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Lai H, Yang Y, Zhang J. Advances in post-translational modifications and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Gene 2024; 927:148700. [PMID: 38880188 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more pregnancy loss, which affects approximately 1-2% of women's fertility. The etiology of RSA has not yet been fully revealed, which poses a great problem for clinical treatment. Post- translational modifications(PTMs) are chemical modifications that play a crucial role in the functional proteome. A considerable number of published studies have shown the relationship between post-translational modifications of various proteins and RSA. The study of PTMs contributes to elucidating the role of modified proteins in the pathogenesis of RSA, as well as the design of more effective diagnostic/prognostic tools and more targeted treatments. Most reviews in the field of RSA have only focused on RNA epigenomics research. The present review reports the latest research developments of PTMs related to RSA, such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, Methylation, Acetylation, Ubiquitination, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhong Lai
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Filiú-Braga LDC, Bogéa GMR, de Assis AJB, Pittella-Silva F, Saldanha-Araujo F. GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38997742 PMCID: PMC11249034 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03441-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alan Jhones Barbosa de Assis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Hematology and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.
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De Clerck M, Manguin M, Henkous N, d’Almeida MN, Beracochea D, Mons N. Chronic alcohol-induced long-lasting working memory deficits are associated with altered histone H3K9 dimethylation in the prefrontal cortex. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1354390. [PMID: 38495426 PMCID: PMC10941761 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1354390] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epigenetic modifications have emerged as key contributors to the enduring behavioral, molecular and epigenetic neuroadaptations during withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure. The present study investigated the long-term consequences of chronic alcohol exposure on spatial working memory (WM) and associated changes of transcriptionally repressive histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were allowed free access to either 12% (v/v) ethanol for 5 months followed by a 3-week abstinence period or water. Spatial WM was assessed through the spontaneous alternation T-maze test. Alcoholic and water mice received daily injections of GABAB agonist baclofen or saline during alcohol fading and early withdrawal. Global levels of histone modifications were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Withdrawal mice displayed WM impairments along with reduced prefrontal H3K9me2 levels, compared to water-drinking mice. The withdrawal-induced decrease of H3K9me2 occurred concomitantly with increased level of permissive H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac) in the PFC. Baclofen treatment rescued withdrawal-related WM deficits and fully restored prefrontal H3K9me2 and H3K9ac. Alcohol withdrawal induced brain region-specific changes of H3K9me2 and H3K9ac after testing, with significant decreases of both histone marks in the dorsal hippocampus and no changes in the amygdala and dorsal striatum. Furthermore, the magnitude of H3K9me2 in the PFC, but not the hippocampus, significantly and positively correlated with individual WM performances. No correlation was observed between H3K9ac and behavioral performance. Results also indicate that pre-testing intraperitoneal injection of UNC0642, a selective inhibitor of histone methyltransferase G9a responsible for H3K9me2, led to WM impairments in water-drinking and withdrawal-baclofen mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that alcohol withdrawal induced brain-region specific alterations of H3K9me2 and H3K9ac, an effect that persisted for at least three weeks after cessation of chronic alcohol intake. Conclusion The findings suggest a role for long-lasting decreased H3K9me2 specifically in the PFC in the persistent WM impairments related to alcohol withdrawal.
