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Rispal J, Rives C, Jouffret V, Leoni C, Dubois L, Chevillard-Briet M, Trouche D, Escaffit F. Control of Intestinal Stemness and Cell Lineage by Histone Variant H2A.Z Isoforms. Mol Cell Biol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39155414 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2024.2387720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The histone variant H2A.Z plays important functions in the regulation of gene expression. In mammals, it is encoded by two genes, giving rise to two highly related isoforms named H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2, which can have similar or antagonistic functions depending on the promoter. Knowledge of the physiopathological consequences of such functions emerges, but how the balance between these isoforms regulates tissue homeostasis is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the relative role of H2A.Z isoforms in intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Through genome-wide analysis of H2A.Z genomic localization in differentiating Caco-2 cells, we uncovered an enrichment of H2A.Z isoforms on the bodies of genes which are induced during enterocyte differentiation, stressing the potential importance of H2A.Z isoforms dynamics in this process. Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we further demonstrated the two isoforms cooperate for stem and progenitor cells proliferation, as well as for secretory lineage differentiation. However, we found that they antagonistically regulate enterocyte differentiation, with H2A.Z.1 preventing terminal differentiation and H2A.Z.2 favoring it. Altogether, these data indicate that H2A.Z isoforms are critical regulators of intestine homeostasis and may provide a paradigm of how the balance between two isoforms of the same chromatin structural protein can control physiopathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Rispal
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Clémence Rives
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Jouffret
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Caroline Leoni
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Louise Dubois
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Martine Chevillard-Briet
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Trouche
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrice Escaffit
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit, Centre de Biologie Integrative, University of Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Toulouse, France
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Lai PM, Chan KM. Roles of Histone H2A Variants in Cancer Development, Prognosis, and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3144. [PMID: 38542118 PMCID: PMC10969971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063144] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Histones are nuclear proteins essential for packaging genomic DNA and epigenetic gene regulation. Paralogs that can substitute core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4), named histone variants, are constitutively expressed in a replication-independent manner throughout the cell cycle. With specific chaperones, they can be incorporated to chromatin to modify nucleosome stability by modulating interactions with nucleosomal DNA. This allows the regulation of essential fundamental cellular processes for instance, DNA damage repair, chromosomal segregation, and transcriptional regulation. Among all the histone families, histone H2A family has the largest number of histone variants reported to date. Each H2A variant has multiple functions apart from their primary role and some, even be further specialized to perform additional tasks in distinct lineages, such as testis specific shortH2A (sH2A). In the past decades, the discoveries of genetic alterations and mutations in genes encoding H2A variants in cancer had revealed variants' potentiality in driving carcinogenesis. In addition, there is growing evidence that H2A variants may act as novel prognostic indicators or biomarkers for both early cancer detection and therapeutic treatments. Nevertheless, no studies have ever concluded all identified variants in a single report. Here, in this review, we summarize the respective functions for all the 19 mammalian H2A variants and their roles in cancer biology whilst potentiality being used in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
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3
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Gao J, Lu Q, Zhong J, Li Z, Pan L, Feng C, Tang S, Wang X, Tao Y, Zhou X, Wang Q. Identification and validation of an H2AZ1-based index model: a novel prognostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2542-2562. [PMID: 38305811 PMCID: PMC10911386 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205497] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The H2A.Z variant histone 1 (H2AZ1) is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, correlating with an unfavorable prognosis. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the pathways affected by H2AZ1 and identify promising therapeutic targets for HCC. Following bioinformatic analysis of gene expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database, we found 6,344 dysregulated genes related to H2AZ1 overexpression in HCC tissues (P < 0.05). We performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify the gene module most related to H2AZ1. The H2AZ1-based index was further developed using Cox regression analysis, which revealed that the poor prognosis in the high H2AZ1-based index group could be attributed to elevated tumor stemness (P < 0.05). Moreover, the clinical model showed good prognostic potential (AUC > 0.7). We found that H2AZ1 knockdown led to reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased apoptosis rate in tumor cells (P < 0.001). Thus, we developed an H2AZ1-based index model with the potential to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC. Our findings provide initial evidence that H2AZ1 overexpression plays a pivotal role in HCC initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Gao
