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Wang Z, Fang Z, Chen G, Liu B, Xu J, Li F, Li F, Liu H, Zhang H, Sun Y, Tian G, Chen H, Xu G, Zhang L, Hu L, Ji H. Chromobox 4 facilitates tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Neoplasia 2020; 23:222-233. [PMID: 33387960 PMCID: PMC7797484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromobox 4 (CBX4) is a core component of polycomb-repressive complex 1 with important roles in cancer biology and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant expression of CBX4 has been implicated in several human malignancies. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not been defined in vivo. Here, we found that expression of CBX4 was frequently up-regulated in human LUAD samples and correlated with poor patient survival. Importantly, genetic ablation of CBX4 greatly dampened lung tumor formation and improved survival in the KrasG12D/P53L/L (KP) autochthonous mouse model of LUAD. In addition, CBX4 depletion significantly inhibited proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of KP mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Moreover, ectopic CBX4 expression clearly promoted proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in both human and mouse LUAD cells, whereas silencing of CBX4 exerted opposite effects. Mechanistically, CBX4 promoted growth of LUAD cells through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, expression levels of CBX4 were positively correlated with β-catenin in human LUAD samples. In conclusion, our data suggest that CBX4 plays an oncogenic role via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaobin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihua Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoliang Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
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The role of the polycomb repressive complex pathway in T and NK cell lymphoma: biological and prognostic implications. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:2037-47. [PMID: 26337274 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2; formed by EZH2, SUZ12, and EED protein subunits) and PRC1 (BMI1 protein) induce gene silencing through histone modification, primarily H3K27me3, and deregulation of PRC pathways leads to tumorigenesis. In the present study, activation of PRC2, H3K27me3, and BMI1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 175 cases of T and natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma. Activation of PRC proteins was analyzed according to c-MYC activation, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, CD30 activation, and survival. Among all T and NK cell lymphomas, high expression rates of 54.7 % for EZH2, 33.3 % for SUZ12, 85.7 % for EED, 40.5 % for H3K27me3, and 30.9 % for BMI1 were discovered. Activation of PRC2, H3K27me3, and BMI1 showed positive correlations (P < 0.05). Activation of c-MYC was associated with activation of SUZ12 and triple coactivation of all PRC2 protein subunits (EZH2(high)/SUZ12(high)/EED(high)) (P < 0.05). In EBV-positive tumors, activation of EZH2 and H3K27me3 showed greater association (P < 0.05). H3K27me3 and BMI1 showed a negative association in tumors expressing CD30 (P < 0.05). With respect to survival, BMI1 activation was independently associated with poor prognosis in T and NK cell lymphomas (P = 0.002). In conclusion, T and NK cell lymphomas were associated with activation of PRC pathway markers, for which c-MYC activation and EBV infection could be suggested as possible causes. PRC pathway markers may be potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in T and NK cell lymphoma.
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Neri F, Incarnato D, Krepelova A, Dettori D, Rapelli S, Maldotti M, Parlato C, Anselmi F, Galvagni F, Oliviero S. TET1 is controlled by pluripotency-associated factors in ESCs and downmodulated by PRC2 in differentiated cells and tissues. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:6814-26. [PMID: 25925565 PMCID: PMC4538807 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) genes encode for a family of hydroxymethylase enzymes involved in regulating DNA methylation dynamics. Tet1 is highly expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) where it plays a critical role the pluripotency maintenance. Tet1 is also involved in cell reprogramming events and in cancer progression. Although the functional role of Tet1 has been largely studied, its regulation is poorly understood. Here we show that Tet1 gene is regulated, both in mouse and human ESCs, by the stemness specific factors Oct3/4, Nanog and by Myc. Thus Tet1 is integrated in the pluripotency transcriptional network of ESCs. We found that Tet1 is switched off by cell proliferation in adult cells and tissues with a consequent genome-wide reduction of 5hmC, which is more evident in hypermethylated regions and promoters. Tet1 downmodulation is mediated by the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) through H3K27me3 histone mark deposition. This study expands the knowledge about Tet1 involvement in stemness circuits in ESCs and provides evidence for a transcriptional relationship between Tet1 and PRC2 in adult proliferating cells improving our understanding of the crosstalk between the epigenetic events mediated by these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Neri
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Danny Incarnato
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università di Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Krepelova
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Daniela Dettori
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Stefania Rapelli
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università di Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Mara Maldotti
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Caterina Parlato
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Francesca Anselmi
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università di Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliviero
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, Torino, 10126, Italy Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Abe H, Ogawa T, Wang L, Kimura M, Tanaka T, Morita R, Yoshida T, Shibutani M. Promoter-region hypermethylation and expression downregulation of Yy1 (Yin yang 1) in preneoplastic liver lesions in a thioacetamide rat hepatocarcinogenesis model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 280:467-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Liu YL, Gao X, Jiang Y, Zhang G, Sun ZC, Cui BB, Yang YM. Expression and clinicopathological significance of EED, SUZ12 and EZH2 mRNA in colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:661-9. [PMID: 25326896 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2), embryonic ectoderm development (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 homolog (SUZ12), the key component of polycomb repressive complex 2, are of great importance in human cancer pathogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the clinical and prognostic significances of EZH2, EED and SUZ12 in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS The expression of EZH2, EED and SUZ12 mRNA was evaluated in 82 primary CRC and paired non-cancerous mucosa samples by qRT-PCR. RESULTS We found that overall EZH2, EED and SUZ12 mRNA expression in the CRC tissues was significantly increased than in the non-cancerous tissue (p < 0.05). Increased EZH2, EED and SUZ12 mRNA expression was directly correlated with primary tumor size, regional lymph node metastases, distant metastasis and AJCC stage. Furthermore, CRC patients with higher level of EED, SUZ12 or EZH2 showed a worse disease-free survival (DFS) (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, the increased EZH2 expression may be a risk factor for the patients' 3-year DFS (HR 2.517; 95% CI 1.104, 5.736; p = 0.028). Furthermore, the k-means cluster analysis showed that high mRNA expression of EED, SUZ12 and EZH2 was significantly correlated with the aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS High expression of EED, SUZ12 and EZH2 might contribute to the CRC development/progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Long Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University, No. 150, Haping Rd, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
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Gui T, Bai H, Zeng J, Zhong Z, Cao D, Cui Q, Chen J, Yang J, Shen K. Tumor heterogeneity in the recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer demonstrated by polycomb group proteins. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1705-16. [PMID: 25285018 PMCID: PMC4181627 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s67570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate tumor heterogeneity in the recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer demonstrated by polycomb group (PcG) proteins. METHODS Tissue microarrays containing matched primary and recurrent ovarian tumors from the same patients were constructed for detection of PcG protein expression. Survival analyses of clinicopathological parameters and expression of PcG proteins were performed on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients. Genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity was explored in aspects of gene copy number and microRNA (miRNA) profiling. RESULTS PcG proteins were heterogeneously expressed in primary versus recurrent tumors (P<0.05). In univariate survival analysis of the ovarian carcinoma cohorts, a significant association of intensive expression of BMI1 and EZH2 in first-onset lymph node metastases with shortened PFS was demonstrated (P=0.010, P=0.019); and a significant association of intensive expression of BMI1 and EZH2 in recurrent tumors with shortened OS was demonstrated (P=0.042, P=0.047). Importantly, BMI1 and EZH2 expression provided significant independent prognostic parameters in multivariate analyses (P<0.05). Gene amplification did not always coincide with PcG protein expression. Eight miRNAs were found to be downregulated in recurrent tumors, among which miR-298 might indirectly regulate the expression of EZH2 through transcription factor ILF3. CONCLUSION Tumor heterogeneity exists in the recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer, manifested by PcG protein expression and underlying genetic and epigenetic alterations. Intensive expression of BMI1 and EZH2 are predictors of earlier relapse and shorter OS, independent of grade and chemotherapy sensitivity. EZH2 and miR-298 have great potential to be new targets for treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfang Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoji Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Quancai Cui
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Keng Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Tao J, Liu YL, Zhang G, Ma YY, Cui BB, Yang YM. Expression and clinicopathological significance of Mel-18 mRNA in colorectal cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:9619-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2220-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Dragoi AM, Swiss R, Gao B, Agaisse H. Novel strategies to enforce an epithelial phenotype in mesenchymal cells. Cancer Res 2014; 74:3659-72. [PMID: 24845104 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
E-cadherin downregulation in cancer cells is associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic prowess, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely characterized. In this study, we probed E-cadherin expression at the plasma membrane as a functional assay to identify genes involved in E-cadherin downregulation. The assay was based on the E-cadherin-dependent invasion properties of the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. On the basis of a functional readout, automated microscopy and computer-assisted image analysis were used to screen siRNAs targeting 7,000 human genes. The validity of the screen was supported by its definition of several known regulators of E-cadherin expression, including ZEB1, HDAC1, and MMP14. We identified three new regulators (FLASH, CASP7, and PCGF1), the silencing of which was sufficient to restore high levels of E-cadherin transcription. In addition, we identified two new regulators (FBXL5 and CAV2), the silencing of which was sufficient to increase E-cadherin expression at a posttranscriptional level. FLASH silencing regulated the expression of E-cadherin and other ZEB1-dependent genes, through posttranscriptional regulation of ZEB1, but it also regulated the expression of numerous ZEB1-independent genes with functions predicted to contribute to a restoration of the epithelial phenotype. Finally, we also report the identification of siRNA duplexes that potently restored the epithelial phenotype by mimicking the activity of known and putative microRNAs. Our findings suggest new ways to enforce epithelial phenotypes as a general strategy to treat cancer by blocking invasive and metastatic phenotypes associated with EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Authors' Affiliation: Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rachel Swiss
