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Fan Q, Bao X, Zhao H, Li S. LncRNA MRPL39 inhibits cell proliferation and migration by regulating miR-130/TSC1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:125. [PMID: 38577417 PMCID: PMC10987421 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the effect of miR-130 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. In this study, the expression of miR-130 and lncRNA MRPL39 in tumor and non-tumor tissues of NSCLC patients was examined using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC. The phenotypic effects of miR-130 and MRPL39 on proliferation and migration of NSCLC cell line A549 cells were assessed through CCK-8 and Transwell assays with miR-130 mimic and MRPL39 (mitochondrial ribosomal protein L39) overexpressed plasmid transfection. StarBase/TargetScan analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between MRPL39, miR-130, and Tuberculosis sclerosis 1 (TSC1). MiR-130 was overexpressed, and MRPL39 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Inhibition of miR-130 expression and overexpression of MRPL39 resulted in the inhibition of the viability and migration of A549 cells. MRPL39 is a potential upstream regulatory long non-coding RNA of miR-130, and its expression is negatively regulated by miR-130. TSC1 was identified as a target of miR-130, suppressing the antitumor effects of FGD5-AS1 silencing on GBM cells. After overexpression of MRPL39, the mRNA and protein levels of TSC1 in A549 cells significantly increased. However, after transfection with miR-130 mimic, the up-regulation of mRNA and protein was inhibited, leading to the suppression of cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghao Fan
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, 321000 China
| | - Xianrong Bao
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, 321000 China
| | - Han Zhao
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, 321000 China
| | - Sichen Li
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, 321000 China
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2
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Sgro A, Cursons J, Waryah C, Woodward EA, Foroutan M, Lyu R, Yeoh GCT, Leedman PJ, Blancafort P. Epigenetic reactivation of tumor suppressor genes with CRISPRa technologies as precision therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:73. [PMID: 37120619 PMCID: PMC10149030 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01482-0] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is a key feature of oncogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver-targeted delivery of CRISPR-activation (CRISPRa) systems makes it possible to exploit chromatin plasticity, by reprogramming transcriptional dysregulation. RESULTS Using The Cancer Genome Atlas HCC data, we identify 12 putative TSGs with negative associations between promoter DNA methylation and transcript abundance, with limited genetic alterations. All HCC samples harbor at least one silenced TSG, suggesting that combining a specific panel of genomic targets could maximize efficacy, and potentially improve outcomes as a personalized treatment strategy for HCC patients. Unlike epigenetic modifying drugs lacking locus selectivity, CRISPRa systems enable potent and precise reactivation of at least 4 TSGs tailored to representative HCC lines. Concerted reactivation of HHIP, MT1M, PZP, and TTC36 in Hep3B cells inhibits multiple facets of HCC pathogenesis, such as cell viability, proliferation, and migration. CONCLUSIONS By combining multiple effector domains, we demonstrate the utility of a CRISPRa toolbox of epigenetic effectors and gRNAs for patient-specific treatment of aggressive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Sgro
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Joseph Cursons
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Eleanor A Woodward
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Momeneh Foroutan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ruqian Lyu
- Bioinformatics and Cellular Genomics, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics/School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - George C T Yeoh
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Peter J Leedman
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Laboratory for Cancer Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, 6 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
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3
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Tang S, Ling Z, Jiang J, Gu X, Leng Y, Wei C, Cheng H, Li X. Integrating the tumor-suppressive activity of Maspin with p53 in retuning the epithelial homeostasis: A working hypothesis and applicable prospects. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1037794. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1037794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial malignant transformation and tumorous development were believed to be closely associated with the loss of its microenvironment integrity and homeostasis. The tumor-suppressive molecules Maspin and p53 were demonstrated to play a crucial role in body epithelial and immune homeostasis. Downregulation of Maspin and mutation of p53 were frequently associated with malignant transformation and poor prognosis in various human cancers. In this review, we focused on summarizing the progress of the molecular network of Maspin in studying epithelial tumorous development and its response to clinic treatment and try to clarify the underlying antitumor mechanism. Notably, Maspin expression was reported to be transcriptionally activated by p53, and the transcriptional activity of p53 was demonstrated to be enhanced by its acetylation through inhibition of HDAC1. As an endogenous inhibitor of HDAC1, Maspin possibly potentiates the transcriptional activity of p53 by acetylating the p53 protein. Hereby, it could form a “self-propelling” antitumor mechanism. Thus, we summarized that, upon stimulation of cellular stress and by integrating with p53, the aroused Maspin played the epigenetic surveillant role to prevent the epithelial digressional process and retune the epithelial homeostasis, which is involved in activating host immune surveillance, regulating the inflammatory factors, and fine-tuning its associated cell signaling pathways. Consequentially, in a normal physiological condition, activation of the above “self-propelling” antitumor mechanism of Maspin and p53 could reduce cellular stress (e.g., chronic infection/inflammation, oxidative stress, transformation) effectively and achieve cancer prevention. Meanwhile, designing a strategy of mimicking Maspin’s epigenetic regulation activity with integrating p53 tumor-suppressive activity could enhance the chemotherapy efficacy theoretically in a pathological condition of cancer.
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Shademan B, Masjedi S, Karamad V, Isazadeh A, Sogutlu F, Rad MHS, Nourazarian A. CRISPR Technology in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Opportunities and Challenges. Biochem Genet 2022; 60:1446-1470. [PMID: 35092559 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A novel gene editing tool, the Cas system, associated with the CRISPR system, is emerging as a potential method for genome modification. This simple method, based on the adaptive immune defense system of prokaryotes, has been developed and used in human cancer research. These technologies have tremendous therapeutic potential, especially in gene therapy, where a patient-specific mutation is genetically corrected to cure diseases that cannot be cured with conventional treatments. However, translating CRISPR/Cas9 into the clinic will be challenging, as we still need to improve the efficiency, specificity, and application of the technology. In this review, we will explain how CRISPR-Cas9 technology can treat cancer at the molecular level, focusing on ordination and the epigenome. We will also focus on the promise and shortcomings of this system to ensure its application in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Shademan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sepideh Masjedi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Vahidreza Karamad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alireza Isazadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatma Sogutlu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran.