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease, Nanning Infectious Disease Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University and The Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Qinchen Lu
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jialing Zhong
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lixin Pan
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Shaomei Tang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yuting Tao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xianguo Zhou
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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5
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Ragusa D, Vagnarelli P. Contribution of histone variants to aneuploidy: a cancer perspective. Front Genet 2023; 14:1290903. [PMID: 38075697 PMCID: PMC10702394 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1290903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone variants, which generally differ in few amino acid residues, can replace core histones (H1, H2A, H2B, and H3) to confer specific structural and functional features to regulate cellular functions. In addition to their role in DNA packaging, histones modulate key processes such as gene expression regulation and chromosome segregation, which are frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. During the years, histones variants have gained significant attention as gatekeepers of chromosome stability, raising interest in understanding how structural and functional alterations can contribute to tumourigenesis. Beside the well-established role of the histone H3 variant CENP-A in centromere specification and maintenance, a growing body of literature has described mutations, aberrant expression patterns and post-translational modifications of a variety of histone variants in several cancers, also coining the term "oncohistones." At the molecular level, mechanistic studies have been dissecting the biological mechanisms behind histones and missegregation events, with the potential to uncover novel clinically-relevant targets. In this review, we focus on the current understanding and highlight knowledge gaps of the contribution of histone variants to aneuploidy, and we have compiled a database (HistoPloidyDB) of histone gene alterations linked to aneuploidy in cancers of the The Cancer Genome Atlas project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ragusa
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Vagnarelli
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
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Moreno-Andrés D, Holl K, Antonin W. The second half of mitosis and its implications in cancer biology. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:1-17. [PMID: 36436712 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus undergoes dramatic structural and functional changes during cell division. With the entry into mitosis, in human cells the nuclear envelope breaks down, chromosomes rearrange into rod-like structures which are collected and segregated by the spindle apparatus. While these processes in the first half of mitosis have been intensively studied, much less is known about the second half of mitosis, when a functional nucleus reforms in each of the emerging cells. Here we review our current understanding of mitotic exit and nuclear reformation with spotlights on the links to cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreno-Andrés
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kristin Holl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Antonin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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7
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Kreienbaum C, Paasche LW, Hake SB. H2A.Z's 'social' network: functional partners of an enigmatic histone variant. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:909-920. [PMID: 35606214 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The histone variant H2A.Z has been extensively studied to understand its manifold DNA-based functions. In the past years, researchers identified its specific binding partners, the 'H2A.Z interactome', that convey H2A.Z-dependent chromatin changes. Here, we summarize the latest findings regarding vertebrate H2A.Z-associated factors and focus on their roles in gene activation and repression, cell cycle regulation, (neuro)development, and tumorigenesis. Additionally, we demonstrate how protein-protein interactions and post-translational histone modifications can fine-tune the complex interplay of H2A.Z-regulated gene expression. Last, we review the most recent results on interactors of the two isoforms H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2.1, which differ in only three amino acids, and focus on cancer-associated mutations of H2A and H2A.Z, which reveal fascinating insights into the functional importance of such minuscule changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena W Paasche
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra B Hake
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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8
