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Filiú-Braga LDDC, Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Sousa MRR, Carvalho JL, Saldanha-Araujo F. Molecular and functional anticancer effects of GLP/G9a inhibition by UNC0646 in MeWo melanoma cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27085. [PMID: 38434406 PMCID: PMC10907798 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, histone methyltransferases (HMTs) have emerged as important therapeutic targets in cancer due to their oncogenic role. Herein, we used the GLP/G9a inhibitor UNC0646 to assess whether the inhibition of such HMTs could induce cell death in MeWo melanoma cells. Furthermore, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the observed cell death events. Finally, we performed a functional genomics analysis of 480 melanoma samples to characterize G9a/GLP involvement in melanoma. Interestingly, after UNC0646 treatment, MeWo cells underwent apoptosis, followed by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, MeWo cells treated with UNC0646 showed cell cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation. At the molecular level, UNC0646 treatment increased the transcriptional levels of CDK1 and BAX, and decreased BCL-2 mRNA levels. Finally, we performed a functional enrichment analysis, which demonstrated that dozens of biological pathways were enriched in melanoma samples according to GLP and G9a expression, including apoptosis and necrosis. Taken together, our data show that inhibition of GLP/G9a using UNC0646 exerts anticancer effects on melanoma cells by controlling their proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Marielly Reis Resende Sousa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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de Oliveira Filho RS, de Oliveira DA, Nisimoto MM, Marti LC. A Review of Advanced Cutaneous Melanoma Therapies and Their Mechanisms, from Immunotherapies to Lysine Histone Methyl Transferase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5751. [PMID: 38136297 PMCID: PMC10741407 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced cutaneous melanoma is considered to be the most aggressive type of skin cancer and has variable rates of treatment response. Currently, there are some classes of immunotherapy and target therapies for its treatment. Immunotherapy can inhibit tumor growth and its recurrence by triggering the host's immune system, whereas targeted therapy inhibits specific molecules or signaling pathways. However, melanoma responses to these treatments are highly heterogeneous, and patients can develop resistance. Epigenomics (DNA/histone modifications) contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Epigenetic alterations are divided into four levels of gene expression regulation: DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation. Deregulation of lysine methyltransferase enzymes is associated with tumor initiation, invasion, development of metastases, changes in the immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. The study of lysine histone methyltransferase (KMT) and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitors is important for understanding cancer epigenetic mechanisms and biological processes. In addition to immunotherapy and target therapy, the research and development of KMT and NNMT inhibitors is ongoing. Many studies are exploring the therapeutic implications and possible side effects of these compounds, in addition to their adjuvant potential to the approved current therapies. Importantly, as with any drug development, safety, efficacy, and specificity are crucial considerations when developing methyltransferase inhibitors for clinical applications. Thus, this review article presents the recently available therapies and those in development for advanced cutaneous melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Santos de Oliveira Filho
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina–Universidade Federal de São Paulo–EPM-UNIFESP, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Arcuschin de Oliveira
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo–UNIFESP-Skin Cancer and Melanoma Fellow, São Paulo 04023-900, SP, Brazil;
| | | | - Luciana Cavalheiro Marti
- Experimental Research Department, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
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3
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Bhuvanadas S, Devi A. JARID2 and EZH2, The Eminent Epigenetic Drivers In Human Cancer. Gene 2023:147584. [PMID: 37353042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147584] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become a prominent cause of death, accounting for approximately 10 million death worldwide as per the World Health Organization reports 2020. Epigenetics deal with the alterations of heritable phenotypes, except for DNA alterations. Currently, we are trying to comprehend the role of utmost significant epigenetic genes involved in the burgeoning of human cancer. A sundry of studies reported the Enhancer of Zeste Homologue2 (EZH2) as a prime catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex2, which is involved in several pivotal activities, including embryogenesis. In addition, EZH2 has detrimental effects leading to the onset and metastasis of several cancers. Jumonji AT Rich Interacting Domain2 (JARID2), an undebated crucial nuclear factor, has strong coordination with the PRC2 family. In this review, we discuss various epigenetic entities, primarily focusing on the possible role and mechanism of EZH2 and the significant contribution of JARID2 in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeshma Bhuvanadas
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203
| | - Arikketh Devi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India - 603203.
