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Ashraf W, Ahmad T, Reynoird N, Hamiche A, Mély Y, Bronner C, Mousli M. Natural and Synthetic Anticancer Epidrugs Targeting the Epigenetic Integrator UHRF1. Molecules 2023; 28:5997. [PMID: 37630248 PMCID: PMC10459542 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence and mortality are increasing each year. Improved therapeutic strategies against cancer have progressed, but remain insufficient to invert this trend. Along with several other risk factors, abnormal genetic and epigenetic regulations play a critical role in the initiation of cellular transformation, as well as tumorigenesis. The epigenetic regulator UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1) is a multidomain protein with oncogenic abilities overexpressed in most cancers. Through the coordination of its multiple domains and other epigenetic key players, UHRF1 regulates DNA methylation and histone modifications. This well-coordinated dialogue leads to the silencing of tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) and facilitates tumor cells' resistance toward anticancer drugs, ultimately promoting apoptosis escape and uncontrolled proliferation. Several studies have shown that the downregulation of UHRF1 with natural compounds in tumor cells induces the reactivation of various TSGs, inhibits cell growth, and promotes apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms and the potential of various natural and synthetic compounds that can inhibit/minimize UHRF1's oncogenic activities and/or its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ashraf
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Institut Pour L’avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA, INSERM U1209, CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38058 Grenoble, France; (T.A.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicolas Reynoird
- Institut Pour L’avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA, INSERM U1209, CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38058 Grenoble, France; (T.A.); (N.R.)
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Christian Bronner
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Marc Mousli
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France;
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Mouawad R, Neamati N. Inhibition of Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDIA1) Leads to Proteasome-Mediated Degradation of Ubiquitin-like PHD and RING Finger Domain-Containing Protein 1 (UHRF1) and Increased Sensitivity of Glioblastoma Cells to Topoisomerase II Inhibitors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 6:100-114. [PMID: 36654750 PMCID: PMC9841782 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, and the prognosis remains poor with current available treatments. PDIA1 is considered a promising therapeutic target in GBM. In this study, we demonstrate that targeting PDIA1 results in increased GBM cell death by topoisomerase II (Top-II) inhibitors resulting in proteasome-mediated degradation of the oncogenic protein UHRF1. Combination of the PDIA1 inhibitor, bepristat-2a, produces strong synergy with doxorubicin, etoposide, and mitoxantrone in GBM and other cancer cell lines. Our bioinformatics analysis of multiple datasets revealed downregulation of UHRF1, upon PDIA1 inhibition. In addition, PDIA1 inhibition results in proteasome-mediated degradation of UHRF1 protein. Interestingly, treatment of GBM cells with bepristat-2a results in increased apoptosis and resistance to ferroptosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of PDIA1 as a therapeutic target in GBM and present a promising new therapeutic approach using Top-II inhibitors for GBM treatment.
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Xie J, Chen X, wang W, Guan Z, Hou J, Lin J. Long non-coding RNA PCDRlnc1 confers docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer by promoting autophagy. J Cancer 2022; 13:2138-2149. [PMID: 35517427 PMCID: PMC9066218 DOI: 10.7150/jca.65329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel resistance seriously affects its clinical application in prostate cancer (PCa). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence the chemosensitivity of various cancers. However, the potential involvement of lncRNAs in docetaxel sensitivity remains largely unknown in PCa. In the present study, we used RNA sequencing to compare the expression profiles of lncRNAs in docetaxel-resistant PCa cells and their parental cells and identified a novel lncRNA, ENSG00000234147, termed as PCa docetaxel resistance-associated lncRNA1 (PCDRlnc1). Our results indicated that PCDRlnc1 is closely associated with docetaxel resistance in PCa, and PCDRlnc1 knockout markedly sensitized the resistant cells to docetaxel in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PCDRlnc1 inhibition markedly suppressed docetaxel-induced autophagy. Conversely, PCDRlnc1 overexpression promoted autophagy. Mechanistically, PCDRlnc1 interacted with UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and ring finger domains 1) and promoted its transcription level in PCa cells, leading to the activation of autophagic Beclin-1 signaling. Together, our data demonstrate that PCDRlnc1 is a novel key regulator of PCa docetaxel resistance, suggesting that it may be used as a potential biomarker of docetaxel resistance and therapeutic target in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital Hospital of Nanjing Medical, University, China