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Bellver-Sanchis A, Geng Q, Navarro G, Ávila-López PA, Companys-Alemany J, Marsal-García L, Larramona-Arcas R, Miró L, Perez-Bosque A, Ortuño-Sahagún D, Banerjee DR, Choudhary BS, Soriano FX, Poulard C, Pallàs M, Du HN, Griñán-Ferré C. G9a Inhibition Promotes Neuroprotection through GMFB Regulation in Alzheimer's Disease. Aging Dis 2024; 15:311-337. [PMID: 37307824 PMCID: PMC10796087 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0424-2] [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: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are a fundamental pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, we show the upregulation of G9a and H3K9me2 in the brains of AD patients. Interestingly, treatment with a G9a inhibitor (G9ai) in SAMP8 mice reversed the high levels of H3K9me2 and rescued cognitive decline. A transcriptional profile analysis after G9ai treatment revealed increased gene expression of glia maturation factor β (GMFB) in SAMP8 mice. Besides, a H3K9me2 ChIP-seq analysis after G9a inhibition treatment showed the enrichment of gene promoters associated with neural functions. We observed the induction of neuronal plasticity and a reduction of neuroinflammation after G9ai treatment, and more strikingly, these neuroprotective effects were reverted by the pharmacological inhibition of GMFB in mice and cell cultures; this was also validated by the RNAi approach generating the knockdown of GMFB/Y507A.10 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Importantly, we present evidence that GMFB activity is controlled by G9a-mediated lysine methylation as well as we identified that G9a directly bound GMFB and catalyzed the methylation at lysine (K) 20 and K25 in vitro. Furthermore, we found that the neurodegenerative role of G9a as a GMFB suppressor would mainly rely on methylation of the K25 position of GMFB, and thus G9a pharmacological inhibition removes this methylation promoting neuroprotective effects. Then, our findings confirm an undescribed mechanism by which G9a inhibition acts at two levels, increasing GMFB and regulating its function to promote neuroprotective effects in age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Qizhi Geng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Department Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy. Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pedro A. Ávila-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Júlia Companys-Alemany
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Marsal-García
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Raquel Larramona-Arcas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Celltec-UB, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lluisa Miró
- Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació and Institut de Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anna Perez-Bosque
- Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació and Institut de Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Ortuño-Sahagún
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB) CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco 44340, México.
| | | | - Bhanwar Singh Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
- Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
| | - Francesc X Soriano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Celltec-UB, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérlogie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Hai-Ning Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Schnee P, Pleiss J, Jeltsch A. Approaching the catalytic mechanism of protein lysine methyltransferases by biochemical and simulation techniques. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 59:20-68. [PMID: 38449437 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2318547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) transfer up to three methyl groups to the side chains of lysine residues in proteins and fulfill important regulatory functions by controlling protein stability, localization and protein/protein interactions. The methylation reactions are highly regulated, and aberrant methylation of proteins is associated with several types of diseases including neurologic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer. This review describes novel insights into the catalytic machinery of various PKMTs achieved by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation approaches during the last years, focusing on clinically relevant and well-studied enzymes of this group like DOT1L, SMYD1-3, SET7/9, G9a/GLP, SETD2, SUV420H2, NSD1/2, different MLLs and EZH2. Biochemical experiments have unraveled many mechanistic features of PKMTs concerning their substrate and product specificity, processivity and the effects of somatic mutations observed in PKMTs in cancer cells. Structural data additionally provided information about the substrate recognition, enzyme-substrate complex formation, and allowed for simulations of the substrate peptide interaction and mechanism of PKMTs with atomistic resolution by molecular dynamics and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods. These simulation technologies uncovered important mechanistic details of the PKMT reaction mechanism including the processes responsible for the deprotonation of the target lysine residue, essential conformational changes of the PKMT upon substrate binding, but also rationalized regulatory principles like PKMT autoinhibition. Further developments are discussed that could bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of catalysis of this important class of enzymes in the near future. The results described here illustrate the power of the investigation of enzyme mechanisms by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schnee
