1
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Mazziotta C, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Morciano G, Di Mauro G, Touzé A, Pinton P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. All-trans retinoic acid exhibits anti-proliferative and differentiating activity in Merkel cell carcinoma cells via retinoid pathway modulation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1419-1431. [PMID: 38450801 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited therapies available for treating Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin neoplasm, still pose clinical challenges, and novel treatments are required. Targeting retinoid signalling with retinoids, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a promising and clinically useful antitumor approach. ATRA drives tumour cell differentiation by modulating retinoid signalling, leading to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. Although retinoid signalling is dysregulated in MCC, ATRA activity in this tumour is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ATRA on the pathological phenotype of MCC cells. METHODS The effect of ATRA was tested in various Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and polyomavirus-negative MCC cell lines in terms of cell proliferation, viability, migration and clonogenic abilities. In addition, cell cycle, apoptosis/cell death and the retinoid gene signature were evaluated upon ATRA treatments. RESULTS ATRA efficiently impaired MCC cell proliferation and viability in MCC cells. A strong effect in reducing cell migration and clonogenicity was determined in ATRA-treated cells. Moreover, ATRA resulted as strongly effective in arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis/cell death in all tested MCC cells. Enrichment analyses indicated that ATRA was effective in modulating the retinoid gene signature in MCC cells to promote cell differentiation pathways, which led to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic/cell death effects. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the potential of retinoid-based therapy for MCC management and might open the way to novel experimental approaches with other retinoids and/or combinatorial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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2
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Sarkar S, Deyoung T, Ressler H, Chandler W. Brain Tumors: Development, Drug Resistance, and Sensitization - An Epigenetic Approach. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2237761. [PMID: 37499114 PMCID: PMC10376921 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2237761] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we describe contrasting developmental aspects of paediatric and adult brain tumours. We hypothesize that the formation of cancer progenitor cells, for both paediatric and adult, could be due to epigenetic events. However, the progression of adult brain tumours selectively involves more mutations compared to paediatric tumours. We further discuss epigenetic switches, comprising both histone modifications and DNA methylation, and how they can differentially regulate transcription and expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Next, we summarize the currently available therapies for both types of brain tumours, explaining the merits and failures leading to drug resistance. We analyse different mechanisms of drug resistance and the role of epigenetics in this process. We then provide a rationale for combination therapy, which includes epigenetic drugs. In the end, we postulate a concept which describes how a combination therapy could be initiated. The timing, doses, and order of individual drug regimens will depend on the individual case. This type of combination therapy will be part of a personalized medicine which will differ from patient to patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibaji Sarkar
- Division of Biotechnology, Quincy College, Quincy, MA, USA
- Division of Biology, STEM, MBC College, Wellesley, MA, USA
- Division of Biology, STEM, RC College Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tara Deyoung
- Division of Biotechnology, Quincy College, Quincy, MA, USA
| | - Hope Ressler
- Division of Biology, STEM, MBC College, Wellesley, MA, USA
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3
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Meier R, Greve G, Zimmer D, Bresser H, Berberich B, Langova R, Stomper J, Rubarth A, Feuerbach L, Lipka DB, Hey J, Grüning B, Brors B, Duyster J, Plass C, Becker H, Lübbert M. The antileukemic activity of decitabine upon PML/RARA-negative AML blasts is supported by all-trans retinoic acid: in vitro and in vivo evidence for cooperation. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:122. [PMID: 35995769 PMCID: PMC9395383 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00715-4] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of AML patients with adverse genetics, such as a complex, monosomal karyotype and TP53 lesions, is still dismal even with standard chemotherapy. DNA-hypomethylating agent monotherapy induces an encouraging response rate in these patients. When combined with decitabine (DAC), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resulted in an improved response rate and longer overall survival in a randomized phase II trial (DECIDER; NCT00867672). The molecular mechanisms governing this in vivo synergism are unclear. We now demonstrate cooperative antileukemic effects of DAC and ATRA on AML cell lines U937 and MOLM-13. By RNA-sequencing, derepression of >1200 commonly regulated transcripts following the dual treatment was observed. Overall chromatin accessibility (interrogated by ATAC-seq) and, in particular, at motifs of retinoic acid response elements were affected by both single-agent DAC and ATRA, and enhanced by the dual treatment. Cooperativity regarding transcriptional induction and chromatin remodeling was demonstrated by interrogating the HIC1, CYP26A1, GBP4, and LYZ genes, in vivo gene derepression by expression studies on peripheral blood blasts from AML patients receiving DAC + ATRA. The two drugs also cooperated in derepression of transposable elements, more effectively in U937 (mutated TP53) than MOLM-13 (intact TP53), resulting in a “viral mimicry” response. In conclusion, we demonstrate that in vitro and in vivo, the antileukemic and gene-derepressive epigenetic activity of DAC is enhanced by ATRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Meier