| | - Xiumei Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Weiwan wang
- Central Laboratory, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing, Medical University, China
| | - Zhenghui Guan
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Central Laboratory, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing, Medical University, China
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, China
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UNOKI M, SASAKI H. The UHRF protein family in epigenetics, development, and carcinogenesis. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2022; 98:401-415. [PMID: 36216533 PMCID: PMC9614205 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.98.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The UHRF protein family consists of multidomain regulatory proteins that sense modification status of DNA and/or proteins and catalyze the ubiquitylation of target proteins. Through their functional domains, they interact with other molecules and serve as a hub for regulatory networks of several important biological processes, including maintenance of DNA methylation and DNA damage repair. The UHRF family is conserved in vertebrates and plants but is missing from fungi and many nonvertebrate animals. Mammals commonly have UHRF1 and UHRF2, but, despite their high structural similarity, the two paralogues appear to have distinct functions. Furthermore, UHRF1 and UHRF2 show different expression patterns and different outcomes in gene knockout experiments. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular function of the UHRF family in various biological pathways and discuss their roles in epigenetics, development, gametogenesis, and carcinogenesis, with a focus on the mammalian UHRF proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko UNOKI
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Human Genetics, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki SASAKI
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Gao Y, Liu Y, Liu Y, Peng Y, Yuan B, Fu Y, Qi X, Zhu Q, Cao T, Zhang S, Yin L, Li X. UHRF1 promotes androgen receptor-regulated CDC6 transcription and anti-androgen receptor drug resistance in prostate cancer through KDM4C-Mediated chromatin modifications. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:172-183. [PMID: 34265399 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The UHRF1 and CDC6, oncogenes play critical roles in therapeutic resistance. In the present study, we found that UHRF1 mediates androgen receptor (AR)-regulated CDC6 transcription in prostate cancer cells. In prostate cancer tissues and cell lines, levels of UHRF1 and CDC6 were simultaneously upregulated, and this was associated with worse survival. UHRF1 silencing significantly promoted the cytotoxicity and anti-prostate cancer efficacy of bicalutamide in mouse xenografts by inhibiting CDC6 gene expression. UHRF1 promoted AR-regulated CDC6 transcription by binding to the CCAAT motif near the androgen response element (ARE) in the CDC6 promoter. We further found that UHRF1 promoted androgen-dependent chromatin occupancy of AR protein by recruiting the H3K9me2/3-specific demethyltransferase KDM4C and modifying the intense heterochromatin status. Altogether, we found for the first time that UHRF1 promotes AR-regulated CDC6 transcription through a novel chromatin modification mechanism and contributes to anti-AR drug resistance in prostate cancer. Targeting AR and UHRF1 simultaneously may be a novel and promising therapeutic modality for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Gao
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Changsha Medical University, China
| | - Youhong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Yuchong Peng
- Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Bowen Yuan
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Xuli Qi
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Qianling Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Tuoyu Cao
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Songwei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Linglong Yin
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, China; School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, China.
