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Xu T, Ding H, Chen J, Lei J, Zhao M, Ji B, Chen Y, Qin S, Gao Q. Research Progress of DNA Methylation in Endometrial Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070938. [PMID: 35883495 PMCID: PMC9312849 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC)) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female genital system, with an increasing incidence and mortality, worldwide. Although the therapeutic strategy of EC is still complicated and challenging, further understanding of carcinogenesis from a gene perspective would allow an effort to improve therapeutic precision in this complex malignancy. DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic alteration in human tumors. Aberrant DNA methylation events, resulting in altered gene expression, are features of many tumor types. In this review, we provide an update on evidence about the roles of aberrant DNA methylation within some classical tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes in endometrial carcinogenesis, and report on recent advances in the understanding of the contribution of aberrant DNA methylation to EC, as well as opportunities and challenges of DNA methylation in EC management and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (T.X.); (J.L.); (M.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (H.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (H.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (T.X.); (J.L.); (M.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (T.X.); (J.L.); (M.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (T.X.); (J.L.); (M.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (H.D.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (S.Q.); (Q.G.); Tel.: +86-512-67781951 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.); Fax: +86-0512-67780922 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.)
| | - Songbing Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (S.Q.); (Q.G.); Tel.: +86-512-67781951 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.); Fax: +86-0512-67780922 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.)
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (T.X.); (J.L.); (M.Z.); (B.J.)
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (S.Q.); (Q.G.); Tel.: +86-512-67781951 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.); Fax: +86-0512-67780922 (Y.C. & S.Q. & Q.G.)
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Zhang X, Pang X, Huang Y, Qian S. A seven-m6A regulator-related CpG site-based prognostic signature for endometrial carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26648. [PMID: 34398021 PMCID: PMC8294886 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial carcinoma (EC) has become a common gynecologic malignancy with a high mortality. The m6A regulators have been identified to be closely associated with multiple human cancers including EC. However, the CpG methylation signature related to m6A regulators in EC remains unclear. METHOD The methylation profiles of EC patients including cancer samples and adjacent normal samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The CpG sites in 20 m6A regulators were identified. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analysis were used to screen key CpG sites which were located at m6A regulators and significantly related to the prognosis of EC. The predictive model for EC prognosis was constructed, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to explore whether the risk score derived from the model could function as an independent signature for EC prognosis. Meanwhile, a nomogram model was constructed by combing the independent prognostic signatures for prediction of the long-term survival in EC patients. RESULTS A total of 396 CpG sites located at 20 m6A regulators were identified. A specific predictive model for EC prognosis based on 7 optimal CpG sites was constructed, which presented good performance in prognosis prediction of EC patients. Moreover, risk score was determined to be an independent signature both in the training set and validation set. By bringing in three independent prognostic factors (age, risk score, and TNM stage), the nomogram was constructed and could effectively predict the 3- and 5-year survival rates of EC patients. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that the CpG sites located at m6A regulators might be considered as potential prognostic signatures for EC patients.
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Ahmadi M, Mohammadi Z, Azad M, Foroughi F, Khojastehpour S, Gheibi N, Samiee-Rad F, Maali A. Evaluation of expression level and methylation profile of CXX1 gene in breast cancer tissue blocks. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 17:1328-1334. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_27_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of tumors has become more complex owing to tumor heterogeneity. Fewer studies have been performed on intra-tumor heterogeneity of endometrial cancer (EC) until now. Therefore, it is of great clinical value to explore the intra-tumor heterogeneity of EC based on clinical features and gene expression profiles. METHODS A total of 1688 patients with EC were screened and 114 patients were finally selected, including specimens from 84 patients with primary EC without relapse (PE) and the paired metastases (P-M) specimens, as well as specimens from 30 patients with primary EC with relapse (RPE) and the paired relapsed EC (P-RE) specimens. Microarray and RNA-seq were used to detect gene expression of EC samples. Clinicopathological characteristics and molecular data were compared between PE and P-M groups and between RPE and P-RE groups to explore the intra-tumor heterogeneity of EC. RESULTS The clinical intra-tumor spatial heterogeneity of pathological type, grade, ER status, and PR status between PE and P-M were 17.9%, 13.1%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively. The clinical intra-tumor spatiotemporal heterogeneity of pathological type, grade, ER status, and PR status between RPE and P-RE were 16.7%, 33.3%, 25.0%, and 37.5%, respectively. Cluster analysis sorts EC samples based on progression type of lesion and their pathological type. There were differentially expressed genes between PE and P-M and between RPE and P-RE, of which gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were mainly enriched in cell proliferation, the p53 signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSIONS:: Clinical and molecular data showed that there was spatiotemporal heterogeneity in intra-tumor of EC, which may add to the complexity of diagnosis and therapeutics for EC. Considering the intra-tumor heterogeneity, sequential chemotherapy and precision medicine may be a more suitable treatment plan for EC.
