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Huang G, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Thioamides in medicinal chemistry and as small molecule therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116732. [PMID: 39106658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116732] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Thioamides, which are fascinating isosteres of amides, have garnered significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry programs, spanning peptides and small molecule compounds. This review provides an overview of the various applications of thioamides in small molecule therapeutic agents targeting a range of human diseases, including cancer, microbial infections (e.g., tuberculosis, bacteria, and fungi), viral infections, neurodegenerative conditions, analgesia, and others. Particular focus is given to design strategies of biologically active thioamide-containing compounds and their biological targets, such as kinases and histone methyltransferase ASH1L. Additionally, the review discusses the impact of the thioamide moiety on key properties, including potency, target interactions, physicochemical characteristics, and pharmacokinetics profiles. We hope that this work will offer valuable insights to inspire the future development of novel bioactive thioamide-containing compounds, facilitating their effective use in combating a wide array of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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2
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Ma S, Long G, Jiang Z, Zhang Y, Sun L, Pan Y, You Q, Guo X. Recent advances in targeting histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferases for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116532. [PMID: 38805937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116532] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methylation is a typical epigenetic histone modification that is involved in various biological processes such as DNA transcription, repair and recombination in vivo. Mutations, translocations, and aberrant gene expression associated with H3K36 methyltransferases have been implicated in different malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, and others. Herein, we provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in small molecule inhibitors targeting H3K36 methyltransferases. We analyzed the structures and biological functions of the H3K36 methyltransferases family members. Additionally, we discussed the potential directions for future development of inhibitors targeting H3K36 methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Guanlu Long
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Liangkui Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yun Pan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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3
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Ordi O, Saco A, Peñuelas N, Blanco-Irazuegui O, Pino MD, Carreras-Dieguez N, Marimon L, Rodrigo-Calvo MT, Morató A, Sisuashvili L, Bustamante M, Cruells A, Darecka K, Vega N, Alós S, Trias I, Fusté P, Parra G, Gut M, Munmany M, Torné A, Jares P, Rakislova N. Whole-Exome Sequencing of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinomas Reveals an Impaired Prognosis in Patients With TP53 Mutations and Concurrent CCND1 Gains. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100574. [PMID: 39089654 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100574] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Very little information is available on the mutational landscape of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), a disease that mainly affects older women. Studies focusing on the mutational patterns of the currently recognized etiopathogenic types of this tumor (human papillomavirus [HPV]-associated [HPV-A], HPV-independent [HPV-I] with TP53 mutation [HPV-I/TP53mut], and HPV-I with wild-type TP53 [HPV-I/TP53wt]) are particularly rare, and there is almost no information on the prognostic implications of these abnormalities.Whole-exome DNA sequencing of 60 VSCC and matched normal tissues from each patient was performed. HPV detection, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16, p53, and mismatch repair proteins were also performed. Ten tumors (16.7%) were classified as HPV-A, 37 (61.7%) as HPV-I/TP53mut, and 13 (21.6%) as HPV-I/TP53wt. TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene (66.7%), followed by FAT1 (28.3%), CDKN2A (25.0%), RNF213 (23.3%), NFE2L2 (20%) and PIK3CA (20%). All the 60 tumors (100%) were DNA mismatch repair proficient. Seventeen tumors (28.3%) showed CCND1 gain. Bivariate analysis, adjusted for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, revealed that TP53 mutation, CCND1 gain, and the combination of the 2 alterations were strongly associated with impaired recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 4.4; P < .001) and disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 6.1; P = .002). Similar results were obtained when p53 IHC status was used instead of TP53 status and when considering only HPV-I VSCC. However, in the latter category, p53 IHC maintained its prognostic impact only in combination with CCND1 gains. All tumors carried at least one potentially actionable genomic alteration. In conclusion, VSCCs with CCND1 gain represent a prognostically adverse category among HPV-I/TP53mut tumors. All patients with VSCCs are potential candidates for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Ordi
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adela Saco
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Peñuelas
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Odei Blanco-Irazuegui
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Del Pino
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Carreras-Dieguez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Marimon
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Morató
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia Sisuashvili
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Cruells
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Darecka
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naiara Vega
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Alós
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Trias
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Fusté
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Genis Parra
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gut
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Munmany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aureli Torné
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Jares
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Rakislova
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Department de Fonaments Clinics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal)-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Kaleem M, Thool M, Dumore NG, Abdulrahman AO, Ahmad W, Almostadi A, Alhashmi MH, Kamal MA, Tabrez S. Management of triple-negative breast cancer by natural compounds through different mechanistic pathways. Front Genet 2024; 15:1440430. [PMID: 39130753 PMCID: PMC11310065 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1440430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most severe form of breast cancer, characterized by the loss of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptors. It is caused by various genetic and epigenetic factors, resulting in poor prognosis. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, are the leading mechanisms responsible for TNBC progression and metastasis. This review comprehensively covers the various subtypes of TNBC and their epigenetic causes. In addition, the genetic association of TNBC with all significant genes and signaling pathways linked to the progression of this form of cancer has been enlisted. Furthermore, the possible uses of natural compounds through different mechanistic pathways have also been discussed in detail for the successful management of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mandar Thool
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin G. Dumore
- Department of Pharmacology, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of KuliyateTib, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, India
| | - Amal Almostadi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Hassan Alhashmi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center for High Altitude Medicine, Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China School of Nursing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Daffodil International University, Birulia, Bangladesh
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Enzymoics, Hebersham, NSW, Australia; Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Mabe NW, Perry JA, Malone CF, Stegmaier K. Pharmacological targeting of the cancer epigenome. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:844-865. [PMID: 38937652 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is increasingly appreciated as a hallmark of cancer, including disease initiation, maintenance and therapy resistance. As a result, there have been advances in the development and evaluation of epigenetic therapies for cancer, revealing substantial promise but also challenges. Three epigenetic inhibitor classes are approved in the USA, and many more are currently undergoing clinical investigation. In this Review, we discuss recent developments for each epigenetic drug class and their implications for therapy, as well as highlight new insights into the role of epigenetics in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel W Mabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Perry
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clare F Malone
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Tinsley E, Bredin P, Toomey S, Hennessy BT, Furney SJ. KMT2C and KMT2D aberrations in breast cancer. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:519-530. [PMID: 38453563 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.02.003] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
KMT2C and KMT2D are histone lysine methyltransferases responsible for the monomethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) residues at gene enhancer sites. KMT2C/D are the most frequently mutated histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in breast cancer, occurring at frequencies of 10-20% collectively. Frequent damaging and truncating somatic mutations indicate a tumour-suppressive role of KMT2C/D in breast oncogenesis. Recent studies using cell lines and mouse models to replicate KMT2C/D loss show that these genes contribute to oestrogen receptor (ER)-driven transcription in ER+ breast cancers through the priming of gene enhancer regions. This review provides an overview of the functions of KMT2C/D and outlines the recent clinical and experimental evidence of the roles of KMT2C and KMT2D in breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tinsley
- Genomic Oncology Research Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Bredin
- Medical Oncology Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Toomey
- Medical Oncology Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medical Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Simon J Furney
- Genomic Oncology Research Group, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
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Ocaña-Paredes B, Rivera-Orellana S, Ramírez-Sánchez D, Montalvo-Guerrero J, Freire MP, Espinoza-Ferrao S, Altamirano-Colina A, Echeverría-Espinoza P, Ramos-Medina MJ, Echeverría-Garcés G, Granda-Moncayo D, Jácome-Alvarado A, Andrade MG, López-Cortés A. The pharmacoepigenetic paradigm in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381168. [PMID: 38720770 PMCID: PMC11076712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, characterized by changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by significantly influencing gene activity and cellular function. This insight has led to the development of a novel class of therapeutic agents, known as epigenetic drugs. These drugs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, aim to modulate gene expression to curb cancer growth by uniquely altering the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Ongoing research and clinical trials are rigorously evaluating the efficacy of these drugs, particularly their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with other treatments. Such combination therapies may more effectively target cancer and potentially overcome the challenge of drug resistance, a significant hurdle in cancer therapy. Additionally, the importance of nutrition, inflammation control, and circadian rhythm regulation in modulating drug responses has been increasingly recognized, highlighting their role as critical modifiers of the epigenetic landscape and thereby influencing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and patient outcomes. Epigenetic drugs represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies that promise a more precise approach to treating a wide spectrum of tumors, potentially with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This progress marks a step towards more personalized and precise interventions, leveraging the unique epigenetic profiles of individual tumors to optimize treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Ocaña-Paredes
