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Liu Y, Dong L, Ma J, Chen L, Fang L, Wang Z. The prognostic genes model of breast cancer drug resistance based on single-cell sequencing analysis and transcriptome analysis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:113. [PMID: 38795164 PMCID: PMC11127859 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) represents a multifaceted malignancy, with escalating incidence and mortality rates annually. Chemotherapy stands as an indispensable approach for treating breast cancer, yet drug resistance poses a formidable challenge. Through transcriptome data analysis, we have identified two sets of genes exhibiting differential expression in this context. Furthermore, we have confirmed the overlap between these genes and those associated with exosomes, which were subsequently validated in cell lines. The investigation screened the identified genes to determine prognostic markers for BC and utilized them to formulate a prognostic model. The disparities in prognosis and immunity between the high- and low-risk groups were validated using the test dataset. We have discerned different BC subtypes based on the expression levels of prognostic genes in BC samples. Variations in prognosis, immunity, and drug sensitivity among distinct subtypes were examined. Leveraging data from single-cell sequencing and prognostic gene expression, the AUCell algorithm was employed to score individual cell clusters and analyze the pathways implicated in high-scoring groups. Prognostic genes (CCT4, CXCL13, MTDH, PSMD2, and RAB27A) were subsewoquently validated using RT-qPCR. Consequently, we have established a model for predicting prognosis in breast cancer that hinges on drug resistance and ERGs. Furthermore, we have evaluated the prognostic value of this model. The genes identified as prognostic markers can now serve as a reference for precise treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lun Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Linghui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Liaoqiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, Chongqing, 401121, China.
| | - Zhibiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, Chongqing, 401121, China.
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2
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Buteyn NJ, Burke CG, Sartori VJ, Deering-Gardner E, DeBruine ZJ, Kamarudin D, Chandler DP, Monovich AC, Perez MW, Yi JS, Ries RE, Alonzo TA, Ryan RJ, Meshinchi S, Triche TJ. EZH2-driven immune evasion defines high-risk pediatric AML with t(16;21) FUS::ERG gene fusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594150. [PMID: 38798454 PMCID: PMC11118270 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Minimal improvement in outcomes for high-risk pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML) patients has been made in the past decades. Nowhere is this more evident than in patients carrying a t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG translocation; quick time to relapse and universal failure of hematopoietic stem cell transplant contribute to one of the lowest survival rates in childhood leukemia. Here, we have identified a unique, defining immune-evasion phenotype in FUS::ERG pAML driven by EZH2 and characterized by loss of MHC class I and II molecules and immune co-stimulatory receptors. This loss of immune engagement, present at diagnosis, allows pervasiveness of blasts that prove resistant to standard treatment. We demonstrate that treatment with the FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat, in combination with IFN-γ, reverses the phenotype, re-expresses MHC receptor expression, and reduces blast viability. EZH2 inhibitors provide a novel therapeutic option for this high-risk population and may prove a beneficial supplemental treatment for FUS::ERG pAML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Buteyn
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Connor G Burke
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Vincent J Sartori
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - Zachary J DeBruine
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Dahlya Kamarudin
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Darrell P Chandler
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - Monika W Perez
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Joanna S Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Rhonda E Ries
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Todd A Alonzo
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Russell Jh Ryan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Soheil Meshinchi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Timothy J Triche
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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3
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Li X, Tian S, Shi H, Ta N, Ni X, Bai C, Zhu Z, Chen Y, Shi D, Huang H, Chen L, Hu Z, Qu L, Fang Y, Bai C. The golden key to open mystery boxes of SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumor: focusing immunotherapy, tumor microenvironment and epigenetic regulation. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:687-697. [PMID: 38347129 PMCID: PMC11101339 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00732-4] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumor is extremely invasive. This tumor with poor prognosis is easily confused with SMARCA4-deficent non-small cell lung cancer or sarcoma. Standard and efficient treatment has not been established. In this review, we summarized the etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis, reviewed current and proposed innovative strategies for treatment and improving prognosis. Immunotherapy, targeting tumor microenvironment and epigenetic regulator have improved the prognosis of cancer patients. We summarized clinicopathological features and immunotherapy strategies and analyzed the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with SMARCA4-UT who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition, we proposed the feasibility of epigenetic regulation in the treatment of SMARCA4-UT. To our knowledge, this is the first review that aims to explore innovative strategies for targeting tumor microenvironment and epigenetic regulation and identify potential benefit population for immunotherapy to improve the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Tian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, No. 906 Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Ningbo, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China.
| | - Na Ta
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Ni
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Chenguang Bai
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanli Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Dongchen Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Longpei Chen
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhong Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Qu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Shanghai, China.