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Reardon ES, Shukla V, Xi S, Gara SK, Liu Y, Straughan D, Zhang M, Hong JA, Payabyab EC, Kumari A, Richards WG, De Rienzo A, Hassan R, Miettinen M, Xi L, Raffeld M, Uechi LT, Li X, Wang R, Chen H, Hoang CD, Bueno R, Schrump DS. UHRF1 Is a Novel Druggable Epigenetic Target in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:89-103. [PMID: 32927122 PMCID: PMC7775915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) encodes a master regulator of DNA methylation that has emerged as an epigenetic driver in human cancers. To date, no studies have evaluated UHRF1 expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This study was undertaken to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting UHRF1 in MPM. METHODS Microarray, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot, and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to evaluate UHRF1 expression in normal mesothelial cells (NMCs) cultured with or without asbestos, MPM lines, normal pleura, and primary MPM specimens. The impact of UHRF1 expression on MPM patient survival was evaluated using two independent databases. RNA-sequencing, proliferation, invasion, and colony formation assays, and murine xenograft experiments were performed to evaluate gene expression and growth of MPM cells after biochemical or pharmacologic inhibition of UHRF1 expression. RESULTS UHRF1 expression was significantly higher in MPM lines and specimens relative to NMC and normal pleura. Asbestos induced UHRF1 expression in NMC. The overexpression of UHRF1 was associated with decreased overall survival in patients with MPM. UHRF1 knockdown reversed genomewide DNA hypomethylation, and inhibited proliferation, invasion, and clonogenicity of MPM cells, and growth of MPM xenografts. These effects were phenocopied by the repurposed chemotherapeutic agent, mithramycin. Biochemical or pharmacologic up-regulation of p53 significantly reduced UHRF1 expression in MPM cells. RNA-sequencing experiments exhibited the pleiotropic effects of UHRF1 down-regulation and identified novel, clinically relevant biomarkers of UHRF1 expression in MPM. CONCLUSIONS UHRF1 is an epigenetic driver in MPM. These findings support the efforts to target UHRF1 expression or activity for mesothelioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Reardon
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vivek Shukla
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sudheer K Gara
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yi Liu
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David Straughan
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mary Zhang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Julie A Hong
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eden C Payabyab
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anju Kumari
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William G Richards
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Assunta De Rienzo
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology; National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Liqiang Xi
- Laboratory of Pathology; National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mark Raffeld
- Laboratory of Pathology; National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lisa T Uechi
- Microarray Core Facility, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xinmin Li
- Microarray Core Facility, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ruihong Wang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haobin Chen
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chuong D Hoang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Raphael Bueno
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David S Schrump
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Yang Y, Liu G, Qin L, Ye L, Zhu F, Ying Y. Overexpression of UHRF1 and its potential role in the development of invasive ductal breast cancer validated by integrative bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry analyses. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:1086-1096. [PMID: 35116851 PMCID: PMC8797458 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.06.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has highlighted the role of ubiquitin-like PHD and RING finger domain-containing protein 1 (UHRF1) in the development of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer. However, the correlation between UHRF1 and breast cancer remains unclear. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of UHRF1 and its role in the development of invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC) by integrating multilevel expression data and immunohistochemistry analysis. METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to gather UHRF1 expression data on IDC. Additionally, immunohistochemistry analysis was used to investigate the correlations between UHRF1 expression and the clinical characteristics of IDC. RESULTS The GEO and TCGA databases indicated that UHRF1 was up-regulated in IDC. Consistently, the immunohistochemical specimens showed that the significant overexpression of UHRF1 in IDC, and its expression level showed an increasing trend from ductal carcinomas in situ to IDC. Notably, the increased levels of UHRF1 were closely correlated with estrogen receptor expression, pathological grade, and the prognosis of the disease. In addition, patients with a high UHRF1 expression had a poorer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings suggested that UHRF1 plays a promoting role in breast tumorigenesis, and the over-expression of UHRF1 could serve as a biomarker for the prognosis in invasive ductal carcinomas in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Guanjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Lifang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Center Hospital, Xinxiang 450003, China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Center Hospital, Xinxiang 450003, China
| | - Fangheng Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Center Hospital, Xinxiang 450003, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. DNA Methylation Readers and Cancer: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Applications. Front Oncol 2019; 9:489. [PMID: 31245293 PMCID: PMC6579900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a major epigenetic process that regulates chromatin structure which causes transcriptional activation or repression of genes in a context-dependent manner. In general, DNA methylation takes place when methyl groups are added to the appropriate bases on the genome by the action of "writer" molecules known as DNA methyltransferases. How these methylation marks are read and interpreted into different functionalities represents one of the main mechanisms through which the genes are switched "ON" or "OFF" and typically involves different types of "reader" proteins that can recognize and bind to the methylated regions. A tightly balanced regulation exists between the "writers" and "readers" in order to mediate normal cellular functions. However, alterations in normal methylation pattern is a typical hallmark of cancer which alters the way methylation marks are written, read and interpreted in different disease states. This unique characteristic of DNA methylation "readers" has identified them as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the different classes of DNA methylation "readers" identified thus far along with their normal biological functions, describe how they are dysregulated in cancer, and discuss the various anti-cancer therapies that are currently being developed and evaluated for targeting these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Xue B, Zhao J, Feng P, Xing J, Wu H, Li Y. Epigenetic mechanism and target therapy of UHRF1 protein complex in malignancies. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:549-559. [PMID: 30666134 PMCID: PMC6334784 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s192234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and really interesting new gene finger domains 1 (UHRF1) functions as an epigenetic regulator recruiting PCNA, DNMT1, histone deacetylase 1, G9a, SuV39H, herpes virus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease, and Tat-interactive protein by multiple corresponding domains of DNA and H3 to maintain DNA methylation and histone modifications. Overexpression of UHRF1 has been found as a potential biomarker in various cancers resulting in either DNA hypermethylation or global DNA hypo-methylation, which participates in the occurrence, progression, and invasion of cancer. The role of UHRF1 in the reciprocal interaction between DNA methylation and histone modifications, the dynamic structural transformation of UHRF1 protein within epigenetic code replication machinery in epigenetic regulations, as well as modifications during cell cycle and chemotherapy targeting UHRF1 are evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busheng Xue
- Department of Spine and Joint Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Jiansong Zhao
- Department of Spine and Joint Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Penghui Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Reproductive Medical Center, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Wu
- Department of Spine and Joint Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Spine and Joint Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China,
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Yin L, Liu Y, Peng Y, Peng Y, Yu X, Gao Y, Yuan B, Zhu Q, Cao T, He L, Gong Z, Sun L, Fan X, Li X. PARP inhibitor veliparib and HDAC inhibitor SAHA synergistically co-target the UHRF1/BRCA1 DNA damage repair complex in prostate cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:153. [PMID: 30012171 PMCID: PMC6048811 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib has been approved for treating prostate cancer (PCa) with BRCA mutations, and veliparib, another PARP inhibitor, is being tested in clinical trials. However, veliparib only showed a moderate anticancer effect, and combination therapy is required for PCa patients. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been tested to improve the anticancer efficacy of PARP inhibitors for PCa cells, but the exact mechanisms are still elusive. Methods Several types of PCa cells and prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1 were treated with veliparib or SAHA alone or in combination. Cell viability or clonogenicity was tested with violet crystal assay; cell apoptosis was detected with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry, and the cleaved PARP was tested with western blot; DNA damage was evaluated by staining the cells with γH2AX antibody, and the DNA damage foci were observed with a fluorescent microscopy, and the level of γH2AX was tested with western blot; the protein levels of UHRF1 and BRCA1 were measured with western blot or cell immunofluorescent staining, and the interaction of UHRF1 and BRCA1 proteins was detected with co-immunoprecipitation when cells were treated with drugs. The antitumor effect of combinational therapy was validated in DU145 xenograft models. Results PCa cells showed different sensitivity to veliparib or SAHA. Co-administration of both drugs synergistically decreased cell viability and clonogenicity, and synergistically induced cell apoptosis and DNA damage, while had no detectable toxicity to normal prostate epithelial cells. Mechanistically, veliparib or SAHA alone reduced BRCA1 or UHRF1 protein levels, co-treatment with veliparib and SAHA synergistically reduced BRCA1 protein levels by targeting the UHRF1/BRCA1 protein complex, the depletion of UHRF1 resulted in the degradation of BRCA1 protein, while the elevation of UHRF1 impaired co-treatment-reduced BRCA1 protein levels. Co-administration of both drugs synergistically decreased the growth of xenografts. Conclusions Our studies revealed that the synergistic lethality of HDAC and PARP inhibitors resulted from promoting DNA damage and inhibiting HR DNA damage repair pathways, in particular targeting the UHRF1/BRCA1 protein complex. The synergistic lethality of veliparib and SAHA shows great potential for future PCa clinical trials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0810-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglong Yin
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youhong Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuchong Peng
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongbo Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingxue Gao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bowen Yuan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianling Zhu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tuoyu Cao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Leye He
- Research Institute for Prostate Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lunquan Sun
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuegong Fan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Research Institute for Prostate Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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11
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FOXM1 contributes to taxane resistance by regulating UHRF1-controlled cancer cell stemness. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:562. [PMID: 29752436 PMCID: PMC5948215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Therapy-induced expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been identified as one of the most critical factors contributing to therapeutic resistance, but the mechanisms of this adaptation are not fully understood. UHRF1 is a key epigenetic regulator responsible for therapeutic resistance, and controls the self-renewal of stem cells. In the present study, taxane-resistant cancer cells were established and stem-like cancer cells were expanded. UHRF1 was overexpressed in the taxane-resistant cancer cells, which maintained CSC characteristics. UHRF1 depletion overcame taxane resistance in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, FOXM1 has been reported to play a role in therapeutic resistance and the self-renewal of CSCs. FOXM1 and UHRF1 are highly correlated in prostate cancer tissues and cells, FOXM1 regulates CSCs by regulating uhrf1 gene transcription in an E2F-independent manner, and FOXM1 protein directly binds to the FKH motifs at the uhrf1 gene promoter. This present study clarified a novel mechanism by which FOXM1 controls CSCs and taxane resistance through a UHRF1-mediated signaling pathway, and validated FOXM1 and UHRF1 as two potential therapeutic targets to overcome taxane resistance.