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5
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Pacheco MB, Camilo V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic Editing in Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities. Epigenetics 2021; 17:564-588. [PMID: 34130596 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1939477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing consists of fusing a predesigned DNA recognition unit to the catalytic domain of a chromatin modifying enzyme leading to the introduction or removal of an epigenetic mark at a specific locus. These platforms enabled the study of the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic changes in several research domains such as those addressing pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Despite the continued efforts required to overcome some limitations, which include specificity, off-target effects, efficacy, and longevity, these tools have been rapidly progressing and improving.Since prostate cancer is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect different signalling pathways, epigenetic editing constitutes a promising strategy to hamper cancer progression. Therefore, by modulating chromatin structure through epigenome editing, its conformation might be better understood and events that drive prostate carcinogenesis might be further unveiled.This review describes the different epigenome engineering tools, their mechanisms concerning gene's expression and regulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities concerning prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Brütt Pacheco
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Camilo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. DR. António Bernardino De Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
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6
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Alves E, Taifour S, Dolcetti R, Chee J, Nowak AK, Gaudieri S, Blancafort P. Reprogramming the anti-tumor immune response via CRISPR genetic and epigenetic editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:592-606. [PMID: 34095343 PMCID: PMC8142043 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Precise clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of the immune response has become a promising immunotherapeutic approach toward combating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. CRISPR-based immunologic reprograming in cancer therapy comprises the locus-specific enhancement of host immunity, the improvement of tumor immunogenicity, and the suppression of tumor immunoevasion. To date, the ex vivo re-engineering of immune cells directed to inhibit the expression of immune checkpoints or to express synthetic immune receptors (chimeric antigen receptor therapy) has shown success in some settings, such as in the treatment of melanoma, lymphoma, liver, and lung cancer. However, advancements in nuclease-deactivated CRISPR-associated nuclease-9 (dCas9)-mediated transcriptional activation or repression and Cas13-directed gene suppression present novel avenues for the development of tumor immunotherapies. In this review, the basis for development, mechanism of action, and outcomes from recently published Cas9-based clinical trial (genetic editing) and dCas9/Cas13-based pre-clinical (epigenetic editing) data are discussed. Lastly, we review cancer immunotherapy-specific considerations and barriers surrounding use of these approaches in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alves
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Shahama Taifour
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chee
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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7
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Kretzmann JA, Evans CW, Moses C, Sorolla A, Kretzmann AL, Wang E, Ho D, Hackett MJ, Dessauvagie BF, Smith NM, Redfern AD, Waryah C, Norret M, Iyer KS, Blancafort P. Tumour suppression by targeted intravenous non-viral CRISPRa using dendritic polymers. Chem Sci 2019; 10:7718-7727. [PMID: 31588320 PMCID: PMC6761875 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc01432b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article demonstrates a fully synthetic strategy enabling CRISPR-mediated activation of tumour suppressor genes in vivo to reduce tumour burden.
Aberrant gene expression is a hallmark of cancer. Although transcription is traditionally considered ‘undruggable’, the development of CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) systems offers enormous potential to rectify cancer-associated transcriptional abnormalities in malignant cells. However delivery of this technology presents a critical challenge to overcome in order to realize clinical translation for cancer therapy. In this article we demonstrate for the first time, a fully synthetic strategy to enable CRISPR-mediated activation (CRISPRa) of tumour suppressor genes in vivo using a targeted intravenous approach. We show this via highly efficient transcriptional activation of two model tumour suppressor genes, Mammary Serine Protease Inhibitor (MASPIN, SERPINB5) and cysteine-rich 61/connective tissue growth factor/nephroblastoma-overexpressed 6 (CCN6, WISP3), in a mouse model of breast cancer. In particular, we demonstrate that targeted intravenous delivery of can be achieved using a novel nanoscale dendritic macromolecular delivery agent, with negligible toxicity and long lasting therapeutic effects, outlining a targeted effective formulation with potential to treat aggressive malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . .,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Colette Moses
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia . .,School of Human Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Amy L Kretzmann
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Edina Wang
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Diwei Ho
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Mark J Hackett
- Curtin Institute for Functional Molecules and Interfaces , Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute , Department of Chemistry , Curtin University , Bentley , WA 6845 , Australia
| | - Benjamin F Dessauvagie
- Anatomical Pathology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine , Fiona Stanley Hospital , Murdoch , WA , Australia.,School of Medicine , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , WA , Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Andrew D Redfern
- School of Medicine , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , WA , Australia
| | - Charlene Waryah
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Marck Norret
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
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8
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Moses C, Nugent F, Waryah CB, Garcia-Bloj B, Harvey AR, Blancafort P. Activating PTEN Tumor Suppressor Expression with the CRISPR/dCas9 System. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:287-300. [PMID: 30654190 PMCID: PMC6348769 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PTEN expression is lost in many cancers, and even small changes in PTEN activity affect susceptibility and prognosis in a range of highly aggressive malignancies, such as melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Loss of PTEN expression occurs via multiple mechanisms, including mutation, transcriptional repression and epigenetic silencing. Transcriptional repression of PTEN contributes to resistance to inhibitors used in the clinic, such as B-Raf inhibitors in BRAF mutant melanoma. We aimed to activate PTEN expression using the CRISPR system, specifically dead (d) Cas9 fused to the transactivator VP64-p65-Rta (VPR). dCas9-VPR was directed to the PTEN proximal promoter by single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs), in cancer cells that exhibited low levels of PTEN expression. The dCas9-VPR system increased PTEN expression in melanoma and TNBC cell lines, without transcriptional regulation at predicted off-target sgRNA binding sites. PTEN activation significantly repressed downstream oncogenic pathways, including AKT, mTOR, and MAPK signaling. BRAF V600E mutant melanoma cells transduced with dCas9-VPR displayed reduced migration, as well as diminished colony formation in the presence of B-Raf inhibitors, PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, and with combined PI3K/mTOR and B-Raf inhibition. CRISPR-mediated targeted activation of PTEN may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for highly aggressive cancers that are refractory to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Moses
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Fiona Nugent
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; School of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Charlene Babra Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Benjamin Garcia-Bloj
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Universidad Mayor, Camino la Piramide 5750, Huechuraba 8580745, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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9
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Moses C, Garcia-Bloj B, Harvey AR, Blancafort P. Hallmarks of cancer: The CRISPR generation. Eur J Cancer 2018; 93:10-18. [PMID: 29433054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The hallmarks of cancer were proposed as a logical framework to guide research efforts that aim to understand the molecular mechanisms and derive treatments for this highly complex disease. Recent technological advances, including comprehensive sequencing of different cancer subtypes, have illuminated how genetic and epigenetic alterations are associated with specific hallmarks of cancer. However, as these associations are purely descriptive, one particularly exciting development is the emergence of genome editing technologies, which enable rapid generation of precise genetic and epigenetic modifications to assess the consequences of these perturbations on the cancer phenotype. The most recently developed of these tools, the system of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), consists of an RNA-guided endonuclease that can be repurposed to edit both genome and epigenome with high specificity, and facilitates the functional interrogation of multiple loci in parallel. This system has the potential to dramatically accelerate progress in cancer research, whether by modelling the genesis and progression of cancer in vitro and in vivo, screening for novel therapeutic targets, conducting functional genomics/epigenomics, or generating targeted cancer therapies. Here, we discuss CRISPR research on each of the ten hallmarks of cancer, outline potential barriers for its clinical implementation and speculate on the advances it may allow in cancer research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Moses
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia; School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Benjamin Garcia-Bloj
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, P. Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia; School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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10
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Waking up dormant tumor suppressor genes with zinc fingers, TALEs and the CRISPR/dCas9 system. Oncotarget 2018; 7:60535-60554. [PMID: 27528034 PMCID: PMC5312401 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) plays a major role during carcinogenesis and regaining these dormant functions by engineering of sequence-specific epigenome editing tools offers a unique opportunity for targeted therapies. However, effectively normalizing the expression and regaining tumor suppressive functions of silenced TSGs by artificial transcription factors (ATFs) still remains a major challenge. Herein we describe novel combinatorial strategies for the potent reactivation of two class II TSGs, MASPIN and REPRIMO, in cell lines with varying epigenetic states, using the CRISPR/dCas9 associated system linked to a panel of effector domains (VP64, p300, VPR and SAM complex), as well as with protein-based ATFs, Zinc Fingers and TALEs. We found that co-delivery of multiple effector domains using a combination of CRISPR/dCas9 and TALEs or SAM complex maximized activation in highly methylated promoters. In particular, CRISPR/dCas9 VPR with SAM upregulated MASPIN mRNA (22,145-fold change) in H157 lung cancer cells, with accompanying re-expression of MASPIN protein, which led to a concomitant inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic cell death. Consistently, CRISPR/dCas9 VP64 with SAM upregulated REPRIMO (680-fold change), which led to phenotypic reprogramming in AGS gastric cancer cells. Altogether, our results outlined novel sequence-specific, combinatorial epigenome editing approaches to reactivate highly methylated TSGs as a promising therapy for cancer and other diseases.
