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Stary D, Bajda M. Structural Studies of the Taurine Transporter: A Potential Biological Target from the GABA Transporter Subfamily in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7339. [PMID: 39000444 PMCID: PMC11242302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The taurine transporter (TauT, SLC6A6) is a member of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family, which plays multiple physiological roles. The SLC6 family is divided into four subfamilies: GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), monoamine, glycine and neutral amino acid transporters. Proteins from the GABA group, including the taurine transporter, are primarily considered therapeutic targets for treating central nervous system disorders. However, recent studies have suggested that inhibitors of SLC6A6 could also serve as anticancer agents. Overexpression of TauT has been associated with the progression of colon and gastric cancer. The pool of known ligands of this transporter is limited and the exact spatial structure of taurine transporter remains unsolved. Understanding its structure could aid in the development of novel inhibitors. Therefore, we utilized homology modelling techniques to create models of TauT. Docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to describe protein-ligand interactions. We compared the obtained information for TauT with literature data on other members of the GABA transporter group. Our in silico analysis allowed us to characterize the transporter structure and point out amino acids crucial for ligand binding: Glu406, Gly62 and Tyr138. The significance of selected residues was confirmed through structural studies of mutants. These results will aid in the development of novel taurine transporter inhibitors, which can be explored as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Stary
- Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, św. Łazarza 16, 31-530 Cracow, Poland
| | - Marek Bajda
- Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
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Fu M, Deng F, Chen J, Fu L, Lei J, Xu T, Chen Y, Zhou J, Gao Q, Ding H. Current data and future perspectives on DNA methylation in ovarian cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:62. [PMID: 38757340 PMCID: PMC11095605 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5650] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) represents the most prevalent malignancy of the female reproductive system. Its distinguishing features include a high aggressiveness, substantial morbidity and mortality, and a lack of apparent symptoms, which collectively pose significant challenges for early detection. Given that aberrant DNA methylation events leading to altered gene expression are characteristic of numerous tumor types, there has been extensive research into epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in human cancers. In the context of OC, DNA methylation is often associated with the regulation of critical genes, such as BRCA1/2 and Ras‑association domain family 1A. Methylation modifications within the promoter regions of these genes not only contribute to the pathogenesis of OC, but also induce medication resistance and influence the prognosis of patients with OC. As such, a more in‑depth understanding of DNA methylation underpinning carcinogenesis could potentially facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for this intricate disease. The present review focuses on classical tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, signaling pathways and associated microRNAs in an aim to elucidate the influence of DNA methylation on the development and progression of OC. The advantages and limitations of employing DNA methylation in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of OC are also discussed. On the whole, the present literature review indicates that the DNA methylation of specific genes could potentially serve as a prognostic biomarker for OC and a therapeutic target for personalized treatment strategies. Further investigations in this field may yield more efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for patients with OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Fu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Li Fu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215100, P.R. China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Xu L, Yan X, Wang J, Zhao Y, Liu Q, Fu J, Shi X, Su J. The Roles of Histone Deacetylases in the Regulation of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15066. [PMID: 37894746 PMCID: PMC10606123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with ovarian cancer, which is regulated by the coordinated interplay of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that can catalyze the deacetylation of histone and some non-histone proteins and that are involved in the regulation of a variety of biological processes via the regulation of gene transcription and the functions of non-histone proteins such as transcription factors and enzymes. Aberrant expressions of HDACs are common in ovarian cancer. Many studies have found that HDACs are involved in regulating a variety of events associated with ovarian cancer metastasis, including cell migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Herein, we provide a brief overview of ovarian cancer metastasis and the dysregulated expression of HDACs in ovarian cancer. In addition, we discuss the roles of HDACs in the regulation of ovarian cancer metastasis. Finally, we discuss the development of compounds that target HDACs and highlight their importance in the future of ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Yuanxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Qingqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Jiaying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Xinyi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
| | - Jing Su
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China; (L.X.); (X.Y.); (J.W.); (Y.Z.); (Q.L.); (J.F.); (X.S.)