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4
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Li NN, Lun DX, Gong N, Meng G, Du XY, Wang H, Bao X, Li XY, Song JW, Hu K, Li L, Li SY, Liu W, Zhu W, Zhang Y, Li J, Yao T, Mou L, Han X, Hao F, Hu Y, Liu L, Zhu H, Wu Y, Liu B. Targeting the chromatin structural changes of antitumor immunity. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100905. [PMID: 38665224 PMCID: PMC11043877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.012] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes, promoting the onset and progression of cancer. Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks, tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes, which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and their combinations. Herein, we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modification, and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity, and introduce these epigenetic research methods. We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-nian Li
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Deng-xing Lun
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Ningning Gong
- Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Gang Meng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Ankang University, Ankang, Shaanxi, 725000, China
| | - Xin-ying Du
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - He Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xiangxiang Bao
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xin-yang Li
- Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, 550018, China
| | - Ji-wu Song
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Kewei Hu
- Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Lala Li
- Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Si-ying Li
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Wanping Zhu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Jikai Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300299, China
| | - Ting Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Teda Institute of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Leming Mou
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Han
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Furong Hao
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yongcheng Hu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hongguang Zhu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yuyun Wu
- Xinqiao Hospital of Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Teda Institute of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300457, China
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5
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James JL, Taylor BC, Axelrod ML, Sun X, Guerin LN, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Wang Y, Sanchez V, Fahey CC, Sanders ME, Xu Y, Hodges E, Johnson DB, Balko JM. Polycomb repressor complex 2 suppresses interferon-responsive MHC-II expression in melanoma cells and is associated with anti-PD-1 resistance. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007736. [PMID: 38315170 PMCID: PMC10660662 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007736] [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] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the remarkable success of immunotherapy in treating melanoma, understanding of the underlying mechanisms of resistance remains limited. Emerging evidence suggests that upregulation of tumor-specific major histocompatibility complex-II (tsMHC-II) serves as a predictive marker for the response to anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy in various cancer types. The genetic and epigenetic pathways modulating tsMHC-II expression remain incompletely characterized. Here, we provide evidence that polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)/EZH2 signaling and resulting H3K27 hypermethylation suppresses tsMHC-II. METHODS RNA sequencing data from tumor biopsies from patients with cutaneous melanoma treated with or without anti-PD-1, targeted inhibition assays, and assays for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing were used to observe the relationship between EZH2 inhibition and interferon (IFN)-γ inducibility within the MHC-II pathway. RESULTS We find that increased EZH2 pathway messenger RNA (mRNA) expression correlates with reduced mRNA expression of both presentation and T-cell genes. Notably, targeted inhibition assays revealed that inhibition of EZH2 influences the expression dynamics and inducibility of the MHC-II pathway following IFN-γ stimulation. Additionally, our analysis of patients with metastatic melanoma revealed a significant inverse association between PRC2-related gene expression and response to anti-PD-1 therapy. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition leads to enhanced MHC-II expression potentially resulting from improved chromatin accessibility at CIITA, the master regulator of MHC-II. These insights shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in tsMHC-II suppression and highlight the potential of targeting EZH2 as a therapeutic strategy to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamaal L James
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brandie C Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Margaret L Axelrod
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaopeng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lindsey N Guerin
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paula I Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Violeta Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine C Fahey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melinda E Sanders
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yaomin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin M Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Pickles OJ, Wanigasooriya K, Ptasinska A, Patel AJ, Robbins HL, Bryer C, Whalley CM, Tee L, Lal N, Pinna CM, Elzefzafy N, Taniere P, Beggs AD, Middleton GM. MHC Class II is Induced by IFNγ and Follows Three Distinct Patterns of Expression in Colorectal Cancer Organoids. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1501-1513. [PMID: 37565053 PMCID: PMC10411481 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-specific MHC class II (tsMHC-II) expression impacts tumor microenvironmental immunity. tsMHC-II positive cancer cells may act as surrogate antigen-presenting cells and targets for CD4+ T cell-mediated lysis. In colorectal cancer, tsMHC-II negativity is common, in cell lines due to CIITA promoter methylation. To clarify mechanisms of tsMHC-II repression in colorectal cancer, we analyzed colorectal cancer organoids which are epigenetically faithful to tissue of origin. 15 primary colorectal cancer organoids were treated with IFNγ ± epigenetic modifiers: flow cytometry was used for tsMHC-II expression. qRT-PCR, total RNA sequencing, nanopore sequencing, bisulfite conversion/pyrosequencing, and Western blotting was used to quantitate CIITA, STAT1, IRF1, and JAK1 expression, mutations and promoter methylation and chromatin immunoprecipitation to quantitate H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, and EZH2 occupancy at CIITA. We define three types of response to IFNγ in colorectal cancer: strong, weak, and noninducibility. Delayed and restricted expression even with prolonged IFNγ exposure was due to IFNγ-mediated EZH2 occupancy at CIITA. tsMHC-II expression was enhanced by EZH2 and histone deacetylase inhibition in the weakly inducible organoids. Noninducibility is seen in three consensus molecular subtype 1 (CMS1) organoids due to JAK1 mutation. No organoid demonstrates CIITA promoter methylation. Providing IFNγ signaling is intact, most colorectal cancer organoids are class II inducible. Upregulation of tsMHC-II through targeted epigenetic therapy is seen in one of fifteen organoids. Our approach can serve as a blueprint for investigating the heterogeneity of specific epigenetic mechanisms of immune suppression across individual patients in other cancers and how these might be targeted to inform the conduct of future trials of epigenetic therapies as immune adjuvants more strategically in cancer. Significance Cancer cell expression of MHC class II significantly impacts tumor microenvironmental immunity. Previous studies investigating mechanisms of repression of IFNγ-inducible class II expression using cell lines demonstrate epigenetic silencing of IFN pathway genes as a frequent immune evasion strategy. Unlike cell lines, patient-derived organoids maintain epigenetic fidelity to tissue of origin. In the first such study, we analyze patterns, dynamics, and epigenetic control of IFNγ-induced class II expression in a series of colorectal cancer organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J. Pickles
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kasun Wanigasooriya
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anetta Ptasinska
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Akshay J. Patel
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Helen L. Robbins
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Bryer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Celina M. Whalley
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Tee
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Neeraj Lal
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia M.A. Pinna
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nahla Elzefzafy
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Cancer Biology Department, NCI, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Philippe Taniere
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Beggs
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gary M. Middleton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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7
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Benefits and Challenges of Inhibiting EZH2 in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051537. [PMID: 36900330 PMCID: PMC10000483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051537] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive thoracic cancer that is mainly associated with prior exposure to asbestos fibers. Despite being a rare cancer, its global rate is increasing and the prognosis remains extremely poor. Over the last two decades, despite the constant research of new therapeutic options, the combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed has remained the only first-line therapy for MPM. The recent approval of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy has opened new promising avenues of research. However, MPM is still a fatal cancer with no effective treatments. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyl transferase that exerts pro-oncogenic and immunomodulatory activities in a variety of tumors. Accordingly, a growing number of studies indicate that EZH2 is also an oncogenic driver in MPM, but its effects on tumor microenvironments are still largely unexplored. This review describes the state-of-the-art of EZH2 in MPM biology and discusses its potential use both as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. We highlight current gaps of knowledge, the filling of which will likely favor the entry of EZH2 inhibitors within the treatment options for MPM patients.
