Histone Demethylase LSD1 Regulates Kidney Cancer Progression by Modulating Androgen Receptor Activity

The influence of sex hormones on renal cell carcinoma

Kidney cancer is a common malignancy that constitutes around 5% of all cancer cases. Males are twice as likely to acquire renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared to females and experience a higher rate of mortality. These disparities indicate that sex hormone (SH)-dependent pathways may have an impact on the aetiology and pathophysiology of RCC. Examination of SH involvement in conventional signalling pathways, as well as genetics and genomics, especially the involvement of ribonucleic acid, reveal further insights into sex-related differences. An understanding of SHs and their influence on kidney cancer is essential to offer patients individualized medicine that would better meet their needs in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This review presents the understanding of sex-related differences in the clinical manifestation of kidney cancer patients and the underlying biological processes.

Lathyrol reduces the RCC invasion and incidence of EMT via affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Lathyrol on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mice and to further explore the mechanism by which Lathyrol inhibits the invasion and incidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

An RCC xenograft mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into a model group, an experiment group and a negative control group. The experiment group was intragastrically gavaged with Lathyrol solution (20 mg/kg), the model group was intragastrically gavaged with 0.9% NaCl (same volume as that used in the experiment group), and the negative control group was injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg cisplatin aqueous solution. Changes in the body weight and tumor volume of the mice were recorded. Western blot (WB) was used to assess the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, PARP1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, β-catenin, and ZO-1. Protein expression levels of SPHK2, metal matrix protease 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in tumor tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). AR expression in tumor tissues was assessed after immunofluorescence (IF) staining.

RESULTS

After 14 days of drug administration, compared with that in the model group, the tumor volumes in the negative control and experiment groups were lower; the difference in tumor volume among the model, control and experiment groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences in body weight among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively increased, the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively reduced (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, and α-SMA were relatively increased (P < 0.05). In the negative control and experiment groups, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively decreased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively increased (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA were relatively decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lathyrol and cisplatin inhibit the proliferation of RCC xenografts, reduce the protein expression levels of AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, PARP1, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in tumor tissues (P < 0.05), and promote the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA (P < 0.05). Therefore, Lathyrol reduces RCC invasion and EMT by affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice.

Androgen Receptor-Interacting Proteins in Prostate Cancer Development and Therapy Resistance

Endocrine therapy for prostate cancer is based on the use of drugs that diminish androgen concentration and androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors and is limited by the functional consequences of AR point mutations and increased expression of constitutively active receptors. Many coactivators (>280) interact with different AR regions. Most studies have determined the expression of coactivators and their effects in the presence of increasing concentrations of androgen or the antiandrogen enzalutamide. The p160 group of coactivators (SRC-1, SRC-2, and SRC-3) is highly expressed in prostate cancer and contributes to ligand-dependent activation of the receptor in models that represent therapy-sensitive and therapy-resistant cell lines. The transcriptional coactivators p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are implicated in the regulation of a large number of cellular events, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. AR coactivators also may predict biochemical and clinical recurrence. The AR coactivator expression, which is enhanced in enzalutamide resistance, includes growth regulating estrogen receptor binding 1 (GREB1) and GATA-binding protein 2 (GATA2). Several coactivators also activate AR-unrelated signaling pathways, such as those of insulin-like growth factors, which inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells. They are expressed in multiple models of resistance to therapy and can be targeted by various inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. The role of the glucocorticoid receptor in endocrine therapy-resistant prostate cancer has been documented previously. Specific coactivators may interact with the glucocorticoid receptor, thus contributing to therapy failure.

Web-based nomogram and risk stratification system constructed for predicting the overall survival of older adults with primary kidney cancer after surgical resection

BACKGROUND

Kidney cancer (KC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in adults which particularly affects the survival of elderly patients. We aimed to construct a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) in elderly KC patients after surgery.

