1
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Xu Y, Tocci D, Wang C. Development and Evaluation of [ 11C]I-58: A Novel PET Radiotracer Targeting BRD4 BD2 for Advanced Epigenetic Imaging. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:36177-36184. [PMID: 39220497 PMCID: PMC11360046 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The paired bromodomains (BD1 and BD2), located in the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins, perform specific functions in gene transcriptional control and expression. Targeting specific bromodomains with inhibitors holds promise for achieving therapeutic benefits with reduced side effects. However, the comprehension of this target related to the disease is still restricted. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a powerful tool that provides a valuable avenue for exploring the BD2 bromodomain. This investigation introduces a novel radioligand, [11C]I-58, for PET targeting the BET BD2 domain. The synthesis of compound I-58, along with its radiosynthetic process for C11 labeling, is detailed, and the suitability of [11C]I-58 for PET imaging of the BD2 bromodomain is evaluated. Initial PET study findings in mice indicate that [11C]I-58 exhibits suitable biodistribution in peripheral organs and tissues. Additionally, in vitro autoradiography studies and blocking experiments provide compelling evidence supporting the specific binding of [11C]I-58 to the BD2 bromodomain. These results establish [11C]I-58 as a promising instrument for the PET imaging of the BD2 bromodomain. This research not only holds the potential to pave the path for developing PET radioligands precisely targeting the BD2 bromodomain but also adds to a more profound comprehension of the biological mechanisms linked to the BD bromodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Wang
- Department
of Radiology Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Yongle Wang
- Department
of Radiology Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
- School
of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yulong Xu
- Department
of Radiology Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Darcy Tocci
- Department
of Radiology Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Changning Wang
- Department
of Radiology Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
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2
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Lee H, Choe J, Son MH, Lee IH, Lim MJ, Jeon J, Yang S. A Novel BD2-Selective Inhibitor of BRDs Mitigates ROS Production and OA Pathogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:943. [PMID: 39199189 PMCID: PMC11352053 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins regulate transcription and recognize lysine residues in histones. Selective BET inhibitors targeting one domain have attracted attention because they maintain normal physiological activities, whereas pan (nonselective) BET inhibitors do not. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder characterized by cartilage degeneration for which no treatment currently exists. Here, we investigated whether the selective inhibition of BET proteins is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for OA. We focused on the development and characterization of 2-(4-(2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4(3H)-one (BBC0906), a novel bromodomain 2 (BD2)-specific inhibitor designed to suppress OA progression. Using a DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) screening approach, BBC0906 was identified because of its high affinity with the BD2 domain of BET proteins. BBC0906 effectively reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and suppressed catabolic factor expression in chondrocytes in vitro. Moreover, in an OA mouse model induced by the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), BBC0906 intra-articular injection attenuated cartilage degradation and alleviated OA. Importantly, BBC0906 selectively inhibits the BD2 domain, thus minimizing its potential side effects. We highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins to modulate oxidative stress and suppress cartilage degradation in OA. BBC0906 is a promising candidate for OA treatment, offering improved safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jihye Choe
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (M.-H.S.); (I.-H.L.)
| | - Min-Hee Son
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (M.-H.S.); (I.-H.L.)
| | - In-Hyun Lee
- Benobio Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (M.-H.S.); (I.-H.L.)
| | - Min Ju Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jimin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Siyoung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
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3
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Ciebiera M, Kociuba J, Ali M, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Yang Q, Bączkowska M, Włodarczyk M, Żeber-Lubecka N, Zarychta E, Corachán A, Alkhrait S, Somayeh V, Malasevskaia I, Łoziński T, Laudański P, Spaczynski R, Jakiel G, Al-Hendy A. Uterine fibroids: current research on novel drug targets and innovative therapeutic strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:669-687. [PMID: 39136530 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2390094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine fibroids, the most common nonmalignant tumors affecting the female genital tract, are a significant medical challenge. This article focuses on the most recent studies that attempted to identify novel non-hormonal therapeutic targets and strategies in UF therapy. AREAS COVERED This review covers the analysis of the pharmacological and biological mechanisms of the action of natural substances and the role of the microbiome in reference to UFs. This study aimed to determine the potential role of these compounds in UF prevention and therapy. EXPERT OPINION While there are numerous approaches for treating UFs, available drug therapies for disease control have not been optimized yet. This review highlights the biological potential of vitamin D, EGCG and other natural compounds, as well as the microbiome, as promising alternatives in UF management and prevention. Although these substances have been quite well analyzed in this area, we still recommend conducting further studies, particularly randomized ones, in the field of therapy with these compounds or probiotics. Alternatively, as the quality of data continues to improve, we propose the consideration of their integration into clinical practice, in alignment with the patient's preferences and consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Warsaw Institute of Women's Health, Warsaw, Poland
- Development and Research Center of Non-Invasive Therapies, Pro-Familia Hospital, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jakub Kociuba
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Warsaw Institute of Women's Health, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monika Bączkowska