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Mo J, Li Z, Chen H, Lu Z, Ding B, Yuan X, Liu Y, Zhu W. Network medicine framework identified drug-repurposing opportunities of pharmaco-active compounds of Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. for skin aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:5144-5163. [PMID: 37310405 PMCID: PMC10292898 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204789] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Increasing incidence of skin aging has highlighted the importance of identifying effective drugs with repurposed opportunities for skin aging. We aimed to identify pharmaco-active compounds with drug-repurposing opportunities for skin aging from Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. (AAK). The proximity of network medicine framework (NMF) firstly identified 8 key AAK compounds with repurposed opportunities for skin aging, which may exert by regulating 29 differentially expressed genes (DGEs) of skin aging, including 13 up-regulated targets and 16 down-regulated targets. Connectivity MAP (cMAP) analysis revealed 8 key compounds were involved in regulating the process of cell proliferation and apoptosis, mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress of skin aging. Molecular docking analysis showed that 8 key compounds had a high docked ability with AR, BCHE, HPGD and PI3, which were identified as specific biomarker for the diagnosis of skin aging. Finally, the mechanisms of these key compounds were predicted to be involved in inhibiting autophagy pathway and activating Phospholipase D signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study firstly elucidated the drug-repurposing opportunities of AAK compounds for skin aging, providing a theoretical reference for identifying repurposing drugs from Chinese medicine and new insights for our future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Mo
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510006, China
| | - Zunjiang Li
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510006, China
| | - Hankun Chen
- Guangzhou Qinglan Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Province 515000, China
| | - Zhongyu Lu
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510006, China
| | - Banghan Ding
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510120, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510120, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Guangzhou Huamiao Biotechnology Research Institute Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Province 510000, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Province 510120, China
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Yu B, Liang J, Li X, Liu L, Yao J, Chen X, Chen R. Renieramycin T Inhibits Melanoma B16F10 Cell Metastasis and Invasion via Regulating Nrf2 and STAT3 Signaling Pathways. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165337. [PMID: 36014573 PMCID: PMC9413012 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As one of marine tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, renieramycin T plays a significant role in inhibiting tumor metastasis and invasion. However, the effect of renieramycin T on inflammation-related tumor metastasis and invasion is still unknown, and its mechanisms remain unclear. Here we established an inflammation-related tumor model by using the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells to simulate B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. The results indicate that renieramycin T suppressed RAW264.7 cell supernatant-reduced B16F10 cell adhesion to a fibronectin-coated substrate, migration, and invasion through the matrigel in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Western blot results reveal that renieramycin T attenuated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and down-regulated the expression of Nrf2. Together, the above findings suggest a model of renieramycin T in suppressing B16F10 cancer cell migration and invasion. It may serve as a promising drug for the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Xiufang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze 274015, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jing Yao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Xiaochuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (R.C.); Tel.: +86-28-8541-2095 (X.C.); +86-53-7361-6216 (R.C.)
| | - Ruijiao Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (R.C.); Tel.: +86-28-8541-2095 (X.C.); +86-53-7361-6216 (R.C.)