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Pleiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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Pollin G, De Assuncao T, Doria Jorge S, Chi YI, Charlesworth M, Madden B, Iovanna J, Zimmermann M, Urrutia R, Lomberk G. Writers and readers of H3K9me2 form distinct protein networks during the cell cycle that include candidates for H3K9 mimicry. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20231093. [PMID: 37782747 PMCID: PMC10611923 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231093] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me), which is written by the Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferases EHMT1 and EHMT2 and read by the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) chromobox (CBX) protein family, is dysregulated in many types of cancers. Approaches to inhibit regulators of this pathway are currently being evaluated for therapeutic purposes. Thus, knowledge of the complexes supporting the function of these writers and readers during the process of cell proliferation is critical for our understanding of their role in carcinogenesis. Here, we immunopurified each of these proteins and used mass spectrometry to define their associated non-histone proteins, individually and at two different phases of the cell cycle, namely G1/S and G2/M. Our findings identify novel binding proteins for these writers and readers, as well as corroborate known interactors, to show the formation of distinct protein complex networks in a cell cycle phase-specific manner. Furthermore, there is an organizational switch between cell cycle phases for interactions among specific writer-reader pairs. Through a multi-tiered bioinformatics-based approach, we reveal that many interacting proteins exhibit histone mimicry, based on an H3K9-like linear motif. Gene ontology analyses, pathway enrichment, and network reconstruction inferred that these comprehensive EHMT and CBX-associated interacting protein networks participate in various functions, including transcription, DNA repair, splicing, and membrane disassembly. Combined, our data reveals novel complexes that provide insight into key functions of cell cycle-associated epigenomic processes that are highly relevant for better understanding these chromatin-modifying proteins during cell cycle and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Pollin
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Thiago M. De Assuncao
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Salomao Doria Jorge
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Young-In Chi
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | | | - Benjamin Madden
- Medical Genome Facility, Proteomics Core, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Michael T. Zimmermann
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
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Clavería-Cabello A, Herranz JM, Latasa MU, Arechederra M, Uriarte I, Pineda-Lucena A, Prosper F, Berraondo P, Alonso C, Sangro B, García Marin JJ, Martinez-Chantar ML, Ciordia S, Corrales FJ, Francalanci P, Alaggio R, Zucman-Rossi J, Indersie E, Cairo S, Domingo-Sàbat M, Zanatto L, Sancho-Bru P, Armengol C, Berasain C, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Avila MA. Identification and experimental validation of druggable epigenetic targets in hepatoblastoma. J Hepatol 2023; 79:989-1005. [PMID: 37302584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most frequent childhood liver cancer. Patients with aggressive tumors have limited therapeutic options; therefore, a better understanding of HB pathogenesis is needed to improve treatment. HBs have a very low mutational burden; however, epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized. We aimed to identify epigenetic regulators consistently dysregulated in HB and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of their targeting in clinically relevant models. METHODS We performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of 180 epigenetic genes. Data from fetal, pediatric, adult, peritumoral (n = 72) and tumoral (n = 91) tissues were integrated. Selected epigenetic drugs were tested in HB cells. The most relevant epigenetic target identified was validated in primary HB cells, HB organoids, a patient-derived xenograft model, and a genetic mouse model. Transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic mechanistic analyses were performed. RESULTS Altered expression of genes regulating DNA methylation and histone modifications was consistently observed in association with molecular and clinical features of poor prognosis. The histone methyltransferase G9a was markedly upregulated in tumors with epigenetic and transcriptomic traits of increased malignancy. Pharmacological targeting of G9a significantly inhibited growth of HB cells, organoids and patient-derived xenografts. Development of HB induced by oncogenic forms of β-catenin and YAP1 was ablated in mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of G9a. We observed that HBs undergo significant transcriptional rewiring in genes involved in amino acid metabolism and ribosomal biogenesis. G9a inhibition counteracted these pro-tumorigenic adaptations. Mechanistically, G9a targeting potently repressed the expression of c-MYC and ATF4, master regulators of HB metabolic reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS HBs display a profound dysregulation of the epigenetic machinery. Pharmacological targeting of key epigenetic effectors exposes metabolic vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to improve the treatment of these patients. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS In spite of recent advances in the management of hepatoblastoma (HB), treatment resistance and drug toxicity are still major concerns. This systematic study reveals the remarkable dysregulation in the expression of epigenetic genes in HB tissues. Through pharmacological and genetic experimental approaches, we demonstrate that the histone-lysine-methyltransferase G9a is an excellent drug target in HB, which can also be harnessed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Furthermore, our study highlights the profound pro-tumorigenic metabolic rewiring of HB cells orchestrated by G9a in coordination with the c-MYC oncogene. From a broader perspective, our findings suggest that anti-G9a therapies may also be effective in other c-MYC-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Maria Herranz
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ujue Latasa
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iker Uriarte
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Felipe Prosper
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Oncohematology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERonc, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Bruno Sangro
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Hepatology Unit, CCUN, Navarra University Clinic, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Juan García Marin
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Martinez-Chantar
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Liver Disease Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CICbioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando José Corrales
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Functional Proteomics Laboratory, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Pathology Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, INSERM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | | | - Stefano Cairo
- XenTech, Evry-Courcouronnes, France; Champions Oncology, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Montserrat Domingo-Sàbat
- Childhood Liver Oncology Group, Program of Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (PMPCC), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Zanatto
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Armengol
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Childhood Liver Oncology Group, Program of Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (PMPCC), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Carmen Berasain
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite García Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Matias Antonio Avila
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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Smolen P, Dash PK, Redell JB. Traumatic brain injury-associated epigenetic changes and the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1259405. [PMID: 37795186 PMCID: PMC10546067 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1259405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). However, molecular mechanisms that underlie this risk are largely unidentified. TBI triggers widespread epigenetic modifications. Similarly, NDs such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's are associated with numerous epigenetic changes. Although epigenetic changes can persist after TBI, it is unresolved if these modifications increase the risk of later ND development and/or dementia. We briefly review TBI-related epigenetic changes, and point out putative feedback loops that might contribute to long-term persistence of some modifications. We then focus on evidence suggesting persistent TBI-associated epigenetic changes may contribute to pathological processes (e.g., neuroinflammation) which may facilitate the development of specific NDs - Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Finally, we discuss possible directions for TBI therapies that may help prevent or delay development of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Smolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Han L, Lee JB, Indermaur EW, Keung AJ. Chaetocin disrupts the SUV39H1-HP1 interaction independent of SUV39H1 methyltransferase activity. Biochem J 2023; 480:421-432. [PMID: 36896918 PMCID: PMC11127023 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical tools to control the activities and interactions of chromatin components have broad impact on our understanding of cellular and disease processes. It is important to accurately identify their molecular effects to inform clinical efforts and interpretations of scientific studies. Chaetocin is a widely used chemical that decreases H3K9 methylation in cells. It is frequently attributed as a specific inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase activities of SUV39H1/SU(VAR)3-9, although prior observations showed chaetocin likely inhibits methyltransferase activity through covalent mechanisms involving its epipolythiodixopiperazine disulfide 'warhead' functionality. The continued use of chaetocin in scientific studies may derive from the net effect of reduced H3K9 methylation, irrespective of a direct or indirect mechanism. However, there may be other molecular impacts of chaetocin on SUV39H1 besides inhibition of H3K9 methylation levels that could confound the interpretation of past and future experimental studies. Here, we test a new hypothesis that chaetocin may have an additional downstream impact aside from inhibition of methyltransferase activity. Using a combination of truncation mutants, a yeast two-hybrid system, and direct in vitro binding assays, we show that the human SUV39H1 chromodomain (CD) and HP1 chromoshadow domain (CSD) directly interact. Chaetocin inhibits this binding interaction through its disulfide functionality with some specificity by covalently binding with the CD of SUV39H1, whereas the histone H3-HP1 interaction is not inhibited. Given the key role of HP1 dimers in driving a feedback cascade to recruit SUV39H1 and to establish and stabilize constitutive heterochromatin, this additional molecular consequence of chaetocin should be broadly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Han
