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Hassanie H, Penteado AB, de Almeida LC, Calil RL, da Silva Emery F, Costa-Lotufo LV, Trossini GHG. SETDB1 as a cancer target: challenges and perspectives in drug design. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1424-1451. [PMID: 38799223 PMCID: PMC11113007 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00366c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome stability is governed by chromatin structural dynamics, which modify DNA accessibility under the influence of intra- and inter-nucleosomal contacts, histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and variations, besides the activity of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. These are the main ways by which chromatin dynamics are regulated and connected to nuclear processes, which when dysregulated can frequently be associated with most malignancies. Recently, functional crosstalk between histone modifications and chromatin remodeling has emerged as a critical regulatory method of transcriptional regulation during cell destiny choice. Therefore, improving therapeutic outcomes for patients by focusing on epigenetic targets dysregulated in malignancies should help prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to anticancer treatments. For this reason, SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) has gained a lot of attention recently as a cancer target. SETDB1 is a histone lysine methyltransferase that plays an important role in marking euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Hence, it promotes the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and contributes to carcinogenesis. Some studies revealed that SETDB1 was overexpressed in various human cancer types, which enhanced tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, SETDB1 appears to be an attractive epigenetic target for new cancer treatments. In this review, we have discussed the effects of its overexpression on the progression of tumors and the development of inhibitor drugs that specifically target this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Hassanie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Flávio da Silva Emery
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo Brazil
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2
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Baek M, Kim M, Choi HI, Binas B, Cha J, Jung KH, Choi S, Chai YG. Identification of differentially expressed mRNA/lncRNA modules in acutely regorafenib-treated sorafenib-resistant Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301663. [PMID: 38603701 PMCID: PMC11008899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but many patients become sorafenib-resistant (SR). This study investigated the efficacy of another kinase inhibitor, regorafenib (Rego), as a second-line treatment. We produced SR HCC cells, wherein the PI3K-Akt, TNF, cAMP, and TGF-beta signaling pathways were affected. Acute Rego treatment of these cells reversed the expression of genes involved in TGF-beta signaling but further increased the expression of genes involved in PI3K-Akt signaling. Additionally, Rego reversed the expression of genes involved in nucleosome assembly and epigenetic gene expression. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed four differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (DElncRNA) modules that were associated with the effectiveness of Rego on SR cells. Eleven putative DElncRNAs with distinct expression patterns were identified. We associated each module with DEmRNAs of the same pattern, thus obtaining DElncRNA/DEmRNA co-expression modules. We discuss the potential significance of each module. These findings provide insights and resources for further investigation into the potential mechanisms underlying the response of SR HCC cells to Rego.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Baek
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjae Kim
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae In Choi
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bert Binas
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Cha
- Department of Applied Artificial Intelligence, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Department of Biopharmaceutical System, Gwangmyeong Convergence Technology Campus of Korea Polytechnic II, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoung Choi
- Department of Applied Artificial Intelligence, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mathematical Data Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
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3
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Sharma G, Sultana A, Abdullah KM, Pothuraju R, Nasser MW, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Epigenetic regulation of bone remodeling and bone metastasis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:275-285. [PMID: 36379849 PMCID: PMC10175516 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone remodeling is a continuous and dynamic process of bone formation and resorption to maintain its integrity and homeostasis. Bone marrow is a source of various cell lineages, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone formation and resorption, respectively, to maintain bone homeostasis. Epigenetics is one of the elementary regulations governing the physiology of bone remodeling. Epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, regulate stable transcriptional programs without causing specific heritable alterations. DNA methylation in CpG-rich promoters of the gene is primarily correlated with gene silencing, and histone modifications are associated with transcriptional activation/inactivation. However, non-coding RNAs regulate the metastatic potential of cancer cells to metastasize at secondary sites. Deregulated or altered epigenetic modifications are often seen in many cancers and interwound with bone-specific tropism and cancer metastasis. Histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylase, and DNA methyltransferases are promising targets in epigenetically altered cancer. High throughput epigenome mapping and targeting specific epigenetics modifiers will be helpful in the development of personalized epi-drugs for advanced and bone metastasis cancer patients. This review aims to discuss and gather more knowledge about different epigenetic modifications in bone remodeling and metastasis. Further, it provides new approaches for targeting epigenetic changes and therapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - K M Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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4
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Stip MC, Teeuwen L, Dierselhuis MP, Leusen JHW, Krijgsman D. Targeting the myeloid microenvironment in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:337. [PMID: 38087370 PMCID: PMC10716967 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02913-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages) play an important role in neuroblastoma. By inducing a complex immunosuppressive network, myeloid cells pose a challenge for the adaptive immune system to eliminate tumor cells, especially in high-risk neuroblastoma. This review first summarizes the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) during the development and progression of neuroblastoma. Secondly, we discuss how myeloid cells are engaged in the current treatment regimen and explore novel strategies to target these cells in neuroblastoma. These strategies include: (1) engaging myeloid cells as effector cells, (2) ablating myeloid cells or blocking the recruitment of myeloid cells to the tumor microenvironment and (3) reprogramming myeloid cells. Here we describe that despite their immunosuppressive traits, tumor-associated myeloid cells can still be engaged as effector cells, which is clear in anti-GD2 immunotherapy. However, their full potential is not yet reached, and myeloid cell engagement can be enhanced, for example by targeting the CD47/SIRPα axis. Though depletion of myeloid cells or blocking myeloid cell infiltration has been proven effective, this strategy also depletes possible effector cells for immunotherapy from the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, reprogramming of suppressive myeloid cells might be the optimal strategy, which reverses immunosuppressive traits, preserves myeloid cells as effectors of immunotherapy, and subsequently reactivates tumor-infiltrating T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein C Stip
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Teeuwen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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5
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Ahmadpour ST, Orre C, Bertevello PS, Mirebeau-Prunier D, Dumas JF, Desquiret-Dumas V. Breast Cancer Chemoresistance: Insights into the Regulatory Role of lncRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15897. [PMID: 37958880 PMCID: PMC10650504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a subclass of noncoding RNAs composed of more than 200 nucleotides without the ability to encode functional proteins. Given their involvement in critical cellular processes such as gene expression regulation, transcription, and translation, lncRNAs play a significant role in organism homeostasis. Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer worldwide and evidence has shown a relationship between aberrant lncRNA expression and BC development. One of the main obstacles in BC control is multidrug chemoresistance, which is associated with the deregulation of multiple mechanisms such as efflux transporter activity, mitochondrial metabolism reprogramming, and epigenetic regulation as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Studies have shown the involvement of a large number of lncRNAs in the regulation of such pathways. However, the underlying mechanism is not clearly elucidated. In this review, we present the principal mechanisms associated with BC chemoresistance that can be directly or indirectly regulated by lncRNA, highlighting the importance of lncRNA in controlling BC chemoresistance. Understanding these mechanisms in deep detail may interest the clinical outcome of BC patients and could be used as therapeutic targets to overcome BC therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Tayebeh Ahmadpour
- Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Inserm, UMR1069, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (P.S.B.); (J.-F.D.)
