1
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Soleiman M, Fathi-Roudsari M, Khajeh K, Maghsoudi A. Optimization of Epigenetic Modifier Drug Combination for Synergistic Effect against Glioblastoma Multiform Cancer Cell Lines. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:319-332. [PMID: 38695671 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2345183] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is a frequent class of malignant brain tumors. Epigenetic therapy, especially with synergistic combinations is highly paid attention for aggressive solid tumors like GBM. Here, RSM optimization has been used to increase the efficient arrest of U87 and U251 cell lines due to synergistic effects. Cell lines were treated with SAHA, 5-Azacytidine, GSK-126, and PTC-209 individually and then RSM was used to find most effective combinations. Results showed that optimized combinations significantly reduce cell survival and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines. Expression of cyclin B1 and cyclin D1 were decreased while caspase3 increased expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morvarid Soleiman
- Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Fathi-Roudsari
- Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosro Khajeh
- Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Xu J, Li L, Shi P, Cui H, Yang L. The Crucial Roles of Bmi-1 in Cancer: Implications in Pathogenesis, Metastasis, Drug Resistance, and Targeted Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158231. [PMID: 35897796 PMCID: PMC9367737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration region 1 (Bmi-1, also known as RNF51 or PCGF4) is one of the important members of the PcG gene family, and is involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and senescence, and maintaining the self-renewal of stem cells. Many studies in recent years have emphasized the role of Bmi-1 in the occurrence and development of tumors. In fact, Bmi-1 has multiple functions in cancer biology and is closely related to many classical molecules, including Akt, c-MYC, Pten, etc. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of Bmi-1 in multiple pathways, and the interaction of Bmi-1 with noncoding RNAs. In particular, we focus on the pathological processes of Bmi-1 in cancer, and explore the clinical relevance of Bmi-1 in cancer biomarkers and prognosis, as well as its implications for chemoresistance and radioresistance. In conclusion, we summarize the role of Bmi-1 in tumor progression, reveal the pathophysiological process and molecular mechanism of Bmi-1 in tumors, and provide useful information for tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (J.X.); (L.L.); (P.S.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (J.X.); (L.L.); (P.S.)
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (J.X.); (L.L.); (P.S.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (J.X.); (L.L.); (P.S.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (L.Y.)
| | - Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (J.X.); (L.L.); (P.S.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (L.Y.)
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3
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Al-Nadaf S, Peacott-Ricardos KS, Dickinson PJ, Rebhun RB, York D. Expression and therapeutic targeting of BMI1 in canine gliomas. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:871-880. [PMID: 35833892 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12852] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The BMI1 proto-oncogene, polycomb ring finger protein (BMI1) is a key component of the epigenetic polycomb repressor complex 1, and has been associated with aggressive behavior and chemotherapeutic resistance in various malignances including human gliomas. Similar to humans, spontaneous canine gliomas carry a poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options. BMI1 expression and the effects of BMI1 inhibition have not been evaluated in canine gliomas. Here, we demonstrate that BMI1 is highly expressed in canine gliomas. Although increased BMI1 protein expression correlated with higher glioma grade in western blot assays, this correlation was not observed in a larger sample set using immunohistochemical analysis. The BMI1 inhibitor, PTC-209, suppressed BMI1 expression in established canine glioma cell lines and resulted in antiproliferative activity when used alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. PTC-209 targeting of BMI1 activated the RB pathway through downregulation of total and phosphorylated RB, independent of INK4A/ARF signaling, likely through BMI1-inhibition mediated upregulation of p21. These data support the rationale for targeting of BMI1 signaling and the use of canine glioma as a translational therapeutic model for human disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Al-Nadaf
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle S Peacott-Ricardos
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert B Rebhun
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Daniel York
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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4
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BMI1 regulates multiple myeloma-associated macrophage's pro-myeloma functions. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:495. [PMID: 33993198 PMCID: PMC8124065 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by terminally differentiated plasma cells accumulation in the bone marrow (BM). MM BM exhibits elevated MΦs (macrophages) numbers relative to healthy BM. Current evidence indicates that MM-MΦs (MM-associated macrophages) have pro-myeloma functions, and BM MM-MΦs numbers negatively correlate with patient survival. Here, we found that BMI1, a polycomb-group protein, modulates the pro-myeloma functions of MM-MΦs, which expressed higher BMI1 levels relative to normal MΦs. In the MM tumor microenvironment, hedgehog signaling in MΦs was activated by MM-derived sonic hedgehog, and BMI1 transcription subsequently activated by c-Myc. Relative to wild-type MM-MΦs, BMI1-KO (BMI1 knockout) MM-MΦs from BM cells of BMI1-KO mice exhibited reduced proliferation and suppressed expression of angiogenic factors. Additionally, BMI1-KO MM-MΦs lost their ability to protect MM cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death. In vivo analysis showed that relative to wild-type MM-MΦs, BMI1-KO MM-MΦs lost their pro-myeloma effects. Together, our data show that BMI1 mediates the pro-myeloma functions of MM-MΦs.
