1
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Lei X, Wang Y, Broens C, Borst J, Xiao Y. Immune checkpoints targeting dendritic cells for antibody-based modulation in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:145-179. [PMID: 38225102 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells which link innate to adaptive immunity. DC play a central role in regulating antitumor T-cell responses in both tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). They modulate effector T-cell responses via immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) that can be either stimulatory or inhibitory. Functions of DC are often impaired by the suppressive TME leading to tumor immune escape. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ICPs expressed by (tumor-infiltrating) DC will lead to potential new treatment strategies. Genetic manipulation and high-dimensional analyses have provided insight in the interactions between DC and T-cells in TDLN and the TME upon ICP targeting. In this review, we discuss (tumor-infiltrating) DC lineage cells and tumor tissue specific "mature" DC states and their gene signatures in relation to anti-tumor immunity. We also review a number of ICPs expressed by DC regarding their functions in phagocytosis, DC activation, or inhibition and outline position in, or promise for clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy. Collectively, we highlight the critical role of DC and their exact status in the TME for the induction and propagation of T-cell immunity to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yizhi Wang
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chayenne Broens
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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2
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Bhadresha K, Mirza S, Penny C, Mughal MJ. Targeting AXL in Mesothelioma: from functional characterization to clinical implication. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104043. [PMID: 37268175 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive and lethal cancer with a poor survival rate. Current treatment approaches primarily rely on chemotherapy and radiation, but their effectiveness is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MM, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Extensive studies over the past decade have emphasized the role of Axl in driving tumor development and metastasis, while high levels of Axl expression have been associated with immune evasion, drug resistance, and reduced patient survival in various cancer types. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of Axl inhibitors for different cancers. However, the precise role of Axl in MM progression, development, and metastasis, as well as its regulatory mechanisms within MM, remain inadequately understood. This review aims to comprehensively investigate the involvement of Axl in MM. We discuss Axl role in MM progression, development, and metastasis, along with its specific regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, we examined the Axl associated signaling pathways, the relationship between Axl and immune evasion, and the clinical implications of Axl for MM treatment. Furthermore, we discussed the potential utility of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive diagnostic technique for early detection of Axl in MM. Lastly, we evaluated the potential of a microRNA signature that targets Axl. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review contributes to a better understanding of Axl's role in MM and sets the stage for future investigations and the development of effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinjal Bhadresha
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sheefa Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Jameel Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America.
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3
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Skouras P, Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1519-1535. [PMID: 36154607 PMCID: PMC10472812 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220922150456] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient management, but with minimal progress in patients' prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT), BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skouras
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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4
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McCornack C, Woodiwiss T, Hardi A, Yano H, Kim AH. The function of histone methylation and acetylation regulators in GBM pathophysiology. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1144184. [PMID: 37205197 PMCID: PMC10185819 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1144184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain malignancy and is characterized by a high degree of intra and intertumor cellular heterogeneity, a starkly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and nearly universal recurrence. The application of various genomic approaches has allowed us to understand the core molecular signatures, transcriptional states, and DNA methylation patterns that define GBM. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have been shown to influence oncogenesis in a variety of malignancies, including other forms of glioma, yet comparatively less effort has been placed on understanding the transcriptional impact and regulation of histone PTMs in the context of GBM. In this review we discuss work that investigates the role of histone acetylating and methylating enzymes in GBM pathogenesis, as well as the effects of targeted inhibition of these enzymes. We then synthesize broader genomic and epigenomic approaches to understand the influence of histone PTMs on chromatin architecture and transcription within GBM and finally, explore the limitations of current research in this field before proposing future directions for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin McCornack
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Timothy Woodiwiss
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Angela Hardi
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hiroko Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- The Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Albert H. Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- The Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Albert H. Kim,
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5
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Kaundal B, Karmakar S, Roy Choudhury S. Mitochondria-targeting nano therapy altering IDH2-mediated EZH2/EZH1 interaction as precise epigenetic regulation in glioblastoma. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5301-5317. [PMID: 35917200 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm02006d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a complex brain cancer with frequent relapses and high mortality and still awaits effective treatment. Mitochondria dysfunction is a pathogenic condition in GBM and could be a prime therapeutic target for ceasing GBM progression. Strategies to overcome brain solid tumor barriers and selectively target mitochondria within specific cell types may improve GBM treatment. Here, we present hypericin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs@Hyp) where hypericin is a mitochondrion-targeting agent exhibiting multimodal therapy by critically impacting the IDH2 gene (Isocitrate dehydrogenase) and its interaction with polycomb methyltransferase EZH1/2 for GBM therapy. It significantly localizes in mitochondria by enhanced cellular uptake in the human GBM cell lines/three-dimensional (3D) culture model under red-light exposure. It triggers oxidative stress and changes the mitochondrial potential, with increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio enhancing GBM cell death. The suppressed expression of mutated IDH2 and polycomb group of proteins upon PEG-AuNPs@Hyp/light exposure regulates mitochondria-targeting-mediated GBM metabolism with epigenetic repression of complex machinery function. Polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of EZH1 indicate the implication of these polycomb proteins in GBM progression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals the IDH2 and EZH1/EZH2 direct interaction, confirming the role played by IDH2 in modulating the expression of EZH1 and EZH2. In vivo studies further displayed better tumor ablation in a GBM tumor-bearing nude mouse model. The present multimodal nanoformulation compromised the functional dependency of polycomb on mitochondrial IDH2 and established the mechanism of GBM inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Kaundal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
| | - Surajit Karmakar
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
| | - Subhasree Roy Choudhury
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
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6
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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7
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EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112532. [PMID: 34906772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.