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Zhang B, Zhou J, Liu Z, Gu L, Ji J, Kim WH, Deng D. Clinical and biological significance of a - 73A > C variation in the CDH1 promoter of patients with sporadic gastric carcinoma. Gastric Cancer 2018; 21:606-616. [PMID: 29168119 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-017-0778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CDH1 germline mutations lead to hereditary diffuse gastric carcinomas. However, it is unclear whether genetic variations in the CDH1 promoter affect the progression of sporadic gastric carcinomas (SGCs). METHODS SGC patients in two independent cohorts with follow-up data were enrolled. The CDH1 genotypes, including the - 73A > C polymorphism (rs28372783), were determined by PCR sequencing. The CDH1 promoter activity was determined using reporter assays. SNAIL bound to CDH1 alleles was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation primer extension PCR. CDH1 DNA methylation was determined by bisulfite-based PCR analyses. RESULTS Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that the overall survival (OS) of the - 73C/C patients was significantly longer than that of the - 73A/C or - 73A/A patients in a Chinese cohort [n = 526; hazard ratio 0.68 (95% CI 0.47-1.00)], which was validated in an independent Korea cohort [n = 215; hazard ratio 0.49 (95% CI 0.26-0.94)]. Moreover, the transcription activity of the - 73C alleles was significantly higher than that of the - 73A alleles in vitro and in vivo. The ratio of SNAIL recruited to the promoter regions of the - 73C and - 73A alleles was 1:10, indicating a strong influence of this polymorphism on the recruitment of SNAIL to the flanking E-box. The prevalence of DNA methylation of the CpG island and shore within the promoter of the - 73C allele was much less than that of the - 73A allele in both gastric tissues and cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION The - 73A > C variation may lead to differences in the overall survival of SGC patients and allele-specific repressions of CDH1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhaojun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Liankun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Department of Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Woo Ho Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongnogu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dajun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Fu-Cheng-Lu #52, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Sulkowska U, Wincewicz A, Kanczuga-Koda L, Koda M, Sulkowski S. Comparison of E-cadherin with STAT3 and apoptosis regulators: Bak and Bcl-xL in endometrioid adenocarcinomas of different ER-alpha immunoprofile. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:171-174. [PMID: 28937296 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1379494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin is a factor of good prognosis in endometrioid adenocarcinomas, while STAT3 is an oncogenic driver of carcinogenesis. E-cadherin, Bak, Bcl-xL and STAT3 were immunohistochemically detected in 78 human endometrioid adenocarcinomas. E-cadherin correlated with STAT3 (p <. 001, r = 0.537) as well as Bak (p = .005, r = 0.314) and Bcl-xL (p = .002, r = 0.340) in the whole study group. In G2 tumors, E-cadherin associated with Bak (p = .021, r = 0.319), Bcl-xL (p = .026, r = 0.309) and STAT3 (p <.001, r = 0.513) but not in G3 adenocarcinomas. E-cadherin correlated with Bak and Bcl-xL in both G1- and estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors with significant relation of E-cadherin and STAT3 in G1- and ER-negative tumors. Antigrowth synergy of expression was preserved for antiapoptotic Bak and proliferation-suppressing E-cadherin in IA adenocarcinomas (p = .031, r = 0.342) with no significance between Bak and E-cadherin or STAT3 and emerging correlation between E-cadherin and Bcl-xL in IB + II tumors instead (p = .003, r = 0.472). E-cadherin correlated with Bak and Bcl-xL in ER-positive adenocarcinomas (p = .002, r = 0.382 and p <.001, r = 0.439, respectively) but not in ER-negative tumors. In conclusion, expression deregulation of studied proteins is reflected in selective loss of correlation between suppressors of tumor growth (E-cadherin and Bak) presumably due to progressing impairment of growth-inhibitory properties of clone of neoplastic cells within higher staging and poorer differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Sulkowska
- a Department of General Pathomorphology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Andrzej Wincewicz
- b Department of Pathology (NZOZ Zakład Patologii Spółka z o.o.), Non-Public Health Care Unit , Kielce , Poland
| | - Luiza Kanczuga-Koda
- c Department of Pathology , Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Bialystok Oncology Center , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Mariusz Koda
- a Department of General Pathomorphology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Stanislaw Sulkowski
- a Department of General Pathomorphology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