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8
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Qing X, Yuan C, Wang K. Characterization of protein-based risk signature to predict prognosis and evaluate the tumor immune environment in breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:424-435. [PMID: 36732487 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteomics profiles have enabled a systematic insight into the prognosis of cancer. This study aimed to establish a valuable protein-based risk signature to assess the prognosis and immune status in patients with breast cancer (BC). METHODS Protein expression profile, RNA expression data, and clinical information were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The whole cohort was randomly split into two cohorts, one for establishing the risk signature and the other for testing. Univariate Cox analysis and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression were utilized to construct the protein-based risk signature. All cohorts were divided into high- and low-risk groups, which were applied to investigate the clinical relevance, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic response. RESULTS The prognostic proteomics signature was established based on prognostic proteins, thus categorizing patients into low-risk and high-risk groups with different prognoses. A predictive nomogram was also developed to predict 1, 3, and 5-year survival possibility for BC patients, and the calibration curves confirmed the predictive significance of this signature. Afterward, the low-risk group displayed higher immune activities, immune checkpoint expression, and immunotherapeutic response. Moreover, GSEA analysis indicated that immune-associated pathways were rich in the low-risk group. Additionally, this prognostic signature demonstrated potential predict significance for chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION This study established an effective prognostic proteomics signature with reliable predictive performance for survival, immune activity, and drug sensitivity. It might provide a novel perspective into the protein function in BC, and guide the individual treatment strategies for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qing
- Clinical Laboratory, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan, China
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunlei Yuan
- Clinical Laboratory, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan, China.
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9
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Feng J, Meng X. Histone modification and histone modification-targeted anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer: Fundamentals and beyond. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946811. [PMID: 36188615 PMCID: PMC9522521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic enzymes and resultant abnormal epigenetic modifications (EMs) have been suggested to be closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. Histone modifications (HMs) can assist in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, transcription, and chromatin modulation within breast cancer (BC) cells. In addition, HMs are reversible, dynamic processes involving the associations of different enzymes with molecular compounds. Abnormal HMs (e.g. histone methylation and histone acetylation) have been identified to be tightly related to BC occurrence and development, even though their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. EMs are reversible, and as a result, epigenetic enzymes have aroused wide attention as anti-tumor therapeutic targets. At present, treatments to restore aberrant EMs within BC cells have entered preclinical or clinical trials. In addition, no existing studies have comprehensively analyzed aberrant HMs within BC cells; in addition, HM-targeting BC treatments remain to be further investigated. Histone and non-histone protein methylation is becoming an attractive anti-tumor epigenetic therapeutic target; such methylation-related enzyme inhibitors are under development at present. Consequently, the present work focuses on summarizing relevant studies on HMs related to BC and the possible mechanisms associated with abnormal HMs. Additionally, we also aim to analyze existing therapeutic agents together with those drugs approved and tested through pre-clinical and clinical trials, to assess their roles in HMs. Moreover, epi-drugs that target HMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors should be tested in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of BC. Epi-drugs that target histone methylation (HMT inhibitors) and histone acetylation (HDAC inhibitors) have now entered clinical trials or are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, the review covers the difficulties in applying HM-targeting treatments in clinics and proposes feasible approaches for overcoming such difficulties and promoting their use in treating BC cases.
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10
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IFI16-dependent STING signaling is a crucial regulator of anti-HER2 immune response in HER2+ breast cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201376119. [PMID: 35878022 PMCID: PMC9351446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201376119] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies, such as trastuzumab in HER2+ breast cancer (BC), is associated with residual disease progression due to resistance to therapy. Here, we identify interferon-γ inducible protein 16 (IFI16)-dependent STING signaling as a significant determinant of trastuzumab responses in HER2+ BC. We show that down-regulation of immune-regulated genes (IRG) is specifically associated with poor survival of HER2+, but not other BC subtypes. Among IRG, IFI16 is identified as a direct target of EZH2, the underexpression of which leads to deficient STING activation and downstream CXCL10/11 expression in response to trastuzumab treatment. Dual inhibition of EZH2 and histone deacetylase (HDAC) significantly activates IFI16-dependent immune responses to trastuzumab. Notably, a combination of a novel histone methylation inhibitor with an HDAC inhibitor induces complete tumor eradication and long-term T cell memory in a HER2+ BC mouse model. Our findings demonstrate an epigenetic regulatory mechanism suppressing the expression of the IFI16-CXCL10/11 signaling pathway that provides a survival advantage to HER2+ BC to confer resistance to trastuzumab treatment.
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11
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Adibfar S, Elveny M, Kashikova HS, Mikhailova MV, Farhangnia P, Vakili-Samiani S, Tarokhian H, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of EZH2 in breast cancer. Life Sci 2021; 286:120047. [PMID: 34653429 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to its high occurrence and mortality rate, breast cancer has been studied from various aspects as one of the cancer field's hot topics in the last decade. Epigenetic alterations are spoused to be highly effective in breast cancer development. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an enzymatic epi-protein that takes part in most vital cell functions by its different action modes. EZH2 is suggested to be dysregulated in specific breast cancer types, particularly in advanced stages. Mounting evidence revealed that EZH2 overexpression or dysfunction affects the pathophysiology of breast cancer. In this review, we discuss biological aspects of the EZH2 molecule with a focus on its newly identified action mechanisms. We also highlight how EZH2 plays an essential role in breast cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and invasion, which emerged as a worthy target for treating breast cancer in different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Adibfar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Marischa Elveny
- DS & CI Research Group, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Immunology Board for Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Vakili-Samiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hanieh Tarokhian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Integrated Medicine and Aging Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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Borkiewicz L. Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation Signature in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12853. [PMID: 34884658 PMCID: PMC8657745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and progression rely on complicated genetic and also epigenetic changes which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by lncRNAs alter protein expression by either promoting gene transcription or repressing it. The presence of so-called chromatin modification marks at various gene promoters and gene bodies is associated with normal cell development but also with tumorigenesis and progression of different types of cancer, including the most frequently diagnosed breast cancer. This review is focused on the significance of one of the abundant post-translational modifications of histone 3- trimethylation of lysine 27 (H3K27me3), which was shown to participate in tumour suppressor genes' silencing. Unlike other reviews in the field, here the overview of existing evidence linking H3K27me3 status with breast cancer biology and the tumour outcome is presented especially in the context of diverse breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, the potential of agents that target H3K27me3 for the treatment of this complex disease as well as H3K27 methylation in cross-talk with other chromatin modifications and lncRNAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Borkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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13
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Meyer S, Handke D, Mueller A, Biehl K, Kreuz M, Bukur J, Koehl U, Lazaridou MF, Berneburg M, Steven A, Massa C, Seliger B. Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Altered HLA Class II Expression in Malignant Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153907. [PMID: 34359808 PMCID: PMC8345549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules are constitutively expressed in some melanoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized. METHODS The expression of HLA class II antigen processing machinery (APM) components was determined in melanoma samples by qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical and TCGA datasets were used for correlation of HLA class II expression to tumor grading, T-cell infiltration and patients' survival. RESULTS The heterogeneous HLA class II expression in melanoma samples allowed us to characterize four distinct phenotypes. Phenotype I totally lacks constitutive HLA class II surface expression, which is inducible by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); phenotype II expresses low basal surface HLA class II that is further upregulated by IFN-γ; phenotype III lacks constitutive and IFN-γ controlled HLA class II expression, but could be induced by epigenetic drugs; and in phenotype IV, lack of HLA class II expression is not recovered by any drug tested. High levels of HLA class II APM component expression were associated with an increased intra-tumoral CD4+ T-cell density and increased patients' survival. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneous basal expression of HLA class II antigens and/or APM components in melanoma cells is caused by distinct molecular mechanisms and has clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Meyer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (S.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Markus Kreuz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (S.M.); (M.B.)