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5
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Varlet E, Ovejero S, Martinez AM, Cavalli G, Moreaux J. Role of Polycomb Complexes in Normal and Malignant Plasma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218047. [PMID: 33126754 PMCID: PMC7662980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma cells (PC) are the main effectors of adaptive immunity, responsible for producing antibodies to defend the body against pathogens. They are the result of a complex highly regulated cell differentiation process, taking place in several anatomical locations and involving unique genetic events. Pathologically, PC can undergo tumorigenesis and cause a group of diseases known as plasma cell dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma (MM). MM is a severe disease with poor prognosis that is characterized by the accumulation of malignant PC within the bone marrow, as well as high clinical and molecular heterogeneity. MM patients frequently develop resistance to treatment, leading to relapse. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are epigenetic regulators involved in cell fate and carcinogenesis. The emerging roles of PcG in PC differentiation and myelomagenesis position them as potential therapeutic targets in MM. Here, we focus on the roles of PcG proteins in normal and malignant plasma cells, as well as their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Varlet
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (S.O.); (A.-M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Ovejero
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (S.O.); (A.-M.M.); (G.C.)
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Marie Martinez
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (S.O.); (A.-M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (S.O.); (A.-M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (S.O.); (A.-M.M.); (G.C.)
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- UFR Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-04-6733-7903
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6
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Forgione MO, McClure BJ, Yeung DT, Eadie LN, White DL. MLLT10 rearranged acute leukemia: Incidence, prognosis, and possible therapeutic strategies. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:709-721. [PMID: 32720323 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearrangements of the MLLT10 gene occur in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), most commonly T-lineage ALL (T-ALL), in patients of all ages. MLLT10 rearranged (MLLT10r) acute leukemia presents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to frequent presentation of immature or mixed phenotype, and a lack of consensus regarding optimal therapy. Cases of MLLT10r AML or T-ALL bearing immature phenotype are at high risk of poor outcome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and sensitivity to targeted therapies remain poorly characterized. This review addresses the incidence and prognostic significance of MLLT10r in acute leukemia, and how the aberrant gene expression profile of this disease can inform potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying genomics of MLLT10r acute leukemia, both clinically and molecularly, will improve prognostic stratification and accelerate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O Forgione
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara J McClure
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David T Yeung
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura N Eadie
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah L White
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance (AGHA), The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Children's Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), Hudson Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Bolomsky A, Muller J, Stangelberger K, Lejeune M, Duray E, Breid H, Vrancken L, Pfeiffer C, Hübl W, Willheim M, Weetall M, Branstrom A, Zojer N, Caers J, Ludwig H. The anti-mitotic agents PTC-028 and PTC596 display potent activity in pre-clinical models of multiple myeloma but challenge the role of BMI-1 as an essential tumour gene. Br J Haematol 2020; 190:877-890. [PMID: 32232850 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Future progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) requires both the characterisation of key drivers of the disease and novel, innovative approaches to tackle these vulnerabilities. The present study focussed on the pre-clinical evaluation of a novel drug class, BMI-1 modulators, in MM. We demonstrate potent activity of PTC-028 and PTC596 in a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo models, including models of drug resistance and stromal support. Treatment of MM cells with PTC-028 and PTC596 downregulated BMI-1 protein levels, which was found to correlate with drug activity. Surprisingly, BMI-1 was dispensable for the activity of BMI-1 modulators and MM cell growth. Our data rather point to mitotic arrest accompanied by myeloid cell leukaemia-1 (MCL-1) loss as key anti-MM mechanisms and reveal impaired MYC and AKT signalling activity due to BMI-1 modulator treatment. Moreover, we observed a complete eradication of MM after PTC596 treatment in the 5TGM.1 in vivo model and define epigenetic compounds and B cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics as promising combination partners. These results bring into question the postulated role of BMI-1 as an essential MM gene and confirm BMI-1 modulators as potent anti-mitotic agents with encouraging pre-clinical activity that supports their rapid translation into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Bolomsky