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Herchenröther A, Wunderlich TM, Lan J, Hake SB. Spotlight on histone H2A variants: From B to X to Z. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 135:3-12. [PMID: 35365397 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin, the functional organization of DNA with histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei, is the tightly-regulated template for several biological processes, such as transcription, replication, DNA damage repair, chromosome stability and sister chromatid segregation. In order to achieve a reversible control of local chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, various interconnected mechanisms have evolved. One of such processes includes the deposition of functionally-diverse variants of histone proteins into nucleosomes, the building blocks of chromatin. Among core histones, the family of H2A histone variants exhibits the largest number of members and highest sequence-divergence. In this short review, we report and discuss recent discoveries concerning the biological functions of the animal histone variants H2A.B, H2A.X and H2A.Z and how dysregulation or mutation of the latter impacts the development of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim M Wunderlich
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jie Lan
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Sandra B Hake
- Institute for Genetics, Justus Liebig University, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
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Braghini MR, Lo Re O, Romito I, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Barbaro B, Pomella S, Rota R, Vinciguerra M, Avila MA, Alisi A. Epigenetic remodelling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:107. [PMID: 35331312 PMCID: PMC8943959 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, being the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. As other heterogeneous solid tumours, HCC results from a unique synergistic combination of genetic alterations mixed with epigenetic modifications.In HCC the patterns and frequencies of somatic variations change depending on the nearby chromatin. On the other hand, epigenetic alterations often induce genomic instability prone to mutations. Epigenetics refers to heritable states of gene expression without alteration to the DNA sequence itself and, unlike genetic changes, the epigenetic modifications are reversible and affect gene expression more extensively than genetic changes. Thus, studies of epigenetic regulation and the involved molecular machinery are greatly contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms that underline HCC onset and heterogeneity. Moreover, this knowledge may help to identify biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as future new targets for more efficacious therapeutic approaches.In this comprehensive review we will discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about the epigenetic landscape in hepatocarcinogenesis, including evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic role of non-coding RNAs, modifications occurring at the chromatin level, and their role in the era of precision medicine.Apart from other better-known risk factors that predispose to the development of HCC, characterization of the epigenetic remodelling that occurs during hepatocarcinogenesis could open the way to the identification of personalized biomarkers. It may also enable a more accurate diagnosis and stratification of patients, and the discovery of new targets for more efficient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ilaria Romito
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Barbaro
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Characterization of Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Development of a Prognostic Stemness Index Cell-Related Signature in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:1571421. [PMID: 34840626 PMCID: PMC8617564 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1571421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective Cancer stem cells (CSCs) with self-renewal and plasticity contribute to tumor initiation and progression. This study developed an mRNA expression-based stemness index- (mRNAsi-) associated signature and validated biological functions of stem cell-related genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods Here, mRNAsi was measured for OSCC samples from TCGA cohort, and prognosis and tumor microenvironment (stromal/immune scores, tumor purity) in high- and low-mRNAsi samples were evaluated with survival analyses and ESTIMATE algorithm. Based on prognostic mRNAsi-related genes, a risk score model was constructed by the LASSO method. The predictive accuracy was evaluated by uni- and multivariate Cox analyses and ROC curves. Among the genes in the model, the functions of H2AFZ on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and EMT were investigated in OSCC cells. Results High mRNAsi was distinctly associated with undesirable prognosis, increased stromal and immune scores, and lowered tumor purity. The mRNAsi-associated signature containing 11 genes was developed, and high-risk score was distinctly related to poor survival outcomes. Moreover, this signature was an independent and robust risk factor. H2AFZ upregulation significantly enhanced proliferative and invasive capacities and facilitated EMT as well as lowered apoptotic levels in Cal-27 and HSC-3 cells. Conclusion Our study characterized cancer stem cell characteristics that were closely related to tumor microenvironment and developed a stemness index cell-related signature that could assist prognosis prediction and risk stratification for OSCC. H2AFZ could become a potential therapeutic target against OSCC.
