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yegang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyi Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Wenyi Gao, ; Donglu Wu,
| | - Donglu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Wenyi Gao, ; Donglu Wu,
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37
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Chen Z, Yuan L, Li X, Yu J, Xu Z. BMP2 inhibits cell proliferation by downregulating EZH2 in gastric cancer. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2298-2308. [PMID: 35856444 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2092819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is among the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. Recent studies have suggested that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) is related to the development and progression of various cancers. Meanwhile, evidence suggests that BMP2 might lead to epigenetic changes in gastric cancer. Thus, we investigated whether BMP2 plays a role in the development of gastric cancer via epigenetic regulation. Cell viability, colony formation, and cell cycle assays were performed to assess the effect of recombinant human BMP2 (rhBMP2) in gastric cancer cells. LDN-193189 and Noggins were used as antagonists of the canonical BMP-SMAD signaling pathway. The protein levels were determined using a western blot analysis. Lentiviral vectors with EZH2 shRNA or EZH2 overexpression were used to mediate the role of EZH2 and the relationship between BMP2 and EZH2 in gastric cancer. We found that rhBMP2 inhibits cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle in HGC-27 and SNU-216 gastric cancer cells. Neither LDN-193189 nor Noggins, antagonists of the canonical BMP-SMAD signaling pathway, can reverse the effect of rhBMP2 on gastric cancer. Molecularly, rhBMP2 downregulates the expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3, leading to increases in P16 and P21 and decreases in CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. Altogether, in this study, we demonstrate that BMP2 serves as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer cells by downregulating EZH2 and H3K27me3 through the non-SMAD BMP pathway, suggesting that BMP2 might be a new therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment. Abbreviations: BMP: bone morphogenetic protein; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-beta; EZH2: enhancer of zeste homolog 2; H3K27me3: trimethylation histone H3 lysine 27; HRECs: human retinal endothelial cells; PcG: polycomb group; PRC: polycomb repressive complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liyue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junhui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhengshui Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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38
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Dale B, Anderson C, Park KS, Kaniskan HÜ, Ma A, Shen Y, Zhang C, Xie L, Chen X, Yu X, Jin J. Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by a Novel Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Degrader of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:491-507. [PMID: 35837138 PMCID: PMC9274772 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), correlating with poor prognosis. However, EZH2 catalytic inhibitors are ineffective in suppressing the growth of TNBC cells that are dependent on EZH2. Knockdown of EZH2 inhibits the proliferation of these cells, suggesting that EZH2 protein overexpression but not its catalytic activity is critical for driving TNBC progression. Several proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders of EZH2, including the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting PROTAC YM281, have been reported. However, the effects of these EZH2 PROTACs in TNBC cells were not investigated. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel, potent, and selective EZH2 PROTAC degrader, MS8815 (compound 16), which induced robust EZH2 degradation in a concentration-, time-, and proteasome-dependent manner in TNBC cells. Importantly, 16 effectively suppressed the cell growth in multiple TNBC cell lines and primary patient TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Dale
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Chris Anderson
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - H. Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Anqi Ma
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yudao Shen
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ling Xie
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xian Chen
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States,
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount
Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological
Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States,
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39