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Żeber-Lubecka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Zarychta
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ana Corachán
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Samar Alkhrait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vafaei Somayeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Tomasz Łoziński
- Development and Research Center of Non-Invasive Therapies, Pro-Familia Hospital, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pro-Familia Hospital, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Piotr Laudański
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Women's Health Research Institute, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Spaczynski
- Center for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Treatment, Poznan, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Jakiel
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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4
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Mondal A, Singh B, Felkner RH, De Falco A, Swapna G, Montelione GT, Roth MJ, Perez A. A Computational Pipeline for Accurate Prioritization of Protein-Protein Binding Candidates in High-Throughput Protein Libraries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405767. [PMID: 38588243 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405767] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the interactome for a protein of interest is challenging due to the large number of possible binders. High-throughput experimental approaches narrow down possible binding partners but often include false positives. Furthermore, they provide no information about what the binding region is (e.g., the binding epitope). We introduce a novel computational pipeline based on an AlphaFold2 (AF) Competitive Binding Assay (AF-CBA) to identify proteins that bind a target of interest from a pull-down experiment and the binding epitope. Our focus is on proteins that bind the Extraterminal (ET) domain of Bromo and Extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, but we also introduce nine additional systems to show transferability to other peptide-protein systems. We describe a series of limitations to the methodology based on intrinsic deficiencies of AF and AF-CBA to help users identify scenarios where the approach will be most useful. Given the method's speed and accuracy, we anticipate its broad applicability to identify binding epitope regions among potential partners, setting the stage for experimental verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bhumika Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roland H Felkner
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Anna De Falco
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Gvt Swapna
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Gaetano T Montelione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Monica J Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alberto Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
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5
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Feng Y, Mahdi H, Piekarz R, Beumer JH, Synold TW. An LC-MS/MS method for determination of the bromodomain inhibitor ZEN-3694 and its metabolite ZEN-3791 in human plasma. Bioanalysis 2024; 16:227-238. [PMID: 38497709 PMCID: PMC11216518 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0252] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
We have developed and validated a novel LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of ZEN-3694 and its active metabolite ZEN-3791 in human plasma after protein precipitation. Stable isotope-labeled versions were used as internal standards. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Kinetex C18 column using 0.1% formic acid in H2O and 0.1% formic acid in MeOH as mobile phases. Detection was performed via positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. The assay exhibited linearity in the concentration range of 5-5000 ng/ml for both analytes. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy were within ±11%. ZEN-3694 and ZEN-3791 recoveries were between 93 and 105%. This LC-MS/MS assay is an essential tool to study ZEN-3694 in an ongoing clinical trial (NCT04840589).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Haider Mahdi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences & Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jan H Beumer
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Hillman Research Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Timothy W Synold
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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6
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Petrova M, Margasyuk S, Vorobeva M, Skvortsov D, Dontsova O, Pervouchine DD. BRD2 and BRD3 genes independently evolved RNA structures to control unproductive splicing. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqad113. [PMID: 38226395 PMCID: PMC10789245 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian BRD2 and BRD3 genes encode structurally related proteins from the bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein family. The expression of BRD2 is regulated by unproductive splicing upon inclusion of exon 3b, which is located in the region encoding a bromodomain. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that BRD2 exon 3b inclusion is controlled by a pair of conserved complementary regions (PCCR) located in the flanking introns. Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved element encoding a cryptic poison exon 5b and a previously unknown PCCR in the intron between exons 5 and 6 of BRD3, however, outside of the homologous bromodomain. Minigene mutagenesis and blockage of RNA structure by antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated that RNA structure controls the rate of inclusion of poison exons. The patterns of BRD2 and BRD3 expression and splicing show downregulation upon inclusion of poison exons, which become skipped in response to transcription elongation slowdown, further confirming a role of PCCRs in unproductive splicing regulation. We conclude that BRD2 and BRD3 independently acquired poison exons and RNA structures to dynamically control unproductive splicing. This study describes a convergent evolution of regulatory unproductive splicing mechanisms in these genes, providing implications for selective modulation of their expression in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Petrova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Sergey Margasyuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Margarita Vorobeva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
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7
