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LaRue-Nolan KC, Raja Arul GL, Sigafoos AN, Shi J, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Insights into the mechanisms driven by H3K4 KMTs in pancreatic cancer. Biochem J 2024; 481:983-997. [PMID: 39078225 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy arising from the endocrine or exocrine compartment of this organ. Tumors from exocrine origin comprise over 90% of all pancreatic cancers diagnosed. Of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common histological subtype. The five-year survival rate for PDAC ranged between 5 and 9% for over four decades, and only recently saw a modest increase to ∼12-13%, making this a severe and lethal disease. Like other cancers, PDAC initiation stems from genetic changes. However, therapeutic targeting of PDAC genetic drivers has remained relatively unsuccessful, thus the focus in recent years has expanded to the non-genetic factors underlying the disease pathogenesis. Specifically, it has been proposed that dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape promote tumor growth and metastasis. Emphasis has been given to the re-organization of enhancers, essential regulatory elements controlling oncogenic gene expression, commonly marked my histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1). H3K4me1 is typically deposited by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). While well characterized as oncogenes in other cancer types, recent work has expanded the role of KMTs as tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the role and translational significance for PDAC development and therapeutics of KMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C LaRue-Nolan
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | | | - Ashley N Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center and Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
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2
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Bararia A, Das A, Mitra S, Banerjee S, Chatterjee A, Sikdar N. Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation driven aberrations in pancreatic cancer-related pathways. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1505-1519. [PMID: 37746645 PMCID: PMC10514732 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i9.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages, with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options. Besides genetic mutations, epigenetic dysregulation of signaling pathway-associated enriched genes are considered as novel therapeutic target. Mechanisms beneath the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and its utility in developing of epi-drugs in PanCa are under trails. Combinations of epigenetic medicines with conventional cytotoxic treatments or targeted therapy are promising options to improving the dismal response and survival rate of PanCa patients. Recent studies have identified potentially valid pathways that support the prediction that future PanCa clinical trials will include vigorous testing of epigenomic therapies. Epigenetics thus promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of biological and medical importance. Our review could identify various components of epigenetic mechanisms known to be involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related precancerous lesions, and novel pharmacological strategies that target these components could potentially lead to breakthroughs. We aim to highlight the possibilities that exist and the potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Bararia
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
| | - Amlan Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Global University, Assam 781035, India
| | - Sangeeta Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Sudeep Banerjee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Nilabja Sikdar
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
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3
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Hong E, Barczak W, Park S, Heo JS, Ooshima A, Munro S, Hong CP, Park J, An H, Park JO, Park SH, La Thangue NB, Kim SJ. Combination treatment of T1-44, a PRMT5 inhibitor with Vactosertib, an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling, inhibits invasion and prolongs survival in a mouse model of pancreatic tumors. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:93. [PMID: 36765032 PMCID: PMC9918730 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal type of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death with the lowest 5-year survival rate. Heterogeneity, difficulty in diagnosis, and rapid metastatic progression are the causes of high mortality in pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have shown that Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancers, and these patients have a worse prognosis. Recently, PRMT5 as an anti-cancer target has gained considerable interest. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of PRMT5 activity was synergistic with blockade of TGF-β1 signaling, which plays an important role in the construction of the desmoplastic matrix in pancreatic cancer and induces therapeutic vulnerability. Compared with T1-44, a selective inhibitor of PRMT5 activity, the combination of T1-44 with the TGF-β1 signaling inhibitor Vactosertib significantly reduced tumor size and surrounding tissue invasion and significantly improved long-term survival. RNA sequencing analysis of mouse tumors revealed that the combination of T1-44 and Vactosertib significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cancer progression, such as cell migration, extracellular matrix, and apoptotic processes. In particular, the expression of Btg2, known as a tumor suppressor factor in various cancers, was markedly induced by combination treatment. Ectopic overexpression of Btg2 inhibited the EMT response, blocking cell migration, and promoted cancer cell death. These data demonstrate that the combination therapy of T1-44 with Vactosertib is synergistic for pancreatic cancer, suggesting that this novel combination therapy has value in the treatment strategy of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Hong
