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Yao Z, Song P, Jiao W. Pathogenic role of super-enhancers as potential therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1383580. [PMID: 38681203 PMCID: PMC11047458 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1383580] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is still one of the deadliest malignancies today, and most patients with advanced lung cancer pass away from disease progression that is uncontrollable by medications. Super-enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of enhancers in the genome's non-coding sequences that actively trigger transcription. Although SEs have just been identified over the past 10 years, their intricate structure and crucial role in determining cell identity and promoting tumorigenesis and progression are increasingly coming to light. Here, we review the structural composition of SEs, the auto-regulatory circuits, the control mechanisms of downstream genes and pathways, and the characterization of subgroups classified according to SEs in lung cancer. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic targets, several small-molecule inhibitors, and available treatment options for SEs in lung cancer. Combination therapies have demonstrated considerable advantages in preclinical models, and we anticipate that these drugs will soon enter clinical studies and benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Xiao L, Mo X, Li H, Weng X, Wang D, Zhang W. Genetic overlap and causal inferences between diet-derived antioxidants and small-cell lung cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37206. [PMID: 38394493 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported that antioxidants exert both preventive and inhibitory effects against tumors. However, their causal effects on small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remain controversial. Herein, we explored the causal effects of 6 antioxidants on SCLC by combining a genome-wide association study database and the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We obtained antioxidant genetic variance data for 6 exposure factors: carotene, vitamin A (retinol), selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E, from the genome-wide association study database. The instrumental variables for exposure factors and SCLC outcomes were integrated by screening instrumental variables and merging data. Two-sample MR was used to analyze the causal relationship between exposure and outcomes. Finally, we examined the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of the MR analysis by performing multiple sensitivity analyses. We found a causal relationship between carotene and SCLC using two-sample MR analysis and sensitivity analysis (P = .02; odds ratio = 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.95). In contrast, there was no causal relationship between other examined antioxidants and SCLC. We found that diet-derived circulating antioxidants could afford protection against SCLC, and carotene is the causal protective factor against SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaoting Mo
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Huiyan Li
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiangmei Weng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Danxin Wang
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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3
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Gu M, Ren B, Fang Y, Ren J, Liu X, Wang X, Zhou F, Xiao R, Luo X, You L, Zhao Y. Epigenetic regulation in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e495. [PMID: 38374872 PMCID: PMC10876210 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are defined as heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The oncogenic process is driven by the accumulation of alterations that impact genome's structure and function. Genetic mutations, which directly disrupt the DNA sequence, are complemented by epigenetic modifications that modulate gene expression, thereby facilitating the acquisition of malignant characteristics. Principals among these epigenetic changes are shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, which promote tumor development and metastasis. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic alterations, as opposed to the permanence of genetic changes, positions the epigenetic machinery as a prime target in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Our review delves into the complexities of epigenetic regulation, exploring its profound effects on tumor initiation, metastatic behavior, metabolic pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We place a particular emphasis on the dysregulation at each level of epigenetic modulation, including but not limited to, the aberrations in enzymes responsible for DNA methylation and histone modification, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodeling complexes, and the disturbances in higher-order chromatin structure. Finally, we also evaluate therapeutic approaches that leverage the growing understanding of chromatin dysregulation, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Gu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Feihan Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Ruiling Xiao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiyuan Luo
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
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4
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Scholl S, Roufai DB, Chérif LL, Kamal M. RAIDS atlas of significant genetic and protein biomarkers in cervical cancer. J Gynecol Oncol 2023; 34:e74. [PMID: 37668079 PMCID: PMC10482580 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2023.34.e74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of function in epigenetic acting genes together with driver alterations in the PIK3CA pathway have been shown significantly associated with poor outcome in cervical squamous cell cancer. More recently, a CoxBoost analysis identified 16 gene alterations and 30 high level activated proteins to be of high interest, due to their association with either good or bad outcome, in the context of treatment received by chemoradiation. The objectives here were to review and confirm the significance of these molecular alterations as suggested by literature reports and to pinpoint alternate treatments options for poor-responders to chemoradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Scholl
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France.