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joséphine Muller
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kathrin Stangelberger
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margaux Lejeune
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Duray
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Helene Breid
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Louise Vrancken
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christina Pfeiffer
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Hübl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Willheim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Niklas Zojer
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jo Caers
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Sulaiman S, Arafat K, Iratni R, Attoub S. PTC-209 Anti-Cancer Effects Involved the Inhibition of STAT3 Phosphorylation. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1199. [PMID: 31695609 PMCID: PMC6815748 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths despite many therapeutic options, including targeted therapy and immunotherapies. Methods: Here, we investigated the impact of PTC-209, a small-molecule Bmi-1 inhibitor, on human cancer cell viability alone and in combination with anticancer drugs, namely, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, camptothecin, and Frondoside-A and its impact on cellular migration and colony growth in vitro and on tumor growth in ovo. Results: We demonstrate that PTC-209 causes a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the cellular viability of lung cancer cells (LNM35 and A549), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and T47D), and colon cancer cells (HT-29, HCT8/S11, and HCT-116). Similarly, treatment with PTC-209 significantly decreased the growth of LNM35, A549, MDA-MB-231, and HT-29 clones and colonies in vitro and LNM35 and A549 tumor growth in the in ovo tumor xenograft model. PTC-209 at the non-toxic concentrations significantly reduced the migration of lung (LNM35 and A549) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells. Moreover, we show that PTC-209, at a concentration of 1 μM, enhances the anti-cancer effects of Frondoside-A in lung, breast, and colon cancer cells, as well as the effect camptothecin in breast cancer cells and the effect of cisplatin in lung cancer cells in vitro. However, PTC-209 failed to enhance the anti-cancer effects of oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil in colon cancer cells. Treatment of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells with PTC-209 (1 and 2.5 μM) for 48 h showed no caspase-3 activation, but a decrease in the cell number below the seeding level suggests that PTC-209 reduces cellular viability probably through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell death via a caspase-3–independent mechanism. Molecular mechanism analysis revealed that PTC-209 significantly inhibited the STAT3 phosphorylation by decreasing the expression level of gp130 as early as 30 min post-treatment. Conclusion: Our findings identify PTC-209 as a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of solid tumors either alone and/or in combination with the standard cytotoxic drugs cisplatin and camptothecin and the natural product Frondoside-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrazad Sulaiman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kholoud Arafat
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France
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9
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Bugler J, Kinstrie R, Scott MT, Vetrie D. Epigenetic Reprogramming and Emerging Epigenetic Therapies in CML. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:136. [PMID: 31380371 PMCID: PMC6652210 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by BCR-ABL1, an oncogenic fusion gene arising from the Philadelphia chromosome. The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to overcome the constitutive tyrosine kinase activity of the BCR-ABL protein has dramatically improved disease management and patient outcomes over the past 20 years. However, the majority of patients are not cured and developing novel therapeutic strategies that target epigenetic processes are a promising avenue to improve cure rates. A number of epigenetic mechanisms are altered or reprogrammed during the development and progression of CML, resulting in alterations in histone modifications, DNA methylation and dysregulation of the transcriptional machinery. In this review these epigenetic alterations are examined and the potential of epigenetic therapies are discussed as a means of eradicating residual disease and offering a potential cure for CML in combination with current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Vetrie
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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10