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wojciech Barczak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Sujin Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sun Heo
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Akira Ooshima
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shonagh Munro
- Argonaut Therapeutics Ltd, Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jinah Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haein An
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Oh Park
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hee Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nick B La Thangue
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Medpacto Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Metformin Induces Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer (PC) Cells Accompanied by Changes in the Levels of Histone Acetyltransferases (Particularly, p300/CBP-Associated Factor (PCAF) Protein Levels). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010115. [PMID: 36678613 PMCID: PMC9863441 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010115] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence (mainly from experimental research) suggests that metformin possesses anticancer properties through the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. However, its effect on the enzymes responsible for histone acetylation status, which plays a key role in carcinogenesis, remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of metformin on histone acetyltransferases (HATs) (i.e., p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), p300, and CBP) and on histone deacetylases (HDACs) (i.e., SIRT-1 in human pancreatic cancer (PC) cell lines, 1.2B4, and PANC-1). The cells were exposed to metformin, an HAT inhibitor (HATi), or a combination of an HATi with metformin for 24, 48, or 72 h. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay, and the percentage of early apoptotic cells was determined with an Annexin V-Cy3 Apoptosis Detection Assay Kit. Caspase-9 activity was also assessed. SIRT-1, PCAF, p300, and CBP expression were determined at the mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and Western blotting methods, respectively. Our results reveal an increase in caspase-9 in response to the metformin, indicating that it induced the apoptotic death of both 1.2B4 and PANC-1 cells. The number of cells in early apoptosis and the activity of caspase-9 decreased when treated with an HATi alone or a combination of an HATi with metformin, as compared to metformin alone. Moreover, metformin, an HATi, and a combination of an HATi with metformin also modified the mRNA expression of SIRT-1, PCAF, CBP, and p300. However, metformin did not change the expression of the studied genes in 1.2B4 cells. The results of the Western blot analysis showed that metformin diminished the protein expression of PCAF in both the 1.2B4 and PANC-1 cells. Hence, it appears possible that PCAF may be involved in the metformin-mediated apoptosis of PC cells.
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5
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Raja Arul GL, Toruner MD, Gatenby RA, Carr RM. Ecoevolutionary biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2022; 22:730-740. [PMID: 35821188 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common histological subtype of pancreatic cancer, is an aggressive disease predicted to be the 2nd cause of cancer mortality in the US by 2040. While first-line therapy has improved, 5-year overall survival has only increased from 5 to ∼10%, and surgical resection is only available for ∼20% of patients as most present with advanced disease, which is invariably lethal. PDAC has well-established highly recurrent mutations in four driver genes including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Unfortunately, these genetic drivers are not currently therapeutically actionable. Despite extensive sequencing efforts, few additional significantly recurrent and druggable drivers have been identified. In the absence of targetable mutations, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for most patients. Further, the role of the above driver mutations on PDAC initiation and early development is well-established. However, these mutations alone cannot account for PDAC heterogeneity nor discern early from advanced disease. Taken together, management of PDAC is an example highlighting the shortcomings of the current precision medicine paradigm. PDAC, like other malignancies, represents an ecoevolutionary process. Better understanding the disease through this lens can facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies to better control and cure PDAC. This review aims to integrate the current understanding of PDAC pathobiology into an ecoevolutionary framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merih D Toruner
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ryan M Carr
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Brouwer TP, van der Zanden SY, van der Ploeg M, van Eendenburg JDH, Bonsing BA, de Miranda NFCC, Neefjes JJ, Vahrmeijer AL. The identification of the anthracycline aclarubicin as an effective cytotoxic agent for pancreatic cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:614-621. [PMID: 35324522 PMCID: PMC9281511 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer, mainly due to its delayed diagnosis and lack of effective therapeutic options. Therefore, it is imperative to find novel treatment options for PDAC. Here, we tested a series of conventional chemotherapeutics together with anthracycline compounds as single agents or in combination, determining their effectivity against established commercial and patient-derived, low-passage PDAC cell lines. Proliferation and colony formation assays were performed to determine the anticancer activity of anthracyclines; aclarubicin and doxorubicin, on commercial and patient-derived, low-passage PDAC cell lines. In addition, the effect of standard-of-care drugs gemcitabine and individual components of FOLFIRINOX were also investigated. To evaluate which mechanisms of cell death were involved in drug response, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was evaluated by western blot. Aclarubicin showed superior antitumor activity compared to other anthracyclines and standard of care drugs (gemcitabine and individual components of FOLFIRINOX) in a patient-derived, low-passage PDAC cell line and in commercial cell lines. Importantly, the combination of gemcitabine and aclarubicin showed a synergistic effect at a dose range where the single agents by themselves were ineffective. In parallel, evaluation of the antitumor activity of aclarubicin demonstrated an apoptotic effect in all PDAC cell lines. Aclarubicin is cytotoxic for commercial and patient-derived low-passage PDAC cell lines, at doses lower than peak serum concentrations for patient treatment. Our findings support a (re)consideration of aclarubicin as a backbone of new combination regimens for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jacques J Neefjes