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Waryah CB, Moses C, Arooj M, Blancafort P. Zinc Fingers, TALEs, and CRISPR Systems: A Comparison of Tools for Epigenome Editing. Methods Mol Biol 2018. [PMID: 29524128 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7774-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The completion of genome, epigenome, and transcriptome mapping in multiple cell types has created a demand for precision biomolecular tools that allow researchers to functionally manipulate DNA, reconfigure chromatin structure, and ultimately reshape gene expression patterns. Epigenetic editing tools provide the ability to interrogate the relationship between epigenetic modifications and gene expression. Importantly, this information can be exploited to reprogram cell fate for both basic research and therapeutic applications. Three different molecular platforms for epigenetic editing have been developed: zinc finger proteins (ZFs), transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), and the system of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins. These platforms serve as custom DNA-binding domains (DBDs), which are fused to epigenetic modifying domains to manipulate epigenetic marks at specific sites in the genome. The addition and/or removal of epigenetic modifications reconfigures local chromatin structure, with the potential to provoke long-lasting changes in gene transcription. Here we summarize the molecular structure and mechanism of action of ZF, TALE, and CRISPR platforms and describe their applications for the locus-specific manipulation of the epigenome. The advantages and disadvantages of each platform will be discussed with regard to genomic specificity, potency in regulating gene expression, and reprogramming cell phenotypes, as well as ease of design, construction, and delivery. Finally, we outline potential applications for these tools in molecular biology and biomedicine and identify possible barriers to their future clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Babra Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Colette Moses
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mahira Arooj
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia.
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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12
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Bustos FJ, Ampuero E, Jury N, Aguilar R, Falahi F, Toledo J, Ahumada J, Lata J, Cubillos P, Henríquez B, Guerra MV, Stehberg J, Neve RL, Inestrosa NC, Wyneken U, Fuenzalida M, Härtel S, Sena-Esteves M, Varela-Nallar L, Rots MG, Montecino M, van Zundert B. Epigenetic editing of the Dlg4/PSD95 gene improves cognition in aged and Alzheimer's disease mice. Brain 2017; 140:3252-3268. [PMID: 29155979 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dlg4 gene encodes for post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), a major synaptic protein that clusters glutamate receptors and is critical for plasticity. PSD95 levels are diminished in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. The epigenetic mechanisms that (dys)regulate transcription of Dlg4/PSD95, or other plasticity genes, are largely unknown, limiting the development of targeted epigenome therapy. We analysed the Dlg4/PSD95 epigenetic landscape in hippocampal tissue and designed a Dlg4/PSD95 gene-targeting strategy: a Dlg4/PSD95 zinc finger DNA-binding domain was engineered and fused to effector domains to either repress (G9a, Suvdel76, SKD) or activate (VP64) transcription, generating artificial transcription factors or epigenetic editors (methylating H3K9). These epi-editors altered critical histone marks and subsequently Dlg4/PSD95 expression, which, importantly, impacted several hippocampal neuron plasticity processes. Intriguingly, transduction of the artificial transcription factor PSD95-VP64 rescued memory deficits in aged and Alzheimer's disease mice. Conclusively, this work validates PSD95 as a key player in memory and establishes epigenetic editing as a potential therapy to treat human neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Bustos
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Chile
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nur Jury
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Chile
| | - Fahimeh Falahi
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge Toledo
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, SCIAN-Lab, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Center for Medical Informatics and Telemedicine CIMT, National Center for Health Information Systems CENS, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Ahumada
- Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jaclyn Lata
- Department of Neurology and Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Paula Cubillos
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Berta Henríquez
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel V Guerra
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marco Fuenzalida
- Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, SCIAN-Lab, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Center for Medical Informatics and Telemedicine CIMT, National Center for Health Information Systems CENS, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology and Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marianne G Rots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Montecino
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile.,FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Avenida Republica 217, Santiago, Chile
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13
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Kretzmann JA, Ho D, Evans CW, Plani-Lam JHC, Garcia-Bloj B, Mohamed AE, O'Mara ML, Ford E, Tan DEK, Lister R, Blancafort P, Norret M, Iyer KS. Synthetically controlling dendrimer flexibility improves delivery of large plasmid DNA. Chem Sci 2017; 8:2923-2930. [PMID: 28451358 PMCID: PMC5376716 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00097a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tools for editing the genome and epigenome have revolutionised the field of molecular biology and represent a new frontier in targeted therapeutic intervention. Although efficiencies and specificities of genome editing technologies have improved with the development of TALEs and CRISPR platforms, intracellular delivery of these larger constructs still remains a challenge using existing delivery agents. Viral vectors, including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses, as well as some non-viral strategies, such as cationic polymers and liposomes, are limited by packaging capacity, poor delivery, toxicity, and immunogenicity. We report a highly controlled synthetic strategy to engineer a flexible dendritic polymer using click chemistry to overcome the aforementioned delivery challenges associated with genome engineering technologies. Using a systematic approach, we demonstrate that high transfection efficiencies and packaging capacity can be achieved using this non-viral delivery methodology to deliver zinc fingers, TALEs and CRISPR/dCas9 platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Diwei Ho
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
| | - Janice H C Plani-Lam
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - Benjamin Garcia-Bloj
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
| | - A Elaaf Mohamed
- Research School of Chemistry , Australian National University , Canberra , ACT 2601 , Australia
| | - Megan L O'Mara
- Research School of Chemistry , Australian National University , Canberra , ACT 2601 , Australia
| | - Ethan Ford
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia
| | - Dennis E K Tan
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research , 6 Verdun St , Nedlands , WA 6009 , Australia .
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia
| | - Marck Norret
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences , The University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Hwy , Crawley , WA 6009 , Australia . ;
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14
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Lung Cancer Genomics in the Era of Accelerated Targeted Drug Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 890:1-23. [PMID: 26703796 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-24932-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the 5-year overall survival outlook for a patient has not improved in several decades. Recently, however, molecular and genomic profiling of the lung tumors has revealed recurring somatic mutations. As a result the therapeutic landscape of lung cancer is undergoing a paradigm shift from a purely histology-based understanding of the disease to subtype distinctions based on tumor genetics, which has launched cancer-specific, mechanism-based targeted therapies with clear benefit to patients. While targeted therapy advancements are being made at an ever increasing rate, a new challenge in the form of drug resistance has also emerged. This review summarizes the current literature for these issues.