METHODS

Information on all primary KC patients aged more than 65 years and treated with surgery between 2010 and 2015 was downloaded from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors. Consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the area under curve (AUC), and calibration curve were used to assess the accuracy and validity of the nomogram. Comparison of the clinical benefits of nomogram and the TNM staging system is done by decision curve analysis (DCA) and time-dependent ROC.

RESULTS

A total of 15,989 elderly KC patients undergoing surgery were included. All patients were randomly divided into training set (N = 11,193, 70%) and validation set (N = 4796, 30%). The nomogram produced C-indexes of 0.771 (95% CI 0.751-0.791) and 0.792 (95% CI 0.763-0.821) in the training and validation sets, respectively, indicating that the nomogram has excellent predictive accuracy. The ROC, AUC, and calibration curves also showed the same excellent results. In addition, DCA and time-dependent ROC showed that the nomogram outperformed the TNM staging system with better net clinical benefits and predictive efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent influencing factors for postoperative OS in elderly KC patients were sex, age, histological type, tumor size, grade, surgery, marriage, radiotherapy, and T-, N-, and M-stage. The web-based nomogram and risk stratification system could assist surgeons and patients in clinical decision-making.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 as a therapeutic cancer target: observations from preclinical study

INTRODUCTION

Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A/LSD1) has emerged as an important therapeutic target in various cancer types. LSD1 regulates a wide range of biological processes that influence cancer development, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. However, recent studies have revealed novel aspects of LSD1 biology, shedding light on its involvement in immunogenicity, antitumor immunity, and DNA damage response. These emerging findings have the potential to be leveraged in the design of effective LSD1-targeted therapies.

AREAS COVERED

This paper discusses the latest developments in the field of LSD1 biology, focusing on its role in regulating immunogenicity, antitumor immunity, and DNA damage response mechanisms. The newfound understanding of these mechanisms has opened possibilities for the development of novel LSD1-targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of LSD1 inhibitor-based combination therapies for the treatment of cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Exploiting LSD1 role in antitumor immunity and DNA damage response provides cues to not only understand the LSD1-resistant mechanisms but also rationally design new combination therapies that are more efficient and less toxic than monotherapy. The exploration of LSD1 biology and the development of LSD1-targeted therapies hold great promise for the future of cancer treatment.

Inflammatory Networks in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cancer-associated inflammation has been established as a hallmark feature of almost all solid cancers. Tumor-extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways regulate the process of cancer-associated inflammation. Tumor-extrinsic inflammation is triggered by many factors, including infection, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxic and radioactive substances. Intrinsic inflammation can be induced by genomic mutation, genome instability and epigenetic remodeling in cancer cells that promote immunosuppressive traits, inducing the recruitment and activation of inflammatory immune cells. In RCC, many cancer cell-intrinsic alterations are assembled, upregulating inflammatory pathways, which enhance chemokine release and neoantigen expression. Furthermore, immune cells activate the endothelium and induce metabolic shifts, thereby amplifying both the paracrine and autocrine inflammatory loops to promote RCC tumor growth and progression. Together with tumor-extrinsic inflammatory factors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways trigger a Janus-faced tumor microenvironment, thereby simultaneously promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. For therapeutic success, it is important to understand the pathomechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation, which promote cancer progression. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms of cancer-associated inflammation that influence cancer and immune cell functions, thereby increasing tumor malignancy and anti-cancer resistance. We also discuss the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments, which may provide clinical benefits in RCCs and possible avenues for therapy and future research.

5α-Reductase Inhibitors and Risk of Kidney and Bladder Cancers in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Preclinical evidence suggests that 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARi), commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are associated with reduced incidence of certain urologic cancers, yet epidemiologic studies are conflicting. This study aimed to determine whether 5ARi's are associated with a reduced risk of kidney and bladder cancers.