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
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Wang HC, Shih HY, Wu CC, Chen LT, Luo CW, Liu YC, Du JS, Huang MC, Su YY, Chen HD, Hsiao HH, Moi SH, Pan MR. Clustering of Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes Predicts Prognosis and Clinical Benefit of Therapeutic Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1615-1627. [PMID: 36185333 PMCID: PMC9515693 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.73800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, translational research and pharmacological targeting of epigenetic modifications have become the focus of personalized therapy for patients with pancreatic cancer. Preclinical and clinical trials targeting post-translational modifications have been evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with standard chemotherapy. In this study, we selected 43 genes from seven families of chromatin-modifying enzymes and investigated the influences of epigenetic modifications and their interactions on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using hierarchical clustering analysis. Our analysis also evaluated their effects on treatment modalities and regimens of chemotherapy for PDAC. RNA-seq data for a total of 177 patients with pancreatic cancer, obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, were analyzed. Our results suggested that high-risk patients of survival significant chromatin remodeling-associated gene cluster (gene cluster 2), composed of histone methyltransferases, histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, histone demethylases, and 10-11 translocation family, demonstrated inferior progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with PDAC, especially in men. Our novel biomarker, survival significant chromatin remodeling-associated gene cluster, showed superior prediction performance compared with the conventional TNM system. Overall, these findings suggest that epigenetic modifications and interactions play an important role in the prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ching Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yao Shih
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Wu
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shiun Du
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chin Huang
- Specialist Nurse and Surgical Nurse Practitioner Office, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
| | - Yung-Yeh Su
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Da Chen
- Translational Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hua Hsiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Center of Cancer Program Development, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.,Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital
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TPH1 and 5-HT 7 Receptor Overexpression Leading to Gemcitabine-Resistance Requires Non-Canonical Permissive Action of EZH2 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215305. [PMID: 34771469 PMCID: PMC8582390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most patients with pancreatic cancer initially respond to the first-choice drug gemcitabine, but the cancer cells rapidly acquire drug resistance, resulting in poor survival. In this study, we investigated whether the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system plays an important role in gemcitabine resistance and the maintenance of pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) in association with an Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an epigenetic regulator of transcription. Herein, we demonstrate that long-term exposure of PDAC cells to 5-HT leads to enhanced EZH2 expression which, in turn, allows upregulation of TPH1 and 5-HT7, resulting in EZH2-TPH1-5-HT7 axis operating in a feed-forward manner. The results suggest that the EZH2-TPH1-5-HT7 axis may be a highly efficient therapeutic target against drug-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Abstract In the present study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying overexpression of EZH2, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and 5-HT7, in relation to gemcitabine resistance and CSC survival in PDAC cells. In aggressive PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, knock-down (KD) of EZH2, TPH1, or HTR7 induced a decrease in CSCs and recovery from gemcitabine resistance, while preconditioning of less aggressive Capan-1 cells with 5-HT induced gemcitabine resistance with increased expression of EZH2, TPH1, and 5-HT7. Such effects of the gene KD and 5-HT treatment were mediated through PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. EZH2 KD or GSK-126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) inhibited activities of these signaling pathways which altered nuclear level of NF-kB, Sp1, and p-STAT3, accompanied by downregulation of TPH1 and 5-HT7. Co-immunoprecipation with EZH2 and pan-methyl lysine antibodies revealed that auto-methylated EZH2 served as a scaffold for binding with methylated NF-kB and Sp1 as well as unmethylated p-STAT3. Furthermore, the inhibitor of EZH2, TPH1, or 5-HT7 effectively regressed pancreatic tumor growth in a xenografted mouse tumor model. Overall, the results revealed that long-term exposure to 5-HT upregulated EZH2, and the noncanonical action of EZH2 allowed the expression of TPH1-5-HT7 axis leading to gemcitabine resistance and CSC population in PDAC.
