1
|
Zhuang KR, Chen CF, Chan HY, Wang SE, Lee DH, Chen SC, Shyr BU, Chou YJ, Chen CC, Yuan SH, Chang YI, Lee HT, Fu SL. Andrographolide suppresses the malignancy of pancreatic cancer via alleviating DNMT3B-dependent repression of tumor suppressor gene ZNF382. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155860. [PMID: 38991252 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer type that urgently requires effective therapeutic strategies. Andrographolide, a labdane diterpenoid compound abundant in Andrographis paniculata, has anticancer effects against various cancer types, but its anticancer activity and mechanism against PDAC remain largely uncharacterized. PURPOSE This study explores novel drug target(s) and underlying molecular mechanism of andrographolide against PDAC. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The malignant phenotypes of PDAC cells, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, were measured using MTT, clonogenic assays, and Transwell migration assays. A PDAC xenograft animal model was used to evaluate tumor growth in vivo. Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used for measuring protein expression. The TCGA database was analyzed to evaluate promoter methylation status, gene expression, and their relationship with patient survival rates. RT-qPCR was used for detecting mRNA expression. Reporter assays were used for detecting signal transduction pathways. Promoter DNA methylation was determined by sodium bisulfite treatment and methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The biological function and role of specific genes involved in drug effects were measured through gene overexpression. RESULTS Andrographolide treatment suppressed the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, andrographolide induced the mRNA and protein expression of zinc finger protein 382 (ZNF382) in PDAC cells. Overexpression of ZNF382 inhibited malignant phenotypes and cancer-associated signaling pathways (AP-1, NF-κB and β-catenin) and oncogenes (ZEB-1, STAT-3, STAT-5, and HIF-1α). Overexpression of ZNF382 delayed growth of PANC-1 cells in vivo. ZNF382 mRNA and protein expression was lower in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues of pancreatic cancer patients. Analysis of the TCGA database found the ZNF382 promoter is hypermethylated in primary pancreatic tumors which correlates with its low expression. Furthermore, andrographolide inhibited the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) and increased the demethylation of the ZNF382 promoter in PDAC cells. Overexpression of DNMT3B attenuated the andrographolide-suppressed proliferation and migration of PDAC cells. CONCLUSION Our finding revealed that ZNF382 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic cancer and andrographolide restores ZNF382 expression to suppress pancreatic cancer, providing a novel molecular target and a promising therapeutic approach for treating pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ru Zhuang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Feng Chen
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Chan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shin-E Wang
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Dai-Heng Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chin Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Uei Shyr
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chou
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Che Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ho Yuan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115024, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-I Chang
- Institute of Physiology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Te Lee
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115024, Taiwan; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ling Fu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115024, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ren X, Wang X, Zheng G, Wang S, Wang Q, Yuan M, Xu T, Xu J, Huang P, Ge M. Targeting one-carbon metabolism for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1521. [PMID: 38279895 PMCID: PMC10819114 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a metabolic network that plays essential roles in biological reactions. In 1C metabolism, a series of nutrients are used to fuel metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cellular redox defence and epigenetic maintenance. At present, 1C metabolism is considered the hallmark of cancer. The 1C units obtained from the metabolic pathways increase the proliferation rate of cancer cells. In addition, anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate, which target 1C metabolism, have long been used in the clinic. In terms of immunotherapy, 1C metabolism has been used to explore biomarkers connected with immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events in patients. METHODS We collected numerous literatures to explain the roles of one-carbon metabolism in cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS In this review, we focus on the important pathways in 1C metabolism and the function of 1C metabolism enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Then, we summarise the inhibitors acting on 1C metabolism and their potential application on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we provide a viewpoint and conclusion regarding the opportunities and challenges of targeting 1C metabolism for cancer immunotherapy in clinical practicability in the future. CONCLUSION Targeting one-carbon metabolism is useful for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of PathologyCancer CenterZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of PharmacyAffiliated Hangzhou First People's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guowan Zheng
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qiyue Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Mengnan Yuan
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Minghua Ge