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Salmerón-Bárcenas EG, Zacapala-Gómez AE, Ortiz-Ortiz J, Torres-Rojas FI, Ávila-López PA. Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals that EZH2-rich domains promote transcriptional repression in cervical cancer. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:852-868. [PMID: 36172073 PMCID: PMC9489889 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-5029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the third female cancer most common worldwide. The carcinogenic process involves an alteration of the mechanisms associated with transcription. Several studies have reported an oncogenic role of the polycomb complex subunit, EZH2. However, the role of EZH2 in cervical cancer is unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the role of EZH2 in transcriptional regulation in cervical cancer. The EZH2 expression and the methylation status of its promoter were analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas. The EZH2 enrichment profile was analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation with massively parallel DNA sequencing data provided by ENCODE project. The chromatin compartments were identified in the 4D Nucleome Data Portal. The functional annotation was examined in Enrichr. We report that EZH2 expression is increased in cervical cancer which is associated with hypomethylation of its promoter. EZH2 is enriched at promoter and distal intergenic regions. We identified that EZH2 defines chromatin domains enriched with H3K27me3 within repressive compartments in the HeLa-S3 cell line. Additionally, high EZH2 expression is associated with the repression of the senescent phenotype in cervical cancer patients. Our results suggest the participation of EZH2 in the generation of domains with a silencer function in cervical cancer, which regulate the expression of genes associated with cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric G. Salmerón-Bárcenas
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, México
| | - Ana Elvira Zacapala-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, México
| | - Julio Ortiz-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, México
| | - Francisco I. Torres-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, México
| | - Pedro A. Ávila-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Pedro A. Ávila-López, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA; Telephone number: +52 55 6098 2694, E-mail:
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40
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Chen Z, Lin X, Wan Z, Xiao M, Ding C, Wan P, Li Q, Zheng S. High Expression of EZH2 Mediated by ncRNAs Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Tumor Immune Infiltration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050876. [PMID: 35627262 PMCID: PMC9141487 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and is accompanied by a complex regulatory network. Increasing evidence suggests that an abnormal gene expression of EZH2 is associated with HCC progression. However, the molecular mechanism by which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate EZH2 remains elusive. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data were used to perform differential expression analysis and prognostic analysis. We used the Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) database to predict candidate miRNAs and lncRNAs that may bind to EZH2. Subsequently, the comprehensive analysis (including expression analysis, correlation analysis, and survival analysis) identified ncRNAs that contribute to EZH2 overexpression. Results: EZH2 was found to be upregulated in the majority of tumor types and associated with a poor prognosis. Hsa-miR-101-3p was identified as a target miRNA of EZH2. Additionally, SNHG6 and MALAT1 were identified as upstream lncRNAs of hsa-miR-101-3p. Meanwhile, correlation analysis revealed that EZH2 expression was significantly associated with the infiltration of several immune cell types in HCC. Conclusion: SNHG6 or MALAT1/hsa-miR-101-3p/EZH2 axis were identified as potential regulatory pathways in the progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Chen
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Xin Lin
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Zhenmiao Wan
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Zhejiang Shuren College, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Min Xiao
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Chenchen Ding
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Pengxia Wan
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Qiyong Li
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (S.Z.); Tel.: +86-0571-56757021 (S.Z.)
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310004, China; (Z.C.); (X.L.); (Z.W.); (M.X.); (C.D.); (P.W.)
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (S.Z.); Tel.: +86-0571-56757021 (S.Z.)
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Upregulated Circular RNA KIF4A Promotes Cell Migration and Invasion by Regulating MicroRNA-144-3p/EZH2 Axis in Gastric Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3985621. [PMID: 35466313 PMCID: PMC9033408 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3985621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve a critical regulatory role in various human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC), and in this study, we aimed to explore the functions of circKIF4A in the progression of GC. Our findings demonstrated that circKIF4A was highly expressed in both GC tissues and cell lines, and high intratumoral circKIF4A expression predicted a poor prognosis in GC patients. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that circKIF4A knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of GC cells, while these malignant behaviors were enhanced by circKIF4A overexpression. Mechanistically, we found that circKIF4A was mainly located in the cytoplasm, could directly interact with microRNA- (miR-) 144-3p, and functions as a miRNA sponge to regulate EZH2 expression in GC cells. miR-144-3p inhibition or EZH2 restoration largely blocked the effects of circKIF4A knockdown on the malignant behaviors of GC cells. This study indicated that circKIF4A can efficiently sponge miR-144-3p to promote the malignant behaviors of GC cells and may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GC management.