| | - André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.H.); (A.M.); (K.B.); (J.B.); (M.-F.L.); (A.S.); (C.M.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.K.); (U.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-345-557-4054
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14
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Kim HJ, Cantor H, Cosmopoulos K. Overcoming Immune Checkpoint Blockade Resistance via EZH2 Inhibition. Trends Immunol 2021; 41:948-963. [PMID: 32976740 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy highlights the power of the immune system to control tumors, although a small patient subset responds to current immunotherapies. Additional approaches to mobilize antitumor immunity are required to overcome primary and acquired resistance to immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Emerging evidence shows that targeting epigenetic elements that promote tumor progression and inhibit immune cell activity can enhance antitumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the pleiotropic functions in tumor and immune cells of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), with a focus on EZH2 inhibition as a potentially promising approach to enhance current immunotherapies and improve patient outcomes for certain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Kim
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harvey Cantor
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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16
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Cheng Y, He C, Wang M, Ma X, Mo F, Yang S, Han J, Wei X. Targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:62. [PMID: 31871779 PMCID: PMC6915746 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0095-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 541] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alternations concern heritable yet reversible changes in histone or DNA modifications that regulate gene activity beyond the underlying sequence. Epigenetic dysregulation is often linked to human disease, notably cancer. With the development of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators, epigenetic-targeted therapy has been applied in the treatment of hematological malignancies and has exhibited viable therapeutic potential for solid tumors in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the aberrant functions of enzymes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation during tumor progression and highlight the development of inhibitors of or drugs targeted at epigenetic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cheng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cai He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Mo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhong Han
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Song G, He L, Yang X, Yang Y, Cai X, Liu K, Feng G. Identification of aberrant gene expression during breast ductal carcinoma in situ progression to invasive ductal carcinoma. J Int Med Res 2019; 48:300060518815364. [PMID: 30712460 PMCID: PMC7140215 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518815364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Song
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Nanchong Central Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China.,Department of Biology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Lang He
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Second Clinical Medical School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Department of Biology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- Sichuan Chidingshengtong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- Department of Biology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Kang Liu
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Nanchong Central Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China.,Precision Medicine Center, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Gang Feng
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Nanchong Central Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China.,Precision Medicine Center, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, P.R. China
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18
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Gounder MM, Zhu G, Roshal L, Lis E, Daigle SR, Blakemore SJ, Michaud NR, Hameed M, Hollmann TJ. Immunologic Correlates of the Abscopal Effect in a SMARCB1/INI1-negative Poorly Differentiated Chordoma after EZH2 Inhibition and Radiotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:2064-2071. [PMID: 30642912 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to determine the mechanism of an exceptional response in a patient diagnosed with a SMARCB1/INI1-negative chordoma treated with tazemetostat, an EZH2 inhibitor, and followed by radiotherapy.Patient and Methods: In an attempt to investigate the mechanism behind this apparent abscopal effect, we interrogated tumor tissues obtained over the clinical course. We utilized next-generation sequencing, standard IHC, and employed a novel methodology of multiplex immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS We report an exceptional and durable response (2+ years) in a patient with SMARCB1-deleted, metastatic, poorly differentiated chordoma, a lethal disease with an overall survival of 6 months. The patient was treated for 4 weeks with tazemetostat, an EZH2 inhibitor, in a phase II clinical trial. At the time of progression she underwent radiation to the primary site and unexpectedly had a complete response at distant metastatic sites. We evaluated baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies and demonstrate that tazemetostat resulted in pharmacodynamic inhibition of EZH2 as seen by decrease in histone trimethylation at H3K27. Tazemetostat resulted in a significant increase in intratumoral and stromal infiltration by proliferative (high Ki-67), CD8+ T cells, FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, and immune cells expressing checkpoint regulators PD-1 and LAG-3. These changes were pronounced in the stroma. CONCLUSIONS These observations are the first demonstration in patient samples confirming that EZH2 inhibition can promote a sustained antitumor response that ultimately leads to T-cell exhaustion and checkpoint activation. This suggests that targeted alteration of the epigenetic landscape may sensitize some tumors to checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal M Gounder
- Developmental Therapeutics Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weil Cornell Medical School, New York, New York.