METHODS

We conducted a new-user active-comparator cohort study in the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink. From a base cohort of patients with incident BPH, new users of 5ARi's and α-blockers were identified. Patients were followed up until a first ever diagnosis of kidney or bladder cancer, death from any cause, end of registration, or December 31, 2017. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident kidney and bladder cancer.

RESULTS

There were 5,414 and 37,681 new users of 5ARi's and α-blockers, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 6.3 years, we found no association between the use of 5ARi's and kidney (adjusted HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.74-2.12; n = 23) or bladder (adjusted HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.64-1.23; n = 57) cancer risk compared with α-blockers. Similar results were observed across sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found no association between the use of 5ARi's and kidney or bladder cancer incidence in men with BPH when compared with α-blocker use.

IMPACT

The findings of this study indicate that 5ARi's are unlikely to reduce kidney or bladder cancer risk.

The role of histone methylation in renal cell cancer: an update

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of all cancers. It is difficult to diagnose early. Recently, genome-wide studies have identified that histone methylation was one of the functional classes that is most frequently dysregulated in renal cell cancer. Mutation or mis-regulation of histone methylation, methyltransferases, demethylases are associated with gene expression and tumor progression in renal cell cancer. Herein, we summarize histone methylations, demethylases and their alterations and mechanisms in renal cell cancer.

Epidemiological Trends of Kidney Cancer Along with Attributable Risk Factors in China from 1990 to 2019 and Its Projections Until 2030: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background

Understanding the past and future burden of kidney cancer in China over years provides essential references for optimizing the prevention and management strategies.

Methods

The data on incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and age-standardized rates of kidney cancer in China, 1990-2019, were collected from the database of Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to depict the trends of kidney cancer burden, and Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis was used to predict the incidence and mortality in the next decade.

Results

Over the past 30 years, the number of new kidney cancer cases sharply increased from 11.07 thousand to 59.83 thousand, and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) tripled from 1.16/100,000 to 3.21/100,000. The mortality and DALYs also presented an increasing pattern. Smoking and high body mass index were mainly risk factors for kidney cancer. We predicted that by 2030, the incident cases and deaths of kidney cancer would increase to 126.8 thousand and 41.8 thousand, respectively.

Conclusion

In the past 30 years, the kidney cancer burden gradually increased in China, and it will continue to rise in the next decade, which reveals more targeted intervention measures are necessary.

Arborinine from <em>Glycosmis parva</em> leaf extract inhibits clear-cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting KDM1A/UBE2O signaling

Background

Arborinine is a natural product isolated from Globigerina parva (G. parva) leaf extract that shows strong anticancer activity with its role in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) unreported.

Objective

We aim to evaluate the role of Arborinine in ccRCC.

Design

Arborinine was tested for its effects in ccRCC cell lines in vitro and in silico.

Results

Arborinine conferred inhibitory effect to ccRCC cells at reasonable doses. Arborinine showed inhibitory effects on Lysine Demethylase 1A (KDM1A) in ccRCC cells and decreased levels of KDM1A outputs and on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Arborinine significantly inhibited proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression and migration of ccRCC cells. Using in silico ChIP analysis and luciferase activity validation, we identified Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2O (UBE2O) as an active transcription target downstream of KDM1A. UBE2O expression was not only correlated with KDM1A expression but also associated with worsened prognosis in ccRCC. Overexpression of UBE2O abrogated cancer-inhibitory effect of Arborinine.

Discussion

Arborinine holds promise as an additive in the treatment of ccRCC.

Conclusions

We have shown for the first time that Arborinine showed inhibitory effect on ccRCC via KDM1A/UBE2O signaling.