| | - Charlotte Orre
- Inserm U1083, UMR CNRS 6214, Angers University, 49933 Angers, France; (C.O.); (D.M.-P.)
| | - Priscila Silvana Bertevello
- Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Inserm, UMR1069, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (P.S.B.); (J.-F.D.)
| | | | - Jean-François Dumas
- Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Inserm, UMR1069, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (P.S.B.); (J.-F.D.)
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6
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Song X, Lan Y, Zheng X, Zhu Q, Liao X, Liu K, Zhang W, Peng Q, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Chen X, Shu Y, Yang K, Hu J. Targeting drug-tolerant cells: A promising strategy for overcoming acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e342. [PMID: 37638338 PMCID: PMC10449058 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains the greatest challenge in improving outcomes for cancer patients who receive chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Surmounting evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer cells could escape intense selective drug treatment by entering a drug-tolerant state without genetic variations. These drug-tolerant cells (DTCs) are characterized with a slow proliferation rate and a reversible phenotype. They reside in the tumor region and may serve as a reservoir for resistant phenotypes. The survival of DTCs is regulated by epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, mRNA translation remodeling, metabolic changes, antiapoptosis, interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and activation of signaling pathways. Thus, targeting the regulators of DTCs opens a new avenue for the treatment of therapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we first provide an overview of common characteristics of DTCs and the regulating networks in DTCs development. We also discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities to target DTCs. Last, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of the DTC-targeting approach to overcome acquired drug resistance. Reviewing the latest developments in DTC research could be essential in discovering of methods to eliminate DTCs, which may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Song
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Department of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care MedicinePrecision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qianyu Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuliang Liao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Weihan Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - QiangBo Peng
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yunfeng Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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7
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Yoodee S, Thongboonkerd V. Epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition during cancer development. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 380:1-61. [PMID: 37657856 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays essential roles in promoting malignant transformation of epithelial cells, leading to cancer progression and metastasis. During EMT-induced cancer development, a wide variety of genes are dramatically modified, especially down-regulation of epithelial-related genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal-related genes. Expression of other EMT-related genes is also modified during the carcinogenic process. Especially, epigenetic modifications are observed in the EMT-related genes, indicating their involvement in cancer development. Mechanically, epigenetic modifications of histone, DNA, mRNA and non-coding RNA stably change the EMT-related gene expression at transcription and translation levels. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms observed in EMT process relate to cancer development in humans. The better understanding of epigenetic regulation of EMT during cancer development may lead to improvement of drug design and preventive strategies in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunisa Yoodee
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Thongboonkerd
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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8
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Farasati Far B, Safaei M, Mokhtari F, Fallahi MS, Naimi-Jamal MR. Fundamental concepts of protein therapeutics and spacing in oncology: an updated comprehensive review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:166. [PMID: 37147486 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment regimens in cancer cases cause significant side effects and cannot effectively eradicate the advanced disease. Hence, much effort has been expended over the past years to understand how cancer grows and responds to therapies. Meanwhile, proteins as a type of biopolymers have been under commercial development for over three decades and have been proven to improve the healthcare system as effective medicines for treating many types of progressive disease, such as cancer. Following approving the first recombinant protein therapeutics by FDA (Humulin), there have been a revolution for drawing attention toward protein-based therapeutics (PTs). Since then, the ability to tailor proteins with ideal pharmacokinetics has provided the pharmaceutical industry with an important noble path to discuss the clinical potential of proteins in oncology research. Unlike traditional chemotherapy molecules, PTs actively target cancerous cells by binding to their surface receptors and the other biomarkers particularly associated with tumorous or healthy tissue. This review analyzes the potential and limitations of protein therapeutics (PTs) in the treatment of cancer as well as highlighting the evolving strategies by addressing all possible factors, including pharmacology profile and targeted therapy approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of PTs in oncology, including their pharmacology profile, targeted therapy approaches, and prospects. The reviewed data show that several current and future challenges remain to make PTs a promising and effective anticancer drug, such as safety, immunogenicity, protein stability/degradation, and protein-adjuvant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Farasati Far
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Safaei
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Via Mersin 10, TR. North Cyprus, Famagusta, Turkey
| | - Fatemeh Mokhtari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani (ASMU), Tabriz, 53751-71379, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Aakula A, Sharma M, Tabaro F, Nätkin R, Kamila J, Honkanen H, Schapira M, Arrowsmith C, Nykter M, Westermarck J. RAS and PP2A activities converge on epigenetic gene regulation. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301928. [PMID: 36858798 PMCID: PMC9979842 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS-mediated human cell transformation requires inhibition of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). However, the phosphoprotein targets and cellular processes in which RAS and PP2A activities converge in human cancers have not been systematically analyzed. Here, we discover that phosphosites co-regulated by RAS and PP2A are enriched on proteins involved in epigenetic gene regulation. As examples, RAS and PP2A co-regulate the same phosphorylation sites on HDAC1/2, KDM1A, MTA1/2, RNF168, and TP53BP1. We validate RAS- and PP2A-elicited regulation of HDAC1/2 chromatin recruitment, of RNF168-TP53BP1 interaction, and of gene expression. Consistent with their known synergistic effects in cancer, RAS activation and PP2A inhibition resulted in epigenetic reporter derepression and activation of oncogenic transcription. Transcriptional derepression by PP2A inhibition was associated with an increase in euchromatin and a decrease in global DNA methylation. Collectively, the results indicate that epigenetic protein complexes constitute a significant point of convergence for RAS hyperactivity and PP2A inhibition in cancer. Furthermore, the work provides an important resource for future studies focusing on phosphoregulation of epigenetic gene regulation in cancer and in other RAS/PP2A-regulated cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aakula