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15
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Huisman C, van der Wijst MGP, Schokker M, Blancafort P, Terpstra MM, Kok K, van der Zee AGJ, Schuuring E, Wisman GBA, Rots MG. Re-expression of Selected Epigenetically Silenced Candidate Tumor Suppressor Genes in Cervical Cancer by TET2-directed Demethylation. Mol Ther 2015; 24:536-47. [PMID: 26686387 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA hypermethylation is extensively explored as therapeutic target for gene expression modulation in cancer. Here, we re-activated hypermethylated candidate tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) (C13ORF18, CCNA1, TFPI2, and Maspin) by TET2-induced demethylation in cervical cancer cell lines. To redirect TET2 to hypermethylated TSGs, we engineered zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), which were first fused to the transcriptional activator VP64 to validate effective gene re-expression and confirm TSG function. ChIP-Seq not only revealed enriched binding of ZFPs to their intended sequence, but also considerable off-target binding, especially at promoter regions. Nevertheless, results obtained by targeted re-expression using ZFP-VP64 constructs were in line with cDNA overexpression; both revealed strong growth inhibition for C13ORF18 and TFPI2, but not for CCNA1 and Maspin. To explore effectivity of locus-targeted demethylation, ZFP-TET2 fusions were constructed which efficiently demethylated genes with subsequent gene re-activation. Moreover, targeting TET2 to TFPI2 and C13ORF18, but not CCNA1, significantly decreased cell growth, viability, and colony formation in cervical cancer cells compared to a catalytically inactive mutant of TET2. These data underline that effective re-activation of hypermethylated genes can be achieved through targeted DNA demethylation by TET2, which can assist in realizing sustained re-expression of genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huisman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Current address: Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Monique G P van der Wijst
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Schokker
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martijn M Terpstra
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Kok
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ate G J van der Zee
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Schuuring
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G Bea A Wisman
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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16
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Zhou J, Hualong Q, Zhou P, Guo F. Different maspin functions in the lung adenocarcinoma A549 and SPC-A1 cell lines. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:1440-8. [PMID: 26329803 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin) is a tumor suppressor gene that is silenced in the majority of cancer cells during metastatic progression by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. The function of maspin in non‑small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) has not been clearly defined. In the present study, the expression of maspin in NSCLC cell lines, in particular, the adenocarcinoma cell lines, was heterogeneous. While the expression levels of maspin in PC‑9 and H460 cell lines were intact, the expression of maspin in the A549 and SPC‑A1 cells was hardly detected. Ectopic expression of maspin in A549 cells carrying the K‑ras gene point mutation significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion abilities, which was associated with downregulated expression of matrix metalloproteinase‑2 and integrin β1. Ectopic expression of maspin in SPC‑A1 cells harboring the wild‑type K‑ras gene predominantly affected cell growth via targeting the AKT signaling molecules. Maspin functions differently in lung adenocarcinoma cells, possibly due to the varied molecular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Qin Hualong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Feng Guo
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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17
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Huisman C, van der Wijst MGP, Falahi F, Overkamp J, Karsten G, Terpstra MM, Kok K, van der Zee AGJ, Schuuring E, Wisman GBA, Rots MG. Prolonged re-expression of the hypermethylated gene EPB41L3 using artificial transcription factors and epigenetic drugs. Epigenetics 2015; 10:384-96. [PMID: 25830725 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1034415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is considered a significant event in the progression of cancer. For example, EPB41L3, a potential biomarker in cervical cancer, is often silenced by cancer-specific promoter methylation. Artificial transcription factors (ATFs) are unique tools to re-express such silenced TSGs to functional levels; however, the induced effects are considered transient. Here, we aimed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of gene re-expression using engineered zinc fingers fused to VP64 (ZF-ATFs) or DNA methylation modifiers (ZF-Tet2 or ZF-TDG) and/or by co-treatment with epigenetic drugs [5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine or Trichostatin A (TSA)]. The EPB41L3-ZF effectively bound its methylated endogenous locus, as also confirmed by ChIP-seq. ZF-ATFs reactivated the epigenetically silenced target gene EPB41L3 (∼ 10-fold) in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cell lines. Prolonged high levels of EPB41L3 (∼ 150-fold) induction could be achieved by short-term co-treatment with epigenetic drugs. Interestingly, for otherwise ineffective ZF-Tet2 or ZF-TDG treatments, TSA facilitated re-expression of EPB41L3 up to twofold. ATF-mediated re-expression demonstrated a tumor suppressive role for EPB41L3 in cervical cancer cell lines. In conclusion, epigenetic reprogramming provides a novel way to improve sustainability of re-expression of epigenetically silenced promoters.
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18
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Falahi F, Sgro A, Blancafort P. Epigenome engineering in cancer: fairytale or a realistic path to the clinic? Front Oncol 2015; 5:22. [PMID: 25705610 PMCID: PMC4319383 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications such as histone post-transcriptional modifications, DNA methylation, and non-protein-coding RNAs organize the DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and are critical for the spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression. These epigenetic modifications are reversible and precisely regulated by epigenetic enzymes. In addition to genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are highly disrupted in cancer relative to normal tissues. Many epigenetic alterations (epi-mutations) are associated with aberrations in the expression and/or activity of epigenetic enzymes. Thus, epigenetic regulators have emerged as prime targets for cancer therapy. Currently, several inhibitors of epigenetic enzymes (epi-drugs) have been approved for use in the clinic to treat cancer patients with hematological malignancies. However, one potential disadvantage of epi-drugs is their lack of locus-selective specificity, which may result in the over-expression of undesirable parts of the genome. The emerging and rapidly growing field of epigenome engineering has opened new grounds for improving epigenetic therapy in view of reducing the genome-wide “off-target” effects of the treatment. In the current review, we will first describe the language of epigenetic modifications and their involvement in cancer. Next, we will overview the current strategies for engineering of artificial DNA-binding domains in order to manipulate and ultimately normalize the aberrant landscape of the cancer epigenome (epigenome engineering). Lastly, the potential clinical applications of these emerging genome-engineering approaches will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Falahi
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia , Perth, WA , Australia
| | - Agustin Sgro
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia , Perth, WA , Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia , Perth, WA , Australia
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19
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Berardi R, Morgese F, Savini A, Onofri A, Cascinu S. Maspin Staining and Its Use as Biomarker in Lung Cancer. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7681-4_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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20
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Expression and localization of maspin in cervical cancer and its role in tumor progression and lymphangiogenesis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 289:373-82. [PMID: 23959090 PMCID: PMC3894428 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumor in female reproductive tract and primarily metastasizes through the lymphatic system that will affect prognosis of patients. Maspin, a member of the serine protease inhibitors (serpins) super family, has recently been indicated as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of maspin expression, especially the subcellular location of maspin and its functional role in progression and lymphangiogenesis, in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Labelled streptavidin biotin method (LSAB) was used to determine cytoplasmic and nuclear maspin expressions, respectively, in 13 cases of normal cervix, 15 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3), 62 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix, and 13 cases of pelvic lymphatic nodes which were all positive lymphatic nodes in our selected cancer cases. LSAB is also used to detect podoplanin which is used for counting density of lymphatic microvessels (LMVD). The clinical significance of subcellular maspin expression and the relationship between maspin expression and LMVD in cervical cancer are analyzed. Results Both cytoplasmic and nuclear maspin expressions in SCC were significantly weaker than those of normal cervix and CIN3. Nuclear maspin expression showed a peak in CIN3 and then dropped in SCC. Declined maspin expression was correlated with later clinical stage, increased LMVD, and lymphatic metastasis. Conclusions Our results suggest that subcellular location of maspin expression is a potential predictive factor in tumor progression and in patients’ prognosis of cervical cancer, and maspin plays a suppression role in lymphangiogenesis and metastasis.