| | - Guo Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lev Roshal
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eric Lis
- Developmental Therapeutics Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weil Cornell Medical School, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Meera Hameed
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Travis J Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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19
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Sun C, Ban Y, Wang K, Sun Y, Zhao Z. SOX5 promotes breast cancer proliferation and invasion by transactivation of EZH2. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:2754-2762. [PMID: 30854049 PMCID: PMC6365965 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determining region Y-box protein 5 (SOX5) is a transcriptional factor and serves important roles in various cancer types; however, the pathological role of SOX5 in patients with breast cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the expression and potential role of SOX5 in patients with breast cancer and in breast cancer cells was investigated. The data indicated that SOX5 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues, and overexpression of SOX5 was associated with a reduced overall survival rate in patients with breast cancer. Gain and loss of function studies with MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays demonstrated that SOX5 significantly promoted breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay sequence, quantitative ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) as a downstream target gene of SOX5. Furthermore, it was determined that ectopic expression of SOX5 increased EZH2 expression at the mRNA and protein level, while the knockdown of SOX5 decreased EZH2 expression. Additionally, the biological effect of SOX5 was investigated, and it was determined to be dependent on the regulation of EZH2 expression. The present results may provide important insights into the biological significance of SOX5 serving as a candidate therapeutic target in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Weifang City People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Yunqing Ban
- Imaging Center, The 5th Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Weifang City People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Yanming Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Weifang City People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Weifang City People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
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20
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Vallejo AF, Read RC, Arevalo-Herrera M, Herrera S, Elliott T, Polak ME. Malaria systems immunology: Plasmodium vivax induces tolerance during primary infection through dysregulation of neutrophils and dendritic cells. J Infect 2018; 77:440-447. [PMID: 30248353 PMCID: PMC6203889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To dissect the transcriptional networks underpinning immune cells responses during primary Plasmodium vivax infection of healthy human adults. METHODS We conducted network co-expression analysis of next-generation RNA sequencing data from whole blood from P. vivax and P. falciparum controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) of healthy naïve and malaria-exposed volunteers. Single cell transcription signatures were used to deconvolute the bulk RNA-Seq data into cell-specific signals. RESULTS Initial exposure to P. vivax induced activation of innate immunity, including efficient antigen presentation and complement activation. However, this effect was accompanied by strong immunosuppression mediated by dendritic cells via the induction of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1(IDO1) and Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 (LAG3). Additionally, P. vivax induced depletion of neutrophil populations associated with down regulation of 3G-protein coupled receptors, CRXCR1, CXCR2 and CSF3R. Accordingly, in malaria-exposed volunteers the inflammatory response was attenuated, with a decreased class II antigen presentation in dendritic cells. While the immunosuppressive signalling was maintained between plasmodium species, response to P. falciparum was significantly more immunogenic. CONCLUSIONS In silico analyses suggest that primary infection with P. vivax induces potent immunosuppression mediated by dendritic cells, conditioning subsequent anti-malarial immune responses. Targeting immune evasion mechanisms could be an effective alternative for improving vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F Vallejo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, LE59, MP813, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK
| | - Robert C Read
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, LE59, MP813, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK
| | - Myriam Arevalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, 760043, Colombia; School of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 76001, Colombia
| | | | - Tim Elliott
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Marta E Polak
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, LE59, MP813, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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21
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Yin Y, Qiu S, Li X, Huang B, Xu Y, Peng Y. EZH2 suppression in glioblastoma shifts microglia toward M1 phenotype in tumor microenvironment. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:220. [PMID: 29132376 PMCID: PMC5684749 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) induces tumor immunosuppression through interacting with tumor-infiltrating microglia or macrophages (TAMs) with an unclear pathogenesis. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is abundant in GBM samples and cell lines and is involved in GBM proliferation, cell cycle, and invasion, whereas its association with innate immune response is not yet reported. Herein, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of EZH2 in GBM immune. METHODS Co-culturing models of human/murine GBM cells with PBMC-derived macrophages/primary microglia were employed. EZH2 mRNAs and function were suppressed by siEZH2 and DZNep. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry were used to determine levels of microglia/macrophages markers. The fluorescence-labeled latex beads and flow cytometry were utilized to evaluate phagocytic abilities of microglia. CCK8 assay was performed to assess microglia proliferation. RESULTS EZH2 inhibition led to significant reduction of TGFβ1-3 and IL10 and elevation of IL1β and IL6 in human and murine GBM cells. More importantly, EZH2 suppression in GBM cells resulted in significant increase of M1 markers (TNFα and iNOS) and decrease of a pool of M2 markers in murine microglia. The proportion of CD206+ cells was decreased in PBMC-derived macrophages as co-incubated with EZH2-inhibited GBM cells. Functional researches showed that phagocytic capacities of microglia were significantly ameliorated after EZH2 inhibition in co-culturing GBM cells and microglia proliferation was declined after addition of TGFβ2 antibodies to co-incubated GBM cells with EZH2 inhibition. Besides, we found that EZH2 suppression in GBM cells enhanced co-culturing microglia engulfment through activation of iNOS. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrates that EZH2 participates in GBM-induced immune deficient and EZH2 suppression in GBM can remodel microglia immune functions, which is beneficial for understanding GBM pathogenesis and suggests potential targets for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Yin
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Yangjiang Xi Road 107, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuwei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiangpen Li
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Yangjiang Xi Road 107, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Yangjiang Xi Road 107, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Yangjiang Xi Road 107, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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22
