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Shen J, He Y, Li S, Chen H. Crosstalk of methylation and tamoxifen in breast cancer (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:180. [PMID: 39129315 PMCID: PMC11338244 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a widely used anti‑estrogen drug in the endocrine therapy of breast cancer (BC). It blocks estrogen signaling by competitively binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα), thereby inhibiting the growth of BC cells. However, with the long‑term application of tamoxifen, a subset of patients with BC have shown resistance to tamoxifen, which leads to low overall survival and progression‑free survival. The molecular mechanism of resistance is mainly due to downregulation of ERα expression and abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, the downregulation of targeted gene expression mediated by DNA methylation is an important regulatory mode to control protein expression. In the present review, methylation and tamoxifen are briefly introduced, followed by a focus on the effect of methylation on tamoxifen resistance and sensitivity. Finally, the clinical application of methylation for tamoxifen is described, including its use as a prognostic indicator. Finally, it is hypothesized that when methylation is used in combination with tamoxifen, it could recover the resistance of tamoxifen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412000, P.R. China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412000, P.R. China
| | - Shengpeng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412000, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412000, P.R. China
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2
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Li Y, Mei T, Sun T, Xiao X, Peng R. Altered circulating GDF-15 level predicts sex hormone imbalance in males with major depressive disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:28. [PMID: 36635686 PMCID: PMC9835386 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that higher growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) level and lower testosterone/ estradiol (T/E) ratio are associated with major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the underlying effect of serum GDF15 on hinting the T/E ratio imbalance is not fully understood. We observed the correlation between serum T/E ratio and circulating GDF15 in male depressed cohort. METHODS The sample consisted of participants (aged 18 ~ 65 years) from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University with MDD (n = 412) defined according to a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V (SCID), and male healthy controls (n = 137). Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, and depression risk biomarkers (thyroid hormone, lipids, hs-CRP, Tenascin-C [TNC], GDF15, KLF4, Gas6, and sgp130) were measured. The associations among log-transformed T/E ratio and these biomarkers were analyzed using univariate correlation analysis, category analyses, and linear regression adjusting for standard risk factors. RESULTS Of the sample, 36.89% had lower T/E ratio (< 10:1) and 10.20% had higher T/E ratio (> 20:1). After multivariable adjustment, T/E ratio was negatively associated with GDF15 (-0.095 [95% CI -0.170 ~ -0.023] standard deviation [SD] change per SD increase in lg[T/E], P = 0.015) and inversely related to TNC (-0.085 [95% CI -0.167 ~ 0.003] standard deviation [SD] change per SD increase in lg[T/E], P = 0.048). Serum T/E ratio was negatively associated with GDF15 level in both FT3, TSH and HDL strata, whereas this association was not observed in TNC. In T/E ratio strata analyses, there is a significant and negative correlation among T/E ratio and GDF15 in depressive patients with sex hormone imbalance, yet this relationship was not investigated in patients with sex hormone balance. CONCLUSION In our community-based observation, circulating GDF-15 level was greatly and inversely associated with serum T/E ratio, indicating that higher GDF-15 alerts sex hormone imbalance in patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- grid.412632.00000 0004 1758 2270Eye Central, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Mei
- Nursing Department, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Sun
- grid.412632.00000 0004 1758 2270Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, China.
| | - Rui Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Chromatin modifiers – Coordinators of estrogen action. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113548. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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4
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Sukocheva OA, Lukina E, Friedemann M, Menschikowski M, Hagelgans A, Aliev G. The crucial role of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance: Current findings and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 82:35-59. [PMID: 33301860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell de-sensitization to Tamoxifen (TAM) or other selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERM) is a complex process associated with BC heterogeneity and the transformation of ER signalling. The most influential resistance-related mechanisms include modifications in ER expression and gene regulation patterns. During TAM/SERM treatment, epigenetic mechanisms can effectively silence ER expression and facilitate the development of endocrine resistance. ER status is efficiently regulated by specific epigenetic tools including hypermethylation of CpG islands within ER promoters, increased histone deacetylase activity in the ER promoter, and/or translational repression by miRNAs. Over-methylation of the ER α gene (ESR1) promoter by DNA methyltransferases was associated with poor prognosis and indicated the development of resistance. Moreover, BC progression and spreading were marked by transformed chromatin remodelling, post-translational histone modifications, and expression of specific miRNAs and/or long non-coding RNAs. Therefore, targeted inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (e.g. MYST3), deacetylases (e.g. HDAC1), and/or demethylases (e.g. lysine-specific demethylase LSD1) was shown to recover and increase BC sensitivity to anti-estrogens. Indicated as a powerful molecular instrument, the administration of epigenetic drugs can regain ER expression along with the activation of tumour suppressor genes, which can in turn prevent selection of resistant cells and cancer stem cell survival. This review examines recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of endocrine drug resistance and evaluates novel anti-resistance strategies. Underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation will be discussed, emphasising the utilization of epigenetic enzymes and their inhibitors to re-program irresponsive BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Elena Lukina
- Discipline of Biology, College of Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Markus Friedemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Mario Menschikowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Albert Hagelgans
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia; Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia; Federal State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute of Human Morphology», 3, Tsyurupy Str., Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation; GALLY International Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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5
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Kumar S, Freelander A, Lim E. Type 1 Nuclear Receptor Activity in Breast Cancer: Translating Preclinical Insights to the Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4972. [PMID: 34638457 PMCID: PMC8507977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor (NR) family of transcription factors is intimately associated with the development, progression and treatment of breast cancer. They are used diagnostically and prognostically, and crosstalk between nuclear receptor pathways and growth factor signalling has been demonstrated in all major subtypes of breast cancer. The majority of breast cancers are driven by estrogen receptor α (ER), and anti-estrogenic therapies remain the backbone of treatment, leading to clinically impactful improvements in patient outcomes. This serves as a blueprint for the development of therapies targeting other nuclear receptors. More recently, pivotal findings into modulating the progesterone (PR) and androgen receptors (AR), with accompanying mechanistic insights into NR crosstalk and interactions with other proliferative pathways, have led to clinical trials in all of the major breast cancer subtypes. A growing body of evidence now supports targeting other Type 1 nuclear receptors such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as Type 2 NRs such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Here, we reviewed the existing preclinical insights into nuclear receptor activity in breast cancer, with a focus on Type 1 NRs. We also discussed the potential to translate these findings into improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
| | - Allegra Freelander
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia; (A.F.); (E.L.)
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
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6
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Kunc M, Popęda M, Biernat W, Senkus E. Lost but Not Least-Novel Insights into Progesterone Receptor Loss in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194755. [PMID: 34638241 PMCID: PMC8507533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PgR) are crucial prognostic and predictive biomarkers that are usually co-expressed in breast cancer (BC). However, 12-24% of BCs present ERα(+)/PgR(-) phenotype at immunohistochemical evaluation. In fact, BC may either show primary PgR(-) status (in chemonaïve tumor sample), lose PgR expression during neoadjuvant treatment, or acquire PgR(-) phenotype in local relapse or metastasis. The loss of PgR expression in ERα(+) breast cancer may signify resistance to endocrine therapy and poorer outcomes. On the other hand, ERα(+)/PgR(-) BCs may have a better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy than double-positive tumors. Loss of PgR expression may be a result of pre-transcriptional alterations (copy number loss, mutation, epigenetic modifications), decreased transcription of the PGR gene (e.g., by microRNAs), and post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, sumoylation). Various processes involved in the down-regulation of PgR have distinct consequences on the biology of cancer cells. Occasionally, negative PgR status detected by immunohistochemical analysis is paradoxically associated with enhanced transcriptional activity of PgR that might be inhibited by antiprogestin treatment. Identification of the mechanism of PgR loss in each patient seems challenging, yet it may provide important information on the biology of the tumor and predict its responsiveness to the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kunc
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (W.B.)
| | - Marta Popęda
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Biernat
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (W.B.)
| | - Elżbieta Senkus
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-584-4481
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7
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Ganguly S, Arora I, Tollefsbol TO. Impact of Stilbenes as Epigenetic Modulators of Breast Cancer Risk and Associated Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810033. [PMID: 34576196 PMCID: PMC8472542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent advancement of genetic screening for testing susceptibility to mammary oncogenesis in women, the relevance of the gene−environment interaction has become progressively apparent in the context of aberrant gene expressions. Fetal exposure to external stressors, hormones, and nutrients, along with the inherited genome, impact its traits, including cancer susceptibility. Currently, there is increasing interest in the role of epigenetic biomarkers such as genomic methylation signatures, plasma microRNAs, and alterations in cell-signaling pathways in the diagnosis and primary prevention of breast cancer, as well as its prognosis. Polyphenols like natural stilbenes have been shown to be effective in chemoprevention by exerting cytotoxic effects that can stall cell proliferation. Besides possessing antioxidant properties against the DNA-damaging effects of reactive oxygen species, stilbenes have also been observed to modulate cell-signaling pathways. With the increasing trend of early-life screening for hereditary breast cancer risks, the potency of different phytochemicals in harnessing the epigenetic biomarkers of breast cancer risk demand more investigation. This review will explore means of exploiting the abilities of stilbenes in altering the underlying factors that influence breast cancer risk, as well as the appearance of associated biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebanti Ganguly
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (S.G.); (I.A.)
| | - Itika Arora
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (S.G.); (I.A.)
| | - Trygve O. Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (S.G.); (I.A.)