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21
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McCarroll JA, Gan PP, Erlich RB, Liu M, Dwarte T, Sagnella SS, Akerfeldt MC, Yang L, Parker AL, Chang MH, Shum MS, Byrne FL, Kavallaris M. TUBB3/βIII-tubulin acts through the PTEN/AKT signaling axis to promote tumorigenesis and anoikis resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Res 2014; 75:415-25. [PMID: 25414139 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
βIII-tubulin (encoded by TUBB3) expression is associated with therapeutic resistance and aggressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the basis for its pathogenic influence is not understood. Functional and differential proteomics revealed that βIII-tubulin regulates expression of proteins associated with malignant growth and metastases. In particular, the adhesion-associated tumor suppressor maspin was differentially regulated by βIII-tubulin. Functionally, βIII-tubulin suppression altered cell morphology, reduced tumor spheroid outgrowth, and increased sensitivity to anoikis. Mechanistically, the PTEN/AKT signaling axis was defined as a critical pathway regulated by βIII-tubulin in NSCLC cells. βIII-Tubulin blockage in vivo reduced tumor incidence and growth. Overall, our findings revealed how βIII-tubulin influences tumor growth in NSCLC, defining new biologic functions and mechanism of action of βIII-tubulin in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A McCarroll
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Australia, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pei Pei Gan
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rafael B Erlich
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marjorie Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya Dwarte
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharon S Sagnella
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Australia, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mia C Akerfeldt
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lu Yang
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia L Parker
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa H Chang
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael S Shum
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Randwick, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Australia, New South Wales, Australia.
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22
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Grimmer MR, Stolzenburg S, Ford E, Lister R, Blancafort P, Farnham PJ. Analysis of an artificial zinc finger epigenetic modulator: widespread binding but limited regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:10856-68. [PMID: 25122745 PMCID: PMC4176344 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial transcription factors (ATFs) and genomic nucleases based on a DNA binding platform consisting of multiple zinc finger domains are currently being developed for clinical applications. However, no genome-wide investigations into their binding specificity have been performed. We have created six-finger ATFs to target two different 18 nt regions of the human SOX2 promoter; each ATF is constructed such that it contains or lacks a super KRAB domain (SKD) that interacts with a complex containing repressive histone methyltransferases. ChIP-seq analysis of the effector-free ATFs in MCF7 breast cancer cells identified thousands of binding sites, mostly in promoter regions; the addition of an SKD domain increased the number of binding sites ∼5-fold, with a majority of the new sites located outside of promoters. De novo motif analyses suggest that the lack of binding specificity is due to subsets of the finger domains being used for genomic interactions. Although the ATFs display widespread binding, few genes showed expression differences; genes repressed by the ATF-SKD have stronger binding sites and are more enriched for a 12 nt motif. Interestingly, epigenetic analyses indicate that the transcriptional repression caused by the ATF-SKD is not due to changes in active histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Grimmer
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA Integrated Genetics and Genomics, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sabine Stolzenburg
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, M309, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ethan Ford
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, M309, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Peggy J Farnham
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Chen H, Kazemier HG, de Groote ML, Ruiters MHJ, Xu GL, Rots MG. Induced DNA demethylation by targeting Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 to the human ICAM-1 promoter. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:1563-74. [PMID: 24194590 PMCID: PMC3919596 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that active DNA demethylation is involved in several processes in mammals, resulting in developmental stage-specificity and cell lineage-specificity. The recently discovered Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) dioxygenases are accepted to be involved in DNA demethylation by initiating 5-mC oxidation. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles are associated with many diseases. For example in cancer, hypermethylation results in silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Such silenced genes can be re-expressed by epigenetic drugs, but this approach has genome-wide effects. In this study, fusions of designer DNA binding domains to TET dioxygenase family members (TET1, -2 or -3) were engineered to target epigenetically silenced genes (ICAM-1, EpCAM). The effects on targeted CpGs’ methylation and on expression levels of the target genes were assessed. The results indicated demethylation of targeted CpG sites in both promoters for targeted TET2 and to a lesser extent for TET1, but not for TET3. Interestingly, we observed re-activation of transcription of ICAM-1. Thus, our work suggests that we provided a mechanism to induce targeted DNA demethylation, which facilitates re-activation of expression of the target genes. Furthermore, this Epigenetic Editing approach is a powerful tool to investigate functions of epigenetic writers and erasers and to elucidate consequences of epigenetic marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Epigenetic Editing, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands, The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China and Synvolux Therapeutics Inc., LJ. Zielstraweg 1, 9713 GX Groningen, The Netherlands
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24
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de Groote ML, Kazemier HG, Huisman C, van der Gun BT, Faas MM, Rots MG. Upregulation of endogenous ICAM-1 reduces ovarian cancer cell growth in the absence of immune cells. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:280-90. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marloes L. de Groote
- Epigenetic Editing; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Hinke G. Kazemier
- Epigenetic Editing; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Christian Huisman
- Epigenetic Editing; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Bernardina T.F. van der Gun
- Epigenetic Editing; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Marijke M. Faas
- Immunoendocrinology; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Marianne G. Rots
- Epigenetic Editing; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
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25
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Bodenstine TM, Seftor REB, Khalkhali-Ellis Z, Seftor EA, Pemberton PA, Hendrix MJC. Maspin: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 31:529-51. [PMID: 22752408 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-012-9361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Maspin, a non-inhibitory member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily, has been characterized as a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancer types. Among the established anti-tumor effects of Maspin are the inhibition of cancer cell invasion, attachment to extracellular matrices, increased sensitivity to apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. However, while significant experimental data support the role of Maspin as a tumor suppressor, clinical data regarding the prognostic implications of Maspin expression have led to conflicting results. This highlights the need for a better understanding of the context dependencies of Maspin in normal biology and how these are perturbed in the context of cancer. In this review, we outline the regulation and roles of Maspin in normal and developmental biology while discussing novel evidence and emerging theories related to its functions in cancer. We provide insight into the immense therapeutic potential of Maspin and the challenges related to its successful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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26
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Marioni G, Zanoletti E, Stritoni P, Lionello M, Giacomelli L, Gianatti A, Cattaneo L, Blandamura S, Mazzoni A, Martini A. Expression of the tumour-suppressor maspin in temporal bone carcinoma. Histopathology 2013; 63:242-9. [PMID: 23730906 DOI: 10.1111/his.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although it accounts for fewer than 0.2% of all head and neck tumours, temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis in advanced cases. Novel therapeutic strategies should be developed focusing on specific targeted therapies. Maspin is a serpin showing tumour-suppressing activity which has therapeutic potential. The present study is the first to investigate maspin expression in temporal bone SCCs, using a series of 29 cases. METHODS AND RESULTS Cytoplasmic maspin expression was significantly higher in the group of patients whose SCC did not recur than in the group experiencing recurrences (P = 0.029), and in G1-G2 SCCs than in G3 cases (P = 0.001). cT correlated with recurrence rate (P = 0.05), disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.008) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.0043), and pT and pathological regional lymph node status correlated with recurrence rate (P = 0.008 and P = 0.03, respectively), DFS (P = 0.017 and P = 0.0049, respectively) and DSS (P = 0.008 and P = 0.0009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although further studies using larger series are required, our preliminary findings suggest that cytoplasmic maspin expression has promise as a prognostic indicator of disease recurrence in temporal bone SCC, and that reactivating maspin functions in association with apoptosis-inducing or anti-angiogenic chemotherapeutic agents might be an important goal in the treatment of temporal bone SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino Marioni
- Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neurosciences, Padova University, Padova, Italy.