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Mondal A, Singh B, Felkner RH, De Falco A, Swapna GVT, Montelione GT, Roth MJ, Perez A. Sifting Through the Noise: A Computational Pipeline for Accurate Prioritization of Protein-Protein Binding Candidates in High-Throughput Protein Libraries. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.576374. [PMID: 38328039 PMCID: PMC10849530 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the interactome for a protein of interest is challenging due to the large number of possible binders. High-throughput experimental approaches narrow down possible binding partners, but often include false positives. Furthermore, they provide no information about what the binding region is (e.g. the binding epitope). We introduce a novel computational pipeline based on an AlphaFold2 (AF) Competition Assay (AF-CBA) to identify proteins that bind a target of interest from a pull-down experiment, along with the binding epitope. Our focus is on proteins that bind the Extraterminal (ET) domain of Bromo and Extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, but we also introduce nine additional systems to show transferability to other peptide-protein systems. We describe a series of limitations to the methodology based on intrinsic deficiencies to AF and AF-CBA, to help users identify scenarios where the approach will be most useful. Given the speed and accuracy of the methodology, we expect it to be generally applicable to facilitate target selection for experimental verification starting from high-throughput protein libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
| | - Bhumika Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
| | - Roland H. Felkner
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Anna De Falco
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - GVT Swapna
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Gaetano T. Montelione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Monica J. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Alberto Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
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8
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Zaluzec EK, Sempere LF. Systemic and Local Strategies for Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:248. [PMID: 38254741 PMCID: PMC10814018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in the US. For women with moderate (15-20%) to average (12.5%) risk of breast cancer, there are few options available for risk reduction. For high-risk (>20%) women, such as BRCA mutation carriers, primary prevention strategies are limited to evidence-based surgical removal of breasts and/or ovaries and anti-estrogen treatment. Despite their effectiveness in risk reduction, not many high-risk individuals opt for surgical or hormonal interventions due to severe side effects and potentially life-changing outcomes as key deterrents. Thus, better communication about the benefits of existing strategies and the development of new strategies with minimal side effects are needed to offer women adequate risk-reducing interventions. We extensively review and discuss innovative investigational strategies for primary prevention. Most of these investigational strategies are at the pre-clinical stage, but some are already being evaluated in clinical trials and others are expected to lead to first-in-human clinical trials within 5 years. Likely, these strategies would be initially tested in high-risk individuals but may be applicable to lower-risk women, if shown to decrease risk at a similar rate to existing strategies, but with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K. Zaluzec
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Lorenzo F. Sempere
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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9
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Liu YS, Wang JX, Jin GY, Hu MH, Wang XD. Combination Therapy with a TLR7 Agonist and a BRD4 Inhibitor Suppresses Tumor Growth via Enhanced Immunomodulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:663. [PMID: 38203835 PMCID: PMC10779224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010663] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JQ-1 is a typical BRD4 inhibitor with the ability to directly fight tumor cells and evoke antitumor immunity via reducing the expression of PD-L1. However, problems arise with the development of JQ-1 in clinical trials, such as marked lymphoid and hematopoietic toxicity, leading to the investigation of combination therapy. SZU-101 is a TLR7 agonist designed and synthesized by our group with potent immunostimulatory activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that combination therapy of SZU-101 and JQ-1 would target innate immunity and adaptive immunity simultaneously, to achieve a better antitumor efficacy than monotherapy. In this study, the repressive effects of the combination administration on tumor growth and metastasis were demonstrated in both murine breast cancer and melanoma models. In 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, i.t. treatment with SZU-101 in combination with i.p. treatment with JQ-1 suppressed the growth of tumors at both injected and uninjected sites. Combination therapy increased M1/M2 ratio in TAMs, decreased PD-L1 expression and promoted the recruitment of activated CD8+ T cells in the TME. In summary, the improved therapeutic efficacy of the novel combination therapy appears to be feasible for the treatment of a diversity of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.-S.L.); (J.-X.W.); (G.-Y.J.)
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.-S.L.); (J.-X.W.); (G.-Y.J.)
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10
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Andreescu M. Epigenetic Alterations That Are the Backbone of Immune Evasion in T-cell Malignancies. Cureus 2024; 16:e51662. [PMID: 38179322 PMCID: PMC10766007 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51662] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are heritable and enduring modifications in gene expression that play a pivotal role in immune evasion. These include alterations to noncoding RNA, DNA methylation, and histone modifications. DNA methylation plays a crucial role in normal cell growth and development but alterations in methylation patterns such as hypermethylation or hypomethylation can enable tumor and viral cells to evade host immune responses. Histone modifications can also inhibit immune responses by promoting the expression of genes involved in suppressing normal immune function. In the case of T-cell lymphoma, adult T-cell lymphomas (ATL) also undergo immune evasion through the exceptional function of its accessory and regulatory genes. Epigenetic therapies are emerging as a promising adjunct to traditional immunotherapy and chemotherapy regimens. Clinical trials are currently investigating the use of epigenetic therapies in combination with immunotherapies and chemotherapies for more effective treatment of ATL and other cancers. This review highlights epigenetic alterations that are widely found in T-cell malignancies.