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Cortez NE, Mackenzie GG. Ketogenic Diets in Pancreatic Cancer and Associated Cachexia: Cellular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093202. [PMID: 34579079 PMCID: PMC8471358 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and extremely therapy-resistant cancer. It is estimated that up to 80% of PDAC patients present with cachexia, a multifactorial disorder characterized by the involuntary and ongoing wasting of skeletal muscle that affects therapeutic response and survival. During the last decade, there has been an increased interest in exploring dietary interventions to complement the treatment of PDAC and associated cachexia. Ketogenic diets (KDs) have gained attention for their anti-tumor potential. Characterized by a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat composition, this diet mimics the metabolic changes that occur in fasting. Numerous studies report that a KD reduces tumor growth and can act as an adjuvant therapy in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, research on the effect and mechanisms of action of KDs on PDAC-associated cachexia is limited. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence of the impact of KDs in PDAC treatment and cachexia mitigation. Furthermore, we discuss key cellular mechanisms that explain KDs’ potential anti-tumor and anti-cachexia effects, focusing primarily on reprogramming of cell metabolism, epigenome, and the gut microbiome. Finally, we provide a perspective on future research needed to advance KDs into clinical use.
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10
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Dujardin P, Baginska AK, Urban S, Grüner BM. Unraveling Tumor Heterogeneity by Using DNA Barcoding Technologies to Develop Personalized Treatment Strategies in Advanced-Stage PDAC. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4187. [PMID: 34439341 PMCID: PMC8394487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of many solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and an inherent consequence of the clonal evolution of cancers. As such, it is considered the underlying concept of many characteristics of the disease, including the ability to metastasize, adapt to different microenvironments, and to develop therapy resistance. Undoubtedly, the high mortality of PDAC can be attributed to a high extent to these properties. Despite its apparent importance, studying tumor heterogeneity has been a challenging task, mainly due to its complexity and lack of appropriate methods. However, in recent years molecular DNA barcoding has emerged as a sophisticated tool that allows mapping of individual cells or subpopulations in a cell pool to study heterogeneity and thus devise new personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of genetic and non-genetic inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and its impact on (personalized) treatment strategies in PDAC and address how DNA barcoding technologies work and can be applied to study this clinically highly relevant question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Dujardin
- West German Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen at the University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (S.U.)
| | - Anna K. Baginska
- West German Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen at the University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (S.U.)
| | - Sebastian Urban
- West German Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen at the University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (S.U.)
