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Zang Z, Yin Y, Liu C, Zhu Q, Huang X, Li H, Yang R. IL21R hypomethylation as a biomarker for distinguishing benign and malignant breast tumours. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2352683. [PMID: 38723244 PMCID: PMC11086039 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2352683] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Some benign and malignant breast tumours are similar in pathological morphology, which are difficult to be distinguished in clinical diagnosis. In this study, we intended to explore novel biomarkers for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumours. Methylation EPIC 850K beadchip and RNA-sequencing were used to analyse 29 tissue samples from patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC) and benign breast tumours for differently methylated and expressed genes. The altered methylation of IL21R was semi-quantitatively validated in an independent study with 566 tissue samples (279 BC vs. 287 benign breast tumours) using mass spectrometry. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between IL21R methylation and BC. BC-associated IL21R hypomethylation and overexpression were identified in the discovery round. In the validation round, BC patients presented significant IL21R hypomethylation compared to women with benign breast tumours (ORs ≥1.29 per-10% methylation, p-values ≤ 5.69E-14), and this hypomethylation was even enhanced in BC patients with ER-negative and PR-negative tumours as well as with triple-negative tumours. The methylation of IL21R showed efficient discriminatory power to distinguish benign breast tumours from BC (area under curve (AUC) = 0.88), and especially from ER-negative BC (AUC = 0.95), PR-negative BC (AUC = 0.93) and triple-negative BC (AUC = 0.96). We disclosed significant IL21R hypomethylation in patients with BC compared to women with benign breast tumours, and revealed the somatic change of DNA methylation could be a potential biomarker for molecular pathology of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishan Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifei Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and The Second People’s Hospital of Huai’an, Huaian, China
| | - Chunlan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuandong Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and The Second People’s Hospital of Huai’an, Huaian, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and The Second People’s Hospital of Huai’an, Huaian, China
| | - Rongxi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Santourlidis S, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Brodell RT, Hassan M, Bendhack ML. hTERT Epigenetics Provides New Perspectives for Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Guidance of Chemotherapy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7331. [PMID: 39000438 PMCID: PMC11242863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Strong epigenetic pan-cancer biomarkers are required to meet several current, urgent clinical needs and to further improve the present chemotherapeutic standard. We have concentrated on the investigation of epigenetic alteration of the hTERT gene, which is frequently epigenetically dysregulated in a number of cancers in specific developmental stages. Distinct DNA methylation profiles were identified in our data on early urothelial cancer. An efficient EpihTERT assay could be developed utilizing suitable combinations with sequence-dependent thermodynamic parameters to distinguish between differentially methylated states. We infer from this data set, the epigenetic context, and the related literature that a CpG-rich, 2800 bp region, a prominent CpG island, surrounding the transcription start of the hTERT gene is the crucial epigenetic zone for the development of a potent biomarker. In order to accurately describe this region, we have named it "Acheron" (Ἀχέρων). In Greek mythology, this is the river of woe and misery and the path to the underworld. Exploitation of the DNA methylation profiles focused on this region, e.g., idiolocal normalized Methylation Specific PCR (IDLN-MSP), opens up a wide range of new possibilities for diagnosis, determination of prognosis, follow-up, and detection of residual disease. It may also have broad implications for the choice of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Santourlidis
- Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain;
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marcelo L. Bendhack
- Department of Urology, Red Cross University Hospital, Positivo University, Rua Mauá 1111, Curitiba 80030-200, Brazil;