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The expression of Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and 2 (EHMT1/2) is deregulated in many cancers. Most studies thus far have focused on the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMTs. However, the mechanisms that lead to their deregulated expression, and the interacting proteins that could impact EHMT activity are not well understood. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the upstream regulators and the interactors that provide alternative therapeutic approaches to tackle EHMT driven malignancies. Abstract Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-(65)-153-236; Fax: +65-(67)-788-161
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7
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De Beck L, Awad RM, Basso V, Casares N, De Ridder K, De Vlaeminck Y, Gnata A, Goyvaerts C, Lecocq Q, San José-Enériz E, Verhulst S, Maes K, Vanderkerken K, Agirre X, Prosper F, Lasarte JJ, Mondino A, Breckpot K. Inhibiting Histone and DNA Methylation Improves Cancer Vaccination in an Experimental Model of Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:799636. [PMID: 35634329 PMCID: PMC9134079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.799636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has improved the treatment of malignant skin cancer of the melanoma type, yet overall clinical response rates remain low. Combination therapies could be key to meet this cogent medical need. Because epigenetic hallmarks represent promising combination therapy targets, we studied the immunogenic potential of a dual inhibitor of histone methyltransferase G9a and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the preclinical B16-OVA melanoma model. Making use of tumor transcriptomic and functional analyses, methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming was shown to induce tumor cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro coinciding with transient tumor growth delay and an IFN-I response in immune-competent mice. In consideration of a potential impact on immune cells, the drug was shown not to interfere with dendritic cell maturation or T-cell activation in vitro. Notably, the drug promoted dendritic cell and, to a lesser extent, T-cell infiltration in vivo, yet failed to sensitize tumor cells to programmed cell death-1 inhibition. Instead, it increased therapeutic efficacy of TCR-redirected T cell and dendritic cell vaccination, jointly increasing overall survival of B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice. The reported data confirm the prospect of methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming in melanoma and sustain dual G9a and DNMT inhibition as a strategy to tip the cancer-immune set-point towards responsiveness to active and adoptive vaccination against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronica Basso
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Noelia Casares
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Gnata
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edurne San José-Enériz
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory of Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic interventions. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 127:104787. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Zhang N, Shang M, Li H, Wu L, Dong M, Huang B, Lu J, Zhang Y. Dual Inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 Promotes Tumor Cell Senescence without Triggering the Secretion of SASP. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073911. [PMID: 35409271 PMCID: PMC8999616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy remains the most common cancer treatment. Although chemotherapeutic drugs induce tumor cell senescence, they are often associated with post-therapy tumor recurrence by inducing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Therefore, it is important to identify effective strategies to induce tumor cell senescence without triggering SASP. In this study, we used the small molecule inhibitors, UNC0642 (G9a inhibitor) and UNC1999 (EZH2 inhibitor) alone or in combination, to inhibit H3K9 and H3K27 methylation in different cancer cells. Dual inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 in highly metastatic tumor cells had a stronger pro-senescence effect than either inhibitor alone and did not trigger SASP in tumor cells. Dual inhibition of H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 suppressed the formation of cytosolic chromatin fragments, which inhibited the cGAS-STING-SASP pathway. Collectively, these data suggested that dual inhibition of H3K9 and H3K27 methylation induced senescence of highly metastatic tumor cells without triggering SASP by inhibiting the cGAS-STING-SASP pathway, providing a new mechanism for the epigenetics-based therapy targeting H3K9 and H3K27 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Mengjie Shang
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongxin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Lan Wu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Meichen Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Baiqu Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Jun Lu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (M.S.); (L.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (N.Z.); (H.L.); (M.D.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-431-8509-9798
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10
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Selective histone methyltransferase G9a inhibition reduces metastatic development of Ewing sarcoma through the epigenetic regulation of NEU1. Oncogene 2022; 41:2638-2650. [PMID: 35354905 PMCID: PMC9054661 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02279-w] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor with high susceptibility to metastasize. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to EWS metastases remain poorly understood. Epigenetic changes have been implicated in EWS tumor growth and progression. Linking epigenetics and metastases may provide insight into novel molecular targets in EWS and improve its treatment. Here, we evaluated the effects of a selective G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor (BIX01294) on EWS metastatic process. Our results showed that overexpression of G9a in tumors from EWS patients correlates with poor prognosis. Moreover, we observe a significantly higher expression of G9a in metastatic EWS tumor as compared to either primary or recurrent tumor. Using functional assays, we demonstrate that pharmacological G9a inhibition using BIX01294 disrupts several metastatic steps in vitro, such as migration, invasion, adhesion, colony formation and vasculogenic mimicry. Moreover, BIX01294 reduces tumor growth and metastases in two spontaneous metastases mouse models. We further identified the sialidase NEU1 as a direct target and effector of G9a in the metastatic process in EWS. NEU1 overexpression impairs migration, invasion and clonogenic capacity of EWS cell lines. Overall, G9a inhibition impairs metastases in vitro and in vivo through the overexpression of NEU1. G9a has strong potential as a prognostic marker and may be a promising therapeutic target for EWS patients.