| | - Barbara M. Grüner
- West German Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen at the University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (S.U.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, 45147 Essen, Germany
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11
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Dang Q, Shao B, Zhou Q, Chen C, Guo Y, Wang G, Liu J, Kan Q, Yuan W, Sun Z. RNA N 6-Methyladenosine in Cancer Metastasis: Roles, Mechanisms, and Applications. Front Oncol 2021; 11:681781. [PMID: 34211849 PMCID: PMC8239292 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.681781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a symptom of adverse prognosis, a prime origin of therapy failure, and a lethal challenge for cancer patients. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevailing modification in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of higher eukaryotes, has attracted increasing attention. Growing studies have verified the pivotal roles of m6A methylation in controlling mRNAs and ncRNAs in diverse physiological processes. Remarkably, recent findings have showed that aberrant methylation of m6A-related RNAs could influence cancer metastasis. In this review, we illuminate how m6A modifiers act on mRNAs and ncRNAs and modulate metastasis in several cancers, and put forward the clinical application prospects of m6A methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Shao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaxin Guo
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Basic Medical, Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Academy of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guixian Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Zhao Z, Li M, Tan X, Xu D, Liu R. Methylation patterns partition pancreatic cancer into distinct prognostic subtypes. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2027-2039. [PMID: 33784823 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, DNA methylation plays a critical role. The present study attempts to explore specific prognosis subtypes based on DNA methylation data and develop an epigenetic signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic cancer.147 samples were included in the training cohort, whereas the validation cohort included 226 samples. The 298 OS-related methylation sites in the training cohort were selected for consensus clustering, and the authors identified three subtypes with a significant difference in prognosis. Cluster1 was associated with poor OS, low-grade disease and high lymph node involvement. In addition, we identified 33 specific methylation sites in Cluster1. Subsequently, we developed a robust qualitative signature consisting of 14 methylation sites to individually predict OS in the training cohort, and the predictive accuracy of this model was confirmed in the validation cohort. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the selected genes in the model were mainly enriched in known cancer-related pathways. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups by the model, and a significant difference in OS was observed between these groups. Classification based on the modeling of a specific DNA methylation site can reveal the heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer and provide guidance for clinicians in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer and providing personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xianglong Tan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Dabin Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
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13
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Pereira BA, Vennin C, Papanicolaou M, Chambers CR, Herrmann D, Morton JP, Cox TR, Timpson P. CAF Subpopulations: A New Reservoir of Stromal Targets in Pancreatic Cancer. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:724-741. [PMID: 31735290 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most significant components in the tumour microenvironment (TME), where they can perform several protumourigenic functions. Several studies have recently reported that CAFs are more heterogenous and plastic than was previously thought. As such, there has been a shift in the field to study CAF subpopulations and the emergent functions of these subsets in tumourigenesis. In this review, we explore how different aspects of CAF heterogeneity are defined and how these manifest in multiple cancers, with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We also discuss therapeutic approaches to selectively target protumourigenic CAF functions, while avoiding normal fibroblasts, providing insight into the future of stromal targeting for the treatment of PDAC and other solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A Pereira
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Claire Vennin
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Papanicolaou
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Cecilia R Chambers
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Department, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
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14
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Li SS, Jiang WL, Xiao WQ, Li K, Zhang YF, Guo XY, Dai YQ, Zhao QY, Jiang MJ, Lu ZJ, Wan R. KMT2D deficiency enhances the anti-cancer activity of L48H37 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2019; 11:599-621. [PMID: 31435462 PMCID: PMC6700028 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v11.i8.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for patients with a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in order to improve their chances of survival. Recent studies have shown potent anti-neoplastic effects of curcumin and its analogues. In addition, the role of histone methyltransferases on cancer therapeutics has also been elucidated. However, the relationship between these two factors in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Our working hypothesis was that L48H37, a novel curcumin analog, has better efficacy in pancreatic cancer cell growth inhibition in the absence of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D).
AIM To determine the anti-cancer effects of L48H37 in PDAC, and the role of KMT2D on its therapeutic efficacy.