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11
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Mishima Y, Tomoshige S, Sato S, Ishikawa M. Allosteric Hsp70 Modulator YM-1 Induces Degradation of BRD4. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2024; 72:161-165. [PMID: 38296558 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c23-00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
YM-1, an allosteric modulator of heat-shock 70 kDa protein (Hsp70), inhibits cancer cell growth, but the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Here, we show that YM-1 induces the degradation of bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4), which mediates oncogene expression. Overall, our results indicate that YM-1 promotes the binding of HSP70 to BRD4, and this in turn promotes the ubiquitination of BRD4 by C-terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase working in concert with Hsp70, leading to proteasomal degradation of BRD4. This YM-1-induced decrease of BRD4 would contribute at least in part to the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugo Mishima
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University
| | | | - Shinichi Sato
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University
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12
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Palumbo GA, Duminuco A. Myelofibrosis: In Search for BETter Targeted Therapies. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:5044-5048. [PMID: 37751563 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe A Palumbo
- Department of Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia," University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Duminuco
- Postgraduate School of Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Wahi A, Manchanda N, Jain P, Jadhav HR. Targeting the epigenetic reader "BET" as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106833. [PMID: 37683545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins have the ability to bind to acetylated lysine residues present in both histones and non-histone proteins. This binding is facilitated by the presence of tandem bromodomains. The regulatory role of BET proteins extends to chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease progression. The BET family comprises of BRD 2, 3, 4 and BRDT. The BET proteins are a class of epigenetic readers that regulate the transcriptional activity of a multitude of genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, targeting BET proteins has been identified as a potentially efficacious approach for the treatment of cancer. BET inhibitors (BETis) are known to interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin, thereby leading to the suppression of transcription of several genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Here in this review, we focus on role of Bromodomain and extra C-terminal (BET) proteins in cancer progression. Furthermore, numerous small-molecule inhibitors with pan-BET activity have been documented, with certain compounds currently undergoing clinical assessment. However, it is apparent that the clinical effectiveness of the present BET inhibitors is restricted, prompting the exploration of novel technologies to enhance their clinical outcomes and mitigate undesired adverse effects. Thus, strategies like development of selective BET-BD1, & BD2 inhibitors, dual and acting BET are also presented in this review and attempts to cover the chemistry needed for proper establishment of designed molecules into BRD have been made. Moreover, the review attempts to summarize the details of research till date and proposes a space for future development of BET inhibitor with diminished side effects. It can be concluded that discovery of isoform selective BET inhibitors can be a way forward in order to develop BET inhibitors with negligible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Wahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Namish Manchanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Hemant R Jadhav
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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14
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Singh V, Mujwar S, Singh M, Singh T, Ahmad SF. Computational Studies to Understand the Neuroprotective Mechanism of Action Basil Compounds. Molecules 2023; 28:7005. [PMID: 37894484 PMCID: PMC10609097 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, pose a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the need for novel neuroprotective agents. Basil (Ocimum spp.) has been recognized for its therapeutic potential, and numerous studies have reported neuroprotective effects. In this manuscript, we present a computational protocol to extricate the underlying mechanism of action of basil compounds in neuroprotective effects. Molecular docking-based investigation of the chemical interactions between selected bioactive compounds from basil and key neuroprotective targets, including AChE, GSK3β, γ-secretase, and sirtuin2. Our results demonstrate that basil compound myricerone caffeoyl ester possesses a high affinity of -10.01 and -8.85 kcal/mol against GSK3β and γ-secretase, respectively, indicating their potential in modulating various neurobiological processes. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the protein-ligand complexes' stability and to analyze the bound basil compounds' dynamic behavior. This comprehensive computational investigation enlightens the putative mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective effects of basil compounds, providing a rationale for their therapeutic use in neurodegenerative disorders after further experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda 151001, Punjab, India
| | - Somdutt Mujwar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Manjinder Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Tanveer Singh
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77807, USA;
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Lee E, Archasappawat S, Ji K, Pena J, Fernandez-Vega V, Gangaraju R, Beesabathuni NS, Kim MJ, Tian Q, Shah PS, Scampavia L, Spicer TP, Hwang CI. A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2 deficient pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:620. [PMID: 37735513 PMCID: PMC10514057 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in human malignancies. Among total pancreatic cancer patients, ~10% of patients are categorized as familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients, carrying germline mutations of the genes involved in DNA repair pathways (e.g., BRCA2). Personalized medicine approaches tailored toward patients' mutations would improve patients' outcome. To identify novel vulnerabilities of BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer, we generated isogenic Brca2-deficient murine pancreatic cancer cell lines and performed high-throughput drug screens. High-throughput drug screening revealed that Brca2-deficient cells are sensitive to Bromodomain and Extraterminal Motif (BET) inhibitors, suggesting that BET inhibition might be a potential therapeutic approach. We found that BRCA2 deficiency increased autophagic flux, which was further enhanced by BET inhibition in Brca2-deficient pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in autophagy-dependent cell death. Our data suggests that BET inhibition can be a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunJung Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Suyakarn Archasappawat
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Graduate Group in Integrative Pathobiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Keely Ji
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jocelyn Pena
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Virneliz Fernandez-Vega
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Ritika Gangaraju
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nitin Sai Beesabathuni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Martin Jean Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Qi Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Priya S Shah
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Louis Scampavia
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Timothy P Spicer
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, High-Throughput Screening Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Chang-Il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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16
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Guo X, Olajuyin A, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. BRD4 as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13231. [PMID: 37686037 PMCID: PMC10487829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713231] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic modulators that regulate gene transcription through interacting with acetylated lysine residues of histone proteins. BET proteins have multiple roles in regulating key cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, oxidative and redox balance, and immune responses. As a result, BET proteins have been found to be actively involved in a broad range of human lung diseases including acute lung inflammation, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the identification of specific small molecular inhibitors of BET proteins, targeting BET in these lung diseases has become an area of increasing interest. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of BET inhibitors in preclinical models of various human lung diseases. This is, in general, largely related to the ability of BET proteins to bind to promoters of genes that are critical for inflammation, differentiation, and beyond. By modulating these critical genes, BET proteins are integrated into the pathogenesis of disease progression. The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is of particular interest, seems to act independently of its bromodomain binding activity, and has implication in some contexts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the research on BET proteins with a focus on BRD4 in several major human lung diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as findings of targeting BET proteins using pharmaceutical inhibitors in different lung diseases preclinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA; (X.G.); (A.O.); (T.A.T.); (S.I.)