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Greve
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Zimmer
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Helena Bresser
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Berberich
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralitsa Langova
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Bioscience, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Stomper
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Rubarth
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lars Feuerbach
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel B Lipka
- Section Translational Cancer Epigenomics, Division of Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joschka Hey
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Björn Grüning
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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4
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Tang Y, Xiao S, Wang Z, Liang Y, Xing Y, Wu J, Lu M. A Prognostic Model for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Based on IL-2/STAT5 Pathway-Related Genes. Front Oncol 2022; 12:785899. [PMID: 35186733 PMCID: PMC8847395 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.785899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate prognostic stratification of patients can provide guidance for personalized therapy. Many prognostic models for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been reported, but most have considerable inaccuracies due to contained variables with insufficient capacity of predicting survival and lack of adequate verification. Here, 235 genes strongly related to survival in AML were systematically identified through univariate Cox regression analysis of eight independent AML datasets. Pathway enrichment analysis of these 235 genes revealed that the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway was the most highly enriched. Through Cox proportional-hazards regression model and stepwise algorithm, we constructed a six-gene STAT5-associated signature based on the most robustly survival-related genes related to the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway. Good prognostic performance was observed in the training cohort (GSE37642-GPL96), and the signature was validated in seven other validation cohorts. As an independent prognostic factor, the STAT5-associated signature was positively correlated with patient age and ELN2017 risk levels. An integrated score based on these three prognostic factors had higher prognostic accuracy than the ELN2017 risk category. Characterization of immune cell infiltration indicated that impaired B-cell adaptive immunity, immunosuppressive effects, serious infection, and weakened anti-inflammatory function tended to accompany high-risk patients. Analysis of in-house clinical samples revealed that the STAT5-assocaited signature risk scores of AML patients were significantly higher than those of healthy people. Five chemotherapeutic drugs that were effective in these high-risk patients were screened in silico. Among the five drugs, MS.275, a known HDAC inhibitor, selectively suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells with high STAT5 phosphorylation levels in vitro. Taken together, the data indicate that the STAT5-associated signature is a reliable prognostic model that can be used to optimize prognostic stratification and guide personalized AML treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigang Tang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujun Xiao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengyuan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangfei Xing
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiale Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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5
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Ari F, Napieralski R, Akgun O, Magdolen V, Ulukaya E. Epigenetic modulators combination with chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:571-583. [PMID: 33608886 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the concerning adverse effects on tumour development, epigenetic drugs are very promising in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the differential effects of standard chemotherapy regimens (FEC: 5-fluorouracil plus epirubicine plus cyclophosphamide) in combination with epigenetic modulators (decitabine, valproic acid): (a) on gene methylation levels of selected tumour biomarkers (LINE-1, uPA, PAI-1, DAPK); (b) their expression status (uPA and PAI-1); (c) differentiation status (5meC and H3K27me3). Furthermore, cell survival as well as changes concerning the invasion capacity were monitored in cell culture models of breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). A significant overall decrease of cell survival was observed in the FEC-containing combination therapies for both cell lines. Methylation results showed a general tendency towards increased demethylation of the uPA and PAI-1 gene promoters for the MCF-7 cells, as well as the proapoptotic DAPK gene in the treatment regimens for both cell lines. The uPA and PAI-1 antigen levels were mainly increased in the supernatant of FEC-only treated MDA-MB-231 cells. DAC-only treatment induced an increase of secreted uPA protein in MCF-7 cell culture, while most of the VPA-containing regimens also induced uPA and PAI-1 expression in MCF-7 cell fractions. Epigenetically active substances can also induce a re-differentiation in tumour cells, as shown by 5meC, H3K27me3 applying ICC. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Epigenetic modulators especially in the highly undifferentiated and highly malignant MDA-MB-231 tumour cells significantly reduced tumour malignancy thus; further clinical studies applying specific combination therapies with epigenetic modulators may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Ari
- Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Rudolf Napieralski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Research Unit, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Therawis Diagnostics GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Oguzhan Akgun
- Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Research Unit, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Engin Ulukaya
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Lübbert M, Grishina O, Schmoor C, Schlenk RF, Jost E, Crysandt M, Heuser M, Thol F, Salih HR, Schittenhelm MM, Germing U, Kuendgen A, Götze KS, Lindemann HW, Müller-Tidow C, Heil G, Scholl S, Bug G, Schwaenen C, Giagounidis A, Neubauer A, Krauter J, Brugger W, De Wit M, Wäsch R, Becker H, May AM, Duyster J, Döhner K, Ganser A, Hackanson B, Döhner H. Valproate and Retinoic Acid in Combination With Decitabine in Elderly Nonfit Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, 2 × 2, Phase II Trial. J Clin Oncol 2019; 38:257-270. [PMID: 31794324 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.01053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA-hypomethylating agents are studied in combination with other epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors or differentiation inducers (eg, retinoids), in myeloid neoplasias. A randomized, phase II trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted to investigate the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproate and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in treatment-naive elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PATIENTS AND METHODS Two hundred patients (median age, 76 years; range, 61-92 years) ineligible for induction chemotherapy received decitabine (20 mg/m2 intravenously, days 1 to 5) alone (n = 47) or in combination with valproate (n = 57), ATRA (n = 46), or valproate + ATRA (n = 50). The primary endpoint was objective response, defined as complete and partial remission, tested at a one-sided significance level of α = .10. Key secondary endpoints were overall survival, event-free survival, and progression-free survival and safety. RESULTS The addition of ATRA resulted in a higher remission rate (21.9% with ATRA v 13.5% without ATRA; odds ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.86 to 3.79; one-sided P = .06). For valproate, no effect was observed (17.8% with valproate v 17.2% without valproate; odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.51 to 2.21; one-sided P = .44). Median overall survival was 8.2 months with ATRA v 5.1 months without ATRA (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.89; two-sided P = .006). Improved survival was observed across risk groups, including patients with adverse cytogenetics, and was associated with longer response duration. With valproate, no survival difference was observed. Toxicities were predominantly hematologic, without relevant differences between the 4 arms. CONCLUSION The addition of ATRA to decitabine resulted in a higher remission rate and a clinically meaningful survival extension in these patients with difficult-to-treat disease, without added toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lübbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga Grishina
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmoor
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Richard F Schlenk
- University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edgar Jost
- University Hospital Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina Crysandt
- University Hospital Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Helmut R Salih
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Germing
- Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Kuendgen
- Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina S Götze
- Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Gesine Bug
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwaenen
- Hospital Esslingen, Esslingen, Germany.,Offenburg Hospital, Offenburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jürgen Krauter
- Städtisches Klinikum Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wolfram Brugger
- Hospital Villingen-Schwenningen, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | | | - Ralph Wäsch
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annette M May
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Björn Hackanson
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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7
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Richter LE, Wang Y, Becker ME, Coburn RA, Williams JT, Amador C, Hyde RK. HDAC1 Is a Required Cofactor of CBFβ-SMMHC and a Potential Therapeutic Target in Inversion 16 Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1241-1252. [PMID: 30814129 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a neoplastic disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloid cells. A common mutation in AML is the inversion of chromosome 16 [inv (16)], which generates a fusion between the genes for core binding factor beta (CBFB) and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain gene (MYH11), forming the oncogene CBFB-MYH11. The expressed protein, CBFβ-SMMHC, forms a heterodimer with the key hematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1. Although CBFβ-SMMHC was previously thought to dominantly repress RUNX1, recent work suggests that CBFβ-SMMHC functions together with RUNX1 to activate transcription of specific target genes. However, the mechanism of this activity or a requirement for additional cofactors is not known. Here, we show that the epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) forms a complex with CBFβ-SMMHC, colocalizes with RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC on the promoters of known fusion protein target genes, and that Hdac1 is required for expression of these genes. These results imply that HDAC1 is an important component of the CBFβ-SMMHC transcriptional complex, and that leukemia cells expressing the fusion protein may be sensitive to treatment with HDAC1 inhibitors. Using a knock-in mouse model expressing CBFβ-SMMHC, we found that in vivo treatment with the HDAC1 inhibitor entinostat decreased leukemic burden, and induced differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells. Together, these results demonstrate that HDAC1 is an important cofactor of CBFβ-SMMHC and a potential therapeutic target in inv (16) AML. IMPLICATIONS: This report describes a novel role for HDAC1 as a cofactor for the leukemogenic fusion protein CBFβ-SMMHC and shows that inhibitors of HDAC1 effectively target leukemia cells expressing the fusion protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Richter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yiqian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Michelle E Becker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Rachel A Coburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jacob T Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Catalina Amador