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Donyavi MH, Salehi-Mazandarani S, Nikpour P. Comprehensive competitive endogenous RNA network analysis reveals EZH2-related axes and prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:286-294. [PMID: 35656182 PMCID: PMC9148400 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.61570.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and lethal type of cancer worldwide. The importance of non-coding RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized in the development of HCC. In this study, we constructed a four-component competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in HCC and evaluated prognostic values of the ceRNAs. Materials and Methods The expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. GSE94508 and GSE97332 studies from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to identify circRNAs expression profiles. A four-component ceRNA network was constructed based on differentially-expressed RNAs. Survival R package was utilized to identify potential prognostic biomarkers. Results A four-component ceRNA network including 295 edges and 239 nodes was constructed and enrichment analysis revealed important Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. A Protein-Protein Interaction network with 118 nodes and 301 edges was also established. The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was the highest degree hub gene in the PPI network. Because of the significance of EZH2 in HCC, we presented its axes in the ceRNA network, which play important roles in HCC progression. Furthermore, ceRNAs were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers utilizing survival analysis. Conclusion Our study elucidates the role of ceRNAs and their regulatory interactions in the pathogenesis of HCC and identifies EZH2-related RNAs which may be utilized as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Donyavi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sadra Salehi-Mazandarani
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Nikpour
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan, Iran
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Zhao Y, Guan YY, Zhao F, Yu T, Zhang SJ, Zhang YZ, Duan YC, Zhou XL. Recent strategies targeting Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) for cancer therapy: Allosteric inhibitors, PPI inhibitors, and PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Duan D, Shang M, Han Y, Liu J, Liu J, Kong SH, Hou J, Huang B, Lu J, Zhang Y. EZH2-CCF-cGAS Axis Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1788. [PMID: 35163710 PMCID: PMC8836657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCF) are recognized by the cytoplasmic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), which activates the cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes) pathway and promotes the production of inflammatory factors and breast cancer metastasis. However, the mechanisms by which CCF are formed in tumor cells and CCF activation cGAS promotes breast cancer metastasis remain unclear. Here, we report that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) can promote the formation of CCF and activate the cGAS-STING pathway to promote breast cancer metastasis. Further research found that the EZH2-mediated CCF formation depended on high mobility group A1 (HMGA1), while the stability of EZH2 required ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7), indicating that the EZH2-HMGA1-USP7 complex regulated CCF formation. Moreover, EZH2 can activate cGAS through CCF, requiring USP7 to deubiquitinate cGAS and stabilize cGAS. In vivo experimental results showed that EZH2 could promote breast cancer metastasis through CCF. Our findings highlight a new target for breast cancer metastasis. Targeting the EZH2-CCF-cGAS axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for inhibiting breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Duan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Mengjie Shang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Yanxu Han
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiayuan Liu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (J.L.); (J.H.); (B.H.)
| | - Jiwei Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China;
| | - Sun Hyok Kong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Jingyao Hou
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (J.L.); (J.H.); (B.H.)
| | - Baiqu Huang
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (J.L.); (J.H.); (B.H.)
| | - Jun Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (D.D.); (M.S.); (Y.H.); (S.H.K.); (J.L.)