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Cell Senescence Culture Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-205-934-4573
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8
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Kringel D, Malkusch S, Lötsch J. Drugs and Epigenetic Molecular Functions. A Pharmacological Data Scientometric Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7250. [PMID: 34298869 PMCID: PMC8311652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of drugs with the classical epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation or histone modification are increasingly being elucidated mechanistically and used to develop novel classes of epigenetic therapeutics. A data science approach is used to synthesize current knowledge on the pharmacological implications of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Computer-aided knowledge discovery for epigenetic implications of current approved or investigational drugs was performed by querying information from multiple publicly available gold-standard sources to (i) identify enzymes involved in classical epigenetic processes, (ii) screen original biomedical scientific publications including bibliometric analyses, (iii) identify drugs that interact with epigenetic enzymes, including their additional non-epigenetic targets, and (iv) analyze computational functional genomics of drugs with epigenetic interactions. PubMed database search yielded 3051 hits on epigenetics and drugs, starting in 1992 and peaking in 2016. Annual citations increased to a plateau in 2000 and show a downward trend since 2008. Approved and investigational drugs in the DrugBank database included 122 compounds that interacted with 68 unique epigenetic enzymes. Additional molecular functions modulated by these drugs included other enzyme interactions, whereas modulation of ion channels or G-protein-coupled receptors were underrepresented. Epigenetic interactions included (i) drug-induced modulation of DNA methylation, (ii) drug-induced modulation of histone conformations, and (iii) epigenetic modulation of drug effects by interference with pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Interactions of epigenetic molecular functions and drugs are mutual. Recent research activities on the discovery and development of novel epigenetic therapeutics have passed successfully, whereas epigenetic effects of non-epigenetic drugs or epigenetically induced changes in the targets of common drugs have not yet received the necessary systematic attention in the context of pharmacological plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Kringel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Sebastian Malkusch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Jörn Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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9
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Jeong D, Ham J, Kim HW, Kim H, Ji HW, Yun SH, Park JE, Lee KS, Jo H, Han JH, Jung SY, Lee S, Lee ES, Kang HS, Kim SJ. ELOVL2: a novel tumor suppressor attenuating tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2568-2589. [PMID: 34249416 PMCID: PMC8263635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic events have successfully explained the cause of various cancer types, but little is known about tamoxifen resistance (TamR) that induces cancer recurrence. In this study, via genome-wide methylation analysis in MCF-7/TamR cells we show that elongation of very-long chain fatty acid protein 2 (ELOVL2) was hypermethylated and downregulated in the samples from TamR breast cancer patients (n = 28) compared with those from Tam-sensitive (TamS) patients (n = 33) (P < 0.001). Strikingly, in addition to having tumor suppressor activity, ELOVL2 was shown to recover Tam sensitivity up to 70% in the MCF-7/TamR cells and in a xenograft mouse model. A group of genes in the AKT and ERa signaling pathways, e.g., THEM4, which play crucial roles in drug resistance, were found to be regulated by ELOVL2. This study implies that the deregulation of a gene in fatty acid metabolism can lead to drug resistance, giving insight into the development of a new therapeutic strategy for drug-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawoon Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
- Current address: AprogenSungnam 13215, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Ham
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
- Current address: Kogene BiotechSeoul 08507, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Woo Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejoo Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwee Won Ji
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Yun
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eun Park
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Seok Lee
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Heein Jo
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jai Hong Han
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Youn Jung
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seeyoun Lee
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Lee
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Sung Kang
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer CenterGoyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-SeoulGoyang, Republic of Korea
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10
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Metcalf S, Petri BJ, Kruer T, Green B, Dougherty S, Wittliff JL, Klinge CM, Clem BF. Serine synthesis influences tamoxifen response in ER+ human breast carcinoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:27-37. [PMID: 33112838 PMCID: PMC7780089 DOI: 10.1530/erc-19-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ER+ BC) is the most common form of breast carcinoma accounting for approximately 70% of all diagnoses. Although ER-targeted therapies have improved survival outcomes for this BC subtype, a significant proportion of patients will ultimately develop resistance to these clinical interventions, resulting in disease recurrence. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), an enzyme within the serine synthetic pathway (SSP), has been previously implicated in endocrine resistance. Therefore, we determined whether expression of SSP enzymes, PSAT1 or phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), affects the response of ER+ BC to 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) treatment. To investigate a clinical correlation between PSAT1, PHGDH, and endocrine resistance, we examined microarray data from ER+ patients who received tamoxifen as the sole endocrine therapy. We confirmed that higher PSAT1 and PHGDH expression correlates negatively with poorer outcomes in tamoxifen-treated ER+ BC patients. Next, we found that SSP enzyme expression and serine synthesis were elevated in tamoxifen-resistant compared to tamoxifen-sensitive ER+ BC cells in vitro. To determine relevance to endocrine sensitivity, we modified the expression of either PSAT1 or PHGDH in each cell type. Overexpression of PSAT1 in tamoxifen-sensitive MCF-7 cells diminished 4-OHT inhibition on cell proliferation. Conversely, silencing of either PSAT1 or PHGDH resulted in greater sensitivity to 4-OHT treatment in LCC9 tamoxifen-resistant cells. Likewise, the combination of a PHGDH inhibitor with 4-OHT decreased LCC9 cell proliferation. Collectively, these results suggest that overexpression of serine synthetic pathway enzymes contribute to tamoxifen resistance in ER+ BC, which can be targeted as a novel combinatorial treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Metcalf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Belinda J. Petri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Traci Kruer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Benjamin Green
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Susan Dougherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - James L. Wittliff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville,
Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Brian F. Clem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville,
Louisville, KY, USA
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11
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Kovács T, Szabó-Meleg E, Ábrahám IM. Estradiol-Induced Epigenetically Mediated Mechanisms and Regulation of Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093177. [PMID: 32365920 PMCID: PMC7246826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) and its receptors are key regulators of gene transcription by binding to estrogen responsive elements in the genome. Besides the classical genomic action, E2 regulates gene transcription via the modification of epigenetic marks on DNA and histone proteins. Depending on the reaction partner, liganded estrogen receptor (ER) promotes DNA methylation at the promoter or enhancer regions. In addition, ERs are important regulators of passive and active DNA demethylation. Furthermore, ERs cooperating with different histone modifying enzymes and chromatin remodeling complexes alter gene transcription. In this review, we survey the basic mechanisms and interactions between estrogen receptors and DNA methylation, demethylation and histone modification processes as well as chromatin remodeling complexes. The particular relevance of these mechanisms to physiological processes in memory formation, embryonic development, spermatogenesis and aging as well as in pathophysiological changes in carcinogenesis is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Kovács
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Edina Szabó-Meleg
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - István M. Ábrahám
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Nicolini A, Rossi G, Ferrari P, Carpi A. Minimal residual disease in advanced or metastatic solid cancers: The G0-G1 state and immunotherapy are key to unwinding cancer complexity. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:68-82. [PMID: 32201368 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, a large amount of research has focused on elucidating the mechanisms that account for homing disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) from solid tumours to distant organs, which successively progress to overt metastatic disease; this is currently incurable. A better understanding of DCC behaviour is expected to allow detectable metastasis prevention by more effectively targeting 'metastatic seeds before they sprout'. As DCC biology co-evolved with that of the primary tumour, and due to the many similarities between them, the term 'niche' has been borrowed from normal adult stem cells (ASCs) to define the site of DCC metastatic colonisation. Moreover, heterogeneity, survival, protection, stemness and plasticity as well as the prolonged G0-G1 dormant state in the metastatic niche have been the main aspects of intense investigation. Consistent with these findings, in solid cancers with minimal residual disease (MRD), it has been proposed to prolong adjuvant therapy by targeting specific molecular pathway(s) involving DCC dormancy. However, so far, few disappointing clinical data have been reported. As an alternative strategy, because immune-surveillance contributes to the steady state of the DCC population and likely to the G0-G1 state of cancer cells, we have used prolonged immune-modulatory cytostatic chemotherapy, active immune stimulation with an INF-β/IL-2 sequence or drugs inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC)/Treg-mediated immune suppression. This strategy, mainly aimed at boosting the immune response, is based on recent findings suggesting the downregulation of immune escape mechanisms as well as other principal hallmarks during the G0-G1 state and/or in MRD. Preliminary clinical and/or laboratory data suggest the efficacy of this strategy in gastrointestinal and some endocrine-dependent cancers. Following this, we propose therapeutic schedules to prevent DCC activation and proliferation in solid cancers at a high risk of relapse or as maintenance therapy in metastatic patients after complete response (CR) to conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- National Research Council (CNR), Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology and G. Monasterio Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology 1, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Carpi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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de Ruijter TC, van der Heide F, Smits KM, Aarts MJ, van Engeland M, Heijnen VCG. Prognostic DNA methylation markers for hormone receptor breast cancer: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:13. [PMID: 32005275 PMCID: PMC6993426 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-1250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, differentiating between patients with a low and a high risk of recurrence is an ongoing challenge. In current practice, prognostic clinical parameters are used for risk prediction. DNA methylation markers have been proven to be of additional prognostic value in several cancer types. Numerous prognostic DNA methylation markers for breast cancer have been published in the literature. However, to date, none of these markers are used in clinical practice. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE to assess the number and level of evidence of published DNA methylation markers for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. To obtain an overview of the reporting quality of the included studies, all were scored according to the REMARK criteria that were established as reporting guidelines for prognostic biomarker studies. RESULTS A total of 74 studies were identified reporting on 87 different DNA methylation markers. Assessment of the REMARK criteria showed variation in reporting quality of the studies. Eighteen single markers and one marker panel were studied in multiple independent populations. Hypermethylation of the markers RASSF1, BRCA, PITX2, CDH1, RARB, PCDH10 and PGR, and the marker panel GSTP1, RASSF1 and RARB showed a statistically significant correlation with poor disease outcome that was confirmed in at least one other, independent study. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides an overview on published prognostic DNA methylation markers for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and identifies eight markers that have been independently validated. Analysis of the reporting quality of included studies suggests that future research on this topic would benefit from standardised reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim C. de Ruijter
- Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van der Heide
- Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim M. Smits
- Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen J. Aarts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manon van Engeland
- GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivianne C. G. Heijnen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Baek DW, Lee SJ, Sohn SK, Moon JH, Chae YS. Clinical Effects of Hypomethylating Agents in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Myelodysplastic Syndrome Who Received DNA-Damaging Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Breast Cancer 2020; 22:647-652. [PMID: 31897338 PMCID: PMC6933035 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2019.22.e50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cumulative risk of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) in breast cancer patients exposed to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is significantly high compared to that in other cancer patients. This report reviews the use of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) to treat a 57-year-old woman newly diagnosed with MDS during palliative chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. Over a period of 6 years, the patient received several DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics including doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel. Repeated thrombocytopenia was the main reason for suspecting secondary hematologic malignancy. She was diagnosed with t-MDS based on bone marrow examination and her treatment history for breast cancer. While azacitidine was originally administered to stabilize MDS, it also stabilized the patient's lung and lymph node metastases without any major toxicity. Therefore, the current case highlights the promising effects of HMAs for treating t-MDS following heavily pretreated breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Won Baek
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University Cancer Research Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University Cancer Research Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Kyun Sohn
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University Cancer Research Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Joon Ho Moon
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University Cancer Research Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yee Soo Chae
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University Cancer Research Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Chung FFL, Herceg Z. The Promises and Challenges of Toxico-Epigenomics: Environmental Chemicals and Their Impacts on the Epigenome. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:15001. [PMID: 31950866 PMCID: PMC7015548 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been estimated that a substantial portion of chronic and noncommunicable diseases can be caused or exacerbated by exposure to environmental chemicals. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that early life exposure to environmental chemicals at relatively low concentrations could have lasting effects on individual and population health. Although the potential adverse effects of environmental chemicals are known to the scientific community, regulatory agencies, and the public, little is known about the mechanistic basis by which these chemicals can induce long-term or transgenerational effects. To address this question, epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as the potential link between genetic and environmental factors of health and disease. OBJECTIVES We present an overview of epigenetic regulation and a summary of reported evidence of environmental toxicants as epigenetic disruptors. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of using epigenetic biomarkers as an indicator of toxicant exposure, using measures that can be taken to improve risk assessment, and our perspectives on the future role of epigenetics in toxicology. DISCUSSION Until recently, efforts to apply epigenomic data in toxicology and risk assessment were restricted by an incomplete understanding of epigenomic variability across tissue types and populations. This is poised to change with the development of new tools and concerted efforts by researchers across disciplines that have led to a better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and comprehensive maps of epigenomic variation. With the foundations now in place, we foresee that unprecedented advancements will take place in the field in the coming years. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6104.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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16
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Pellegrino M, Rizza P, Donà A, Nigro A, Ricci E, Fiorillo M, Perrotta I, Lanzino M, Giordano C, Bonofiglio D, Bruno R, Sotgia F, Lisanti MP, Sisci D, Morelli C. FoxO3a as a Positive Prognostic Marker and a Therapeutic Target in Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121858. [PMID: 31769419 PMCID: PMC6966564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Resistance to endocrine treatments is a major clinical challenge in the management of estrogen receptor positive breast cancers. Although multiple mechanisms leading to endocrine resistance have been proposed, the poor outcome of this subgroup of patients demands additional studies. Methods: FoxO3a involvement in the acquisition and reversion of tamoxifen resistance was assessed in vitro in three parental ER+ breast cancer cells, MCF-7, T47D and ZR-75-1, in the deriving Tamoxifen resistant models (TamR) and in Tet-inducible TamR/FoxO3a stable cell lines, by growth curves, PLA, siRNA, RT-PCR, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, Transmission Electron Microscopy, TUNEL, cell cycle, proteomics analyses and animal models. FoxO3a clinical relevance was validated in silico by Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results: Here, we show that tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells (TamR) express low FoxO3a levels. The hyperactive growth factors signaling, characterizing these cells, leads to FoxO3a hyper-phosphorylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. FoxO3a re-expression by using TamR tetracycline inducible cells or by treating TamR with the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (LTG), restored the sensitivity to the antiestrogen and strongly reduced tumor mass in TamR-derived mouse xenografts. Proteomics data unveiled novel potential mediators of FoxO3a anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity, while the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that FoxO3a is predictive of a positive response to tamoxifen therapy in Luminal A breast cancer patients. Conclusions: Altogether, our data indicate that FoxO3a is a key target to be exploited in endocrine-resistant tumors. In this context, LTG, being able to induce FoxO3a, might represent a valid candidate in combination therapy to prevent resistance to tamoxifen in patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Pietro Rizza
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Ada Donà
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA;
| | - Alessandra Nigro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Elena Ricci
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Marco Fiorillo
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK; (M.F.); (F.S.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Ida Perrotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CM2), Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Marilena Lanzino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Cinzia Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosalinda Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Federica Sotgia
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK; (M.F.); (F.S.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Michael P. Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, UK; (M.F.); (F.S.); (M.P.L.)
| | - Diego Sisci
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (M.P.); (P.R.); (A.N.); (E.R.); (M.L.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (C.M.)
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Zhang F, Cui Y. Dysregulation of DNA methylation patterns may identify patients with breast cancer resistant to endocrine therapy: A predictive classifier based on differentially methylated regions. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:1287-1303. [PMID: 31423189 PMCID: PMC6607238 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) is one of a number of targeted therapies for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BRCA); however, resistance to ET has become the primary issue affecting treatment outcome. In the present study, a predictive classifier was created using a DNA methylation dataset to identify patients susceptible to endocrine resistance. DNA methylation and RNA sequencing data, and the clinicopathological features of BRCA, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Stringent criteria were set to select and classify patients into two groups, namely those resistant to ET (n=11) and sensitive to ET (n=21) groups. Bump hunting analysis revealed that 502 out of 135,418 genomic regions were differentially methylated between these two groups; these regions were differentially methylated regions (DMRs). The majority of the CpG sites contained in the DMRs mapped to the promoter region. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that a total of 562 specific genes encompassing these DMRs were primarily associated with 'biological progress of organ morphogenesis and development' and 'cell-cell adhesion' gene ontologies. Logistic regression and Pearson's correlation analysis were conducted to construct a predictive classifier for distinguishing patients resistant or sensitive to ET. The highest areas under the curve and relatively low Akaike information criterion values were associated with a total of 60 DMRs; a risk score retained from this classifier was revealed to be an unfavorable predictor of survival in two additional independent datasets. Furthermore, the majority of genes (55/63) exhibited a statistically significant association between DNA methylation and mRNA expression (P<0.05). The association between the mRNA expression of a number of genes (namely calcium release activated channel regulator 2A, Schlafen family member 12, chromosome 3 open reading frame 18, zinc finger protein 880, dual oxidase 1, major histocompatibility complex, class II, DP β1, C-terminal binding protein 1, ALG13 UDP-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase subunit and RAS protein activator like 2) and the prognosis of patients with estrogen receptor-positive BRCA and ET resistance was determined using Kaplan-Meier Plotter. In summary, the predictive classifier proposed in the present study may aid the identification of patients sensitive or resistant to ET, and numerous genes maybe potential therapeutic targets to delay the development of resistance to ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Yukun Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Yukun Cui, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Chen X, Jiang D, Xu L, Han L, Hu H, Huang Y, Lu D, Ji H, Li B, Yang Y, Zhou C, Xu X, Wu N, Xu X, Xu Y, Shen Y, Li J, Duan S. Elevated methylation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B contributes to the risk of coronary heart disease in women. Exp Ther Med 2018; 17:205-213. [PMID: 30651784 PMCID: PMC6307461 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B) encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that may enhance the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of CDKN2B promoter methylation on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The present results indicated a significant association between increased CDKN2B methylation and the risk of CHD (adjusted P=0.043). A breakdown analysis according to sex demonstrated that CDKN2B methylation was significantly associated with the risk of CHD in women (adjusted P=0.010), but not in men. A further breakdown analysis by age indicated a significant association of CHD in the women >60 years (P=0.024). Luciferase reporter gene assay results indicated that the CDKN2B promoter fragment significantly enhanced luciferase activity (P<0.001). In addition, CDKN2B transcription was significantly enhanced following treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine methylation inhibitor in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) and human primary coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HPCASMC; P<0.05 and P<0.01), but not in 293 cells. Notably, estrogen treatment reduced CDKN2B methylation of several CpGs and significantly increased CDKN2B gene expression levels in HAEC, HPCASMC and 293 cells (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Additionally, treatment of HAEC and HPCASMC with simvastatin and γ-carboxy-L-glutamic acid reduced CDKN2B promoter methylation and increased CDKN2B transcription concomitantly. The present study suggests that CDKN2B promoter methylation may be associated with sex dimorphism in the pathogenesis of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ningbo First Hospital and Cardiovascular Center of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Danjie Jiang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Limin Xu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Liyuan Han