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Abstract
Recent genomic studies have resulted in an emerging understanding of the role of chromatin regulators in the development of cancer. EZH2, a histone methyl transferase subunit of a Polycomb repressor complex, is recurrently mutated in several forms of cancer and is highly expressed in numerous others. Notably, both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations occur in cancers but are associated with distinct cancer types. Here we review the spectrum of EZH2-associated mutations, discuss the mechanisms underlying EZH2 function, and synthesize a unifying perspective that the promotion of cancer arises from disruption of the role of EZH2 as a master regulator of transcription. We further discuss EZH2 inhibitors that are now showing early signs of promise in clinical trials and also additional strategies to combat roles of EZH2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly H. Kim
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles W. M. Roberts
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Yin Y, Qiu S, Peng Y. Functional roles of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in gliomas. Gene 2015; 576:189-94. [PMID: 26435191 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and lethal type of primary malignant brain tumor. Due to the infiltrative nature and high resistance to standard first line treatment with combinations of radiation and chemotherapy, the prognosis of patient is very poor. Recently, accumulated evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) serves as an oncogene and is involved in multiple glioma cell processes, including cell cycle, invasion, glioma stem cell maintenance, drug and radiotherapy resistance and so on. In this review, we will focus on updating current knowledge of EZH2 in gliomas. Moreover, the regulation of EZH2 by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs and the therapeutic strategies targeting EZH2 for gliomas will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Yin
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shuwei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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24
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Belo H, Silva G, Cardoso BA, Porto B, Minguillon J, Barbot J, Coutinho J, Casado JA, Benedito M, Saturnino H, Costa E, Bueren JA, Surralles J, Almeida A. Epigenetic Alterations in Fanconi Anaemia: Role in Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139740. [PMID: 26466379 PMCID: PMC4605638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by chromosomal instability. The phenotype is variable, which raises the possibility that it may be affected by other factors, such as epigenetic modifications. These play an important role in oncogenesis and may be pharmacologically manipulated. Our aim was to explore whether the epigenetic profiles in FA differ from non-FA individuals and whether these could be manipulated to alter the disease phenotype. We compared expression of epigenetic genes and DNA methylation profile of tumour suppressor genes between FA and normal samples. FA samples exhibited decreased expression levels of genes involved in epigenetic regulation and hypomethylation in the promoter regions of tumour suppressor genes. Treatment of FA cells with histone deacetylase inhibitor Vorinostat increased the expression of DNM3Tβ and reduced the levels of CIITA and HDAC9, PAK1, USP16, all involved in different aspects of epigenetic and immune regulation. Given the ability of Vorinostat to modulate epigenetic genes in FA patients, we investigated its functional effects on the FA phenotype. This was assessed by incubating FA cells with Vorinostat and quantifying chromosomal breaks induced by DNA cross-linking agents. Treatment of FA cells with Vorinostat resulted in a significant reduction of aberrant cells (81% on average). Our results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in oncogenesis in FA. Epigenetic agents may be helpful in improving the phenotype of FA patients, potentially reducing tumour incidence in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio Belo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisboa, Portugal
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisboa, Portugal
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno A. Cardoso
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisboa, Portugal
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Porto
- Laboratório de Citogenética do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jordi Minguillon
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) and Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Barbot
- Unidade de Hematologia Pediátrica do Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Coutinho
- Unidade de Hematologia Pediátrica do Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jose A. Casado
- Hematopoiesis and Gene Therapy Division, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Benedito
- Serviço de hematologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hema Saturnino
- Serviço de hematologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emília Costa
- Unidade de Hematologia Pediátrica do Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juan A. Bueren
- Unidade de Hematologia Pediátrica do Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jordi Surralles
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) and Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Almeida
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisboa, Portugal
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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25
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Boyd NH, Morgan JE, Greer SF. Polycomb recruitment at the Class II transactivator gene. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:482-91. [PMID: 26283540 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Class II Transactivator (CIITA) is the master regulator of Major Histocompatibility Class II (MHC II) genes. Transcription of CIITA through the IFN-γ inducible CIITA promoter IV (CIITA pIV) during activation is characterized by a decrease in trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), catalyzed by the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2). While EZH2 is the known catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and is present at the inactive CIITA pIV, the mechanism of PRC2 recruitment to mammalian promoters remains unknown. Here we identify two DNA-binding proteins, which interact with and regulate PRC2 recruitment to CIITA pIV. We demonstrate Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and Jumonji domain containing protein 2 (JARID2) are binding partners along with EZH2 in mammalian cells. Upon IFN-γ stimulation, YY1 dissociates from CIITA pIV while JARID2 binding to CIITA pIV increases, suggesting novel roles for these proteins in regulating expression of CIITA pIV. Knockdown of YY1 and JARID2 yields decreased binding of EZH2 and H3K27me3 at CIITA pIV, suggesting important roles for YY1 and JARID2 at CIITA pIV. JARID2 knockdown also results in significantly elevated levels of CIITA mRNA upon IFN-γ stimulation. This study is the first to identify novel roles of YY1 and JARID2 in the epigenetic regulation of the CIITA pIV by recruitment of PRC2. Our observations indicate the importance of JARID2 in CIITA pIV silencing, and also provide a novel YY1-JARID2-PRC2 regulatory complex as a possible explanation of differential PRC2 recruitment at inducible versus permanently silenced genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel H Boyd
- Division of Cellular Biology and Immunology, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, United States.
| | - Julie E Morgan
- Division of Cellular Biology and Immunology, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, United States.
| | - Susanna F Greer
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Petit Science Center, 100 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 632, Atlanta, GA 30302-4010, United States.