| | | | - Linda Larbi Chérif
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Maud Kamal
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France
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Wallbillich NJ, Lu H. Role of c-Myc in lung cancer: Progress, challenges, and prospects. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2023; 1:129-138. [PMID: 37920609 PMCID: PMC10621893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapies, the 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients hovers around 20%. Inherent and acquired resistance to therapies (including radiation, chemotherapies, targeted drugs, and combination therapies) has become a significant obstacle in the successful treatment of NSCLC. c-Myc, one of the critical oncoproteins, has been shown to be heavily associated with the malignant cancer phenotype, including rapid proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance across multiple cancer types. The c-Myc proto-oncogene is amplified in small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and overexpressed in over 50% of NSCLCs. c-Myc is known to actively regulate the transcription of cancer stemness genes that are recognized as major contributors to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance; thus, targeting c-Myc either directly or indirectly in mitigation of the cancer stemness phenotype becomes a promising approach for development of a new strategy against drug resistant lung cancers. This review will summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying c-Myc regulation of cancer stemness and its involvement in drug resistance and offer an overview on the current progress and future prospects in therapeutically targeting c-Myc in both SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Wallbillich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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6
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BET inhibitor trotabresib in heavily pretreated patients with solid tumors and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1359. [PMID: 36914652 PMCID: PMC10011554 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal proteins (BET) play key roles in regulation of gene expression, and may play a role in cancer-cell proliferation, survival, and oncogenic progression. CC-90010-ST-001 (NCT03220347) is an open-label phase I study of trotabresib, an oral BET inhibitor, in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors and relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary endpoints were the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose, and RP2D of trotabresib. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit rate (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR] + stable disease [SD] of ≥4 months' duration), objective response rate (CR + PR), duration of response or SD, progression-free survival, overall survival, and the pharmacokinetics (PK) of trotabresib. In addition, part C assessed the effects of food on the PK of trotabresib as a secondary endpoint. The dose escalation (part A) showed that trotabresib was well tolerated, had single-agent activity, and determined the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and schedule for the expansion study. Here, we report long-term follow-up results from part A (N = 69) and data from patients treated with the RP2D of 45 mg/day 4 days on/24 days off or an alternate RP2D of 30 mg/day 3 days on/11 days off in the dose-expansion cohorts (parts B [N = 25] and C [N = 41]). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) are reported in almost all patients. The most common severe TRAEs are hematological. Toxicities are generally manageable, allowing some patients to remain on treatment for ≥2 years, with two patients receiving ≥3 years of treatment. Trotabresib monotherapy shows antitumor activity, with an ORR of 13.0% (95% CI, 2.8-33.6) in patients with R/R DLBCL (part B) and an ORR of 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0-8.6) and a CBR of 31.7% (95% CI, 18.1-48.1) in patients with advanced solid tumors (part C). These results support further investigation of trotabresib in combination with other anticancer agents.
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7
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Kumari A, Gesumaria L, Liu YJ, Hughitt VK, Zhang X, Ceribelli M, Wilson KM, Klumpp-Thomas C, Chen L, McKnight C, Itkin Z, Thomas CJ, Mock BA, Schrump DS, Chen H. mTOR inhibition overcomes RSK3-mediated resistance to BET inhibitors in small cell lung cancer. JCI Insight 2023; 8:156657. [PMID: 36883564 PMCID: PMC10077471 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.156657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant malignancy with limited treatment options. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETis) have shown promising preclinical activity in SCLC, but the broad sensitivity spectrum limits their clinical prospects. Here, we performed unbiased high-throughput drug combination screens to identify therapeutics that could augment the antitumor activities of BETis in SCLC. We found that multiple drugs targeting the PI-3K-AKT-mTOR pathway synergize with BETis, among which mTOR inhibitors (mTORis) show the highest synergy. Using various molecular subtypes of the xenograft models derived from patients with SCLC, we confirmed that mTOR inhibition potentiates the antitumor activities of BETis in vivo without substantially increasing toxicity. Furthermore, BETis induce apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo SCLC models, and this antitumor effect is further amplified by combining mTOR inhibition. Mechanistically, BETis induce apoptosis in SCLC by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. However, BET inhibition leads to RSK3 upregulation, which promotes survival by activating the TSC2-mTOR-p70S6K1-BAD cascade. mTORis block this protective signaling and augment the apoptosis induced by BET inhibition. Our findings reveal a critical role of RSK3 induction in tumor survival upon BET inhibition and warrant further evaluation of the combination of mTORis and BETis in patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - V Keith Hughitt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelli M Wilson