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Haochang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ningbo First Hospital and Cardiovascular Center of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Deyi Lu
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Huihui Ji
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yong Yang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Xuting Xu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Nan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ningbo First Hospital and Cardiovascular Center of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ningbo First Hospital and Cardiovascular Center of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yusheng Shen
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Jiyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Ningbo First Hospital and Cardiovascular Center of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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Valproic acid as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 835:61-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zimmers SM, Browne EP, Williams KE, Jawale RM, Otis CN, Schneider SS, Arcaro KF. TROP2 methylation and expression in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:94. [PMID: 30002602 PMCID: PMC6034260 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibitor, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) is a potential treatment for breast cancer. However, not all breast tumors will respond similarly to treatment with 5-Aza-dC, and little is known regarding the response of hormone-resistant breast cancers to 5-Aza-dC. METHODS We demonstrate that 5-Aza-dC-treatment has a stronger effect on an estrogen receptor-negative, Tamoxifen-selected cell line, TMX2-28, than on the estrogen receptor-positive, MCF7, parental cell line. Using data obtained from the HM450 Methylation Bead Chip, pyrosequencing, and RT-qPCR, we identified a panel of genes that are silenced by promoter methylation in TMX2-28 and re-expressed after treatment with 5-Aza-dC. RESULTS One of the genes identified, tumor associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2), is altered by DNA methylation, and there is evidence that in some cancers decreased expression may result in greater proliferation. Analysis of DNA methylation of TACSTD2 and protein expression of its product, trophoblast antigen protein 2 (TROP2), was extended to a panel of primary (n = 34) and recurrent (n = 34) breast tumors. Stratifying tumors by both recurrence and ER status showed no significant relationship between TROP2 levels and TACSTD2 methylation. Knocking down TACSTD2 expression in MCF7 increased proliferation however; re-expressing TACSTD2 in TMX2-28 did not inhibit proliferation, indicating that TACSTD2 re-expression alone was insufficient to explain the decreased proliferation observed after treatment with 5-Aza-dC. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate the complexity of the TROP2 signaling network. However, TROP2 may be a valid therapeutic target for some cancers. Further studies are needed to identify biomarkers that indicate how TROP2 signaling affects tumor growth and whether targeting TROP2 would be beneficial to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Zimmers
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Life Sciences Laboratories, Room 540D, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Eva P. Browne
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Life Sciences Laboratories, Room 540D, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Kristin E. Williams
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Life Sciences Laboratories, Room 540D, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Rahul M. Jawale
- Pathology Department, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 USA
| | - Christopher N. Otis
- Pathology Department, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 USA
| | - Sallie S. Schneider
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Life Sciences Laboratories, Room 540D, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
- Biospecimen Resource and Molecular Analysis Facility, Baystate Medical Center, 3601 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01199 USA
| | - Kathleen F. Arcaro
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Life Sciences Laboratories, Room 540D, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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Semina SE, Scherbakov AM, Vnukova AA, Bagrov DV, Evtushenko EG, Safronova VM, Golovina DA, Lyubchenko LN, Gudkova MV, Krasil'nikov MA. Exosome-Mediated Transfer of Cancer Cell Resistance to Antiestrogen Drugs. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040829. [PMID: 29617321 PMCID: PMC6017149 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles which are produced by the cells and released into the surrounding space. They can transfer biomolecules into recipient cells. The main goal of the work was to study the exosome involvement in the cell transfer of hormonal resistance. The experiments were performed on in vitro cultured estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-7 sublines resistant to SERM tamoxifen and/or biguanide metformin, which exerts its anti-proliferative effect, at least in a part, via the suppression of estrogen machinery. The exosomes were purified by differential ultracentrifugation, cell response to tamoxifen was determined by MTT test, and the level and activity of signaling proteins were determined by Western blot and reporter analysis. We found that the treatment of the parent MCF-7 cells with exosomes from the resistant cells within 14 days lead to the partial resistance of the MCF-7 cells to antiestrogen drugs. The primary resistant cells and the cells with the exosome-induced resistance were characterized with these common features: decrease in ERα activity and parallel activation of Akt and AP-1, NF-κB, and SNAIL1 transcriptional factors. In general, we evaluate the established results as the evidence of the possible exosome involvement in the transferring of the hormone/metformin resistance in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana E Semina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Alexander M Scherbakov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Anna A Vnukova
- Faculty of Preventive Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Street 8-2, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitry V Bagrov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1/12, Leninskie gory, Moscow 119234, Russia.
| | - Evgeniy G Evtushenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1/3, Leninskie gory, Moscow 119234, Russia.
| | - Vera M Safronova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Daria A Golovina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Ludmila N Lyubchenko
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Margarita V Gudkova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
| | - Mikhail A Krasil'nikov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Kashirskoye shosse 24, Moscow 115478, Russia.
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Carlini MJ, Shrivastava N, Sosa MS. Epigenetic and Pluripotency Aspects of Disseminated Cancer Cells During Minimal Residual Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1100:1-18. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-97746-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Samulin Erdem J, Skare Ø, Petersen-Øverleir M, Notø HØ, Lie JAS, Reszka E, Pepłońska B, Zienolddiny S. Mechanisms of Breast Cancer in Shift Workers: DNA Methylation in Five Core Circadian Genes in Nurses Working Night Shifts. J Cancer 2017; 8:2876-2884. [PMID: 28928877 PMCID: PMC5604437 DOI: 10.7150/jca.21064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Shift work has been suggested to be associated with breast cancer risk, and circadian disruption in shift workers is hypothesized as one of the mechanisms of increased cancer risk. There is, however, insufficient molecular evidence supporting this hypothesis. Using the quantitative methodology of pyrosequencing, epigenetic changes in 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) in five circadian genes CLOCK, BMAL1, CRY1, PER1 and PER2 in female nurses working night shift work (278 breast cancer cases, 280 controls) were analyzed. In breast cancer cases, a medium exposure to night work was associated with increased methylation levels of the CLOCK (p=0.050), BMAL1 (p=0.001) and CRY1 (p=0.040) genes, compared with controls. Within the cases, analysis of the effects of shift work on the methylation patterns showed that methylation of CRY1 was lower in those who had worked night shift and had a high exposure (p=0.006) compared with cases that had worked only days. For cases with a medium exposure to night work, an increase in BMAL1 (p=0.003) and PER1 (p=0.035) methylation was observed compared with day working (unexposed) cases. The methylation levels of the five core circadian genes were also analyzed in relation to the estrogen and progesterone receptors status of the tumors in the cases, and no correlations were observed. Furthermore, nineteen polymorphisms in the five circadian genes were assessed for their effects on the methylation levels of the respective genes, but no associations were found. In summary, our data suggest that epigenetic regulation of CLOCK, BMAL1, CRY1 and PER1 may contribute to breast cancer in shift workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Samulin Erdem
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
| | - Marte Petersen-Øverleir
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
| | - Heidi Ødegaard Notø
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
| | - Jenny-Anne S Lie
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Pepłońska
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Shanbeh Zienolddiny
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, 0363, Norway
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Long-term exposure of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to ethanol stimulates oncogenic features. Int J Oncol 2016; 50:49-65. [PMID: 27959387 PMCID: PMC5182011 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for breast cancer. Little is known regarding the mechanism, although it is assumed that acetaldehyde or estrogen mediated pathways play a role. We previously showed that long-term exposure to 2.5 mM ethanol (blood alcohol ~0.012%) of MCF-12A, a human normal epithelial breast cell line, induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oncogenic transformation. In this study, we investigated in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, whether a similar exposure to ethanol at concentrations ranging up to peak blood levels in heavy drinkers would increase malignant progression. Short-term (1-week) incubation to ethanol at as low as 1-5 mM (corresponding to blood alcohol concentration of ~0.0048-0.024%) upregulated the stem cell related proteins Oct4 and Nanog, but they were reduced after exposure at 25 mM. Long-term (4-week) exposure to 25 mM ethanol upregulated the Oct4 and Nanog proteins, as well as the malignancy marker Ceacam6. DNA microarray analysis in cells exposed for 1 week showed upregulated expression of metallothionein genes, particularly MT1X. Long-term exposure upregulated expression of some malignancy related genes (STEAP4, SERPINA3, SAMD9, GDF15, KRT15, ITGB6, TP63, and PGR, as well as the CEACAM, interferon related, and HLA gene families). Some of these findings were validated by RT-PCR. A similar treatment also modulated numerous microRNAs (miRs) including one regulator of Oct4 as well as miRs involved in oncogenesis and/or malignancy, with only a few estrogen-induced miRs. Long-term 25 mM ethanol also induced a 5.6-fold upregulation of anchorage-independent growth, an indicator of malignant-like features. Exposure to acetaldehyde resulted in little or no effect comparable to that of ethanol. The previously shown alcohol induction of oncogenic transformation of normal breast cells is now complemented by the current results suggesting alcohol's potential involvement in malignant progression of breast cancer.