METHODS The viability and proliferation of primary (PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2) and metastatic (SW1990 and ASPC-1) PDAC cell lines treated with L48H37 was determined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell cycle profile were determined by staining the cells with Annexin-V/7-AAD, JC-1, DCFH-DA, and PI respectively, as well as flow cytometric acquisition. In vitro migration was assessed by the wound healing assay. The protein and mRNA levels of relevant factors were analyzed using Western blotting, immunofluorescence and real time-quantitative PCR. The in situ expression of KMT2D in both human PDAC and paired adjacent normal tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. In vivo tumor xenografts were established by injecting nude mice with PDAC cells. Bioinformatics analyses were also conducted using gene expression databases and TCGA.
RESULTS L48H37 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in SW1990 and ASPC-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while also reducing MMP, increasing ROS levels, arresting cell cycle at the G2/M stages and activating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/CHOP signaling pathway. Knocking down ATF4 significantly upregulated KMT2D in PDAC cells, and also decreased L48H37-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing KMT2D in L48H37-treated cells significantly augmented apoptosis and the ER stress pathway, indicating that KMT2D depletion is essential for the anti-neoplastic effects of L48H37. Administering L48H37 to mice bearing tumors derived from control or KMT2D-knockdown PDAC cells significantly decreased the tumor burden. We also identified several differentially expressed genes in PDAC cell lines expressing very low levels of KMT2D that were functionally categorized into the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway. The KMT2D high- and low-expressing PDAC patients from the TCGA database showed similar survival rates,but higher KMT2D expression was associated with poor tumor grade in clinical and pathological analyses.
CONCLUSION L48H37 exerts a potent anti-cancer effect in PDAC, which is augmented by KMT2D deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wei-Liang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Wen-Qin Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ye-Fei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xing-Ya Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yi-Qi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ming-Jie Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
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15
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Mishra NK, Southekal S, Guda C. Survival Analysis of Multi-Omics Data Identifies Potential Prognostic Markers of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2019; 10:624. [PMID: 31379917 PMCID: PMC6659773 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and among the deadliest of pancreatic cancers. Its 5-year survival is only ∼8%. Pancreatic cancers are a heterogeneous group of diseases, of which PDAC is particularly aggressive. Like many other cancers, PDAC also starts as a pre-invasive precursor lesion (known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, PanIN), which offers an opportunity for both early detection and early treatment. Even advanced PDAC can benefit from prognostic biomarkers. However, reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis or those for prognosis of therapy remain an unfulfilled goal for PDAC. In this study, we selected 153 PDAC patients from the TCGA database and used their clinical, DNA methylation, gene expression, and micro-RNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression data for multi-omics analysis. Differential methylations at about 12,000 CpG sites were observed in PDAC tumor genomes, with about 61% of them hypermethylated, predominantly in the promoter regions and in CpG-islands. We correlated promoter methylation and gene expression for mRNAs and identified 17 genes that were previously recognized as PDAC biomarkers. Similarly, several genes (B3GNT3, DMBT1, DEPDC1B) and lncRNAs (PVT1, and GATA6-AS) are strongly correlated with survival, which have not been reported in PDAC before. Other genes such as EFR3B, whose biological roles are not well known in mammals are also found to strongly associated with survival. We further identified 406 promoter methylation target loci associated with patients survival, including known esophageal squamous cell carcinoma biomarkers, cg03234186 (ZNF154), and cg02587316, cg18630667, and cg05020604 (ZNF382). Overall, this is one of the first studies that identified survival associated genes using multi-omics data from PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kumar Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Siddesh Southekal
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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16
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Hung YH, Hsu MC, Chen LT, Hung WC, Pan MR. Alteration of Epigenetic Modifiers in Pancreatic Cancer and Its Clinical Implication. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8060903. [PMID: 31238554 PMCID: PMC6617267 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer has considerably increased in the past decade. Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis among the cancers of the digestive tract because the pancreas is located in the posterior abdominal cavity, and most patients do not show clinical symptoms for early detection. Approximately 55% of all patients are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only after the tumors metastasize. Therefore, identifying useful biomarkers for early diagnosis and screening high-risk groups are important to improve pancreatic cancer therapy. Recent emerging evidence has suggested that genetic and epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in the molecular aspects of pancreatic tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the epigenetic alterations in pancreatic cancer and propose potential synthetic lethal strategies to target these genetic defects to treat this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Chuan Hsu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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17