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8
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The Pivotal Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase in the Glioma Microenvironment: Its Biomarker and Therapy Potentials. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2021; 2021:4907167. [PMID: 34745848 PMCID: PMC8566080 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4907167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase that encrypts a member of the Polycomb group (PcG) family. EZH2 forms a repressive chromatin structure which eventually participates in regulating the development as well as lineage propagation of stem cells and glioma progression. Posttranslational modifications are distinct approaches for the adjusted modification of EZH2 in the development of cancer. The amino acid succession of EZH2 protein makes it appropriate for covalent modifications, like phosphorylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. The glioma microenvironment is a dynamic component that comprises, besides glioma cells and glioma stem cells, a complex network that comprises diverse cell types like endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia as well as stromal components, soluble factors, and the extracellular membrane. EZH2 is well recognized as an essential modulator of cell invasion as well as metastasis in glioma. EZH2 oversecretion was implicated in the malfunction of several fundamental signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Ras and NF-κB signaling, PI3K/AKT signaling, β-adrenergic receptor signaling, and bone morphogenetic protein as well as NOTCH signaling pathways. EZH2 was more secreted in glioblastoma multiforme than in low-grade gliomas as well as extremely secreted in U251 and U87 human glioma cells. Thus, the blockade of EZH2 expression in glioma could be of therapeutic value for patients with glioma. The suppression of EZH2 gene secretion was capable of reversing temozolomide resistance in patients with glioma. EZH2 is a promising therapeutic as well as prognostic biomarker for the treatment of glioma.
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9
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Targeting AXL kinase sensitizes leukemic stem and progenitor cells to venetoclax treatment in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2021; 137:3641-3655. [PMID: 33786587 PMCID: PMC8462401 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL activity is upregulated in AML stem/progenitor cells, so a novel AXL inhibitor with favorable pharmaceutical properties was developed. AXL inhibition sensitizes AML cells to venetoclax, with strong synergistic effects via AXL/BCL-2–mediated oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathways.
The abundance of genetic abnormalities and phenotypic heterogeneities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) poses significant challenges to the development of improved treatments. Here, we demonstrated that a key growth arrest-specific gene 6/AXL axis is highly activated in cells from patients with AML, particularly in stem/progenitor cells. We developed a potent selective AXL inhibitor that has favorable pharmaceutical properties and efficacy against preclinical patient-derived xenotransplantation (PDX) models of AML. Importantly, inhibition of AXL sensitized AML stem/progenitor cells to venetoclax treatment, with strong synergistic effects in vitro and in PDX models. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA-sequencing and functional validation studies uncovered that AXL inhibition, alone or in combination with venetoclax, potentially targets intrinsic metabolic vulnerabilities of AML stem/progenitor cells and shows a distinct transcriptomic profile and inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of AXL or BCL-2 also differentially targets key signaling proteins to synergize in leukemic cell killing. These findings have a direct translational impact on the treatment of AML and other cancers with high AXL activity.
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10
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von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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11
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Du XH, Wei H, Qu GX, Tian ZC, Yao WT, Cai QQ. Gene expression regulations by long noncoding RNAs and their roles in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152983. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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12
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Meel MH, de Gooijer MC, Metselaar DS, Sewing ACP, Zwaan K, Waranecki P, Breur M, Buil LCM, Lagerweij T, Wedekind LE, Twisk JWR, Koster J, Hashizume R, Raabe EH, Montero Carcaboso Á, Bugiani M, Phoenix TN, van Tellingen O, van Vuurden DG, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Combined Therapy of AXL and HDAC Inhibition Reverses Mesenchymal Transition in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3319-3332. [PMID: 32165429 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable type of pediatric brain cancer, which in the majority of cases is driven by mutations in genes encoding histone 3 (H3K27M). We here determined the preclinical therapeutic potential of combined AXL and HDAC inhibition in these tumors to reverse their mesenchymal, therapy-resistant, phenotype. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used public databases and patient-derived DIPG cells to identify putative drivers of the mesenchymal transition in these tumors. Patient-derived neurospheres, xenografts, and allografts were used to determine the therapeutic potential of combined AXL/HDAC inhibition for the treatment of DIPG. RESULTS We identified AXL as a therapeutic target and regulator of the mesenchymal transition in DIPG. Combined AXL and HDAC inhibition had a synergistic and selective antitumor effect on H3K27M DIPG cells. Treatment of DIPG cells with the AXL inhibitor BGB324 and the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat resulted in a decreased expression of mesenchymal and stem cell genes. Moreover, this combination treatment decreased expression of DNA damage repair genes in DIPG cells, strongly sensitizing them to radiation. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that BGB324, like panobinostat, crosses the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, treatment of patient-derived DIPG xenograft and murine DIPG allograft-bearing mice with BGB324 and panobinostat resulted in a synergistic antitumor effect and prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS Combined inhibition of AXL and HDACs in DIPG cells results in a synergistic antitumor effect by reversing their mesenchymal, stem cell-like, therapy-resistant phenotype. As such, this treatment combination may serve as part of a future multimodal therapeutic strategy for DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Meel
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C de Gooijer
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis S Metselaar
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A Charlotte P Sewing
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kenn Zwaan
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Levi C M Buil
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tonny Lagerweij
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurine E Wedekind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ángel Montero Carcaboso
- Preclinical Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Research Program, Department of Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy N Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati/Research in Patient Services, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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13
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Antibody-directed metal-organic framework nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Acta Biomater 2020; 103:223-236. [PMID: 31843718 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanosized metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) have shown great promise as high-capacity carriers for a variety of applications. For biomedicine, numerous nMOFs have been proposed that can transport virtually any molecular drug, can finely tune their payload release profile, etc. However, perspectives of their applications for the targeted drug delivery remain relatively unclear. So far, only a few works have reported specific cell targeting by nMOFs exclusively through small ligands such as folic acid or RGD peptides. Here we show feasibility of targeted drug delivery to specific cancer cells in vitro with nMOFs functionalized with such universal tool as an antibody. We demonstrate ca. 120 nm magnetic core/MOFs shell nanoagents loaded with doxorubicin/daunorubicin and coupled with an antibody though a hydrophilic carbohydrate interface. We show that carboxymethyl-dextran coating of nMOFs allows extensive loading of the drug molecules (up to 15.7 mg/g), offers their sustained release in physiological media and preserves antibody specificity. Reliable performance of the agents is illustrated with trastuzumab-guided selective targeting and killing of HER2/neu-positive breast cancer cells in vitro. The approach expands the scope of nMOF applications and can serve as a platform for the development of potent theranostic nanoagents. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The unique combination of exceptional drug capacity and controlled release, biodegradability and low toxicity makes nanosized metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) nearly ideal drug vehicles for various biomedical applications. Unfortunately, the prospective of nMOF applications for the targeted drug delivery is still unclear since only a few examples have been reported for nMOF cell targeting, exclusively for small ligands. In this work, we fill the important gap and demonstrate nanoagent that can specifically kill target cancer cells via drug delivery based on recognition of HER2/neu cell surface receptors by such universal and specific tool as antibodies. The proposed approach is universal and can be adapted for specific biomedical tasks using antibodies of any specificity and nMOFs of a various composition.