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Ramírez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - María Paula Freire
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - María José Ramos-Medina
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Jácome-Alvarado
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Andrade
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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Yang W, Wei Y, Wang T, Xu Y, Jin X, Qian H, Yang S, He S. Cytoplasmic localization of SETDB1‑induced Warburg effect via c‑MYC‑LDHA axis enhances migration and invasion in breast carcinoma. Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:40. [PMID: 38426579 PMCID: PMC10914311 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5364] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1), a pivotal histone lysine methyltransferase, is transported to the cytoplasm via a chromosome region maintenance 1 (CMR1)‑dependent pathway, contributing to non‑histone methylation. However, the function and underlying mechanism of cytoplasmic SETDB1 in breast cancer remain elusive. In the present study, immunohistochemistry revealed that elevated cytoplasmic SETDB1 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and more aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Functionally, wound healing and Transwell assays showed that cytoplasmic SETDB1 is key for cell migration and invasion, as well as induction of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was reversed by leptomycin B (LMB, a CMR1 inhibitor) treatment. Furthermore, RNA‑seq and metabolite detection revealed that cytoplasmic SETDB1 was associated with metabolism pathway and elevated levels of metabolites involved in the Warburg effect, including glucose, pyruvate, lactate and ATP. Immunoblotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR verified that elevation of cytoplasmic SETDB1 contributed to elevation of c‑MYC expression and subsequent upregulation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression. Notably, gain‑ and loss‑of‑function approaches revealed that LDHA overexpression in T47D cells enhanced migration and invasion by inducing EMT, while its depletion in SETDB1‑overexpressing MCF7 cells reversed SETDB1‑induced migration and invasion, as well as the Warburg effect and EMT. In conclusion, subcellular localization of cytoplasmic SETDB1 may be a pivotal factor in breast cancer progression. The present study offers valuable insight into the novel functions and mechanisms of cytoplasmic SETDB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Yingze Wei
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272029, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Jin
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Qian
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Shuyun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Song He
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
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Papadaki S, Piperi C. Impact of Histone Lysine Methyltransferase SUV4-20H2 on Cancer Onset and Progression with Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2498. [PMID: 38473745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052498] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine methyltransferase SUV4-20H2, a member of the suppressor of variegation 4-20 homolog (SUV4-20) family, has a critical impact on the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. This methyltransferase establishes the trimethylation of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me3), a repressive histone mark that affects several cellular processes. Deregulated SUV4-20H2 activity has been associated with altered chromatin dynamics, leading to the misregulation of key genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis and DNA repair. Emerging research evidence indicates that SUV4-20H2 acts as a potential epigenetic modifier, contributing to the development and progression of several malignancies, including breast, colon and lung cancer, as well as renal, hepatocellular and pancreatic cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie SUV4-20H2-mediated effects on chromatin structure and gene expression may provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies for targeting epigenetic alterations in cancer. Herein, we discuss structural and functional aspects of SUV4-20H2 in cancer onset, progression and prognosis, along with current targeting options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Papadaki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
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da Silva Santos ME, de Carvalho Abreu AK, Martins da Silva FW, Barros Ferreira E, Diniz Dos Reis PE, do Amaral Rabello Ramos D. KMT2 (MLL) family of methyltransferases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review. Head Neck 2024; 46:417-434. [PMID: 38102754 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27597] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of the KMT2 methyltransferase family in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains elusive. METHOD This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, employing a search strategy in the LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS A total of 33 studies involving 4294 individuals with HNSCC were included in this review. The most important alteration was the high mutational frequency in the KMT2C and KMT2D genes, with reported co-occurrence. The expression of the KMT2D gene exhibited considerable heterogeneity across the studies, while limited data was available for the remaining genes. CONCLUSIONS KMT2C and KMT2D genes seem to have tumor suppressor activities, with involvement of cell cycle inhibitors, regulating different pathways that can lead to tumor progression, disease aggressiveness, and DNA damage accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elaine Barros Ferreira
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Applied Research on Clinical Practice in Oncology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Paula Elaine Diniz Dos Reis
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Applied Research on Clinical Practice in Oncology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Kato H, Hayami S, Ueno M, Suzaki N, Nakamura M, Yoshimura T, Miyamoto A, Shigekawa Y, Okada K, Miyazawa M, Kitahata Y, Ehata S, Hamamoto R, Yamaue H, Kawai M. Histone methyltransferase SUV420H1/KMT5B contributes to poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:385-400. [PMID: 38082550 PMCID: PMC10859612 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16038] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis, even after curative surgery. Multikinase inhibitors have been applied for HCC patients, but their effect has been restricted. This study aims to clarify the clinical impact of SUV420H1/KMT5B, one of the methyltransferases for histone H4 at lysine 20, and elucidate the novel mechanisms of HCC progression. We retrospectively investigated SUV420H1 expression using HCC clinical tissue samples employing immunohistochemical analysis (n = 350). We then performed loss-of-function analysis of SUV420H1 with cell cycle analysis, migration assay, invasion assay and RNA sequence for Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analysis in vitro, and animal experiments with xenograft mice in vivo. The SUV420H1-high-score group (n = 154) had significantly poorer prognosis for both 5-year overall and 2-year/5-year disease-free survival than the SUV420H1-low-score group (n = 196) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The SUV420H1-high-score group had pathologically larger tumor size, more tumors, poorer differentiation, and more positive vascular invasion than the SUV420H1-low-score group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SUV420H1 high score was the poorest independent factor for overall survival. SUV420H1 knockdown could suppress cell cycle from G1 to S phase and cell invasion. GO pathway analysis showed that SUV420H1 contributed to cell proliferation, cell invasion, and/or metastasis. Overexpression of SUV420H1 clinically contributed to poor prognosis in HCC, and the inhibition of SUV420H1 could repress tumor progression and invasion both in vitro and in vivo; thus, further analyses of SUV420H1 are necessary for the discovery of future molecularly targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Kato
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Shinya Hayami
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Masaki Ueno
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Norihiko Suzaki
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Masashi Nakamura
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Tomohiro Yoshimura
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Atsushi Miyamoto
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Yoshinobu Shigekawa
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Ken‐Ichi Okada
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Motoki Miyazawa
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Yuji Kitahata
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Shogo Ehata
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Medical AI Research and DevelopmentNational Cancer Center Research InstituteTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroki Yamaue
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Manabu Kawai
- Second Department of Surgery, School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
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12
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Nuñez Y, Vera S, Baeza V, Gonzalez-Pecchi V. NSD3 in Cancer: Unraveling Methyltransferase-Dependent and Isoform-Specific Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:944. [PMID: 38256018 PMCID: PMC10815784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
NSD3 (nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 3) is a member of the NSD histone methyltransferase family of proteins. In recent years, it has been identified as a potential oncogene in certain types of cancer. The NSD3 gene encodes three isoforms, the long version (NSD3L), a short version (NSD3S) and the WHISTLE isoforms. Importantly, the NSD3S isoform corresponds to the N-terminal region of the full-length protein, lacking the methyltransferase domain. The chromosomal location of NSD3 is frequently amplified across cancer types, such as breast, lung, and colon, among others. Recently, this amplification has been correlated to a chromothripsis event, that could explain the different NSD3 alterations found in cancer. The fusion proteins containing NSD3 have also been reported in leukemia (NSD3-NUP98), and in NUT (nuclear protein of the testis) midline carcinoma (NSD3-NUT). Its role as an oncogene has been described by modulating different cancer pathways through its methyltransferase activity, or the short isoform of the protein, through protein interactions. Specifically, in this review we will focus on the functions that have been characterized as methyltransferase dependent, and those that have been correlated with the expression of the NSD3S isoform. There is evidence that both the NSD3L and NSD3S isoforms are relevant for cancer progression, establishing NSD3 as a therapeutic target. However, further functional studies are needed to differentiate NSD3 oncogenic activity as dependent or independent of the catalytic domain of the protein, as well as the contribution of each isoform and its clinical significance in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanara Nuñez
- Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile; (Y.N.); (S.V.); (V.B.)
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070383, Chile
| | - Sebastian Vera
- Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile; (Y.N.); (S.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Victor Baeza
- Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile; (Y.N.); (S.V.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Gonzalez-Pecchi
- Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile; (Y.N.); (S.V.); (V.B.)
