1
|
Ghasemi N, Azizi H. Exploring Myc puzzle: Insights into cancer, stem cell biology, and PPI networks. Gene 2024; 916:148447. [PMID: 38583818 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148447] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
"The grand orchestrator," "Universal Amplifier," "double-edged sword," and "Undruggable" are just some of the Myc oncogene so-called names. It has been around 40 years since the discovery of the Myc, and it remains in the mainstream of cancer treatment drugs. Myc is part of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) superfamily proteins, and its dysregulation can be seen in many malignant human tumors. It dysregulates critical pathways in cells that are connected to each other, such as proliferation, growth, cell cycle, and cell adhesion, impacts miRNAs action, intercellular metabolism, DNA replication, differentiation, microenvironment regulation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Myc, surprisingly, is used in stem cell research too. Its family includes three members, MYC, MYCN, and MYCL, and each dysfunction was observed in different cancer types. This review aims to introduce Myc and its function in the body. Besides, Myc deregulatory mechanisms in cancer cells, their intricate aspects will be discussed. We will look at promising drugs and Myc-based therapies. Finally, Myc and its role in stemness, Myc pathways based on PPI network analysis, and future insights will be explained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ghasemi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zacarías-Fluck MF, Soucek L, Whitfield JR. MYC: there is more to it than cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342872. [PMID: 38510176 PMCID: PMC10952043 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342872] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in multiple cellular processes. While its mechanism of action and targets are not completely elucidated, it has a fundamental role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, ribogenesis, and bone and vascular development. Over 4 decades of research and some 10,000 publications linking it to tumorigenesis (by searching PubMed for "MYC oncogene") have led to MYC becoming a most-wanted target for the treatment of cancer, where many of MYC's physiological functions become co-opted for tumour initiation and maintenance. In this context, an abundance of reviews describes strategies for potentially targeting MYC in the oncology field. However, its multiple roles in different aspects of cellular biology suggest that it may also play a role in many additional diseases, and other publications are indeed linking MYC to pathologies beyond cancer. Here, we review these physiological functions and the current literature linking MYC to non-oncological diseases. The intense efforts towards developing MYC inhibitors as a cancer therapy will potentially have huge implications for the treatment of other diseases. In addition, with a complementary approach, we discuss some diseases and conditions where MYC appears to play a protective role and hence its increased expression or activation could be therapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariano F. Zacarías-Fluck
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan R. Whitfield
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lama D, Vosselman T, Sahin C, Liaño-Pons J, Cerrato CP, Nilsson L, Teilum K, Lane DP, Landreh M, Arsenian Henriksson M. A druggable conformational switch in the c-MYC transactivation domain. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1865. [PMID: 38424045 PMCID: PMC10904854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45826-7] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The c-MYC oncogene is activated in over 70% of all human cancers. The intrinsic disorder of the c-MYC transcription factor facilitates molecular interactions that regulate numerous biological pathways, but severely limits efforts to target its function for cancer therapy. Here, we use a reductionist strategy to characterize the dynamic and structural heterogeneity of the c-MYC protein. Using probe-based Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning, we identify a conformational switch in the c-MYC amino-terminal transactivation domain (termed coreMYC) that cycles between a closed, inactive, and an open, active conformation. Using the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to modulate the conformational landscape of coreMYC, we show through biophysical and cellular assays that the induction of a closed conformation impedes its interactions with the transformation/transcription domain-associated protein (TRRAP) and the TATA-box binding protein (TBP) which are essential for the transcriptional and oncogenic activities of c-MYC. Together, these findings provide insights into structure-activity relationships of c-MYC, which open avenues towards the development of shape-shifting compounds to target c-MYC as well as other disordered transcription factors for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilraj Lama
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Thibault Vosselman
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cagla Sahin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Judit Liaño-Pons
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmine P Cerrato
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14813, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kaare Teilum
- Department of Biology, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David P Lane
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Cell- and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marie Arsenian Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wan X, Wang J, Fang F, Hu Y, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Zhang Y, Yu J, Wu Y, Zhou B, Yin H, Ma L, Li X, Zhuo R, Cheng W, Zhang S, Pan J, Lu J, Hu S. Super enhancer related gene ANP32B promotes the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia by enhancing MYC through histone acetylation. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:81. [PMID: 38383388 PMCID: PMC10882810 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03271-y] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the hematopoietic system, and childhood AML accounts for about 20% of pediatric leukemia. ANP32B, an important nuclear protein associated with proliferation, has been found to regulate hematopoiesis and CML leukemogenesis by inhibiting p53 activity. However, recent study suggests that ANP32B exerts a suppressive effect on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in mice by activating PU.1. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanism of ANP32B in AML remains elusive. RESULTS Super enhancer related gene ANP32B was significantly upregulated in AML patients. The expression of ANP32B exhibited a negative correlation with overall survival. Knocking down ANP32B suppressed the proliferation of AML cell lines MV4-11 and Kasumi-1, along with downregulation of C-MYC expression. Additionally, it led to a significant decrease in H3K27ac levels in AML cell lines. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that ANP32B knockdown effectively inhibited tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS ANP32B plays a significant role in promoting tumor proliferation in AML. The downregulation of ANP32B induces cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis in AML cell lines. Mechanistic analysis suggests that ANP32B may epigenetically regulate the expression of MYC through histone H3K27 acetylation. ANP32B could serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wan
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yixin Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Bi Zhou
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Suzhou Hospital of AnHui Medical University, Suzhou, 234000, China
| | - Hongli Yin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Li Ma
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Shuqi Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schütz S, Bergsdorf C, Hänni-Holzinger S, Lingel A, Renatus M, Gossert AD, Jahnke W. Intrinsically Disordered Regions in the Transcription Factor MYC:MAX Modulate DNA Binding via Intramolecular Interactions. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38264995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) MYC is in large part an intrinsically disordered oncoprotein. In complex with its obligate heterodimerization partner MAX, MYC preferentially binds E-Box DNA sequences (CANNTG). At promoters containing these sequence motifs, MYC controls fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, metabolism, and apoptosis. A vast network of proteins in turn regulates MYC function via intermolecular interactions. In this work, we establish another layer of MYC regulation by intramolecular interactions. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify and map multiple binding sites for the C-terminal MYC:MAX DNA-binding domain (DBD) on the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in the MYC N-terminus. We find that these binding events in trans are driven by electrostatic attraction, that they have distinct affinities, and that they are competitive with DNA binding. Thereby, we observe the strongest effects for the N-terminal MYC box 0 (Mb0), a conserved motif involved in MYC transactivation and target gene induction. We prepared recombinant full-length MYC:MAX complex and demonstrate that the interactions identified in this work are also relevant in cis, i.e., as intramolecular interactions. These findings are supported by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, which revealed that intramolecular IDR:DBD interactions in MYC decelerate the association of MYC:MAX complexes to DNA. Our work offers new insights into how bHLH-LZ TFs are regulated by intramolecular interactions, which open up new possibilities for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schütz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Bergsdorf
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Hänni-Holzinger
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Lingel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Renatus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gunasinghe KJ, Rahman T, Chee Wezen X. Unraveling the Behavior of Intrinsically Disordered Protein c-Myc: A Study Utilizing Gaussian-Accelerated Molecular Dynamics. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2250-2262. [PMID: 38250404 PMCID: PMC10795134 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The protein c-Myc is a transcription factor that remains largely intrinsically disordered and is known to be involved in various biological processes and is overexpressed in various cancers, making it an attractive drug target. However, intrinsically disordered proteins such as c-Myc do not show funnel-like basins in their free-energy landscapes; this makes their druggability a challenge. For the first time, we propose a heterodimer model of c-Myc/Max in full length in this work. We used Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations to explore the behavior of c-Myc and its various regions, including the transactivation domain (TAD) and the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine-zipper (bHLH-Zipper) motif in three different conformational states: (a) monomeric c-Myc, (b) c-Myc when bound to its partner protein, Max, and (c) when Max was removed after binding. We analyzed the GaMD trajectories using root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration, root-mean-square fluctuation, and free-energy landscape (FEL) calculations to elaborate the behaviors of these regions. The results showed that the monomeric c-Myc structure showed a higher RMSD fluctuation as compared with the c-Myc/Max heterodimer in the bHLH-Zipper motif. This indicated that the bHLH-Zipper motif of c-Myc is more stable when it is bound to Max. The TAD region in both monomeric and Max-bound states showed similar plasticity in terms of RMSD. We also conducted residue decomposition calculations and showed that the c-Myc and Max interaction could be driven mainly by electrostatic interactions and the residues Arg299, Ile403, and Leu420 seemed to play important roles in the interaction. Our work provides insights into the behavior of c-Myc and its regions that could support the development of drugs that target c-Myc and other intrinsically disordered proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Taufiq Rahman