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17
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Elshazly AM, Gewirtz DA. Cytoprotective, Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Roles of Autophagy in Response to BET Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12669. [PMID: 37628849 PMCID: PMC10454099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612669] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family inhibitors are small molecules that target the dysregulated epigenetic readers, BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT, at various transcription-related sites, including super-enhancers. BET inhibitors are currently under investigation both in pre-clinical cell culture and tumor-bearing animal models, as well as in clinical trials. However, as is the case with other chemotherapeutic modalities, the development of resistance is likely to constrain the therapeutic benefits of this strategy. One tumor cell survival mechanism that has been studied for decades is autophagy. Although four different functions of autophagy have been identified in the literature (cytoprotective, cytotoxic, cytostatic and non-protective), primarily the cytoprotective and cytotoxic forms appear to function in different experimental models exposed to BET inhibitors (with some evidence for the cytostatic form). This review provides an overview of the cytoprotective, cytotoxic and cytostatic functions of autophagy in response to BET inhibitors in various tumor models. Our aim is to determine whether autophagy targeting or modulation could represent an effective therapeutic strategy to enhance the response to these modalities and also potentially overcome resistance to BET inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
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18
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Sun Z, Fan J, Dang Y, Zhao Y. Enhancer in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220313. [PMID: 37548349 PMCID: PMC10405138 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0313] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are essential cis-acting regulatory elements that determine cell identity and tumor progression. Enhancer function is dependent on the physical interaction between the enhancer and its target promoter inside its local chromatin environment. Enhancer reprogramming is an important mechanism in cancer pathogenesis and can be driven by both cis and trans factors. Super enhancers are acquired at oncogenes in numerous cancer types and represent potential targets for cancer treatment. BET and CDK inhibitors act through mechanisms of enhancer function and have shown promising results in therapy for various types of cancer. Genome editing is another way to reprogram enhancers in cancer treatment. The relationship between enhancers and cancer has been revised by several authors in the past few years, which mainly focuses on the mechanisms by which enhancers can impact cancer. Here, we emphasize SE's role in cancer pathogenesis and the new therapies involving epigenetic regulators (BETi and CDKi). We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity would aid clinical success for these anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinbo Fan
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiong Dang
- Xi’an Medical University, School of Public Health, Weiyang District, Xi’an, 710021 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
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19
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Rana M, Kansal RG, Bisunke B, Fang J, Shibata D, Bajwa A, Yang J, Glazer ES. Bromo- and Extra-Terminal Domain Inhibitors Induce Mitochondrial Stress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:936-946. [PMID: 37294884 PMCID: PMC10527726 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0149] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Identifying novel, unique, and personalized molecular targets for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the greatest challenge in altering the biology of fatal tumors. Bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are activated in a noncanonical fashion by TGFβ, a ubiquitous cytokine in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that BET inhibitors (BETi) represent a new class of drugs that attack PDAC tumors via a novel mechanism. Using a combination of patient and syngeneic murine models, we investigated the effects of the BETi drug BMS-986158 on cellular proliferation, organoid growth, cell-cycle progression, and mitochondrial metabolic disruption. These were investigated independently and in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy (gemcitabine + paclitaxel [GemPTX]). BMS-986158 reduced cell viability and proliferation across multiple PDAC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, even more so in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). We found that BMS-986158 reduced both human and murine PDAC organoid growth (P < 0.001), with associated perturbations in the cell cycle leading to cell-cycle arrest. BMS-986158 disrupts normal cancer-dependent mitochondrial function, leading to aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and stress via dysfunctional cellular respiration, proton leakage, and ATP production. We demonstrated mechanistic and functional data that BETi induces metabolic mitochondrial dysfunction, abrogating PDAC progression and proliferation, alone and in combination with systemic cytotoxic chemotherapies. This novel approach improves the therapeutic window in patients with PDAC and offers another treatment approach distinct from cytotoxic chemotherapy that targets cancer cell bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Rana
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Rita G. Kansal
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Bijay Bisunke
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Amandeep Bajwa
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Evan S. Glazer
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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20
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Wang C, Yuan X, Xue J. Targeted therapy for rare lung cancers: Status, challenges, and prospects. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1960-1978. [PMID: 37179456 PMCID: PMC10362419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, molecular and immunohistochemical techniques have rapidly developed, further inaugurating an era of personalized medicine for lung cancer. The rare subset of lung cancers accounts for approximately 10%, each displaying distinct clinical characteristics. Treatments for rare lung cancers are mainly based on evidence from common counterparts, which may lead to unsolid clinical benefits considering intertumoral heterogeneity. The increasing knowledge of molecular profiling of rare lung cancers has made targeting genetic alterations and immune checkpoints a powerful strategy. Additionally, cellular therapy has emerged as a promising way to target tumor cells. In this review, we first discuss the current status of targeted therapy and preclinical models for rare lung cancers, as well as provide mutational profiles by integrating the results of existing cohorts. Finally, we point out the challenges and future directions for developing targeted agents for rare lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsen Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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21
