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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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2
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Filiú-Braga LDDC, Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Sousa MRR, Carvalho JL, Saldanha-Araujo F. Molecular and functional anticancer effects of GLP/G9a inhibition by UNC0646 in MeWo melanoma cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27085. [PMID: 38434406 PMCID: PMC10907798 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27085] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, histone methyltransferases (HMTs) have emerged as important therapeutic targets in cancer due to their oncogenic role. Herein, we used the GLP/G9a inhibitor UNC0646 to assess whether the inhibition of such HMTs could induce cell death in MeWo melanoma cells. Furthermore, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the observed cell death events. Finally, we performed a functional genomics analysis of 480 melanoma samples to characterize G9a/GLP involvement in melanoma. Interestingly, after UNC0646 treatment, MeWo cells underwent apoptosis, followed by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, MeWo cells treated with UNC0646 showed cell cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation. At the molecular level, UNC0646 treatment increased the transcriptional levels of CDK1 and BAX, and decreased BCL-2 mRNA levels. Finally, we performed a functional enrichment analysis, which demonstrated that dozens of biological pathways were enriched in melanoma samples according to GLP and G9a expression, including apoptosis and necrosis. Taken together, our data show that inhibition of GLP/G9a using UNC0646 exerts anticancer effects on melanoma cells by controlling their proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Marielly Reis Resende Sousa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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3
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Moghaddam ST, Forghanifard MM. Clinicopathological relevance of stem cell marker growth and differentiation factor 3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:217-226. [PMID: 37205315 PMCID: PMC10185436 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00130] [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: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Iran, often diagnosed in advanced stages with a poor prognosis. Growth and differentiation factor 3 (GDF3) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It acts as an inhibitor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signaling pathway associated with pluripotent embryonic and cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics. Since its expression in ESCC has not yet been evaluated, the clinicopathological relevance of GDF3 expression was elucidated in ESCC patients. Expression of GDF3 in tumor tissues from 40 ESCC patients was compared to the related margin normal tissues by relatively comparative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Glyceraldehydes 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as the endogenous control. Likewise, the function of GDF3 in the differentiation and development of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was also reviewed. GDF3 was significantly overexpressed in 17.5% of tumors and a significant correlation between GDF3 expression and the depth of tumor invasion was observed (P = 0.032). The results suggest that GDF3 expression is likely to have substantial roles in the progression and invasiveness behavior of ESCC. Having considered the importance of CSC markers identification and their exploitation in targeted cancer therapy, GDF3 may be introduced as a promising therapeutic target to inhibit the invasion of tumor cells in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tahbazzadeh Moghaddam
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
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Kim K, Ryu TY, Lee J, Son MY, Kim DS, Kim SK, Cho HS. Epigenetic Silencing of CHOP Expression by the Histone Methyltransferase EHMT1 Regulates Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Mol Cells 2022; 45:622-630. [PMID: 35748228 PMCID: PMC9448644 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate among cancers worldwide. To reduce this mortality rate, chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) or targeted therapy (bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab) has been used to treat CRC. However, due to various side effects and poor responses to CRC treatment, novel therapeutic targets for drug development are needed. In this study, we identified the overexpression of EHMT1 in CRC using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data derived from TCGA, and we observed that knocking down EHMT1 expression suppressed cell growth by inducing cell apoptosis in CRC cell lines. In Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis using RNA-seq data, apoptosis-related terms were enriched after EHMT1 knockdown. Moreover, we identified the CHOP gene as a direct target of EHMT1 using a ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) assay with an anti-histone 3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) antibody. Finally, after cotransfection with siEHMT1 and siCHOP, we again confirmed that CHOP-mediated cell apoptosis was induced by EHMT1 knockdown. Our findings reveal that EHMT1 plays a key role in regulating CRC cell apoptosis, suggesting that EHMT1 may be a therapeutic target for the development of cancer inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangho Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Tae Young Ryu
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jinkwon Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Dae-Soo Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Sang Kyum Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
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5