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Chee Wezen
- Faculty
of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne
University of Technology Sarawak, Kuching 93350, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qu S, Gong M, Deng Y, Xiang Y, Ye D. Research progress and application of single-cell sequencing in head and neck malignant tumors. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:18-27. [PMID: 37968342 PMCID: PMC10794142 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00691-2] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a technology that separates thousands of cells from the organism and accurately analyzes the genetic material expressed in each cell using high-throughput sequencing technology. Unlike the traditional bulk sequencing approach, which can only provide the average value of a cell population and cannot obtain specific single-cell data, single-cell sequencing can identify the gene sequence and expression changes of a single cell, and reflects the differences between genetic material and protein between cells, and ultimately the role played by the tumor microenvironment. single-cell sequencing can further explore the pathogenesis of head and neck malignancies from the single-cell biological level and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of head and neck malignancies. This article will systematically introduce the latest progress and application of single-cell sequencing in malignant head and neck tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengdan Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongqin Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhen Xiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Ye
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bhowmick S, Roy K, Saha A. Structure-guided screening of protein-protein interaction for the identification of Myc-Max heterodimer complex modulators. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-19. [PMID: 38109131 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294174] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
De-regulation of oncogenic myelocytomatosis (c-Myc or Myc) transcription factor is one of the most common molecular anomalies encountered in human cancers, and it is typically linked to many aggressive malignancies including breast, lung, cervix, colon glioblastomas, and other haematological organs. The Myc belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix zipper protein family (bHLH-ZIP), and its dimerization with another principal interactor protein partner Myc-associated factor X (Max) is essentially required for cellular transformation, cell growth and proliferation, and transcriptional activation. Intermolecular interactions have been evaluated between hetero-dimer Myc-Max protein, which identified protein-protein interaction (PPI) specific modulators using highly précised molecular docking study followed by long-range interaction stability analyzed through molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Moreover, ADME profile analyses have been estimated for screened hit compounds. MM-GBSA-based binding free energy (ΔG) estimations have been performed for all screened hit compounds obtained from multi-step molecular docking-based virtual screening technique. According to the employed various rigorous multi-chemometric techniques, four identified inhibitors/modulators appear to have a considerable number of intermolecular contacts with hotspot residues in the hetero-dimer interface region of the Myc-Max PPI complex. However, identified hit compounds might need further structural optimization or extensive biophysical analyses for better understanding of the molecular mechanism for exhibiting the Myc-Max PPI interface binding stability.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shovonlal Bhowmick
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Kunal Roy
- Drug Theoretics and Cheminformatics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Achintya Saha
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhou H, Han X, Hou L, Lv Z, Xue X. The study of an anoikis-related signature to predict glioma prognosis and immune infiltration. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12659-12676. [PMID: 37450027 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05138-7] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gliomas are the most common highly aggressive primary malignant brain tumors in adults with different biological behaviors and clinically heterogeneous features. About the extremely poor prognosis of gliomas, the search for potential therapeutic modalities and targets is crucial. METHOD We extracted the anoikis-related genes (ARG) from GeneCards and obtained differentially expressed genes in normal and glioma tissues from the GSE4290 dataset to obtain intersect differentially expressed ARG in gliomas by differential analysis. KEGG and GO analyses were used to evaluate the potential pathways and molecular processes of these genes. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) training cohort, we performed the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression to construct an ARG prognostic model and validated them in the TCGA testing cohort and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) validation cohort. Subsequently, we further explored the differences in clinical characteristics, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and the immune microenvironment in the high- and low-risk groups. Univariate and multifactorial regression analyses and nomogram construction were also performed. Moreover, we evaluated the expression levels of key genes via public databases, qPCR analysis and IHC staining, and further assessed the clinical prognostic value. RESULTS The regulatory model based on quantitative ARG prognostic models showed that patients in the high-risk group were associated with poorer survival prognosis, poorer clinical characteristics, and higher TMB levels. Moreover, the high-risk group had high levels of immune infiltration and upregulated immune checkpoint gene expression. The ARG prognostic model and the Nomogram showed good predictive performance. Expression and survival analysis of five prognostic ARG signatures (ETV4, HMOX1, MYC, NFE2L2, and UBE2C) showed that these genes have potential prognostic value. CONCLUSION Our constructed ARG prognostic risk model provides a potential therapeutic target and theoretical basis for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients and guiding individualized immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Huandi Zhou
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xuetao Han
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Liubing Hou
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhongqiang Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Xiaoying Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doha ZO, Sears RC. Unraveling MYC's Role in Orchestrating Tumor Intrinsic and Tumor Microenvironment Interactions Driving Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:400-419. [PMID: 37755397 PMCID: PMC10537413 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and has been implicated in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types. MYC has emerged as a master regulator governing tumor intrinsic and tumor microenvironment interactions, supporting tumor progression and driving drug resistance. This review paper aims to provide an overview and discussion of the intricate mechanisms through which MYC influences tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. We delve into the signaling pathways and molecular networks orchestrated by MYC in the context of tumor intrinsic characteristics, such as proliferation, replication stress and DNA repair. Furthermore, we explore the impact of MYC on the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion, angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblast remodeling. Understanding MYC's multifaceted role in driving drug resistance and tumor progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies and combination treatments that may effectively combat this devastating disease. Through an analysis of the current literature, this review's goal is to shed light on the complexities of MYC-driven oncogenesis and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zinab O. Doha
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pan Y, van der Watt PJ, Kay SA. E-box binding transcription factors in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223208. [PMID: 37601651 PMCID: PMC10437117 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223208] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
E-boxes are important regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genome. Transcription factors can bind to E-boxes through their basic helix-loop-helix or zinc finger domain to regulate gene transcription. E-box-binding transcription factors (EBTFs) are important regulators of development and essential for physiological activities of the cell. The fundamental role of EBTFs in cancer has been highlighted by studies on the canonical oncogene MYC, yet many EBTFs exhibit common features, implying the existence of shared molecular principles of how they are involved in tumorigenesis. A comprehensive analysis of TFs that share the basic function of binding to E-boxes has been lacking. Here, we review the structure of EBTFs, their common features in regulating transcription, their physiological functions, and their mutual regulation. We also discuss their converging functions in cancer biology, their potential to be targeted as a regulatory network, and recent progress in drug development targeting these factors in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhong Pan
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pauline J. van der Watt
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steve A. Kay