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26
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Abou El Hassan M, Huang K, Eswara MBK, Zhao M, Song L, Yu T, Liu Y, Liu JC, McCurdy S, Ma A, Wither J, Jin J, Zacksenhaus E, Wrana JL, Bremner R. Cancer Cells Hijack PRC2 to Modify Multiple Cytokine Pathways. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126466. [PMID: 26030458 PMCID: PMC4450877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is an epigenetic regulator induced in many cancers. It is thought to drive tumorigenesis by repressing division, stemness, and/or developmental regulators. Cancers evade immune detection, and diverse immune regulators are perturbed in different tumors. It is unclear how such cell-specific effects are coordinated. Here, we show a profound and cancer-selective role for PRC2 in repressing multiple cytokine pathways. We find that PRC2 represses hundreds of IFNγ stimulated genes (ISGs), cytokines and cytokine receptors. This target repertoire is significantly broadened in cancer vs non-cancer cells, and is distinct in different cancer types. PRC2 is therefore a higher order regulator of the immune program in cancer cells. Inhibiting PRC2 with either RNAi or EZH2 inhibitors activates cytokine/cytokine receptor promoters marked with bivalent H3K27me3/H3K4me3 chromatin, and augments responsiveness to diverse immune signals. PRC2 inhibition rescues immune gene induction even in the absence of SWI/SNF, a tumor suppressor defective in ~20% of human cancers. This novel PRC2 function in tumor cells could profoundly impact the mechanism of action and efficacy of EZH2 inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Huang
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manoja B. K. Eswara
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Zhao
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lan Song
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu Liu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C. Liu
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean McCurdy
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anqi Ma
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mt Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joan Wither
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mt Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eldad Zacksenhaus
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L. Wrana
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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27
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Abou El Hassan M, Yu T, Song L, Bremner R. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Confers BRG1 Dependency on the CIITA Locus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:5007-13. [PMID: 25862816 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CIITA (or MHC2TA) coordinates constitutive and IFN-γ-induced expression of MHC class II genes. IFN-γ responsiveness of CIITA requires BRG1 (SMARCA4), the ATPase engine of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex (also called BAF). SWI/SNF is defective in many human cancers, providing a mechanism to explain IFN-γ resistance. BRG1 dependency is mediated through remote elements. Short CIITA reporters lacking these elements respond to IFN-γ, even in BRG1-deficient cells, suggesting that BRG1 counters a remote repressive influence. The nature of this distal repressor is unknown, but it would represent a valuable therapeutic target to reactivate IFN-γ responsiveness in cancer. In this article, we show that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) components EZH2 and SUZ12, as well as the associated histone mark H3K27me3, are codetected at interenhancer regions across the CIITA locus. IFN-γ caused a BRG1-dependent reduction in H3K27me3, associated with nucleosome displacement. SUZ12 knockdown restored IFN-γ responsiveness in BRG1-null cells, and it mimicked the ability of BRG1 to induce active histone modifications (H3K27ac, H3K4me) at the -50-kb enhancer. Thus, PRC2 confers BRG1 dependency on the CIITA locus. Our data suggest that, in addition to its known roles in promoting stemness and proliferation, PRC2 may inhibit immune surveillance, and it could be targeted to reactivate CIITA expression in SWI/SNF deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abou El Hassan
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Lan Song
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G1X5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; and Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada
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28
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Liu JH, Bian YM, Xie Y, Lu DP. Epigenetic modification and preliminary investigation of the mechanism of the immune evasion of HL-60 cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1059-65. [PMID: 25815463 PMCID: PMC4438930 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3526] [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: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of epigenetic modification of class II transactivator (CIITA) methylation on histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression and the immune evasion of leukemia HL-60 cells. HL-60 cells were treated with various concentrations of 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) and 0.5 μmol/l suberoyl-anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) for 24 h and then stimulated by interferon γ (IFN-γ) for 48 h. The mRNA levels of MHC class I, II and co-stimulatory molecules were quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The levels of CIITA protein were determined by western blot analysis, and the CpG island methylation ratios in the CIITA promoter IV (CIITApIV) were analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing PCR (BSP). MHC I as well as the co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80 were significantly increased following treatment with 5-Aza-CdR + SAHA + IFN-γ (epigenetic groups) compared with those in the control group and IFN-γ group (P<0.05). The expression of MHC class II and CIITA was restored and increased in an 5-Aza-CdR concentration-dependent manner in the three epigenetic groups. The results of the BSP assay showed that the methylation rate of CIITApIV CpG sites decreased with the treatment of epigenetic modification and negatively correlated to the 5-Aza-CdR concentration. This demonstrated that the negative expression of CIITA protein was the key reason for the loss of MHC II expression in HL-60 cells. The results of the present study may help to illustrate the mechanism of immune evasion in HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Yong Mei Bian
- Department of Pediatrics, Minhang District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Dao Pei Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
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29
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Zhang B, Shimada Y, Kuroyanagi J, Ariyoshi M, Nomoto T, Shintou T, Umemoto N, Nishimura Y, Miyazaki T, Tanaka T. In vivo selective imaging and inhibition of leukemia stem-like cells using the fluorescent carbocyanine derivative, DiOC5(3). Biomaterials 2015; 52:14-25. [PMID: 25818410 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Elimination of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) is necessary for the destruction of malignant cell populations. Owing to the very small number of LSCs in leukemia cells, xenotransplantation studies are difficult in terms of functionally and pathophysiologically replicating clinical conditions of cell culture experiments. There is currently a limited number of lead compounds that target LSCs. Using the LSC-xenograft zebrafish screening method we previously developed, we found that the fluorescent compound 3,3'-dipentyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC5(3)) selectively marked LSCs and suppressed their proliferation in vivo and in vitro. DiOC5(3) had no obvious toxicity to human umbilical cord blood CD34+ progenitor cells and normal zebrafish. It accumulated in mitochondria through organic anion transporter polypeptides that are overexpressed in the plasma membrane of LSCs, and induced apoptosis via ROS overproduction. DiOC5(3) also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB through the downregulation of LSC-selective pathways, as indicated from DNA microarray analysis. In summary, DiOC5(3) is a new type of anti-LSC compound available for diagnostic imaging and therapeutics that has the advantage of being a single fluorescent chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Shimada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Systems Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Medical Zebrafish Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Bioinformatics, Mie University Life Science Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Omics Medicine, Mie University Industrial Technology Innovation, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Junya Kuroyanagi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Michiko Ariyoshi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nomoto
- Corporate R&D Headquarters, Canon Inc, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
| | - Taichi Shintou
- Corporate R&D Headquarters, Canon Inc, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
| | - Noriko Umemoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Systems Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Systems Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Medical Zebrafish Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Bioinformatics, Mie University Life Science Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Omics Medicine, Mie University Industrial Technology Innovation, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takeshi Miyazaki