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Jeong S, Kim HR, Shin JH, Son MH, Lee IH, Roe JS. Streamlined DNA-encoded small molecule library screening and validation for the discovery of novel chemotypes targeting BET proteins. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:637-649. [PMID: 37207130 PMCID: PMC10189352 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Targeting aberrant epigenetic programs that drive tumorigenesis is a promising approach to cancer therapy. DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening is a core platform technology increasingly used to identify drugs that bind to protein targets. Here, we use DEL screening against bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) proteins to identify inhibitors with new chemotypes, and successfully identified BBC1115 as a selective BET inhibitor. While BBC1115 does not structurally resemble OTX-015, a clinically active pan-BET inhibitor, our intensive biological characterization revealed that BBC1115 binds to BET proteins, including BRD4, and suppresses aberrant cell fate programs. Phenotypically, BBC1115-mediated BET inhibition impaired proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia, pancreatic, colorectal, and ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, intravenous administration of BBC1115 inhibited subcutaneous tumor xenograft growth with minimal toxicity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. Since epigenetic regulations are ubiquitously distributed across normal and malignant cells, it will be critical to evaluate if BBC1115 affects normal cell function. Nonetheless, our study shows integrating DEL-based small-molecule compound screening and multi-step biological validation represents a reliable strategy to discover new chemotypes with selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles for targeting proteins involved in epigenetic regulation in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa-Ryeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - June-Ha Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Jae-Seok Roe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author: Jae-Seok Roe, PhD, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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22
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Lee E, Archasappawat S, Ji K, Pena J, Fernandez-Vega V, Gangaraju R, Beesabathuni NS, Kim MJ, Tian Q, Shah P, Scampavia L, Spicer T, Hwang CI. A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2 deficient pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542934. [PMID: 37398312 PMCID: PMC10312597 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in human malignancies. Among total pancreatic cancer patients, ∼10% of patients are categorized as familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients, carrying germline mutations of the genes involved in DNA repair pathways ( e.g., BRCA2 ). Personalized medicine approaches tailored toward patients' mutations would improve patients' outcome. To identify novel vulnerabilities of BRCA2 -deficient pancreatic cancer, we generated isogenic Brca2 -deficient murine pancreatic cancer cell lines and performed high-throughput drug screens. High-throughput drug screening revealed that Brca2 -deficient cells are sensitive to Bromodomain and Extraterminal Motif (BET) inhibitors, suggesting that BET inhibition might be a potential therapeutic approach. We found that BRCA2 deficiency increased autophagic flux, which was further enhanced by BET inhibition in Brca2 -deficient pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in autophagy-dependent cell death. Our data suggests that BET inhibition can be a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA2 -deficient pancreatic cancer.
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23
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Koravovic M, Mayasundari A, Tasic G, Keramatnia F, Stachowski TR, Cui H, Chai SC, Jonchere B, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Hiltenbrand R, Paul L, Mishra V, Klco JM, Roussel MF, Pomerantz WC, Fischer M, Rankovic Z, Savic V. From PROTAC to inhibitor: Structure-guided discovery of potent and orally bioavailable BET inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115246. [PMID: 36898329 PMCID: PMC10165889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115246] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
An X-ray structure of a CLICK chemistry-based BET PROTAC bound to BRD2(BD2) inspired synthesis of JQ1 derived heterocyclic amides. This effort led to the discovery of potent BET inhibitors displaying overall improved profiles when compared to JQ1 and birabresib. A thiadiazole derived 1q (SJ1461) displayed excellent BRD4 and BRD2 affinity and high potency in the panel of acute leukaemia and medulloblastoma cell lines. A structure of 1q co-crystalised with BRD4-BD1 revealed polar interactions with the AZ/BC loops, in particular with Asn140 and Tyr139, rationalising the observed affinity improvements. In addition, exploration of pharmacokinetic properties of this class of compounds suggest that the heterocyclic amide moiety improves drug-like features. Our study led to the discovery of potent and orally bioavailable BET inhibitor 1q (SJ1461) as a promising candidate for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mladen Koravovic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Organic Chemistry, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Gordana Tasic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Organic Chemistry, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Fatemeh Keramatnia
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Timothy R Stachowski
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Huarui Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Sergio C Chai
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Barbara Jonchere
- Department of Tumour Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Ryan Hiltenbrand
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Leena Paul
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Vibhor Mishra
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jeffery M Klco
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumour Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - William Ck Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Vladimir Savic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Organic Chemistry, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia.