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Jangal M, Lebeau B, Witcher M. Beyond EZH2: is the polycomb protein CBX2 an emerging target for anti-cancer therapy? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:565-578. [PMID: 31177918 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1627329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modifications are important regulators of transcription and appropriate gene expression answering an environmental stimulus. In cancer, these epigenetic modifications are altered, which impact the transcriptome, promoting initiation and cancer progression. Thus, targeting epigenetic machinery has proven to be an efficient cancer therapy. Areas covered: We review CBX2 as a therapeutic target. CBX2 is a polycomb protein, responsible for polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) targeting to chromatin via recognition of the repressive mark H3K27me3. Mechanistically, CBX2 overexpression may be implicated in poor survival by maintaining cancer stem cells in an undifferentiated state and via repression of tumor suppressors. We discuss strategies used to target CBX proteins and provide insights into biomarker considerations that may be important when targeting CBX family members for anti-cancer therapy. Expert opinion: CBX2 inhibition is a promising approach for the targeting of polycomb complexes in the cancer stem cell niche. However, extensive optimization of the current field of small molecules targeting CBX family proteins will be critical to reach in vivo, or clinical, utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maïka Jangal
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
| | - Benjamin Lebeau
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
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11
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Adamik J, Roodman GD, Galson DL. Epigenetic-Based Mechanisms of Osteoblast Suppression in Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease. JBMR Plus 2019; 3:e10183. [PMID: 30918921 PMCID: PMC6419609 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease is characterized by the development of osteolytic lesions, which cause severe complications affecting the morbidity, mortality, and treatment of myeloma patients. Myeloma tumors seeded within the bone microenvironment promote hyperactivation of osteoclasts and suppression of osteoblast differentiation. Because of this prolonged suppression of bone marrow stromal cells’ (BMSCs) differentiation into functioning osteoblasts, bone lesions in patients persist even in the absence of active disease. Current antiresorptive therapy provides insufficient bone anabolic effects to reliably repair MM lesions. It has become widely accepted that myeloma‐exposed BMSCs have an altered phenotype with pro‐inflammatory, immune‐modulatory, anti‐osteogenic, and pro‐adipogenic properties. In this review, we focus on the role of epigenetic‐based modalities in the establishment and maintenance of myeloma‐induced suppression of osteogenic commitment of BMSCs. We will focus on recent studies demonstrating the involvement of chromatin‐modifying enzymes in transcriptional repression of osteogenic genes in MM‐BMSCs. We will further address the epigenetic plasticity in the differentiation commitment of osteoprogenitor cells and assess the involvement of chromatin modifiers in MSC‐lineage switching from osteogenic to adipogenic in the context of the inflammatory myeloma microenvironment. Lastly, we will discuss the potential of employing small molecule epigenetic inhibitors currently used in the MM research as therapeutics and bone anabolic agents in the prevention or repair of osteolytic lesions in MM. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Adamik
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - G David Roodman
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology-Oncology Indiana University Indianapolis IN USA.,Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Deborah L Galson
- Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
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12
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Harding T, Baughn L, Kumar S, Van Ness B. The future of myeloma precision medicine: integrating the compendium of known drug resistance mechanisms with emerging tumor profiling technologies. Leukemia 2019; 33:863-883. [PMID: 30683909 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy that is considered mostly incurable in large part due to the inability of standard of care therapies to overcome refractory disease and inevitable drug-resistant relapse. The post-genomic era has been a productive period of discovery where modern sequencing methods have been applied to large MM patient cohorts to modernize our current perception of myeloma pathobiology and establish an appreciation for the vast heterogeneity that exists between and within MM patients. Numerous pre-clinical studies conducted in the last two decades have unveiled a compendium of mechanisms by which malignant plasma cells can escape standard therapies, many of which have potentially quantifiable biomarkers. Exhaustive pre-clinical efforts have evaluated countless putative anti-MM therapeutic agents and many of these have begun to enter clinical trial evaluation. While the palette of available anti-MM therapies is continuing to expand it is also clear that malignant plasma cells still have mechanistic avenues by which they can evade even the most promising new therapies. It is therefore becoming increasingly clear that there is an outstanding need to develop and employ precision medicine strategies in MM management that harness emerging tumor profiling technologies to identify biomarkers that predict efficacy or resistance within an individual's sub-clonally heterogeneous tumor. In this review we present an updated overview of broad classes of therapeutic resistance mechanisms and describe selected examples of putative biomarkers. We also outline several emerging tumor profiling technologies that have the potential to accurately quantify biomarkers for therapeutic sensitivity and resistance at genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Finally, we comment on the future of implementation for precision medicine strategies in MM and the clear need for a paradigm shift in clinical trial design and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Harding
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Linda Baughn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shaji Kumar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, USA