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AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a promising anti-cancer approach: functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:153. [PMID: 31684958 PMCID: PMC6827209 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy for cancer has been a research hotspot for decades. AXL is a member of the TAM family with the high-affinity ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6). The Gas6/AXL signalling pathway is associated with tumour cell growth, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation and stem cell maintenance. Different therapeutic agents targeting AXL have been developed, typically including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nucleotide aptamers, soluble receptors, and several natural compounds. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, regulation, and signalling pathways of AXL. Then, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of cancer.AXL-targeted drugs, either as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other small molecule inhibitors, are likely to improve the survival of many patients. However, future investigations into AXL molecular signalling networks and robust predictive biomarkers are warranted to select patients who could receive clinical benefit and to avoid potential toxicities.
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15
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Ravi V, Madhankumar AB, Abraham T, Slagle-Webb B, Connor JR. Liposomal delivery of ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) siRNA in patient xenograft derived glioblastoma initiating cells suggests different sensitivities to radiation and distinct survival mechanisms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221952. [PMID: 31491006 PMCID: PMC6730865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of the iron regulatory protein, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), is increasingly being associated with high tumor grade and poor survival outcomes in glioblastoma. Glioma initiating cells (GICs), a small population of stem-like cells implicated in therapeutic resistance and glioblastoma recurrence, have recently been shown to exhibit increased FTH1 expression. We previously demonstrated that FTH1 knockdown enhanced therapeutic sensitivity in an astrocytoma cell line. Therefore, in this study we developed a liposomal formulation to enable the in vitro delivery of FTH1 siRNA in patient xenograft derived GICs from glioblastomas with pro-neural and mesenchymal transcriptional signatures to interrogate the effect of FTH1 downregulation on their radiation sensitivity. Transfection with siRNA decreased FTH1 expression significantly in both GICs. However, there were inherent differences in transfectability between pro-neural and mesenchymal tumor derived GICs, leading us to modify siRNA: liposome ratios for comparable transfection. Moreover, loss of FTH1 expression resulted in increased extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity, executioner caspase 3/7 induction, substantial mitochondrial damage, diminished mitochondrial mass and reduced cell viability. However, only GICs from pro-neural glioblastoma showed marked increase in radiosensitivity upon FTH1 downregulation demonstrated by decreased cell viability, impaired DNA repair and reduced colony formation subsequent to radiation. In addition, the stemness marker Nestin was downregulated upon FTH1 silencing only in GICs of pro-neural but not mesenchymal origin. Using liposomes as a siRNA delivery system, we established FTH1 as a critical factor for survival in both GIC subtypes as well as a regulator of radioresistance and stemness in pro-neural tumor derived GICs. Our study provides further evidence to support the role of FTH1 as a promising target in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagisha Ravi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Becky Slagle-Webb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James R. Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Yan J, Xu C, Li Y, Tang B, Xie S, Hong T, Zeng E. Long non-coding RNA LINC00526 represses glioma progression via forming a double negative feedback loop with AXL. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5518-5531. [PMID: 31240814 PMCID: PMC6653591 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary intracranial carcinoma with extremely poor prognosis. The significances of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in glioma have been started revealed. However, the expression, roles and molecular mechanisms of most lncRNAs in glioma are still unknown. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA LINC00526, which is significantly low expressed in glioma. Low expression of LINC00526 is correlated with aggravation and poor survival in glioma. Functional assays revealed that ectopic expression of LINC00526 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LINC00526 silencing promotes glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we found that LINC00526 directly interacts with EZH2, represses the binding of EZH2 to AXL promoter, attenuates the transcriptional activating roles of EZH2 on AXL, and therefore represses AXL expression. Via repressing AXL, LINC00526 further represses PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signalling. Intriguingly, we identified that NFKB1 and NFKB2 directly binds LINC00526 promoter and represses LINC00526 transcription. We further found that via activating NF‐κB signalling, AXL represses LINC00526 transcription. Therefore, LINC00526/EZH2/AXL/PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB form a feedback loop in glioma. Analysis of the TCGA data revealed that the expression of LINC00526 is inversely correlated with that of AXL in glioma tissues. In addition, functional rescue assays revealed that the tumour suppressive roles of LINC00526 are dependent on the negative regulation of AXL. Collectively, our data identified LINC00526 as a tumour suppressor in glioma via forming a double negative feedback loop with AXL. Our data also suggested LINC00526 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic candidate for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Youping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shenhao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Erming Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Kaundal B, Srivastava AK, Sardoiwala MN, Karmakar S, Choudhury SR. A NIR-responsive indocyanine green-genistein nanoformulation to control the polycomb epigenetic machinery for the efficient combinatorial photo/chemotherapy of glioblastoma. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2019; 1:2188-2207. [PMID: 36131972 PMCID: PMC9419092 DOI: 10.1039/c9na00212j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Combinatorial photodynamics and chemotherapy have drawn enormous attention as therapeutic modalities via precise stimuli-responsive drug delivery for glioblastoma, which can overcome the limitations associated with conventional therapies. Herein, we have prepared an indocyanine green tagged, genistein encapsulated casein nanoformulation (ICG-Gen@CasNPs) that exhibits the near infra-red region responsive controlled release of genistein and enhanced cellular uptake in the human glioblastoma monolayer and a three-dimensional raft culture model via the enhanced retention effect. ICG-Gen@CasNPs, with the integrated photosensitizer indocyanine green within the nanoformulation, triggered oxidative stress, activating the apoptosis cascade, promoting cell cycle arrest and damaging the mitochondrial membrane potential, collectively directing glioblastoma cell death. The suppression of the polycomb group of proteins in the glioblastoma upon ICG-Gen@CasNPs/NIR exposure revealed the involvement of the epigenetic repression complex machinery in the regulation. Furthermore, ICG-Gen@CasNPs/PDT/PTT directed ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of EZH2 and BMI1 indicates the implication of the polycomb in conferring glioblastoma survival. The increased activation of the apoptotic pathways and the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species upon inhibiting the expression of EZH2 and BMI1 strengthen our observations. It is worth noting that ICG-Gen@CasNPs robustly accumulated in the brain after crossing the blood-brain barrier, which represents the eminent biocompatibility and means that the system is devoid of any nonspecific toxicity in vivo. Moreover, a superior anti-tumor effect was demonstrated on a three-dimensional glioma spheroid model. Thus, this combinatorial chemo/photodynamic therapy revealed that ICG-Gen@CasNPs mediated epigenetic regulation, which is a crucial molecular mechanism of GBM suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Kaundal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre Phase-10, Sector 64 Mohali Punjab India
| | - Anup K Srivastava
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre Phase-10, Sector 64 Mohali Punjab India
| | | | - Surajit Karmakar
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre Phase-10, Sector 64 Mohali Punjab India
| | - Subhasree Roy Choudhury
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre Phase-10, Sector 64 Mohali Punjab India
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Dihydroartemisinin inhibits prostate cancer via JARID2/miR-7/miR-34a-dependent downregulation of Axl. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:14. [PMID: 30783079 PMCID: PMC6381097 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Axl expression is deregulated in several cancer types, predicts poor overall patient survival and is linked to resistance to drug therapy. Here, we evaluated a library of natural compounds for inhibitors of Axl and identified dihydroartemisinin, the active principle of the anti-malarial drug artemisinin, as an Axl-inhibitor in prostate cancer. Dihydroartemisinin blocks Axl expression leading to apoptosis, decrease in cell proliferation, migration, and tumor development of prostate cancer cells. Dihydroartemisinin treatment synergizes with docetaxel, a standard of care in metastatic prostate cancer increasing overall survival of mice with human xenografts. Dihydroartemisinin control of miR-34a and miR-7 expression leads to inhibition of Axl expression in a process at least partially dependent on regulation of chromatin via methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 residues by Jumonji, AT-rich interaction domain containing 2 (JARID2), and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2. Our discovery of a previously unidentified miR-34a/miR-7/JARID2 pathway controlling dihydroartemisinin effects on Axl expression and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor formation provides new molecular mechanistic insights into dihydroartemisinin anticancer effect on prostate cancer with potential therapeutic implications.
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19
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Circadian regulator NR1D2 regulates glioblastoma cell proliferation and motility. Oncogene 2018; 37:4838-4853. [PMID: 29773903 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor NR1D2 is originally characterized as the repressor of genes involved in circadian rhythm. Recently, it is documented that NR1D2 is overexpressed in various cancers. However, the pathways and biological functions that NR1D2 involved in cancers remain poorly understood. Here, we reported that NR1D2 was abundant in human glioblastoma (GBM) tissue and cell lines but not primary human astrocytes. Silencing of NR1D2 changed the morphology of GBM cells, inhibited cell proliferation and motility, whereas had no effects on apoptosis. Importantly, based on RNA-seq and ChIP assay, we identified receptor tyrosine kinase AXL as a new transcriptional target of NR1D2 in GBM cells. AXL mediated partially the regulatory effects of NR1D2 on PI3K/AKT axis and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells. Besides, NR1D2 knockdown remarkably impaired the maturation of focal adhesion and assembly of F-actin, along with downregulated p-FAK, and proteins involved in actin nucleation and polymerization (p-Rac1/Cdc42, WAVE and PFN2). Moreover, NR1D2 had more targets other than AXL to regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cell motility in GBM cells. Altogether, our findings uncover a GBM-promoting role of NR1D2 and provide the rationale for targeting NR1D2 as a potential therapeutic approach.
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Migration/Invasion of Malignant Gliomas and Implications for Therapeutic Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041115. [PMID: 29642503 PMCID: PMC5979613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are among cancers with the poorest prognosis, indicated by their association with tumors of high-level morbidity and mortality. Gliomas, the most common primary CNS tumors that arise from neuroglial stem or progenitor cells, have estimated annual incidence of 6.6 per 100,000 individuals in the USA, and 3.5 per 100,000 individuals in Taiwan. Tumor invasion and metastasis are the major contributors to the deaths in cancer patients. Therapeutic goals including cancer stem cells (CSC), phenotypic shifts, EZH2/AXL/TGF-β axis activation, miRNAs and exosomes are relevant to GBM metastasis to develop novel targeted therapeutics for GBM and other brain cancers. Herein, we highlight tumor metastasis in our understanding of gliomas, and illustrate novel exosome therapeutic approaches in glioma, thereby paving the way towards innovative therapies in neuro-oncology.
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21
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Shafit-Zagardo B, Gruber RC, DuBois JC. The role of TAM family receptors and ligands in the nervous system: From development to pathobiology. Pharmacol Ther 2018. [PMID: 29514053 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk, referred to as the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases, are instrumental in maintaining cell survival and homeostasis in mammals. TAM receptors interact with multiple signaling molecules to regulate cell migration, survival, phagocytosis and clearance of metabolic products and cell debris called efferocytosis. The TAMs also function as rheostats to reduce the expression of proinflammatory molecules and prevent autoimmunity. All three TAM receptors are activated in a concentration-dependent manner by the vitamin K-dependent growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6). Gas6 and the TAMs are abundantly expressed in the nervous system. Gas6, secreted by neurons and endothelial cells, is the sole ligand for Axl. ProteinS1 (ProS1), another vitamin K-dependent protein functions mainly as an anti-coagulant, and independent of this function can activate Tyro3 and Mertk, but not Axl. This review will focus on the role of the TAM receptors and their ligands in the nervous system. We highlight studies that explore the function of TAM signaling in myelination, the visual cortex, neural cancers, and multiple sclerosis (MS) using Gas6-/- and TAM mutant mice models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Shafit-Zagardo
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Pathology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States.