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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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Nachiyappan A, Gupta N, Taneja R. EHMT1/EHMT2 in EMT, Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance: Emerging Evidence and Mechanisms. FEBS J 2021; 289:1329-1351. [PMID: 34954891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, therapy failure and tumor recurrence are major clinical challenges in cancer. The interplay between tumor initiating cells (TICs) and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression and spread. Recent advances have highlighted the involvement of epigenetic deregulation in these processes. The Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) that primarily mediate histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), as well as methylation of non-histone proteins, are now recognized to be aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Their deregulated expression is associated with EMT, cellular plasticity and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize evidence of their myriad roles in cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We discuss cancer-type specific molecular targets, context-dependent mechanisms and future directions of research in targeting EHMT1/EHMT2 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Neelima Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
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Lee J, Kim K, Ryu TY, Jung CR, Lee MS, Lim JH, Park K, Kim DS, Son MY, Hamamoto R, Cho HS. EHMT1 knockdown induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lung cancer cells by increasing CDKN1A expression. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2989-3002. [PMID: 34214254 PMCID: PMC8564652 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dozens of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, but the pathological roles of their dysfunction in human diseases such as cancer remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of EHMT1, a histone lysine methyltransferase, in lung cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the expression levels of EHMT1 are significantly elevated in human lung carcinomas compared with non‐neoplastic lung tissues. Through gene ontology analysis of RNA‐seq results, we showed that EHMT1 is clearly associated with apoptosis and the cell cycle process. Moreover, FACS analysis and cell growth assays showed that knockdown of EHMT1 induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest via upregulation of CDKN1A in A549 and H1299 cell lines. Finally, in 3D spheroid culture, compared to control cells, EHMT1 knockdown cells exhibited reduced aggregation of 3D spheroids and clear upregulation of CDKN1A and downregulation of E‐cadherin. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that EHMT1 plays a critical role in the regulation of cancer cell apoptosis and the cell cycle by modulating CDKN1A expression. Further functional analyses of EHMT1 in the context of human tumorigenesis may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkwon Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kwangho Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Tae Young Ryu
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Cho-Rok Jung
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Lim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kunhyang Park
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dae-Soo Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Molecular Modification and Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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De Smedt E, Devin J, Muylaert C, Robert N, Requirand G, Vlummens P, Vincent L, Cartron G, Maes K, Moreaux J, De Bruyne E. G9a/GLP targeting in MM promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis and boosts proteasome inhibitor-mediated cell death. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2325-2338. [PMID: 33938943 PMCID: PMC8114552 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an (epi)genetic highly heterogeneous plasma cell malignancy that remains mostly incurable. Deregulated expression and/or genetic defects in epigenetic-modifying enzymes contribute to high-risk disease and MM progression. Overexpression of the histone methyltransferase G9a was reported in several cancers, including MM, correlating with disease progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, the exact role of G9a and its interaction partner G9a-like protein (GLP) in MM biology and the underlying mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Here, we report that high G9a RNA levels are associated with a worse disease outcome in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients. G9a/GLP targeting using the specific G9a/GLP inhibitors BIX01294 and UNC0638 induces a G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in MM cell lines and reduces primary MM cell viability. Mechanistic studies revealed that G9a/GLP targeting promotes autophagy-associated apoptosis by inactivating the mTOR/4EBP1 pathway and reducing c-MYC levels. Moreover, genes deregulated by G9a/GLP targeting are associated with repressive histone marks. G9a/GLP targeting sensitizes MM cells to the proteasome inhibitors (PIs) bortezomib and carfilzomib, by (further) reducing mTOR signaling and c-MYC levels and activating p-38 and SAPK/JNK signaling. Therapeutic treatment of 5TGM1 mice with BIX01294 delayed in vivo MM tumor growth, and cotreatment with bortezomib resulted in a further reduction in tumor burden and a significantly prolonged survival. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the histone methyltransferases G9a/GLP support MM cell growth and survival by blocking basal autophagy and sustaining high c-MYC levels. G9a/GLP targeting represents a promising strategy to improve PI-based treatment in patients with high G9a/GLP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva De Smedt
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catharina Muylaert
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Robert
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guilhem Requirand
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Vincent
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; and
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Liao L, Yao Z, Fang W, He Q, Xu WW, Li B. Epigenetics in Esophageal Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics. SMALL METHODS 2020; 4:2000391. [DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Long Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes Institute of Life and Health Engineering College of Life Science and Technology Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China
| | - Zi‐Ting Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes Institute of Life and Health Engineering College of Life Science and Technology Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China
| | - Wang‐Kai Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Shantou University Medical College Shantou 515041 China
| | - Qing‐Yu He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes Institute of Life and Health Engineering College of Life Science and Technology Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine Institute of Biomedicine College of Life Science and Technology Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes Institute of Life and Health Engineering College of Life Science and Technology Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 China