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27
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Abstract
Maspin (mammary serine protease inhibitor), is a member of the serine protease inhibitor/non-inhibitor superfamily. Its expression is down-regulated in breast, prostate, gastric and melanoma cancers but over-expressed in pancreatic, gallbladder, colorectal, and thyroid cancers suggesting that maspin may play different activities in different cell types. However, maspin expression seems to be correlated with better prognosis in prostate, bladder, lung, gastric, colorectal, head and neck, thyroid and melanoma cancer. In breast and ovarian cancer maspin significance is associated with its subcellular localization: nucleus maspin expression correlates with a good prognosis, whilst in pancreatic cancer it predicts a poor prognosis. Since tumor metastasis requires the detachment and invasion of tumor cells through the basement membrane and stroma, a selectively increased adhesion by the presence of maspin may contribute to the inhibition of tumor metastasis. Furthermore the different position of maspin inside the cell or its epigenetic modifications may explain the different behavior of the expression of maspin between tumors. The expression of maspin might be useful as a prognostic and possibly predictive factor for patients with particular types of cancer and data can guide physicians in selecting therapy. Its expression in circulating tumor cells especially in breast cancer, could be also useful in clinical practice along with other factors, such as age, comorbidities, blood examinations in order to select the best therapy to be carried out. Focusing on the malignancies in which maspin showed a positive prognostic value, therapeutic approaches studied so far aimed to re-activate a dormant tumor suppressor gene by designed transcription factors, to hit the system that inhibits the expression of maspin, to identify natural substances that can determine the activation and the expression of maspin or possible “molecules binds” to introduce maspin in cancer cell and gene therapy capable of up-regulating the maspin in an attempt to reduce primarily the risk of metastasis. Further studies in these directions are necessary to better define the therapeutic implication of maspin.
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28
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Huisman C, Wisman GBA, Kazemier HG, van Vugt MATM, van der Zee AGJ, Schuuring E, Rots MG. Functional validation of putative tumor suppressor gene C13ORF18 in cervical cancer by Artificial Transcription Factors. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:669-79. [PMID: 23522960 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Revised: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
C13ORF18 is frequently hypermethylated in cervical cancer but not in normal cervix and might serve as a biomarker for the early detection of cervical cancer in scrapings. As hypermethylation is often observed for silenced tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), hypermethylated biomarker genes might exhibit tumor suppressive activities upon re-expression. Epigenetic drugs are successfully exploited to reverse TSG silencing, but act genome-wide. Artificial Transcription Factors (ATFs) provide a gene-specific approach for re-expression of silenced genes. Here, we investigated the potential tumor suppressive role of C13ORF18 in cervical cancer by ATF-induced re-expression. Five zinc finger proteins were engineered to bind the C13ORF18 promoter and fused to a strong transcriptional activator. C13ORF18 expression could be induced in cervical cell lines: ranging from >40-fold in positive (C13ORF18-unmethylated) cells to >110-fold in negative (C13ORF18-methylated) cells. Re-activation of C13ORF18 resulted in significant cell growth inhibition and/or induction of apoptosis. Co-treatment of cell lines with ATFs and epigenetic drugs further enhanced the ATF-induced effects. Interestingly, re-activation of C13ORF18 led to partial demethylation of the C13ORF18 promoter and decreased repressive histone methylation. These data demonstrate the potency of ATFs to re-express and potentially demethylate hypermethylated silenced genes. Concluding, we show that C13ORF18 has a TSG function in cervical cancer and may serve as a therapeutic anti-cancer target. As the amount of epimutations in cancer exceeds the number of gene mutations, ATFs provide promising tools to validate hypermethylated marker genes as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huisman
- Dept. of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
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29
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Bidirectional modulation of endogenous EpCAM expression to unravel its function in ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:881-6. [PMID: 23403823 PMCID: PMC3590680 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed on most carcinomas. Dependent on the tumour type, its overexpression is either associated with improved or worse patient survival. For ovarian cancer, however, the role of EpCAM remains unclear. Methods: Cell survival of ovarian cancer cell lines was studied after induction or repression of endogenous EpCAM expression using siRNA/cDNA or artificial transcription factors (ATF) consisting of engineered zinc-fingers fused to either a transcriptional activator or repressor domain. Results: Two ATFs were selected as the most potent down- and upregulator, showing at least a two-fold alteration of EpCAM protein expression compared with control. Downregulation of EpCAM expression resulted in growth inhibition in breast cancer, but showed no effect on cell growth in ovarian cancer. Induction or further upregulation of EpCAM expression decreased ovarian cancer cell survival. Conclusion: The bidirectional ATF-based approach is uniquely suited to study cell-type-specific biological effects of EpCAM expression. Using this approach, the oncogenic function of EpCAM in breast cancer was confirmed. Despite its value as a diagnostic marker and for immunotherapy, EpCAM does not seem to represent a therapeutic target for gene expression silencing in ovarian cancer.
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30
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Juárez-Moreno K, Erices R, Beltran AS, Stolzenburg S, Cuello-Fredes M, Owen GI, Qian H, Blancafort P. Breaking through an epigenetic wall: re-activation of Oct4 by KRAB-containing designer zinc finger transcription factors. Epigenetics 2013; 8:164-76. [PMID: 23314702 DOI: 10.4161/epi.23503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene Oct4 encodes a transcription factor critical for the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. In addition, improper re-activation of Oct4 contributes to oncogenic processes. Herein, we describe a novel designer zinc finger protein (ZFP) capable of upregulating the endogenous Oct4 promoter in a panel of breast and ovarian cell lines carrying a silenced gene. In some ovarian tumor lines, the ZFP triggered a strong reactivation of Oct4, with levels of expression comparable with exogenous Oct4 cDNA delivery. Surprisingly, the reactivation of Oct4 required a KRAB domain for effective upregulation of the endogenous gene. While KRAB-containing ZFPs are traditionally described as transcriptional repressors, our results suggest that these proteins could, in certain genomic contexts, function as potent activators and, thus, outline an emerging novel function of KRAB-ZFPs. In addition, we document a novel ZFP that could be used for the epigenetic reprograming of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Juárez-Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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31
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Blancafort P, Jin J, Frye S. Writing and rewriting the epigenetic code of cancer cells: from engineered proteins to small molecules. Mol Pharmacol 2012; 83:563-76. [PMID: 23150486 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.080697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenomic era has revealed a well-connected network of molecular processes that shape the chromatin landscape. These processes comprise abnormal methylomes, transcriptosomes, genome-wide histone post-transcriptional modifications patterns, histone variants, and noncoding RNAs. The mapping of these processes in large scale by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and other methodologies in both cancer and normal cells reveals novel therapeutic opportunities for anticancer intervention. The goal of this minireview is to summarize pharmacological strategies to modify the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. These approaches include the use of novel small molecule inhibitors of epigenetic processes specifically deregulated in cancer cells and the design of engineered proteins able to stably reprogram the epigenetic code in cancer cells in a way that is similar to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Blancafort
- School of Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Biology, M309, the University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia.