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Mukund Sharma
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Francesco Tabaro
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
| | - Reetta Nätkin
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jesse Kamila
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Henrik Honkanen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cheryl Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matti Nykter
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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10
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Saini A, Ballesta A, Gallo JM. Cell state-directed therapy - epigenetic modulation of gene transcription demonstrated with a quantitative systems pharmacology model of temozolomide. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:360-374. [PMID: 36642831 PMCID: PMC10014061 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy continues to be plagued by modest therapeutic advances. This is particularly evident in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) wherein treatment failures are attributed to intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH), a dynamic process of cell state transitions or plasticity. To address ITH, we introduce the concept of cell state-directed (CSD) therapy through a quantitative systems pharmacology model of temozolomide (TMZ), a cornerstone of GBM drug therapy. The model consisting of multiple modules incorporated an epigenetic-based gene transcription-translation module that enabled CSD therapy. Numerous model simulations were conducted to demonstrate the potential impact of CSD therapy on TMZ activity. The simulations included those based on global sensitivity analyses to identify fragile nodes - MDM2 and XIAP - in the network, and also how an epigenetic modifier (birabresib) could overcome a mechanism of TMZ resistance. The positive results of CSD therapy on TMZ activity supports continued efforts to develop CSD therapy as a new anticancer approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Annabelle Ballesta
- Inserm Unit 900, Institut Curie, MINES ParisTech CBIO - Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - James M Gallo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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11
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Wang N, Ma T, Yu B. Targeting epigenetic regulators to overcome drug resistance in cancers. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:69. [PMID: 36797239 PMCID: PMC9935618 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is mainly responsible for cancer recurrence and poor prognosis. Epigenetic regulation is a heritable change in gene expressions independent of nucleotide sequence changes. As the common epigenetic regulation mechanisms, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation have been well studied. Increasing evidence has shown that aberrant epigenetic regulations contribute to tumor resistance. Therefore, targeting epigenetic regulators represents an effective strategy to reverse drug resistance. In this review, we mainly summarize the roles of epigenetic regulation in tumor resistance. In addition, as the essential factors for epigenetic modifications, histone demethylases mediate the histone or genomic DNA modifications. Herein, we comprehensively describe the functions of the histone demethylase family including the lysine-specific demethylase family, the Jumonji C-domain-containing demethylase family, and the histone arginine demethylase family, and fully discuss their regulatory mechanisms related to cancer drug resistance. In addition, therapeutic strategies, including small-molecule inhibitors and small interfering RNA targeting histone demethylases to overcome drug resistance, are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ting Ma
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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12
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Sankar S, Sankar Ganesh P, Dhakshinamoorthy V. Malignant odontogenic tumors: epigenetics in disease and therapy. Acta Odontol Scand 2023; 81:93-97. [PMID: 35776509 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2092649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Sankar
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Pitchaipillai Sankar Ganesh
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Vasanth Dhakshinamoorthy
- PG & Research Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, India
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13
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Liang J, Sun J, Zhang W, Wang X, Xu Y, Peng Y, Zhang L, Xiong W, Liu Y, Liu H. Novel Insights into The Roles of N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) Modification and Autophagy in Human Diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:705-720. [PMID: 36632456 PMCID: PMC9830520 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.75466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular degradation and recycling process. It is important for maintaining vital cellular function and metabolism. Abnormal autophagy activity can cause the development of various diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most prevalent and abundant internal modification in eukaryotes, affecting almost all aspects of RNA metabolism. The process of m6A modification is dynamic and adjustable. Its regulation depends on the regulation of m6A methyltransferases, m6A demethylases, and m6A binding proteins. m6A methylation and autophagy are two crucial and independent cellular events. Recent studies have shown that m6A modification mediates the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of autophagy-related genes, affecting autophagy regulatory networks in multiple diseases. However, the regulatory effects of m6A regulators on autophagy in human diseases are not adequately acknowledged. In the present review, we summarized the latest knowledge of m6A modification in autophagy and elucidated the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying m6A modification in autophagy regulatory networks. Moreover, we discuss the potentiality of m6A regulators serving as promising predictive biomarkers for human disease diagnosis and targets for therapy. This review will increase our understanding of the relationship between m6A methylation and autophagy, and provide novel insights to specifically target m6A modification in autophagy-associated therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiwen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenqian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hengwei Liu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China. E-mail: and Yi Liu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. E-mail:
| | - Hengwei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hengwei Liu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China. E-mail: and Yi Liu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. E-mail:
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14
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Novel epigenetic therapeutic strategies and targets in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166552. [PMID: 36126898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The critical role of dysregulated epigenetic pathways in cancer genesis, development, and therapy has typically been established as a result of scientific and technical innovations in next generation sequencing. RNA interference, histone modification, DNA methylation and chromatin remodelling are epigenetic processes that control gene expression without causing mutations in the DNA. Although epigenetic abnormalities are thought to be a symptom of cell tumorigenesis and malignant events that impact tumor growth and drug resistance, physicians believe that related processes might be a key therapeutic target for cancer treatment and prevention due to the reversible nature of these processes. A plethora of novel strategies for addressing epigenetics in cancer therapy for immuno-oncological complications are currently available - ranging from basic treatment to epigenetic editing. - and they will be the subject of this comprehensive review. In this review, we cover most of the advancements made in the field of targeting epigenetics with special emphasis on microbiology, plasma science, biophysics, pharmacology, molecular biology, phytochemistry, and nanoscience.