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - R Katherine Hyde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
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8
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Deacetylase activity-independent transcriptional activation by HDAC2 during TPA-induced HL-60 cell differentiation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202935. [PMID: 30142192 PMCID: PMC6108480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 differentiate into monocytes following treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). However, the mechanism underlying the differentiation of these cells in response to TPA has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we performed ChIP-seq profiling of RNA Pol II, HDAC2, Acetyl H3 (AcH3), and H3K27me3 and analyzed differential chromatin state changes during TPA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells. We focused on atypically active genes, which showed enhanced H3 acetylation despite increased HDAC2 recruitment. We found that HDAC2 positively regulates the expression of these genes in a histone deacetylase activity-independent manner. HDAC2 interacted with and recruited paired box 5 (PAX5) to the promoters of the target genes and regulated HL-60 cell differentiation by PAX5-mediated gene activation. Taken together, these data elucidated the specific-chromatin status during HL-60 cell differentiation following TPA exposure and suggested that HDAC2 can activate transcription of certain genes through interactions with PAX5 in a deacetylase activity-independent pathway.
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9
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Kang C, Kim CY, Kim HS, Park SP, Chung HM. The Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 Enhances the Responses to All- trans Retinoic Acid in HL-60 and MV4-11 Leukemia Cells. Int J Stem Cells 2018; 11:131-140. [PMID: 29699387 PMCID: PMC5984067 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc18021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a highly effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a cytogenetically distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, ATRA-based treatment is not effective in other subtypes of AML. In non-APL AML, ATRA signaling pathway is impaired or downmodulated, and consequently fails to respond to pharmacological doses of ATRA. Therefore, complementary treatment strategies are needed to improve ATRA responsiveness in non-APL AML. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of ATRA and bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, proven to have potent anti-cancer activity mainly through inhibition of c-Myc. We showed that the combination of ATRA with JQ1 synergistically inhibited proliferation of AML cells. The synergistic growth inhibition was resulted from differentiation or apoptosis depending on the kind of AML cells. Concomitantly, the combined treatment of ATRA and JQ1 caused greater depletion of c-Myc and hTERT expression than each agent alone in AML cells. Taken together, these findings support the rationale for the use of the combination of ATRA and JQ1 as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk Soon Kim
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Pill Park
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Hyung-Min Chung
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Ma XJ, Wang YS, Gu WP, Zhao X. The role and possible molecular mechanism of valproic acid in the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Croat Med J 2017; 58:349-357. [PMID: 29094813 PMCID: PMC5733376 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2017.58.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the role of valproic acid (VPA), a class I selective histone deacetylase inhibitor, on Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF)-7 breast cancer cells, named and explore its possible molecular mechanism. Methods MCF-7 cells were cultured with sodium valproate (0. 5-4.0 mmol/L) for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h in vitro, respectively. The cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle were examined. The activities and protein expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were subsequently assayed. Finally, mRNA and protein expressions of cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and p21 were analyzed. Results Sodium valproate suppressed MCF-7 cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, and arrested G1 phase in a time- and concentration- dependent manner, with the relative cell viabilities decreased, cell apoptosis ratios increased, and percentage of G1 phase enhanced (P < 0.05). Increased activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, but not caspase-8, and increased protein levels were found under sodium valproate (2.0 mmol/L, 48h). P21 was up-regulated and cyclin D1 was down-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels under sodium valproate (2.0 mmol/L, 48h)(P < 0.05), although cyclin E and cyclin A remained changed. Conclusion These results indicate that VPA can suppress the growth of breast cancer MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting G1 phase. Intrinsic apoptotic pathway is dominant for VPA-induced apoptosis. For G1 phase arrest, p21 up-regulation and down-regulation of cyclin D1 may be the main molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xia Zhao
- Xia Zhao, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China,
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11