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13
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Lee SW, Frankston CM, Kim J. Epigenome editing in cancer: Advances and challenges for potential therapeutic options. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:191-230. [PMID: 38359969 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancers are diseases caused by genetic and non-genetic environmental factors. Epigenetic alterations, some attributed to non-genetic factors, can lead to cancer development. Epigenetic changes can occur in tumor suppressors or oncogenes, or they may contribute to global cell state changes, making cells abnormal. Recent advances in gene editing technology show potential for cancer treatment. Herein, we will discuss our current knowledge of epigenetic alterations occurring in cancer and epigenetic editing technologies that can be applied to developing therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Won Lee
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Connor Mitchell Frankston
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jungsun Kim
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Cancer Biology Research Program, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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14
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Al-Harthi S, Li H, Winkler A, Szczepski K, Deng J, Grembecka J, Cierpicki T, Jaremko Ł. MRG15 activates histone methyltransferase activity of ASH1L by recruiting it to the nucleosomes. Structure 2023; 31:1200-1207.e5. [PMID: 37527654 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
ASH1L is a histone methyltransferase that regulates gene expression through methylation of histone H3 on lysine K36. While the catalytic SET domain of ASH1L has low intrinsic activity, several studies found that it can be vastly enhanced by the interaction with MRG15 protein and proposed allosteric mechanism of releasing its autoinhibited conformation. Here, we found that full-length MRG15, but not the MRG domain alone, can enhance the activity of the ASH1L SET domain. In addition, we showed that catalytic activity of MRG15-ASH1L depends on nucleosome binding mediated by MRG15 chromodomain. We found that in solution MRG15 binds to ASH1L, but has no impact on the conformation of the SET domain autoinhibitory loop or the S-adenosylmethionine cofactor binding site. Moreover, MRG15 binding did not impair the potency of small molecule inhibitors of ASH1L. These findings suggest that MRG15 functions as an adapter that enhances ASH1L catalytic activity by recruiting nucleosome substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Al-Harthi
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Alyssa Winkler
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Kacper Szczepski
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA.
| | - Łukasz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Bioscience Program, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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15
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Xiu S, Chi X, Jia Z, Shi C, Zhang X, Li Q, Gao T, Zhang L, Liu Z. NSD3: Advances in cancer therapeutic potential and inhibitors research. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115440. [PMID: 37182335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115440] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain 3, otherwise known as NSD3, is a member of the group of lysine methyltransferases and is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair, non-histone related functions and several others. NSD3 gene is mutated or loss of function in a variety of cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and osteosarcoma. These mutations produce dysfunction of the corresponding tumor tissue proteins, leading to tumorigenesis, progression, chemoresistance, and unfavorable prognosis, which suggests that the development of NSD3 probe molecules is important for understanding the specific role of NSD3 in disease and drug discovery. In recent years, NSD3 has been increasingly reported, demonstrating that this target is a very hot epigenetic target. However, the number of NSD3 inhibitors available for cancer therapy is limited and none of the drugs that target NSD3 are currently available on the market. In addition, there are very few reviews describing NSD3. Within this review, we highlight the role of NSD3 in tumorigenesis and the development of NSD3 targeted small-molecule inhibitors over the last decade. We hope that this publication can serve as a guide for the development of potential drug candidates for various diseases in the field of epigenetics, especially for the NSD3 target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Cheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Tongfei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Liangren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China.
| | - Zhenming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China.
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16
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Chromatin profile-based identification of a novel ER-positive breast cancer subgroup with reduced ER-responsive element accessibility. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1208-1222. [PMID: 36725920 PMCID: PMC10050410 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02178-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling-dependent cancer cell growth is one of the major features of ER-positive breast cancer (BC). Inhibition of ER function is a standard and effective treatment for ER-positive tumours; however, ~20% of patients with ER-positive BC experience early or late recurrence. In this study, we examined intertumour heterogeneity from an epigenetic perspective based on the hypothesis that the intrinsic difference in epigenetic states around ER signalling pathway underlies endocrine therapy resistance. METHODS We performed transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) analysis of 42 BC samples, including 35 ER-positive(+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative(-) and 7 triple-negative tumours. We also reanalysed ATAC-seq data of 45 ER + /HER2 - tumours in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) BC cohort to validate our observations. RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) using ATAC-seq, identifying three subgroups based on chromatin accessibility profiles. We identified a subgroup of ER-positive BCs with a distinctive chromatin accessibility pattern including reduced accessibility to ER-responsive elements (EREs). The same subgroup was also observed in TCGA BC cohort. Despite the reduced accessibility to EREs, the expression of ER and potential ER target genes were not decreased in these tumours. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the existence of a subset of ER-positive BCs with unchanged ER expression but reduced EREs accessibility that cannot be distinguished by conventional immunostaining for ER. Future studies should determine whether these tumours are associated with resistance to endocrine therapy.
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17
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Czerwinska P, Mackiewicz AA. Bromodomain (BrD) Family Members as Regulators of Cancer Stemness-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:995. [PMID: 36674511 PMCID: PMC9861003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation and chromatin modifications have emerged as critical facilitators of cancer heterogeneity, substantially affecting cancer development and progression, modulating cell phenotypes, and enhancing or inhibiting cancer cell malignant properties. Not surprisingly, considering the importance of epigenetic regulators in normal stem cell maintenance, many chromatin-related proteins are essential to maintaining the cancer stem cell (CSC)-like state. With increased tumor-initiating capacities and self-renewal potential, CSCs promote tumor growth, provide therapy resistance, spread tumors, and facilitate tumor relapse after treatment. In this review, we characterized the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the acquisition and maintenance of cancer stemness concerning selected epigenetic factors belonging to the Bromodomain (BrD) family of proteins. An increasing number of BrD proteins reinforce cancer stemness, supporting the maintenance of the cancer stem cell population in vitro and in vivo via the utilization of distinct mechanisms. As bromodomain possesses high druggable potential, specific BrD proteins might become novel therapeutic targets in cancers exhibiting de-differentiated tumor characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Czerwinska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Adam Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
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18
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Aravena TI, Valdés E, Ayala N, D’Afonseca V. A Computational Approach to Predict the Role of Genetic Alterations in Methyltransferase Histones Genes With Implications in Liver Cancer. Cancer Inform 2023; 22:11769351231161480. [PMID: 37008071 PMCID: PMC10064455 DOI: 10.1177/11769351231161480] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) comprise a subclass of epigenetic regulators. Dysregulation of these enzymes results in aberrant epigenetic regulation, commonly observed in various tumor types, including hepatocellular adenocarcinoma (HCC). Probably, these epigenetic changes could lead to tumorigenesis processes. To predict how histone methyltransferase genes and their genetic alterations (somatic mutations, somatic copy number alterations, and gene expression changes) are involved in hepatocellular adenocarcinoma processes, we performed an integrated computational analysis of genetic alterations in 50 HMT genes present in hepatocellular adenocarcinoma. Biological data were obtained through the public repository with 360 samples from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Through these biological data, we identified 10 HMT genes (SETDB1, ASH1L, SMYD2, SMYD3, EHMT2, SETD3, PRDM14, PRDM16, KMT2C, and NSD3) with a significant genetic alteration rate (14%) within 360 samples. Of these 10 HMT genes, KMT2C and ASH1L have the highest mutation rate in HCC samples, 5.6% and 2.8%, respectively. Regarding somatic copy number alteration, ASH1L and SETDB1 are amplified in several samples, while SETD3, PRDM14, and NSD3 showed a high rate of large deletion. Finally, SETDB1, SETD3, PRDM14, and NSD3 could play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular adenocarcinoma since alterations in these genes lead to a decrease in patient survival, unlike patients who present these genes without genetic alterations. Our computational analysis provides new insights that help to understand how HMTs are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as provide a basis for future experimental investigations using HMTs as genetic targets against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Isabella Aravena
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Elizabeth Valdés
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Nicolás Ayala
- Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Universidad de Barcelona, España
| | - Vívian D’Afonseca
- Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Vívian D’Afonseca, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av. San Miguel 3605, Talca, 3460000, Chile.