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15
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Walz AC, Van De Vyver AJ, Yu L, Birtwistle MR, Krogan NJ, Bouhaddou M. Leveraging modeling and simulation to optimize the therapeutic window for epigenetic modifier drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108162. [PMID: 35189161 PMCID: PMC9292061 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic processes can lead to altered gene expression and give rise to malignant transformation and tumorigenesis. Epigenetic drugs aim to revert the phenotype of cancer cells to normally functioning cells, and are developed and applied to treat both hematological and solid cancers. Despite this promising therapeutic avenue, the successful development of epigenetic modulators has been challenging. We argue that besides identifying the right responder patient population, the selection of an optimized dosing regimen is equally important. For the majority of epigenetic modulators, hematological adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia, anemia or neutropenia are frequently observed and may limit their therapeutic potential. Therefore, one of the key challenges is to identify a dosing regimen that maximizes drug efficacy and minimizes toxicity. This requires a good understanding of the quantitative relationship between the administered dose, the drug exposure and the magnitude and duration of drug response related to safety and efficacy. With case examples, we highlight how modeling and simulation has been successfully applied to address those questions. As an outlook, we suggest the combination of efficacy and safety prediction models that capture the quantitative, mechanistic relationships governing the balance between their safety and efficacy dynamics. A stepwise approach for its implementation is presented. Utilizing in silico explorations, the impact of dosing regimen on the therapeutic window can be explored. This will serve as a basis to select the most promising dosing regimen that maximizes efficacy while minimizing adverse effects and to increase the probability of success for the given epigenetic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje-Christine Walz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland,Corresponding author: , F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research & Early Development, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland. Mobile: +41 79 865 89 28
| | - Arthur J. Van De Vyver
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Li Yu
- LIYU Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Marc R. Birtwistle
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Nevan J. Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco,CA, 94158, USA,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mehdi Bouhaddou
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco,CA, 94158, USA,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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16
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GDF15 Is an Eribulin Response Biomarker also Required for Survival of DTP Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102562. [PMID: 35626166 PMCID: PMC9139899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102562] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Drug tolerant persister (DTP) cells are a unique, small sub-population of cancer cells that maintain viability under anti-cancer cytotoxic treatments. These cells enter into a reversible drug-tolerant state, which is believed to be the root of tumor recurrence. Therefore, there is a great need to find novel ways to monitor and eliminate DTP cells. We have identified the secretion of GDF15 as a response biomarker of eribulin treatment, as well as a specific biomarker of DTP cells in breast cancer. GDF15 expression is low or absent in cells sensitive to eribulin, strongly upregulated during response to the drug, and then downregulated when stable resistance is ultimately established. We have also shown that GDF15 plays a direct role in the survival of DTP cells. Thus, targeting GDF15 could help eradicate DTP cells and block the onset of stable acquired resistance. Most importantly, our data suggest that the combination of eribulin plus a GDF15 neutralizing antibody might be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer. Abstract Drug tolerant persister (DTP) cells enter into a reversible slow-cycling state after drug treatment. We performed proteomic characterization of the breast cancer (BC) DTP cell secretome after eribulin treatment. We showed that the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a protein significantly over-secreted upon eribulin treatment. The biomarker potential of GDF15 was confirmed in 3D-cell culture models using BC cells lines and PDXs, as well as in a TNBC in vivo model. We also found that GDF15 is required for survival of DTP cells. Direct participation of GDF15 and its receptor GFRAL in eribulin-induction of DTPs was established by the enhanced cell killing of DTPs by eribulin seen under GDF15 and GFRAL loss of function assays. Finally, we showed that combination therapy of eribulin plus an anti-GDF15 antibody kills BC-DTP cells. Our results suggest that targeting GDF15 may help eradicate DTP cells and block the onset of acquired resistance.