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Fan Y, Wang Y, Fu S, Yang L, Lin S, Fan Q, Wen Q. The diagnostic role of DNA methylation in sporadic endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 9:8642-8652. [PMID: 29492223 PMCID: PMC5823574 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although increasing numbers of methylated genes have been identified as biomarkers for endometrial cancer, the results have been inconsistent. We therefore carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of methylated genes as markers for sporadic endometrial cancer. Results A total of 22 studies including 1930 participants (sporadic endometrial cancer patients and normal individuals) met our eligibility criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.91−0.94) and 0.48 (95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.50), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8834. The presence of DNA methylation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of endometrial cancer (pooled odds ratio: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.52, p < 0.001). Materials and Methods We searched the relevant literature systematically using the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2017. Diagnostic accuracy variables were pooled and analyzed using Meta-DiSc software. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were evaluated using Review Manager. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that the detection of DNA methylation is associated with lymph node metastasis, with high sensitivity but relatively low specificity for the diagnosis of sporadic endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fan
- The Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Department of Health Examination, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Shaozhi Fu
- The Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Linglin Yang
- The Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Sheng Lin
- The Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Qingze Fan
- The Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- The Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, P.R.China
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Bartosch C, Lopes JM, Jerónimo C. Epigenetics in endometrial carcinogenesis - part 1: DNA methylation. Epigenomics 2017; 9:737-755. [PMID: 28470096 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multistep multifactorial process that involves the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. In the past two decades, there has been an exponential growth of knowledge establishing the importance of epigenetic changes in cancer. Our work focused on reviewing the main role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma, highlighting the reported results concerning each epigenetic mechanistic layer. The present review is the first part of this work, in which we examined the contribution of DNA methylation alterations for endometrial carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bartosch
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology & Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Department of Pathology & Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar São João (CHSJ), Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology & Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Hsiao SM, Chen MW, Chen CA, Chien MH, Hua KT, Hsiao M, Kuo ML, Wei LH. The H3K9 Methyltransferase G9a Represses E-cadherin and is Associated with Myometrial Invasion in Endometrial Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2015; 22 Suppl 3:S1556-65. [PMID: 25613390 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-015-4379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that G9a, a histone methyltransferase, is involved in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the functional significance of G9a in endometrial carcinogenesis has not been defined. METHODS The differential expression of G9a in cancer and normal tissues was assessed using an array of 28 paired samples. Tissue specimens from 94 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgery were immunohistochemically evaluated for G9a and E-cadherin expression. To assess the biologic role of G9a in endometrial cancer, G9a was either stably knocked down or knocked down using a tetracycline-controllable system in endometrial cancer cells, followed by functional assays. RESULTS Increased G9a expression was identified in endometrial cancer tissues, and its expression was specifically correlated with deep myometrial invasion. Cell invasiveness was inhibited by an RNAi-mediated knockdown of G9a in invasive endometrial cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. An important mediator of G9a-induced tumor invasion is the epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin. Knockdown of G9a restored E-cadherin expression by reducing H3K9me2 levels and decreasing CDH1 promoter DNA methyltransferase recruitment. Knockdown of RNAi-mediated E-cadherin substantially relieved the invasion suppression imposed by G9a suppression. A significant negative correlation between G9a and E-cadherin expression was observed in endometrial cancer (Spearman's rho, -0.27; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first clear evidence that G9a contributes to endometrial cancer progression. Mechanistic investigations suggest that E-cadherin repression mediates the effects of G9a. Targeting G9a-mediated epigenetic pathway dysregulation may be a therapeutic strategy for endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Mou Hsiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Wei Chen
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-An Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Wan Fan Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tai Hua
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Liang Kuo
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Hung Wei