| | - Ross C Gruber
- Sanofi, Neuroinflammation and MS Research, 49 New York Ave, Framingham, MA 01701, United States
| | - Juwen C DuBois
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Pathology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
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22
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The Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Derived Compounds Targeting Brain Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020395. [PMID: 29385679 PMCID: PMC5855617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and malignant forms of brain tumors. Despite recent advances in operative and postoperative treatments, it is almost impossible to perform complete resection of these tumors owing to their invasive and diffuse nature. Several natural plant-derived products, however, have been demonstrated to have promising therapeutic effects, such that they may serve as resources for anticancer drug discovery. The therapeutic effects of one such plant product, n-butylidenephthalide (BP), are wide-ranging in nature, including impacts on cancer cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cancer cell senescence. The compound also exhibits a relatively high level of penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Taken together, its actions have been shown to have anti-proliferative, anti-chemoresistance, anti-invasion, anti-migration, and anti-dissemination effects against GBM. In addition, a local drug delivery system for the subcutaneous and intracranial implantation of BP wafers that significantly reduce tumor size in xenograft models, as well as orthotopic and spontaneous brain tumors in animal models, has been developed. Isochaihulactone (ICL), another kind of plant product, possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including impacts on cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as anti-proliferative and anti-chemoresistance effects. Furthermore, these actions have been specifically shown to have cancer-fighting effects on GBM. In short, the results of various studies reviewed herein have provided substantial evidence indicating that BP and ICH are promising novel anticancer compounds with good potential for clinical applications.
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Abstract
A major challenge in anticancer treatment is the pre-existence or emergence of resistance to therapy. AXL and MER are two members of the TAM (TYRO3-AXL-MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which, when activated, can regulate tumor cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-host interactions. An increasing body of evidence strongly suggests that these receptors play major roles in resistance to targeted therapies and conventional cytotoxic agents. Multiple resistance mechanisms exist, including the direct and indirect crosstalk of AXL and MER with other receptors and the activation of feedback loops regulating AXL and MER expression and activity. These mechanisms may be innate, adaptive, or acquired. A principal role of AXL appears to be in sustaining a mesenchymal phenotype, itself a major mechanism of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies. Both AXL and MER play a role in the repression of the innate immune response which may also limit response to treatment. Small molecule and antibody inhibitors of AXL and MER have recently been described, and some of these have already entered clinical trials. The optimal design of treatment strategies to maximize the clinical benefit of these AXL and MER targeting agents are discussed in relation to the different cancer types and the types of resistance encountered. One of the major challenges to successful development of these therapies will be the application of robust predictive biomarkers for clear-cut patient stratification.
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Sharma V, Malgulwar PB, Purkait S, Patil V, Pathak P, Agrawal R, Kulshreshtha R, Mallick S, Julka PK, Suri A, Sharma BS, Suri V, Sharma MC, Sarkar C. Genome-wide ChIP-seq analysis of EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 target gene profile highlights differences between low- and high-grade astrocytic tumors. Carcinogenesis 2017; 38:152-161. [PMID: 27993893 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog-2(EZH2) is a key epigenetic regulator that functions as oncogene and also known for inducing altered trimethylation of histone at lysine-27 (H3K27me3) mark in various tumors. However, H3K27me3 targets and their precise relationship with gene expression are largely unknown in astrocytic tumors. In this study, we checked EZH2 messenger RNA and protein expression in 90 astrocytic tumors of different grades using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Further, genome-wide ChIP-seq analysis for H3K27me3 modification was also performed on 11 glioblastomas (GBMs) and 2 diffuse astrocytoma (DA) samples. Our results showed EZH2 to be highly overexpressed in astrocytic tumors with a significant positive correlation with grade. Interestingly, ChIP-seq mapping revealed distinct differences in genes and pathways targeted by these H3K27me3 modifications between GBM versus DA. Neuroactive ligand receptor pathway was found most enriched in GBM (P = 9.4 × 10-25), whereas DA were found to be enriched in metabolic pathways. Also, GBM showed a higher enrichment of H3K27me3 targets reported in embryonic stem cells and glioma stem cells as compared with DAs. Our results show majority of these H3K27me3 target genes were downregulated, not only due to H3K27me3 modification but also due to concomitant DNA methylation. Further, H3K27me3 modification-associated gene silencing was not restricted to promoter but also present in gene body and transcription start site regions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first high-resolution genome-wide mapping of H3K27me3 modification in adult astrocytic primary tissue samples of human, highlighting the differences between grades. Interestingly, we identified SLC25A23 as important target of H3K27me3 modification, which was downregulated in GBM and its low expression was associated with poor prognosis in GBMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Prit Benny Malgulwar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Suvendu Purkait
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vikas Patil
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Pankaj Pathak
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rahul Agrawal
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ritu Kulshreshtha
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | | | | | - Ashish Suri
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Bhawani Shankar Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vaishali Suri
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mehar Chand Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
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n-Butylidenephthalide Regulated Tumor Stem Cell Genes EZH2/AXL and Reduced Its Migration and Invasion in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020372. [PMID: 28208648 PMCID: PMC5343907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common and aggressive types of brain tumor. Due to its highly recurrent rate and poor prognosis, the overall survival time with this type of tumor is only 20–21 months. Recent knowledge suggests that its recurrence is in part due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display radioresistant, chemoresistant, self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. Enhancers of Zeste 2 (EZH2) and AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) are both highly expressed in GBM. Additionally, they are an essential regulator involved in CSCs maintenance, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, metastasis and patient survival. In this study, we used a small molecule, n-butylidenephthalide (BP), to assess the anti-GBM stem-like cells potential, and then tried to find out the associated genes involved with regulation in migration and invasion. We demonstrated that BP reduced the expression of AXL and stemness related genes in a dose-dependent manner. The migratory and invasive capabilities of GBM stem-like cells could be reduced by AXL/EZH2. Finally, in the overexpression of AXL, EZH2 and Sox2 by transfection in GBM stem-like cells, we found that AXL/EZH2/TGF-β1, but not Sox2, might be a key regulator in tumor invasion, migration and EMT. These results might help in the development of a new anticancer compound and can be a target for treating GBM.