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17
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Wu XL, Long WM, Lu Q, Teng XQ, Qi TT, Qu Q, He GF, Qu J. Polymyxin B-Associated Nephrotoxicity and Its Predictors: A Retrospective Study in Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:672543. [PMID: 35571125 PMCID: PMC9096016 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.672543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymyxin B (PMB), a kind of polymyxin, was widely used in carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial (CR-GNB) infections. However, adverse reactions such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity limit its use in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore PMB associated with nephrotoxicity and its predictors. Patients who received PMB intravenous drip for more than 72 h were eligible for the study. Characteristics of patients, concomitant nephrotoxic agents, underlying disease, and antimicrobial susceptibility were submitted for descriptive analysis. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to assess the factors leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI was assessed with serum creatinine variations according to the classification of risk (stage R), injury (stage I), failure (stage F), loss, and end-stage of kidney disease. Among 234 patients with CR-GNB infections who used PMB in our study, 67 (28.63%) patients developed AKI, including 31 (14.25%) patients in stage R, 15 (6.41%) patients in stage I, and 21 (8.97%) patients in stage F. The incident rate of PMB-related nephrotoxicity in patients with normal renal function was 32.82% (43/131). The higher risk factors of AKI include males [odds ratio (OR) = 3.237; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.426–7.350], digestive system diseases [OR = 2.481 (1.127–5.463)], using furosemide (>20 mg/day) [OR = 2.473 (1.102–5.551)], and baseline serum creatinine [OR = 0.994 (0.990–0.999)]. Nonparametric tests of K-independent samples showed that baseline serum creatinine and the PMB maintenance dose were associated with the severity of nephrotoxicity (both p < 0.05). Male, digestive system diseases, using furosemide (>20 mg/day), and high baseline serum creatinine were the independent risk factors of PMB-associated AKI development. The maintenance dose of PMB may be related to the severity of AKI. These risk factors should be taken into consideration when initiating PMB-based therapy. The serum creatinine value should be closely monitored when using PMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ming Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Second People’s Hospital of Huaihua City, Huaihua, China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting-Ting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge-Fei He
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Qu,
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18
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Gurova K. Can aggressive cancers be identified by the "aggressiveness" of their chromatin? Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100212. [PMID: 35452144 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is a crucial feature of aggressive cancer, providing the means for cancer progression. Stochastic changes in tumor cell transcriptional programs increase the chances of survival under any condition. I hypothesize that unstable chromatin permits stochastic transitions between transcriptional programs in aggressive cancers and supports non-genetic heterogeneity of tumor cells as a basis for their adaptability. I present a mechanistic model for unstable chromatin which includes destabilized nucleosomes, mobile chromatin fibers and random enhancer-promoter contacts, resulting in stochastic transcription. I suggest potential markers for "unsettled" chromatin in tumors associated with poor prognosis. Although many of the characteristics of unstable chromatin have been described, they were mostly used to explain changes in the transcription of individual genes. I discuss approaches to evaluate the role of unstable chromatin in non-genetic tumor cell heterogeneity and suggest using the degree of chromatin instability and transcriptional noise in tumor cells to predict cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Gurova
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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19
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Mazloumi Z, Farahzadi R, Rafat A, Asl KD, Karimipour M, Montazer M, Movassaghpour AA, Dehnad A, Charoudeh HN. Effect of aberrant DNA methylation on cancer stem cell properties. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 125:104757. [PMID: 35339454 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation, as an epigenetic mechanism, occurs by adding a methyl group of cytosines in position 5 by DNA methyltransferases and has essential roles in cellular function, especially in the transcriptional regulation of embryonic and adult stem cells. Hypomethylation and hypermethylation cause either the expression or inhibition of genes, and there is a tight balance between regulating the activation or repression of genes in normal cellular activity. Abnormal methylation is well-known hallmark of cancer development and progression and can switch normal stem cells into cancer stem cells. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are minor populations of tumor cells that exhibit unique properties such as self-regeneration, resistance to chemotherapy, and high ability of metastasis. The purpose of this paper is to show how aberrant DNA methylation accumulation affects self-renewal, differentiation, multidrug-resistant, and metastasis processes in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Mazloumi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raheleh Farahzadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Rafat
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Dizaji Asl
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Montazer
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Dehnad
- Department of Bacterial Disease Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, AREEO, Tabriz, Iran
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20
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Fritz AJ, El Dika M, Toor RH, Rodriguez PD, Foley SJ, Ullah R, Nie D, Banerjee B, Lohese D, Glass KC, Frietze S, Ghule PN, Heath JL, Imbalzano AN, van Wijnen A, Gordon J, Lian JB, Stein JL, Stein GS, Stein GS. Epigenetic-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression for Biological Control and Cancer: Cell and Tissue Structure, Function, and Phenotype. Results Probl Cell Differ 2022; 70:339-373. [PMID: 36348114 PMCID: PMC9753575 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06573-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms play a central role in the biological control of cell and tissue structure, function, and phenotype. Identification of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer provides mechanistic into tumor initiation and progression and may prove valuable for a variety of clinical applications. We present an overview of epigenetically driven mechanisms that are obligatory for physiological regulation and parameters of epigenetic control that are modified in tumor cells. The interrelationship between nuclear structure and function is not mutually exclusive but synergistic. We explore concepts influencing the maintenance of chromatin structures, including phase separation, recognition signals, factors that mediate enhancer-promoter looping, and insulation and how these are altered during the cell cycle and in cancer. Understanding how these processes are altered in cancer provides a potential for advancing capabilities for the diagnosis and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Fritz
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Mohammed El Dika
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rabail H. Toor
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | | - Stephen J. Foley
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Rahim Ullah
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Daijing Nie
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Bodhisattwa Banerjee
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Dorcas Lohese
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Karen C. Glass
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Seth Frietze
- University of Vermont, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jessica L. Heath
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405,University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Anthony N. Imbalzano
- UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Andre van Wijnen
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jonathan Gordon