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Li X, Jia Q, Zhou Y, Jiang X, Song L, Wu Y, Wang A, Chen W, Wang S, Lu Y. Tanshinone IIA attenuates the stemness of breast cancer cells via targeting the miR-125b/STARD13 axis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:2. [PMID: 35057866 PMCID: PMC8781032 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tanshinone II A is an effective component extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza and the roles of Tanshinone IIA in regulating the stemness of tumor cells remain unclear. This work aims to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of Tanshinone IIA in breast cancer stemness. METHODS In vitro mammary spheroid formation, flow cytometry assay on CD24-/CD44+ sub-population, ALDH activity detection, cell viability assay and western blot analysis, and in vivo tumor-initiating analysis were performed to examine the effects of Tanshinone IIA on the stemness of breast cancer cells. MiRNAs-based transcriptome sequencing and data analysis, online dataset analysis, luciferase reporter assay combined with rescuing experiments were constructed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Tanshinone IIA attenuated the stemness of breast cancer cells, evident by downregulating the expression of stemness markers, hindering the capacity of spheroid formation, decreasing the CD24-/CD44+ sub-population in a concentration-dependent manner and reducing the tumor-initiating ability of breast cancer cells. Additionally, Tanshinone IIA enhanced adriamycin sensitivity and attenuated adriamycin resistance of breast cancer cells. Combined with miRNAs-based transcriptome sequencing assay, it was found that Tanshinone IIA downregulated miR-125b level and upregulated its target gene STARD13 (StAR-related lipid transfer protein 13) level, thus inactivating the miR-125b/STARD13 axis, which had been previously confirmed to promote breast cancer progression. Notably, miR-125b overexpression enhanced the stemness of breast cancer cells, and miR-125b overexpression or STARD13 knockdown impaired the inhibitory effects of Tanshinone IIA on the stemness of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Tanshinone IIA could attenuate the stemness of breast cancer cells via targeting the miR-125b/STARD13 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qi Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yinyin Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xuan Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Aiyun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Jenseit A, Camgöz A, Pfister SM, Kool M. EZHIP: a new piece of the puzzle towards understanding pediatric posterior fossa ependymoma. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:1-13. [PMID: 34762160 PMCID: PMC8732814 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ependymomas (EPN) are tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that can arise in the supratentorial brain (ST-EPN), hindbrain or posterior fossa (PF-EPN) or anywhere in the spinal cord (SP-EPN), both in children and adults. Molecular profiling studies have identified distinct groups and subtypes in each of these anatomical compartments. In this review, we give an overview on recent findings and new insights what is driving PFA ependymomas, which is the most common group. PFA ependymomas are characterized by a young median age at diagnosis, an overall balanced genome and a bad clinical outcome (56% 10-year overall survival). Sequencing studies revealed no fusion genes or other highly recurrently mutated genes, suggesting that the disease is epigenetically driven. Indeed, recent findings have shown that the characteristic global loss of the repressive histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) mark in PFA ependymoma is caused by aberrant expression of the enhancer of zeste homolog inhibitory protein (EZHIP) or in rare cases by H3K27M mutations, which both inhibit EZH2 thereby preventing the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) from spreading H3K27me3. We present the current status of the ongoing work on EZHIP and its essential role in the epigenetic disturbance of PFA biology. Comparisons to the oncohistone H3K27M and its role in diffuse midline glioma (DMG) are drawn, highlighting similarities but also differences between the tumor entities and underlying mechanisms. A strong focus is to point out missing information and to present directions of further research that may result in new and improved therapies for PFA ependymoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jenseit
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aylin Camgöz
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Yue Y, Lin X, Qiu X, Yang L, Wang R. The Molecular Roles and Clinical Implications of Non-Coding RNAs in Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:802745. [PMID: 34966746 PMCID: PMC8711095 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.802745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. It is also the fifth most common cancer in China. In recent years, a large number of studies have proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can regulate cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. NcRNAs also influence the therapeutic resistance of gastric cancer. NcRNAs mainly consist of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. In this paper, we summarized ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer, and also reviewed their role in clinical trials and diagnosis. We sum up different ncRNAs and related moleculars and signaling pathway in gastric cancer, like Bcl-2, PTEN, Wnt signaling. In addition, the potential clinical application of ncRNAs in overcoming chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance in GC in the future were also focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Yue
