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Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Cun H, Wlodarczyk M, Garcia N, Carvalho KC, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:1106. [PMID: 38994959 PMCID: PMC11240800 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common subtype of uterine sarcomas. They have a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The five-year survival for uLMS patients is between 25 and 76%, with survival rates approaching 10-15% for patients with metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that several biological pathways are involved in uLMS pathogenesis. Notably, drugs that block abnormal functions of these pathways remarkably improve survival in uLMS patients. However, due to chemotherapy resistance, there remains a need for novel drugs that can target these pathways effectively. In this review article, we provide an overview of the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms in uLMS from the perspective of aberrant biological pathways, including DNA repair, immune checkpoint blockade, protein kinase and intracellular signaling pathways, and the hedgehog pathway. We review the emerging role of epigenetics and epitranscriptome in the pathogenesis of uLMS. In addition, we discuss serum markers, artificial intelligence (AI) combined with machine learning, shear wave elastography, current management and medical treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials for patients with uLMS. Comprehensive, integrated, and deeper insights into the pathobiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of uLMS will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with this aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Han Cun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marta Wlodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento deObstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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2
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Yang Q, Falahati A, Khosh A, Vafaei S, Al-Hendy A. Targeting Bromodomain-Containing Protein 9 in Human Uterine Fibroid Cells. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01608-6. [PMID: 38858328 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01608-6] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins are evolutionarily conserved protein-protein interaction modules involved in many biological processes. BRDs selectively recognize and bind to acetylated lysine residues, particularly in histones, and thereby have a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. BRD protein dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including tumorigenesis. Previously, we reported the critical role of BRD-containing protein 9 (BRD9) in the pathogenesis of UFs. The present study aimed to extend our previous finding and further understand the role of the BRD9 in UFs. Our studies demonstrated that targeted inhibition of BRD9 with its potent inhibitor TP-472 inhibited the pathogenesis of UF through increased apoptosis and proliferation arrest and decreased extracellular matrix deposition in UF cells. High-throughput transcriptomic analysis further and extensively demonstrated that targeted inhibition of BRD9 by TP-472 impacted the biological pathways, including cell cycle progression, inflammatory response, E2F targets, ECM deposition, and m6A reprogramming. Compared with the previous study, we identified common enriched pathways induced by two BRD9 inhibitors, I-BRD9 and TP-472. Taken together, our studies further revealed the critical role of BRD9 in UF cells. We characterized the link between BRD9 and other vital pathways, as well as the connection between epigenetic and epitranscriptome involved in UF progression. Targeted inhibition of BRD proteins might provide a non-hormonal treatment strategy for this most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Ali Falahati
- DNA GTx LAB, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, 505262, UAE
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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3
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Dreier MR, Walia J, de la Serna IL. Targeting SWI/SNF Complexes in Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches and Implications. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38390898 PMCID: PMC10885108 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010007] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
SWI/SNF enzymes are heterogeneous multi-subunit complexes that utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin structure, facilitating transcription, DNA replication, and repair. In mammalian cells, distinct sub-complexes, including cBAF, ncBAF, and PBAF exhibit varying subunit compositions and have different genomic functions. Alterations in the SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions are a prominent feature in cancer, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Current strategies in cancer therapeutics involve the use of pharmacological agents designed to bind and disrupt the activity of SWI/SNF complexes or specific sub-complexes. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunits, SMARCA4/2, and small molecules binding SWI/SNF bromodomains are the primary approaches for suppressing SWI/SNF function. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) were generated by the covalent linkage of the bromodomain or ATPase-binding ligand to an E3 ligase-binding moiety. This engineered connection promotes the degradation of specific SWI/SNF subunits, enhancing and extending the impact of this pharmacological intervention in some cases. Extensive preclinical studies have underscored the therapeutic potential of these drugs across diverse cancer types. Encouragingly, some of these agents have progressed from preclinical research to clinical trials, indicating a promising stride toward the development of effective cancer therapeutics targeting SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Dreier
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Jasmine Walia
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Ivana L de la Serna
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