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Amadio G, Masciullo V, Ferrandina MG, Scambia G. Emerging drugs for endometrial cancer. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2014; 19:497-509. [PMID: 25330855 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2014.971752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION From the dualistic classification that divides endometrial cancer (EC) into two types with distinct underlying molecular profiling, histopathology and clinical behavior, arises a deeper understanding of the carcinogenesis pathways. EC treatment comprises different and multimodal therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or combinations of novel drugs; however, few of these regimens have truly improved progression-free or survival rates in advanced and metastatic settings. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the main molecular pathways involved in EC carcinogenesis through a wide literature search of novel compounds that alone or in combination with traditional drugs have been investigated or are currently under investigation in randomized clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION The molecular therapies mainly discussed in this review are potential therapeutic candidates for more effective and specific treatments. In the genomic era, a deeper knowledge about molecular characteristics of cancer provides the hope for the development of better therapeutic approaches. Targeting both genetic and epigenetic alterations, attacking tumor cells using cell-surface markers overexpressed in tumor tissue, reactivating antitumor immune responses and identifying predictive biomarkers represent the emerging strategies and the major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Amadio
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, IT-00168 Rome , Italy +39 0630154979 ; +39 063051160 ;
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Zhang B, Xing X, Li J, Lowdon RF, Zhou Y, Lin N, Zhang B, Sundaram V, Chiappinelli KB, Hagemann IS, Mutch DG, Goodfellow PJ, Wang T. Comparative DNA methylome analysis of endometrial carcinoma reveals complex and distinct deregulation of cancer promoters and enhancers. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:868. [PMID: 25286960 PMCID: PMC4198682 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of many cancers. Classically there are two types of endometrial cancer, endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC), or Type I, and uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC), or Type II. However, the whole genome DNA methylation changes in these two classical types of endometrial cancer is still unknown. RESULTS Here we described complete genome-wide DNA methylome maps of EAC, UPSC, and normal endometrium by applying a combined strategy of methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion sequencing (MRE-seq). We discovered distinct genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in EAC and UPSC: 27,009 and 15,676 recurrent differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified respectively, compared with normal endometrium. Over 80% of DMRs were in intergenic and intronic regions. The majority of these DMRs were not interrogated on the commonly used Infinium 450K array platform. Large-scale demethylation of chromosome X was detected in UPSC, accompanied by decreased XIST expression. Importantly, we discovered that the majority of the DMRs harbored promoter or enhancer functions and are specifically associated with genes related to uterine development and disease. Among these, abnormal methylation of transposable elements (TEs) may provide a novel mechanism to deregulate normal endometrium-specific enhancers derived from specific TEs. CONCLUSIONS DNA methylation changes are an important signature of endometrial cancer and regulate gene expression by affecting not only proximal promoters but also distal enhancers.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
- Carcinoma, Papillary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Papillary/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human, X
- CpG Islands
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/genetics
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/metabolism
- DNA Methylation
- DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
- Endometrial Neoplasms/genetics
- Endometrial Neoplasms/physiopathology
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
- Female
- Humans
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- MutL Protein Homolog 1
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Uterine Neoplasms/genetics
- Uterine Neoplasms/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
| | - XiaoYun Xing
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
| | - Jing Li
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
- />Shanghai International Joint Cancer Institute, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433 P. R. China
| | - Rebecca F Lowdon
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- />Key Laboratory for Applied Statistics of MOE, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130024 P. R. China
| | - Nan Lin
- />Department of Mathematics and Division of Biostatistics, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Baoxue Zhang
- />Key Laboratory for Applied Statistics of MOE, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130024 P. R. China
| | - Vasavi Sundaram
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- />Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231 USA
| | - Ian S Hagemann
- />Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - David G Mutch
- />Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63124 USA
| | - Paul J Goodfellow
- />The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Ting Wang
- />Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