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Illi B, Nasi S. Myc beyond Cancer: Regulation of Mammalian Tissue Regeneration. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:346-365. [PMID: 37606389 PMCID: PMC10443299 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc is one of the most well-known oncogenes driving tumorigenesis in a wide variety of tissues. From the brain to blood, its deregulation derails physiological pathways that grant the correct functioning of the cell. Its action is carried out at the gene expression level, where Myc governs basically every aspect of transcription. Indeed, in addition to its role as a canonical, chromatin-bound transcription factor, Myc rules RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcriptional pause-release, elongation and termination and mRNA capping. For this reason, it is evident that minimal perturbations of Myc function mirror malignant cell behavior and, consistently, a large body of literature mainly focuses on Myc malfunctioning. In healthy cells, Myc controls molecular mechanisms involved in pivotal functions, such as cell cycle (and proliferation thereof), apoptosis, metabolism and cell size, angiogenesis, differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. In this latter regard, Myc has been found to also regulate tissue regeneration, a hot topic in the research fields of aging and regenerative medicine. Indeed, Myc appears to have a role in wound healing, in peripheral nerves and in liver, pancreas and even heart recovery. Herein, we discuss the state of the art of Myc's role in tissue regeneration, giving an overview of its potent action beyond cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Illi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Nasi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Udi Y, Zhang W, Stein ME, Ricardo-Lax I, Pasolli HA, Chait BT, Rout MP. A general method for quantitative fractionation of mammalian cells. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:213941. [PMID: 36920247 PMCID: PMC10040634 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202209062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Subcellular fractionation in combination with mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a powerful tool to study localization of key proteins in health and disease. Here we offered a reliable and rapid method for mammalian cell fractionation, tuned for such proteomic analyses. This method proves readily applicable to different cell lines in which all the cellular contents are accounted for, while maintaining nuclear and nuclear envelope integrity. We demonstrated the method's utility by quantifying the effects of a nuclear export inhibitor on nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic proteomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Udi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenzhu Zhang
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Milana E Stein
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Inna Ricardo-Lax
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Hilda A Pasolli
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael P Rout
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University , New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li M, Yang L, Chan AKN, Pokharel SP, Liu Q, Mattson N, Xu X, Chang W, Miyashita K, Singh P, Zhang L, Li M, Wu J, Wang J, Chen B, Chan LN, Lee J, Zhang XH, Rosen ST, Müschen M, Qi J, Chen J, Hiom K, Bishop AJR, Chen C. Epigenetic Control of Translation Checkpoint and Tumor Progression via RUVBL1-EEF1A1 Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206584. [PMID: 37075745 PMCID: PMC10265057 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206584] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is reported in multiple cancers including Ewing sarcoma (EwS). However, the epigenetic networks underlying the maintenance of oncogenic signaling and therapeutic response remain unclear. Using a series of epigenetics- and complex-focused CRISPR screens, RUVBL1, the ATPase component of NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex, is identified to be essential for EwS tumor progression. Suppression of RUVBL1 leads to attenuated tumor growth, loss of histone H4 acetylation, and ablated MYC signaling. Mechanistically, RUVBL1 controls MYC chromatin binding and modulates the MYC-driven EEF1A1 expression and thus protein synthesis. High-density CRISPR gene body scan pinpoints the critical MYC interacting residue in RUVBL1. Finally, this study reveals the synergism between RUVBL1 suppression and pharmacological inhibition of MYC in EwS xenografts and patient-derived samples. These results indicate that the dynamic interplay between chromatin remodelers, oncogenic transcription factors, and protein translation machinery can provide novel opportunities for combination cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Li
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- Division of Epigenetic and Transcriptional EngineeringBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Anthony K. N. Chan
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- Division of Epigenetic and Transcriptional EngineeringBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Sheela Pangeni Pokharel
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- Division of Epigenetic and Transcriptional EngineeringBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Nicole Mattson
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Xiaobao Xu
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wen‐Han Chang
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Kazuya Miyashita
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Leisi Zhang
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Maggie Li
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jun Wu
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Bryan Chen
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Lai N. Chan
- Center of Molecular and Cellular OncologyYale Cancer CenterYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT06510USA
- Department of Cancer BiologyLerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOH44195USA
| | - Jaewoong Lee
- Center of Molecular and Cellular OncologyYale Cancer CenterYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT06510USA
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health ScienceKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public HealthKorea UniversitySeoul02841South Korea
| | | | | | - Markus Müschen
- Center of Molecular and Cellular OncologyYale Cancer CenterYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT06510USA
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer BiologyDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02215USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Kevin Hiom
- Division of Cellular MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of DundeeNethergateDundeeDD1 4HNUK
| | - Alexander J. R. Bishop
- Department of Cellular Systems and AnatomyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTX78229USA
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research InstituteUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTX78229USA
| | - Chun‐Wei Chen
- Department of Systems BiologyBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- Division of Epigenetic and Transcriptional EngineeringBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu C, Qu Z, Zhao H, Wang P, Zhan C, Zhang Y. Pan-cancer analysis of SYNGR2 with a focus on clinical implications and immune landscape in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:192. [PMID: 37170221 PMCID: PMC10173524 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05323-y] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptogyrin-2 (SYNGR2), as a member of synaptogyrin gene family, is overexpressed in several types of cancer. However, the role of SYNGR2 in pan-cancer is largely unexplored. METHODS From the TCGA and GEO databases, we obtained bulk transcriptomes, and clinical information. We examined the expression patterns, prognostic values, and diagnostic value of SYNGR2 in pan-cancer, and investigated the relationship of SYNGR2 expression with tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint (ICP) genes. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) software was used to perform pathway analysis. Besides, we built a nomogram of liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients (LIHC) and validated its prediction accuracy. RESULTS SYNGR2 was highly expressed in most cancers. The high expression of SYNGR2 significantly reduced the overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free interval (DFI), and progression-free interval (PFI) in multiple types of cancer. Also, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that SYNGR2 showed high accuracy in distinguishing cancerous tissues from normal ones. Moreover, SYNGR2 expression was correlated with TMB, MSI, immune scores, and immune cell infiltrations. We also analyzed the association of SYNGR2 with immunotherapy response in LIHC. Finally, a nomogram including SYNGR2 and pathologic T, N, M stage was built and exhibited good predictive power for the OS, DSS, and PFI of LIHC patients. CONCLUSION Overall, SYNGR2 is a critical oncogene in various tumors. SYNGR2 participates in the carcinogenic progression, and may contribute to the immune infiltration in tumor microenvironment. Our study suggests that SYNGR2 can serve as a predictor related to prognosis in pan-cancer, especially LIHC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxun Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Zhaowei Qu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Chao Zhan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yubao Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martínez-Martín S, Beaulieu ME, Soucek L. Targeting MYC-driven lymphoma: lessons learned and future directions. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:205-222. [PMID: 37457123 PMCID: PMC10344726 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
MYC plays a central role in tumorigenesis by orchestrating cell proliferation, growth and survival, among other transformation mechanisms. In particular, MYC has often been associated with lymphomagenesis. In fact, MYC overexpressing lymphomas such as high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) and double expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), are considered addicted to MYC. In such a context, MYC targeting therapies are of special interest, as MYC withdrawal is expected to result in tumor regression. However, whether high MYC levels are always predictive of increased sensitivity to these approaches is not clear yet. Even though no MYC inhibitor has received regulatory approval to date, substantial efforts have been made to investigate avenues to render MYC a druggable target. Here, we summarize the different classes of molecules currently under development, which mostly target MYC indirectly in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, paying special attention to subtypes with MYC/BCL2 or BCL6 translocations or overexpression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Eve Beaulieu