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Alencar APD, Resende MR, da Costa DF, Nonino A, Neves FAR, Saldanha-Araujo F. Epigenetic priming by EHMT1/EHMT2 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia induces TP53 and TP73 overexpression and promotes cell death. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 69:104992. [PMID: 32889036 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and EHMT2 are upregulated in various human cancers, and their deregulation is associated with tumor development and progression. In this paper, we investigated the expression level of EHMT1/EHMT2 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and whether the modulation of these enzymes could have any cellular or molecular impact on ALL cells. For this, we used UNC0646 as a priming strategy to target EHMT1/EHMT2 and investigated its effect on proliferation and cell viability of Jurkat cells by MTT assay. Then, considering the IC50 and IC75, cellular death was determined by Annexin V/PI staining using flow cytometry. Finally, we investigated by RT-PCR the molecular bases that could be involved in the observed effects. Interestingly, accessing the International Microarray Innovations in Leukemia (MILE) study group, we detected that both EHMT1 and EHMT2 are overexpressed in ALL. More important, we determined that inhibition of EHMT1/EHMT2 significantly decreased Jurkat cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, we observed that inhibition of EHMT1/EHMT2 promoted Jurkat cell death, which was accompanied by increased expression of P53, TP73, BAX, and MDM4. These results clearly indicate that inhibition of EHMT1/EHMT2 induces pro-apoptotic gene expression in ALL and promotes cell death. More importantly, the modulation of these histone methyltransferases may be a promising epigenetic target for ALL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Dorneles Alencar
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Marielly Reis Resende
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel Freitas da Costa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Nonino
- Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Setor Hospitalar Sul, Área Especial, Quadra 101, Brasília, DF 70.330-150, Brazil
| | - Francisco Assis Rocha Neves
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil.
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11
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Epigenetic Alterations in Oesophageal Cancer: Expression and Role of the Involved Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103522. [PMID: 32429269 PMCID: PMC7278932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal cancer is a life-threatening disease, accounting for high mortality rates. The poor prognosis of this malignancy is mostly due to late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies for advanced disease. Epigenetic alterations may constitute novel and attractive therapeutic targets, owing to their ubiquity in cancer and their reversible nature. Herein, we offer an overview of the most important studies which compared differences in expression of enzymes that mediate epigenetic alterations between oesophageal cancer and normal mucosa, as well as in vitro data addressing the role of these genes/proteins in oesophageal cancer. Furthermore, The Cancer Genome Atlas database was interrogated for the correlation between expression of these epigenetic markers and standard clinicopathological features. We concluded that most epigenetic players studied thus far are overexpressed in tumours compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, functional assays suggest an oncogenic role for most of those enzymes, supporting their potential as therapeutic targets in oesophageal cancer.
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Singh PK. Histone methyl transferases: A class of epigenetic opportunities to counter uncontrolled cell proliferation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 166:351-368. [PMID: 30735901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With each newly disclosed resistance mechanism, management of cancer with previously established targets have become a "failure" oriented approach. Molecular targets such as kinases did initially provide a ray of hope against cancer but with decades of struggle between novel therapeutic agents and more sophisticated resistance mechanisms, they seem to have saturated as anti-cancer targets. Now, with more exhaustive molecular recognition techniques and approaches, epigenetic targets have accessed the centre stage as anti-cancer targets. Accordingly, several classes of epigenetic enzymes are being studied for this role and histone methyltransferases form one such class. They include a class of epigenetic enzymes which transfer methyl group from histone proteins and maintain genetic homeostasis. In cancer, several reports have deduced upregulation of different members of this family according to the tumor environment, establishing them as one of the novel anti-cancer targets. This compilation provides an updated information on several members of histone methyltransferases family as epigenetic targets for developing novel anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
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Yang Y, Shen J, Yan D, Yuan B, Zhang S, Wei J, Du T. Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 1 regulates cancer development in human gastric cancer by regulating E-cadherin. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:9480-9486. [PMID: 29844834 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most aggressive types of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. The specific role of deregulated expression/activity of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in GC is poorly understood. The present study aimed to explore the possible oncogenic role of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) in gastric carcinogenesis. It was identified that EHMT1 was highly expressed in GC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-tumor tissues, and that EHMT1 expression levels were significantly associated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. Through knockdown of EHMT1 in the BGC-803 cell line, EHMT1 was demonstrated to promote a malignant phenotype, and to increase the wound healing, migration and invasion abilities of GC cells. Corresponding to these in vitro results, knockdown of EHMT1 also inhibited the peritoneal metastasis of GC cells in vivo. Furthermore, EHMT1 also regulated the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker E-cadherin in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that EHMT1 is upregulated in GC and serves an oncogenic role in GC development by regulating E-cadherin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Dongyi Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Biao Yuan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Tao Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