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jane B. Lian
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Janet L. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- University of Vermont, UVM Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Burlington, VT 05405
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21
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Dai E, Zhu Z, Wahed S, Qu Z, Storkus WJ, Guo ZS. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity for improved cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 34930302 PMCID: PMC8691037 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in the activation, differentiation and effector function(s) of immune cells. In this review, we summarize current literature related to epigenomic dynamics in immune cells impacting immune cell fate and functionality, and the immunogenicity of cancer cells. Some important immune-associated genes, such as granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, FoxP3 and STING, are regulated via epigenetic mechanisms in immune or/and cancer cells, as are immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT) expressed by immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies implementing epigenetic modulating drugs are expected to significantly impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) by promoting transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in local immune cell populations, resulting in inhibition of immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs and Treg) and the activation of anti-tumor T effector cells, professional antigen presenting cells (APC), as well as cancer cells which can serve as non-professional APC. In the latter instance, epigenetic modulating agents may coordinately promote tumor immunogenicity by inducing de novo expression of transcriptionally repressed tumor-associated antigens, increasing expression of neoantigens and MHC processing/presentation machinery, and activating tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD provides a rich source of immunogens for anti-tumor T cell cross-priming and sensitizing cancer cells to interventional immunotherapy. In this way, epigenetic modulators may be envisioned as effective components in combination immunotherapy approaches capable of mediating superior therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shudipto Wahed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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22
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Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches for Melanoma Patients Targeting Epigenetic Modifiers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246180. [PMID: 34944799 PMCID: PMC8699560 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the least common but deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanomagenesis is driven by a series of mutations and epigenetic alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that allow melanomas to grow, evolve, and metastasize. Epigenetic alterations can also lead to immune evasion and development of resistance to therapies. Although the standard of care for melanoma patients includes surgery, targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint blockade, other therapeutic approaches like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immune cell-based therapies are used for patients with advanced disease or unresponsive to the conventional first-line therapies. Targeted therapies such as the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 only improve the survival of a small subset of patients. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify alternative standalone or combinatorial therapies. Epigenetic modifiers have gained attention as therapeutic targets as they modulate multiple cellular and immune-related processes. Due to melanoma's susceptibility to extrinsic factors and reversible nature, epigenetic drugs are investigated as a therapeutic avenue and as adjuvants for targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, as they can sensitize and/or reverse resistance to these therapies, thus enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. This review gives an overview of the role of epigenetic changes in melanoma progression and resistance. In addition, we evaluate the latest advances in preclinical and clinical research studying combinatorial therapies and discuss the use of epigenetic drugs such as HDAC and DNMT inhibitors as potential adjuvants for melanoma patients.
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23
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Insights into Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity: Transcriptional Profiling of Chemoresistant MPM Cell Subpopulations Reveals Involvement of NFkB and DNA Repair Pathways and Contributes a Prognostic Signature. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112071. [PMID: 34769499 PMCID: PMC8585077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a hallmark of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) management and the expression of ALDH1A3 is responsible for the survival and activity of MPM chemoresistant cell subpopulations (ALDHbright cells). We enriched mesothelioma ALDHbright cells to near homogeneity by FACS sorting and an Aldefluor assay and performed unbiased Affymetrix gene expression profiling. Viability and ELISA assays were used to rule out significant apoptosis in the sorted cell subpopulations and to assess target engagement by butein. Statistical analysis of the results, pathway enrichment and promoter enrichment were employed for the generation of the data. Q-RTPCR was used to validate a subset of the identified, modulated mRNAs In this work, we started from the observation that the mRNA levels of the ALDH1A3 isoform could prognostically stratify MPM patients. Thus, we purified MPM ALDHbright cells from NCI-H2595 cells and interrogated their gene expression (GES) profile. We analyzed the GES of the purified cells at both a steady state and upon treatment with butein (a multifunctional tetrahydroxy-chalcone), which abates the ALDHbright cell number, thereby exerting chemo-sensitizing effects in vitro and in vivo. We identified 924 genes modulated in a statistically significant manner as a function of ALDH status and of the response to the inhibitor. Pathway and promoter enrichment identified the molecular determinant of high ALDH status and how butein treatment altered the molecular portrait of those chemoresistant cell subpopulations. Further, we unraveled an eighteen-gene signature with high prognostic significance for MPM patients, and showed that most of the identified prognostic contributors escaped the analysis of unfractionated samples. This work proves that digging into the unexplored field of intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) by working at the cell subpopulation level may provide findings of prognostic relevance, in addition to mechanistic insights into tumor resistance to therapy.
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Montoya S, Soong D, Nguyen N, Affer M, Munamarty SP, Taylor J. Targeted Therapies in Cancer: To Be or Not to Be, Selective. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1591. [PMID: 34829820 PMCID: PMC8615814 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of targeted therapies in recent years revealed several nonchemotherapeutic options for patients. Chief among targeted therapies is small molecule kinase inhibitors targeting key oncogenic signaling proteins. Through competitive and noncompetitive inhibition of these kinases, and therefore the pathways they activate, cancers can be slowed or completely eradicated, leading to partial or complete remissions for many cancer types. Unfortunately, for many patients, resistance to targeted therapies, such as kinase inhibitors, ultimately develops and can necessitate multiple lines of treatment. Drug resistance can either be de novo or acquired after months or years of drug exposure. Since resistance can be due to several unique mechanisms, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem. However, combinations that target complimentary pathways or potential escape mechanisms appear to be more effective than sequential therapy. Combinations of single kinase inhibitors or alternately multikinase inhibitor drugs could be used to achieve this goal. Understanding how to efficiently target cancer cells and overcome resistance to prior lines of therapy became imperative to the success of cancer treatment. Due to the complexity of cancer, effective treatment options in the future will likely require mixing and matching these approaches in different cancer types and different disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Justin Taylor
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.M.); (D.S.); (N.N.); (M.A.); (S.P.M.)