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Banno K, Yanokura M, Iida M, Masuda K, Aoki D. Carcinogenic mechanisms of endometrial cancer: Involvement of genetics and epigenetics. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2014; 40:1957-67. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kouji Banno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine, Keio University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Megumi Yanokura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine, Keio University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Miho Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine, Keio University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine, Keio University; Tokyo Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; School of Medicine, Keio University; Tokyo Japan
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Werner HMJ, Salvesen HB. Current Status of Molecular Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2014; 16:403. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-014-0403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Płuciennik E, Kośla K, Wójcik-Krowiranda K, Bieńkiewicz A, Bednarek AK. The WWOX tumor suppressor gene in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:1458-64. [PMID: 24126431 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is a lethal malignancy, the causes of which remain to be determined. The aim of the present study, carried out on tumor samples from 79 patients, was to evaluate the role of the WWOX tumor suppressor gene in endometrial adenocarcinoma. The expression levels of WWOX and its protein content were assessed in normal endometrium and cancer samples. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the correlation between the expression levels of WWOX and the genes involved in the proliferation (MKI67), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2), signal transduction (EGFR), cell cycle (CCNE1, CCND1), cell adhesion (CDH1) and transcription regulation (TP73, NCOR1). The relationship between loss of hetero-zygosity (LOH) and WWOX mRNA levels was also investigated using high resolution melting. Results of the present study demonstrated a positive correlation of WWOX expression with BCL2 and CCND1 and a negative correlation with BAX, CDH1, NCOR1 and BCL2/BAX ratio. The results also showed that loss of heterozygosity at two analyzed loci of the WWOX gene is frequent in patients with endometrial cancer and that WWOX expression levels are lower in tumor samples than in normal tissue. In conclusion, WWOX may be involved in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Molecular Cancerogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, PL 90-752 Lodz, Poland
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15
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FIOLKA ROMAN, ZUBOR PAVOL, JANUSICOVA VERONIKA, VISNOVSKY JOZEF, MENDELOVA ANDREA, KAJO KAROL, LASABOVA ZORA, PLANK LUKAS, DANKO JAN. Promoter hypermethylation of the tumor-suppressor genes RASSF1A, GSTP1 and CDH1 in endometrial cancer. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2878-86. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Dong P, Kaneuchi M, Konno Y, Watari H, Sudo S, Sakuragi N. Emerging therapeutic biomarkers in endometrial cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:130362. [PMID: 23819113 PMCID: PMC3693108 DOI: 10.1155/2013/130362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although clinical trials of molecular therapies targeting critical biomarkers (mTOR, epidermal growth factor receptor/epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in endometrial cancer show modest effects, there are still challenges that might remain regarding primary/acquired drug resistance and unexpected side effects on normal tissues. New studies that aim to target both genetic and epigenetic alterations (noncoding microRNA) underlying malignant properties of tumor cells and to specifically attack tumor cells using cell surface markers overexpressed in tumor tissue are emerging. More importantly, strategies that disrupt the cancer stem cell/epithelial-mesenchymal transition-dependent signals and reactivate antitumor immune responses would bring new hope for complete elimination of all cell compartments in endometrial cancer. We briefly review the current status of molecular therapies tested in clinical trials and mainly discuss the potential therapeutic candidates that are possibly used to develop more effective and specific therapies against endometrial cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Dong
- Department of Women's Health Educational System, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Masanori Kaneuchi
- Department of Women's Health Educational System, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yosuke Konno
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Watari
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Satoko Sudo
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sakuragi
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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Banno K, Kisu I, Yanokura M, Masuda K, Ueki A, Kobayashi Y, Susumu N, Aoki D. Epigenetics and genetics in endometrial cancer: new carcinogenic mechanisms and relationship with clinical practice. Epigenomics 2012; 4:147-62. [PMID: 22449187 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide among females. An increased incidence and a younger age of patients are also predicted to occur, and therefore elucidation of the pathological mechanisms is important. However, several aspects of the mechanism of carcinogenesis in the endometrium remain unclear. Associations with genetic mutations of cancer-related genes have been shown, but these do not provide a complete explanation. Therefore, epigenetic mechanisms have been examined. Silencing of genes by DNA hypermethylation, hereditary epimutation of DNA mismatch repair genes and regulation of gene expression by miRNAs may underlie carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer. New therapies include targeting epigenetic changes using histone deacetylase inhibitors. Some cases of endometrial cancer may also be hereditary. Thus, patients with Lynch syndrome which is a hereditary disease, have a higher risk for developing endometrial cancer than the general population. Identification of such disease-related genes may contribute to early detection and prevention of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouji Banno