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12
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UHRF1 depletion sensitizes retinoblastoma cells to chemotherapeutic drugs via downregulation of XRCC4. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:164. [PMID: 29415984 PMCID: PMC5833858 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1) is highly expressed in various human cancers including retinoblastoma, and associated with tumor-promoting effects such as inhibition of apoptosis and high proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-promoting functions of UHRF1 in retinoblastoma still remain elusive. Here, we show that stable knockdown of UHRF1 renders retinoblastoma cells sensitized to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide and camptothecin, resulting in enhanced DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. We found that UHRF1-depleted retinoblastoma cells can recognize DNA damages normally but have markedly low expression of XRCC4 (X-ray repair cross complementing 4) among the components of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair complex. Conversely, overexpression of UHRF1 increased the XRCC4 expression and stable knockdown of XRCC4 sensitized retinoblastoma cells to etoposide treatment, suggesting that XRCC4 is a key mediator for the drug sensitivity upon UHRF1 depletion in retinoblastoma cells. Consistent with the findings, chromatin association of DNA ligase IV in response to acute DNA damage was found to be significantly reduced in UHRF1-depleted retinoblastoma cells and functional complementation for XRCC4 in UHRF1-depleted cells attenuated the drug sensitivity, demonstrating that XRCC4 downregulation in UHRF1-depleted cells impaired DNA repair and consequently induced robust apoptosis upon genotoxic drug treatment. In human primary retinoblastoma, high expression of UHRF1 and XRCC4 could be detected, and elevated XRCC4 expression correlated with reduced apoptosis markers, implying that UHRF1-mediated XRCC4 upregulation under pathophysiological conditions triggered by RB1 gene inactivation may confer protection against endogenous DNA damages that arise during retinoblastoma development. Taken together, these results present a new mechanistic insight into how UHRF1 mediates its tumor-promoting functions in retinoblastoma, and also provide a basis for UHRF1 targeting to improve the efficacy of current chemotherapy for retinoblastoma treatment.
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13
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Yamashita M, Inoue K, Saeki N, Ideta-Otsuka M, Yanagihara Y, Sawada Y, Sakakibara I, Lee J, Ichikawa K, Kamei Y, Iimura T, Igarashi K, Takada Y, Imai Y. Uhrf1 is indispensable for normal limb growth by regulating chondrocyte differentiation through specific gene expression. Development 2018; 145:dev.157412. [PMID: 29180567 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation can be tightly orchestrated by epigenetic regulators. Among these, ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (Uhrf1) is reported to have diverse epigenetic functions, including regulation of DNA methylation. However, the physiological functions of Uhrf1 in skeletal tissues remain unclear. Here, we show that limb mesenchymal cell-specific Uhrf1 conditional knockout mice (Uhrf1ΔLimb/ΔLimb ) exhibit remarkably shortened long bones that have morphological deformities due to dysregulated chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation. RNA-seq performed on primary cultured chondrocytes obtained from Uhrf1ΔLimb/ΔLimb mice showed abnormal chondrocyte differentiation. In addition, integrative analyses using RNA-seq and MBD-seq revealed that Uhrf1 deficiency decreased genome-wide DNA methylation and increased gene expression through reduced DNA methylation in the promoter regions of 28 genes, including Hspb1, which is reported to be an IL1-related gene and to affect chondrocyte differentiation. Hspb1 knockdown in cKO chondrocytes can normalize abnormal expression of genes involved in chondrocyte differentiation, such as Mmp13 These results indicate that Uhrf1 governs cell type-specific transcriptional regulation by controlling the genome-wide DNA methylation status and regulating consequent cell differentiation and skeletal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Yamashita
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kazuki Inoue
- Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Noritaka Saeki
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Maky Ideta-Otsuka
- Life Science Tokyo Advanced Research center (L-StaR), Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yuta Yanagihara
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Integrative Pathophysiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Sawada
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Urology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Iori Sakakibara
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Integrative Pathophysiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Jiwon Lee
- Division of Bio-Imaging, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Koichi Ichikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kamei
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Iimura
- Division of Bio-Imaging, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Division of Analytical Bio-Medicine, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Life Science Tokyo Advanced Research center (L-StaR), Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Takada