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11
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Santourlidis S, Schulz WA, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Gerovska D, Ott P, Bendhack ML, Hassan M, Erichsen L. Epigenetics in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Malignant Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031531. [PMID: 35163453 PMCID: PMC8835790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are fundamentally important for cancer initiation and development. However, a survey of the literature reveals that, to date, they appear less comprehensively investigated in melanoma than in many other cancers, e.g., prostate, breast, and colon carcinoma. The aim of this review is to provide a short summary of epigenetic aspects of functional relevance for melanoma pathogenesis. In addition, some new perspectives from epigenetic research in other cancers with potential for melanoma diagnosis and therapy are introduced. For example, the PrimeEpiHit hypothesis in urothelial carcinoma, which, similarly to malignant melanoma, can also be triggered by a single exogenous noxa, states that one of the first steps for cancer initiation could be epigenetic changes in key genes of one-carbon metabolism. The application of such insights may contribute to further progress in the diagnosis and therapy of melanoma, a deadly type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Wolfgang A. Schulz
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain; (M.J.A.-B.); (D.G.)
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain; (M.J.A.-B.); (D.G.)
| | - Pauline Ott
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (S.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Marcelo L. Bendhack
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, Positivo University, Curitiba 80030-200, Brazil;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherché Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lars Erichsen
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0211-81-16905
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12
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Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is a crucial component of DNA maintenance and cellular identity. As our understanding of the vast array of proteins that contribute to chromatin accessibility has advanced, the role of epigenetic remodelers in disease has become more apparent. G9a is a histone methyltransferase that contributes to immune cell differentiation and function, neuronal development, and has been implicated in diseases, including cancer. In melanoma, recurrent mutations and amplifications of G9a have led to its identification as a therapeutic target. The pathways that are regulated by G9a provide an insight into relevant biomarkers for patient stratification. Future work is aided by the breadth of literature on G9a function during normal differentiation and development, along with similarities to EZH2, another histone methyltransferase that forms a synthetic lethal relationship with members of the SWI/SNF complex in certain cancers. Here, we review the literature on G9a, its role in melanoma, and lessons from EZH2 inhibitor studies.
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Poulard C, Noureddine LM, Pruvost L, Le Romancer M. Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101082. [PMID: 34685453 PMCID: PMC8541646 DOI: 10.3390/life11101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Lara M. Noureddine
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90565, Lebanon
| | - Ludivine Pruvost
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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14
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Guo Y, Zhao YR, Liu H, Xin Y, Yu JZ, Zang YJ, Xu QG. EHMT2 promotes the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by epigenetically silencing APC expression. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:152. [PMID: 34344448 PMCID: PMC8335875 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, alone accounts for over half (466,100) of new cancer cases and 422,100 deaths based on the average year incidence rates of 2009 to 2011 in China. Due to unclear and complex underlying mechanisms for HCC development, effective therapy for HCC is still unavailable. The Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a critical contributor of HCC pathogenesis: 40-70% of HCCs from patients harbor the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin protein. However, the mechanisms for β-catenin activation are not fully understood. METHODS The deletion of EHMT2 in Hep3B and Huh1 cells was achieved by transiently transfecting cells with pX459 plasmids, which carry EHMT2 specific small guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences for Cas9 protein. All experiments were performed in triplicate and repeated more than three times. RESULTS In the present study, we observed that EHMT2 (but not EHMT1) mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in HCC compared with normal controls. Next, the results of Ki67 staining, as well as MTT, soft-agar and xenograft assays, in wild-type and EHMT2-/- Hep3B and Huh1 cancer stem cells collectively revealed that the elevation of EHMT2 expression is required for the tumorigenesis of HCC. Meanwhile, we found that elevated EHMT2 expression contributes to the activation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling: deletion of EHMT2 in Hep3B or Huh1 cells promoted the cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and restrained the expression of Wnt-β-catenin signaling targets such as Myc, CCND1, MMP-7, etc. We demonstrated that EMHT2 directly mediates the H3K9me2 methylation of the APC promoter to epigenetically silence its expression. More intriguingly, our findings also showed that UNC0642, a specific inhibitor of EHMT2, exhibits anti-tumorigenesis effects in HCC both in vitro and in vivo, which were largely abolished by deletion of EHMT2 or overexpression of APC in Hep3B and Huh1 cells. CONCLUSION Altogether, our observations emphasize that the EHMT2-APC axis is a critical contributor to Wnt-β-catenin pathway activation in HCC, and UNC0642 may be a potential candidate for target drug treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-Rong Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Xin