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19
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Feng J, Meng X. Histone modification and histone modification-targeted anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer: Fundamentals and beyond. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946811. [PMID: 36188615 PMCID: PMC9522521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic enzymes and resultant abnormal epigenetic modifications (EMs) have been suggested to be closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. Histone modifications (HMs) can assist in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, transcription, and chromatin modulation within breast cancer (BC) cells. In addition, HMs are reversible, dynamic processes involving the associations of different enzymes with molecular compounds. Abnormal HMs (e.g. histone methylation and histone acetylation) have been identified to be tightly related to BC occurrence and development, even though their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. EMs are reversible, and as a result, epigenetic enzymes have aroused wide attention as anti-tumor therapeutic targets. At present, treatments to restore aberrant EMs within BC cells have entered preclinical or clinical trials. In addition, no existing studies have comprehensively analyzed aberrant HMs within BC cells; in addition, HM-targeting BC treatments remain to be further investigated. Histone and non-histone protein methylation is becoming an attractive anti-tumor epigenetic therapeutic target; such methylation-related enzyme inhibitors are under development at present. Consequently, the present work focuses on summarizing relevant studies on HMs related to BC and the possible mechanisms associated with abnormal HMs. Additionally, we also aim to analyze existing therapeutic agents together with those drugs approved and tested through pre-clinical and clinical trials, to assess their roles in HMs. Moreover, epi-drugs that target HMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors should be tested in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of BC. Epi-drugs that target histone methylation (HMT inhibitors) and histone acetylation (HDAC inhibitors) have now entered clinical trials or are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, the review covers the difficulties in applying HM-targeting treatments in clinics and proposes feasible approaches for overcoming such difficulties and promoting their use in treating BC cases.
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20
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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21
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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; 14:2855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [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
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.)
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22
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Lam UTF, Tan BKY, Poh JJX, Chen ES. Structural and functional specificity of H3K36 methylation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:17. [PMID: 35581654 PMCID: PMC9116022 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me) is essential for maintaining genomic stability. Indeed, this methylation mark is essential for proper transcription, recombination, and DNA damage response. Loss- and gain-of-function mutations in H3K36 methyltransferases are closely linked to human developmental disorders and various cancers. Structural analyses suggest that nucleosomal components such as the linker DNA and a hydrophobic patch constituted by histone H2A and H3 are likely determinants of H3K36 methylation in addition to the histone H3 tail, which encompasses H3K36 and the catalytic SET domain. Interaction of H3K36 methyltransferases with the nucleosome collaborates with regulation of their auto-inhibitory changes fine-tunes the precision of H3K36me in mediating dimethylation by NSD2 and NSD3 as well as trimethylation by Set2/SETD2. The identification of specific structural features and various cis-acting factors that bind to different forms of H3K36me, particularly the di-(H3K36me2) and tri-(H3K36me3) methylated forms of H3K36, have highlighted the intricacy of H3K36me functional significance. Here, we consolidate these findings and offer structural insight to the regulation of H3K36me2 to H3K36me3 conversion. We also discuss the mechanisms that underlie the cooperation between H3K36me and other chromatin modifications (in particular, H3K27me3, H3 acetylation, DNA methylation and N6-methyladenosine in RNAs) in the physiological regulation of the epigenomic functions of chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulysses Tsz Fung Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bryan Kok Yan Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John Jia Xin Poh
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Integrative Sciences & Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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23
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Gabellini D, Pedrotti S. The SUV4-20H Histone Methyltransferases in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094736. [PMID: 35563127 PMCID: PMC9102147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094736] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-translational modification of histone tails is a dynamic process that provides chromatin with high plasticity. Histone modifications occur through the recruitment of nonhistone proteins to chromatin and have the potential to influence fundamental biological processes. Many recent studies have been directed at understanding the role of methylated lysine 20 of histone H4 (H4K20) in physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we will focus on the function and regulation of the histone methyltransferases SUV4-20H1 and SUV4-20H2, which catalyze the di- and tri-methylation of H4K20 at H4K20me2 and H4K20me3, respectively. We will highlight recent studies that have elucidated the functions of these enzymes in various biological processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and DNA replication. We will also provide an overview of the pathological conditions associated with H4K20me2/3 misregulation as a result of mutations or the aberrant expression of SUV4-20H1 or SUV4-20H2. Finally, we will critically analyze the data supporting these functions and outline questions for future research.
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24
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Liu Z, Liu J, Ebrahimi B, Pratap UP, He Y, Altwegg KA, Tang W, Li X, Lai Z, Chen Y, Shen L, Sareddy GR, Viswanadhapalli S, Tekmal RR, Rao MK, Vadlamudi RK. SETDB1 interactions with PELP1 contributes to breast cancer endocrine therapy resistance. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:26. [PMID: 35395812 PMCID: PMC8991965 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methyltransferase SETDB1 is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC), however, the mechanisms by which SETDB1 promotes BC progression to endocrine therapy resistance remains elusive. In this study, we examined the mechanisms by which SETDB1 contribute to BC endocrine therapy resistance. Methods We utilized therapy sensitive (MCF7 and ZR75), therapy resistant (MCF7-TamR, MCF7-FR, MCF7-PELP1cyto, MCF7-SETDB1) estrogen receptor alpha positive (ER+)BC models and conducted in vitro cell viability, colony formation, 3-dimensional cell growth assays to investigate the role of SETDB1 in endocrine resistance. RNA-seq of parental and SETDB1 knock down ER+ BC cells was used to identify unique pathways. SETDB1 interaction with PELP1 was identified by yeast-two hybrid screen and confirmed by immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down assays. Mechanistic studies were conducted using Western blotting, reporter gene assays, RT-qPCR, and in vitro methylation assays. Xenograft assays were used to establish the role of PELP1 in SETDB1 mediated BC progression. Results RNA-seq analyses showed that SETDB1 regulates expression of a subset of estrogen receptor (ER) and Akt target genes that contribute to endocrine therapy resistance. Importantly, using yeast-two hybrid screen, we identified ER coregulator PELP1 as a novel interacting protein of SETDB1. Biochemical analyses confirmed SETDB1 and PELP1 interactions in multiple BC cells. Mechanistic studies confirmed that PELP1 is necessary for SETDB1 mediated Akt methylation and phosphorylation. Further, SETDB1 overexpression promotes tamoxifen resistance in BC cells, and PELP1 knockdown abolished these effects. Using xenograft model, we provided genetic evidence that PELP1 is essential for SETDB1 mediated BC progression in vivo. Analyses of TCGA datasets revealed SETDB1 expression is positively correlated with PELP1 expression in ER+ BC patients. Conclusions This study suggests that the PELP1/SETDB1 axis play an important role in aberrant Akt activation and serves as a novel target for treating endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-022-01520-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexuan Liu
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhao Liu
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Behnam Ebrahimi
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Yi He
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kristin A Altwegg
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Dept of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Liangfang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Manjeet K Rao
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Division of Reproductive Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7836, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA. .,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA. .,Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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25
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Feoli A, Viviano M, Cipriano A, Milite C, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors: where we are now. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:359-406. [PMID: 35441141 PMCID: PMC8985178 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00196e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases constitute a large family of epigenetic writers that catalyse the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine to histone- and non-histone-specific substrates. Alterations in the expression and activity of these proteins have been linked to the genesis and progress of several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and growing defects, hence they represent interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. Over the past two decades, the identification of modulators of lysine methyltransferases has increased tremendously, clarifying the role of these proteins in different physio-pathological states. The aim of this review is to furnish an updated outlook about the protein lysine methyltransferases disclosed modulators, reporting their potency, their mechanism of action and their eventual use in clinical and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
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26
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SETD5 Regulates Glycolysis in Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Fuels Tumor Growth. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:712-721. [PMID: 35063407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although glycolysis plays a pivotal role in breast cancer stem-like cell (BCSC) reprogramming, the molecular mechanisms that couple glycolysis to cancer stem-like cells remain unclear. SETD5 is a previously uncharacterized member of the histone lysine methyltransferase family. The goal of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the promotion of stem-like and glycolysis activation traits by SETD5. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of SETD5 in breast cancer tissues is associated positively with progression. The present study showed that SETD5 expression was enriched in BCSCs. Down-regulation of SETD5 significantly decreased BCSC properties and glycolysis in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, SETD5 and glycolytic enzymes were accumulated in the central hypoxic regions of subcutaneous tumor tissues. Bioinformatic analysis predicted SETD5 binding to E1A binding protein p300 (EP300), and subsequently to hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). The mechanistic study found that SETD5 is an upstream effector of EP300/HIF-1α. SETD5 knockdown reduced the expression of HIF-1α, hexokinase-2, and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase in the nucleus after treatment with cobalt chloride, a chemical hypoxia mimetic agent that activates HIF-1α to accumulate in the nucleus. Therefore, SETD5 is required for glycolysis in BCSCs through binding to EP300/HIF-1α and could be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer patients.