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinrong Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyue Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Guo TT, Zhao Y, Huang WX, Zhang T, Zhao LL, Gu XS, Zhou SL. Silencing the enhancer of zeste homologue 2, Ezh2, represses axon regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1518-1525. [PMID: 34916437 PMCID: PMC8771100 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovery from injury to the peripheral nervous system is different from that of the central nervous system in that it can lead to gene reprogramming that can induce the expression of a series of regeneration-associated genes. This eventually leads to axonal regeneration of injured neurons. Although some regeneration-related genes have been identified, the regulatory network underlying axon regeneration remains largely unknown. To explore the regulator of axon regeneration, we performed RNA sequencing of lumbar L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons at different time points (0, 3, 6, 12 hours, 1, 3 and 7 days) after rat sciatic nerve crush. The isolation of neurons was carried out by laser capture microscopy combined with NeuN immunofluorescence staining. We found 1228 differentially expressed genes in the injured sciatic nerve tissue. The hub genes within these differentially expressed genes include Atf3, Jun, Myc, Ngf, Fgf2, Ezh2, Gfap and Il6. We verified that the expression of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 gene (Ezh2) was up-regulated in DRG neurons after injury, and this up-regulation differed between large- and small-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons. To investigate whether the up-regulation of Ezh2 impacts axonal regeneration, we silenced Ezh2 with siRNA in cultured DRG neurons and found that the growth of the newborn axons was repressed. In our investigation into the regulatory network of Ezh2 by interpretive phenomenal analysis, we found some regulators of Ezh2 (including Erk, Il6 and Hif1a) and targets (including Atf3, Cdkn1a and Smad1). Our findings suggest that Ezh2, as a nerve regeneration-related gene, participates in the repair of the injured DRG neurons, and knocking down the Ezh2 in vitro inhibits the axonal growth of DRG neurons. All the experimental procedures approved by the Administration Committee of Experimental Animals of Jiangsu Province of China (approval No. S20191201-201) on March 21, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Guo
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong; Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Animal Models of Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Song Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Song-Lin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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EZH2 presents a therapeutic target for neuroendocrine tumors of the small intestine. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22733. [PMID: 34815475 PMCID: PMC8611048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are slow-growing tumors that seem genetically quite stable without highly recurrent mutations, but are epigenetically dysregulated. In contrast to the undetectable expression of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) histone methyltransferase in the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine, we found high and differential expression of EZH2 in primary SI-NETs and corresponding metastases. Silencing EZH2 in the SI-NET cell line CNDT2.5 reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, EZH2 knockout inhibited tumor progression in a CNDT2.5 SI-NET xenograft mouse model, and treatment of SI-NET cell lines CNDT2.5 and GOT1 with the EZH2-specific inhibitor CPI-1205 decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, CPI-1205 treatment reduced migration capacity of CNDT2.5 cells. The EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 also repressed proliferation of CNDT2.5 cells. Recently, metformin has received wide attention as a therapeutic option in diverse cancers. In CNDT2.5 and GOT1 cells, metformin suppressed EZH2 expression, and inhibited cell proliferation. Exposure of GOT1 three-dimensional cell spheroids to CPI-1205 or metformin arrested cell proliferation and decreased spheroid size. These novel findings support a possible role of EZH2 as a candidate oncogene in SI-NETs, and suggest that CPI-1205 and metformin should be further evaluated as therapeutic options for patients with SI-NETs.
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Villasante A, Godier-Furnemont A, Hernandez-Barranco A, Coq JL, Boskovic J, Peinado H, Mora J, Samitier J, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Horizontal transfer of the stemness-related markers EZH2 and GLI1 by neuroblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles in stromal cells. Transl Res 2021; 237:82-97. [PMID: 34217898 PMCID: PMC9204390 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid cancer originating from undifferentiated neural crest cells. NB cells express EZH2 and GLI1 genes that are known to maintain the undifferentiated phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSC) in NB. Recent studies suggest that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate the transformation of surrounding cells into CSC by transferring tumor-specific molecules they contain. However, the horizontal transfer of EVs molecules in NB remains largely unknown. We report the analysis of NB-derived EVs in bioengineered models of NB that are based on a collagen 1/hyaluronic acid scaffold designed to mimic the native tumor niche. Using these models, we observed an enrichment of GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in NB-derived EVs. As a consequence of the uptake of NB-derived EVs, the host cells increased the expression levels of GLI1 and EZH2. These results suggest the alteration of the expression profile of stromal cells through an EV-based mechanism, and point the GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in the EV cargo as diagnostic biomarkers in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranzazu Villasante
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York,USA; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Alberto Hernandez-Barranco
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Johanne Le Coq
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jasminka Boskovic
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Oncology Department, Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York,USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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