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Carleen Klumpp-Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Crystal McKnight
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Zina Itkin
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA.,Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Beverly A Mock
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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8
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Shang S, Liu J, Hua F. Protein acylation: mechanisms, biological functions and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:396. [PMID: 36577755 PMCID: PMC9797573 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01245-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is involved in the pathogenesis of not only cancers but also neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. With the progress of metabonomics and proteomics, metabolites have been found to affect protein acylations through providing acyl groups or changing the activities of acyltransferases or deacylases. Reciprocally, protein acylation is involved in key cellular processes relevant to physiology and diseases, such as protein stability, protein subcellular localization, enzyme activity, transcriptional activity, protein-protein interactions and protein-DNA interactions. Herein, we summarize the functional diversity and mechanisms of eight kinds of nonhistone protein acylations in the physiological processes and progression of several diseases. We also highlight the recent progress in the development of inhibitors for acyltransferase, deacylase, and acylation reader proteins for their potential applications in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Hua
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Target Discovery of Metabolic Disorder and Tumorigenesis, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, P.R. China
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Tolomeo D, Traversa D, Venuto S, Ebbesen KK, García Rodríguez JL, Tamma G, Ranieri M, Simonetti G, Ghetti M, Paganelli M, Visci G, Liso A, Kok K, Muscarella LA, Fabrizio FP, Frassanito MA, Lamanuzzi A, Saltarella I, Solimando AG, Fatica A, Ianniello Z, Marsano RM, Palazzo A, Azzariti A, Longo V, Tommasi S, Galetta D, Catino A, Zito A, Mazza T, Napoli A, Martinelli G, Kjems J, Kristensen LS, Vacca A, Storlazzi CT. circPVT1 and PVT1/AKT3 show a role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor subtype-definition in small cell lung cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2022; 62:377-391. [PMID: 36562080 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is treated as a homogeneous disease, although the expression of NEUROD1, ASCL1, POU2F3, and YAP1 identifies distinct molecular subtypes. The MYC oncogene, amplified in SCLC, was recently shown to act as a lineage-specific factor to associate subtypes with histological classes. Indeed, MYC-driven SCLCs show a distinct metabolic profile and drug sensitivity. To disentangle their molecular features, we focused on the co-amplified PVT1, frequently overexpressed and originating circular (circRNA) and chimeric RNAs. We analyzed hsa_circ_0001821 (circPVT1) and PVT1/AKT3 (chimPVT1) as examples of such transcripts, respectively, to unveil their tumorigenic contribution to SCLC. In detail, circPVT1 activated a pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic program when over-expressed in lung cells, and knockdown of chimPVT1 induced a decrease in cell growth and an increase of apoptosis in SCLC in vitro. Moreover, the investigated PVT1 transcripts underlined a functional connection between MYC and YAP1/POU2F3, suggesting that they contribute to the transcriptional landscape associated with MYC amplification. In conclusion, we have uncovered a functional role of circular and chimeric PVT1 transcripts in SCLC; these entities may prove useful as novel biomarkers in MYC-amplified tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Tolomeo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Debora Traversa
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Santina Venuto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Karoline K Ebbesen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Grazia Tamma
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marianna Ranieri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola (FC), Italy
| | - Martina Ghetti
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola (FC), Italy
| | - Matteo Paganelli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola (FC), Italy
| | - Grazia Visci
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Liso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Klaas Kok
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Anna Muscarella
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Federico Pio Fabrizio
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Maria Antonia Frassanito
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area - (DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Aurelia Lamanuzzi
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area - (DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area - (DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area - (DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Zaira Ianniello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Palazzo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Longo
- Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- Molecular Diagnostics and Pharmacogenetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Galetta
- Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Catino
- Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Zito
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- Bioinformatics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Alessandro Napoli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola (FC), Italy
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area - (DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Clelia Tiziana Storlazzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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10
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Davalos V, Esteller M. Cancer epigenetics in clinical practice. CA Cancer J Clin 2022. [PMID: 36512337 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is driven by the accumulation of alterations affecting the structure and function of the genome. Whereas genetic changes disrupt the DNA sequence, epigenetic alterations contribute to the acquisition of hallmark tumor capabilities by regulating gene expression programs that promote tumorigenesis. Shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, the two main epigenetic modifications, orchestrate tumor progression and metastasis. These cancer-specific events have been exploited as useful tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment choice to aid clinical decision making. Moreover, the reversibility of epigenetic modifications, in contrast to the irreversibility of genetic changes, has made the epigenetic machinery an attractive target for drug development. This review summarizes the most advanced applications of epigenetic biomarkers and epigenetic drugs in the clinical setting, highlighting commercially available DNA methylation-based assays and epigenetic drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Davalos
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer, Madrid, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Jacobson JC, Qiao J, Clark RA, Chung DH. Combination bromo- and extraterminal domain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition synergistically enhances DNA damage and inhibits neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:103. [PMID: 36227363 PMCID: PMC9562984 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE JQ1 is a bromo- and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibitor that downregulates MYC expression and impairs the DNA damage response. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors prevent DNA damage sensing and repair. We hypothesized that JQ1 would promote a DNA repair-deficient phenotype that sensitizes neuroblastoma cells to PARP inhibition. METHODS Four human neuroblastoma cell lines were examined: two MYCN-amplified (BE(2)-C and IMR-32), and two non-MYCN-amplified (SK-N-SH and SH-SY5Y). Cells were treated with JQ1 (BET inhibitor), Olaparib (PARP inhibitor), or in combination to assess for therapeutic synergy of JQ1 and Olaparib. Treated cells were harvested and analyzed. Quantitative assessment of combination treatment synergy was performed using the median effect principle of Chou and Talalay. RESULTS Combination treatment with Olaparib decreased the IC50 of JQ1 by 19.9-fold, 2.0-fold, 12.1-fold, and 2.0-fold in the BE(2)-C, IMR-32, SK-N-SH, and SH-SY5Y cell lines, respectively. In the MYCN-amplified cell lines, BE(2)-C and IMR-32, combination treatment decreased gene expression of MYCN relative to single-drug treatment alone or control. Combination treatment decreased protein expression of DNA repair proteins Ku80 and RAD51, led to accumulation of DNA damage marker phospho-histone H2A.X, and increased caspase activity. In the non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, SK-N-SH and SH-SY5Y, combination treatment induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS Combination BET and PARP inhibition synergistically inhibited neuroblastoma tumorigenesis in vitro. In MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells, this effect may be induced by downregulation of MYCN transcription, defects in DNA repair, accumulation of DNA damage, and apoptosis. In non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, combination treatment induced cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Jacobson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Jingbo Qiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Rachael A Clark
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Dai H Chung
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr. Mailstop F3.66, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
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12
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Zhang C, Wang H. Accurate treatment of small cell lung cancer: Current progress, new challenges and expectations. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188798. [PMID: 36096336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188798] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly disease with poor prognosis. Fast growing speed, inclination to metastasis, enrichment in cancer stem cells altogether constitute its aggressive nature. In stark contrast to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that strides vigorously on the road to precision oncology, SCLC has been on the embryonic path to achieve effective personalized treatments. The survival of patients with SCLC have not been improved greatly, which could be possibly due to our inadequate understanding of genetic alterations of SCLC. Recently, encouraging effects have been observed in patients with SCLC undergoing immunotherapy. However, exciting results have only been observed in a small fraction of patients with SCLC, warranting biomarkers predictive of responses as well as novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, SCLC has previously been viewed to be homogeneous. However, perspectives have been changed thanks to the advances in sequencing techniques and platforms, which unfolds the complex heterogeneity of SCLC both genetically and non-genetically, rendering the treatment of SCLC a further step forward into the precision era. To outline the road of SCLC towards precision oncology, we summarize the progresses and achievements made in precision treatment in SCLC in genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic and metabolic dimensions. Moreover, we conclude relevant therapeutic vulnerabilities in SCLC. Clinically tested drugs and clinical trials have also been demonstrated. Ultimately, we look into the opportunities and challenges ahead to advance the individualized treatment in pursuit of improved survival for patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
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13
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PARP inhibitors in small cell lung cancer: The underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Xiong J, Barayan R, Louie AV, Lok BH. Novel therapeutic combinations with PARP inhibitors for small cell lung cancer: A bench-to-bedside review. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:521-542. [PMID: 35917883 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is treated as a monolithic disease despite the evident intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity. Non-specific DNA-damaging agents have remained the first-line treatment for decades. Recently, emerging transcriptomic and genomic profiling of SCLC tumors identified distinct SCLC subtypes and vulnerabilities towards targeted therapeutics, including inhibitors of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPi). SCLC cell lines and tumors exhibited an elevated level of PARP1 protein and mRNA compared to healthy lung tissues and other subtypes of lung tumors. Notable responses to PARPi were also observed in preclinical SCLC models. Clinically, PARPi monotherapy exerted variable benefits for SCLC patients. To date, research is being vigorously conducted to examine predictive biomarkers of PARPi response and various PARPi combination strategies to maximize the clinical utility of PARPi. This narrative review summarizes existing preclinical evidence supporting PARPi monotherapy, combination therapy, and respective translation to the clinic. Specifically, we covered the combination of PARPi with DNA-damaging chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, temozolomide), thoracic radiotherapy, immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors), and many other novel therapeutic agents that target DNA damage response, tumor microenvironment, epigenetic modulation, angiogenesis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, or autophagy. Putative biomarkers, such as SLFN11 expression, MGMT methylation, E2F1 expression, and platinum sensitivity, which may be predictive of response to distinct therapeutic combinations, were also discussed. The future of SCLC treatment is undergoing rapid change with a focus on tailored and personalized treatment strategies. Further development of cancer therapy with PARPi will immensely benefit at least a subset of biomarker-defined SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Xiong
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ranya Barayan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander V Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Odette Cancer Centre - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Benjamin H Lok
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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New approaches to targeting epigenetic regulation in prostate cancer. Curr Opin Urol 2022; 32:472-480. [DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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A Micro-Immunotherapy Sequential Medicine MIM-seq Displays Immunomodulatory Effects on Human Macrophages and Anti-Tumor Properties towards In Vitro 2D and 3D Models of Colon Carcinoma and in an In Vivo Subcutaneous Xenograft Colon Carcinoma Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116059. [PMID: 35682738 PMCID: PMC9181410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of a sequential micro-immunotherapy medicine, referred as MIM-seq, were appraised in human primary M1 and M2 macrophages, in which the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, was inhibited. In addition, the potential anti-proliferative effects of MIM-seq on tumor cells was assessed in three models of colorectal cancer (CRC): an in vitro two-dimensions (2D) model of HCT-116 cells, an in vitro tri-dimensional (3D) model of spheroids, and an in vivo model of subcutaneous xenografted mice. In these models, MIM-seq displayed anti-proliferative effects when compared with the vehicle. In vivo, the tumor growth was slightly reduced in MIM-seq-treated animals. Moreover, MIM-seq could slightly reduce the growth of our spheroid models, especially under serum-deprivation. When MIM-seq was combined with two well-known anti-cancerogenic agents, either resveratrol or etoposide, MIM-seq could even further reduce the spheroid’s volume, pointing up the need to further assess whether MIM-seq could be beneficial for CRC patients as an adjuvant therapy. Altogether, these data suggest that MIM-seq could have anti-tumor properties against CRC and an immunomodulatory effect towards the mediators of inflammation, whose systemic dysregulation is considered to be a poor prognosis for patients.