| | - Brian Van Ness
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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13
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Tremblay-LeMay R, Rastgoo N, Pourabdollah M, Chang H. EZH2 as a therapeutic target for multiple myeloma and other haematological malignancies. Biomark Res 2018; 6:34. [PMID: 30555699 PMCID: PMC6286605 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-018-0148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that is of great interest in human cancer. It has been shown to have a dual nature, as it can act as a gene repressor or activator. Studies have highlighted the various roles of EZH2 in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma (MM). It was also shown to have a role in the development of drug resistance in MM. There are several ongoing clinical trials of EZH2 inhibitors in haematological malignancies. Pre-clinical studies have provided a rationale for the therapeutic relevance of EZH2 inhibitors in MM. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the role of EZH2 in MM pathophysiology and drug resistance, with an emphasis on interactions between EZH2 and microRNAs, as well as the prognostic significance of EZH2 expression in MM. Furthermore, results from the pre-clinical studies of EZH2 inhibition in MM and currently available interim results from clinical trials of EZH2 inhibitors in haematological malignancies are presented. Preliminary data exploring anticipated mechanisms of resistance to EZH2 inhibitors are also reviewed. There is therefore strong evidence to support the relevance of targeting EZH2 for the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie Tremblay-LeMay
- 1Laboratory medicine program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4 Canada
| | - Nasrin Rastgoo
- 2Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maryam Pourabdollah
- 1Laboratory medicine program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4 Canada
| | - Hong Chang
- 1Laboratory medicine program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4 Canada.,2Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,3Department of Talent Highland, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xian, China
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14
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Galimberti S, Grassi S, Baratè C, Guerrini F, Ciabatti E, Perutelli F, Ricci F, Del Genio G, Montali M, Barachini S, Giuliani C, Ferreri MI, Valetto A, Abruzzese E, Ippolito C, Iurlo A, Bocchia M, Sicuranza A, Martino B, Iovino L, Buda G, Salehzadeh S, Petrini M, Di Paolo A, Mattii L. The Polycomb BMI1 Protein Is Co-expressed With CD26+ in Leukemic Stem Cells of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2018; 8:555. [PMID: 30574454 PMCID: PMC6291509 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb gene BMI1 expression exerts a negative predictive impact on several hematological malignancies, such as acute and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), myelofibrosis, and follicular lymphoma. As already demonstrated in CML, BMI1 is responsible for the resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in a BCR-ABL1-independent way. Even if, it is unknown where BMI1 in CML is expressed (in progenitors or more mature cells). We decided, therefore, to evaluate if and where the BMI1 protein is located, focusing mainly on the CD34+/CD38-/CD26+ CML progenitors. To begin we measured, by flow cytometry, the proportion of CD34+/CD26+ cells in 31 bone marrow samples from 20 CML patients, at diagnosis and during treatment with imatinib. After that the bone marrow blood smears were stained with antibodies anti-CD26, BCR-ABL1, and BMI1. These smears were observed by a confocal laser microscope and a 3D reconstruction was then performed. At diagnosis, CD34+/CD26+ cells median value/μL was 0.48; this number increased from diagnosis to the third month of therapy and then reduced during treatment with imatinib. The number and behavior of the CD26+ progenitors were independent from the BCR-ABL1 expression, but they summed up what previously observed about the BMI1 expression modulation. In this work we demonstrate for the first time that in CML the BMI1 protein is co-expressed with BCR-ABL1 only in the cytoplasm of the CD26+ precursors; on the contrary, in other hematological malignancies where BMI1 is commonly expressed (follicular lymphoma, essential thrombocytemia, acute myeloid leukemia), it was not co-localized with CD26 or, obviously, with BCR-ABL1. Once translated into the clinical context, if BMI1 is a marker of stemness, our results would suggest the combination of the BMI1 inhibitors with TKIs as an interesting object of research, and, probably, as a promising way to overcome resistance in CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Galimberti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Grassi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,GeNOMEC School of Doctorate, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Baratè
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Guerrini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Ciabatti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Perutelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Ricci
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giada Del Genio
- Unità Operativa Cytogenetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Montali
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Barachini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Giuliani
- Unità Operativa Cytogenetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Valetto
- Unità Operativa Cytogenetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Ippolito