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinanomachi 35 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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18
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Endometrial Cancer and Hypermethylation: Regulation of DNA and MicroRNA by Epigenetics. Biochem Res Int 2012; 2012:738274. [PMID: 22548175 PMCID: PMC3324134 DOI: 10.1155/2012/738274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide. Therefore elucidation of the pathogenesis and development of effective treatment for endometrial cancer are important. However, several aspects of the mechanism of carcinogenesis in the endometrium remain unclear. Associations with genetic variation and mutations of cancer-related genes have been shown, but these do not provide a complete explanation. Therefore, in recent years, epigenetic mechanisms that do not involve changes in DNA sequences have been examined. Studies aimed at detection of aberrant DNA hypermethylation in cancer cells present in microscopic amounts in vivo and application of the results to cancer diagnosis have also started. Breakdown of the DNA mismatch repair mechanism is thought to play a large role in the development of endometrial cancer, with changes in the expression of the hMLH1 gene being particularly important. Silencing of genes such as APC and CHFR, Sprouty 2, RASSF1A, GPR54, CDH1, and RSK4 by DNA hypermethylation, onset of Lynch syndrome due to hereditary epimutation of hMLH1 and hMSH2 mismatch repair genes, and regulation of gene expression by microRNAs may also underlie the carcinogenic mechanisms of endometrial cancer. Further understanding of these issues may permit development of new therapies.
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Koyuncuoglu M, Okyay E, Saatli B, Olgan S, Akin M, Saygili U. Tumor budding and E-Cadherin expression in endometrial carcinoma: Are they prognostic factors in endometrial cancer? Gynecol Oncol 2012; 125:208-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.12.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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O'Hara AJ, Bell DW. The genomics and genetics of endometrial cancer. ADVANCES IN GENOMICS AND GENETICS 2012; 2012:33-47. [PMID: 22888282 PMCID: PMC3415201 DOI: 10.2147/agg.s28953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Most sporadic endometrial cancers (ECs) can be histologically classified as endometrioid, serous, or clear cell. Each histotype has a distinct natural history, clinical behavior, and genetic etiology. Endometrioid ECs have an overall favorable prognosis. They are typified by high frequency genomic alterations affecting PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PTEN, KRAS, FGFR2, ARID1A (BAF250a), and CTNNB1 (β-catenin), as well as epigenetic silencing of MLH1 resulting in microsatellite instability. Serous and clear cell ECs are clinically aggressive tumors that are rare at presentation but account for a disproportionate fraction of all endometrial cancer deaths. Serous ECs tend to be aneuploid and are typified by frequent genomic alterations affecting TP53 (p53), PPP2R1A, HER-2/ERBB2, PIK3CA, and PTEN; additionally, they display dysregulation of E-cadherin, p16, cyclin E, and BAF250a. The genetic etiology of clear cell ECs resembles that of serous ECs, but it remains relatively poorly defined. A detailed discussion of the characteristic patterns of genomic alterations that distinguish the three major histotypes of endometrial cancer is reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J O'Hara
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Cancer Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Yi TZ, Li J, Han X, Guo J, Qu Q, Guo L, Sun HD, Tan WH. DNMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors regulate E-cadherin and Bcl-2 expression in endometrial carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Chemotherapy 2012; 58:19-29. [PMID: 22343305 DOI: 10.1159/000333077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTIs) on proliferation of endometrial cancer (EC) cells in vitro and in vivo was investigated. METHODS Changes in methylation of the CDH1 promoter in HDACI- and DNMTI-treated HEC-1-B and RL-952 EC cells were detected. Nude mice with xenografted implants of human EC HEC-1-B cells were treated with valproic acid (VPA) and decitabine (DAC) and evaluated for tumor growth, CDH1 and Bcl-2 mRNA levels. RESULTS DAC, VPA and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and enhanced the apoptotic index in both cell lines, DAC, VPA and SAHA upregulated E-cadherin mRNA and protein levels and downregulated Bcl-2 mRNA levels in vitro. DAC and VPA inhibited tumor growth, upregulated CDH1 mRNA and downregulated Bcl-2 mRNA levels in vivo. CONCLUSIONS A combination of HDACIs and DNMTIs suppresses the growth of EC, which is likely mediated by upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Zhong Yi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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