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Sang Y, Hu G, Xue J, Chen M, Hong S, Liu R. Risk stratification by combining common genetic mutations and TERT promoter methylation in papillary thyroid cancer. Endocrine 2024; 85:304-312. [PMID: 38356100 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Risk stratification based on somatic mutations in TERT promoter and BRAF/RAS has been well established for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and there is emerging evidence showed that TERT promoter methylation was frequently observed in thyroid cancer patients with adverse features. This study was aimed to comprehensive explore the prognostic value of BRAF/RAS mutations, TERT promoter mutations, and TERT promoter methylation in PTC. METHODS The relationships of BRAF/RAS mutations, TERT promoter mutations, and TERT promoter methylation with clinical characteristics and outcomes of PTC were analyzed in 382 patients with PTC. RESULTS TERT promoter mutation and hypermethylation were collectively observed in 52 (13.6%) samples and associated with BRAF/RAS mutation, aggressive clinical characteristics, and poor clinical outcomes of PTC. Coexistence of BRAF/RAS and TERT alterations was found in 45 of 382 (11.8%) PTC patients and strongly associated with old patient age, extrathyroidal extension, advanced pathologic T stage and metastasis. Importantly, patients with both BRAF/RAS and TERT alterations had higher rates of tumor recurrence (13.6% vs 1.5%, P = 0.042) and disease progression (24.4% vs 3.3%, P < 0.001) than patients without any alterations, and cox regression analysis revealed that the coexistence of BRAF/RAS and TERT alterations, but not BRAF/RAS or TERT alterations alone, increased the risk of progression-free interval with an adjusted HR of 10.35 (95% CI: 1.79-59.81, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that comprehensively analysis of BRAF/RAS mutations, TERT promoter mutation and methylation is an effective strategy to identify high-risk patients with PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Xue
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Chen
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shubin Hong
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rengyun Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, China.
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Shou S, Li Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhang C, Jiang X, Liu F, Yi L, Zhang X, Geer E, Pu Z, Pang B. Understanding, diagnosing, and treating pancreatic cancer from the perspective of telomeres and telomerase. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6. [PMID: 38594465 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase is associated with cellular aging, and its presence limits cellular lifespan. Telomerase by preventing telomere shortening can extend the number of cell divisions for cancer cells. In adult pancreatic cells, telomeres gradually shorten, while in precancerous lesions of cancer, telomeres in cells are usually significantly shortened. At this time, telomerase is still in an inactive state, and it is not until before and after the onset of cancer that telomerase is reactivated, causing cancer cells to proliferate. Methylation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter and regulation of telomerase by lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) is the mechanism of telomerase reactivation in pancreatic cancer. Understanding the role of telomeres and telomerase in pancreatic cancer will help to diagnose and initiate targeted therapy as early as possible. This article reviews the role of telomeres and telomerase as biomarkers in the development of pancreatic cancer and the progress of research on telomeres and telomerase as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songting Shou
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanliang Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - En Geer
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenqing Pu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Mohamad Zamberi NN, Abuhamad AY, Low TY, Mohtar MA, Syafruddin SE. dCas9 Tells Tales: Probing Gene Function and Transcription Regulation in Cancer. CRISPR J 2024; 7:73-87. [PMID: 38635328 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing is evolving into an essential tool in the field of biological and medical research. Notably, the development of catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme has substantially broadened its traditional boundaries in gene editing or perturbation. The conjugation of dCas9 with various molecular effectors allows precise control over transcriptional processes, epigenetic modifications, visualization of chromosomal dynamics, and several other applications. This expanded repertoire of CRISPR-Cas9 applications has emerged as an invaluable molecular tool kit that empowers researchers to comprehensively interrogate and gain insights into health and diseases. This review delves into the advancements in Cas9 protein engineering, specifically on the generation of various dCas9 tools that have significantly enhanced the CRISPR-based technology capability and versatility. We subsequently discuss the multifaceted applications of dCas9, especially in interrogating the regulation and function of genes that involve in supporting cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we also delineate the designing and utilization of dCas9-based tools as well as highlighting its current constraints and transformative potentials in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Nadia Mohamad Zamberi
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Asmaa Y Abuhamad