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Marchesi I, Fais M, Fiorentino FP, Bordoni V, Sanna L, Zoroddu S, Bagella L. Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 Provides Novel Insights and Perspectives in Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073581. [PMID: 35408939 PMCID: PMC8998669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. It is classified into two main subtypes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar (aRMS). MYC family proteins are frequently highly expressed in RMS tumors, with the highest levels correlated with poor prognosis. A pharmacological approach to inhibit MYC in cancer cells is represented by Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of BET inhibitor (+)-JQ1 (JQ1) on the viability of aRMS and eRMS cells. Interestingly, we found that the drug sensitivity of RMS cell lines to JQ1 was directly proportional to the expression of MYC. JQ1 induces G1 arrest in cells with the highest steady-state levels of MYC, whereas apoptosis is associated with MYC downregulation. These findings suggest BET inhibition as an effective strategy for the treatment of RMS alone or in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Kitos Biotech Srls, Tramariglio, 07041 Alghero, Italy
| | - Milena Fais
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Fiorentino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Kitos Biotech Srls, Tramariglio, 07041 Alghero, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luca Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefano Zoroddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luigi Bagella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence:
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Wu Q, Xuan YF, Su AL, Bao XB, Miao ZH, Wang YQ. TNKS inhibitors potentiate proliferative inhibition of BET inhibitors via reducing β-Catenin in colorectal cancer cells. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:1069-1087. [PMID: 35411247 PMCID: PMC8984892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited options for treatment. Targeting the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins by using BET inhibitors (BETis) could effectively interrupt the interaction with acetylated histones, inhibit genes transcription and have shown a certain effect on CRC inhibition. To improve the efficacy, the inhibitors of Tankyrases, which cause accumulation of AXIN through dePARsylation, in turn facilitate the degradation of β-Catenin and suppress the growth of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)-mutated CRCs, were tested together with BETi as a combination treatment. We examined the effects of BETi and Tankyrases inhibitor (TNKSi) together on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of human CRCs cell lines with APC or CTNNB1 mutation, and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms affected by the double treatment. The result showed that the TNKSi could sensitize all tested CRC cell lines to BETi, and the synergistic effect was not only seen in cell proliferation inhibition, but also confirmed in decreased colony-forming ability and weaken EdU incorporation compared with monotherapy. Combined treatment resulted in enhanced G1 cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. In addition, we found β-Catenin was potentially inhibited by the combination and revealed that both BETi-induced transcriptional inhibition and TNKSi-mediated protein degradation all reduced the β-Catenin accumulation. In all, the synergistic effects suggest that combination of BETi and TNKSi could provide novel treatment opportunities for CRC, but both TNKSi and combination strategy need to be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNo. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Fei Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNo. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ai-Ling Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNo. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu-Bin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ze-Hong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNo. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesNo. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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Dual-target inhibitors based on PARP1: new trend in the development of anticancer research. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:511-525. [PMID: 35257598 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0292] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP1 is a hot target, and its inhibitors have been approved for cancer therapy. However, some undesirable properties restrict the application of PARP1 inhibitors, including drug resistance, side effects and low efficiency. For multifactorial diseases, dual-target drugs have exhibited excellent synergistic effects, such as reduced drug resistance, low side effects and high therapeutic efficacy, by simultaneously regulating the main pathogenic and compensatory signal pathways of diseases. In recent years, several dual-target inhibitors based on PARP1 have been reported and have demonstrated unique advantages. In this review we summarize the research progress in dual-target inhibitors based on PARP1 and discuss the related drug design strategies and structure-activity relationships. This work is expected to provide references for the development of PARP1 inhibitors.
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Yang J, Song C, Zhan X. The role of protein acetylation in carcinogenesis and targeted drug discovery. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:972312. [PMID: 36171897 PMCID: PMC9510633 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.972312] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein acetylation is a reversible post-translational modification, and is involved in many biological processes in cells, such as transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair, and energy metabolism, which is an important molecular event and is associated with a wide range of diseases such as cancers. Protein acetylation is dynamically regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) in homeostasis. The abnormal acetylation level might lead to the occurrence and deterioration of a cancer, and is closely related to various pathophysiological characteristics of a cancer, such as malignant phenotypes, and promotes cancer cells to adapt to tumor microenvironment. Therapeutic modalities targeting protein acetylation are a potential therapeutic strategy. This article discussed the roles of protein acetylation in tumor pathology and therapeutic drugs targeting protein acetylation, which offers the contributions of protein acetylation in clarification of carcinogenesis, and discovery of therapeutic drugs for cancers, and lays the foundation for precision medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Yang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Cong Song
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xianquan Zhan,
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BET Proteins as Attractive Targets for Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011102. [PMID: 34681760 PMCID: PMC8538173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer and can be an essential driver of cancer initiation and progression. Loss of transcriptional control can cause cancer cells to become dependent on certain regulators of gene expression. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. BET inhibitors (BETis) disrupt BET protein binding to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin and suppress the transcription of various genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Phase I and II clinical trials demonstrated BETis’ potential as anticancer drugs against solid tumours and haematological malignancies; however, their clinical success was limited as monotherapies. Emerging treatment-associated toxicities, drug resistance and a lack of predictive biomarkers limited BETis’ clinical progress. The preclinical evaluation demonstrated that BETis synergised with different classes of compounds, including DNA repair inhibitors, thus supporting further clinical development of BETis. The combination of BET and PARP inhibitors triggered synthetic lethality in cells with proficient homologous recombination. Mechanistic studies revealed that BETis targeted multiple essential homologous recombination pathway proteins, including RAD51, BRCA1 and CtIP. The exact mechanism of BETis’ anticancer action remains poorly understood; nevertheless, these agents provide a novel approach to epigenome and transcriptome anticancer therapy.