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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Mandl A, Markowski MC, Carducci MA, Antonarakis ES. Role of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins in prostate cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:213-228. [PMID: 36857796 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2186851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are epigenetic readers of acetylated histones and are critical activators of oncogenic networks across many cancers. Therapeutic targeting of BET proteins has been an attractive area of clinical development for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In recent years, many structurally diverse BET inhibitors have been discovered and tested. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity of BET inhibitors against prostate cancer. However, their clinical success as monotherapies has been limited by treatment-associated toxicities, primary and acquired drug resistance, and a lack of predictive biomarkers of benefit. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of advancements in BET inhibitor design, preclinical research, and conclusions from clinical trials in prostate cancer. We speculate on incorporating BET inhibitors into combination regimens with other agents to improve the therapeutic index of BET inhibition in treating prostate cancer. EXPERT OPINION The therapeutic potential of BET inhibitors for prostate cancer has been demonstrated in preclinical studies. However, further research is needed to identify biomarkers that can predict sensitivity to BET inhibitors and to develop novel, highly selective inhibitors to reduce toxicities. Finally, BET inhibitors are likely to hold the most clinical potential in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mandl
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark C Markowski
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Carducci
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms: A Boon for Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010169. [PMID: 36672677 PMCID: PMC9855697 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as a promising approach against cancer. In the last decade, various immunological mechanisms have been targeted to induce an increase in the immune response against cancer cells. However, despite promising results, many patients show partial response, resistance, or serious toxicities. A promising way to overcome this is the use of immunotherapeutic approaches, in combination with other potential therapeutic approaches. Aberrant epigenetic modifications play an important role in carcinogenesis and its progression, as well as in the functioning of immune cells. Thus, therapeutic approaches targeting aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and the immune response might provide an effective antitumor effect. Further, the recent development of potent epigenetic drugs and immunomodulators gives hope to this combinatorial approach. In this review, we summarize the synergy mechanism between epigenetic therapies and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer, and discuss recent advancements in the translation of this approach.
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Kumar A, Emdad L, Fisher PB, Das SK. Targeting epigenetic regulation for cancer therapy using small molecule inhibitors. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:73-161. [PMID: 36990539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells display pervasive changes in DNA methylation, disrupted patterns of histone posttranslational modification, chromatin composition or organization and regulatory element activities that alter normal programs of gene expression. It is becoming increasingly clear that disturbances in the epigenome are hallmarks of cancer, which are targetable and represent attractive starting points for drug creation. Remarkable progress has been made in the past decades in discovering and developing epigenetic-based small molecule inhibitors. Recently, epigenetic-targeted agents in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors have been identified and these agents are either in current clinical trials or approved for treatment. However, epigenetic drug applications face many challenges, including low selectivity, poor bioavailability, instability and acquired drug resistance. New multidisciplinary approaches are being designed to overcome these limitations, e.g., applications of machine learning, drug repurposing, high throughput virtual screening technologies, to identify selective compounds with improved stability and better bioavailability. We provide an overview of the key proteins that mediate epigenetic regulation that encompass histone and DNA modifications and discuss effector proteins that affect the organization of chromatin structure and function as well as presently available inhibitors as potential drugs. Current anticancer small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic modified enzymes that have been approved by therapeutic regulatory authorities across the world are highlighted. Many of these are in different stages of clinical evaluation. We also assess emerging strategies for combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy, standard chemotherapy or other classes of agents and advances in the design of novel epigenetic therapies.