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Geissler F, Nesic K, Kondrashova O, Dobrovic A, Swisher EM, Scott CL, J. Wakefield M. The role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer initiation and clinical impacts. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231220511. [PMID: 38293277 PMCID: PMC10826407 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231220511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, are now recognized as bone fide hallmarks of cancer, which can contribute to cancer initiation, progression, therapy responses and therapy resistance. Methylation of gene promoters can have a range of impacts on cancer risk, clinical stratification and therapeutic outcomes. We provide several important examples of genes, which can be silenced or activated by promoter methylation and highlight their clinical implications. These include the mismatch DNA repair genes MLH1 and MSH2, homologous recombination DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51C, the TERT oncogene and genes within the P15/P16/RB1/E2F tumour suppressor axis. We also discuss how these methylation changes might occur in the first place - whether in the context of the CpG island methylator phenotype or constitutional DNA methylation. The choice of assay used to measure methylation can have a significant impact on interpretation of methylation states, and some examples where this can influence clinical decision-making are presented. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are also showing great promise in the context of non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring using liquid biopsies; however, caution must be taken in interpreting these results in cases where constitutional methylation may be present. Thus, this review aims to provide researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive summary of this broad, but important subject, illustrating the potentials and pitfalls of assessing aberrant DNA methylation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Geissler
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ksenija Nesic
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Kondrashova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander Dobrovic
- University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Clare L. Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Wakefield
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Li S, Xue J, Jiang K, Chen Y, Zhu L, Liu R. TERT promoter methylation is associated with high expression of TERT and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1325345. [PMID: 38313800 PMCID: PMC10834694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1325345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common subtype of thyroid cancer. The overexpression of TERT in PTC was partially attributed to transcriptional activation by two hotspot mutations in the core promoter region of this gene. As one of the major epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation, DNA methylation has been proved to regulate several tumor-related genes in PTC. However, the association of TERT promoter DNA methylation with TERT expression and PTC progression is still unclear. By treating PTC cell lines with demethylating agent decitabine, we found that the TERT promoter methylation and the genes' expression were remarkably decreased. Consistently, PTC patients with TERT hypermethylation had significantly higher TERT expression than patients with TERT hypomethylation. Moreover, TERT hypermethylated patients showed significant higher rates of poor clinical outcomes than patients with TERT hypomethylation. Results from the cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratios (HRs) of TERT hypermethylation for overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free interval (DFI) and progression-free interval (PFI) were 4.81 (95% CI, 1.61-14.41), 8.28 (95% CI, 2.14-32.13), 3.56 (95% CI, 1.24-10.17) and 3.32 (95% CI, 1.64-6.71), respectively. The HRs for DFI and PFI remained significant after adjustment for clinical risk factors. These data suggest that promoter DNA methylation upregulates TERT expression and associates with poor clinical outcomes of PTC, thus holds the potential to be a valuable prognostic marker for PTC risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Xue
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lefan Zhu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rengyun Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kouroukli AG, Rajaram N, Bashtrykov P, Kretzmer H, Siebert R, Jeltsch A, Bens S. Targeting oncogenic TERT promoter variants by allele-specific epigenome editing. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:183. [PMID: 37993930 PMCID: PMC10666398 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01599-2] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of dominant oncogenes by small or structural genomic alterations is a common driver mechanism in many cancers. Silencing of such dominantly activated oncogenic alleles, thus, is a promising strategy to treat cancer. Recently, allele-specific epigenome editing (ASEE) has been described as a means to reduce transcription of genes in an allele-specific manner. In cancer, specificity to an oncogenic allele can be reached by either targeting directly a pathogenic single-nucleotide variant or a polymorphic single-nucleotide variant linked to the oncogenic allele. To investigate the potential of ASEE in cancer, we here explored this approach by targeting variants at the TERT promoter region. The TERT promoter region has been described as one of the most frequently mutated non-coding cancer drivers. RESULTS Sequencing of the TERT promoter in cancer cell lines showed 53% (41/77) to contain at least one heterozygous sequence variant allowing allele distinction. We chose the hepatoblastoma cell line Hep-G2 and the lung cancer cell line A-549 for this