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yuuki Imai
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan .,Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.,Department of Integrative Pathophysiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
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14
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Ashraf W, Ibrahim A, Alhosin M, Zaayter L, Ouararhni K, Papin C, Ahmad T, Hamiche A, Mély Y, Bronner C, Mousli M. The epigenetic integrator UHRF1: on the road to become a universal biomarker for cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51946-51962. [PMID: 28881702 PMCID: PMC5584303 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world causing record number of mortalities in both developed and undeveloped countries. Despite a lot of advances and breakthroughs in the field of oncology still, it is very hard to diagnose and treat the cancers at early stages. Here in this review we analyze the potential of Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and Ring Finger domain 1 (UHRF1) as a universal biomarker for cancers. UHRF1 is an important epigenetic regulator maintaining DNA methylation and histone code in the cell. It is highly expressed in a variety of cancers and is a well-known oncogene that can disrupt the epigenetic code and override the senescence machinery. Many studies have validated UHRF1 as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic tool to differentially diagnose cancer, predict the therapeutic response and assess the risk of tumor progression and recurrence. Highly sensitive, non-invasive and cost effective approaches are therefore needed to assess the level of UHRF1 in patients, which can be deployed in diagnostic laboratories to detect cancer and monitor disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ashraf
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Abdulkhaleg Ibrahim
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Centre for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Liliyana Zaayter
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Christophe Papin
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Christian Bronner
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marc Mousli
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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15
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Abu-Alainin W, Gana T, Liloglou T, Olayanju A, Barrera LN, Ferguson R, Campbell F, Andrews T, Goldring C, Kitteringham N, Park BK, Nedjadi T, Schmid MC, Slupsky JR, Greenhalf W, Neoptolemos JP, Costello E. UHRF1 regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in pancreatic cancer contributes to oncogenesis. J Pathol 2016; 238:423-33. [PMID: 26497117 PMCID: PMC4738372 DOI: 10.1002/path.4665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cellular defence protein Nrf2 is a mediator of oncogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other cancers. However, the control of Nrf2 expression and activity in cancer is not fully understood. We previously reported the absence of Keap1, a pivotal regulator of Nrf2, in ∼70% of PDAC cases. Here we describe a novel mechanism whereby the epigenetic regulator UHRF1 suppresses Keap1 protein levels. UHRF1 expression was observed in 20% (5 of 25) of benign pancreatic ducts compared to 86% (114 of 132) of pancreatic tumours, and an inverse relationship between UHRF1 and Keap1 levels in PDAC tumours (n = 124) was apparent (p = 0.002). We also provide evidence that UHRF1-mediated regulation of the Nrf2 pathway contributes to the aggressive behaviour of PDAC. Depletion of UHRF1 from PDAC cells decreased growth and enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. UHRF1 depletion also led to reduced levels of Nrf2-regulated downstream proteins and was accompanied by heightened oxidative stress, in the form of lower glutathione levels and increased reactive oxygen species. Concomitant depletion of Keap1 and UHRF1 restored Nrf2 levels and reversed cell cycle arrest and the increase in reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, depletion of UHRF1 reduced global and tumour suppressor promoter methylation in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and KEAP1 gene promoter methylation was reduced in one of three cell lines examined. Thus, methylation of the KEAP1 gene promoter may contribute to the suppression of Keap1 protein levels by UHRF1, although our data suggest that additional mechanisms need to be explored. Finally, we demonstrate that K-Ras drives UHRF1 expression, establishing a novel link between this oncogene and Nrf2-mediated cellular protection. Since UHRF1 over-expression occurs in other cancers, its ability to regulate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway may be critically important to the malignant behaviour of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Abu-Alainin
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Thompson Gana
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Triantafillos Liloglou
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Research Programme, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Adedamola Olayanju
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Lawrence N Barrera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert Ferguson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Fiona Campbell