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Gay CM, Balaji K, Byers LA. Giving AXL the axe: targeting AXL in human malignancy. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:415-423. [PMID: 28072762 PMCID: PMC5318970 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, activated by a complex interaction between its ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 and phosphatidylserine, regulates various vital cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, motility, and immunologic response. Although not implicated as an oncogenic driver itself, AXL, a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is overexpressed in several haematologic and solid malignancies, including acute myeloid leukaemia, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric and colorectal adenocarcinomas, and breast and prostate cancers. In the context of malignancy, evidence suggests that AXL overexpression drives wide-ranging processes, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition, tumour angiogenesis, resistance to chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, and decreased antitumor immune response. As a result, AXL is an attractive candidate not only as a prognostic biomarker in malignancy but also as a target for anticancer therapies. Several AXL inhibitors are currently in preclinical and clinical development. This article reviews the structure, regulation, and function of AXL; the role of AXL in the tumour microenvironment; the development of AXL as a therapeutic target; and areas of ongoing and future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl M Gay
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kavitha Balaji
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren Averett Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ferreira WAS, Pinheiro DDR, Costa Junior CAD, Rodrigues-Antunes S, Araújo MD, Leão Barros MB, Teixeira ACDS, Faro TAS, Burbano RR, Oliveira EHCD, Harada ML, Borges BDN. An update on the epigenetics of glioblastomas. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1289-305. [PMID: 27585647 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults, exhibiting notable variability at the histopathological, genetic and epigenetic levels. Recently, epigenetic alterations have emerged as a common hallmark of many tumors, including GBM. Considering that a deeper understanding of the epigenetic modifications that occur in GBM may increase the knowledge regarding the tumorigenesis, progression and recurrence of this disease, in this review we discuss the recent major advances in GBM epigenetics research involving histone modification, glioblastoma stem cells, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs expression, including their main alterations and the use of epigenetic therapy as a valid option for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Danilo do Rosário Pinheiro
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Carlos Antonio da Costa Junior
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Symara Rodrigues-Antunes
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Mariana Diniz Araújo
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Mariceli Baia Leão Barros
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Adriana Corrêa de Souza Teixeira
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Thamirys Aline Silva Faro
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Lúcia Harada
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Bárbara do Nascimento Borges
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA)-Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Cho CY, Huang JS, Shiah SG, Chung SY, Lay JD, Yang YY, Lai GM, Cheng AL, Chen LT, Chuang SE. Negative feedback regulation of AXL by miR-34a modulates apoptosis in lung cancer cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 22:303-15. [PMID: 26667302 PMCID: PMC4712679 DOI: 10.1261/rna.052571.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed in cancers and is important in cancer invasion/metastasis and chemoresistance. Here, we demonstrate a regulatory feedback loop between AXL and microRNA (miRNA) at the post-transcriptional level. Both the GAS6-binding domain and the kinase domain of AXL, particularly the Y779 tyrosine phosphorylation site, are shown to be crucial for this autoregulation. To clarify the role of miRNAs in this regulation loop, approaches using bioinformatics and molecular techniques were applied, revealing that miR-34a may target the 3' UTR of AXL mRNA to inhibit AXL expression. Interestingly and importantly, AXL overexpression may induce miR-34a expression by activating the transcription factor ELK1 via the JNK signaling pathway. In addition, ectopic overexpression of ELK1 promotes apoptosis through, in part, down-regulation of AXL. Therefore, we propose that AXL is autoregulated by miR-34a in a feedback loop; this may provide a novel opportunity for developing AXL-targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Cho
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Jhy-Shrian Huang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan Health Examination Center, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
| | - Shine-Gwo Shiah
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ying Chung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Ding Lay
- Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40401, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yu Yang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Gi-Ming Lai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan Departments of Internal Medicine and Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Shuang-En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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Yin Y, Qiu S, Peng Y. Functional roles of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 in gliomas. Gene 2015; 576:189-94. [PMID: 26435191 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and lethal type of primary malignant brain tumor. Due to the infiltrative nature and high resistance to standard first line treatment with combinations of radiation and chemotherapy, the prognosis of patient is very poor. Recently, accumulated evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) serves as an oncogene and is involved in multiple glioma cell processes, including cell cycle, invasion, glioma stem cell maintenance, drug and radiotherapy resistance and so on. In this review, we will focus on updating current knowledge of EZH2 in gliomas. Moreover, the regulation of EZH2 by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs and the therapeutic strategies targeting EZH2 for gliomas will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Yin
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shuwei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Maleszewska M, Kaminska B. Deregulation of histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin structure modifiers contributes to glioma development. Future Oncol 2015; 11:2587-601. [PMID: 26289459 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic landscape is deregulated in cancer due to aberrant activation or inactivation of enzymes maintaining and modifying the epigenome. Histone modifications and global aberrations at the histone level may result in distorted patterns of gene expression, and malfunction of proteins that regulate chromatin modification and remodeling. Recent whole genome studies demonstrated that histones and chaperone proteins harbor mutations that may result in gross alterations of the epigenome leading to genome instability. Glioma development is a multistep process, involving genetic and epigenetic alterations. This review summarizes newly identified mechanisms affecting expression/functions of histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin modifiers in gliomas. We discuss recent approaches to overcome epigenetic alterations with histone-modifying enzyme inhibitors and their prospects for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maleszewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Purkait S, Sharma V, Jha P, Sharma MC, Suri V, Suri A, Sharma BS, Sarkar C. EZH2 expression in gliomas: Correlation with CDKN2A gene deletion/ p16 loss and MIB-1 proliferation index. Neuropathology 2015; 35:421-31. [PMID: 26096306 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) mediated down-regulation of CDKN2A/p16 has been observed in cell lines as well as in a few carcinomas. However, there is no study correlating EZH2 expression with CDKN2A/p16 status in gliomas. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate EZH2 expression in astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors and correlate with CDKN2A/p16 status as well as MIB-1 labeling index (LI). Gliomas of all grades (n = 118) were studied using immunohistochemistry to assess EZH2, p16 and MIB-1 LI and fluorescence in situ hybrization to evaluate CDKN2A gene status. EZH2 expression and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (HD) were both significantly more frequent in high-grade gliomas (HGG). Further, strong EZH2 expression (LI ≥ 25%) was significantly more common in HGGs without CDKN2A HD (48.7%; 19/39) as compared to cases with deletion (15.8%; 3/19). Loss of p16 expression was noted in 100% and 51.3% of CDKN2A deleted and non-deleted tumors, respectively. Notably, 80% (16/20) of the CDKN2A non-deleted HGGs with p16 loss had strong EZH2 expression, in contrast to only 15.8% (3/19) in the deleted group. Loss of p16 expression significantly correlated with MIB-1 LI, irrespective of EZH2 status. Thus, this study shows that EZH2 expression correlates with tumor grade in both astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors and hence can be used as a diagnostic marker to differentiate between low and HGGs. Further, this is the first report demonstrating an inverse correlation of strong EZH2 expression with CDKN2A HD in HGGs. Loss of p16 protein expression is mostly attributable to CDKN2A HD and correlates significantly with MIB-1 LI. Notably, our study for the first time suggests a possible epigenetic mechanism of p16 loss in CDKN2A non-deleted HGGs mediated by strong EZH2 expression. A hypothetical model for control of proliferative activity in low versus HGGs is therefore proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvendu Purkait
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Prerana Jha
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Mehar Chand Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Vaishali Suri
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Suri
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - B S Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
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Vouri M, An Q, Birt M, Pilkington GJ, Hafizi S. Small molecule inhibition of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase potently suppresses multiple malignant properties of glioma cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:16183-97. [PMID: 25980499 PMCID: PMC4599264 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) often features a combination of tumour suppressor gene inactivation and multiple oncogene overactivation. The Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is found overexpressed in GBM and thought to contribute to invasiveness, chemoresistance and poor survival. Here, we have evaluated the effect of BGB324, a clinical candidate Axl-specific small molecule inhibitor, on the invasive behaviour of human GBM cells in vitro, as an indicator of its potential in GBM therapy and also to elucidate the role of Axl in GBM pathogenesis.Two cultured adult GBM cell lines, SNB-19 and UP007, were treated with Gas6 and/or BGB324, and analysed in assays for survival, 3D colony growth, motility, migration and invasion. Western blot was used to detect protein expression and signal protein phosphorylation. In both cell lines, BGB324 inhibited specifically phosphorylation of Axl as well as Akt kinase further downstream. BGB324 also inhibited survival and proliferation of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as completely suppressing migration and invasion. Furthermore, our results indicate co-operative activation between the Axl and Tyro3 receptors, as well as ligand-independent Axl signalling, to take place in GBM cells. In conclusion, small molecule inhibitor-led targeting of Axl may be a promising therapy for GBM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaella Vouri
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Qian An
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew Birt
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Geoffrey J. Pilkington
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sassan Hafizi
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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Lin L, Zheng Y, Tu Y, Wang Z, Liu H, Lu X, Xu L, Yuan J. MicroRNA-144 suppresses tumorigenesis and tumor progression of astrocytoma by targeting EZH2. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:971-80. [PMID: 25907866 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) overexpression may be associated with aggressive tumor progression and poor prognosis in human astrocytoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of EZH2 on astrocytoma tumorigenesis. An online program miRWalk (http://www.umm.uni-heidelberg.de/apps/zmf/mirwalk/) was used to predict possible microRNAs (miRNAs) that might target EZH2 messenger RNA (mRNA). Then the functions of the miRNA-EZH2 mRNA axis in astrocytoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were also assessed. We further evaluated the clinical value of the miRNA-EZH2 mRNA axis in astrocytomas. As a result, we identified EZH2 as a target gene of miR-144. In addition, forced expression of miR-144 suppressed astrocytoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by down-regulating EZH2. Moreover, miR-144 down-regulation and EZH2 mRNA up-regulation were both significantly associated with advanced World Health Organization grades and low Karnofsky performance status score of astrocytoma patients. Importantly, survival analysis identified the combined expression of miR-144 and EZH2 (miR-144/EZH2) as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in astrocytoma patients. In conclusion, miR-144 may function as a tumor suppressor by regulating EZH2 expression, and miR-144/EZH2 expression may be a highly sensitive marker for the prognosis in astrocytoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvbiao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yungui Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Xiaowen Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Liepeng Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China.
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Veliz I, Loo Y, Castillo O, Karachaliou N, Nigro O, Rosell R. Advances and challenges in the molecular biology and treatment of glioblastoma-is there any hope for the future? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2015; 3:7. [PMID: 25705639 PMCID: PMC4293478 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2014.10.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), present some of the greatest challenges in the management of cancer patients worldwide. Even with aggressive surgical resections and recent advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for GBM patients remains dismal and quality of life is poor. Although new molecular pathways crucial to the biology and invasive ability of GBM are coming to light, translation of basic science achievements into clinical practice is slow. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications arising from both disease and treatment. To help illustrate "where we are going" with GBM, we here include a detailed depiction of the molecular alterations underlying this fatal disease, as well as intensive research over the past two decades that has led to considerable advances in the understanding of basic GBM biology, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.
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Abstract
The control of cellular growth and proliferation is key to the maintenance of homeostasis. Survival, proliferation, and arrest are regulated, in part, by Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) through binding to members of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Activation of the TAM receptors leads to downstream signaling through common kinases, but the exact mechanism within each cellular context varies and remains to be completely elucidated. Deregulation of the TAM family, due to its central role in mediating cellular proliferation, has been implicated in multiple diseases. Axl was cloned as the first TAM receptor in a search for genes involved in the progression of chronic to acute-phase leukemia, and has since been established as playing a critical role in the progression of cancer. The oncogenic nature of Axl is demonstrated through its activation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its recent discovery, significant progress has been made in the development of effective clinical therapeutics targeting Axl. In order to accurately define the role of Axl in normal and diseased processes, it must be analyzed in a cell type-specific context.