Design and Synthesis of Benzene Homologues Tethered with 1,2,4-Triazole and 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Motifs Revealing Dual MCF-7/HepG2 Cytotoxic Activity with Prominent Selectivity via Histone Demethylase LSD1 Inhibitory Effect

In this study, an efficient multistep synthesis of novel aromatic tricyclic hybrids incorporating different biological active moieties, such as 1,3,4-thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole, was reported. These target scaffolds are characterized by having terminal lipophilic or hydrophilic parts, and their structures are confirmed by different spectroscopic methods. Further, the cytotoxic activities of the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated using in vitro MTT cytotoxicity screening assay against three different cell lines, including HepG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116, compared with the reference drug Taxol. The results showed variable performance against cancer cell lines, exhibiting MCF-7 and HepG-2 selectivities by active analogs. Among these derivatives, 1,2,4-triazoles 11 and 13 and 1,3,4-thiadiazole 18 were found to be the most potent compounds against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cancer cells. Moreover, structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies led to the identification of some potent LSD1 inhibitors. The tested compounds showed good LSD1 inhibitory activities, with an IC₅₀ range of 0.04–1.5 μM. Compounds 27, 23, and 22 were found to be the most active analogs with IC₅₀ values of 0.046, 0.065, and 0.074 μM, respectively. In addition, they exhibited prominent selectivity against a MAO target with apparent cancer cell apoptosis, resulting in DNA fragmentation. This research provides some new aromatic-centered 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione and 1,3,4-thiadiazole analogs as highly effective anticancer agents with good LSD1 target selectivity.

A Novel Machine Learning 13-Gene Signature: Improving Risk Analysis and Survival Prediction for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients

Simple Summary

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer which comprises the majority of all renal cell carcinomas. Many efforts have been made to identify biomarkers which could help healthcare professionals better treat this kind of cancer. With extensive public data available, we conducted a machine learning study to determine a gene signature that could indicate patient survival with high accuracy. Through the min-Redundancy and Max-Relevance algorithm we generated a signature of 13 genes highly correlated with patient outcomes. These findings reveal potential strategies for personalized medicine in the clinical practice.

Abstract

Patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have poor survival outcomes, especially if it has metastasized. It is of paramount importance to identify biomarkers in genomic data that could help predict the aggressiveness of ccRCC and its resistance to drugs. Thus, we conducted a study with the aims of evaluating gene signatures and proposing a novel one with higher predictive power and generalization in comparison to the former signatures. Using ccRCC cohorts of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-KIRC) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-RECA), we evaluated linear survival models of Cox regression with 14 signatures and six methods of feature selection, and performed functional analysis and differential gene expression approaches. In this study, we established a 13-gene signature (AR, AL353637.1, DPP6, FOXJ1, GNB3, HHLA2, IL4, LIMCH1, LINC01732, OTX1, SAA1, SEMA3G, ZIC2) whose expression levels are able to predict distinct outcomes of patients with ccRCC. Moreover, we performed a comparison between our signature and others from the literature. The best-performing gene signature was achieved using the ensemble method Min-Redundancy and Max-Relevance (mRMR). This signature comprises unique features in comparison to the others, such as generalization through different cohorts and being functionally enriched in significant pathways: Urothelial Carcinoma, Chronic Kidney disease, and Transitional cell carcinoma, Nephrolithiasis. From the 13 genes in our signature, eight are known to be correlated with ccRCC patient survival and four are immune-related. Our model showed a performance of 0.82 using the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) Area Under Curve (AUC) metric and it generalized well between the cohorts. Our findings revealed two clusters of genes with high expression (SAA1, OTX1, ZIC2, LINC01732, GNB3 and IL4) and low expression (AL353637.1, AR, HHLA2, LIMCH1, SEMA3G, DPP6, and FOXJ1) which are both correlated with poor prognosis. This signature can potentially be used in clinical practice to support patient treatment care and follow-up.

Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure and Aldosterone: Interaction Between the Lysine-specific Demethylase 1 Gene, Sex, and Age

CONTEXT

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals of African descent, although the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a salt-sensitive epigenetic regulator associated with SSBP and aldosterone dysfunction. An LSD1 risk allele in humans is associated with SSBP and lower aldosterone levels in hypertensive individuals of African but not European descent. Heterozygous knockout LSD1 mice display SSBP and aldosterone dysregulation, but this effect is modified by age and biological sex. This might explain differences in cardiovascular risk with aging and biological sex in humans.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to determine if LSD1 risk allele (rs587618) carriers of African descent display a sex-by-age interaction with SSBP and aldosterone regulation.

METHODS

We analyzed 297 individuals of African and European descent from the HyperPATH cohort. We performed multiple regression analyses for outcome variables related to SSBP and aldosterone.

RESULTS

LSD1 risk allele carriers of African (but not European) descent had greater SSBP than nonrisk homozygotes. Female LSD1 risk allele carriers of African descent had greater SSBP, mainly relationship-driven by women with low estrogen (postmenopausal). There was a statistically significant LSD1 genotype-sex interaction in aldosterone response to angiotensin II stimulation in individuals aged 50 years or younger, with female carriers displaying decreased aldosterone responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

SSBP associated with LSD1 risk allele status is driven by women with a depleted estrogen state. Mechanisms related to a resistance to develop SSBP in females are uncertain but may relate to an estrogen-modulating effect on mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation and/or LSD1 epigenetic regulation of the MR.

Nephrotoxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)-effect on transcription and epigenetic factors

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widespread persistent environmental pollutant implicated in nephrotoxicity with altered metabolism, carcinogenesis, and fibrosis potential. We studied the underlying epigenetic mechanism involving transcription factors of PFOS-induced kidney injury. A 14-day orally dosed mouse model was chosen to study acute influences in vivo. Messenger RNA expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to elucidate the relationship between epigenetic regulators, transcription factors, kidney disease, and metabolism homeostasis. PFOS was found to accumulate in mouse kidney in a dose-dependent manner. Kidney injury markers Acta2 and Bcl2l1 increased in expression significantly. Transcription factors, including Nef2l2, Hes1, Ppara, and Ppard, were upregulated, while Smarca2 and Pparg were downregulated. Furthermore, global DNA methylation levels decreased and the gene expression of histone demethylases Kdm1a and Kdm4c were upregulated. Our work implicates PFOS-induced gene expression alterations in epigenetics, transcription factors, and kidney biomarkers with potential implications for kidney fibrosis and kidney carcinogenesis. Future experiments can focus on epigenetic mechanisms to establish a panel of PFOS-induced biomarkers for nephrotoxicity evaluation.

Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Reductase 1: a novel target for sensitizing multiple myeloma cells to bortezomib by inhibition of PRAS40-mediated protein synthesis

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable cancer despite advances in therapy. Therefore, the search for new targets is still essential to uncover potential treatment strategies. Metabolic changes, induced by the hypoxic bone marrow, contribute to both MM cell survival and drug resistance. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 and 2 (PYCR1 and PYCR2) are two mitochondrial enzymes that facilitate the last step in the glutamine-to-proline conversion. Overexpression of PYCR1 is involved in progression of several cancers, however, its’ role in hematological cancers is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether PYCR affects MM viability, proliferation and response to bortezomib.

Methods

Correlation of PYCR1/2 with overall survival was investigated in the MMRF CoMMpass trial (653 patients). OPM-2 and RPMI-8226 MM cell lines were used to perform in vitro experiments. RPMI-8226 cells were supplemented with ¹³C-glutamine for 48 h in both normoxia and hypoxia (< 1% O₂, by chamber) to perform a tracer study. PYCR1 was inhibited by siRNA or the small molecule inhibitor pargyline. Apoptosis was measured using Annexin V and 7-AAD staining, viability by CellTiterGlo assay and proliferation by BrdU incorporation. Differential protein expression was evaluated using Western Blot. The SUnSET method was used to measure protein synthesis. All in vitro experiments were performed in hypoxic conditions.