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Chakravarthi BVSK, Nepal S, Varambally S. Genomic and Epigenomic Alterations in Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 186:1724-35. [PMID: 27338107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multiple genetic and epigenetic events characterize tumor progression and define the identity of the tumors. Advances in high-throughput technologies, like gene expression profiling, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics, have enabled detailed molecular characterization of various tumors. The integration and analyses of these high-throughput data have unraveled many novel molecular aberrations and network alterations in tumors. These molecular alterations include multiple cancer-driving mutations, gene fusions, amplification, deletion, and post-translational modifications, among others. Many of these genomic events are being used in cancer diagnosis, whereas others are therapeutically targeted with small-molecule inhibitors. Multiple genes/enzymes that play a role in DNA and histone modifications are also altered in various cancers, changing the epigenomic landscape during cancer initiation and progression. Apart from protein-coding genes, studies are uncovering the critical regulatory roles played by noncoding RNAs and noncoding regions of the genome during cancer progression. Many of these genomic and epigenetic events function in tandem to drive tumor development and metastasis. Concurrent advances in genome-modulating technologies, like gene silencing and genome editing, are providing ability to understand in detail the process of cancer initiation, progression, and signaling as well as opening up avenues for therapeutic targeting. In this review, we discuss some of the recent advances in cancer genomic and epigenomic research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saroj Nepal
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Spinella JF, Cassart P, Richer C, Saillour V, Ouimet M, Langlois S, St-Onge P, Sontag T, Healy J, Minden MD, Sinnett D. Genomic characterization of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals novel recurrent driver mutations. Oncotarget 2016; 7:65485-65503. [PMID: 27602765 PMCID: PMC5323170 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with variable prognosis. It represents 15% of diagnosed pediatric ALL cases and has a threefold higher incidence among males. Many recurrent alterations have been identified and help define molecular subgroups of T-ALL, however the full range of events involved in driving transformation remain to be defined. Using an integrative approach combining genomic and transcriptomic data, we molecularly characterized 30 pediatric T-ALLs and identified common recurrent T-ALL targets such as FBXW7, JAK1, JAK3, PHF6, KDM6A and NOTCH1 as well as novel candidate T-ALL driver mutations including the p.R35L missense mutation in splicesome factor U2AF1 found in 3 patients and loss of function mutations in the X-linked tumor suppressor genes MED12 (frameshit mutation p.V167fs, splice site mutation g.chrX:70339329T>C, missense mutation p.R1989H) and USP9X (nonsense mutation p.Q117*). In vitro functional studies further supported the putative role of these novel T-ALL genes in driving transformation. U2AF1 p.R35L was shown to induce aberrant splicing of downstream target genes, and shRNA knockdown of MED12 and USP9X was shown to confer resistance to apoptosis following T-ALL relevant chemotherapy drug treatment in Jurkat leukemia cells. Interestingly, nearly 60% of novel candidate driver events were identified among immature T-ALL cases, highlighting the underlying genomic complexity of pediatric T-ALL, and the need for larger integrative studies to decipher the mechanisms that contribute to its various subtypes and provide opportunities to refine patient stratification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pauline Cassart
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Chantal Richer
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Virginie Saillour
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Manon Ouimet
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Langlois
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal St-Onge
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas Sontag
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jasmine Healy
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark D. Minden
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Sinnett
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Cui J, Sun W, Hao X, Wei M, Su X, Zhang Y, Su L, Liu X. EHMT2 inhibitor BIX-01294 induces apoptosis through PMAIP1-USP9X-MCL1 axis in human bladder cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2015; 15:4. [PMID: 25685062 PMCID: PMC4326523 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BIX-01294, an euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) inhibitor, has been reported to induce apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells and inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells. However, the definite mechanism of the apoptosis mediated by BIX-01294 in bladder cancer cells remains unclear. In the present study, we found that BIX-01294 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells. Moreover, our data show BIX-01294 stimulates endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and up-regulated expression of PMAIP1 through DDIT3 up-regulation. Furthermore, down-regulation of the deubiquitinase USP9X by BIX-01294 results in downstream reduction of MCL1 expression, leading to apoptosis eventually. Thus, our findings demonstrate PMAIP1-USP9X-MCL1 axis may contribute to BIX-01294-induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cui
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Wendong Sun
- The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuexi Hao
- The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Minli Wei
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Xiaonan Su
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Ling Su
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- Shandong University School of Life Sciences, Room 103, South Building, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100 China
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