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25
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Ariazi EA, Taylor JC, Black MA, Nicolas E, Slifker MJ, Azzam DJ, Boyd J. A New Role for ERα: Silencing via DNA Methylation of Basal, Stem Cell, and EMT Genes. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 15:152-164. [PMID: 28108626 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to hormonal therapies is a major clinical problem in the treatment of estrogen receptor α-positive (ERα+) breast cancers. Epigenetic marks, namely DNA methylation of cytosine at specific CpG sites (5mCpG), are frequently associated with ERα+ status in human breast cancers. Therefore, ERα may regulate gene expression in part via DNA methylation. This hypothesis was evaluated using a panel of breast cancer cell line models of antiestrogen resistance. Microarray gene expression profiling was used to identify genes normally silenced in ERα+ cells but derepressed upon exposure to the demethylating agent decitabine, derepressed upon long-term loss of ERα expression, and resuppressed by gain of ERα activity/expression. ERα-dependent DNA methylation targets (n = 39) were enriched for ERα-binding sites, basal-up/luminal-down markers, cancer stem cell, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory and tumor suppressor genes. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses indicated that these targets predicted poor distant metastasis-free survival among a large cohort of breast cancer patients. The basal breast cancer subtype markers LCN2 and IFI27 showed the greatest inverse relationship with ERα expression/activity and contain ERα-binding sites. Thus, genes that are methylated in an ERα-dependent manner may serve as predictive biomarkers in breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS ERα directs DNA methylation-mediated silencing of specific genes that have biomarker potential in breast cancer subtypes. Mol Cancer Res; 15(2); 152-64. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Ariazi
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - John C Taylor
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael A Black
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emmanuelle Nicolas
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J Slifker
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana J Azzam
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Jeff Boyd
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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26
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Zhou W, Feng X, Han Han, Guo S, Wang G. Synergistic effects of combined treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and TRAIL on human breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28004. [PMID: 27292433 PMCID: PMC4904277 DOI: 10.1038/srep28004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that either histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in tumor cells including breast cancer. However, the underling mechanisms of combining HDAC inhibitors with TRAIL in the treatment of breast cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the ability of SAHA and TRAIL as single agents or in combination to inhibit the growth and survival of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that the distinct effects of SAHA or TRAIL individually and in combination on the proliferation, cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and morphological changes of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. We further determined the different effects of SAHA or TRAIL alone and combining SAHA with TRAIL on the expression of a number of apoptosis-related molecules, cell cycle, growth factors and their receptors in cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that the combinatorial treatment of SAHA and TRAIL may target multiple pathways and serve as an effective therapeutic strategy against breast cancer. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms may facilitate either SAHA or TRAIL targeted use and the selection of suitable combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, No. 146 North Huanghe St, Huanggu Dis, Shenyang City, Liaoning Pro 110034, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, No. 146 North Huanghe St, Huanggu Dis, Shenyang City, Liaoning Pro 110034, P. R. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, No. 20 North 9th St, Heping Dis, Shenyang City, Liaoning Pro 110002, P. R. China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, No. 146 North Huanghe St, Huanggu Dis, Shenyang City, Liaoning Pro 110034, P. R. China
| | - Shanchun Guo
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Guangdi Wang
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
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27
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De Marchi T, Foekens JA, Umar A, Martens JWM. Endocrine therapy resistance in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1181-8. [PMID: 27233379 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer represents the majority (∼70%) of all breast malignancies. In this subgroup of breast cancers, endocrine therapies are effective both in the adjuvant and recurrent settings, although resistance remains a major issue. Several high-throughput approaches have been used to elucidate mechanisms of resistance and to derive potential predictive markers or alternative therapies. In this review, we cover the state-of-the-art of endocrine-resistance biomarker discovery with regard to the latest technological developments, and discuss current opportunities and restrictions for their implementation into a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso De Marchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John A Foekens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Arzu Umar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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28
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Busch S, Sims AH, Stål O, Fernö M, Landberg G. Loss of TGFβ Receptor Type 2 Expression Impairs Estrogen Response and Confers Tamoxifen Resistance. Cancer Res 2016; 75:1457-69. [PMID: 25833830 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One third of the patients with estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer who are treated with the antiestrogen tamoxifen will either not respond to initial therapy or will develop drug resistance. Endocrine response involves crosstalk between ERα and TGFβ signaling, such that tamoxifen nonresponsiveness or resistance in breast cancer might involve aberrant TGFβ signaling. In this study, we analyzed TGFβ receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) expression and correlated it with ERα status and phosphorylation in a cohort of 564 patients who had been randomized to tamoxifen or no-adjuvant treatment for invasive breast carcinoma. We also evaluated an additional four independent genetic datasets in invasive breast cancer. In all the cohorts we analyzed, we documented an association of low TGFBR2 protein and mRNA expression with tamoxifen resistance. Functional investigations confirmed that cell cycle or apoptosis responses to estrogen or tamoxifen in ERα-positive breast cancer cells were impaired by TGFBR2 silencing, as was ERα phosphorylation, tamoxifen-induced transcriptional activation of TGFβ, and upregulation of the multidrug resistance protein ABCG2. Acquisition of low TGFBR2 expression as a contributing factor to endocrine resistance was validated prospectively in a tamoxifen-resistant cell line generated by long-term drug treatment. Collectively, our results established a central contribution of TGFβ signaling in endocrine resistance in breast cancer and offered evidence that TGFBR2 can serve as an independent biomarker to predict treatment outcomes in ERα-positive forms of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Busch
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrew H Sims
- Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Cancer Research UK Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Olle Stål
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institution of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Linköpings Universitet, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fernö
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Göran Landberg
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. Molecular Pathology, Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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29
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DNA methylation of oestrogen-regulated enhancers defines endocrine sensitivity in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7758. [PMID: 26169690 PMCID: PMC4510968 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of oestrogen receptor (ESR1) determines whether a breast cancer patient receives endocrine therapy, but does not guarantee patient response. The molecular factors that define endocrine response in ESR1-positive breast cancer patients remain poorly understood. Here we characterize the DNA methylome of endocrine sensitivity and demonstrate the potential impact of differential DNA methylation on endocrine response in breast cancer. We show that DNA hypermethylation occurs predominantly at oestrogen-responsive enhancers and is associated with reduced ESR1 binding and decreased gene expression of key regulators of ESR1 activity, thus providing a novel mechanism by which endocrine response is abated in ESR1-positive breast cancers. Conversely, we delineate that ESR1-responsive enhancer hypomethylation is critical in transition from normal mammary epithelial cells to endocrine-responsive ESR1-positive cancer. Cumulatively, these novel insights highlight the potential of ESR1-responsive enhancer methylation to both predict ESR1-positive disease and stratify ESR1-positive breast cancer patients as responders to endocrine therapy. The molecular factors influencing patient response to endocrine therapy are poorly understood. Here Stone et al. characterize the DNA methylome of endocrine response and show that methylation of oestrogen receptor-associated enhancers underpins endocrine sensitivity in human breast cancer.