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Targeting Drug Chemo-Resistance in Cancer Using Natural Products. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101353. [PMID: 34680470 PMCID: PMC8533186 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. The development of drug resistance is the main contributor to cancer-related mortality. Cancer cells exploit multiple mechanisms to reduce the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs, thereby causing chemotherapy failure. Natural products are accessible, inexpensive, and less toxic sources of chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, they have multiple mechanisms of action to inhibit various targets involved in the development of drug resistance. In this review, we have summarized the basic research and clinical applications of natural products as possible inhibitors for drug resistance in cancer. The molecular targets and the mechanisms of action of each natural product are also explained. Diverse drug resistance biomarkers were sensitive to natural products. P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein can be targeted by a large number of natural products. On the other hand, protein kinase C and topoisomerases were less sensitive to most of the studied natural products. The studies discussed in this review will provide a solid ground for scientists to explore the possible use of natural products in combination anticancer therapies to overcome drug resistance by targeting multiple drug resistance mechanisms.
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Patil K, Khan FB, Akhtar S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. The plasticity of pancreatic cancer stem cells: implications in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:691-720. [PMID: 34453639 PMCID: PMC8556195 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing perception of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a plastic state rather than a hardwired defined entity has evolved our understanding of the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Pancreatic cancer (PC), based on its biological features and clinical evolution, is a prototypical example of a CSC-driven disease. Since the discovery of pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs) in 2007, evidence has unraveled their control over many facets of the natural history of PC, including primary tumor growth, metastatic progression, disease recurrence, and acquired drug resistance. Consequently, the current near-ubiquitous treatment regimens for PC using aggressive cytotoxic agents, aimed at ‘‘tumor debulking’’ rather than eradication of CSCs, have proven ineffective in providing clinically convincing improvements in patients with this dreadful disease. Herein, we review the key hallmarks as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms of CSCs that mediate treatment failure in PC and enlist the potential CSC-targeting ‘natural agents’ that are gaining popularity in recent years. A better understanding of the molecular and functional landscape of PCSC-intrinsic evasion of chemotherapeutic drugs offers a facile opportunity for treating PC, an intractable cancer with a grim prognosis and in dire need of effective therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farheen B Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Saini A, Gallo JM. Epigenetic instability may alter cell state transitions and anticancer drug resistance. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009307. [PMID: 34424912 PMCID: PMC8412323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a significant obstacle to successful and durable anti-cancer therapy. Targeted therapy is often effective during early phases of treatment; however, eventually cancer cells adapt and transition to drug-resistant cells states rendering the treatment ineffective. It is proposed that cell state can be a determinant of drug efficacy and manipulated to affect the development of anticancer drug resistance. In this work, we developed two stochastic cell state models and an integrated stochastic-deterministic model referenced to brain tumors. The stochastic cell state models included transcriptionally-permissive and -restrictive states based on the underlying hypothesis that epigenetic instability mitigates lock-in of drug-resistant states. When moderate epigenetic instability was implemented the drug-resistant cell populations were reduced, on average, by 60%, whereas a high level of epigenetic disruption reduced them by about 90%. The stochastic-deterministic model utilized the stochastic cell state model to drive the dynamics of the DNA repair enzyme, methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT), that repairs temozolomide (TMZ)-induced O6-methylguanine (O6mG) adducts. In the presence of epigenetic instability, the production of MGMT decreased that coincided with an increase of O6mG adducts following a multiple-dose regimen of TMZ. Generation of epigenetic instability via epigenetic modifier therapy could be a viable strategy to mitigate anticancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - James M. Gallo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Li GH, Qu Q, Qi TT, Teng XQ, Zhu HH, Wang JJ, Lu Q, Qu J. Super-enhancers: a new frontier for epigenetic modifiers in cancer chemoresistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:174. [PMID: 34011395 PMCID: PMC8132395 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although new developments of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments for cancer have improved patient survival, the emergence of chemoresistance in cancer has significant impacts on treatment effects. The development of chemoresistance involves several polygenic, progressive mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as both genetic and epigenetic heterogeneities. Chemotherapeutics induce epigenetic reprogramming in cancer cells, converting a transient transcriptional state into a stably resistant one. Super-enhancers (SEs) are central to the maintenance of identity of cancer cells and promote SE-driven-oncogenic transcriptions to which cancer cells become highly addicted. This dependence on SE-driven transcription to maintain chemoresistance offers an Achilles' heel for chemoresistance. Indeed, the inhibition of SE components dampens oncogenic transcription and inhibits tumor growth to ultimately achieve combined sensitization and reverse the effects of drug resistance. No reviews have been published on SE-related mechanisms in the cancer chemoresistance. In this review, we investigated the structure, function, and regulation of chemoresistance-related SEs and their contributions to the chemotherapy via regulation of the formation of cancer stem cells, cellular plasticity, the microenvironment, genes associated with chemoresistance, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immunity. The discovery of these mechanisms may aid in the development of new drugs to improve the sensitivity and specificity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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Paramasivam A, Priyadharsini JV. RNA N6-methyladenosine: a new player in autophagy-mediated anti-cancer drug resistance. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1621-1622. [PMID: 33723389 PMCID: PMC8110764 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is associated with cancer development and progression. The m6A modification plays a crucial role in autophagy regulation precipitating anti-cancer drug resistance. In line with this fact, this commentary discusses m6A modification interfering with autophagy machinery as a major contributing factor for drug resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Paramasivam