- Corporate R&D Headquarters, Canon Inc, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
| | - Toshio Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Systems Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Mie University Medical Zebrafish Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Bioinformatics, Mie University Life Science Research Center, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Omics Medicine, Mie University Industrial Technology Innovation, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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30
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Osborn JL, Greer SF. Metastatic melanoma cells evade immune detection by silencing STAT1. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:4343-61. [PMID: 25690042 PMCID: PMC4346960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16024343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional activation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II molecules by the cytokine, interferon γ (IFN-γ), is a key step in cell-mediated immunity against pathogens and tumors. Recent evidence suggests that suppression of MHC I and II expression on multiple tumor types plays important roles in tumor immunoevasion. One such tumor is malignant melanoma, a leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths. Despite growing awareness of MHC expression defects, the molecular mechanisms by which melanoma cells suppress MHC and escape from immune-mediated elimination remain unknown. Here, we analyze the dysregulation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway and its role in the suppression of MHC II in melanoma cell lines at the radial growth phase (RGP), the vertical growth phase (VGP) and the metastatic phase (MET). While RGP and VGP cells both express MHC II, MET cells lack not only MHC II, but also the critical transcription factors, interferon response factor (IRF) 1 and its upstream activator, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Suppression of STAT1 in vitro was also observed in patient tumor samples, suggesting STAT1 silencing as a global mechanism of MHC II suppression and immunoevasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoDi Lynn Osborn
- Division of Cellular Biology and Immunology, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Susanna F Greer
- Division of Cellular Biology and Immunology, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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Activation of ERα signaling differentially modulates IFN-γ induced HLA-class II expression in breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87377. [PMID: 24475282 PMCID: PMC3903652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinate regulation of HLA class II (HLA-II) is controlled by the class II transactivator, CIITA, and is crucial for the development of anti-tumor immunity. HLA-II in breast carcinoma is associated with increased IFN-γ levels, reduced expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and reduced age at diagnosis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that estradiol (E2) and ERα signaling contribute to the regulation of IFN-γ inducible HLA-II in breast cancer cells. Using a panel of established ER− and ER+ breast cancer cell lines, we showed that E2 attenuated HLA-DR in two ER+ lines (MCF-7 and BT-474), but not in T47D, while it augmented expression in ER− lines, SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231. To further study the mechanism(s), we used paired transfectants: ERα+ MC2 (MDA-MB-231 c10A transfected with the wild type ERα gene) and ERα− VC5 (MDA-MB-231 c10A transfected with the empty vector), treated or not with E2 and IFN-γ. HLA-II and CIITA were severely reduced in MC2 compared to VC5 and were further exacerbated by E2 treatment. Reduced expression occurred at the level of the IFN-γ inducible CIITA promoter IV. The anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 and gene silencing with ESR1 siRNA reversed the E2 inhibitory effects, signifying an antagonistic role for activated ERα on CIITA pIV activity. Moreover, STAT1 signaling, necessary for CIITA pIV activation, and selected STAT1 regulated genes were variably downregulated by E2 in transfected and endogenous ERα positive breast cancer cells, whereas STAT1 signaling was noticeably augmented in ERα− breast cancer cells. Collectively, these results imply immune escape mechanisms in ERα+ breast cancer may be facilitated through an ERα suppressive mechanism on IFN-γ signaling.
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Forbes NE, Abdelbary H, Lupien M, Bell JC, Diallo JS. Exploiting tumor epigenetics to improve oncolytic virotherapy. Front Genet 2013; 4:184. [PMID: 24062768 PMCID: PMC3778850 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) comprise a versatile and multi-mechanistic therapeutic platform in the growing arsenal of anticancer biologics. These replicating therapeutics find favorable conditions in the tumor niche, characterized among others by increased metabolism, reduced anti-tumor/antiviral immunity, and disorganized vasculature. Through a self-amplification that is dependent on multiple cancer-specific defects, these agents exhibit remarkable tumor selectivity. With several OVs completing or entering Phase III clinical evaluation, their therapeutic potential as well as the challenges ahead are increasingly clear. One key hurdle is tumor heterogeneity, which results in variations in the ability of tumors to support productive infection by OVs and to induce adaptive anti-tumor immunity. To this end, mounting evidence suggests tumor epigenetics may play a key role. This review will focus on the epigenetic landscape of tumors and how it relates to OV infection. Therapeutic strategies aiming to exploit the epigenetic identity of tumors in order to improve OV therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Forbes
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hesham Abdelbary
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Center/University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer ResearchToronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - John C. Bell
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
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Deb G, Thakur VS, Gupta S. Multifaceted role of EZH2 in breast and prostate tumorigenesis: epigenetics and beyond. Epigenetics 2013; 8:464-76. [PMID: 23644490 DOI: 10.4161/epi.24532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of EZH2 and other PRC2 subunits, such as SUZ12, is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in several human malignancies. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms driving aberrant EZH2 expression are poorly understood. This review provides molecular insights into the essential role of EZH2 in breast and prostate tumorigenesis. We addressed the current understanding on the oncogenic role of EZH2, with an emphasis on: (1) the less known PRC2-independent role of EZH2 in gene activation, in addition to its canonical role in transcriptional silencing as a histone methyltransferase catalyzing the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27; (2) causes and consequences of its deregulation in tumor cells and; (3) collaboration of EZH2 with other epigenetic and hormone receptor-mediated oncogenic signaling pathways. We also summarize how EZH2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hormone-refractory cancers and the prospects for integrating EZH2 blockade with available pharmacological inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Deb
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Robbins GR, Truax AD, Davis BK, Zhang L, Brickey WJ, Ting JPY. Regulation of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) proteins. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:24294-303. [PMID: 22645137 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.364604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins regulate responses to microbial and damage-associated products. Class II transactivator (CIITA) has a distinct function as the master regulator of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) transcription. Recently, human NLRC5 was found to regulate MHC-I in cell lines; however, a host of conflicting positive and negative functions has been attributed to this protein. To address the function of NLRC5 in a physiologic setting, we generated an Nlrc5(-/-) strain that contains a deletion in the exon that encodes the nucleotide-binding domain. We have not detected a role for this protein in cytokine induction by pathogen-associated molecular patterns and viruses. However, Nlrc5(-/-) cells showed a dramatic decrease of classical (H-2K) and nonclassical (Tla) MHC-I expression by T/B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and myeloid-monocytic lineages. As a comparison, CIITA did not affect mouse MHC-I expression. Nlrc5(-/-) splenocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages were able to up-regulate MHC-I in response to IFN-γ; however, the absolute levels of MHC-I expression were significantly lower than WT controls. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of IFN-γ-treated cells indicates that Nlrc5 reduced the silencing H3K27me3 histone modification, but did not affect the activating AcH3 modification on a MHC-I promoter. In summary, we conclude that Nlrc5 is important in the regulation of MHC-I expression by reducing H3K27me3 on MHC-I promoter and joins CIITA as an NLR subfamily that controls MHC gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Robbins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Institute of Inflammatory Diseases and Center of Translational Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7295, USA
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