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Yu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Jin Zang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
| | - Qing-Guo Xu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China. .,Lead Contact, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
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15
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Li Y, Chen Z, Cao K, Zhang L, Ma Y, Yu S, Jin H, Liu X, Li W. G9a Regulates Cell Sensitivity to Radiotherapy via Histone H3 Lysine 9 Trimethylation and CCDC8 in Lung Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3721-3728. [PMID: 34140780 PMCID: PMC8203200 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s296937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of G9a and CCDC8 in lung cancer radioresistance. Methods Western blotting assays were used for G9a, CCDC8, H3K9me3 expression detection. MTT assays and clone formation assays were used for measuring cell proliferation activities. Flow cytometry assays were used for cell apoptosis detection. The enrichment of H3K9me3 in CCDC8 promoter was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results G9a and G9a-mediated H3K9me3 are upregulated in radioresistant lung cancer cells (A549/IR cell and XWLC-05/IR cell). Blocking G9a not only promotes radiosensitivity of A549/IR cell and XWLC-05/IR cell but also reduces aggressive behavior of radioresistant A549 cell/IR and XWLC-05/IR cell. In addition, G9a-controlled H3K9me3 is able to binding to the promoter of tumor suppressor gene CCDC8 and suppresses CCDC8 expression. CCDC8 dysregulation is responsible for G9a-mediated radioresistance of A549/IR cell and XWLC-05/IR cell. Conclusion G9a and H3K9me3 contribute to the lung cancer radioresistance via modulating CCDC8 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfen Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Yunnan Boya Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine, Lizhu Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengting Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Cao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhui Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Jin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
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16
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Shi Y, Qi W, Xu Q, Wang Z, Cao X, Zhou L, Ye L. The role of epigenetics in the reproductive toxicity of environmental endocrine disruptors. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2021; 62:78-88. [PMID: 33217042 DOI: 10.1002/em.22414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) seriously endanger human health by interfering with the normal function of reproductive systems. In males, EEDs can affect sperm formation and semen quality as well spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing fertility. In females, EEDs can affect uterine development and the expression levels of reproduction-related genes, ultimately reducing female fertility and the normal development of the fetus. There are a large number of putative mechanisms by which EEDs can induce reproductive toxicity, and many studies have shown the involvement of epigenetics. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, genomic imprinting, chromatin remodeling and histone modification in the reproductive toxicity of EEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wen Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaolian Cao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Saha N, Muntean AG. Insight into the multi-faceted role of the SUV family of H3K9 methyltransferases in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188498. [PMID: 33373647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence implicates histone H3 lysine 9 methylation in tumorigenesis. The SUV family of H3K9 methyltransferases, which include G9a, GLP, SETDB1, SETDB2, SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 deposit H3K9me1/2/3 marks at euchromatic and heterochromatic regions, catalyzed by their conserved SET domain. In cancer, this family of enzymes can be deregulated by genomic alterations and transcriptional mis-expression leading to alteration of transcriptional programs. In solid and hematological malignancies, studies have uncovered pro-oncogenic roles for several H3K9 methyltransferases and accordingly, small molecule inhibitors are being tested as potential therapies. However, emerging evidence demonstrate onco-suppressive roles for these enzymes in cancer development as well. Here, we review the role H3K9 methyltransferases play in tumorigenesis focusing on gene targets and biological pathways affected due to misregulation of these enzymes. We also discuss molecular mechanisms regulating H3K9 methyltransferases and their influence on cancer. Finally, we describe the impact of H3K9 methylation on therapy induced resistance in carcinoma. Converging evidence point to multi-faceted roles for H3K9 methyltransferases in development and cancer that encourages a deeper understanding of these enzymes to inform novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Saha
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States of America
| | - Andrew G Muntean
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States of America.