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van Gils N, Verhagen HJMP, Smit L. Reprogramming acute myeloid leukemia into sensitivity for retinoic-acid-driven differentiation. Exp Hematol 2017; 52:12-23. [PMID: 28456748 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The success of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) provides a rationale for using retinoic acid (RA)-based therapy for other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recently, several studies showed that ATRA may drive leukemic cells efficiently into differentiation and/or apoptosis in a subset of AML patients with an NPM1 mutation, a FLT3-ITD, an IDH1 mutation, and patients overexpressing EVI-1. Because not all patients within these molecular subgroups respond to ATRA and clinical trials that tested ATRA response in non-APL AML patients have had disappointing results, the identification of additional biomarkers may help to identify patients who strongly respond to ATRA-based therapy. Searching for response biomarkers might also reveal novel RA-based combination therapies with an efficient differentiation/apoptosis-inducing effect in non-APL AML patients. Preliminary studies suggest that the epigenetic or transcriptional state of leukemia cells determines their susceptibility to ATRA. We hypothesize that reprogramming by inhibitors of epigenetic-modifying enzymes or by modulation of microRNA expression might sensitize non-APL AML cells for RA-based therapy. AML relapse is caused by a subpopulation of leukemia cells, named leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which are in a different epigenetic state than the total bulk of the AML. The survival of LSCs after therapy is the main cause of the poor prognosis of AML patients, and novel differentiation therapies should drive these LSCs into maturity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the epigenetic aspects of susceptibility to RA-induced differentiation in APL and non-APL AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noortje van Gils
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Han J M P Verhagen
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Smit
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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Choi KY, Kim YK. Plasticity-augmented psychotherapy for refractory depressive and anxiety disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 70:134-47. [PMID: 27072378 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy have been the mainstays of treatment for depression and anxiety disorders during the last century. However, treatment response has not improved in the last few decades, with only half of all patients responding satisfactorily to typical antidepressants. To fulfill the needs of the remaining patients, new treatments with better efficacy are in demand. The addition of psychotherapy to antidepressant treatment has been shown to be superior to pharmacotherapy alone. However, the time costs of psychotherapy limit its use for clinicians and patients. Advancements in neuroscience have contributed to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of depressive and anxiety disorders. In particular, recent advances in the field of fear conditioning have provided valuable insight into the treatment of refractory depressive and anxiety disorders. In this review, we studied the reconsolidation-updating paradigm and the concept of epigenetic modification, which has been shown to permanently attenuate remote fear memory. This has implications for drug-augmented, e.g. antidepressant and valproic acid, psychotherapy. Future research on more sophisticated psychotherapy techniques will increase the desirability of this treatment modality for both clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Yeon Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Greve G, Schiffmann I, Pfeifer D, Pantic M, Schüler J, Lübbert M. The pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat acts as a sensitizer for erlotinib activity in EGFR-mutated and -wildtype non-small cell lung cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:947. [PMID: 26675484 PMCID: PMC4682236 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) EGFR is overexpressed and mutated in NSCLC. These mutations can be targeted by RTK inhibitors (TKIs) such as erlotinib. Chromatin-modifying agents may offer a novel therapeutic approach by sensitizing tumor cells to TKIs. METHODS The NSCLC cell lines HCC827 (EGFR mutant, adenocarcinoma), A549 (EGFR wt, adenocarcinoma) and NCI-H460 (EGFR wt, large cell carcinoma) were analyzed by SNP6.0 array. Changes in proliferation after panobinostat (LBH-589, PS) and erlotinib treatment were quantified by WST-1 assay and apoptosis by Annexin V/7-AAD flow cytometry. Abundance of target proteins and histone marks (acH3, H3K4me1/2/3) was determined by immunoblotting. RESULTS As expected, the EGFR wt cell lines A549 and NCI-H460 were quite insensitive to the growth-inhibitory effect of erlotinib (IC50 70-100 μM), compared to HCC827 (IC50<0.02 μM). All three cell lines were sensitive to PS treatment (IC50: HCC827 10 nM, A549 20 nM and NCI-H460 35 nM). The combination of both drugs further reduced proliferation in HCC827 and in A549, but not in NCI-H460. PS alone induced differentiation and expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53 and decreased CHK1 in all three cell lines, with almost no further effect when combined with erlotinib. In contrast, combination treatment additively decreased pEGFR, pERK and pAKT in A549. Both drugs synergistically induced acH3 in the adenocarcinoma lines. Surprisingly, we also observed induction of H3K4 methylation marks after erlotinib treatment in HCC827 and in A549 that was further enhanced by combination with PS. CONCLUSION PS sensitized lung adenocarcinoma cells to the antiproliferative effects of erlotinib. In these cell lines, the drug combination also had a robust, not previously described effect on histone H3 acetylation and H3K4 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Greve
- University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. .,University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Insa Schiffmann
- University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. .,University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | - Milena Pantic
- University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Schüler
- Department for in vivo Tumorbiology, Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Lübbert
- University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. .,DKTK, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Freiburg, Germany.