Results

We found that PYCR1 and PYCR2 mRNA expression correlated with an inferior overall survival. MM cells from relapsed/refractory patients express significantly higher levels of PYCR1 mRNA. In line with the strong expression of PYCR1, we performed a tracer study in RPMI-8226 cells, which revealed an increased conversion of ¹³C-glutamine to proline in hypoxia. PYCR1 inhibition reduced MM viability and proliferation and increased apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that PYCR1 silencing reduced protein levels of p-PRAS40, p-mTOR, p-p70, p-S6, p-4EBP1 and p-eIF4E levels, suggesting a decrease in protein synthesis, which we also confirmed in vitro. Pargyline and siPYCR1 increased bortezomib-mediated apoptosis. Finally, combination therapy of pargyline with bortezomib reduced viability in CD138⁺ MM cells and reduced tumor burden in the murine 5TGM1 model compared to single agents.

Conclusions

This study identifies PYCR1 as a novel target in bortezomib-based combination therapies for MM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02250-3.

Comprehensive in Vitro Characterization of the LSD1 Small Molecule Inhibitor Class in Oncology

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1 or KDM1A) is a chromatin modifying enzyme playing a key role in the cell cycle and cell differentiation and proliferation through the demethylation of histones and nonhistone substrates. In addition to its enzymatic activity, LSD1 plays a fundamental scaffolding role as part of transcription silencing complexes such as rest co-repressor (CoREST) and nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD). A host of classical amine oxidase inhibitors such as tranylcypromine, pargyline, and phenelzine together with LSD1 tool compounds such as SP-2509 and GSK-LSD1 have been extensively utilized in LSD1 mechanistic cancer studies. Additionally, several optimized new chemical entities have reached clinical trials in oncology such as ORY-1001 (iadademstat), GSK2879552, SP-2577 (seclidemstat), IMG-7289 (bomedemstat), INCB059872, and CC-90011 (pulrodemstat). Despite this, no single study exists that characterizes them all under the same experimental conditions, preventing a clear interpretation of published results. Herein, we characterize the whole LSD1 small molecule compound class as inhibitors of LSD1 catalytic activity, disruptors of SNAIL/GFI1 (SNAG)-scaffolding protein-protein interactions, inducers of cell differentiation, and potential anticancer treatments for hematological and solid tumors to yield an updated, unified perspective of this field. Our results highlight significant differences in potency and selectivity among the clinical compounds with iadademstat being the most potent and reveal that most of the tool compounds have very low activity and selectivity, suggesting some conclusions derived from their use should be taken with caution.

KDM1A Identified as a Potential Oncogenic Driver and Prognostic Biomarker via Multi-Omics Analysis

Background

Lysine-specific demethylase 1A (KDM1A) is a histone demethylation enzyme and a crucial epigenetic factor for multiple pathological pathways that mediate carcinogenesis and immunogenicity. Although increasing evidence supposes the association between KDM1A and cancers, no systematic multi-omics analysis of KDM1A is available.

Methods

We systematically evaluated the KDM1A expression of various cancer and normal tissues and the unique relationship between KDM1A expression and prognosis of cancer cases based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) database. The genetic variations, phosphorylation, and DNA methylation of KDM1A were analyzed via various tools. We further analyzed the correlation of KDM1A expression and fibroblasts and immune cell infiltration score of TCGA samples via TIMER2.0.

Results

KDM1A was highly expressed in 17 types of total 33 cancers, while it expressed low levels in only 4 cancers. High KDM1A expression was associated with worse survival status in various cancers. KDM1A expression was positively correlated with the cancer-associated fibroblasts and myeloid-derived suppressor cells infiltration levels in most cancer types. Additionally, KDM1A in most cancer types was negatively correlated with Th1 cell infiltration and positively correlated with Th2 cells. Moreover, spliceosome, cell cycle, and RNA transport pathways were involved in the functional mechanisms of KDM1A via enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

Our study describes the epigenetic factor KDM1A as an oncogene and prognostic biomarker. Our findings provide valuable guidance for further analysis of KDM1A function in pathogenesis and potential clinical treatment.