- grid.412431.10000 0004 0444 045XCellular and Molecular Research Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Jayaseelan Vijayashree Priyadharsini
- grid.412431.10000 0004 0444 045XCellular and Molecular Research Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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A short overview of resistance to approved histone deacetylase inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1153-1155. [PMID: 33960205 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Low Plasma Citrate Levels and Specific Transcriptional Signatures Associated with Quiescence of CD34 + Progenitors Predict Azacitidine Therapy Failure in MDS/AML Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092161. [PMID: 33946220 PMCID: PMC8125503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic drugs, such as azacitidine (AZA), hold promise in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, the mechanisms predicting the patients’ response to AZA is not completely understood. Quiescence of hematopoietic CD34+ progenitors has been proposed as a predictive factor for AZA therapy failure in MDS/AML patients, but the interplay between CD34+ cell cycle status and their metabolic signature in a predisposition to AZA (non)responsiveness remains unclear. Our data on patients with MDS or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) suggest that AZA-responders have actively cycling CD34+ cells poised for erythro-myeloid differentiation, with high metabolic activity controlling histone acetylation. Conversely, the patients who progressed early on AZA therapy revealed quiescence signature of their CD34+ cells, with signs of reduced metabolically-controlled acetylation of histones needed for transcription-permissive chromatin configuration. Our study delineates plasma citrate levels and CD34+ cells’ transcriptional signatures associated with cycling status and metabolic characteristics as factors predicting the response to AZA monotherapy in MDS/AML-MRC patients. Abstract To better understand the molecular basis of resistance to azacitidine (AZA) therapy in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC), we performed RNA sequencing on pre-treatment CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) isolated from 25 MDS/AML-MRC patients of the discovery cohort (10 AZA responders (RD), six stable disease, nine progressive disease (PD) during AZA therapy) and from eight controls. Eleven MDS/AML-MRC samples were also available for analysis of selected metabolites, along with 17 additional samples from an independent validation cohort. Except for two patients, the others did not carry isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)1/2 mutations. Transcriptional landscapes of the patients’ HSPCs were comparable to those published previously, including decreased signatures of active cell cycling and DNA damage response in PD compared to RD and controls. In addition, PD-derived HSPCs revealed repressed markers of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, with IDH2 among the top 50 downregulated genes in PD compared to RD. Decreased citrate plasma levels, downregulated expression of the (ATP)-citrate lyase and other transcriptional/metabolic networks indicate metabolism-driven histone modifications in PD HSPCs. Observed histone deacetylation is consistent with transcription-nonpermissive chromatin configuration and quiescence of PD HSPCs. This study highlights the complexity of the molecular network underlying response/resistance to hypomethylating agents.
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Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as Multitarget-Directed Epi-Drugs in Blocking PI3K Oncogenic Signaling: A Polypharmacology Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218198. [PMID: 33147762 PMCID: PMC7662987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218198] [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: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations and aberrant epigenetic alterations are the triggers for carcinogenesis. The emergence of the drugs targeting epigenetic aberrations has provided a better outlook for cancer treatment. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic modifiers playing critical roles in numerous key biological functions. Inappropriate expression of HDACs and dysregulation of PI3K signaling pathway are common aberrations observed in human diseases, particularly in cancers. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a class of epigenetic small-molecular therapeutics exhibiting promising applications in the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies, and in non-neoplastic diseases. Although HDACIs as single agents exhibit synergy by inhibiting HDAC and the PI3K pathway, resistance to HDACIs is frequently encountered due to activation of compensatory survival pathway. Targeted simultaneous inhibition of both HDACs and PI3Ks with their respective inhibitors in combination displayed synergistic therapeutic efficacy and encouraged the development of a single HDAC-PI3K hybrid molecule via polypharmacology strategy. This review provides an overview of HDACs and the evolution of HDACs-based epigenetic therapeutic approaches targeting the PI3K pathway.
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López de Andrés J, Griñán-Lisón C, Jiménez G, Marchal JA. Cancer stem cell secretome in the tumor microenvironment: a key point for an effective personalized cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:136. [PMID: 33059744 PMCID: PMC7559894 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a tumor subpopulation responsible for tumor metastasis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, ultimately leading to tumor relapse. As a consequence, the detection and eradication of this cell subpopulation represent a current challenge in oncology medicine. CSC phenotype is dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves stem and differentiated tumor cells, as well as different cell types, such as mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and cells of the immune system, in addition to the extracellular matrix (ECM), different in composition to the ECM in healthy tissues. CSCs regulate multiple cancer hallmarks through the interaction with cells and ECM in their environment by secreting extracellular vesicles including exosomes, and soluble factors such as interleukins, cytokines, growth factors and other metabolites to the TME. Through these factors, CSCs generate and activate their own tumor niche by recruiting stromal cells and modulate angiogenesis, metastasis, resistance to antitumor treatments and their own maintenance by the secretion of different factors such as IL-6, VEGF and TGF-ß. Due to the strong influence of the CSC secretome on disease development, the new antitumor therapies focus on targeting these communication networks to eradicate the tumor and prevent metastasis, tumor relapse and drug resistance. This review summarizes for the first time the main components of the CSC secretome and how they mediate different tumor processes. Lastly, the relevance of the CSC secretome in the development of more precise and personalized antitumor therapies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia López de Andrés
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain. .,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain. .,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
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