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18
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Ke XX, Zhang R, Zhong X, Zhang L, Cui H. Deficiency of G9a Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Activates Autophagy via Transcriptionally Regulating c-Myc Expression in Glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:593964. [PMID: 33330479 PMCID: PMC7729084 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.593964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and difficult to treat cancer. Recent data have emerged implicating that histone modification level may play a crucial role in glioma genesis. The histone lysine methyltransferase G9a is mainly responsible for the mono- and di-methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), whose overexpression is associated with a more aggressive phenotype in cancer. However, the detailed correlations between G9a and glioblastoma genesis remain to be further elucidated. Here, we show that G9a is essential for glioblastoma carcinogenesis and reveal a probable mechanism of it in cell proliferation control. We found that G9a was highly expressed in glioblastoma cells, and knockdown or inhibition of G9a significantly repressed cell proliferation and tumorigenesis ability both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, knockdown or inhibition of G9a led to a cell cycle arrest in G2 phase, as well as decreased the expression of CDK1, CDK2, Cyclin A2, and Cyclin B1, while it induced the activation of autophagy. Further investigation showed that G9a deficiency induced cell proliferation suppression, and activation of autophagy was rescued by overexpression of the full-length c-Myc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that G9a was enriched on the −2267 to −1949 region of the c-Myc promoter in LN-229 cells and the −1949 to −1630 region of the c-Myc promoter in U-87 MG cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that c-Myc promoter activity was significantly reduced after knockdown or inhibition of G9a. Our study shows that G9a controls glioblastoma cell proliferation by transcriptionally modulating oncogene c-Myc and provides insight into the capabilities of G9a working as a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xue Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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19
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Qiu W, Wang Z, Chen R, Shi H, Ma Y, Zhou H, Li M, Li W, Chen H, Zhou H. Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe suppresses hepatocellular carcinogenesis through the miR-200b-3p /Notch1 axis. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:11121-11131. [PMID: 33173345 PMCID: PMC7646463 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s269991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Xiaoai Jiedu recipe (XJR), a formula long used by Chinese National Medical Professor Zhou Zhongying, has potent antitumor properties, but the molecular mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the antitumor mechanism of XJR on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by focusing on miRNA. Methods Three concentrations of XJR (low, middle, and high) were used to treat tumor xenograft mice models. Microarray technology was used to identify the differential expressed genes after XJR treatment, and bioinformatic tools and luciferase reporter assay to predict the potential pathways. HepG2 cells were transfected with inhibitor of miR-200b-3p to detect the effect of miR-200b-3p and Notch1 on tumor growth. Results XJR effectively exerted anti-HCC effect both in vitro and in vivo. MiRNA chip analysis results showed that the expression of 75 miRNAs was upregulated and 158 miRNAs was downregulated in blood from XJR-treated mice. Further validation by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay showed that the expression of five miRNAs (miR-453, miR-200b-3p, miR-135a-1-3p, miR-1960, miR-378a-5p, and miR-466f) was consistent with the results of miRNA chip analysis. Among them, miR-200b-3p was selected as candidate for further research. Results of the MTT, migration, and wound healing assays showed that down-expression of miR-200b-3p abrogated the effect of XJR on cell growth and metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Notch1 was the direct target of miR-200b-3p. XJR significantly decreased Notch1 expression in HepG2 cells, whereas miR-200B-3p inhibitor abrogated the XJR-induced decrease in Notch1 expression. Conclusion This study indicated that XJR could effectively inhibit HCC and might exert its antitumor effect through the miR‐200b-3p/Notch1 axis. These findings provided new avenues for the use of XJR for prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haibo Shi
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Xishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Ma
- Institute of Oncology, The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, Republic of China
| | - Muhan Li
- Institute of Oncology, The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Wenting Li
- Institute of Oncology, The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Science and Technology Department, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
| | - Hongguang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Republic of China
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20
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Zhang J, Yang C, Wu C, Cui W, Wang L. DNA Methyltransferases in Cancer: Biology, Paradox, Aberrations, and Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082123. [PMID: 32751889 PMCID: PMC7465608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases are an essential class of modifiers in epigenetics. In mammals, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B participate in DNA methylation to regulate normal biological functions, such as embryo development, cell differentiation and gene transcription. Aberrant functions of DNMTs are frequently associated with tumorigenesis. DNMT aberrations usually affect tumor-related factors, such as hypermethylated suppressor genes and genomic instability, which increase the malignancy of tumors, worsen the prognosis for patients, and greatly increase the difficulty of cancer therapy. However, the impact of DNMTs on tumors is still controversial, and therapeutic approaches targeting DNMTs are still under exploration. Here, we summarize the biological functions and paradoxes associated with DNMTs and we discuss some emerging strategies for targeting DNMTs in tumors, which may provide novel ideas for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.Z.); (C.Y.); (C.W.)