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A Novel High-Content Immunofluorescence Assay as a Tool to Identify at the Single Cell Level γ-Globin Inducing Compounds. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141083. [PMID: 26509275 PMCID: PMC4624791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of drugs capable of reactivating γ-globin to ameliorate β-thalassemia and Sickle Cell anemia is still a challenge, as available γ-globin inducers still have limited clinical indications. High-throughput screenings (HTS) aimed to identify new potentially therapeutic drugs require suitable first-step-screening methods combining the possibility to detect variation in the γ/β globin ratio with the robustness of a cell line. We took advantage of a K562 cell line variant expressing β-globin (β-K562) to set up a new multiplexed high-content immunofluorescence assay for the quantification of γ- and β-globin content at single-cell level. The assay was validated by using the known globin inducers hemin, hydroxyurea and butyric acid and further tested in a pilot screening that confirmed HDACs as targets for γ-globin induction (as proved by siRNA-mediated HDAC3 knockdown and by treatment with HDACs inhibitors entinostat and dacinostat) and identified Heme-oxygenases as novel candidate targets for γ-globin induction. Indeed, Heme-oxygenase2 siRNA knockdown as well as its inhibition by Tin protoporphyrin-IX (TinPPIX) greatly increased γ-globin expression. This result is particularly interesting as several metalloporphyrins have already been developed for clinical uses and could be tested (alone or in combination with other drugs) to improve pharmacological γ-globin reactivation for the treatment of β-hemoglobinopathies.
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15
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Schech AJ, Shah P, Yu S, Sabnis GJ, Goloubeva O, Rosenblatt P, Kazi A, Chumsri S, Brodie A. Histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat in combination with a retinoid downregulates HER2 and reduces the tumor initiating cell population in aromatase inhibitor-resistant breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015; 152:499-508. [PMID: 26133921 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) involves increased HER2. One mechanism by which HER2 may mediate resistance is through expansion of the tumor initiating cell (TIC) population. This study investigates whether combining all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat (ENT) can inhibit TICs and HER2 in AI-resistant cells and tumors. Modulation of cell viability and HER2 expression were assessed in AI-resistant cells treated with ATRA + ENT. Letrozole-resistant LTLT-Ca cells treated with ATRA + ENT were assayed for changes in TIC characteristics, such as TIC markers (BCRP, ALDH, and BMI-1), side population (SP), and mammosphere formation. Xenograft tumors of MCF-7Ca cells made resistant to letrozole were treated with ATRA, ATRA + letrozole, ATRA + ENT, or ATRA + ENT + letrozole. Resulting tumors were assayed for changes in TIC characteristics. Patient samples taken pre- and post-AI treatment were analyzed for changes in ERα and HER2 protein expression. Treatment with ATRA + ENT reduced HER2 expression and viability (P < 0.001) in AI-resistant cells, as well as decreased SP (P < 0.0001), mammosphere formation (P < 0.01), and expression of TIC molecular markers (P < 0.01) in LTLT-Ca. A reduction in tumor growth rate was observed in mice treated with ENT + ATRA + letrozole when compared to mice treated with single agents (P < 0.0001) or ENT + ATRA (P = 0.02). Decreased TIC characteristics, including mammosphere formation (P < 0.05), were observed in tumors from the triple combination. An increase in HER2 and downregulation in ERα protein expression was observed in patients upon resistance to AI (P < 0.005). These studies indicate that the combination of ATRA and ENT inhibits the TIC population of AI-resistant cells and may be effective in reducing tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Schech
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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MDI 301 suppresses myeloid leukemia cell growth in vitro and in vivo without the toxicity associated with all-trans retinoic acid therapy. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:763-73. [PMID: 26010252 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MDI 301 is a novel 9-cis retinoic acid derivative in which the terminal carboxylic acid group has been replaced by a picolinate ester. MDI 301, a retinoic acid receptor-α - agonist, suppressed the growth of several human myeloid leukemia cell lines (HL60, NB4, OCI-M2, and K562) in vitro and induced cell-substrate adhesion in conjunction with upregulation of CD11b. Tumor growth in HL60-injected athymic nude mice was reduced. In vitro, MDI 301 was comparable to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) whereas in vivo, MDI 301 was slightly more efficacious than ATRA. Most importantly, unlike what was found with ATRA treatment, MDI 301 did not induce a cytokine response in the treated animals and the severe inflammatory changes and systemic toxicity seen with ATRA did not occur. A retinoid with these characteristics might be valuable in the treatment of promyelocytic leukemia, or, perhaps, other forms of myeloid leukemia.
