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Sahafnejad Z, Ramazi S, Allahverdi A. An Update of Epigenetic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers and Brain Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040873. [PMID: 37107631 PMCID: PMC10137918 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has long been recognized as a significant field in biology and is defined as the investigation of any alteration in gene expression patterns that is not attributed to changes in the DNA sequences. Epigenetic marks, including histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in gene regulation. Numerous studies in humans have been carried out on single-nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation, the CpG island, new histone modifications, and genome-wide nucleosome positioning. These studies indicate that epigenetic mutations and aberrant placement of these epigenetic marks play a critical role in causing the disease. Consequently, significant development has occurred in biomedical research in identifying epigenetic mechanisms, their interactions, and changes in health and disease conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about the different types of diseases caused by alterations in epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation. Recent studies reported that epigenetics could influence the evolution of human cancer via aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions, which is associated with reduced gene function. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the DNA methylation process as well as histone acetyltransferases (HATs)/histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs)/demethylases (HDMs) in histone modifications play important roles both in the catalysis and inhibition of target gene transcription and in many other DNA processes such as repair, replication, and recombination. Dysfunction in these enzymes leads to epigenetic disorders and, as a result, various diseases such as cancers and brain diseases. Consequently, the knowledge of how to modify aberrant DNA methylation as well as aberrant histone acetylation or methylation via inhibitors by using epigenetic drugs can be a suitable therapeutic approach for a number of diseases. Using the synergistic effects of DNA methylation and histone modification inhibitors, it is hoped that many epigenetic defects will be treated in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetic marks and their effects on brain and cancer diseases. Designing appropriate drugs could provide novel strategies for the management of these diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sahafnejad
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
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Mutlu M, Tekin C, Ak Aksoy S, Taskapilioglu MO, Kaya S, Balcin RN, Ocak PE, Kocaeli H, Bekar A, Tolunay S, Tunca B. Long non-coding RNAs as a predictive markers of group 3 medulloblastomas. Neurol Res 2021; 44:232-241. [PMID: 34533098 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1975223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe appropriate treatments for the different molecular subgroups of medulloblastomas are challenging to determine. Hence, this study aimed to examine the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) to determine a marker that may be important for treatment selection in these subgroups.MethodsChanges in the expression of LncRNAs in the tissues of patients with medulloblastoma, which are classified into four subgroups according to their clinical characteristics and gene expression profiles, were examined via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, there association with patient prognosis was evaluated.ResultsThe expression levels of MALAT1 and SNGH16 were significantly higher in patients with group 3 medulloblastoma than in those with other subtypes. Patients with high expression levels of MALAT1 and SNGH16 had a relatively shorter overall survival than those with low expression levels.ConclusionsPatients with group 3 medulloblastoma have a high MALAT1 level, which is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, MALAT1 can be a new therapeutic target in medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Mutlu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Cagla Tekin
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Secil Ak Aksoy
- Inegol Vocation School, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | | | - Seckin Kaya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Rabia Nur Balcin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Pınar Eser Ocak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Hasan Kocaeli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Bekar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sahsine Tolunay
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Miele E, Po A, Begalli F, Antonucci L, Mastronuzzi A, Marras CE, Carai A, Cucchi D, Abballe L, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, Canettieri G, De Smaele E, Screpanti I, Locatelli F, Ferretti E. β-arrestin1-mediated acetylation of Gli1 regulates Hedgehog/Gli signaling and modulates self-renewal of SHH medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:488. [PMID: 28716052 PMCID: PMC5512842 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant Sonic Hedgehog/Gli (Hh/Gli) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of Sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma (SHH-MB). Cancer stem cells (CSCs), thought to be largely responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, dissemination and relapse, have been identified in SHH-MB. Since we previously demonstrated that Hh/Gli signaling controls CSCs features in SHH-MB and that in these tumors miR-326 is down regulated, here we investigated whether there is a functional link between Hh/Gli signaling and miR-326. Methods We evaluated β-arrestin1 (Arrb1) and its intragenic miR-326 levels in CSCs derived from SHH-MB. Subsequently, we modulated the expression of Arrb1 and miR-326 in CSCs in order to gain insight into their biological role. We also analyzed the mechanism by which Arrb1 and miR-326 control Hh/Gli signaling and self-renewal, using luciferase and protein immunoprecipitation assays. Results Low levels of Arrb1 and miR-326 represent a feature of CSCs derived from SHH-MB. We observed that re-expression of Arrb1 and miR-326 inhibits Hh/Gli signaling pathway at multiple levels, which cause impaired proliferation and self-renewal, accompanied by down regulation of Nanog levels. In detail, miR-326 negatively regulates two components of the Hh/Gli pathway the receptor Smoothened (Smo) and the transcription factor Gli2, whereas Arrb1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of Gli1, by potentiating its p300-mediated acetylation. Conclusions Our results identify a new molecular mechanism involving miR-326 and Arrb1 as regulators of SHH-MB CSCs. Specifically, low levels of Arrb1 and miR-326 trigger and maintain Hh/Gli signaling and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Begalli
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Efisio Marras
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Neuromed Institute, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Archer TC, Mahoney EL, Pomeroy SL. Medulloblastoma: Molecular Classification-Based Personal Therapeutics. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:265-273. [PMID: 28386677 PMCID: PMC5398996 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in cancer genomics have revealed 4 distinct subgroups of medulloblastomas, each with unique transcription profiles, DNA alterations and clinical outcome. Molecular classification of medulloblastomas improves predictions of clinical outcome, allowing more accurate matching of intensity of conventional treatments with chemotherapy and radiation to overall prognosis and setting the stage for the introduction of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenley C Archer
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Scott L Pomeroy
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Khatua S. Evolving molecular era of childhood medulloblastoma: time to revisit therapy. Future Oncol 2015; 12:107-17. [PMID: 26617331 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently medulloblastoma is treated with a uniform therapeutic approach based on histopathology and clinico-radiological risk stratification, resulting in unpredictable treatment failure and relapses. Improved understanding of the biological, molecular and genetic make-up of these tumors now clearly identifies it as a compendium of four distinct subtypes (WNT, SHH, group 3 and 4). Advances in utilization of the genomic and epigenomic machinery have now delineated genetic aberrations and epigenetic perturbations in each subgroup as potential druggable targets. This has resulted in endeavors to profile targeted therapy. The challenge and future of medulloblastoma therapeutics will be to keep pace with the evolving novel biological insights and translating them into optimal targeted treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Khatua
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Children's Cancer Hospital, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 87, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Epigenetic control of gene expression programs is essential for normal organismal development and cellular function. Abrogation of epigenetic regulation is seen in many human diseases, including cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders, where it can affect disease etiology and progression. Abnormal epigenetic profiles can serve as biomarkers of disease states and predictors of disease outcomes. Therefore, epigenetics is a key area of clinical investigation in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this review, we give an overarching view of epigenetic mechanisms of human disease. Genetic mutations in genes that encode chromatin regulators can cause monogenic disease or are incriminated in polygenic, multifactorial diseases. Environmental stresses can also impact directly on chromatin regulation, and these changes can increase the risk of, or directly cause, disease. Finally, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to environmental stresses in older generations may predispose subsequent generations to disease in a manner that involves the transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brookes
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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