- Department of Pathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK
| | - Timothy Andrews
- Department of Pathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK
| | | | - Neil Kitteringham
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Brian K Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Taoufik Nedjadi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Joseph R Slupsky
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - William Greenhalf
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - John P Neoptolemos
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Eithne Costello
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
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16
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LASP-1: a nuclear hub for the UHRF1-DNMT1-G9a-Snail1 complex. Oncogene 2015; 35:1122-33. [PMID: 25982273 PMCID: PMC4651668 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear LASP-1 has a direct correlation with overall survival of breast cancer patients. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis of a human breast TMA showed that LASP-1 is absent in normal human breast epithelium but the expression increases with malignancy and is highly nuclear in aggressive breast cancer. We investigated whether the chemokines and growth factors present in the tumor microenvironment could trigger nuclear translocation of LASP-1.Treatment of human breast cancer cells with CXCL12, EGF and Heregulin and HMEC-CXCR2 cells with CXCL8 facilitated nuclear shuttling of LASP-1. Data from the biochemical analysis of the nuclear and cytosolic fractions further confirmed the nuclear translocation of LASP-1 upon chemokine and growth factor treatment. CXCL12-dependent nuclear import of LASP-1 could be blocked by CXCR4 antagonist, AMD-3100. Knock down of LASP-1 resulted in alterations in gene expression leading to an increased level of cell junction and extracellular matrix proteins and an altered cytokine secretory profile. Three dimensional cultures of human breast cancer cells on Matrigel revealed an altered colony growth, morphology and arborization pattern in LASP-1 knock down cells. Functional analysis of the LASP-1 knock down cells revealed increased adhesion to collagen IV and decreased invasion through the Matrigel. Proteomics analysis of immunoprecipitates of LASP-1 and subsequent validation approaches revealed that LASP-1associated with the epigenetic machinery especially UHRF1, DNMT1, G9a and the transcription factor Snail1. Interestingly, LASP-1 associated with UHRF1, G9a, Snail1 and di- and tri-methylated histoneH3 in a CXCL12-dependent manner based on immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays. LASP-1 also directly bound to Snail1 which may stabilize Snail1. Thus, nuclear LASP-1 appears to functionally serve as a hub for the epigenetic machinery.
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17
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Jacob V, Chernyavskaya Y, Chen X, Tan PS, Kent B, Hoshida Y, Sadler KC. DNA hypomethylation induces a DNA replication-associated cell cycle arrest to block hepatic outgrowth in uhrf1 mutant zebrafish embryos. Development 2015; 142:510-21. [PMID: 25564650 DOI: 10.1242/dev.115980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains, 1) recruits DNMT1 to hemimethylated DNA during replication and is essential for maintaining DNA methylation. uhrf1 mutant zebrafish have global DNA hypomethylation and display embryonic defects, including a small liver, and they die as larvae. We make the surprising finding that, despite their reduced organ size, uhrf1 mutants express high levels of genes controlling S-phase and have many more cells undergoing DNA replication, as measured by BrdU incorporation. In contrast to wild-type hepatocytes, which are continually dividing during hepatic outgrowth and thus dilute the BrdU label, uhrf1 mutant hepatocytes retain BrdU throughout outgrowth, reflecting cell cycle arrest. Pulse-chase-pulse experiments with BrdU and EdU, and DNA content analysis indicate that uhrf1 mutant cells undergo DNA re-replication and that apoptosis is the fate of many of the re-replicating and arrested hepatocytes. Importantly, the DNA re-replication phenotype and hepatic outgrowth failure are preceded by global loss of DNA methylation. Moreover, uhrf1 mutants are phenocopied by mutation of dnmt1, and Dnmt1 knockdown in uhrf1 mutants enhances their small liver phenotype. Together, these data indicate that unscheduled DNA replication and failed cell cycle progression leading to apoptosis are the mechanisms by which DNA hypomethylation prevents organ expansion in uhrf1 mutants. We propose that cell cycle arrest leading to apoptosis is a strategy that restricts propagation of epigenetically damaged cells during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinitha Jacob
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yelena Chernyavskaya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xintong Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Poh Seng Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Brandon Kent
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kirsten C Sadler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1020, New York, NY 10029, USA
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18