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27
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Epigenetic Factors as Etiological Agents, Diagnostic Markers, and Therapeutic Targets for Luminal Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040748. [PMID: 35453496 PMCID: PMC9031900 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Luminal breast cancer, an etiologically heterogeneous disease, is characterized by high steroid hormone receptor activity and aberrant gene expression profiles. Endocrine therapy and chemotherapy are promising therapeutic approaches to mitigate breast cancer proliferation and recurrence. However, the treatment of therapy-resistant breast cancer is a major challenge. Recent studies on breast cancer etiology have revealed the critical roles of epigenetic factors in luminal breast cancer tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Tumorigenic epigenetic factor-induced aberrant chromatin dynamics dysregulate the onset of gene expression and consequently promote tumorigenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic dysregulation, a type of somatic mutation, is a high-risk factor for breast cancer progression and therapy resistance. Therefore, epigenetic modulators alone or in combination with other therapies are potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer. Several clinical trials have analyzed the therapeutic efficacy of potential epi-drugs for breast cancer and reported beneficial clinical outcomes, including inhibition of tumor cell adhesion and invasiveness and mitigation of endocrine therapy resistance. This review focuses on recent findings on the mechanisms of epigenetic factors in the progression of luminal breast cancer. Additionally, recent findings on the potential of epigenetic factors as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer are discussed.
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28
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Luo Y, Zhang B, Geng N, Sun S, Song X, Chen J, Zhang H. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses provide insights into the difference in toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene and 6-chlorobenzo[a]pyrene to human hepatic cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152242. [PMID: 34919925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological information of chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl-PAHs), as derivatives of PAHs, is still relatively lacking. In this study, a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics approach was adopted to explore the changes in toxicity to human L02 hepatocytes after chlorination of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) at 6 position. In general, 6-Cl-B[a]P produced a stronger toxicity to human hepatic cells than did parent B[a]P. When exposure concentrations were 5 and 50 nM, 6-Cl-B[a]P caused a weaker transcriptomic perturbation relative to B[a]P, whereas a stronger metabolomic perturbation, a stronger oxidative stress and a stronger inhibition effect on cell viability were caused by 6-Cl-B[a]P than did parent B[a]P. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that 6-Cl-B[a]P produced a more widely perturbation to metabolic pathways than did B[a]P. Although they both significantly impaired the function of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), the exact mechanism is different. B[a]P suppressed the expression of 20 genes regulating mitochondrial ETC mainly via AhR activation. However, 6-Cl-B[a]P produced a stronger inhibition on the activities of complexes I and V than did B[a]P. Meanwhile, 6-Cl-B[a]P also exhibited a stronger inhibition effect on mitochondrial β oxidation of fatty acid. Furthermore, 6-Cl-B[a]P and B[a]P both significantly disturbed the nucleotide metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism in L02 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baoqin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ningbo Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shuai Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyao Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jiping Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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29
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MQuad enables clonal substructure discovery using single cell mitochondrial variants. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1205. [PMID: 35260582 PMCID: PMC8904442 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial mutations are increasingly recognised as informative endogenous genetic markers that can be used to reconstruct cellular clonal structure using single-cell RNA or DNA sequencing data. However, identifying informative mtDNA variants in noisy and sparse single-cell sequencing data is still challenging with few computation methods available. Here we present an open source computational tool MQuad that accurately calls clonally informative mtDNA variants in a population of single cells, and an analysis suite for complete clonality inference, based on single cell RNA, DNA or ATAC sequencing data. Through a variety of simulated and experimental single cell sequencing data, we showed that MQuad can identify mitochondrial variants with both high sensitivity and specificity, outperforming existing methods by a large extent. Furthermore, we demonstrate its wide applicability in different single cell sequencing protocols, particularly in complementing single-nucleotide and copy-number variations to extract finer clonal resolution. Mitochondrial variants are informative endogenous barcodes for clonal substructure. Here, the authors developed a computational method MQuad to effectively detect these clonal informed mtDNA variants from single-cell RNA, DNA or ATAC sequencing data.
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30
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Jarrell DK, Hassell KN, Alshiraihi I, Crans DC, Brown MA. Structural Analysis of SMYD3 Lysine Methyltransferase for the Development of Competitive and Specific Enzyme Inhibitors. Diseases 2021; 10:4. [PMID: 35076487 PMCID: PMC8788566 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine methylation is among the key posttranslational modifications to histones that contribute to epigenetic regulation. SMYD3 is a lysine methyltransferase that is essential for the proliferation of a range of tumorigenic cells. The findings that SMYD3 is significantly upregulated in most colorectal carcinomas, hepatocellular carcinomas, and breast cell carcinomas support a model in which its aberrant expression modifies established patterns of gene expression, ultimately driving unrestrained proliferation. Herein, we dissect the unique structural features of SMYD3 relative to other SET enzymes, with an emphasis on the implications for selective design of therapeutics for the clinical management of cancer. Further, we illustrate the ability of inhibitors targeting the SET domain of SMYD3 to reduce the viability of colorectal and lung carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon K. Jarrell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kelly N. Hassell
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Ilham Alshiraihi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
- Biology Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Debbie C. Crans
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Mark A. Brown
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Ethnic Studies, Global Health and Health Disparities, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Nachiyappan A, Gupta N, Taneja R. EHMT1/EHMT2 in EMT, Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance: Emerging Evidence and Mechanisms. FEBS J 2021; 289:1329-1351. [PMID: 34954891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, therapy failure and tumor recurrence are major clinical challenges in cancer. The interplay between tumor initiating cells (TICs) and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression and spread. Recent advances have highlighted the involvement of epigenetic deregulation in these processes. The Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) that primarily mediate histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), as well as methylation of non-histone proteins, are now recognized to be aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Their deregulated expression is associated with EMT, cellular plasticity and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize evidence of their myriad roles in cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We discuss cancer-type specific molecular targets, context-dependent mechanisms and future directions of research in targeting EHMT1/EHMT2 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Neelima Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
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32
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Wang C, Xia Z, Li Z, Ye F, Ji S, Lu C, Zhang H. Expression of SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and its clinical prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 36:e24090. [PMID: 34843122 PMCID: PMC8761452 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24090] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To detect the expression of histone methyltransferase SETDB1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and to analyze the relationship between SETDB1 expression and tumor size, microvascular invasion, pTNM stage, gender, age, tumor number, tumor differentiation, and other clinicopathological characteristics. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of SETDB1 proteins in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 100 cases. The qRT‐PCR method was used to detect the expression of SETDB1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues of 64 cases. Results The expression of SETDB1 protein and mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma was higher than that of adjacent normal liver tissue (p < 0.05). High protein expression of SETDB1 was associated with tumor size, MVI presence, and pTNM stage (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that the tumor size, tumor differentiation, MVI grade, and pTNM stage were correlated with DFS, while tumor size, MVI grade, pTNM stage, and SETDB1 protein expression were correlated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that the combination of MVI grade and pTNM stage has statistical significance in predicting prognosis, while SETDB1 protein expression was not significant prognosis factor. Conclusions SETDB1 has a certain role in HCC progression and may act as a prognostic predictor concerning the survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaoxia Xia
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Fusang Ye
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
| | | | - Changjiang Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Billiary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Huizhi Zhang
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, China
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Reyes DA, Sarría VMS, Salazar-Viedma M, D'Afonseca V. Histone Methyltransferases Useful in Gastric Cancer Research. Cancer Inform 2021; 20:11769351211039862. [PMID: 34413625 PMCID: PMC8369960 DOI: 10.1177/11769351211039862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent tumors in the world. Stomach adenocarcinoma is a heterogeneous tumor, turning the prognosis prediction and patients’ clinical management difficult. Some diagnosis tests for GC are been development using knowledge based in polymorphisms, somatic copy number alteration (SCNA) and aberrant histone methylation. This last event, a posttranslational modification that occurs at the chromatin level, is an important epigenetic alteration seen in several tumors including stomach adenocarcinoma. Histone methyltransferases (HMT) are the proteins responsible for the methylation in specific amino acids residues of histones tails. Here, were presented several HMTs that could be relating to GC process. We use public data from 440 patients with stomach adenocarcinoma. We evaluated the alterations as SCNAs, mutations, and genes expression level of HMTs in these aforementioned samples. As results, it was identified the 10 HMTs most altered (up to 30%) in stomach adenocarcinoma samples, which are the PRDM14, PRDM9, SUV39H2, NSD2, SMYD5, SETDB1, PRDM12, SUV39H1, NSD3, and EHMT2 genes. The PRDM9 gene is among most mutated and amplified HMTs within the data set studied. PRDM14 is downregulated in 79% of the samples and the SUV39H2 gene is down expressed in patients with recurred/progressed disease. Several HMTs are altered in many cancers. It is important to generate a genetic atlas of alterations of cancer-related genes to improve the understanding of tumorigenesis events and to propose novel tools of diagnosis and prognosis for the cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Alejandra Reyes
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Marcela Salazar-Viedma
- Laboratorio de Genética y Microevolución, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Vívian D'Afonseca
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Structure, Activity and Function of the SETDB1 Protein Methyltransferase. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080817. [PMID: 34440561 PMCID: PMC8397983 DOI: 10.3390/life11080817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The SET Domain Bifurcated Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) is a prominent member of the Suppressor of Variegation 3–9 (SUV39)-related protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs), comprising three isoforms that differ in length and domain composition. SETDB1 is widely expressed in human tissues, methylating Histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) residues, promoting chromatin compaction and exerting negative regulation on gene expression. SETDB1 has a central role in normal physiology and nervous system development, having been implicated in the regulation of cell cycle progression, inactivation of the X chromosome, immune cells function, expression of retroelements and formation of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies (NB). SETDB1 has been frequently deregulated in carcinogenesis, being implicated in the pathogenesis of gliomas, melanomas, as well as in lung, breast, gastrointestinal and ovarian tumors, where it mainly exerts an oncogenic role. Aberrant activity of SETDB1 has also been implicated in several neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, including schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease, congenital heart defects and inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we provide an update on the unique structural and biochemical features of SETDB1 that contribute to its regulation, as well as its molecular and cellular impact in normal physiology and disease with potential therapeutic options.