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DECIDER: prospective randomized multicenter phase II trial of low-dose decitabine (DAC) administered alone or in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in patients >60 years with acute myeloid leukemia who are ineligible for induction chemotherapy. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:430. [PMID: 26008690 PMCID: PMC4443550 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is predominantly a disease of older patients with a poor long-term survival. Approval of decitabine (DAC) in the European Union (EU) in 2012 for the treatment of patients with AML ≥65 years marks the potential for hypomethylating agents in elderly AML. Nevertheless the situation is dissatisfactory and the quest for novel treatment approaches, including combination epigenetic therapy is actively ongoing. The given randomized trial should be helpful in investigating the question whether combinations of DAC with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and/or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which in vitro show a very promising synergism, are superior to the DAC monotherapy. The accompanying translational research project will contribute to find surrogate molecular end points for drug efficacy and better tailor epigenetic therapy. An additional aim of the study is to investigate the prognostic value of geriatric assessments for elderly AML patients treated non-intensively. Methods/Design DECIDER is a prospective, randomized, observer blind, parallel group, multicenter, Phase II study with a 2x2 factorial design. The primary endpoint is objective best overall response (complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR)). The target population is AML patients aged 60 years or older and unfit for standard induction chemotherapy. Patients are randomized to one of the four treatment groups: DAC alone or in combination with VPA or ATRA or with both add-on drugs. One interim safety analysis was planned and carried out with the objective to stop early one or more of the treatment arms in case of an unacceptable death rate. This analysis showed that in all treatment arms the critical stopping rule was not reached. No important safety issues were observed. The Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) recommended continuing the study as planned. The first patient was included in December 2011. A total of 189 out of 200 planned patients were randomized since then (status 31.12.2014). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00867672 (registration date 23.03.2009); German clinical trials registry number: DRKS00000733 (registration date 19.04.2011).
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Greve G, Schiffmann I, Lübbert M. Epigenetic priming of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines to the antiproliferative and differentiating effects of all-trans retinoic acid. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2015; 141:2171-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-015-1987-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Gonzalez B, Forcales SV, Perucho M. Second German-Catalan workshop on epigenetics & cancer. Epigenetics 2015; 10:352-9. [PMID: 25849957 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1023499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Second German-Catalan Workshop on Epigenetics and Cancer was held in Barcelona on November 19-21, 2014. The workshop brought together, for the second time, scientists from 2 German and 2 Catalan research institutions: the DKFZ, from Heidelberg, the CRCME, from Freiburg, and the IMPPC and PEBC/IDIBELL, both from Barcelona. The German-Catalan Workshops are intended to establish the framework for building a Research School to foster collaborations between researchers from the different institutions. Exchange programs for graduate students are among the activities of the future School. The topics presented and discussed in 33 talks were diverse and included work on DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin biology, characterization of imprinted regions in human tissues, non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic drug discovery. Among novel developments from the previous Workshop are the report of the epigenetics angle of the Warburg effect and the long-range trans-acting interaction of DNA methylation and of nucleosome remodeling. A shift in the view on DNA methylation became apparent by the realization of the intertwined interplay between hyper- and hypo-methylation in differentiation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Gonzalez
- a Institute of Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC); Campus Can Ruti ; Badalona , Barcelona , Spain
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20