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11
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Colino-Sanguino Y, Clark SJ, Valdes-Mora F. The H2A.Z-nuclesome code in mammals: emerging functions. Trends Genet 2021; 38:273-289. [PMID: 34702577 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
H2A.Z is a histone variant that provides specific structural and docking-side properties to the nucleosome, resulting in diverse and specialised molecular and cellular functions. In this review, we discuss the latest studies uncovering new functional aspects of mammalian H2A.Z in gene transcription, including pausing and elongation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and enhancer activity; DNA repair; DNA replication; and 3D chromatin structure. We also review the recently described role of H2A.Z in embryonic development, cell differentiation, neurodevelopment, and brain function. In conclusion, our cumulative knowledge of H2A.Z over the past 40 years, in combination with the implementation of novel molecular technologies, is unravelling an unexpected and complex role of histone variants in gene regulation and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Colino-Sanguino
- Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Susan J Clark
- Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Chen Y, Lei J, He S. m 6A Modification Mediates Mucosal Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692160. [PMID: 34422815 PMCID: PMC8378837 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence links m6A modification with immune infiltration. However, the correlation and mechanism by which m6A modification promotes intestinal immune infiltration in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. Here, genomic information from IBD tissues was integrated to evaluate disease-related m6A modification, and the correlation between the m6A modification pattern and the immune microenvironment in the intestinal mucosa was explored. Next, we identified hub genes from the key modules of the m6Acluster and analyzed the correlation among the hub genes, immune infiltration, and therapy. We found that IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP2 expression was decreased in Crohn's disease (CD) tissues and that IGF2BP2 was decreased in ulcerative colitis (UC) tissues compared with normal tissues (P < 0.05). m6Acluster2, containing higher expressions of IL15, IL16, and IL18, was enriched in M0 macrophage, M1 macrophage, native B cells, memory B cells, and m6Acluster1 with high expression of IL8 and was enriched in resting dendritic and plasma cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we reveal that expression of m6A phenotype-related hub genes (i.e., NUP37, SNRPG, H2AFZ) was increased with a high abundance of M1 macrophages, M0 macrophages, and naive B cells in IBD (P < 0.01). Immune checkpoint expression in the genecluster1 with higher expression of hub genes was increased. The anti-TNF therapeutic response of patients in genecluster1 was more significant, and the therapeutic effect of CD was better than that of UC. These findings indicate that m6A modification may affect immune infiltration and therapeutic response in IBD. Assessing the expression of m6A phenotype-related hub genes might guide the choice of IBD drugs and improve the prediction of therapeutic response to anti-TNF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yuan Y, Cao W, Zhou H, Qian H, Wang H. H2A.Z acetylation by lincZNF337-AS1 via KAT5 implicated in the transcriptional misregulation in cancer signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:609. [PMID: 34120148 PMCID: PMC8197763 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03895-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, histones and their variants are essential for chromatin structure and function; both play important roles in the regulation of gene transcription, as well as the development of tumors. We aimed to explore the genomics data of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combined with literature analysis, in terms of the histone variant H2A.Z. Cell phenotype assay confirmed the effect of H2A.Z on the proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and cell cycle of HCC cells. H2A.Z was shown to function via the tumor dysregulation signaling pathway, with BCL6 as its interacting protein. In addition, the acetylation level of H2A.Z was higher in HCC and was related to tumor formation. We found the acetylation of H2A.Z to be related to and regulated by lincZNF337-AS1. LincZNF337-AS1 was found to bind to H2A.Z and KAT5 at different sites, promoting the acetylation of H2A.Z through KAT5. We concluded that, in HCC, H2A.Z is an oncogene, whose acetylation promotes the transcription of downstream genes, and is regulated by lincZNF331-AS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yuan
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University(Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen Cao
- The Department of Liver Disease of Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University(Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongbing Zhou
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University(Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haixin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Honggang Wang
- The Department of General Surgery of Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University(Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Lone IN, Sengez B, Hamiche A, Dimitrov S, Alotaibi H. The Role of Histone Variants in the Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112499. [PMID: 33213091 PMCID: PMC7698467 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process activated during early embryogenesis, which continues to shape tissues and organs later on. It is also hijacked by tumor cells during metastasis. The regulation of EMT has been the focus of many research groups culminating in the last few years and resulting in an elaborate transcriptional network buildup. However, the implication of epigenetic factors in the control of EMT is still in its infancy. Recent discoveries pointed out that histone variants, which are key epigenetic players, appear to be involved in EMT control. This review summarizes the available data on histone variants' function in EMT that would contribute to a better understanding of EMT itself and EMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Nisar Lone
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Burcu Sengez
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Stefan Dimitrov
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Site Santé-Allée des Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Hani Alotaibi
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey; (I.N.L.); (B.S.); (S.D.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-232-299-4100 (ext. 5071)
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