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Trager MH, Sah B, Chen Z, Liu L. Control of Breast Cancer Pathogenesis by Histone Methylation and the Hairless Histone Demethylase. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6259332. [PMID: 33928351 PMCID: PMC8237996 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, encompassing many subtypes that have distinct origins, behaviors, and prognoses. Although traditionally seen as a genetic disease, breast cancer is now also known to involve epigenetic abnormalities. Epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methyltransferases and histone-modifying enzymes, play essential roles in gene regulation and cancer development. Dysregulation of epigenetic regulator activity has been causally linked with breast cancer pathogenesis. Hairless (HR) encodes a 130-kDa transcription factor that is essential for development and tissue homeostasis. Its role in transcription regulation is partly mediated by its interaction with multiple nuclear receptors, including thyroid hormone receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors, and vitamin D receptor. HR has been studied primarily in epidermal development and homeostasis. Hr-mutant mice are highly susceptible to ultraviolet- or carcinogen-induced skin tumors. Besides its putative tumor suppressor function in skin, loss of HR function has also been implicated in increased leukemia susceptibility and promotes the growth of melanoma and brain cancer cells. HR has also been demonstrated to function as a histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase. Recent genomics studies have identified HR mutations in a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. The anticancer function and mechanism of action by HR in mammary tissue remains to be investigated. Here, we review the emerging role of HR, its histone demethylase activity and histone methylation in breast cancer development, and potential for epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan H Trager
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Bindeshwar Sah
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
| | - Zhongming Chen
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55912, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Correspondence: Liang Liu, PhD, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA.
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High WHSC1L1 Expression Reduces Survival Rates in Operated Breast Cancer Patients with Decreased CD8+ T Cells: Machine Learning Approach. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070636. [PMID: 34357103 PMCID: PMC8303194 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein (NSD), a histone methyltransferase, is known to play an important role in cancer pathogenesis. The WHSC1L1 (Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1-like 1) gene, encoding NSD3, is highly expressed in breast cancer, but its role in the development of breast cancer is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the survival rates and immune responses of breast cancer patients with high WHSC1L1 expression and to validate the results using gradient boosting machine (GBM) in breast cancer. We investigated the clinicopathologic parameters, proportions of immune cells, pathway networks and in vitro drug responses according to WHSC1L1 expression in 456, 1500 and 776 breast cancer patients from the Hanyang University Guri Hospital, METABRIC and TCGA, respectively. High WHSC1L1 expression was associated with poor prognosis, decreased CD8+ T cells and high CD274 expression (encoding PD-L1). In the pathway networks, WHSC1L1 was indirectly linked to the regulation of the lymphocyte apoptotic process. The GBM model with WHSC1L1 showed improved prognostic performance compared with the model without WHSC1L1. We found that VX-11e, CZC24832, LY2109761, oxaliplatin and erlotinib were effective in inhibiting breast cancer cell lines with high WHSC1L1 expression. High WHSC1L1 expression could play potential roles in the progression of breast cancer and targeting WHSC1L1 could be a potential strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Schröder R, Illert AL, Erbes T, Flotho C, Lübbert M, Duque-Afonso J. The epigenetics of breast cancer - Opportunities for diagnostics, risk stratification and therapy. Epigenetics 2021; 17:612-624. [PMID: 34159881 PMCID: PMC9235902 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1940644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The stage and molecular pathology-dependent prognosis of breast cancer, the limited treatment options for triple-negative carcinomas, as well as the development of resistance to therapies illustrate the need for improved early diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches. Increasing data suggests that some answers to these challenges could be found in the area of epigenetics. In this study, we focus on the current research of the epigenetics of breast cancer, especially on the potential of epigenetics for clinical application in diagnostics, risk stratification and therapy. The differential DNA methylation status of specific gene regions has been used in the past to differentiate breast cancer cells from normal tissue. New technologies as detection of circulating nucleic acids including microRNAs to early detect breast cancer are emerging. Pattern of DNA methylation and expression of histone-modifying enzymes have been successfully used for risk stratification. However, all these epigenetic biomarkers should be validated in larger clinical studies. Recent preclinical and clinical studies show a therapeutic benefit of epigenetically active drugs for breast cancer entities that are still difficult to treat (triple negative, UICC stage IV). Remarkably, epigenetic therapies combined with chemotherapies or hormone-based therapies represent the most promising strategy. At the current stage, the integration of epigenetic substances into established breast cancer therapy protocols seems to hold the greatest potential for a clinical application of epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieke Schröder
- Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Illert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thalia Erbes
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Flotho
- Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University of Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium Für Translationale Krebsforschung, DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium Für Translationale Krebsforschung, DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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The MLL3/4 H3K4 methyltransferase complex in establishing an active enhancer landscape. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1041-1054. [PMID: 34156443 PMCID: PMC8286814 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Enhancers are cis-regulatory elements that play essential roles in tissue-specific gene expression during development. Enhancer function in the expression of developmental genes requires precise regulation, while deregulation of enhancer function could be the main cause of tissue-specific cancer development. MLL3/KMT2C and MLL4/KMT2D are two paralogous histone modifiers that belong to the SET1/MLL (also named COMPASS) family of lysine methyltransferases and play critical roles in enhancer-regulated gene activation. Importantly, large-scale DNA sequencing studies have revealed that they are amongst the most frequently mutated genes associated with human cancers. MLL3 and MLL4 form identical multi-protein complexes for modifying mono-methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) at enhancers, which together with the p300/CBP-mediated H3K27 acetylation can generate an active enhancer landscape for long-range target gene activation. Recent studies have provided a better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying the roles of MLL3/MLL4 complexes in enhancer regulation. Moreover, accumulating studies offer new insights into our knowledge of the potential role of MLL3/MLL4 in cancer development. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on the molecular mechanisms of MLL3/MLL4 in the regulation of active enhancer landscape and long-range gene expression, and discuss their clinical implications in human cancers.