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Hennig D, Müller S, Wichmann C, Drube S, Pietschmann K, Pelzl L, Grez M, Bug G, Heinzel T, Krämer OH. Antagonism between granulocytic maturation and deacetylase inhibitor-induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukaemia cells. Br J Cancer 2014; 112:329-37. [PMID: 25514379 PMCID: PMC4453449 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transcriptional repression is a key mechanism driving leukaemogenesis. In acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), the fusion protein promyelocytic leukaemia-retinoic acid receptor-α fusion (PML-RARα) recruits transcriptional repressors to myeloid differentiation genes. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces the proteasomal degradation of PML-RARα and granulocytic differentiation. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) fall into four classes (I–IV) and contribute to the transcription block caused by PML-RARα. Methods: Immunoblot, flow cytometry, and May-Grünwald–Giemsa staining were used to analyze differentiation and induction of apoptosis. Results: A PML-RARα- and ATRA-dependent differentiation programme induces granulocytic maturation associated with an accumulation of the myeloid transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)ɛ and of the surface protein CD11b. While this process protects APL cells from inhibitors of class I HDAC activity, inhibition of all Zinc-dependent HDACs (classes I, II, and IV) with the pan-HDACi (histone deacetylase inhibitor(s)) LBH589 induces apoptosis of immature and differentiated APL cells. LBH589 can eliminate C/EBPɛ and the mitochondrial apoptosis regulator B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-xL in immature and differentiated NB4 cells. Thus, BCL-xL and C/EBPɛ are newly identified molecular markers for the efficacy of HDACi against APL cells. Conclusions: Our results could explain the therapeutic limitations occurring with ATRA and class I HDACi combinations. Pro-apoptotic effects caused by pan-HDAC inhibition are not blunted by ATRA-induced differentiation and may provide a clinically interesting alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hennig
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - S Müller
- University Hospital Jena, Institute for Immunology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Leutragraben 3, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - C Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapy and Haemostasis, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Max-Lebsche Platz 32, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - S Drube
- University Hospital Jena, Institute for Immunology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Leutragraben 3, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - K Pietschmann
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - L Pelzl
- Institute of Physiology I, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Gmelinstrasse 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - M Grez
- Institute for Biomedical Research, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - G Bug
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - T Heinzel
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - O H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 67, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Decitabine and SAHA-induced apoptosis is accompanied by survivin downregulation and potentiated by ATRA in p53-deficient cells. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2014; 2014:165303. [PMID: 25140197 PMCID: PMC4130322 DOI: 10.1155/2014/165303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While p53-dependent apoptosis is triggered by combination of methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine (DAC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in leukemic cell line CML-T1, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as survivin and Bcl-2 deregulation participated in DAC + SAHA-induced apoptosis in p53-deficient HL-60 cell line. Moreover, decrease of survivin expression level is accompanied by its delocalization from centromere-related position in mitotic cells suggesting that both antiapoptotic and cell cycle regulation roles of survivin are affected by DAC + SAHA action. Addition of subtoxic concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) increases the efficiency of DAC + SAHA combination on viability, apoptosis induction, and ROS generation in HL-60 cells but has no effect in CML-T1 cell line. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors showed no damage induced by DAC + SAHA + ATRA combination. Therefore, combination of ATRA with DAC and SAHA represents promising tool for therapy of leukemic disease with nonfunctional p53 signalization.
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Dhanak D, Jackson P. Development and classes of epigenetic drugs for cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 455:58-69. [PMID: 25016182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports an important, etiologic role for epigenetic modifications in cancer. Various post translational modifications of histone proteins together with DNA methylation constitute an 'epigenetic code' regulating the transcriptional status of the cell and aberrant writing and/or interpretation of the code can contribute to a dysregulated, hyperproliferative state. In some cases, epigenetic deregulation has also been reported to result in tumor initiation. The discovery of somatic mutations in some chromatin binding proteins associated with subtypes of lymphomas and the ability to regulate expression of proto oncogenes such as Myc has spurred the development of specific small molecule modulators of histone binding proteins. Several of these compounds have entered clinical development for the treatment of heme malignancies. This review summarizes progress in the discovery and advancement of epigenetic therapeutics for cancer and provides a perspective for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashyant Dhanak
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA.
| | - Paul Jackson
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
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