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karan D, Singh M, Dubey S, Van Veldhuizen PJ, Saunthararajah Y. DNA Methyltransferase 1 Targeting Using Guadecitabine Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth by an Apoptosis-Independent Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2763. [PMID: 37345101 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are implicated in repressing several tumor suppressor genes in prostate cancer progression. In this study, we determined the anti-prostate cancer effect of a small molecule drug guadecitabine (gDEC) that inhibits/depletes the DNA methylation writer DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). gDEC inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and proliferation in vitro without activating the apoptotic cascade. Molecular studies confirmed DNMT1 depletion and modulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers E-cadherin and β-catenin in several prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, 22Rv1, and MDA PCa 2b). gDEC treatment also significantly inhibited prostate tumor growth in vivo in mice (22Rv1, MDA PCa 2b, and PC-3 xenografts) without any observed toxicities. gDEC did not impact the expression of androgen receptor (AR) or AR-variant 7 (AR-V7) nor sensitize the prostate cancer cells to the anti-androgen enzalutamide in vitro. In further investigating the mechanism of cytoreduction by gDEC, a PCR array analyses of 84 chromatin modifying enzymes demonstrated upregulation of several lysine-specific methyltransferases (KMTs: KMT2A, KMT2C, KMT2E, KMT2H, KMT5A), confirmed by additional expression analyses in vitro and of harvested xenografts. Moreover, gDEC treatment increased global histone 3 lysine 4 mono-and di-methylation (H3K4me1 and H3K4me2). In sum, gDEC, in addition to directly depleting the corepressor DNMT1, upregulated KMT activating epigenetic enzymes, activating terminal epithelial program activation, and prostate cancer cell cycling exits independent of apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dev Karan
- Department of Pathology, MCW Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Manohar Singh
- Department of Pathology, MCW Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Seema Dubey
- Department of Pathology, MCW Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Peter J Van Veldhuizen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Clinical diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer: Markers, molecular mechanisms, and treatment options. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6827-6845. [PMID: 36632312 PMCID: PMC9827589 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i48.6827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths. The overall 5-year survival rate of PC is 9%, and this rate for metastatic PC is below 3%. However, the PC-induced death cases will increase about 2-fold by 2060. Many factors such as genetic and environmental factors and metabolic diseases can drive PC development and progression. The most common type of PC in the clinic is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, comprising approximately 90% of PC cases. Multiple pathogenic processes including but not limited to inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and proliferation of cancer stem cells are involved in the initiation and progression of PC. Early diagnosis is essential for curable therapy, for which a combined panel of serum markers is very helpful. Although some mono or combined therapies have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for PC treatment, current therapies have not shown promising outcomes. Fortunately, the development of novel immunotherapies, such as oncolytic viruses-mediated treatments and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, combined with therapies such as neoadjuvant therapy plus surgery, and advanced delivery systems of immunotherapy will improve therapeutic outcomes and combat drug resistance in PC patients. Herein, the pathogenesis, molecular signaling pathways, diagnostic markers, prognosis, and potential treatments in completed, ongoing, and recruiting clinical trials for PC were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kawakubo K, Castillo CFD, Liss AS. Epigenetic regulation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the era of cancer immunotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:819-826. [PMID: 36048239 PMCID: PMC9596544 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with poor response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic alterations contribute to its aggressive biology and the tumor microenvironment which render it unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we review our current understandings of epigenetic dysregulation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, its effect on the tumor immune microenvironment, and the potential for epigenetic therapy to be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Kawakubo
- grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Scott Liss
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thakar M, Hu Y, Morreale M, Lerner L, Lin WY, Sen R, Cai Y, Karunasena E, Thakar M, Saggi S, Keer H, Ahuja N. Correction: A novel epigenetic modulating agent sensitizes pancreatic cells to a chemotherapy agent. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242974. [PMID: 33216806 PMCID: PMC7678985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
7
|
Darvishi E, Slemmons K, Wan Z, Mitra S, Hou X, Parmentier JH, Eddie Loh YH, Helman LJ. Molecular mechanisms of Guadecitabine induced FGFR4 down regulation in alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas. Neoplasia 2020; 22:274-282. [PMID: 32464274 PMCID: PMC7251315 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) aberrant expression and activity have been linked to the pathogenesis of a variety of cancers including rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS). We found that treatment of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) cells with Guadecitabine (SGI-110), a next-generation DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), resulted in a significant reduction of FGFR4 protein levels, 5 days post treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) in aRMS cells revealed attenuation of the H3K4 mono-methylation across the FGFR4 super enhancer without changes in tri-methylation of either H3K4 or H3K27. These changes were associated with a significant reduction in FGFR4 transcript levels in treated cells. These decreases in H3K4me1 in the FGFR4 super enhancer were also associated with a 240-fold increase in KDM5B (JARID1B) mRNA levels. Immunoblot and immunofluorescent studies also revealed a significant increase in the KDM5B protein levels after treatment in these cells. KDM5B is the only member of KDM5 (JARID1) family of histone lysine demethylases that catalyzes demethylation of H3K4me1. These data together suggest a pleiotropic effect of DNMTi therapy in aRMS cells, converging to significantly lower FGFR4 protein levels in these cells.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Azacitidine/analogs & derivatives