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (L.W.)
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21
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Hou Z, Sun L, Xu F, Hu F, Lan J, Song D, Feng Y, Wang J, Luo X, Hu J, Wang G. Blocking histone methyltransferase SETDB1 inhibits tumorigenesis and enhances cetuximab sensitivity in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 487:63-73. [PMID: 32473242 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase SETDB1 catalyzes the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 9, and upregulation of SETDB1 is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Here, we describe how overexpression of SETDB1 contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and drug resistance. We show that SETDB1 is upregulated in CRC, and its level correlates with poor clinical outcome. SETDB1 attenuation inhibits CRC cell proliferation Mechanistically, SETDB1 promotes cell proliferation by upregulating Akt activation. Further, SETDB1 is essential for the tumorigenic activity of Akt. Functional characterization revealed that inhibition of SETDB1 reduces cell growth in CRC resistant to targeted treatments in vitro and in vivo, KRAS-mutated CRC included. Taken together, our results indicate that SETDB1 is a major driver of CRC and may serve as a potential target for the treatment of KRAS-mutated CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Hou
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feng Xu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fuqing Hu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jingqin Lan
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Da Song
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yongdong Feng
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xuelai Luo
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junbo Hu
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Guihua Wang
- GI Cancer Research Institute, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Saberifar S, Hashemi F, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Moghadam ER, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Garg M. Nobiletin in Cancer Therapy: How This Plant Derived-Natural Compound Targets Various Oncogene and Onco-Suppressor Pathways. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050110. [PMID: 32380783 PMCID: PMC7277899 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy is a growing field, and annually, a high number of research is performed to develop novel antitumor drugs. Attempts to find new antitumor drugs continue, since cancer cells are able to acquire resistance to conventional drugs. Natural chemicals can be considered as promising candidates in the field of cancer therapy due to their multiple-targeting capability. The nobiletin (NOB) is a ubiquitous flavone isolated from Citrus fruits. The NOB has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Among them, the antitumor activity of NOB has been under attention over recent years. In this review, we comprehensively describe the efficacy of NOB in cancer therapy. NOB induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. It can suppress migration and invasion of cancer cells via the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EMT-related factors such as TGF-β, ZEB, Slug, and Snail. Besides, NOB inhibits oncogene factors such as STAT3, NF-κB, Akt, PI3K, Wnt, and so on. Noteworthy, onco-suppressor factors such as microRNA-7 and -200b undergo upregulation by NOB in cancer therapy. These onco-suppressor and oncogene pathways and mechanisms are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey;
| | - Sedigheh Saberifar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 6135783151, Iran;
| | - Farid Hashemi
- DVM. Graduated, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon 7319846451, Iran;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417414418, Iran;
| | - Fardin Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715749, Iran;
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Student Research Committee, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran;
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (M.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (M.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida-201313, India
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (M.N.); (M.G.)
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