- Peptomyc S.L., Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Preclinical & Translational Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Elbadawi M, Boulos JC, Dawood M, Zhou M, Gul W, ElSohly MA, Klauck SM, Efferth T. The Novel Artemisinin Dimer Isoniazide ELI-XXIII-98-2 Induces c-MYC Inhibition, DNA Damage, and Autophagy in Leukemia Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041107. [PMID: 37111592 PMCID: PMC10144546 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogenic transcription factor c-MYC plays a pivotal role in the development of tumorigenesis, cellular proliferation, and the control of cell death. Its expression is frequently altered in many cancer types, including hematological malignancies such as leukemia. The dimer isoniazide ELI-XXIII-98-2 is a derivative of the natural product artemisinin, with two artemisinin molecules and an isoniazide moiety as a linker in between them. In this study, we aimed to study the anticancer activity and the molecular mechanisms of this dimer molecule in drug-sensitive CCRF-CEM leukemia cells and their corresponding multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 sub-line. The growth inhibitory activity was studied using the resazurin assay. To reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth inhibitory activity, we performed in silico molecular docking, followed by several in vitro approaches such as the MYC reporter assay, microscale thermophoresis, microarray analyses, immunoblotting, qPCR, and comet assay. The artemisinin dimer isoniazide showed a potent growth inhibitory activity in CCRF-CEM but a 12-fold cross-resistance in multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells. The molecular docking of artemisinin dimer isoniazide with c-MYC revealed a good binding (lowest binding energy of −9.84 ± 0.3 kcal/mol) and a predicted inhibition constant (pKi) of 66.46 ± 29.5 nM, which was confirmed by microscale thermophoresis and MYC reporter cell assays. Furthermore, c-MYC expression was downregulated by this compound in microarray hybridization and Western blotting analyses. Finally, the artemisinin dimer isoniazide modulated the expression of autophagy markers (LC3B and p62) and the DNA damage marker pH2AX, indicating the stimulation of both autophagy and DNA damage, respectively. Additionally, DNA double-strand breaks were observed in the alkaline comet assay. DNA damage, apoptosis, and autophagy induction could be attributed to the inhibition of c-MYC by ELI-XXIII-98-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elbadawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University-Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Joelle C. Boulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University-Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mona Dawood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University-Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum 12702, Sudan
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University-Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Waseem Gul
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
| | - Mahmoud A. ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc., 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
| | - Sabine M. Klauck
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University-Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang F, Wu J, Shen Q, Chen Z, Qiao Z. Investigating the mechanism of Tongqiao Huoxue decotion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33190. [PMID: 36897696 PMCID: PMC9997813 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is prone to recurrence, and clinical treatments focus on control symptoms; however there is no radical cure. Our aim was to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the hub genes, biological functions, and signaling pathways of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction against allergic rhinitis. First, the chemical components and target genes of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Similarly, allergic rhinitis targets were screened using online Mendelian Inheritance In Man and GeneCards database. Then, all potential targets of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction in the treatment of allergic rhinitis were identified, the Venn diagram was portrayed using R software, and protein-protein interaction network was built using String. The hub genes were analyzed using enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the reliability of the key gene prediction. The core targets for Tongqiao Huoxue decoction to improve allergic rhinitis were AKT1, TP53, IL6, and so on. The enrichment analysis results showed that Tongqiao Huoxue decoction treatment in allergic rhinitis might be involved in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway. The molecular docking verification indicated that its ingredients bound well to the core targets of allergic rhinitis, and stigmasterol's docking ability with TNF (-12.73 kcal/mol) is particularly prominent. Based on these findings, it may be deduced that stigmasterol treated allergic rhinitis by acting on TNF targets. But, this conclusion needs to be confirmed by further in vitro and in vivo trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiani Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qu Shen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiling Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zukang Qiao
- Department of Tuina, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou X, Fu C, Chen X. The role of ubiquitin pathway-mediated regulation of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer 2023; 129:1649-1661. [PMID: 36857206 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34729] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
With the continuous cognition of the relationship between tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy based on the immune checkpoint blockade has achieved great breakthroughs, led to improved clinical outcomes, and prolonged survival for cancer patients in recent years. Nevertheless, the de novo or acquired resistance to immunotherapy has greatly counteracted the efficacy, leading to a 20%-40% overall response rate. Thus, further in-depth understanding of the regulation of the tumor microenvironment and antitumor immunity is urgently warranted. Ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation plays vital roles in protein stabilization, activation, and dynamics as well as in cellular homeostasis modulation. The dysregulated ubiquitination and deubiquitination are closely related to the changes in physiological and pathological processes, which subsequently result in a variety of diseases including cancer. In this review, the authors first summarize the current knowledge about the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in tumor development with the ubiquitin conjugation-regulated stability of p53, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and Myc protein as examples, then dissect the potential implications of ubiquitination-mediated immune checkpoints degradation in tumor microenvironment and immune responses, and finally discuss the effects of therapeutically targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway on immunotherapy, with the goal of providing deep insights into the exploitation of more precise and effective combinational therapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chengxiao Fu
- Cancer Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xisha Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Oshima Y, Haruki T, Matsui S, Makishima K, Sakabe T, Umekita Y, Nakamura H. Clinical significance of MYC family protein expression in surgically resected high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:758-765. [PMID: 36694106 PMCID: PMC10008680 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14804] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES MYC family genes including MYC, MYCN, and MYCL are amplified and overexpressed as oncogenic drivers in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (HGNEC), but little is known about their clinical significance. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of MYC family protein expression in patients with surgically resected HGNEC. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 83 resected specimens of HGNEC using antibodies against MYC family proteins (c-MYC, n-MYC, and l-MYC). When nuclear staining of any intensity in ≥10% of tumor cells showed immunoreactivity with any one or more of c-MYC, n-MYC, or l-MYC, the specimens were defined as MYC family-positive. RESULTS A total of 83 patients were analyzed. MYC family-positive status was observed in 33.7% (28 of 83 cases) and was not correlated with clinicopathological factors. The protein expression was mutually exclusive and no duplicate cases were observed. A log-rank test showed that MYC family-positive status was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.003) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.039). According to Cox multivariate analysis, MYC family-positive status had a significant effect on shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.217, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.179-4.169, p = 0.014) and RFS (HR = 1.802, 95% CI 1.014-3.202, p = 0.045). In patients with pathological stage I, MYC family-positive status also showed significantly poor OS (HR = 2.847, 95% CI 1.236-6.557, p = 0.014) and RFS (HR = 2.088, 95% CI 1.006-4.332, p = 0.048) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS MYC family protein expression could be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with surgically resected HGNEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Oshima
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Haruki
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Shinji Matsui
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Karen Makishima
- Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Sakabe
- Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Umekita
- Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Hiroshige Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Division of Organ Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The "Superoncogene" Myc at the Crossroad between Metabolism and Gene Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044217. [PMID: 36835628 PMCID: PMC9966483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044217] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of the Myc (c-myc, n-myc, l-myc) oncogene as a canonical, DNA-bound transcription factor has consistently changed over the past few years. Indeed, Myc controls gene expression programs at multiple levels: directly binding chromatin and recruiting transcriptional coregulators; modulating the activity of RNA polymerases (RNAPs); and drawing chromatin topology. Therefore, it is evident that Myc deregulation in cancer is a dramatic event. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal, still incurable, brain cancer in adults, and it is characterized in most cases by Myc deregulation. Metabolic rewiring typically occurs in cancer cells, and GBM undergoes profound metabolic changes to supply increased energy demand. In nontransformed cells, Myc tightly controls metabolic pathways to maintain cellular homeostasis. Consistently, in Myc-overexpressing cancer cells, including GBM cells, these highly controlled metabolic routes are affected by enhanced Myc activity and show substantial alterations. On the other hand, deregulated cancer metabolism impacts Myc expression and function, placing Myc at the intersection between metabolic pathway activation and gene expression. In this review paper, we summarize the available information on GBM metabolism with a specific focus on the control of the Myc oncogene that, in turn, rules the activation of metabolic signals, ensuring GBM growth.
Collapse
|
26
|
A Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms of N-Myc on Cell Cycle. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031141. [PMID: 36770809 PMCID: PMC9920120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma has obvious heterogeneity. It is one of the few undifferentiated malignant tumors that can spontaneously degenerate into completely benign tumors. However, for its high-risk type, even with various intensive treatment options, the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. At the same time, a large number of research data show that the abnormal amplification and high-level expression of the MYCN gene are positively correlated with the malignant progression, poor prognosis, and mortality of neuroblastoma. In this context, this article explores the role of the N-Myc, MYCN gene expression product on its target genes related to the cell cycle and reveals its regulatory network in promoting tumor proliferation and malignant progression. We hope it can provide ideas and direction for the research and development of drugs targeting N-Myc and its downstream target genes.