- Section of Histology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iurlo
- Hematology Division, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Unità Operativa Ematologia, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Sicuranza
- Unità Operativa Ematologia, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Martino
- Unità Operativa Ematologia, Ospedale Binco, Melacrino, Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Buda
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Salehzadeh
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Petrini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonello Di Paolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Mattii
- Section of Histology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Di Carlo V, Mocavini I, Di Croce L. Polycomb complexes in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Biol 2018; 218:55-69. [PMID: 30341152 PMCID: PMC6314559 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201808028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Di Carlo et al. discuss how the regulation/dysregulation of Polycomb group proteins contributes to hematopoiesis and hematological disorders. Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for sustaining cell type–specific transcription programs. Among the distinct factors, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are major negative regulators of gene expression in mammals. These proteins play key roles in regulating the proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of stem cells. During hematopoietic differentiation, many PcG proteins are fundamental for proper lineage commitment, as highlighted by the fact that a lack of distinct PcG proteins results in embryonic lethality accompanied by differentiation biases. Correspondingly, proteins of these complexes are frequently dysregulated in hematological diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the role of PcG proteins in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, focusing on the compositional complexity of PcG complexes, and we briefly discuss the ongoing clinical trials for drugs targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Di Carlo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivano Mocavini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the enzymatic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that exerts important functions during normal development as well as disease. PRC2 through EZH2 tri-methylates histone H3 lysine tail residue 27 (H3K27me3), a modification associated with repression of gene expression programs related to stem cell self-renewal, cell cycle, cell differentiation, and cellular transformation. EZH2 is deregulated and subjected to gain of function or loss of function mutations, and hence functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in a context-dependent manner. The development of highly selective inhibitors against the histone methyltransferase activity of EZH2 has also contributed to insight into the role of EZH2 and PRC2 in tumorigenesis, and their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer. EZH2 can function as an oncogene in multiple myeloma (MM) by repressing tumor suppressor genes that control apoptosis, cell cycle control and adhesion properties. Taken together these findings have raised the possibility that EZH2 inhibitors could be a useful therapeutic modality in MM alone or in combination with other targeted agents in MM. Therefore, we review the current knowledge on the regulation of EZH2 and its biological impact in MM, the anti-myeloma activity of EZH2 inhibitors and their potential as a targeted therapy in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alzrigat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Helena Jernberg-Wiklund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jonathan D Licht
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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EZH2 inhibitors sensitize myeloma cell lines to panobinostat resulting in unique combinatorial transcriptomic changes. Oncotarget 2018; 9:21930-21942. [PMID: 29774113 PMCID: PMC5955152 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a largely incurable hematologic cancer due to an inability to broadly target inevitable drug-resistant relapse. Epigenetic abnormalities are abundantly present in multiple myeloma and have increasingly demonstrated critical roles for tumor development and relapse to standard therapies. Accumulating evidence suggests that the histone methyltransferase EZH2 is aberrantly active in MM. We tested the efficacy of EZH2 specific inhibitors in a large panel of human MM cell lines (HMCLs) and found that only a subset of HMCLs demonstrate single agent sensitivity despite ubiquitous global H3K27 demethylation. Pre-treatment with EZH2 inhibitors greatly enhanced the sensitivity of HMCLs to the pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat in nearly all cases regardless of single agent EZH2 inhibitor sensitivity. Transcriptomic profiling revealed large-scale transcriptomic alteration by EZH2 inhibition highly enriched for cancer-related pathways. Combination treatment greatly increased the scale of gene expression change with a large portion of differentially expressed genes being unique to the combination. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that combination treatment further perturbed oncogenic pathways and signaling nodes consistent with an antiproliferative/pro-apoptotic state. We conclude that combined inhibition of HDAC and EZH2 inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy to broadly target the epigenetic landscape of aggressive MM.
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