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Yang Q, Vafaei S, Falahati A, Khosh A, Bariani MV, Omran MM, Bai T, Siblini H, Ali M, He C, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Bromodomain-Containing Protein 9 Regulates Signaling Pathways and Reprograms the Epigenome in Immortalized Human Uterine Fibroid Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:905. [PMID: 38255982 PMCID: PMC10815284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins (BRDs) are involved in many biological processes, most notably epigenetic regulation of transcription, and BRD dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including tumorigenesis. However, the role of BRDs in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) is entirely unknown. The present study aimed to determine the expression pattern of BRD9 in UFs and matched myometrium and further assess the impact of a BRD9 inhibitor on UF phenotype and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic changes. Our studies demonstrated that the levels of BRD9 were significantly upregulated in UFs compared to matched myometrium, suggesting that the aberrant BRD expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of UFs. We then evaluated the potential roles of BRD9 using its specific inhibitor, I-BRD9. Targeted inhibition of BRD9 suppressed UF tumorigenesis with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition in UF cells. The latter is the key hallmark of UFs. Unbiased transcriptomic profiling coupled with downstream bioinformatics analysis further and extensively demonstrated that targeted inhibition of BRD9 impacted the cell cycle- and ECM-related biological pathways and reprogrammed the UF cell epigenome and epitranscriptome in UFs. Taken together, our studies support the critical role of BRD9 in UF cells and the strong interconnection between BRD9 and other pathways controlling the UF progression. Targeted inhibition of BRDs might provide a non-hormonal treatment option for this most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ali Falahati
- DNA GTx LAB, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai 505262, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Maria Victoria Bariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Tao Bai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Hiba Siblini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
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Garcia N, Ulin M, Yang Q, Ali M, Bosland MC, Zeng W, Chen L, Al-Hendy A. Survivin-Sodium Iodide Symporter Reporter as a Non-Invasive Diagnostic Marker to Differentiate Uterine Leiomyosarcoma from Leiomyoma. Cells 2023; 12:2830. [PMID: 38132150 PMCID: PMC10741838 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) has been challenging to diagnose because of limitations in clinical and radiographic predictors, as well as the lack of reliable serum or urinary biomarkers. Most uterine masses consist of benign leiomyoma (LM). However, it is currently a significant challenge in gynecology practice to differentiate LMS from LM. This inability poses grave consequences for patients, leading to a high number of unnecessary hysterectomies, infertility, and other major morbidities and possible mortalities. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Survivin-Sodium iodide symporter (Ad-Sur-NIS) as a reporter gene biomarker to differentiate malignant LMS from benign LM by using an F18-NaBF4 PET/CT scan. The PET/CT scan images showed a significantly increased radiotracer uptake and a decreased radiotracer decay attributable to the higher abundance of Ad-Sur-NIS in the LMS tumors compared to LM (p < 0.05). An excellent safety profile was observed, with no pathological or metabolic differences detected in Ad-Sur-NIS-treated animal versus the vehicle control. Ad-Sur-NIS as a PET scan reporter is a promising imaging biomarker that can differentiate uterine LMS from LM using F18-NaBF4 as a radiotracer. As a new diagnostic method, the F18 NaBF4 PET/CT scan can provide a much-needed tool in clinical practices to effectively triage women with suspicious uterine masses and avoid unnecessary invasive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Garcia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 11537, USA
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Maarten C. Bosland
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Weiqiao Zeng
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Liaohai Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. The Functional Role and Regulatory Mechanism of FTO m 6A RNA Demethylase in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7957. [PMID: 37175660 PMCID: PMC10178470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most frequent subtype of uterine sarcoma that presents a poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The origin and molecular mechanism underlying and driving its clinical and biological behavior remain largely unknown. Recently, we and others have revealed the role of microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications in contributing to the pathogenesis of uLMS. However, the connection between reversible m6A RNA methylation and uLMS pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the role and mechanism of FTO m6A RNA demethylase in the pathogenesis of uLMS. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the levels of RNA demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 were aberrantly upregulated in uLMS tissues compared to adjacent myometrium with a significant change by histochemical scoring assessment (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the inhibition of FTO demethylase with its small, potent inhibitor (Dac51) significantly decreased the uLMS proliferation dose-dependently via cell cycle arrest. Notably, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the inhibition of FTO with Dac51 exhibited a significant decrease in cell-cycle-related genes, including several CDK members, and a significant increase in the expression of CDKN1A, which correlated with a Dac51-exerted inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Moreover, Dac51 treatment allowed the rewiring of several critical pathways, including TNFα signaling, KRAS signaling, inflammation response, G2M checkpoint, and C-Myc signaling, among others, leading to the suppression of the uLMS phenotype. Moreover, transcription factor (TF) analyses suggested that epitranscriptional alterations by Dac51 may alter the cell cycle-related gene expression via TF-driven pathways and epigenetic networks in uLMS cells. This intersection of RNA methylation and other epigenetic controls and pathways provides a framework to better understand uterine diseases, particularly uLMS pathogenesis with a dysregulation of RNA methylation machinery. Therefore, targeting the vulnerable epitranscriptome may provide an additional regulatory layer for a promising and novel strategy for treating patients with this aggressive uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Psilopatis I, Vrettou K, Kokkali S, Theocharis S. The Role of MicroRNAs in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092420. [PMID: 37173887 PMCID: PMC10177388 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092420] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine sarcomas are rare gynecological tumors arising from the myometrium or the connective tissue of the endometrium with a relatively poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors under certain conditions. The current review aims at studying the role of miRNAs in uterine sarcoma diagnosis and treatment. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms "microRNA" and "uterine sarcoma" were employed, and we were able to identify 24 studies published between 2008 and 2022. The current manuscript represents the first comprehensive review of the literature focusing on the particular role of miRNAs as biomarkers for uterine sarcomas. miRNAs were found to exhibit differential expression in uterine sarcoma cell lines and interact with certain genes correlating with tumorigenesis and cancer progression, whereas selected miRNA isoforms seem to be either over- or under-expressed in uterine sarcoma samples compared to normal uteri or benign tumors. Furthermore, miRNA levels correlate with various clinical prognostic parameters in uterine sarcoma patients, whereas each uterine sarcoma subtype is characterized by a unique miRNA profile. In summary, miRNAs seemingly represent novel trustworthy biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Gynecology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kleio Vrettou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stefania Kokkali
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippocratio General Hospital of Athens, V. Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Yang Q, Falahati A, Khosh A, Mohammed H, Kang W, Corachán A, Bariani MV, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Targeting Class I Histone Deacetylases in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233801. [PMID: 36497061 PMCID: PMC9735512 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most frequent subtype of uterine sarcoma that presents a poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is unknown. Class I histone deacetylases (including HDAC1, 2, 3, and 8) are one of the major classes of the HDAC family and catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues in histones and cellular proteins. Class I HDACs exhibit distinct cellular and subcellular expression patterns and are involved in many biological processes and diseases through diverse signaling pathways. However, the link between class I HDACs and uLMS is still being determined. In this study, we assessed the expression panel of Class I HDACs in uLMS and characterized the role and mechanism of class I HDACs in the pathogenesis of uLMS. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that HDAC1, 2, and 3 are aberrantly upregulated in uLMS tissues compared to adjacent myometrium. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of HDAC 1, 2, and 3 exhibited a graded increase from normal and benign to malignant uterine tumor cells. Furthermore, inhibition of HDACs with Class I HDACs inhibitor (Tucidinostat) decreased the uLMS proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that inhibition of HDACs with Tucidinostat altered several critical pathways. Moreover, multiple epigenetic analyses suggested that Tucidinostat may alter the transcriptome via reprogramming the oncogenic epigenome and inducing the changes in microRNA-target interaction in uLMS cells. In the parallel study, we also determined the effect of DL-sulforaphane on the uLMS. Our study demonstrated the relevance of class I HDACs proteins in the pathogenesis of malignant uLMS. Further understanding the role and mechanism of HDACs in uLMS may provide a promising and novel strategy for treating patients with this aggressive uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Ali Falahati
- Department of Biology, Yazd University, Yazd 891581841, Iran
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Biology, Yazd University, Yazd 891581841, Iran
| | - Hanaa Mohammed
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Wenjun Kang
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ana Corachán
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Valencia, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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de Almeida BC, dos Anjos LG, Dobroff AS, Baracat EC, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A, Carvalho KC. Epigenetic Features in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma and Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas: An Overview of the Literature. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102567. [PMID: 36289829 PMCID: PMC9599831 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102567] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a consensus that epigenetic alterations play a key role in cancer initiation and its biology. Studies evaluating the modification in the DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling patterns, as well as gene regulation profile by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat several tumor types. Indeed, despite clinical and translational challenges, combinatorial therapies employing agents targeting epigenetic modifications with conventional approaches have shown encouraging results. However, for rare neoplasia such as uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), treatment options are still limited. LMS has high chromosomal instability and molecular derangements, while ESS can present a specific gene fusion signature. Although they are the most frequent types of “pure” uterine sarcomas, these tumors are difficult to diagnose, have high rates of recurrence, and frequently develop resistance to current treatment options. The challenges involving the management of these tumors arise from the fact that the molecular mechanisms governing their progression have not been entirely elucidated. Hence, to fill this gap and highlight the importance of ongoing and future studies, we have cross-referenced the literature on uterine LMS and ESS and compiled the most relevant epigenetic studies, published between 2009 and 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Cristine de Almeida
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Laura Gonzalez dos Anjos
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Andrey Senos Dobroff
- UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, (UNM) School of Medicine, UNM Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Edmund Chada Baracat
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-011-3061-7486
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