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Shiah JV, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36693157 PMCID: PMC9881838 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is defined by the presence of uncontrollable cell growth, whereby improper proliferative signaling has overcome regulation by cellular mechanisms. Transcription factors are uniquely situated at the helm of signaling, merging extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses. Therefore, this class of proteins plays a pivotal role in coordinating the correct gene expression levels for maintaining normal cellular functions. Dysregulation of transcription factor activity unsurprisingly drives tumorigenesis and oncogenic transformation. Although this imparts considerable therapeutic potential to targeting transcription factors, their lack of enzymatic activity renders intervention challenging and has contributed to a sense that transcription factors are "undruggable." Yet, enduring efforts to elucidate strategies for targeting transcription factors as well as a deeper understanding of their interactions with binding partners have led to advancements that are emerging to counter this narrative. Here, we highlight some of these approaches, focusing primarily on therapeutics that have advanced to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- From the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Tannoury M, Garnier D, Susin SA, Bauvois B. Current Status of Novel Agents for the Treatment of B Cell Malignancies: What's Coming Next? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6026. [PMID: 36551511 PMCID: PMC9775488 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to death is one of the hallmarks of human B cell malignancies and often contributes to the lack of a lasting response to today's commonly used treatments. Drug discovery approaches designed to activate the death machinery have generated a large number of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins from the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 family and the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Orally administered small-molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 protein and BCR partners (e.g., Bruton's tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase) have already been included (as monotherapies or combination therapies) in the standard of care for selected B cell malignancies. Agonistic monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives (antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-radioisotope conjugates, bispecific T cell engagers, and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells) targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD38) are indicated for treatment (as monotherapies or combination therapies) of patients with B cell tumors. However, given that some patients are either refractory to current therapies or relapse after treatment, novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Here, we review current strategies for managing B cell malignancies, with a focus on the ongoing clinical development of more effective, selective drugs targeting these molecules, as well as other TAAs and signaling proteins. The observed impact of metabolic reprogramming on B cell pathophysiology highlights the promise of targeting metabolic checkpoints in the treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brigitte Bauvois
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Lymphoproliferative Disorders Team, F-75006 Paris, France
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Ding J, Zhang Y, Che Y. Ovarian cancer stem cells: Critical roles in anti-tumor immunity. Front Genet 2022; 13:998220. [PMID: 36437919 PMCID: PMC9685611 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.998220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Over the past 3 decades, there has been a high incidence of recurrent chemoresistant disease, despite the relative effectiveness of current treatment strategies. This is partly attributed to cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation that has acquired stem cell properties that allow these cells to evade standard chemotherapy and cause disease recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for basic knowledge about CSC to develop innovative therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer. These CSC subpopulations have been identified in ovarian cancer cell lines, tumors or ascites, and findings suggest that ovarian CSCs may be as heterogeneous as the disease itself. CSCs regulate the phenotype and function of immune cells involved in antitumor immunity, so a better understanding of the signaling pathways that interact between CSCs, immune cells and tumor cells will pave the way for the clinical application of CS in cancer immunotherapy. This review will focus on the markers currently used to identify and isolate these cells summarize current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for CSC-dependent regulation of antitumor immune responses. We will discuss the signaling pathways involved in CSC survival, replication, and differentiation as well as potential therapeutic targeting strategies.
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Mivebresib synergized with PZ703b, a novel Bcl-xl PROTAC degrader, induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells via the mitochondrial pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 623:120-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Celano M, Gagliardi A, Maggisano V, Ambrosio N, Bulotta S, Fresta M, Russo D, Cosco D. Co-Encapsulation of Paclitaxel and JQ1 in Zein Nanoparticles as Potential Innovative Nanomedicine. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1580. [PMID: 36295933 PMCID: PMC9609127 DOI: 10.3390/mi13101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The manuscript describes the development of zein nanoparticles containing paclitaxel (PTX) and the bromo-and extra-terminal domain inhibitor (S)-tertbutyl2-(4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,3,9-trimethyl-6H-thieno(3,2-f)(1,2,4)triazolo(4,3-a)(1,4)diazepin-6-yl)acetate (JQ1) together with their cytotoxicity on triple-negative breast cancer cells. The rationale of this association is that of exploiting different types of cancer cells as targets in order to obtain increased pharmacological activity with respect to that exerted by the single agents. Zein, a protein found in the endosperm of corn, was used as a biomaterial to obtain multidrug carriers characterized by mean sizes of ˂200 nm, a low polydispersity index (0.1-0.2) and a negative surface charge. An entrapment efficiency of ~35% of both the drugs was obtained when 0.3 mg/mL of the active compounds were used during the nanoprecipitation procedure. No adverse phenomena such as sedimentation, macro-aggregation or flocculation occurred when the nanosystems were heated to 37 °C. The multidrug nanoformulation demonstrated significant in vitro cytototoxic activity against MDA-MB-157 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells by MTT-test and adhesion assay which was stronger than that of the compounds encapsulated as single agents. The results evidence the potential application of zein nanoparticles containing PTX and JQ1 as a novel nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (D.C.); Tel.: +39-0961-369-4099 (M.C.); +39-0961-369-4119 (D.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Cosco
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (D.C.); Tel.: +39-0961-369-4099 (M.C.); +39-0961-369-4119 (D.C.)
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Nunno VD, Franceschi E, Gatto L, Brandes AA. BET inhibitors: the promise of a new generation of immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Immunotherapy 2021; 14:169-172. [PMID: 34850637 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Nunno
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Franceschi
- IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, UOC Oncologia Medica del Sistema Nervoso, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lidia Gatto
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Ariela Brandes
- IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, UOC Oncologia Medica del Sistema Nervoso, Bologna, Italy
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