Collapse
|
27
|
Multiomics Study of a Novel Naturally Derived Small Molecule, NSC772864, as a Potential Inhibitor of Proto-Oncogenes Regulating Cell Cycle Progression in Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020340. [PMID: 36672275 PMCID: PMC9856482 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020340] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors, and it contributes to high numbers of deaths globally. Although advances in understanding CRC molecular mechanisms have shed significant light on its pathogenicity, current treatment options, including combined chemotherapy and molecular-targeted agents, are still limited due to resistance, with almost 25% of patients developing distant metastasis. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers for early diagnosis is crucial, as they will also influence strategies for new targeted therapies. The proto-oncogene, c-Met, a tyrosine kinase that promotes cell proliferation, motility, and invasion; c-MYC, a transcription factor associated with the modulation of the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis; and cyclin D1 (CCND1), an essential regulatory protein in the cell cycle, all play crucial roles in cancer progression. In the present study, we explored computational simulations through bioinformatics analysis and identified the overexpression of c-Met/GSK3β/MYC/CCND1 oncogenic signatures that were associated with cancer progression, drug resistance, metastasis, and poor clinical outcomes in CRC. We further demonstrated the anticancer activities of our newly synthesized quinoline-derived compound, NSC772864, against panels of the National Cancer Institute's human CRC cell lines. The compound exhibited cytotoxic activities against various CRC cell lines. Using target prediction tools, we found that c-Met/GSK3β/MYC/CCND1 were target genes for the NSC772864 compound. Subsequently, we performed in silico molecular docking to investigate protein-ligand interactions and discovered that NSC772864 exhibited higher binding affinities with these oncogenes compared to FDA-approved drugs. These findings strongly suggest that NSC772864 is a novel and potential antiCRC agent.
Collapse
|
28
|
Shiah JV, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36693157 PMCID: PMC9881838 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is defined by the presence of uncontrollable cell growth, whereby improper proliferative signaling has overcome regulation by cellular mechanisms. Transcription factors are uniquely situated at the helm of signaling, merging extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses. Therefore, this class of proteins plays a pivotal role in coordinating the correct gene expression levels for maintaining normal cellular functions. Dysregulation of transcription factor activity unsurprisingly drives tumorigenesis and oncogenic transformation. Although this imparts considerable therapeutic potential to targeting transcription factors, their lack of enzymatic activity renders intervention challenging and has contributed to a sense that transcription factors are "undruggable." Yet, enduring efforts to elucidate strategies for targeting transcription factors as well as a deeper understanding of their interactions with binding partners have led to advancements that are emerging to counter this narrative. Here, we highlight some of these approaches, focusing primarily on therapeutics that have advanced to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- From the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fu S, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Mei M, Chen Q, Wang S, Yang X, Sun T, Ma M, Xie W. Identification of a Novel Myc-Regulated Gene Signature for Patients with Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3487859. [PMID: 37342680 PMCID: PMC10279501 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3487859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Given that myc was known to be a cancer-causing gene in several cancers including kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). We aimed to construct myc-regulated genes (MRGs)-based prognostic signature. We obtained the mRNA expression and clinical data of KIRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and MRGs from the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB). Then, a prognostic signature consisting of 8 MRGs (IRF9, UBE2C, YBX3, CDKN2B, CKAP2L, CYFIP2, FBLN5, and PDLIM7) was developed by differential expression analysis, cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) analysis. Patients with KIRC were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on risk scores of MRGs-based signatures. Patients in the high-risk group showed inferior clinical characteristics and survival. In addition, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for KIRC, and the risk score=based nomogram displayed satisfactory performance to predict the survival of KIRC. The MRGs-based signature is also correlated with immune cell infiltration and the mRNA expression of important immune checkpoints (IDO2, PDCD1, LAG3, FOXP3, and TIGIT). The tumor mutation burden (TMB) landscape between the high- and low-risk groups showed higher levels of TMB in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group and that higher levels of TMB predicted a poorer prognosis in KIRC. Furthermore, patients with KIRC in the high-risk group are more likely to experience immune escape. At last, we found patients with KIRC in the high-risk group were more sensitive to several chemotherapy drugs such as sunitinib, gefitinib, nilotinib, and rapamycin than patients with KIRC in the low-risk group. Our study successfully constructed and validated an MRGs-based signature that can predict clinical characteristics, prognosis, level of immune infiltration, and responsiveness to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs in patients with KIRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengqiang Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yifu Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ming Mei
- Department of Day Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenjie Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Ma W, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Dong W. USF1-CHCHD4 axis promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression partially via activating the MYC pathway. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:136. [PMID: 36482116 PMCID: PMC9732179 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify genes related to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 4 (CHCHD4) in the progression of LUAD. METHODS The GEPIA database was used to evaluate the differential expression of CHCHD4 and the survival data of LUAD patients compared to controls. TCGA-LUAD database, JASPAR website, and GSEA were used to analyse the relationship between CHCHD4 and the upstream stimulating factor 1 (USF1) or MYC pathways. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays. qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Furthermore, xenograft tumours from nude mice were used to verify the effect of CHCHD4 on LUAD in vivo. RESULTS CHCHD4 overexpression was found in LUAD tumor tissues and cells, and high CHCHD4 was associated with a poor prognosis. Interestingly, CHCHD4 knockdown suppressed the malignant phenotype of the LUAD cells. Moreover, we found that USF1 upregulated CHCHD4 and promoted LUAD progression. CHCHD4 knockdown also inhibited the progression of LUAD. In addition, CHCHD4 knockdown suppressed xenograft tumour growth. CONCLUSION USF1-CHCHD4 axis can promote LUAD progress, which may be through activating MYC pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhu Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
He S, He L, Yan F, Li J, Liao X, Ling M, Jing R, Pan L. Identification of hub genes associated with acute kidney injury induced by renal ischemia–reperfusion injury in mice. Front Physiol 2022; 13:951855. [PMID: 36246123 PMCID: PMC9557154 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.951855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe clinical syndrome, and ischemia–reperfusion injury is an important cause of acute kidney injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the related genes and pathways in the mouse model of acute kidney injury induced by ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI-AKI). Method: Two public datasets (GSE39548 and GSE131288) originating from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed using the R software limma package, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed using the differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to investigate hub genes, and transcription factor (TF)–hub gene and miRNA–hub gene networks were constructed. Drugs and molecular compounds that could interact with hub genes were predicted using the DGIdb. Result: A total of 323 common differentially expressed genes were identified in the renal ischemia–reperfusion injury group compared with the control group. Among these, 260 differentially expressed genes were upregulated and 66 differentially expressed genes were downregulated. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis results showed that these common differentially expressed genes were enriched in positive regulation of cytokine production, muscle tissue development, and other biological processes, indicating that they were involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), PI3K-Akt, TNF, apoptosis, and Epstein–Barr virus infection signaling pathways. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed 10 hub genes, namely, Jun, Stat3, MYC, Cdkn1a, Hif1a, FOS, Atf3, Mdm2, Egr1, and Ddit3. Using the STRUST database, starBase database, and DGIdb database, it was predicted that 34 transcription factors, 161 mi-RNAs, and 299 drugs or molecular compounds might interact with hub genes. Conclusion: Our findings may provide novel potential biomarkers and insights into the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion injury–acute kidney injury through a comprehensive analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus data, which may provide a reliable basis for early diagnosis and treatment of ischemia–reperfusion injury–acute kidney injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Tissue and Organ Injury and Repair Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Basic Science and Prevention of Perioperative Organ Disfunction, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology, Nanning, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern China University, Hengyang, China
| | - Lili He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern China University, Hengyang, China
| | - Fangran Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Junda Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoting Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Maoyao Ling
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Ren Jing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Linghui Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Tissue and Organ Injury and Repair Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Basic Science and Prevention of Perioperative Organ Disfunction, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Linghui Pan,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Schütz S, Bergsdorf C, Goretzki B, Lingel A, Renatus M, Gossert AD, Jahnke W. The disordered MAX N-terminus modulates DNA binding of the transcription factor MYC:MAX. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167833. [PMID: 36174765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The intrinsically disordered protein MYC belongs to the family of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factors (TFs). In complex with its cognate binding partner MAX, MYC preferentially binds to E-Box promotor sequences where it controls fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, metabolism, and apoptosis. Intramolecular regulation of MYC:MAX has not yet been investigated in detail. In this work, we use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify and map interactions between the disordered MAX N-terminus and the MYC:MAX DNA binding domain (DBD). We find that this binding event is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions and that it is competitive with DNA binding. Using Nuclear Magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), we demonstrate that the MAX N-terminus serves to accelerate DNA binding kinetics of MYC:MAX and MAX:MAX dimers, while it simultaneously provides specificity for E-Box DNA. We also establish that these effects are further enhanced by Casein Kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation of two serine residues in the MAX N-terminus. Our work provides new insights how bHLH-LZ TFs are regulated by intramolecular interactions between disordered regions and the folded DNA binding domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schütz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Bergsdorf
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Goretzki
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Lingel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Renatus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alvar D Gossert
- Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Proviral ALV-LTR Sequence Is Essential for Continued Proliferation of the ALV-Transformed B Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911263. [PMID: 36232572 PMCID: PMC9569804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian leukosis virus (ALV) induces B-cell lymphomas and other malignancies in chickens through insertional activation of oncogenes, and c-myc activation has been commonly identified in ALV-induced tumors. Using ALV-transformed B-lymphoma-derived HP45 cell line, we applied in situ CRISPR-Cas9 editing of integrated proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) to examine the effects on gene expression and cell proliferation. Targeted deletion of LTR resulted in significant reduction in expression of a number of LTR-regulated genes including c-myc. LTR deletion also induced apoptosis of HP45 cells, affecting their proliferation, demonstrating the significance of LTR-mediated regulation of critical genes. Compared to the global effects on expression and functions of multiple genes in LTR-deleted cells, deletion of c-myc had a major effect on the HP45 cells proliferation with the phenotype similar to the LTR deletion, demonstrating the significance of c-myc expression in ALV-induced lymphomagenesis. Overall, our studies have not only shown the potential of targeted editing of the LTR for the global inhibition of retrovirus-induced transformation, but also have provided insights into the roles of LTR-regulated genes in ALV-induced neoplastic transformation.
