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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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Pelon M, Krzeminski P, Tracz-Gaszewska Z, Misiewicz-Krzeminska I. Factors determining the sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors of multiple myeloma cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1351565. [PMID: 38500772 PMCID: PMC10944964 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1351565] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer that originates from antibody-producing plasma cells. It is characterized by an intrinsic ability to produce large amounts of immunoglobulin-like proteins. The high rate of synthesis makes myeloma cells dependent on protein processing mechanisms related to the proteasome. This dependence made proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib and carfilzomib one of the most important classes of drugs used in multiple myeloma treatment. Inhibition of the proteasome is associated with alteration of a number of important biological processes leading, in consequence, to inhibition of angiogenesis. The effect of drugs in this group and the degree of patient response to the treatment used is itself an extremely complex process that depends on many factors. At cellular level the change in sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors may be related to differences in the expression level of proteasome subunits, the degree of proteasome loading, metabolic adaptation, transcriptional or epigenetic factors. These are just some of the possibilities that may influence differences in response to proteasome inhibitors. This review describes the main cellular factors that determine the degree of response to proteasome inhibitor drugs, as well as information on the key role of the proteasome and the performance characteristics of the inhibitors that are the mainstay of multiple myeloma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pelon
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Krzeminski
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Institute, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Tracz-Gaszewska
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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Song Y, Zhang HJ, Song X, Geng J, Li HY, Zhang LZ, Yang B, Lu XC. Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:115-129. [PMID: 38292661 PMCID: PMC10823940 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.115] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is a terminal differentiated B-cell tumor disease characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells and excessive levels of monoclonal immunoglobulins in the bone marrow. The translocation, (t)(4;14), results in high-risk MM with limited treatment alternatives. Thus, there is an urgent need for identification and validation of potential treatments for this MM subtype. Microarray data and sequencing information from public databases could offer opportunities for the discovery of new diagnostic or therapeutic targets. AIM To elucidate the molecular basis and search for potential effective drugs of t(4;14) MM subtype by employing a comprehensive approach. METHODS The transcriptional signature of t(4;14) MM was sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Two datasets, GSE16558 and GSE116294, which included 17 and 15 t(4;14) MM bone marrow samples, and five and four normal bone marrow samples, respectively. After the differentially expressed genes were identified, the Cytohubba tool was used to screen for hub genes. Then, the hub genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Using the STRING database and Cytoscape, protein-protein interaction networks and core targets were identified. Potential small-molecule drugs were identified and validated using the Connectivity Map database and molecular docking analysis, respectively. RESULTS In this study, a total of 258 differentially expressed genes with enriched functions in cancer pathways, namely cytokine receptor interactions, nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and Hippo signaling pathway, were identified. Ten hub genes (cd45, vcam1, ccl3, cd56, app, cd48, btk, ccr2, cybb, and cxcl12) were identified. Nine drugs, including ivermectin, deforolimus, and isoliquiritigenin, were predicted by the Connectivity Map database to have potential therapeutic effects on t (4;14) MM. In molecular docking, ivermectin showed strong binding affinity to all 10 identified targets, especially cd45 and cybb. Ivermectin inhibited t(4;14) MM cell growth via the NF-κB pathway and induced MM cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, ivermectin increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential in t(4;14) MM cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, the findings offer valuable molecular insights for biomarker validation and potential drug development in t(4;14) MM diagnosis and treatment, with ivermectin emerging as a potential therapeutic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hao-Jun Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xia Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Geng
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hong-Yi Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Li-Zhong Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xue-Chun Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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David L, Onaciu A, Toma V, Borșa RM, Moldovan C, Țigu AB, Cenariu D, Șimon I, Știufiuc GF, Carasevici E, Drăgoi B, Tomuleasa C, Știufiuc RI. Understanding DNA Epigenetics by Means of Raman/SERS Analysis for Cancer Detection. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:41. [PMID: 38248418 PMCID: PMC10813173 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This study delves into the intricate interaction between DNA and nanosystems, exploring its potential implications for biomedical applications. The focus lies in understanding the adsorption geometry of DNA when in proximity to plasmonic nanoparticles, utilizing ultrasensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques. Employing a combined Raman-SERS analysis, we conducted an in-depth examination to clarify the molecular geometry of interactions between DNA and silver nanoparticles. Our findings also reveal distinctive spectral features regarding DNA samples due to their distinctive genome stability. To understand the subtle differences occurring between normal and cancerous DNA, their thermal stability was investigated by means of SERS measurement performed before and after a thermal treatment at 94 °C. It was proved that thermal treatment did not affect DNA integrity in the case of normal cells. On the other hand, due to epimutation pattern that characterizes cancerous DNA, variations between spectra recorded before and after heat treatment were observed, suggesting genome instability. These findings highlight the potential of DNA analysis using SERS for cancer detection. They demonstrate the applicability of this approach to overcoming challenges associated with low DNA concentrations (e.g., circulating tumor DNA) that occur in biofluids. In conclusion, this research contributes significant insights into the nanoscale behavior of DNA in the presence of nanosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca David
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Anca Onaciu
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics & Biophysics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Valentin Toma
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Rareș-Mario Borșa
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Moldovan
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics & Biophysics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Țigu
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Diana Cenariu
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Ioan Șimon
- Department of Surgery, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | | | - Eugen Carasevici
- Nanotechnology Laboratory, TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania; (E.C.); (B.D.)
| | - Brîndușa Drăgoi
- Nanotechnology Laboratory, TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania; (E.C.); (B.D.)
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Hematology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, “Ion Chiricuta” Clinical Cancer Center, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rareș-Ionuț Știufiuc
- MedFuture—Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.O.); (V.T.); (R.-M.B.); (C.M.); (A.-B.Ț.); (D.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics & Biophysics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Nanotechnology Laboratory, TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania; (E.C.); (B.D.)
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