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Halder TG, Soldi R, Sharma S. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein bromodomain inhibitor based cancer therapeutics. Curr Opin Oncol 2021; 33:526-531. [PMID: 34280171 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are evolutionarily conserved, multifunctional super-regulators that specifically recognize acetyl-lysine on histones and other proteins controlling gene transcription. Several studies show that small molecules targeting these regulators preferentially suppress the transcription of cancer-promoting genes. Consequently, several BET inhibitors reached clinical trials and are in various stages for different kind of malignancies. In this review, we provide a concise summary of the molecular basis and preliminary clinical outcomes of BET inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS Results from early clinical trials with BET inhibitors confirmed their antitumor potential in both hematologic and solid tumours, but the evidence does not support the application of BET inhibitors as a monotherapy for cancer treatment. Treatment-emergent toxicities such as thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal disorders are also reported. Preclinical data suggest that BET inhibitors may have a promising future in combination with other anticancer agents. SUMMARY Despite of various challenges, BET inhibitors have high potential in combinatorial therapy and the future development of next-generation inhibitors could be promising. Further studies are needed to determine the predictive biomarkers for therapeutic response, which would translate into the long-term success of BET inhibitors as personalized medicines in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tithi Ghosh Halder
- Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Epigenetic Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma Cells Sensitizes to Cisplatin Chemotherapy and PARP Inhibitor Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061376. [PMID: 33803654 PMCID: PMC8002916 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) is treated with chemotherapies based on the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin, which only works temporarily due to the development of drug resistance. In this study, we show that it may be possible to overcome such resistances by treating the cancer cells with specific epigenetic drugs. We investigated the “epidrug” PLX51107 that inhibits the chromatin regulator BRD4 (Bromodomain Containing 4). PLX51107 inhibited cell growth, caused DNA damage, and blocked DNA repair response in UC cells. Concomitant application of PLX51107 with cisplatin or the drug talazoparib, interfering with DNA repair, caused cell death very efficiently. PLX51107 thus sensitizes UC cells to other drugs and may allow therapy with novel effective anti-tumor drugs like talazoparib that normally only work in a small proportion of patients with specific gene mutations. These results may help to improve current standard therapy and to develop new treatment options urgently required for UC patients. Abstract Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC) is treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, which is only moderately efficient, mostly due to development of resistance. New therapy approaches are therefore urgently needed. Epigenetic alterations due to frequent mutations in epigenetic regulators contribute to development of the disease and to treatment resistance, and provide targets for novel drug combination therapies. Here, we determined the cytotoxic impact of the second-generation bromodomain protein inhibitor (BETi) PLX51107 on UC cell lines (UCC) and normal HBLAK control cells. PLX51107 inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and acted synergistically with the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin. While PLX51107 caused significant DNA damage, DNA damage signaling and DNA repair were impeded, a state defined as BRCAness. Accordingly, the drug strongly synergized with cisplatin more efficiently than romidepsin, and with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib to inhibit proliferation and induce cell death in UCC. Thus, a BETi can be used to “episensitize” UC cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy and inhibitors of DNA repair by inducing BRCAness in non BRCA1/2 mutated cancers. In clinical applications, the synergy between PLX51107 and other drugs should permit significant dosage reductions to minimize effects on normal tissues.
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