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32
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de Groote ML, Verschure PJ, Rots MG. Epigenetic Editing: targeted rewriting of epigenetic marks to modulate expression of selected target genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:10596-613. [PMID: 23002135 PMCID: PMC3510492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances made in epigenetic research in recent decades, many questions remain unresolved, especially concerning cause and consequence of epigenetic marks with respect to gene expression modulation (GEM). Technologies allowing the targeting of epigenetic enzymes to predetermined DNA sequences are uniquely suited to answer such questions and could provide potent (bio)medical tools. Toward the goal of gene-specific GEM by overwriting epigenetic marks (Epigenetic Editing, EGE), instructive epigenetic marks need to be identified and their writers/erasers should then be fused to gene-specific DNA binding domains. The appropriate epigenetic mark(s) to change in order to efficiently modulate gene expression might have to be validated for any given chromatin context and should be (mitotically) stable. Various insights in such issues have been obtained by sequence-specific targeting of epigenetic enzymes, as is presented in this review. Features of such studies provide critical aspects for further improving EGE. An example of this is the direct effect of the edited mark versus the indirect effect of recruited secondary proteins by targeting epigenetic enzymes (or their domains). Proof-of-concept of expression modulation of an endogenous target gene is emerging from the few EGE studies reported. Apart from its promise in correcting disease-associated epi-mutations, EGE represents a powerful tool to address fundamental epigenetic questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes L de Groote
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 EA11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Zhang B, Xiang S, Zhong Q, Yin Y, Gu L, Deng D. The p16-specific reactivation and inhibition of cell migration through demethylation of CpG islands by engineered transcription factors. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1071-81. [PMID: 22738793 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation of CpG islands inactivates transcription of tumor suppressor genes including p16 (CDKN2A). Inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone deacylation are recognized as useful cancer therapeutic chemicals through reactivation of the expression of methylated genes. However, these inhibitors are not target gene-specific, so that they lead to serious side effects as regular cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. To explore the feasibility of methylated gene-specific reactivation by artificial transcription factors, we engineered a set of Sp1-like seven-finger zinc-finger proteins (7ZFPs) targeted to a 21-bp sequence of the p16 promoter and found that these 7ZFPs could bind specifically to the target p16 promoter probe. Then the p16-specific artificial transcription factors (p16ATFs) were made from these 7ZFPs and the transcription activator VP64. Results showed that transient transfection of some p16ATFs selectively up-regulated the endogenous p16 expression in the p16-active 293T cells. Moreover, the transient transfection of the representative p16ATF-6I specifically reactivated p16 expression in the p16-methylated H1299 and AGS cells pretreated with a nontoxic amount of 5'-aza-deoxycytidine (20 and 80 nM, respectively). In addition, stable transfection of the p16ATF induced demethylation of p16 CpG island and trimethylation of histone H3K4, and inhibited recruitment of DNA methyltransferase 1 and trimethylation of H3K9 and H3K27 in the p16 promoter in H1299 cells without 5'-aza-deoxycytidine pretreatment. Notably, inhibition of cell migration and invasion was observed in these p16-reactivated cells induced by transient and stable p16ATF transfection. These results demonstrate that p16ATF not only specifically reactivates p16 expression through demethylation of CpG islands, but also restores methylated p16 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Cancer Aetiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital/Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
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34
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Lara H, Wang Y, Beltran AS, Juárez-Moreno K, Yuan X, Kato S, Leisewitz AV, Cuello Fredes M, Licea AF, Connolly DC, Huang L, Blancafort P. Targeting serous epithelial ovarian cancer with designer zinc finger transcription factors. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:29873-86. [PMID: 22782891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.360768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. It is detected at late stages when the disease is spread through the abdominal cavity in a condition known as peritoneal carcinomatosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic interventions to target advanced stages of ovarian cancer. Mammary serine protease inhibitor (Maspin) represents an important metastasis suppressor initially identified in breast cancer. Herein we have generated a sequence-specific zinc finger artificial transcription factor (ATF) to up-regulate the Maspin promoter in aggressive ovarian cancer cell lines and to interrogate the therapeutic potential of Maspin in ovarian cancer. We found that although Maspin was expressed in some primary ovarian tumors, the promoter was epigenetically silenced in cell lines derived from ascites. Transduction of the ATF in MOVCAR 5009 cells derived from ascitic cultures of a TgMISIIR-TAg mouse model of ovarian cancer resulted in tumor cell growth inhibition, impaired cell invasion, and severe disruption of actin cytoskeleton. Systemic delivery of lipid-protamine-RNA nanoparticles encapsulating a chemically modified ATF mRNA resulted in inhibition of ovarian cancer cell growth in nude mice accompanied with Maspin re-expression in the treated tumors. Gene expression microarrays of ATF-transduced cells revealed an exceptional specificity for the Maspin promoter. These analyses identified novel targets co-regulated with Maspin in human short-term cultures derived from ascites, such as TSPAN12, that could mediate the anti-metastatic phenotype of the ATF. Our work outlined the first targeted, non-viral delivery of ATFs into tumors with potential clinical applications for metastatic ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydee Lara
- Department of Pharmacology, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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35
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Stolzenburg S, Rots MG, Beltran AS, Rivenbark AG, Yuan X, Qian H, Strahl BD, Blancafort P. Targeted silencing of the oncogenic transcription factor SOX2 in breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:6725-40. [PMID: 22561374 PMCID: PMC3413152 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor (TF) SOX2 is essential for the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. In addition to its normal stem cell function, SOX2 over-expression is associated with cancer development. The ability to selectively target this and other oncogenic TFs in cells, however, remains a significant challenge due to the ‘undruggable’ characteristics of these molecules. Here, we employ a zinc finger (ZF)-based artificial TF (ATF) approach to selectively suppress SOX2 gene expression in cancer cells. We engineered four different proteins each composed of 6ZF arrays designed to bind 18 bp sites in the SOX2 promoter and enhancer region, which controls SOX2 methylation. The 6ZF domains were linked to the Kruppel Associated Box (SKD) repressor domain. Three engineered proteins were able to bind their endogenous target sites and effectively suppress SOX2 expression (up to 95% repression efficiencies) in breast cancer cells. Targeted down-regulation of SOX2 expression resulted in decreased tumor cell proliferation and colony formation in these cells. Furthermore, induced expression of an ATF in a mouse model inhibited breast cancer cell growth. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness and therapeutic potential of engineered ATFs to mediate potent and long-lasting down-regulation of oncogenic TF expression in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Stolzenburg
- Epigenetic Editing, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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36