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30
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Notas G, Pelekanou V, Kampa M, Alexakis K, Sfakianakis S, Laliotis A, Askoxilakis J, Tsentelierou E, Tzardi M, Tsapis A, Castanas E. Tamoxifen induces a pluripotency signature in breast cancer cells and human tumors. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1744-59. [PMID: 26115764 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is the treatment of choice in estrogen receptor alpha breast cancer patients that are eligible for adjuvant endocrine therapy. However, ∼50% of ERα-positive tumors exhibit intrinsic or rapidly acquire resistance to endocrine treatment. Unfortunately, prediction of de novo resistance to endocrine therapy and/or assessment of relapse likelihood remain difficult. While several mechanisms regulating the acquisition and the maintenance of endocrine resistance have been reported, there are several aspects of this phenomenon that need to be further elucidated. Altered metabolic fate of tamoxifen within patients and emergence of tamoxifen-resistant clones, driven by evolution of the disease phenotype during treatment, appear as the most compelling hypotheses so far. In addition, tamoxifen was reported to induce pluripotency in breast cancer cell lines, in vitro. In this context, we have performed a whole transcriptome analysis of an ERα-positive (T47D) and a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), exposed to tamoxifen for a short time frame (hours), in order to identify how early pluripotency-related effects of tamoxifen may occur. Our ultimate goal was to identify whether the transcriptional actions of tamoxifen related to induction of pluripotency are mediated through specific ER-dependent or independent mechanisms. We report that even as early as 3 hours after the exposure of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen, a subset of ERα-dependent genes associated with developmental processes and pluripotency are induced and this is accompanied by specific phenotypic changes (expression of pluripotency-related proteins). Furthermore we report an association between the increased expression of pluripotency-related genes in ERα-positive breast cancer tissues samples and disease relapse after tamoxifen therapy. Finally we describe that in a small group of ERα-positive breast cancer patients, with disease relapse after surgery and tamoxifen treatment, ALDH1A1 (a marker of pluripotency in epithelial cancers which is absent in normal breast tissue) is increased in relapsing tumors, with a concurrent modification of its intra-cellular localization. Our data could be of value in the discrimination of patients susceptible to develop tamoxifen resistance and in the selection of optimized patient-tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Notas
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Applied Computational Mathematics, Foundation of Research and Technology (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Vassiliki Pelekanou
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece; Laboratories of Pathology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Alexakis
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stelios Sfakianakis
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation of Research and Technology (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aggelos Laliotis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Askoxilakis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Maria Tzardi
- Laboratories of Pathology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andreas Tsapis
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece; INSERM U976, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France; University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratories of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
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31
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Li Y, Melnikov AA, Levenson V, Guerra E, Simeone P, Alberti S, Deng Y. A seven-gene CpG-island methylation panel predicts breast cancer progression. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:417. [PMID: 25986046 PMCID: PMC4438505 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation regulates gene expression, through the inhibition/activation of gene transcription of methylated/unmethylated genes. Hence, DNA methylation profiling can capture pivotal features of gene expression in cancer tissues from patients at the time of diagnosis. In this work, we analyzed a breast cancer case series, to identify DNA methylation determinants of metastatic versus non-metastatic tumors. Methods CpG-island methylation was evaluated on a 56-gene cancer-specific biomarker microarray in metastatic versus non-metastatic breast cancers in a multi-institutional case series of 123 breast cancer patients. Global statistical modeling and unsupervised hierarchical clustering were applied to identify a multi-gene binary classifier with high sensitivity and specificity. Network analysis was utilized to quantify the connectivity of the identified genes. Results Seven genes (BRCA1, DAPK1, MSH2, CDKN2A, PGR, PRKCDBP, RANKL) were found informative for prognosis of metastatic diffusion and were used to calculate classifier accuracy versus the entire data-set. Individual-gene performances showed sensitivities of 63–79 %, 53–84 % specificities, positive predictive values of 59–83 % and negative predictive values of 63–80 %. When modelled together, these seven genes reached a sensitivity of 93 %, 100 % specificity, a positive predictive value of 100 % and a negative predictive value of 93 %, with high statistical power. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering independently confirmed these findings, in close agreement with the accuracy measurements. Network analyses indicated tight interrelationship between the identified genes, suggesting this to be a functionally-coordinated module, linked to breast cancer progression. Conclusions Our findings identify CpG-island methylation profiles with deep impact on clinical outcome, paving the way for use as novel prognostic assays in clinical settings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1412-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Rush University Medical Center, 653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | | | - Victor Levenson
- US Biomarkers, Inc, 29 Buckingham Ln., Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089, USA. .,Currently at Center for Translational Research, Catholic Health Initiatives, Englewood, USA.
| | - Emanuela Guerra
- Unit of Cancer Pathology, CeSI, 'G. d'Annunzio' University Foundation, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Simeone
- Unit of Cancer Pathology, CeSI, 'G. d'Annunzio' University Foundation, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unit of Cancer Pathology, CeSI, 'G. d'Annunzio' University Foundation, Via L. Polacchi 11, 66100, Chieti, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Unit of Physiology and Physiopathology, 'G. d'Annunzio' University, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Youping Deng
- Rush University Medical Center, 653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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32
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Locke WJ, Zotenko E, Stirzaker C, Robinson MD, Hinshelwood RA, Stone A, Reddel RR, Huschtscha LI, Clark SJ. Coordinated epigenetic remodelling of transcriptional networks occurs during early breast carcinogenesis. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:52. [PMID: 25960784 PMCID: PMC4424562 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of the epigenome is a common event in malignancy; however, deciphering the earliest cancer-associated epigenetic events remains a challenge. Cancer epigenome studies to date have primarily utilised cancer cell lines or clinical samples, where it is difficult to identify the initial epigenetic lesions from those that occur over time. Here, we analysed the epigenome of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and a matched variant cell population (vHMEC) that have spontaneously escaped senescence and undergone partial carcinogenic transformation. Using this model of basal-like breast carcinogenesis, we provide striking new insights into the very first epigenetic changes that occur during the initial stages of malignancy. Results The first phase of malignancy is defined by coordinated changes in the epigenome. At the chromatin level, this is embodied in long-range epigenetic deregulation, which involves the concomitant but atypical acquisition or loss of active and repressive histone modifications across large regional blocks. Changes in DNA methylation also occurs in a highly coordinated manner. We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the very earliest passages of vHMECs. Notably, we find that differential methylation targets loci regulated by key transcription factors including p53, AHR and E2F family members suggesting that epigenetic deregulation of transcription factor binding is a key event in breast carcinogenesis. Interestingly, DMRs identified in vHMEC are extensively methylated in breast cancer, with hypermethylation frequently encroaching into neighbouring regions. A subset of vHMEC DMRs exhibited a strong basal-like cancer specific hypermethylation. Conclusions Here, we generated epigenome-wide maps of the earliest phase of breast malignancy and show long-range epigenetic deregulation and coordinated DNA hypermethylation targets loci regulated by key transcription factors. These findings support a model where induction of breast cancer occurs through epigenetic disruption of transcription factor binding leading to deregulation of cancer-associated transcriptional networks. With their stability and very early occurrence, vHMECs hypermethylated loci could serve as excellent biomarkers for the initial detection of basal breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0086-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warwick J Locke
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Elena Zotenko
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Clare Stirzaker
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, and Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, CH-8057 Switzerland
| | - Rebecca A Hinshelwood
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; Sydney West Cancer Trials Centre, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Westmead Hospital, Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Andrew Stone
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Roger R Reddel
- Cancer Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, 2145 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia ; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Lily I Huschtscha
- Cancer Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, 2145 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Susan J Clark
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
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Raha P, Thomas S, Thurn KT, Park J, Munster PN. Combined histone deacetylase inhibition and tamoxifen induces apoptosis in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer models, by reversing Bcl-2 overexpression. Breast Cancer Res 2015; 17:26. [PMID: 25848915 PMCID: PMC4367983 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-015-0533-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of hormone therapy resistance, despite continued expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), is a major challenge to curing breast cancer. Recent clinical studies suggest that epigenetic modulation by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors reverses hormone therapy resistance. However, little is known about epigenetic modulation of the ER during acquired hormone resistance. Our recent phase II study demonstrated that HDAC inhibitors re-sensitize hormone therapy-resistant tumors to the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. In this study, we sought to understand the mechanism behind the efficacy of this combination. METHODS We generated cell lines resistant to tamoxifen, named TAMRM and TAMRT, by continuous exposure of ER-positive MCF7 and T47D cells, respectively to 4-hydroxy tamoxifen for over 12 months. HDAC inhibition, along with pharmacological and genetic manipulation of key survival pathways, including ER and Bcl-2, were used to characterize these resistant models. RESULTS The TAMRM cells displayed decreased sensitivity to tamoxifen, fulvestrant and estrogen deprivation. Consistent with previous models, ER expression was retained and the gene harbored no mutations. Compared to parental MCF7 cells, ER expression in TAMRM was elevated, while progesterone receptor (PGR) was lost. Sensitivity of ER to ligands was greatly reduced and classic ER response genes were suppressed. This model conveyed tamoxifen resistance through transcriptional upregulation of Bcl-2 and c-Myc, and downregulation of the cell cycle checkpoint protein p21, manifesting in accelerated growth and reduced cell death. Similar to TAMRM cells, the TAMRT cell line exhibited substantially decreased tamoxifen sensitivity, increased ER and Bcl-2 expression and significantly reduced PGR expression. Treatment with HDAC inhibitors reversed the altered transcriptional events and reestablished the sensitivity of the ER to tamoxifen resulting in substantial Bcl-2 downregulation, growth arrest and apoptosis. Selective inhibition of Bcl-2 mirrored these effects in presence of an HDAC inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Our model implicates elevated ER and Bcl-2 as key drivers of anti-estrogen resistance, which can be reversed by epigenetic modulation through HDAC inhibition.