Tertiary sulphonamide derivatives as dual acting small molecules that inhibit LSD1 and suppress tubulin polymerisation against liver cancer

A series of tertiary sulphonamide derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against liver cancer cell lines (SNU-475, HepG-2, and Bel-7402). Among these tertiary sulphonamides, compound 17a displayed the best anti-liver cancer activity against Bel-7402 cells with an IC50 value of 0.32 μM. Compound 17a could effectively inhibit tubulin polymerisation with an IC50 value of 1.27 μM. Meanwhile, it selectively suppressed LSD1 with an IC50 value of 63 nM. It also concentration-dependently inhibited migration against Bel-7402 cells. Importantly, tertiary sulphonamide 17a exhibited the potent antitumor activity in vivo. All these findings revealed that compound 17a might be a tertiary sulphonamide-based dual inhibitor of tubulin polymerisation and LSD1 to treat liver cancer.

Sex and Gender Differences in Kidney Cancer: Clinical and Experimental Evidence

Simple Summary

Kidney cancer is a frequent malignant tumor that accounts for approximately 5% of all cancer incidences. It affects both males and females, but males are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer than females. Evidence shows that this discrepancy takes root in individual differences, such as genetics or pathologies that affect the patient. It is then reflected in the clinical characteristics of the tumors, as males have larger and more aggressive tumors. Understanding the sex- and gender-based differences in kidney cancer is essential to be able to offer patients individualized medicine that would better cover their needs in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Sex and gender disparities have been reported for different types of non-reproductive cancers. Males are two times more likely to develop kidney cancer than females and have a higher death rate. These differences can be explained by looking at genetics and genomics, as well as other risk factors such as hypertension and obesity, lifestyle, and female sex hormones. Examination of the hormonal signaling pathways bring further insights into sex-related differences. Sex and gender-based disparities can be observed at the diagnostic, histological and treatment levels, leading to significant outcome difference. This review summarizes the current knowledge about sex and gender-related differences in the clinical presentation of patients with kidney cancer and the possible biological mechanisms that could explain these observations. Underlying sex-based differences may contribute to the development of sex-specific prognostic and diagnostic tools and the improvement of personalized therapies.

The Role of Epigenetics in the Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and the Basis for Future Epigenetic Treatments

Simple Summary

The accumulated evidence on the role of epigenetic markers of prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is reviewed, as well as state of the art on epigenetic treatments for this malignancy. Several epigenetic markers are likely candidates for clinical use, but still have not passed the test of prospective validation. Development of epigenetic therapies, either alone or in combination with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, are still in their infancy.

Abstract

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is curable when diagnosed at an early stage, but when disease is non-confined it is the urologic cancer with worst prognosis. Antiangiogenic treatment and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy constitute a very promising combined therapy for advanced and metastatic disease. Many exploratory studies have identified epigenetic markers based on DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA expression that epigenetically regulate gene expression in ccRCC. Additionally, epigenetic modifiers genes have been proposed as promising biomarkers for ccRCC. We review and discuss the current understanding of how epigenetic changes determine the main molecular pathways of ccRCC initiation and progression, and also its clinical implications. Despite the extensive research performed, candidate epigenetic biomarkers are not used in clinical practice for several reasons. However, the accumulated body of evidence of developing epigenetically-based biomarkers will likely allow the identification of ccRCC at a higher risk of progression. That will facilitate the establishment of firmer therapeutic decisions in a changing landscape and also monitor active surveillance in the aging population. What is more, a better knowledge of the activities of chromatin modifiers may serve to develop new therapeutic opportunities. Interesting clinical trials on epigenetic treatments for ccRCC associated with well established antiangiogenic treatments and immune checkpoint inhibitors are revisited.