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, U.S.A
| | - Jessica B. Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, U.S.A
| | - Elaine W. Indermaur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, U.S.A
| | - Albert J. Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, U.S.A
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Abhishek S, Deeksha W, Rajakumara E. Mechanistic insights into allosteric regulation of methylated DNA and histone H3 recognition by SRA and SET domains of SUVH5 and the basis for di-methylation of lysine residue. FEBS J 2023; 290:1060-1077. [PMID: 36128736 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16633] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Su-(var)3-9 homologue 5 (SUVH5), a member of SUVH family of histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) in Arabidopsis, is involved in epigenetic regulation of chromatin by recognizing 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC), in both CpG and non-CpG DNA context, through SRA domain and simultaneously performing the di-methylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9) through SET domain. Here, we establish that the SET domain of SUVH5 allosterically restricts the SRA domain to the 5mC containing strand(s) of fully methylated CpG, hemi-methylated CpG and methylated CpHpH DNA. In addition, SET domain enhances the binding affinity of the SRA-SET dual domains to fully-mCpG but not to hemi-mCpG. Also, the recognition of methylated DNA by the SRA positively influences the recognition of H3K9 by the SET domain. Our further studies revealed that the SET domain recognizes the "A(R/K)KST" motif present in H3K9 and in other histone H2A variants. Further, computational analyses and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations explain the bases for robust mono-MTase but weak di-MTase activities of SUVH5. Given that the majority of eukaryotic proteins, including those involved in epigenetic gene regulation, contain more than one domain, our study suggests that understanding the allosteric regulation among multiple domains of proteins is relevant for unravelling biological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Abhishek
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Waghela Deeksha
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Eerappa Rajakumara
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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New molecular mechanisms in cholangiocarcinoma: signals triggering interleukin-6 production in tumor cells and KRAS co-opted epigenetic mediators driving metabolic reprogramming. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:183. [PMID: 35619118 PMCID: PMC9134609 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02386-2] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is still a deadly tumour. Histological and molecular aspects of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) in rats mimic those of human iCCA. Carcinogenic changes and therapeutic vulnerabilities in CCA may be captured by molecular investigations in bile, where we performed bile proteomic and metabolomic analyses that help discovery yet unknown pathways relevant to human iCCA. Methods Cholangiocarcinogenesis was induced in rats (TAA) and mice (JnkΔhepa + CCl4 + DEN model). We performed proteomic and metabolomic analyses in bile from control and CCA-bearing rats. Differential expression was validated in rat and human CCAs. Mechanisms were addressed in human CCA cells, including Huh28-KRASG12D cells. Cell signaling, growth, gene regulation and [U-13C]-D-glucose-serine fluxomics analyses were performed. In vivo studies were performed in the clinically-relevant iCCA mouse model. Results Pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress and glucose metabolism were identified by proteomic analysis. Oxidative stress and high amounts of the oncogenesis-supporting amino acids serine and glycine were discovered by metabolomic studies. Most relevant hits were confirmed in rat and human CCAs (TCGA). Activation of interleukin-6 (IL6) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways, and key genes in cancer-related glucose metabolic reprogramming, were validated in TAA-CCAs. In TAA-CCAs, G9a, an epigenetic pro-tumorigenic writer, was also increased. We show that EGFR signaling and mutant KRASG12D can both activate IL6 production in CCA cells. Furthermore, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in serine-glycine pathway, was upregulated in human iCCA correlating with G9a expression. In a G9a activity-dependent manner, KRASG12D promoted PHGDH expression, glucose flow towards serine synthesis, and increased CCA cell viability. KRASG12D CAA cells were more sensitive to PHGDH and G9a inhibition than controls. In mouse iCCA, G9a pharmacological targeting reduced PHGDH expression. Conclusions In CCA, we identified new pro-tumorigenic mechanisms: Activation of EGFR signaling or KRAS mutation drives IL6 expression in tumour cells; Glucose metabolism reprogramming in iCCA includes activation of the serine-glycine pathway; Mutant KRAS drives PHGDH expression in a G9a-dependent manner; PHGDH and G9a emerge as therapeutic targets in iCCA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02386-2.