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Ott M, Litzenburger UM, Rauschenbach KJ, Bunse L, Ochs K, Sahm F, Pusch S, Opitz CA, Blaes J, von Deimling A, Wick W, Platten M. Suppression of TDO-mediated tryptophan catabolism in glioblastoma cells by a steroid-responsive FKBP52-dependent pathway. Glia 2014; 63:78-90. [PMID: 25132599 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan catabolism is increasingly recognized as a key and druggable molecular mechanism active in cancer, immune, and glioneural cells and involved in the modulation of antitumor immunity, autoimmunity and glioneural function. In addition to the pivotal rate limiting enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, expression of tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) has recently been described as an alternative pathway responsible for constitutive tryptophan degradation in malignant gliomas and other types of cancer. In addition, TDO has been implicated as a key regulator of neurotoxicity involved in neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. The pathways regulating TDO expression, however, are largely unknown. Here, a siRNA-based transcription factor profiling in human glioblastoma cells revealed that the expression of human TDO is suppressed by endogenous glucocorticoid signaling. Similarly, treatment of glioblastoma cells with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone led to a reduction of TDO expression and activity in vitro and in vivo. TDO inhibition was dependent on the immunophilin FKBP52, whose FK1 domain physically interacted with the glucocorticoid receptor as demonstrated by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and in situ proximity ligation assays. Accordingly, gene expression profile analyses revealed negative correlation of FKBP52 and TDO in glial and neural tumors and in normal brain. Knockdown of FKBP52 and treatment with the FK-binding immunosuppressant FK506 enhanced TDO expression and activity in glioblastoma cells. In summary, we identify a novel steroid-responsive FKBP52-dependent pathway suppressing the expression and activity of TDO, a central and rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan metabolism, in human gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ott
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
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Bian EB, Li J, He XJ, Zong G, Jiang T, Li J, Zhao B. Epigenetic modification in gliomas: role of the histone methyltransferase EZH2. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1197-206. [PMID: 25046371 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.941807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gliomas are characterized by increased anaplasia, malignization, proliferation and invasion. They exhibit high resistance to standard treatment with combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They are currently the most common primary malignancy tumors in the brain that is related to a high mortality rate. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that EZH2 is involved in a number of glioma cell processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and angiogenesis. AREAS COVERED In this review, we emphasize the role of EZH2 in gliomas. We also address that EZH2 interacting with DNA methylation mediates transcriptional repression of specific genes in gliomas, and the regulation of EZH2 by microRNAs in gliomas. EXPERT OPINION Although the exact role of EZH2 in gliomas has not been fully elucidated, to understand the role of EZH2 proteins in epigenetic modification will provide valuable insights into the causes of gliomas, and pave the way to the potential future applications of EZH2 in the treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Bao Bian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Department of Neurosurgery , Hefei 230601 , China
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Identification of a population of epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cells with enhanced potential for tumor formation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84324. [PMID: 24376802 PMCID: PMC3869846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma is among the most common cancers in humans. These tumors are comprised of phenotypically diverse populations of cells that display varying potential for proliferation and differentiation. An important goal is identifying cells from this population that drive tumor formation. To enrich for tumor-forming cells, cancer cells were grown as spheroids in non-attached conditions. We show that spheroid-selected cells form faster growing and larger tumors in immune-compromised mice as compared to non-selected cells. Moreover, spheroid-selected cells gave rise to tumors following injection of as few as one hundred cells, suggesting these cells have enhanced tumor-forming potential. Cells isolated from spheroid-selected tumors retain an enhanced ability to grow as spheroids when grown in non-attached culture conditions. Thus, these tumor-forming cells retain their phenotype following in vivo passage as tumors. Detailed analysis reveals that spheroid-selected cultures are highly enriched for expression of epidermal stem cell and embryonic stem cell markers, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, keratin 15, CD200, keratin 19, Oct4, Bmi-1, Ezh2 and trimethylated histone H3. These studies indicate that a subpopulation of cells that possess stem cell-like properties and express stem cell markers can be derived from human epidermal cancer cells and that these cells display enhanced ability to drive tumor formation.
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Combined aberrant expression of Bmi1 and EZH2 is predictive of poor prognosis in glioma patients. J Neurol Sci 2013; 335:191-6. [PMID: 24139839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Bmi1 and EZH2 are involved in tumorigenesis of gliomas. However, clinicopathologic significance of their expression in gliomas is unknown; especially, the prognostic value of combined expression of Bmi1 and EZH2 has not been explored. METHODS Bmi1 and EZH2 expression in human gliomas and nonneoplastic brain tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Both Bmi1 and EZH2 expressions in glioma tissues were significantly higher than those in corresponding nonneoplastic brain tissues (both P<0.001). Additionally, the upregulations of Bmi1 and EZH2 proteins were both significantly associated with advanced WHO grades (both P<0.001) and low KPS (P=0.008 and 0.01, respectively). Moreover, the overall survival of patients with high Bmi1 protein expression (P=0.006) or high EZH2 protein expression (P=0.01) was obviously lower than those with low expressions. More interestingly, glioma patients with combined overexpression of Bmi1 and EZH2 proteins had the shortest overall survival (P<0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that Bmi1n expression (P=0.02), EZH2 expression (P=0.03), and combined expression of Bmi1 and EZH2 (P=0.008), were all independent prognostic factors for overall survival in glioma patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest for the first time that the combination of Bmi1 and EZH2 overexpression may be a highly sensitive marker for the prognosis in glioma patients.
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Venneti S, Garimella MT, Sullivan LM, Martinez D, Huse JT, Heguy A, Santi M, Thompson CB, Judkins AR. Evaluation of histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and enhancer of Zest 2 (EZH2) in pediatric glial and glioneuronal tumors shows decreased H3K27me3 in H3F3A K27M mutant glioblastomas. Brain Pathol 2013; 23:558-64. [PMID: 23414300 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
H3F3A mutations are seen in ∼30% of pediatric glioblastoma (GBMs) and involve either the lysine residue at position 27 (K27M) or glycine at position 34 (G34R/V). Sixteen genes encode histone H3, each variant differing in only a few amino acids. Therefore, how mutations in a single H3 gene contribute to carcinogenesis is unknown. H3F3A K27M mutations are predicted to alter methylation of H3K27. H3K27me3 is a repressive mark critical to stem cell maintenance and is mediated by EZH2, a member of the polycomb-group (PcG) family. We evaluated H3K27me3 and EZH2 expression using immunohistochemistry in 76 pediatric brain tumors. H3K27me3 was lowered/absent in tumor cells but preserved in endothelial cells and infiltrating lymphocytes in six out of 20 GBMs. H3K27me3 showed strong immunoreactivity in all other tumor subtypes. Sequencing of GBMs showed H3F3A K27M mutations in all six cases with lowered/absent H3K27me3. EZH2 expression was high in GBMs, but absent/focal in other tumors. However, no significant differences in EZH2 expression were observed between H3F3A K27M mutant and wild type GBMs, suggesting that EZH2 mediated trimethylation of H3K27 is inhibited in GBM harboring K27M mutations. Our results indicate that H3F3A K27M mutant GBMs show decreased H3K27me3 that may be of both diagnostic and biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Venneti
- Cancer biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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