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Thewes V, Simon R, Schroeter P, Schlotter M, Anzeneder T, Büttner R, Benes V, Sauter G, Burwinkel B, Nicholson RI, Sinn HP, Schneeweiss A, Deuschle U, Zapatka M, Heck S, Lichter P. Reprogramming of the ERRα and ERα target gene landscape triggers tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Cancer Res 2015; 75:720-31. [PMID: 25643697 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine treatment regimens for breast cancer that target the estrogen receptor-α (ERα) are effective, but acquired resistance remains a limiting drawback. One mechanism of acquired resistance that has been hypothesized is functional substitution of the orphan receptor estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα) for ERα. To examine this hypothesis, we analyzed ERRα and ERα in recurrent tamoxifen-resistant breast tumors and conducted a genome-wide target gene profiling analysis of MCF-7 breast cancer cell populations that were sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen treatment. This analysis uncovered a global redirection in the target genes controlled by ERα, ERRα, and their coactivator AIB1, defining a novel set of target genes in tamoxifen-resistant cells. Beyond differences in the ERα and ERRα target gene repertoires, both factors were engaged in similar pathobiologic processes relevant to acquired resistance. Functional analyses confirmed a requirement for ERRα in tamoxifen- and fulvestrant-resistant MCF-7 cells, with pharmacologic inhibition of ERRα sufficient to partly restore sensitivity to antiestrogens. In clinical specimens (n = 1041), increased expression of ERRα was associated with enhanced proliferation and aggressive disease parameters, including increased levels of p53 in ERα-positive cases. In addition, increased ERRα expression was linked to reduced overall survival in independent tamoxifen-treated patient cohorts. Taken together, our results suggest that ERα and ERRα cooperate to promote endocrine resistance, and they provide a rationale for the exploration of ERRα as a candidate drug target to treat endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Thewes
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Schroeter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Schlotter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Burwinkel
- Molecular Biology of Breast Cancer, University Women's Clinic, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Peter Sinn
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- Gynecologic Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Marc Zapatka
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heck
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Blei T, Soukup ST, Schmalbach K, Pudenz M, Möller FJ, Egert B, Wörtz N, Kurrat A, Müller D, Vollmer G, Gerhäuser C, Lehmann L, Kulling SE, Diel P. Dose-dependent effects of isoflavone exposure during early lifetime on the rat mammary gland: Studies on estrogen sensitivity, isoflavone metabolism, and DNA methylation. Mol Nutr Food Res 2015; 59:270-83. [PMID: 25410811 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Isoflavone (ISO) exposure during adolescence modulates 17β-estradiol (E2) sensitivity of the adult mammary gland. The present study investigated the dose dependency of these effects focusing on proliferation, estrogen receptor dependent and independent gene expression, as well as DNA methylation and ISO metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS Female Wistar rats were lifelong exposed to an ISO-depleted diet or to diets enriched with a soy ISO extract (ISO-rich diet (IRD)) causing plasma concentrations as observed minimally (IRDlow) and maximally (IRDhigh) in Asian women. The extract was characterized by both phytochemical analysis and E-Screen. Rats were ovariectomized at postnatal day (PND) 80 and treated with E2 from PND94 to 97. In contrast to uterine response, body weight and visceral fat mass were affected by ISO. In the mammary gland, both E2-induced proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining) and estrogen receptor activation (progesterone receptor staining) were significantly reduced by IRDhigh but not by IRDlow, which however attenuated Gdf15 mRNA expression. DNA methylation analysis revealed significant differences in the promoter regions of Aldhl1, Extl1, and WAP between IRDhigh and ISO-depleted diet. CONCLUSION Lifelong exposure to ISO results in dose-dependent differential effects on proliferation, gene expression, and DNA methylation in rat mammary glands. Yet, a decrease in estrogen responsiveness was only achieved by IRDhigh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Blei
- German Sports University Cologne, Köln, Germany
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Terai H, Soejima K, Yasuda H, Sato T, Naoki K, Ikemura S, Arai D, Ohgino K, Ishioka K, Hamamoto J, Kanai Y, Betsuyaku T. Long‑term exposure to gefitinib induces acquired resistance through DNA methylation changes in the EGFR‑mutant PC9 lung cancer cell line. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:430-6. [PMID: 25353970 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to identify epigenetically regulated genes and to clarify the contribution of epige-netic alteration to acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor‑tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‑TKIs). We established a gefitinib‑resistant lung cancer cell line, PC9, which was originally gefitinib‑sensitive, by serial long‑term exposure to gefitinib. RNA and DNA were collected from both gefitinib‑sensitive and ‑resistant PC9 cells, and comprehensive DNA methylation and mRNA expression analyses were performed using Infinium HumanMethylation27 Bead Arrays and Agilent SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression 8x60K Array, respectively. DNA methylation was increased in 640 genes in gefitinib‑resistant cells compared to parental cells. Among them, we selected 29 candidate genes that presented a decrease in mRNA expression in resistant PC9. We further studied four of the selected genes (C10orf116, IGFBP3, KL, and S100P) and found that KL or S100P silencing by siRNA induced a decrease in gefitinib sensitivity compared to that in the negative control in PC9. In conclusion, KL and S100P could be potential targets to overcome resistance to EGFR‑TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Terai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenzo Soejima
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yasuda
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Naoki
- Keio Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Ikemura
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Arai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Ohgino
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Ishioka
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Hamamoto
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yae Kanai
- Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Betsuyaku
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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Stone A, Valdes-Mora F, Clark SJ. Exploring and exploiting the aberrant DNA methylation profile of endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Epigenomics 2014; 5:595-8. [PMID: 24283871 DOI: 10.2217/epi.13.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stone
- Cancer Epigenetics Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Abstract
Around 70% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor alpha positive and hence their development is highly dependent on estradiol. While the invention of endocrine therapies has revolusioned the treatment of the disease, resistance to therapy eventually occurs in a large number of patients. This paper seeks to illustrate and discuss the complexity and heterogeneity of the mechanisms which underlie resistance and the approaches proposed to combat them. It will also focus on the use and development of methods for predicting which patients are likely to develop resistance.
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The effects of steroid hormone exposure on direct gene regulation. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:436-40. [PMID: 25113166 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones have been widely overlooked as controllers of gene expression. Through the mechanisms of gene expression (DNA methylation, histone methylation, and RNAi), we discuss the impact of normal reproductive templates on the pulsatility and amplitude of potential gene-regulating treatment protocols. By examining the interactions of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in women, we propose that changes in physiologic reproductive hormone templates of exposure and timing can affect fertility and even cancer through the silencing or amplification of gene products; such as P53 and Bcl-2 in women. We suggest that uncontrolled hormone levels, due to aging and/or the environment, may be restored to a normal youthful template of gene expression through the fluctuating exogenous application of E2 and P4 that mimic the normal hormonal milieu of reproductive health. Furthermore, we hypothesize that restoration of normal hormone levels may lead to a lower risk of the chronic illnesses of aging and a better quality of life in patients suffering those conditions.
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Cottu P, Bièche I, Assayag F, El Botty R, Chateau-Joubert S, Thuleau A, Bagarre T, Albaud B, Rapinat A, Gentien D, de la Grange P, Sibut V, Vacher S, Hatem R, Servely JL, Fontaine JJ, Decaudin D, Pierga JY, Roman-Roman S, Marangoni E. Acquired resistance to endocrine treatments is associated with tumor-specific molecular changes in patient-derived luminal breast cancer xenografts. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4314-25. [PMID: 24947930 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with luminal breast cancer (LBC) often become endocrine resistant over time. We investigated the molecular changes associated with acquired hormonoresistances in patient-derived xenografts of LBC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Two LBC xenografts (HBCx22 and HBCx34) were treated with different endocrine treatments (ET) to obtain xenografts with acquired resistances to tamoxifen (TamR) and ovariectomy (OvaR). PI3K pathway activation was analyzed by Western blot analysis and IHC and responses to ET combined to everolimus were investigated in vivo. Gene expression analyses were performed by RT-PCR and Affymetrix arrays. RESULTS HBCx22 TamR xenograft was cross-resistant to several hormonotherapies, whereas HBCx22 OvaR and HBCx34 TamR exhibited a treatment-specific resistance profile. PI3K pathway was similarly activated in parental and resistant xenografts but the addition of everolimus did not restore the response to tamoxifen in TamR xenografts. In contrast, the combination of fulvestrant and everolimus induced tumor regression in vivo in HBCx34 TamR, where we found a cross-talk between the estrogen receptor (ER) and PI3K pathways. Expression of several ER-controlled genes and ER coregulators was significantly changed in both TamR and OvaR tumors, indicating impaired ER transcriptional activity. Expression changes associated with hormonoresistance were both tumor and treatment specific and were enriched for genes involved in cell growth, cell death, and cell survival. CONCLUSIONS PDX models of LBC with acquired resistance to endocrine therapies show a great diversity of resistance phenotype, associated with specific deregulations of ER-mediated gene transcription. These models offer a tool for developing anticancer therapies and to investigate the dynamics of resistance emerging during pharmacologic interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 20(16); 4314-25. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cottu
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
| | | | - Franck Assayag
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
| | - Rania El Botty
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
| | | | - Aurélie Thuleau
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
| | - Thomas Bagarre
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
| | - Benoit Albaud
- Affymetrix Platform, Translational Research Department
| | | | - David Gentien
- Affymetrix Platform, Translational Research Department
| | | | - Vonick Sibut
- Bioinformatics Unit, Inserm U900 Mines ParisTech
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Servely
- INRA, Phase Department; Pathology Department, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Maisons Alfort, France
| | | | - Didier Decaudin
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department