- Azacitidine/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing
- Down-Regulation/drug effects
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic
- Histones/metabolism
- Humans
- Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism
- Lysine/metabolism
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/drug therapy
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/pathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emad Darvishi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Slemmons
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zesheng Wan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sheetal Mitra
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaogang Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean Hugues Parmentier
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Lee J Helman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wong KK. DNMT1 as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:779-792. [PMID: 32504382 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most devastating cancer types with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%. PDAC is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in both genders. Epigenetic alterations may lead to the suppression of tumor suppressor genes, and DNA methylation is a predominant epigenetic modification. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is required for maintaining patterns of DNA methylation during cellular replication. Accumulating evidence has implicated the oncogenic roles of DNMT1 in various malignancies including PDACs. CONCLUSIONS Herein, the expression profiles, oncogenic roles, regulators and inhibitors of DNMT1 in PDACs are presented and discussed. DNMT1 is overexpressed in PDAC cases compared with non-cancerous pancreatic ducts, and its expression gradually increases from pre-neoplastic lesions to PDACs. DNMT1 plays oncogenic roles in suppressing PDAC cell differentiation and in promoting their proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as in induction of the self-renewal capacity of PDAC cancer stem cells. These effects are achieved via promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (e.g., p14, p15, p16, p21 and p27), suppressors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (e.g., E-cadherin) and tumor suppressor miRNAs (e.g., miR-148a, miR-152 and miR-17-92 cluster). Pre-clinical investigations have shown the potency of novel non-nucleoside DNMT1 inhibitors against PDAC cells. Finally, phase I/II clinical trials of DNMT1 inhibitors (azacitidine, decitabine and guadecitabine) in PDAC patients are currently underway, where these inhibitors have the potential to sensitize PDACs to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kah Keng Wong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Juiz NA, Iovanna J, Dusetti N. Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity Can Be Explained Beyond the Genome. Front Oncol 2019; 9:246. [PMID: 31024848 PMCID: PMC6460948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major health problem because it induces almost systematic mortality. Carcinogenesis begins with genetic aberrations which trigger epigenetic modifications. While genetic mutations initiate tumorigenesis, they are unable to explain the vast heterogeneity observed among PDAC patients. Instead, epigenetic changes drive transcriptomic alterations that can regulate the malignant phenotype. The contribution of factors from the environment and tumor microenvironment defines different epigenetic landscapes that outline two clinical subtypes: basal, with the worst prognosis, and classical. The epigenetic nature of PDAC, as a reversible phenomenon, encouraged several studies to test epidrugs. However, these drugs lack specificity and although there are epigenetic patterns shared by all PDAC tumors, there are others that are specific to each subtype. Molecular characterization of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying PDAC heterogeneity could be an invaluable tool to predict personalized therapies, stratify patients and search for novel therapies with more specific phenotype-based targets. Novel therapeutic strategies using current anticancer compounds or existing drugs used in other pathologies, alone or in combination, could be used to kill tumor cells or convert aggressive tumors into a more benign phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Anahi Juiz
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Nelson Dusetti
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gene Therapy for Pancreatic Diseases: Current Status. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113415. [PMID: 30384450 PMCID: PMC6275054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The pancreas is a key organ involved in digestion and endocrine functions in the body. The major diseases of the pancreas include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic diseases, pancreatic divisum, islet cell tumors, endocrine tumors, diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic pain induced by these diseases. While various therapeutic methodologies have been established to date, however, the improvement of conventional treatments and establishment of novel therapies are essential to improve the efficacy. For example, conventional therapeutic options, including chemotherapy, are not effective against pancreatic cancer, and despite improvements in the last decade, the mortality rate has not declined and is estimated to become the second cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Therefore, continuous efforts focus on the development of novel therapeutic options. In this review, we will summarize the progress toward the development of gene therapies for pancreatic diseases, with an emphasis on recent preclinical studies and clinical trials. We aim to identify new areas for improvement of the current methodologies and new strategies that will lead to safe and effective gene therapeutic approaches in pancreatic diseases.
Collapse
|