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39
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Assessment of copy number in protooncogenes are predictive of poor survival in advanced gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12117. [PMID: 34108525 PMCID: PMC8190267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The copy number (CN) gain of protooncogenes is a frequent finding in gastric carcinoma (GC), but its prognostic implication remains elusive. The study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological features, including prognosis, of GCs with copy number gains in multiple protooncogenes. Three hundred thirty-three patients with advanced GC were analyzed for their gene ratios in EGFR, GATA6, IGF2, and SETDB1 using droplet dPCR (ddPCR) for an accurate assessment of CN changes in target genes. The number of GC patients with 3 or more genes with CN gain was 16 (4.8%). Compared with the GCs with 2 or less genes with CN gain, the GCs with 3 or more CN gains displayed more frequent venous invasion, a lower density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and lower methylation levels of L1 or SAT-alpha. Microsatellite instability-high tumors or Epstein–Barr virus-positive tumors were not found in the GCs with 3 or more genes with CN gain. Patients of this groups also showed the worst clinical outcomes for both overall survival and recurrence-free survival, which was persistent in the multivariate survival analyses. Our findings suggest that the ddPCR-based detection of multiple CN gain of protooncogenes might help to identify a subset of patients with poor prognosis.
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40
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Luo R, Chong W, Wei Q, Zhang Z, Wang C, Ye Z, Abu-Khalaf MM, Silver DP, Stapp RT, Jiang W, Myers RE, Li B, Cristofanilli M, Yang H. Whole-exome sequencing identifies somatic mutations and intratumor heterogeneity in inflammatory breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:72. [PMID: 34075047 PMCID: PMC8169683 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Although it is a rare subtype, IBC is responsible for roughly 10% of breast cancer deaths. In order to obtain a better understanding of the genomic landscape and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) in IBC, we conducted whole-exome sequencing of 16 tissue samples (12 tumor and four normal samples) from six hormone-receptor-positive IBC patients, analyzed somatic mutations and copy number aberrations, and inferred subclonal structures to demonstrate ITH. Our results showed that KMT2C was the most frequently mutated gene (42%, 5/12 samples), followed by HECTD1, LAMA3, FLG2, UGT2B4, STK33, BRCA2, ACP4, PIK3CA, and DNAH8 (all nine genes tied at 33% frequency, 4/12 samples). Our data indicated that PTEN and FBXW7 mutations may be considered driver gene mutations for IBC. We identified various subclonal structures and different levels of ITH between IBC patients, and mutations in the genes EIF4G3, IL12RB2, and PDE4B may potentially generate ITH in IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Weelic Chong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhong Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maysa M Abu-Khalaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Silver
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert T Stapp
- Department of Pathology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronald E Myers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hushan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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41
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Rogawski DS, Deng J, Li H, Miao H, Borkin D, Purohit T, Song J, Chase J, Li S, Ndoj J, Klossowski S, Kim E, Mao F, Zhou B, Ropa J, Krotoska MZ, Jin Z, Ernst P, Feng X, Huang G, Nishioka K, Kelly S, He M, Wen B, Sun D, Muntean A, Dou Y, Maillard I, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Discovery of first-in-class inhibitors of ASH1L histone methyltransferase with anti-leukemic activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2792. [PMID: 33990599 PMCID: PMC8121805 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ASH1L histone methyltransferase plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of different diseases, including acute leukemia. While ASH1L represents an attractive drug target, developing ASH1L inhibitors is challenging, as the catalytic SET domain adapts an inactive conformation with autoinhibitory loop blocking the access to the active site. Here, by applying fragment-based screening followed by medicinal chemistry and a structure-based design, we developed first-in-class small molecule inhibitors of the ASH1L SET domain. The crystal structures of ASH1L-inhibitor complexes reveal compound binding to the autoinhibitory loop region in the SET domain. When tested in MLL leukemia models, our lead compound, AS-99, blocks cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and differentiation, downregulates MLL fusion target genes, and reduces the leukemia burden in vivo. This work validates the ASH1L SET domain as a druggable target and provides a chemical probe to further study the biological functions of ASH1L as well as to develop therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Rogawski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dmitry Borkin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiho Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer Chase
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuangjiang Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Juliano Ndoj
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fengbiao Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James Ropa
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marta Z Krotoska
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhuang Jin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patricia Ernst
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xiaomin Feng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kenichi Nishioka
- Department of Internal Medicine Musashimurayama Hospital, Enoki 1-1-5, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Samantha Kelly
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Miao He
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bo Wen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Duxin Sun
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew Muntean
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Zolota V, Tzelepi V, Piperigkou Z, Kourea H, Papakonstantinou E, Argentou MI, Karamanos NK. Epigenetic Alterations in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-The Critical Role of Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040713. [PMID: 33572395 PMCID: PMC7916242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subgroup of breast cancer characterized by genomic complexity and therapeutic options limited to only standard chemotherapy. Although it has been suggested that stratifying TNBC patients by pathway-specific molecular alterations may predict benefit from specific therapeutic agents, application in routine clinical practice has not yet been established. There is a growing body of the literature supporting that epigenetic modifications comprised by DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs play a fundamental role in TNBC pathogenesis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic 3D network of macromolecules with structural and cellular regulatory roles. Alterations in the expression of ECM components result in uncontrolled matrix remodeling, thus affecting its ability to regulate vital functions of cancer cells, including proliferation, migration, adhesion, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent molecular data highlight the major role of tumor microenvironment and ECM alterations in TNBC and approaches for targeting tumor microenvironment have recently been recognized as potential therapeutic strategies. Notably, many of the ECM/EMT modifications in cancer are largely driven by epigenetic events, highlighting the pleiotropic effects of the epigenetic network in TNBC. This article presents and critically discusses the current knowledge on the epigenetic alterations correlated with TNBC pathogenesis, with emphasis on those associated with ECM/EMT modifications, their prognostic and predictive value and their use as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-0693613366
| | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26110 Patras, Greece; (Z.P.); (N.K.K.)
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), 26110 Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Kourea
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (V.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Efthymia Papakonstantinou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece;
| | - Maria-Ioanna Argentou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece;
| | - Nikos K. Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26110 Patras, Greece; (Z.P.); (N.K.K.)
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), 26110 Patras, Greece
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43
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Strepkos D, Markouli M, Klonou A, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Histone Methyltransferase SETDB1: A Common Denominator of Tumorigenesis with Therapeutic Potential. Cancer Res 2021; 81:525-534. [PMID: 33115801 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression has been ultimately linked to cancer development, with posttranslational histone modifications representing attractive targets for disease monitoring and therapy. Emerging data have demonstrated histone lysine (K) methylation by methyltransferase SETDB1 as a common denominator of gene regulation in several cancer types. SETDB1 reversibly catalyzes the di- and trimethylation of histone 3 (H3) K9 in euchromatic regions of chromosomes, inhibiting gene transcription within these regions and promoting a switch from euchromatic to heterochromatic states. Recent studies have implicated aberrant SETDB1 activity in the development of various types of cancers, including brain, head and neck, lung, breast, gastrointestinal, ovarian, endometrial and prostate cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, leukemias, and osteosarcoma. Although its role has not been fully elucidated in every case, most data point toward a pro-oncogenic potential of SETDB1 via the downregulation of critical tumor-suppressive genes. Less commonly, however, SETDB1 can also acquire a tumor-suppressive role, depending on cancer type and stage. Here we provide an updated overview of the cellular and molecular effects underlying SETDB1 activity in cancer development and progression along with current targeting strategies in different cancer types, with promising effects either as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexia Klonou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Priedigkeit N, Ding K, Horne W, Kolls JK, Du T, Lucas PC, Blohmer JU, Denkert C, Machleidt A, Ingold-Heppner B, Oesterreich S, Lee AV. Acquired mutations and transcriptional remodeling in long-term estrogen-deprived locoregional breast cancer recurrences. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:1. [PMID: 33407744 PMCID: PMC7788918 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine therapy resistance is a hallmark of advanced estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine acquired genomic changes in endocrine-resistant disease. METHODS We performed DNA/RNA hybrid-capture sequencing on 12 locoregional recurrences after long-term estrogen deprivation and identified acquired genomic changes versus each tumor's matched primary. RESULTS Despite being up to 7 years removed from the primary lesion, most recurrences harbored similar intrinsic transcriptional and copy number profiles. Only two genes, AKAP9 and KMT2C, were found to have single nucleotide variant (SNV) enrichments in more than one recurrence. Enriched mutations in single cases included SNVs within transcriptional regulators such as ARID1A, TP53, FOXO1, BRD1, NCOA1, and NCOR2 with one local recurrence gaining three PIK3CA mutations. In contrast to DNA-level changes, we discovered recurrent outlier mRNA expression alterations were common-including outlier gains in TP63 (n = 5 cases [42%]), NTRK3 (n = 5 [42%]), NTRK2 (n = 4 [33%]), PAX3 (n = 4 [33%]), FGFR4 (n = 3 [25%]), and TERT (n = 3 [25%]). Recurrent losses involved ESR1 (n = 5 [42%]), RELN (n = 5 [42%]), SFRP4 (n = 4 [33%]), and FOSB (n = 4 [33%]). ESR1-depleted recurrences harbored shared transcriptional remodeling events including upregulation of PROM1 and other basal cancer markers. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study defines acquired genomic changes in long-term, estrogen-deprived disease; highlights the importance of longitudinal RNA profiling; and identifies a common ESR1-depleted endocrine-resistant breast cancer subtype with basal-like transcriptional reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan Priedigkeit