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Martin HL, Smith L, Tomlinson DC. Multidrug-resistant breast cancer: current perspectives. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2014; 6:1-13. [PMID: 24648765 PMCID: PMC3929252 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s37638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and resistance to the current therapeutics, often concurrently, is an increasing clinical challenge. By understanding the molecular mechanisms behind multidrug-resistant breast cancer, new treatments may be developed. Here we review the recent advances in this understanding, emphasizing the common mechanisms underlying resistance to both targeted therapies, notably tamoxifen and trastuzumab, and traditional chemotherapies. We focus primarily on three molecular mechanisms, the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway, the role of microRNAs in gene silencing, and epigenetic alterations affecting gene expression, and discuss how these mechanisms can interact in multidrug resistance. The development of therapeutics targeting these mechanisms is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Martin
- BioScreening Technology Group, Leeds Institutes of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Laura Smith
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- BioScreening Technology Group, Leeds Institutes of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Williams KE, Anderton DL, Lee MP, Pentecost BT, Arcaro KF. High-density array analysis of DNA methylation in Tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell lines. Epigenetics 2013; 9:297-307. [PMID: 24225485 DOI: 10.4161/epi.27111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Roughly two-thirds of all breast cancers are ERα-positive and can be treated with the antiestrogen, Tamoxifen, however resistance occurs in 33% of women who take the drug for more than 5 y. Aberrant DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that alters gene expression in cancer, is thought to play a role in this resistance. To develop an understanding of Tamoxifen-resistance and identify novel pathways and targets of aberrant methylation, DNA from MCF-7 breast cancer cells and Tamoxifen-resistant derivatives, TMX2-11 and TMX2-28, were analyzed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Normalizing against MCF-7 values, ERα-positive TMX2-11 had 4000 hypermethylated sites and ERα-negative TMX2-28 had over 33 000. Analysis of CpG sites altered in both TMX2-11 and TMX2-28 revealed that the Tamoxifen-resistant cell lines share 3000 hypermethylated and 200 hypomethylated CpGs. ZNF350 and MAGED1, two genes hypermethylated in both cell lines, were examined in greater detail. Treatment with 5-aza-2ꞌdeoxycitidine caused a significant reduction in promoter methylation of both ZNF350 and MAGED1 and a corresponding increase in expression in TMX2-28. A similar relationship between methylation and expression was not detected in TMX2-11. Our findings are indicative of the variable responses to methylation-targeted breast cancer therapy and highlight the need for biomarkers that accurately predict treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Williams
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Program; Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, MA USA
| | | | - Maxwell P Lee
- Center for Cancer Research; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Kathleen F Arcaro
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Program; Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, MA USA
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Fulvestrant induces resistance by modulating GPER and CDK6 expression: implication of methyltransferases, deacetylases and the hSWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex. Br J Cancer 2013; 109:2751-62. [PMID: 24169358 PMCID: PMC3833203 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women living in the western hemisphere. Despite major advances in first-line endocrine therapy of advanced oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, the frequent recurrence of resistant cancer cells represents a serious obstacle to successful treatment. Understanding the mechanisms leading to acquired resistance, therefore, could pave the way to the development of second-line therapeutics. To this end, we generated an ER-positive breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) with resistance to the therapeutic anti-oestrogen fulvestrant (FUL) and studied the molecular changes involved in resistance. Methods: Naive MCF-7 cells were treated with increasing FUL concentrations and the gene expression profile of the resulting FUL-resistant strain (FR.MCF-7) was compared with that of naive cells using GeneChip arrays. After validation by real-time PCR and/or western blotting, selected resistance-associated genes were functionally studied by siRNA-mediated silencing or pharmacological inhibition. Furthermore, general mechanisms causing aberrant gene expression were investigated. Results: Fulvestrant resistance was associated with repression of GPER and the overexpression of CDK6, whereas ERBB2, ABCG2, ER and ER-related genes (GREB1, RERG) or genes expressed in resistant breast cancer (BCAR1, BCAR3) did not contribute to resistance. Aberrant GPER and CDK6 expression was most likely caused by modification of DNA methylation and histone acetylation, respectively. Therefore, part of the resistance mechanism was loss of RB1 control. The hSWI/SNF (human SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable) chromatin remodelling complex, which is tightly linked to nucleosome acetylation and repositioning, was also affected, because as a stress response to FUL treatment-naive cells altered the expression of five subunits within a few hours (BRG1, BAF250A, BAF170, BAF155, BAF47). The aberrant constitutive expression of BAF250A, BAF170 and BAF155 and a deviant stress response of BRG1, BAF170 and BAF47 in FR.MCF-7 cells to FUL treatment accompanied acquired FUL resistance. The regular and aberrant expression profiles of BAF155 correlated directly with that of CDK6 in naive and in FR.MCF-7 cells corroborating the finding that CDK6 overexpression was due to nucleosome alterations. Conclusion: The study revealed that FUL resistance is associated with the dysregulation of GPER and CDK6. A mechanism leading to aberrant gene expression was most likely unscheduled chromatin remodelling by hSWI/SNF. Hence, three targets should be conceptually addressed in a second-line adjuvant therapy: the catalytic centre of SWI/SNF (BRG1) to delay the development of FUL resistance, GPER to increase sensitivity to FUL and the reconstitution of the RB1 pathway to overcome resistance.
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Lötsch J, Schneider G, Reker D, Parnham MJ, Schneider P, Geisslinger G, Doehring A. Common non-epigenetic drugs as epigenetic modulators. Trends Mol Med 2013; 19:742-53. [PMID: 24054876 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic effects are exerted by a variety of factors and evidence increases that common drugs such as opioids, cannabinoids, valproic acid, or cytostatics may induce alterations in DNA methylation patterns or histone conformations. These effects occur via chemical structural interactions with epigenetic enzymes, through interactions with DNA repair mechanisms. Computational predictions indicate that one-twentieth of all drugs might potentially interact with human histone deacetylase, which was prospectively experimentally verified for the compound with the highest predicted interaction probability. These epigenetic effects add to wanted and unwanted drug effects, contributing to mechanisms of drug resistance or disease-related and unrelated phenotypes. Because epigenetic changes might be transmitted to offspring, the need for reliable and cost-effective epigenetic screening tools becomes acute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology - Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (IME-TMP), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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45
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Stone A, Cowley MJ, Valdes-Mora F, McCloy RA, Sergio CM, Gallego-Ortega D, Caldon CE, Ormandy CJ, Biankin AV, Gee JMW, Nicholson RI, Print CG, Clark SJ, Musgrove EA. BCL-2 hypermethylation is a potential biomarker of sensitivity to antimitotic chemotherapy in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1874-85. [PMID: 23861345 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the antiapoptotic factor BCL-2 is a frequent feature of malignant disease and is commonly associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. In breast cancer, however, high BCL-2 expression is associated with favorable prognosis, estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, and low tumor grade, whereas low expression is included in several molecular signatures associated with resistance to endocrine therapy. In the present study, we correlate BCL-2 expression and DNA methylation profiles in human breast cancer and in multiple cell models of acquired endocrine resistance to determine whether BCL-2 hypermethylation could provide a useful biomarker of response to cytotoxic therapy. In human disease, diminished expression of BCL-2 was associated with hypermethylation of the second exon, in a region that overlapped a CpG island and an ER-binding site. Hypermethylation of this region, which occurred in 10% of primary tumors, provided a stronger predictor of patient survival (P = 0.019) when compared with gene expression (n = 522). In multiple cell models of acquired endocrine resistance, BCL-2 expression was significantly reduced in parallel with increased DNA methylation of the exon 2 region. The reduction of BCL-2 expression in endocrine-resistant cells lowered their apoptotic threshold to antimitotic agents: nocodazole, paclitaxel, and the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536. This phenomenon could be reversed with ectopic expression of BCL-2, and rescued with the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-737. Collectively, these data imply that BCL-2 hypermethylation provides a robust biomarker of response to current and next-generation cytotoxic agents in endocrine-resistant breast cancer, which may prove beneficial in directing therapeutic strategy for patients with nonresectable, metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stone
- Corresponding Author: Andrew Stone, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, L9 TKCC, 370 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
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46
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Bouker KB, Wang Y, Xuan J, Clarke R. Antiestrogen Resistance and the Application of Systems Biology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 9:e11-e17. [PMID: 23539064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmec.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular changes that drive an acquired antiestrogen resistance phenotype is of major clinical relevance. Previous methodologies for addressing this question have taken a single gene/pathway approach and the resulting gains have been limited in terms of their clinical impact. Recent systems biology approaches allow for the integration of data from high throughput "-omics" technologies. We highlight recent advances in the field of antiestrogen resistance with a focus on transcriptomics, proteomics and methylomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie B Bouker
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, U.S.A
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47
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Shi JF, Li XJ, Si XX, Li AD, Ding HJ, Han X, Sun YJ. ERα positively regulated DNMT1 expression by binding to the gene promoter region in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 427:47-53. [PMID: 22975348 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.08.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ER) are expressed in approximately 65% of human breast cancer. Clinical trials and retrospective analyses showed that ER-positive (ER+) tumors were more vulnerable to development of chemotherapy resistance than ER-negative (ER-) tumors. The underlying mechanism is still to be elucidated. Aberrant DNA methylation has been recognized to be associated with cancer chemotherapy resistance. Recently, steroid hormone and their receptors have been found to be involved in the regulation of methyltransferases (DNMTs) and thereby contribute to chemotherapy resistance. The purpose of this study is to explore whether ERα could directly regulate the DNMTs expression. We first analyzed the methylation alterations and its correlation with the expression levels of three types of DNMTs in our established paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer lines, MCF-7(ER+)/PTX and MDA-MB-231(ER-)/PTX cell lines, using qMSP, real-time PCR and Western blot. Then we determined the function of ERα in regulation of DNMT1 using luciferase report gene systems. Our data demonstrated for the first time that ERα could upregulate DNMT1 expression by directly binding to the DNMT1 promoter region in MFC-7(ER+)/PTX cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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