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Tumour microenvironment of pancreatic cancer: immune landscape is dictated by molecular and histopathological features. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:5-14. [PMID: 31110329 PMCID: PMC6738327 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease, with fewer than 7% of patients surviving beyond 5 years following diagnosis. Immune responses are known to influence tumour progression. The dynamic interaction between cancer cells and immune cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) can not only result in, or be influenced by, different tumour characteristics, but it can also lead to diverse mechanisms of immune evasion. At present, there is much interest in classifying pancreatic cancer according to its morphologic, genetic and immunologic features in order to understand the significant heterogeneity of this tumour type. Such information can contribute to the identification of highly needed novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and can be used for accurate patient stratification and therapy guidance. This review focuses on the characteristics of the local immune contexture of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the interaction between tumour cells and immune cells within the TME, by simultaneously taking into account the histomorphologic and genetic features of the tumours. The emerging opportunities for approaches that could predict the most-effective therapeutic modalities towards more targeted, personalised treatments to improve patient care are also discussed.
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18
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Inflammation, Biomarkers and Immuno-Oncology Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9020020. [PMID: 31035449 PMCID: PMC6616860 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that pancreatic cancer will be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally by 2030, highlighting the ongoing lack of effective treatment options for this devastating condition. There is a lack of reliable prognostic or predictive markers in pancreatic cancer to guide management decisions, whether for systemic chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapies, or immunotherapies. To date, the results for targeted agents and immunotherapies in unselected populations of chemo-refractory pancreatic cancer have not met expectations. The reasons for this lack of efficacy of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer are not completely understood. The challenges in pancreatic cancer include the physical barrier created by the dense desmoplastic stroma surrounding the tumor, chemokine-mediated exclusion of T cells, relatively poorer antigenicity compared to other solid tumors, paucity of infiltrating T cells within the tumor, ultimately leading to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. A better understanding of the role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer, its tumor microenvironment and individualized patient-related features, be they molecular, clinical or histopathological, would enable a more effective tailored approach to the management of pancreatic cancer. In this review, the role of inflammation, the immune tumor microenvironment and potential immune biomarkers in pancreatic cancer are explored.
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19
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Abstract
Several challenges present themselves when discussing current approaches to the prevention or treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up to 45% of the risk of pancreatic cancer is attributed to unknown causes, making effective prevention programs difficult to design. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is generally diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis and 5-year survival estimate. PDAC tumors are heterogeneous, leading to many identified cell subtypes within one patient’s primary tumor. This explains why there is a high frequency of tumors that are resistant to standard treatments, leading to high relapse rates. This review will discuss how epigenetic technologies and epigenome-wide association studies have been used to address some of these challenges and the future promises these approaches hold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul R Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (R.R.S.); (K.M.R.)
| | - Katie M Reindl
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (R.R.S.); (K.M.R.)
| | - Rick J Jansen
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
- Biostatistics Core Facility, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
- Center for Immunization Research and Education, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
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20
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Wilkinson RA, Martin C, Nemudryi AA, Wiedenheft B. CRISPR RNA-guided autonomous delivery of Cas9. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:14-24. [PMID: 30598555 PMCID: PMC7703833 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cas9 is an endonuclease that can be programed to autonomously deliver diverse effectors to specified genetic addresses. High-resolution structures of this protein and its associated CRISPR RNA guide explain the molecular mechanisms of CRISPR-RNA-guided DNA recognition and provide a molecular blueprint that has facilitated structure-guided functional remodeling. Here we retrace events that led from early efforts to understand the central role of Cas9 in CRISPR-mediated adaptive immunity to contemporary efforts aimed at developing and deploying this enzyme for programmable genetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce A Wilkinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Coleman Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Artem A Nemudryi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA.
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