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Rivenbark AG, Stolzenburg S, Beltran AS, Yuan X, Rots MG, Strahl BD, Blancafort P. Epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells via targeted DNA methylation. Epigenetics 2012; 7:350-60. [PMID: 22419067 DOI: 10.4161/epi.19507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An obstacle in the treatment of human diseases such as cancer is the inability to selectively and effectively target historically undruggable targets such as transcription factors. Here, we employ a novel technology using artificial transcription factors (ATFs) to epigenetically target gene expression in cancer cells. We show that site-specific DNA methylation and long-term stable repression of the tumor suppressor Maspin and the oncogene SOX2 can be achieved in breast cancer cells via zinc-finger ATFs targeting DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) to the promoters of these genes. Using this approach, we show Maspin and SOX2 downregulation is more significant as compared with transient knockdown, which is also accompanied by stable phenotypic reprogramming of the cancer cell. These findings indicate that multimodular Zinc Finger Proteins linked to epigenetic editing domains can be used as novel cell resources to selectively and heritably alter gene expression patterns to stably reprogram cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley G Rivenbark
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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37
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Goulet B, Chan G, Chambers AF, Lewis JD. An emerging role for the nuclear localization of maspin in the suppression of tumor progression and metastasis. Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 90:22-38. [PMID: 22047058 DOI: 10.1139/o11-053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maspin, a member of the serpin family of serine protease inhibitors, was originally identified as a tumor suppressor that is expressed in normal mammary epithelial cells but is reduced or absent in breast carcinomas. Early enthusiasm for maspin as a biomarker for disease progression has been tempered by clinical data that associates maspin with favourable outcomes in some studies and poor prognosis in others. Here, we review all of the published clinical studies for maspin in breast and ovarian cancers and propose that the apparent discordance between clinical reports is a consequence of differential cellular distribution of maspin. Indeed, it was thought that an extracellular pool of maspin possessed tumor suppressor activity, acting by inhibiting migration and increasing cell adhesion. Recent evidence from our group and others indicates, however, that the nuclear localization of maspin in cancer cells is necessary for its tumor suppressor activity. We provide additional data here to demonstrate that nuclear-localized maspin binds to chromatin and is required to effectively prevent cells from metastasizing. Our knowledge of other serpins that localize to the nucleus should help to inform future studies of nuclear maspin. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the localization and activities of maspin should pave the way for the development of improved diagnostics and therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Goulet
- London Regional Cancer Program, Translational Prostate Cancer Research Group, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada
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38
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Marioni G, Blandamura S, Lionello M, Giacomelli L, Staffieri C, Fasanaro E, Manzato E, Staffieri A. Nuclear MASPIN expression relates to a better prognosis in elderly patients with laryngeal carcinoma. Acta Otolaryngol 2011; 131:1220-5. [PMID: 21732742 DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2011.599817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION MASPIN subcellular location can be considered a prognostic marker that is potentially useful for identifying elderly patients with laryngeal carcinoma at higher risk of early loco-regional recurrence, who may benefit from more aggressive therapy. In a targeted treatment setting, re-activated nuclear MASPIN in combination with anti-angiogenic and/or cytotoxic drugs may be effective in treating laryngeal carcinoma in elderly patients. OBJECTIVES Aging is associated with molecular, cellular, and physiological changes that influence carcinogenesis and cancer growth. MASPIN has multifaceted anti-tumor effects and available evidence supports the hypothesis that its subcellular location influences its functions. The aim of the present study was to firstly assess the potential prognostic role of subcellular MASPIN location in elderly patients (>65 years old) with laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS MASPIN expression and location were immunohistochemically determined in 68 consecutive elderly patients with laryngeal carcinoma. RESULTS Nodal involvement and pathological stage correlated strongly with the prognosis for laryngeal carcinomas in elderly patients, in terms of disease recurrence rate and disease-free survival. The loco-regional recurrence rate was significantly lower (p = 0.041) and the disease-free survival after treatment was significantly longer (p = 0.045) in cases with a nuclear pattern of MASPIN subcellular expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino Marioni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Suppression of breast tumor growth and metastasis by an engineered transcription factor. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24595. [PMID: 21931769 PMCID: PMC3172243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maspin is a tumor and metastasis suppressor playing an essential role as gatekeeper of tumor progression. It is highly expressed in epithelial cells but is silenced in the onset of metastatic disease by epigenetic mechanisms. Reprogramming of Maspin epigenetic silencing offers a therapeutic potential to lock metastatic progression. Herein we have investigated the ability of the Artificial Transcription Factor 126 (ATF-126) designed to upregulate the Maspin promoter to inhibit tumor progression in pre-established breast tumors in immunodeficient mice. ATF-126 was transduced in the aggressive, mesenchymal-like and triple negative breast cancer line, MDA-MB-231. Induction of ATF expression in vivo by Doxycycline resulted in 50% reduction in tumor growth and totally abolished tumor cell colonization. Genome-wide transcriptional profiles of ATF-induced cells revealed a gene signature that was found over-represented in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) "Normal-like" intrinsic subtype of breast cancer and in poorly aggressive, ER+ luminal A breast cancer cell lines. The comparison transcriptional profiles of ATF-126 and Maspin cDNA defined an overlapping 19-gene signature, comprising novel targets downstream the Maspin signaling cascade. Our data suggest that Maspin up-regulates downstream tumor and metastasis suppressor genes that are silenced in breast cancers, and are normally expressed in the neural system, including CARNS1, SLC8A2 and DACT3. In addition, ATF-126 and Maspin cDNA induction led to the re-activation of tumor suppressive miRNAs also expressed in neural cells, such as miR-1 and miR-34, and to the down-regulation of potential oncogenic miRNAs, such as miR-10b, miR-124, and miR-363. As expected from its over-representation in ER+ tumors, the ATF-126-gene signature predicted favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients. Our results describe for the first time an ATF able to reduce tumor growth and metastatic colonization by epigenetic reactivation of a dormant, normal-like, and more differentiated gene program.
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Goulet B, Kennette W, Ablack A, Postenka CO, Hague MN, Mymryk JS, Tuck AB, Giguère V, Chambers AF, Lewis JD. Nuclear localization of maspin is essential for its inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. J Transl Med 2011; 91:1181-7. [PMID: 21502940 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maspin (mammary serine protease inhibitor or SerpinB5) acts as a tumor suppressor when overexpressed in aggressive cancer cell lines. However, its role in human cancer is controversial. Maspin expression has been associated with a poor prognosis in some studies, whereas in others, with favorable outcome. The clinical data suggest, however, that nuclear-localized maspin is associated with improved survival. We hypothesized that the tumor suppressor activity of maspin may require nuclear localization, and that the discordance between clinical and experimental reports is a consequence of the variable subcellular distribution of maspin. Furthermore, we surmized that nuclear maspin could function as a tumor suppressor through the regulation of genes involved in tumor growth and invasion. Maspin or maspin fused to a nuclear export signal were expressed in metastatic human breast and epidermoid carcinoma cell lines. We found that pan-cellular localized maspin inhibited in vivo tumor growth and metastasis when assessed in xenograft chicken embryo and murine mammary fat pad injection models. However, when maspin was excluded from the nucleus via a nuclear exclusion signal, it no longer functioned as a metastasis suppressor. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that nuclear maspin was enriched at the promoter of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and associated with diminished levels of CSF-1 mRNA. Our findings demonstrate that the nuclear localization of maspin is required for its tumor and metastasis suppressor functions in vivo, and suggest that its mechanism of action involves, in part, direct association of maspin with target genes.
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