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Ren Y. Regulatory mechanism and biological function of UHRF1–DNMT1-mediated DNA methylation. Funct Integr Genomics 2022; 22:1113-1126. [DOI: 10.1007/s10142-022-00918-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Marano N, Holaska JM. Emerin interacts with histone methyltransferases to regulate repressive chromatin at the nuclear periphery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007120. [PMID: 36274837 PMCID: PMC9583931 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007120] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
X-Linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the gene encoding emerin. Emerin is an inner nuclear membrane protein important for repressive chromatin organization at the nuclear periphery. Myogenic differentiation is a tightly regulated process characterized by genomic reorganization leading to coordinated temporal expression of key transcription factors, including MyoD, Pax7, and Myf5. Emerin was shown to interact with repressive histone modification machinery, including HDAC3 and EZH2. Using emerin-null myogenic progenitor cells we established several EDMD-causing emerin mutant lines in the effort to understand how the functional interaction of emerin with HDAC3 regulates histone methyltransferase localization or function to organize repressive chromatin at the nuclear periphery. We found that, in addition to its interaction with HDAC3, emerin interacts with the histone methyltransferases EZH2 and G9a in myogenic progenitor cells. Further, we show enhanced binding of emerin HDAC3-binding mutants S54F and Q133H to EZH2 and G9a. Treatment with small molecule inhibitors of EZH2 and G9a reduced H3K9me2 or H3K27me3 throughout differentiation. EZH2 and G9a inhibitors impaired cell cycle withdrawal, differentiation commitment, and myotube formation in wildtype progenitors, while they had no effect on emerin-null progenitors. Interestingly, these inhibitors exacerbated the impaired differentiation of emerin S54F and Q133H mutant progenitors. Collectively, these results suggest the functional interaction between emerin and HDAC3, EZH2, and G9a are important for myogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James M. Holaska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The expression of Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and 2 (EHMT1/2) is deregulated in many cancers. Most studies thus far have focused on the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMTs. However, the mechanisms that lead to their deregulated expression, and the interacting proteins that could impact EHMT activity are not well understood. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the upstream regulators and the interactors that provide alternative therapeutic approaches to tackle EHMT driven malignancies. Abstract Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-(65)-153-236; Fax: +65-(67)-788-161
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Yan F, Chen Z, Cui W. H3K9me2 regulation of BDNF expression via G9a partakes in the progression of heart failure. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35439934 PMCID: PMC9020036 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heart disease is a major cause of mortality in developed countries. The associated pathology is mainly characterized by the loss of cardiomyocytes that contributes to heart failure (HF). This study aims to investigate the mechanism of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2, also term G9a) in HF in rats. Methods Differentially expressed mRNAs in HF were screened using GEO database. Sera from subjects with or without HF were collected, and PCR was performed to detect the G9a expression. G9a was downregulated in cardiomyocytes exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), followed by CCK8, flow cytometry, colorimetric method, and western blot assays. Established HF rats were delivered with lentiviral vectors carrying sh-G9a, and TTC staining, HE staining, TUNEL, ELISA, and western blot were performed. The regulation of G9a on the downstream target BDNF was investigated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ChIP-qPCR. Finally, rescue experiments were carried out to substantiate the effect of G9a on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury via the BDNF/TrkB axis. Results G9a was overexpressed, whereas BDNF was downregulated in HF. Knockdown of G9a inhibited apoptosis and injury in OGD-treated cardiomyocytes and attenuated the extent of HF and myocardial injury in rats. Silencing of G9a promoted BDNF transcription by repressing H3K9me2 modification of the BDNF promoter. Further depletion of BDNF partially reversed the effect of sh-G9a in alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury by inhibiting the TrkB signaling pathway. Conclusion G9a inhibits BDNF expression through H3K9me2 modification, thereby impairing the TrkB signaling pathway and exacerbating the development of HF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02621-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, People's Republic of China.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziying Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Bellver-Sanchis A, Choudhary BS, Companys-Alemany J, Sukanya S, A Ávila-López P, Martínez Rodríguez AL, Brea Floriani JM, Malik R, Pérez B, Pallàs M, Griñán-Ferré C. Structure based virtual screening, in vitro and in vivo analysis revealed novel potent methyltransferase G9a inhibitors as prospective anti-Alzheimer's agents. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200002. [PMID: 35413149 PMCID: PMC9401600 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase able to di‐methylate lysine 9 of histone H3, promoting the repression of genes involved in learning and memory. Novel strategies based on synthesizing epigenetic drugs could regulate gene expression through histone post‐translational modifications and effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, potential G9a inhibitors were identified using a structure‐based virtual screening against G9a, followed by in vitro and in vivo screenings. First, screening methods with the AD transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain CL2006, showed that the toxicity/function range was safe and recovered age‐dependent paralysis. Likewise, we demonstrated that the best candidates direct target G9a by reducing H3 K9me2 in the CL2006 strain. Further characterization of these compounds involved the assessment of the blood‐brain barrier‐permeability and impact on amyloid‐β aggregation, showing promising results. Thus, we present a G9a inhibitor candidate, F, with a novel and potent structure, providing both leads in G9a inhibitor design and demonstrating their participation in reducing AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- University of Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, SPAIN
| | - Bhanwar Singh Choudhary
- Shree SK Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ganpat University, Kherva, Ajmr, 384012, Mehsana, INDIA
| | - Júlia Companys-Alemany
- University of Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, SPAIN
| | - Sukanya Sukanya
- Central University of Rajasthan, Department of Pharmacy, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 304817, Ajmer, INDIA
| | - Pedro A Ávila-López
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, UNITED STATES
| | - Antón Leandro Martínez Rodríguez
- Universidad de Santiago de Compostela: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, SPAIN
| | - Jose Manuel Brea Floriani
- Universidad de Santiago de Compostela: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, SPAIN
| | - Ruchi Malik
- Central University of Rajasthan, Department of Pharmacy, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, 304817, Ajmer, INDIA
| | - Belén Pérez
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona: Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutic and Toxicology, Barcelona, SPAIN
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- University of Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, 08028, Barcelona, SPAIN
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- University of Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, SPAIN
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Special Issue “Structure, Activity, and Function of Protein Methyltransferases”. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030405. [PMID: 35330156 PMCID: PMC8948979 DOI: 10.3390/life12030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Histone Methyltransferases SUV39H1 and G9a and DNA Methyltransferase DNMT1 in Penumbra Neurons and Astrocytes after Photothrombotic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212483. [PMID: 34830365 PMCID: PMC8619375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cerebral ischemia, a common cerebrovascular disease, is one of the great threats to human health and new targets for stroke therapy are needed. The transcriptional activity in the cell is regulated by epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation/demethylation, acetylation/deacetylation, histone methylation, etc. Changes in DNA methylation after ischemia can have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on the degree of ischemia damage, the time elapsed after injury, and the site of methylation. Methods: In this study, we investigated the changes in the expression and intracellular localization of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, histone methyltransferases SUV39H1, and G9a in penumbra neurons and astrocytes at 4 and 24 h after stroke in the rat cerebral cortex using photothrombotic stroke (PTS) model. Methods of immunofluorescence microscopy analysis, apoptosis analysis, and immunoblotting were used. Additionally, we have studied the effect of DNMT1 and G9a inhibitors on the volume of PTS-induced infarction and apoptosis of penumbra cells in the cortex of mice after PTS. Results: This study has shown that the level of DNMT1 increased in the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of the penumbra tissue at 24 h after PTS. Inhibition of DNMT1 by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine protected cells of PTS-induced penumbra from apoptosis. An increase in the level of SUV39H1 in the penumbra was found at 24 h after PTS and G9a was overexpressed at 4 and 24 h after PTS. G9a inhibitors A-366 and BIX01294 protected penumbra cells from apoptosis and reduced the volume of PTS-induced cerebral infarction. Conclusion: Thus, the data obtained show that DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 and histone methyltransferase G9a can be potential protein targets in ischemic penumbra cells, and their inhibitors are potential neuroprotective agents capable of protecting penumbra cells from postischemic damage to the cerebral cortex.
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