Collapse
|
34
|
Feng Z, Ou Y, Hao L. The roles of glycolysis in osteosarcoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:950886. [PMID: 36059961 PMCID: PMC9428632 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.950886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is of great significance in the progression of various cancers and is critical for cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment. Cellular metabolic pathways mainly include glycolysis, fat metabolism, glutamine decomposition, and oxidative phosphorylation. In cancer cells, reprogramming metabolic pathways is used to meet the massive energy requirement for tumorigenesis and development. Metabolisms are also altered in malignant osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Among reprogrammed metabolisms, alterations in aerobic glycolysis are key to the massive biosynthesis and energy demands of OS cells to sustain their growth and metastasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that compared to normal cells, glycolysis in OS cells under aerobic conditions is substantially enhanced to promote malignant behaviors such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of OS. Glycolysis in OS is closely related to various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and numerous signaling pathways have been reported to be involved in the regulation of glycolysis. In recent years, a vast number of inhibitors and natural products have been discovered to inhibit OS progression by targeting glycolysis-related proteins. These potential inhibitors and natural products may be ideal candidates for the treatment of osteosarcoma following hundreds of preclinical and clinical trials. In this article, we explore key pathways, glycolysis enzymes, non-coding RNAs, inhibitors, and natural products regulating aerobic glycolysis in OS cells to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between glycolysis and the progression of OS and discover novel therapeutic approaches targeting glycolytic metabolism in OS.
Collapse
|
35
|
Efficient Identification of the MYC Regulator with the Use of the CRISPR Library and Context-Matched Database Screenings. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147723. [PMID: 35887071 PMCID: PMC9317319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a major oncogene that plays an important role in cell proliferation in human cancers. Therefore, the mechanism behind MYC regulation is a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Comprehensive and efficient screening of MYC regulators is needed, and we had previously established a promoter screening system using fluorescent proteins and the CRISPR library. For the efficient identification of candidate genes, a database was used, for which mRNA expression was correlated with MYC using datasets featuring “Similar” and “Not exactly similar” contexts. INTS14 and ERI2 were identified using datasets featuring the “Similar” context group, and INTS14 and ERI2 were capable of enhancing MYC promoter activity. In further database analysis of human cancers, a higher expression of MYC mRNA was observed in the INTS14 mRNA high-expressing prostate and liver cancers. The knockdown of INTS14 in prostate cell lines resulted in decreased MYC mRNA and protein expression and also induced G0/1 arrest. This study confirmed that CRISPR screening combined with context-matched database screening is effective in identifying genes that regulate the MYC promoter. This method can be applied to other genes and is expected to be useful in identifying the regulators of other proto-oncogenes.
Collapse
|
36
|
Bartolucci D, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. Precision Anti-Cancer Medicines by Oligonucleotide Therapeutics in Clinical Research Targeting Undruggable Proteins and Non-Coding RNAs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071453. [PMID: 35890348 PMCID: PMC9315662 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality continue to increase, while the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs confer limited efficacy and relevant toxic side effects. Novel strategies are urgently needed for more effective and safe therapeutics in oncology. However, a large number of proteins are considered undruggable by conventional drugs, such as the small molecules. Moreover, the mRNA itself retains oncological functions, and its targeting offers the double advantage of blocking the tumorigenic activities of the mRNA and the translation into protein. Finally, a large family of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has recently emerged that are also dysregulated in cancer, but they could not be targeted by drugs directed against the proteins. In this context, this review describes how the oligonucleotide therapeutics targeting RNA or DNA sequences, are emerging as a new class of drugs, able to tackle the limitations described above. Numerous clinical trials are evaluating oligonucleotides for tumor treatment, and in the next few years some of them are expected to reach the market. We describe the oligonucleotide therapeutics targeting undruggable proteins (focusing on the most relevant, such as those originating from the MYC and RAS gene families), and for ncRNAs, in particular on those that are under clinical trial evaluation in oncology. We highlight the challenges and solutions for the clinical success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, with particular emphasis on the peculiar challenges that render it arduous to treat tumors, such as heterogeneity and the high mutation rate. In the review are presented these and other advantages offered by the oligonucleotide as an emerging class of biotherapeutics for a new era of precision anti-cancer medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhao X, Xuan R, Wang A, Li Q, Zhao Y, Du S, Duan Q, Wang Y, Ji Z, Guo Y, Wang J, Chao T. High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Transcriptome Signature of Early Liver Development in Goat Kids. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:833. [PMID: 35627218 PMCID: PMC9141777 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050833] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As a vital metabolic and immune organ in animals, the liver plays an important role in protein synthesis, detoxification, metabolism, and immune defense. The primary research purpose of this study was to reveal the effect of breast-feeding, weaning transition, and weaning on the gene expression profile in the goat kid liver and to elucidate the transcriptome-level signatures associated with liver metabolic adaptation. Therefore, transcriptome sequencing was performed on liver tissues, which was collected at 1 day (D1), 2 weeks (W2), 4 weeks (W4), 8 weeks (W8), and 12 weeks (W12) after birth in Laiwu black goats at five different time-points, with five goats at each time point. From 25 libraries, a total of 37497 mRNAs were found to be expressed in goat kid livers, and 1271 genes were differentially expressed between at least two of the five time points. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that these genes were annotated as an extracellular region fraction, exhibiting monooxygenase activity, positive regulation of T cell activation, mitotic spindle mid-region assembly, cytokinesis, cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis, regulation of cytokinesis, regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, and so on. In addition, it mainly deals with metabolism, endocrine, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and immune processes. Finally, a gene regulatory network was constructed, and a total of 14 key genes were screened, which were mainly enriched for cell growth and development, endocrine, immune, and signal transduction-related pathways. Our results provide new information on the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in liver development, metabolism, and immunity of goats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Rong Xuan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
| | - Qing Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Shanfeng Du
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Qingling Duan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhibin Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Yanfei Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Tianle Chao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 261018, China; (X.Z.); (R.X.); (Q.L.); (Y.Z.); (S.D.); (Q.D.); (Y.W.); (Z.J.); (Y.G.); (J.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Padovani C, Jevtić P, Rapé M. Quality control of protein complex composition. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1439-1450. [PMID: 35316660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells possess hundreds of protein complexes that contain multiple subunits and must be formed at the correct time and place during development. Despite specific assembly pathways, cells frequently encounter complexes with missing or aberrant subunits that can disrupt important signaling events. Cells, therefore, employ several ubiquitin-dependent quality control pathways that can prevent, correct, or degrade flawed complexes. In this review, we will discuss our emerging understanding of such quality control of protein complex composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Padovani