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kai Ding
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William Horne
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric Research, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tian Du
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter C Lucas
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg and University Hospital Marburg (UKGM), Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Machleidt
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Magee-Women's Research Institute, Magee-Women's Research Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Magee-Women's Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue (Room A412), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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45
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Kaleem M, Alhosin M, Khan K, Ahmad W, Hosawi S, Nur SM, Choudhry H, Zamzami MA, Al-Abbasi FA, Javed MDN. Epigenetic Basis of Polyphenols in Cancer Prevention and Therapy. POLYPHENOLS-BASED NANOTHERAPEUTICS FOR CANCER MANAGEMENT 2021:189-238. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4935-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
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46
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Zheng Y, Tang L, Chen G, Liu Z. Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of Key Methyltransferases and Demethylases for Histone Lysines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820983284. [PMID: 33355042 PMCID: PMC7871294 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820983284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims: Methylation of lysines on histones, controlled by various methyltransferases and demethylases, is an important component of epigenetic modifications, and abnormal regulation of such enzymes serves as common events in hepatocellular carcinoma. We determined to identify important methyltransferases and demethylases that might regulate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by bioinformatics. Methods: The Oncomine and UALCAN databases were used to retrieve mRNA expression levels of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases in hepatocellular carcinoma. Data analyses of genetic alterations, mainly mutations and copy number alterations, were performed on the cBioportal platform. Protein-protein interactions were established in the STRING database. Results: mRNA expression of 8 genes correlated with clinical staging and grading, whereas 4 genes indicated a role in the prognosis, all co-expressed with SEDB1 and WHSC1. Genetically, 12 genes showing an alteration rate higher than 5% were identified, and only 3 were indicative of prognosis. Copy number gains in ASH1L, SETDB1, and KDM5B might partially contribute to the upregulation of their mRNA expression. The close relationship of mutations in MLL2/MLL3 with driver gene mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma provided a rationale for further investigation. Conclusions: We identified 11 methyltransferases and demethylases for major histone lysines that might be promising research targets in the pathogenesis, development, and prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital, 117971Jilin University, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Tang
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, 71040Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojiang Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 71040Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziling Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital, 117971Jilin University, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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47
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Alshiraihi IM, Jarrell DK, Arhouma Z, Hassell KN, Montgomery J, Padilla A, Ibrahim HM, Crans DC, Kato TA, Brown MA. In Silico/In Vitro Hit-to-Lead Methodology Yields SMYD3 Inhibitor That Eliminates Unrestrained Proliferation of Breast Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249549. [PMID: 33333978 PMCID: PMC7765450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
SMYD3 is a lysine methyltransferase that regulates the expression of over 80 genes and is required for the uncontrolled proliferation of most breast, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas. The elimination of SMYD3 restores normal expression patterns of these genes and halts aberrant cell proliferation, making it a promising target for small molecule inhibition. In this study, we sought to establish a proof of concept for our in silico/in vitro hit-to-lead enzyme inhibitor development platform and to identify a lead small molecule candidate for SMYD3 inhibition. We used Schrodinger® software to screen libraries of small molecules in silico and the five compounds with the greatest predicted binding affinity within the SMYD3 binding pocket were purchased and assessed in vitro in direct binding assays and in breast cancer cell lines. We have confirmed the ability of one of these inhibitors, Inhibitor-4, to restore normal rates of cell proliferation, arrest the cell cycle, and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells without affecting wildtype cell behavior. Our results provide a proof of concept for this fast and affordable small molecule hit-to-lead methodology as well as a promising candidate small molecule SMYD3 inhibitor for the treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilham M. Alshiraihi
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
- Department of Biology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dillon K. Jarrell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045-7109, USA;
| | - Zeyad Arhouma
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Kelly N. Hassell
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
| | - Jaelyn Montgomery
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1617, USA; (J.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alyssa Padilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1617, USA; (J.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Hend M. Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt;
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1678, USA
| | - Debbie C. Crans
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Takamitsu A. Kato
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1618, USA
| | - Mark A. Brown
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA; (I.M.A.); (Z.A.); (K.N.H.); (D.C.C.); (T.A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1678, USA
- Epidemiology Section, Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1612, USA
- Institute for Learning and Teaching, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1052, USA
- Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1790, USA
- Correspondence:
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Aberrant Activity of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) Complexes in Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249340. [PMID: 33302406 PMCID: PMC7762615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KMT2 (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase subclass 2) complexes methylate lysine 4 on the histone H3 tail at gene promoters and gene enhancers and, thus, control the process of gene transcription. These complexes not only play an essential role in normal development but have also been described as involved in the aberrant growth of tissues. KMT2 mutations resulting from the rearrangements of the KMT2A (MLL1) gene at 11q23 are associated with pediatric mixed-lineage leukemias, and recent studies demonstrate that KMT2 genes are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers. Moreover, other components of the KMT2 complexes have been reported to contribute to oncogenesis. This review summarizes the recent advances in our knowledge of the role of KMT2 complexes in cell transformation. In addition, it discusses the therapeutic targeting of different components of the KMT2 complexes.
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49
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Rohani N, Eslahchi C. Classifying Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes by Using Deep Clustering Approach. Front Genet 2020; 11:553587. [PMID: 33324444 PMCID: PMC7723873 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.553587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease with a high rate of mortality. The characteristics of tumor masses are very heterogeneous; thus, the appropriate classification of tumors is a critical point in the effective treatment. A high level of heterogeneity has also been observed in breast cancer. Therefore, detecting the molecular subtypes of this disease is an essential issue for medicine that could be facilitated using bioinformatics. This study aims to discover the molecular subtypes of breast cancer using somatic mutation profiles of tumors. Nonetheless, the somatic mutation profiles are very sparse. Therefore, a network propagation method is used in the gene interaction network to make the mutation profiles dense. Afterward, the deep embedded clustering (DEC) method is used to classify the breast tumors into four subtypes. In the next step, gene signature of each subtype is obtained using Fisher's exact test. Besides the enrichment of gene signatures in numerous biological databases, clinical and molecular analyses verify that the proposed method using mutation profiles can efficiently detect the molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Finally, a supervised classifier is trained based on the discovered subtypes to predict the molecular subtype of a new patient. The code and material of the method are available at: https://github.com/nrohani/MolecularSubtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Rohani
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Changiz Eslahchi
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
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50
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Yang Z, Zhang C, Che N, Feng Y, Li C, Xuan Y. Su(var)3-9, Enhancer of Zeste, and Trithorax Domain-Containing 5 Facilitates Tumor Growth and Pulmonary Metastasis through Up-Regulation of AKT1 Signaling in Breast Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:180-193. [PMID: 33129761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have confirmed the function of Su(var)3-9, Enhancer of zeste, and Trithorax (SET) domain-containing 5 (SETD5) in post-translational modifications of nonhistone proteins. Mutation of the SETD5 gene has been implicated in the progression of many human cancers, such as breast cancer (BC), but its functional role in BC progression is still unknown. The current article investigates the clinical significance and the functional role of SETD5 in BC. Our studies show that SETD5 expression in BC was related to poor clinical outcomes, including lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage. SETD5 expression positively correlated with tumor-associated macrophages. SETD5 was an independent predictor of poor overall survival in BC. Furthermore, these studies show that down-regulation of SETD5 significantly decreased BC cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis of BC cells. The mechanistic analysis showed that SETD5 contributes BC progression by interacting with AKT1 pathway. Also, in vivo experiments show that blocking of SETD5 expression significantly inhibited tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis of BC cells. These findings indicate that SETD5 is a potential prognosis marker and facilitates tumor progression of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoting Yang
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China
| | - Chengye Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China; Air Force Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Che
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China
| | - Chao Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China
| | - Yanhua Xuan
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Yanbian University Medicine College, Yanji, China.
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