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Guan D, Factor D, Liu Y, Wang Z, Kao HY. The epigenetic regulator UHRF1 promotes ubiquitination-mediated degradation of the tumor-suppressor protein promyelocytic leukemia protein. Oncogene 2013; 32:3819-28. [PMID: 22945642 PMCID: PMC3578017 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is a tumor suppressor originally identified in acute promyelocytic leukemia and implicated in tumorigenesis in multiple forms of cancer. Here, we demonstrate that the PML protein undergoes ubiquitination-mediated degradation facilitated by an E3 ligase UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1), which is commonly upregulated in various human malignancies. Furthermore, UHRF1 negatively regulates PML protein accumulation in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), HEK 293 cells and cancer cells. Knockdown of UHRF1 upregulates whereas ectopic overexpression of UHRF1 downregulates protein abundance of endogenous or exogenous PML, doing so through its binding to the N-terminus of PML. Overexpression of wild-type UHRF1 shortens PML protein half-life and promotes PML polyubiquitination, whereas deletion of the RING domain or coexpression of the dominant-negative E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, E2D2, attenuates this modification to PML. Finally, knockdown of UHRF1 prolongs PML half-life and increases PML protein accumulation, yet inhibits cell migration and in vitro capillary tube formation, whereas co-knockdown of PML compromises this inhibitory effect. These findings suggest that UHRF1 promotes the turnover of PML protein, and thus targeting UHRF1 to restore PML-mediated tumor suppression represents a promising, novel, anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - D Factor
- Department of Biochemistry and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Z Wang
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - H-Y Kao
- Department of Biochemistry and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
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19
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Yang C, Wang Y, Zhang F, Sun G, Li C, Jing S, Liu Q, Cheng Y. Inhibiting UHRF1 expression enhances radiosensitivity in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:5225-35. [PMID: 23943380 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for some esophageal cancers, but the molecular mechanisms of radiosensitivity remain unknown. Ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is a novel nuclear protein which is overexpressed in various cancers but not yet examined in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The correlation between UHRF1 and the radioresistance in ESCC is still unclear. In the present study, the expression of UHRF1 was examined by immunohistochemistry in specimens of ESCC patients treated with radiotherapy. The results showed that UHRF1 was significantly overexpressed in ESCC specimens. Overexpression of UHRF1 correlated significantly with advanced T-stage, positive lymph node metastasis and poor differentiation. In addition, UHRF1 was associated with radiotherapy response, in which overexpression of UHRF1 was observed more frequently in the radioresistant group than in the effective group. At the molecular level, inhibition of UHRF1 by lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting UHRF1 increased the radiosensitivity and apoptosis, while decreased radiation-induced G2/M phase arrest in TE-1 cells. Moreover, inhibition of UHRF1 resulted in higher residual γH2AX expression after irradiation, but not initial γH2AX. Further study showed that inhibition of UHRF1 down-regulated the endogenous expressions of DNA repair protein Ku70 and Ku80 in TE-1 cells, and significantly inhibited the increase of these proteins after irradiation. Above all, our data suggested that UHRF1 might play an important role in radioresistance of ESCC, and inhibition of UHRF1 can increase the radiosensitivity of TE-1 cells by altering cell cycle progression, enhancing apoptosis, and decreasing DNA damage repair capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrong Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
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Gene therapy with RNAi targeting UHRF1 driven by tumor-specific promoter inhibits tumor growth and enhances the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drug in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2011; 69:1079-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-011-1801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Abstract
The methyl-CpG binding proteins (MBPs) interpret the methylation of DNA and its components. The number of MBPs in the human body currently stands at 15, which are split into 3 branches, a reflection of the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation. Each branch utilizes a different mechanism for interacting with methylated DNA or its components. These interactions function to direct gene expression and maintain or alter DNA architecture. It is these functions that are commonly exploited in human disease. For this review, we will focus on each protein and any roles it may have in initiating, promoting, progressing, or inhibiting cancer. This will highlight common threads in the roles of these proteins, which will allow us to speculate on potentially productive directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Parry
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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