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Predrag Jevtić
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael Rapé
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang YH, Zeng J, Liu XS, Gao Y, Kui XY, Liu XY, Zhang Y, Pei ZJ. ECE2 is a prognostic biomarker associated with m6A modification and involved in immune infiltration of lung adenocarcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1013238. [PMID: 36299451 PMCID: PMC9588963 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1013238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The targeted therapy for lung cancer relies on prognostic genes and requires further research. No research has been conducted to determine the effect of endothelin-converting enzyme 2 (ECE2) in lung cancer. METHODS We analyzed the expression of ECE2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and normal adjacent tissues and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Immunohistochemical staining was used to further validate the findings. GO/KEGG enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of ECE2 co-expression were performed using R software. Data from TIMER, the GEPIA database, and TCGA were analyzed to determine the relationship between ECE2 expression and LUAD immune infiltration. To investigate the relationship between ECE2 expression levels and LUAD m6A modification, TCGA data and GEO data were analyzed. RESULTS ECE2 is highly expressed in various cancers including LUAD. ECE2 showed high accuracy in distinguishing tumor and normal sample results. The expression level of ECE2 in LUAD was significantly correlated with tumor stage and prognosis. GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that ECE2 was closely related to mitochondrial gene expression, ATPase activity and cell cycle. GSEA analysis showed that ECE2-related differential gene enrichment pathways were related to mitotic cell cycle, MYC pathway, PLK1 pathway, DNA methylation pathway, HIF1A pathway and Oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence. Analysis of the TIMER, GEPIA database, and TCGA datasets showed that ECE2 expression levels were significantly negatively correlated with B cells, CD4+ cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. TCGA and GEO datasets showed that ECE2 was significantly associated with m6A modification-related genes HNRNPC, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP3 and RBM1. CONCLUSION ECE2 is associated with m6A modification and immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker in LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Hua Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Infection Control, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xue-Yan Kui
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Pei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Shiyan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Jun Pei,
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wallis N, Oberman F, Shurrush K, Germain N, Greenwald G, Gershon T, Pearl T, Abis G, Singh V, Singh A, Sharma AK, Barr HM, Ramos A, Spiegelman VS, Yisraeli JK. Small molecule inhibitor of Igf2bp1 represses Kras and a pro-oncogenic phenotype in cancer cells. RNA Biol 2021; 19:26-43. [PMID: 34895045 PMCID: PMC8794255 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2010983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Igf2bp1 is an oncofetal RNA binding protein whose expression in numerous types of cancers is associated with upregulation of key pro-oncogenic RNAs, poor prognosis, and reduced survival. Importantly, Igf2bp1 synergizes with mutations in Kras to enhance signalling and oncogenic activity, suggesting that molecules inhibiting Igf2bp1 could have therapeutic potential. Here, we isolate a small molecule that interacts with a hydrophobic surface at the boundary of Igf2bp1 KH3 and KH4 domains, and inhibits binding to Kras RNA. In cells, the compound reduces the level of Kras and other Igf2bp1 mRNA targets, lowers Kras protein, and inhibits downstream signalling, wound healing, and growth in soft agar, all in the absence of any toxicity. This work presents an avenue for improving the prognosis of Igf2bp1-expressing tumours in lung, and potentially other, cancer(s).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Wallis
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Froma Oberman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Khriesto Shurrush
- The Wohl Drug Discovery Institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nicolas Germain
- The Wohl Drug Discovery Institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gila Greenwald
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tehila Gershon
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talia Pearl
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giancarlo Abis
- Division of Biosciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vikash Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Amandeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arun K. Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Haim M. Barr
- The Wohl Drug Discovery Institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Andres Ramos
- Division of Biosciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vladimir S. Spiegelman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Joel K. Yisraeli
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
MYCL promotes iPSC-like colony formation via MYC Box 0 and 2 domains. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24254. [PMID: 34930932 PMCID: PMC8688507 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03260-5] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can differentiate into cells of the three germ layers and are promising cell sources for regenerative medicine therapies. However, current protocols generate hiPSCs with low efficiency, and the generated iPSCs have variable differentiation capacity among different clones. Our previous study reported that MYC proteins (c-MYC and MYCL) are essential for reprogramming and germline transmission but that MYCL can generate hiPSC colonies more efficiently than c-MYC. The molecular underpinnings for the different reprogramming efficiencies between c-MYC and MYCL, however, are unknown. In this study, we found that MYC Box 0 (MB0) and MB2, two functional domains conserved in the MYC protein family, contribute to the phenotypic differences and promote hiPSC generation in MYCL-induced reprogramming. Proteome analyses suggested that in MYCL-induced reprogramming, cell adhesion-related cytoskeletal proteins are regulated by the MB0 domain, while the MB2 domain regulates RNA processes. These findings provide a molecular explanation for why MYCL has higher reprogramming efficiency than c-MYC.
Collapse
|
42
|
Construction and Validation of a Potent Epigenetic Modification-Related Prognostic Signature for Osteosarcoma Patients. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:2719172. [PMID: 34853590 PMCID: PMC8629625 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2719172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence has shown that tumorigenesis correlates with aberrant epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA m6A modification, RNA binding proteins, and transcription factors. However, it is unclear that how epigenetic genes linked with alteration contribute to osteosarcoma's incidence and clinical prognosis. We developed an epigenetic modification-related prognostic model that may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of osteosarcoma. Methods We investigated the epigenetic modification-associated genes and their clinical significance in osteosarcoma in this research. Our gene transcriptome data were obtained from the TARGET database and the GEO database. Bioinformatics techniques were used to investigate their functionalities. The diagnostic and prognostic models were constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. In addition, we developed a nomogram indicating the practicability of the prognostic model described above. Results A risk score model constructed based on four epigenetic modification-related genes (MYC, TERT, EIF4E3, and RBM34) can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Based on the risk score and clinical features, we constructed a nomogram. Conclusion Epigenetic modification-related genes have been identified as important prognostic markers that may assist in osteosarcoma therapy therapeutic decision-making.