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Mohanraj L, Wolf H, Silvey S, Liu J, Toor A, Swift-Scanlan T. DNA Methylation Changes in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:310-325. [PMID: 36321693 PMCID: PMC10236442 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221135628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood cancers may be potentially cured with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT); however, standard pre-assessments for transplant eligibility do not capture all contributing factors for transplant outcomes. Epigenetic biomarkers predict outcomes in various diseases. This pilot study aims to explore epigenetic changes (epigenetic age and differentially methylated genes) in patients before and after autologous HCT, that can serve as potential biomarkers to better predict HCT outcomes. METHODS This study used a prospective longitudinal study design to compare genome wide DNA methylation changes in 36 autologous HCT eligible patients recruited from the Cellular Immunotherapies and Transplant clinic at a designated National Cancer Center. RESULTS Genome-wide DNA methylation, measured by the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850K BeadChip, showed a significant difference in DNA methylation patterns post-HCT compared to pre-HCT. Compared to baseline levels of DNA methylation pre-HCT, 3358 CpG sites were hypo-methylated and 3687 were hyper-methylated. Identified differentially methylated positions overlapped with genes involved in hematopoiesis, blood cancers, inflammation and immune responses. Enrichment analyses showed significant alterations in biological processes such as immune response and cell structure organization, however no significant pathways were noted. Though participants had an advanced epigenetic age compared to chronologic age before and after HCT, both epigenetic age and accelerated age decreased post-HCT. CONCLUSION Epigenetic changes, both in epigenetic age and differentially methylated genes were observed in autologous HCT recipients, and should be explored as biomarkers to predict transplant outcomes after autologous HCT in larger, longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lathika Mohanraj
- Department of Adult Health and Nursing
Systems, VCU School of Nursing, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hope Wolf
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Scott Silvey
- Department of Biostatistics, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amir Toor
- Department of Internal Medicine, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Theresa Swift-Scanlan
- Endowed Professor and Director,
Biobehavioral Research Lab, VCU School of Nursing, Richmond, VA, USA
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Zhou Y, Jia K, Wang S, Li Z, Li Y, Lu S, Yang Y, Zhang L, Wang M, Dong Y, Zhang L, Zhang W, Li N, Yu Y, Cao X, Hou J. Malignant progression of liver cancer progenitors requires lysine acetyltransferase 7-acetylated and cytoplasm-translocated G protein GαS. Hepatology 2023; 77:1106-1121. [PMID: 35344606 PMCID: PMC10026959 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocarcinogenesis goes through HCC progenitor cells (HcPCs) to fully established HCC, and the mechanisms driving the development of HcPCs are still largely unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS Proteomic analysis in nonaggregated hepatocytes and aggregates containing HcPCs from a diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC mouse model was screened using a quantitative mass spectrometry-based approach to elucidate the dysregulated proteins in HcPCs. The heterotrimeric G stimulating protein α subunit (GαS) protein level was significantly increased in liver cancer progenitor HcPCs, which promotes their response to oncogenic and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and drives premalignant HcPCs to fully established HCC. Mechanistically, GαS was located at the membrane inside of hepatocytes and acetylated at K28 by acetyltransferase lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7) under IL-6 in HcPCs, causing the acyl protein thioesterase 1-mediated depalmitoylation of GαS and its cytoplasmic translocation, which were determined by GαS K28A mimicking deacetylation or K28Q mimicking acetylation mutant mice and hepatic Kat7 knockout mouse. Then, cytoplasmic acetylated GαS associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to impede its interaction with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, thus promoting in a feedforward manner STAT3 phosphorylation and the response to IL-6 in HcPCs. Clinically, GαS, especially K28-acetylated GαS, was determined to be increased in human hepatic premalignant dysplastic nodules and positively correlated with the enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation, which were in accordance with the data obtained in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Malignant progression of HcPCs requires increased K28-acetylated and cytoplasm-translocated GαS, causing enhanced response to IL-6 and driving premalignant HcPCs to fully established HCC, which provides mechanistic insight and a potential target for preventing hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiwei Jia
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suyuan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyun Yang
- Center for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luxin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wannian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhi Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuetao Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zou C, Su L, Pan M, Chen L, Li H, Zou C, Xie J, Huang X, Lu M, Zou D. Exploration of novel biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease based on four diagnostic models. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1079433. [PMID: 36875704 PMCID: PMC9978156 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1079433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite tremendous progress in diagnosis and prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the absence of treatments implies the need for further research. In this study, we screened AD biomarkers by comparing expression profiles of AD and control tissue samples and used various models to identify potential biomarkers. We further explored immune cells associated with these biomarkers that are involved in the brain microenvironment. Methods By differential expression analysis, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of four datasets (GSE125583, GSE118553, GSE5281, GSE122063), and common expression direction of genes of four datasets were considered as intersecting DEGs, which were used to perform enrichment analysis. We then screened the intersecting pathways between the pathways identified by enrichment analysis. DEGs in intersecting pathways that had an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.7 constructed random forest, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), logistic regression, and gradient boosting machine models. Subsequently, using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) to select an optimal diagnostic model, we obtained the feature genes. Feature genes that were regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs (AUC > 0.85) were explored further. Furthermore, using single-sample GSEA to calculate infiltration of immune cells in AD patients. Results Screened 1855 intersecting DEGs that were involved in RAS and AMPK signaling. The LASSO model performed best among the four models. Thus, it was used as the optimal diagnostic model for ROC and DCA analyses. This obtained eight feature genes, including ATP2B3, BDNF, DVL2, ITGA10, SLC6A12, SMAD4, SST, and TPI1. SLC6A12 is regulated by miR-3176. Finally, the results of ssGSEA indicated dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were highly infiltrated in AD patients. Conclusion The LASSO model is the optimal diagnostic model for identifying feature genes as potential AD biomarkers, which can supply new strategies for the treatment of patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Zou
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Mika Pan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Liechun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hepeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chun Zou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jieqiong Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Mengru Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Donghua Zou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Feng Y, Guo X, Tang H. SLC6A8 is involved in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer through the Notch signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:264. [PMID: 33708891 PMCID: PMC7940877 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Solute carrier family 6 member 8 (SLC6A8) is known to be involved in the development of human tumors; however, the effect of SLC6A8 on the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Here, we explored the role and potential action mechanism of SLC6A8 in NSCLC. Methods We used public databases [Oncomine, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)] to explore the expression of SLC6A8 in NSCLC. Additionally, we used immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of SLC6A8 in NSCLC clinicopathological tissues (cancer and adjacent tissues) and Western blotting to detect the expression of SLC6A8 in NSCLC clinicopathological tissues, NSCLC cell lines (A549, H1299, H520, and H1975), and a normal epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B). Using overexpression and knockdown of the SLC6A8 gene, we analyzed the in vitro effects of SLC6A8 on the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC and also the possible molecular mechanism with Notch signaling pathway. Results Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that SLC6A8 is highly expressed in NSCLC and is related to poor prognosis. We found that the expression of the SLC6A8 protein in human lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. In addition, it was also significantly higher in lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299, H520, and H1975) than that in normal lung epithelium-BEAS-2B. Moreover, SLC6A8 overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro in NSCLC, accompanied by the activation of notch signaling pathway and the up-regulation of MMP9 and E-cadherin proteins. Knocking down SLC6A8 can inhibit the above effects on cells. Conclusions SLC6A8 promotes the malignant progression of NSCLC and activates the Notch signaling pathway. Therefore, SLC6A8 is expected to become a molecular target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huaping Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Romero-Garcia S, Prado-Garcia H, Carlos-Reyes A. Role of DNA Methylation in the Resistance to Therapy in Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1152. [PMID: 32850327 PMCID: PMC7426728 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in chemotherapeutic treatments against cancer, some types of highly aggressive and invasive cancer develop drug resistance against conventional therapies, which continues to be a major problem in the fight against cancer. In recent years, studies of alterations of DNA methylome have given us a better understanding of the role of DNA methylation in the development of tumors. DNA methylation (DNAm) is an epigenetic change that promotes the covalent transfer of methyl groups to DNA. This process suppresses gene expression through the modulation of the transcription machinery access to the chromatin or through the recruitment of methyl binding proteins. DNAm is regulated mainly by DNA methyltransferases. Aberrant DNAm contributes to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to current anti-tumoral therapies. Aberrant DNAm may occur through hypermethylation in the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes, which leads to their silencing, while hypomethylation in the promoter regions of oncogenes can activate them. In this review, we discuss the impact of dysregulated methylation in certain genes, which impact signaling pathways associated with apoptosis avoidance, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. The analysis of methylome has revealed patterns of global methylation, which regulate important signaling pathways involved in therapy resistance in different cancer types, such as breast, colon, and lung cancer, among other solid tumors. This analysis has provided gene-expression signatures of methylated region-specific DNA that can be used to predict the treatment outcome in response to anti-cancer therapy. Additionally, changes in cancer methylome have been associated with the acquisition of drug resistance. We also review treatments with demethylating agents that, in combination with standard therapies, seem to be encouraging, as tumors that are in early stages can be successfully treated. On the other hand, tumors that are in advanced stages can be treated with these combination schemes, which could sensitize tumor cells that are resistant to the therapy. We propose that rational strategies, which combine specific demethylating agents with conventional treatment, may improve overall survival in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Romero-Garcia
- Department of Chronic-Degenerative Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Heriberto Prado-Garcia
- Department of Chronic-Degenerative Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angeles Carlos-Reyes