- Authors' Affiliation: Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Beile Gao
- Authors' Affiliation: Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hervé Agaisse
- Authors' Affiliation: Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Cabianca DS, Casa V, Gabellini D. A novel molecular mechanism in human genetic disease: a DNA repeat-derived lncRNA. RNA Biol 2012; 9:1211-7. [PMID: 23047063 DOI: 10.4161/rna.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two thirds of the human genome is composed of repetitive sequences. Despite their prevalence, DNA repeats are largely ignored. The vast majority of our genome is transcribed to produce non protein-coding RNAs. Among these, long non protein-coding RNAs represent the most prevalent and functionally diverse class. The relevance of the non protein-coding genome to human disease has mainly been studied regarding the altered microRNA expression and function in human cancer. On the contrary, the elucidation of the involvement of long non-coding RNAs in disease is only in its infancy. We have recently found that a chromatin associated, long non protein-coding RNA regulates a Polycomb/Trithorax epigenetic switch at the basis of the repeat associated facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, a common muscle disorder. Based on this, we propose that long non-coding RNAs produced by repetitive sequences contribute in shaping the epigenetic landscape in normal human physiology and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne S Cabianca
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem cells, and Gene therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Verma M. Cancer control and prevention by nutrition and epigenetic approaches. Antioxid Redox Signal 2012; 17:355-64. [PMID: 22047027 PMCID: PMC3357077 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without changing the nucleotide sequence. Because some epigenetic changes can be reversed chemically, epigenetics has tremendous implications for disease intervention and treatment. RECENT ADVANCES After epigenetic components in cancer were characterized, genes and pathways are being characterized in other diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. Observational, experimental, and clinical studies in different diseases have shown that nutrients influence epigenetic regulation. Nutrients such as folic acid that supply methyl groups have been shown to have a protective effect in colon cancer. CRITICAL ISSUES Identifying steps during epigenetic regulation and developing intervention and treatment agents are the critical issues in the field. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Following completion and validation of key observational studies in nutritional epigenetics, strategies can be developed for cancer control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Verma
- Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
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Co-expression of Bmi1 and EZH2 as an independent poor prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2012; 208:462-9. [PMID: 22766604 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bmi1 polycomb ring finger oncogene (Bmi1) and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) are members of polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 1 and PRC2, respectively. PRC1 represses tumor suppressor genes such as p16INK4a and p14ARF in a PRC2-dependent manner. There have been few studies on Bmi1 or EZH2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We investigated Bmi1 and EZH2 expression in 164 cases of ESCCs using immunohistochemistry, and evaluated the correlation with clinicopathologic features and their prognostic significance. Bmi1 and EZH2 were more highly expressed in tumor than in adjacent normal tissue (p<0.001). High expression of Bmi1 or EZH2 alone was not correlated with any clinicopathologic parameter and did not influence the prognosis. However, the group with high expression of both Bmi1 and EZH2 showed the poorest prognosis in overall survival (p=0.027) and disease-free survival (p=0.007). Also, it was an independent prognostic factor in overall survival (p=0.047). High expression of both Bmi1 and EZH2, not each alone, is an independent poor prognostic factor in ESCCs, supporting the repression of tumor suppressor gene by Bmi1 in an EZH2-dependent manner. This result suggests that both Bmi1 and EZH2, not each alone, could be potent candidates of new target therapy in ESCCs.
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Ong TP, Moreno FS, Ross SA. Targeting the epigenome with bioactive food components for cancer prevention. JOURNAL OF NUTRIGENETICS AND NUTRIGENOMICS 2012; 4:275-92. [PMID: 22353664 DOI: 10.1159/000334585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes participate in cancer development and likely influence cancer prevention. Global DNA hypomethylation, gene promoter hypermethylation and aberrant histone post-translational modifications are hallmarks of neoplastic cells which have been associated with genomic instability and altered gene expression. Because epigenetic deregulation occurs early in carcinogenesis and is potentially reversible, intervention strategies targeting the epigenome have been proposed for cancer prevention. Bioactive food components (BFCs) with anticancer potential, including folate, polyphenols, selenium, retinoids, fatty acids, isothiocyanates and allyl compounds, influence DNA methylation and histone modification processes. Such activities have been shown to affect the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, death and differentiation that are frequently altered in cancer. Although the epigenome represents a promising target for cancer prevention with BFCs, few studies have addressed the influence of dietary components on these mechanisms in vivo, particularly on the phenotype of humans, and thus the exact mechanisms whereby diet mediates an effect on cancer prevention remains unclear. Primary factors that should be elucidated include the effective doses and dose timing of BFCs to attain epigenetic effects. Because diet-epigenome interactions are likely to occur in utero, the impact of early-life nutrition on cancer risk programming should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Prates Ong
- Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition and Cancer, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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