Collapse
|
43
|
Whitfield JR, Soucek L. The long journey to bring a Myc inhibitor to the clinic. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212429. [PMID: 34160558 PMCID: PMC8240852 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogene Myc is deregulated in the majority of human tumors and drives numerous hallmarks of cancer. Despite its indisputable role in cancer development and maintenance, Myc is still undrugged. Developing a clinical inhibitor for Myc has been particularly challenging owing to its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of a binding pocket, coupled with concerns regarding potentially deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissues. However, major breakthroughs in the development of Myc inhibitors have arisen in the last couple of years. Notably, the direct Myc inhibitor that we developed has just entered clinical trials. Celebrating this milestone, with this Perspective, we pay homage to the different strategies developed so far against Myc and all of the researchers focused on developing treatments for a target long deemed undruggable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Curti L, Campaner S. MYC-Induced Replicative Stress: A Double-Edged Sword for Cancer Development and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6168. [PMID: 34201047 PMCID: PMC8227504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a transcription factor that controls the expression of a large fraction of cellular genes linked to cell cycle progression, metabolism and differentiation. MYC deregulation in tumors leads to its pervasive genome-wide binding of both promoters and distal regulatory regions, associated with selective transcriptional control of a large fraction of cellular genes. This pairs with alterations of cell cycle control which drive anticipated S-phase entry and reshape the DNA-replication landscape. Under these circumstances, the fine tuning of DNA replication and transcription becomes critical and may pose an intrinsic liability in MYC-overexpressing cancer cells. Here, we will review the current understanding of how MYC controls DNA and RNA synthesis, discuss evidence of replicative and transcriptional stress induced by MYC and summarize preclinical data supporting the therapeutic potential of triggering replicative stress in MYC-driven tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Curti
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@CGS, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Campaner
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@CGS, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kallal LA, Waszkiewicz A, Jaworski JP, Della Pietra A, Berrodin T, Brady P, Jurewicz AJ, Zeng X, Payne L, Medina JR, Doepner-Buser C, Mangatt B. High-Throughput Screening and Triage Assays Identify Small Molecules Targeting c-MYC in Cancer Cells. SLAS DISCOVERY 2021; 26:216-229. [PMID: 33482073 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220985457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While c-MYC is well established as a proto-oncogene, its structure and function as a transcription factor have made c-MYC a difficult therapeutic target. To identify small-molecule inhibitors targeting c-MYC for anticancer therapy, we designed a high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy utilizing cellular assays. The novel approach for the HTS was based on the detection of cellular c-MYC protein, with active molecules defined as those that specifically decreased c-MYC protein levels in cancer cells. The assay was based on a dual antibody detection system using Förster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and was utilized to detect endogenous c-MYC protein in the MYC amplified cancer cell lines DMS273 and Colo320 HSR. The assays were miniaturized to 1536-well plate format and utilized to screen the GlaxoSmithKline small-molecule collection of approximately 2 million compounds. In addition to the HTS assay, follow-up assays were developed and used to triage and qualify compounds. Two cellular assays used to eliminate false-positive compounds from the initially selected HTS hits were (1) a cellular toxicity assay and (2) an unstable protein reporter assay. Three positive selection assays were subsequently used to qualify compounds: (1) 384-well cell cycle flow cytometry, (2) 384-well cell growth, and (3) c-MYC gene signature reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The HTS and follow-up assays successfully identified three compounds that specifically decreased c-MYC protein levels in cancer cells and phenocopied c-MYC siRNA in terms of cell growth inhibition and gene signatures. The HTS, triage, and three compounds identified are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena A Kallal
- Screening, Profiling, and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Anna Waszkiewicz
- Screening, Profiling, and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Jon-Paul Jaworski
- Early Pipeline Project Management, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Tom Berrodin
- Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Pat Brady
- Computational Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Anthony J Jurewicz
- Screening, Profiling, and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Xin Zeng
- Screening, Profiling, and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Payne
- Protein and Cell Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Biju Mangatt
- Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Duffy MJ, O'Grady S, Tang M, Crown J. MYC as a target for cancer treatment. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 94:102154. [PMID: 33524794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The MYC gene which consists of 3 paralogs, C-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC, is one of the most frequently deregulated driver genes in human cancer. Because of its high prevalence of deregulation and its causal role in cancer formation, maintenance and progression, targeting MYC is theoretically an attractive strategy for treating cancer. As a potential anticancer target, MYC was traditionally regarded as undruggable due to the absence of a suitable pocket for high-affinity binding by low molecular weight inhibitors. In recent years however, several compounds that directly or indirectly inhibit MYC have been shown to have anticancer activity in preclinical tumor models. Amongst the most detailed investigated strategies for targeting MYC are inhibition of its binding to its obligate interaction partner MAX, prevention of MYC expression and blocking of genes exhibiting synthetic lethality with overexpression of MYC. One of the most extensively investigated MYC inhibitors is a peptide/mini-protein known as OmoMYC. OmoMYC, which acts by blocking the binding of all 3 forms of MYC to their target promoters, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity in a diverse range of preclinical models, with minimal side effects. Based on its broad efficacy and limited toxicity, OmoMYC is currently being developed for evaluation in clinical trials. Although no compound directly targeting MYC has yet progressed to clinical testing, APTO-253, which partly acts by decreasing expression of MYC, is currently undergoing a phase I clinical trial in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duffy
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Clinical Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Shane O'Grady
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Minhong Tang
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Whitfield J, Soucek L. An "-omycs" Toolbox to Work with MYC. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2318:1-11. [PMID: 34019283 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1476-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The MYC transcription factor coordinates a wide range of intra- and extracellular processes associated with tissue proliferation and regeneration. While these processes are typically tightly regulated in physiological conditions, they become deregulated in cancer, where MYC is oncogenically activated.The last decade has seen MYC progress from a renowned undruggable target to a hot topic in the cancer therapy field, as proof emerged from mouse models that its inhibition constitutes an effective and broadly applicable approach to fight cancer. However, there are several aspects of MYC biology that still appear to be elusive and maintain the interest in further studying this intriguing protein. Since MYC's discovery, more than four decades ago, multiple strategies have been developed to study it, related to the many and varied facets of its biology. This new version of The Myc gene: Methods and Protocols provides valuable tips from key "inhabitants of the MYC world," which significantly increase the reach of our investigative tools to shed light on the mysteries still surrounding MYC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Whitfield
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sönmezer C, Kleinendorst R, Imanci D, Barzaghi G, Villacorta L, Schübeler D, Benes V, Molina N, Krebs AR. Molecular Co-occupancy Identifies Transcription Factor Binding Cooperativity In Vivo. Mol Cell 2020; 81:255-267.e6. [PMID: 33290745 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Gene activation requires the cooperative activity of multiple transcription factors at cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Yet, most transcription factors have short residence time, questioning the requirement of their physical co-occupancy on DNA to achieve cooperativity. Here, we present a DNA footprinting method that detects individual molecular interactions of transcription factors and nucleosomes with DNA in vivo. We apply this strategy to quantify the simultaneous binding of multiple transcription factors on single DNA molecules at mouse CREs. Analysis of the binary occupancy patterns at thousands of motif combinations reveals that high DNA co-occupancy occurs for most types of transcription factors, in the absence of direct physical interaction, at sites of competition with nucleosomes. Perturbation of pairwise interactions demonstrates the function of molecular co-occupancy in binding cooperativity. Our results reveal the interactions regulating CREs at molecular resolution and identify DNA co-occupancy as a widespread cooperativity mechanism used by transcription factors to remodel chromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Sönmezer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Collaboration for Joint PhD Degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rozemarijn Kleinendorst
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dilek Imanci
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guido Barzaghi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Collaboration for Joint PhD Degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Villacorta
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), GeneCore, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schübeler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Faculty of Sciences, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Benes
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), GeneCore, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nacho Molina
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg-CNRS-INSERM, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Arnaud Regis Krebs
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Policing Cancer: Vitamin D Arrests the Cell Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239296. [PMID: 33291213 PMCID: PMC7731034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone crucial for bone mineral metabolism. In addition, vitamin D has pleiotropic actions in the body, including anti-cancer actions. These anti-cancer properties observed within in vitro studies frequently report the reduction of cell proliferation by interruption of the cell cycle by the direct alteration of cell cycle regulators which induce cell cycle arrest. The most recurrent reported mode of cell cycle arrest by vitamin D is at the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. This arrest is mediated by p21 and p27 upregulation, which results in suppression of cyclin D and E activity which leads to G1/G0 arrest. In addition, vitamin D treatments within in vitro cell lines have observed a reduced C-MYC expression and increased retinoblastoma protein levels that also result in G1/G0 arrest. In contrast, G2/M arrest is reported rarely within in vitro studies, and the mechanisms of this arrest are poorly described. Although the relationship of epigenetics on vitamin D metabolism is acknowledged, studies exploring a direct relationship to cell cycle perturbation is limited. In this review, we examine in vitro evidence of vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites directly influencing cell cycle regulators and inducing cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines.
Collapse
|