proof-of-principle study, as they contained two different kinds of variants, namely the activating mutation C228T in the TERT core promoter and the common SNP rs2853669 in the THOR region, respectively. These variants were targeted in an allele-specific manner using sgRNA-guided dCas9-DNMT3A-3L complexes. In both cell lines, we successfully introduced DNA methylation specifically to the on-target allele of the TERT promoter with limited background methylation on the off-target allele or an off-target locus (VEGFA), respectively. We observed a maximum CpG methylation gain of 39% and 76% on the target allele when targeting the activating mutation and the common SNP, respectively. The epigenome editing translated into reduced TERT RNA expression in Hep-G2. CONCLUSIONS We applied an ASEE-mediated approach to silence TERT allele specifically. Our results show that the concept of dominant oncogene inactivation by allele-specific epigenome editing can be successfully translated into cancer models. This new strategy may have important advantages in comparison with existing therapeutic approaches, e.g., targeting telomerase, especially with regard to reducing adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra G Kouroukli
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nivethika Rajaram
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Computational Genomics, Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Yang J, Sun L, Liu X, Huang C, Peng J, Zeng X, Zheng H, Cen W, Xu Y, Zhu W, Wu X, Ling D, Zhang L, Wei M, Liu Y, Wang D, Wang F, Li Y, Li Q, Du Z. Targeted demethylation of the CDO1 promoter based on CRISPR system inhibits the malignant potential of breast cancer cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1423. [PMID: 37740473 PMCID: PMC10517212 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1423] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1) is frequently methylated, and its expression is decreased in many human cancers including breast cancer (BC). However, the functional and mechanistic aspects of CDO1 inactivation in BC are poorly understood, and the diagnostic significance of serum CDO1 methylation remains unclear. METHODS We performed bioinformatics analysis of publicly available databases and employed MassARRAY EpiTYPER methylation sequencing technology to identify differentially methylated sites in the CDO1 promoter of BC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues (NATs). Subsequently, we developed a MethyLight assay using specific primers and probes for these CpG sites to detect the percentage of methylated reference (PMR) of the CDO1 promoter. Furthermore, both LentiCRISPR/dCas9-Tet1CD-based CDO1-targeted demethylation system and CDO1 overexpression strategy were utilized to detect the function and underlying mechanism of CDO1 in BC. Finally, the early diagnostic value of CDO1 as a methylation biomarker in BC serum was evaluated. RESULTS CDO1 promoter was hypermethylated in BC tissues, which was related to poor prognosis (p < .05). The CRISPR/dCas9-based targeted demethylation system significantly reduced the PMR of CDO1 promotor and increased CDO1 expression in BC cells. Consequently, this leads to suppression of cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, we found that CDO1 exerted a tumour suppressor effect by inhibiting the cell cycle, promoting cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, we employed the MethyLight to detect CDO1 PMR in BC serum, and we discovered that serum CDO1 methylation was an effective non-invasive biomarker for early diagnosis of BC. CONCLUSIONS CDO1 is hypermethylated and acts as a tumour suppressor gene in BC. Epigenetic editing of abnormal CDO1 methylation could have a crucial role in the clinical treatment and prognosis of BC. Additionally, serum CDO1 methylation holds promise as a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis and management of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Liyue Sun
- Second Department of OncologyGuangdong Second Provincial General HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Chan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Junling Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Xinxin Zeng
- Second Department of OncologyGuangdong Second Provincial General HospitalGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Hailin Zheng
- Department of Clinical LaboratorySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Wenjian Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yu‐Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Weijie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Dongyi Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Lu‐Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Mingbiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Ye Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Deshen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Feng‐Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Yu‐Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Qin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Medical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Ziming Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
- Department of Molecular DiagnosticsSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
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Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
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