- Department of Chronic-Degenerative Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
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Sun T, Bi F, Liu Z, Yang Q. SLC7A2 serves as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:13281-13296. [PMID: 32647070 PMCID: PMC7377849 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The solute carrier (SLC) family is the largest group of membrane transporters, but their functions in ovarian cancer (OV) remain unclear. We analyzed SLC family members with amino acids-transporting functions in OV. The mRNA expression levels and prognostic values of SLCs in OV were analyzed in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Kaplan–Meier Plotter database. Solute carrier family 7 member 2 (SLC7A2), which showed differential expression and the most significant prognostic value, was selected for further analyses. The cBioPortal database, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Weighted Correlation Network Analysis were used to explore the potential functions and molecular mechanisms of SLC7A2 in OV. Validations in our own samples and in Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were conducted. Functional validation in OV cell lines was carried out. In total, 73 SLC family members were analyzed. Seven members were upregulated while 11 members were downregulated in OV and 15 members were protective factors for prognosis while 12 members were risk factors. SLC7A2 was downregulated in OV, and it was positively associated with prognosis. Knockdown of SLC7A2 promoted viability, invasion and migration of OV cells. These SLC family members and in particular SLC7A2 represented novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment for OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangfang Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhuonan Liu
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Singh A, Gupta S, Sachan M. Epigenetic Biomarkers in the Management of Ovarian Cancer: Current Prospectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:182. [PMID: 31608277 PMCID: PMC6761254 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) causes significant morbidity and mortality as neither detection nor screening of OC is currently feasible at an early stage. Difficulty to promptly diagnose OC in its early stage remains challenging due to non-specific symptoms in the early-stage of the disease, their presentation at an advanced stage and poor survival. Therefore, improved detection methods are urgently needed. In this article, we summarize the potential clinical utility of epigenetic signatures like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA dysregulation, which play important role in ovarian carcinogenesis and discuss its application in development of diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Molecular characterization of epigenetic modification (methylation) in circulating cell free tumor DNA in body fluids offers novel, non-invasive approach for identification of potential promising cancer biomarkers, which can be performed at multiple time points and probably better reflects the prevailing molecular profile of cancer. Current status of epigenetic research in diagnosis of early OC and its management are discussed here with main focus on potential diagnostic biomarkers in tissue and body fluids. Rapid and point of care diagnostic applications of DNA methylation in liquid biopsy has been precluded as a result of cumbersome sample preparation with complicated conventional methods of isolation. New technologies which allow rapid identification of methylation signatures directly from blood will facilitate sample-to answer solutions thereby enabling next-generation point of care molecular diagnostics. To date, not a single epigenetic biomarker which could accurately detect ovarian cancer at an early stage in either tissue or body fluid has been reported. Taken together, the methodological drawbacks, heterogeneity associated with ovarian cancer and non-validation of the clinical utility of reported potential biomarkers in larger ovarian cancer populations has impeded the transition of epigenetic biomarkers from lab to clinical settings. Until addressed, clinical implementation as a diagnostic measure is a far way to go.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India
| | - Sameer Gupta
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Manisha Sachan
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India
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Hentze JL, Høgdall CK, Høgdall EV. Methylation and ovarian cancer: Can DNA methylation be of diagnostic use? Mol Clin Oncol 2019; 10:323-330. [PMID: 30847169 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2019.1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a silent killer and, due to late diagnosis and frequent chemo resistance in patients, the primary cause of fatality amongst the various types of gynecological cancer. The discovery of a specific and sensitive biomarker for ovarian cancer could improve early diagnosis, thereby saving lives. Biomarkers could also improve treatment, by predicting which patients will benefit from specific treatment strategies. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism, and 'methylation imbalance' is characteristic of cancer. Previous research suggests that changes in DNA methylation can be used diagnostically, and that they may predict resistance to treatment. This paper gives an up-to-date overview of research investigating the potential of DNA methylation-based markers for diagnostics, prognostics, screening and prediction of drug resistance for ovarian cancer patients. DNA methylation cancer-biomarkers may be useful for cancer treatment, particularly since they are chemically stable and since cancer-associated changes in methylation typically precedes tumor growth. DNA methylation markers could improve diagnosis and treatment and might even be used for screening in the future. Furthermore, DNA methylation biomarkers could facilitate the development of precision medicine. However, at this point no biomarkers for ovarian cancer have a sufficient combination of sensitivity and specificity in a clinical setting. A reason for this is that most studies have focused on a single or a few methylation sites. More large screenings and genome-wide studies must be performed to increase the chance of identifying a DNA methylation marker which can identify ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Hentze
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Claus K Høgdall
- Department of Gynecology, The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estrid V Høgdall
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
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