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Shukla V, Wang H, Varticovski L, Baek S, Wang R, Wu X, Echtenkamp F, Hernandez FV, Prothro KP, Gara SK, Zhang MR, Shiffka S, Raziuddin R, Neckers LM, Linehan WM, Chen H, Hager GL, Schrump DS. Genome-wide Analysis Identifies Nuclear Factor 1C as a Novel Transcription Factor and Potential Therapeutic Target in Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2024:S1556-0864(24)00131-X. [PMID: 38583771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent insights regarding mechanisms mediating stemness, heterogeneity, and metastatic potential of lung cancers have yet to be fully translated to effective regimens for the treatment of these malignancies. This study sought to identify novel targets for lung cancer therapy. METHODS Transcriptomes and DNA methylomes of 14 SCLC and 10 NSCLC lines were compared to normal human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones derived from SAEC. SCLC lines, lung iPSC (Lu-iPSC), and SAEC were further evaluated by DNase I hypersensitivity (DHS-seq). Changes in chromatin accessibility and depths of transcription factor (TF) footprints were quantified using Bivariate analysis of Genomic Footprint. Standard techniques were used to examine growth and tumorigenencity as well as changes in transcriptomes and glucose metabolism of SCLC cells following Nuclear Factor 1C (NFIC) knockdown, and to examine NFIC expression in SCLC cells following exposure to BET inhibitors. RESULTS Significant commonality of transcriptomes and DNA methylomes was observed between Lu-iPSC and SCLC; however, this analysis was uninformative regarding pathways unique to lung cancer. Linking results of DNase-seq to RNA-seq enabled identification of networks not previously associated with SCLC. When combined with footprint depth, NFIC, a transcription factor not previously associated with SCLC, had the highest score of occupancy at open chromatin sites. Knockdown of NFIC impaired glucose metabolism, decreased stemness, and inhibited growth of SCLC cells in-vitro and in-vivo. ChIP-seq analysis identified numerous sites occupied by Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in the NFIC promoter region. Knock-down of BRD4 or treatment with Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi) markedly reduced NFIC expression in SCLC cells and SCLC PDX models. Approximately 8% of genes downregulated by BETi treatment were repressed by NFIC knockdown in SCLC, while 34% of genes repressed following NFIC knockdown were also downregulated in SCLC cells following BETi treatment. CONCLUSIONS NFIC is a key TF and possible mediator of transcriptional regulation by BET family proteins in SCLC. Our findings highlight the potential of genome-wide chromatin accessibility analysis for elucidating mechanisms of pulmonary carcinogenesis and identifying novel targets for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Shukla
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
| | | | | | - Ruihong Wang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
| | - Xinwei Wu
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary R Zhang
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
| | | | | | | | | | - Haobin Chen
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch
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Dreier MR, Walia J, de la Serna IL. Targeting SWI/SNF Complexes in Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches and Implications. Epigenomes 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38390898 PMCID: PMC10885108 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
SWI/SNF enzymes are heterogeneous multi-subunit complexes that utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin structure, facilitating transcription, DNA replication, and repair. In mammalian cells, distinct sub-complexes, including cBAF, ncBAF, and PBAF exhibit varying subunit compositions and have different genomic functions. Alterations in the SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions are a prominent feature in cancer, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Current strategies in cancer therapeutics involve the use of pharmacological agents designed to bind and disrupt the activity of SWI/SNF complexes or specific sub-complexes. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunits, SMARCA4/2, and small molecules binding SWI/SNF bromodomains are the primary approaches for suppressing SWI/SNF function. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) were generated by the covalent linkage of the bromodomain or ATPase-binding ligand to an E3 ligase-binding moiety. This engineered connection promotes the degradation of specific SWI/SNF subunits, enhancing and extending the impact of this pharmacological intervention in some cases. Extensive preclinical studies have underscored the therapeutic potential of these drugs across diverse cancer types. Encouragingly, some of these agents have progressed from preclinical research to clinical trials, indicating a promising stride toward the development of effective cancer therapeutics targeting SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Dreier
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Jasmine Walia
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Ivana L de la Serna
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
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Rubio K, Molina-Herrera A, Pérez-González A, Hernández-Galdámez HV, Piña-Vázquez C, Araujo-Ramos T, Singh I. EP300 as a Molecular Integrator of Fibrotic Transcriptional Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12302. [PMID: 37569677 PMCID: PMC10418647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in tissues, leading to organ dysfunction and failure. Recent studies have identified EP300, a histone acetyltransferase, as a crucial regulator of the epigenetic changes that contribute to fibrosis. In fact, EP300-mediated acetylation of histones alters global chromatin structure and gene expression, promoting the development and progression of fibrosis. Here, we review the role of EP300-mediated epigenetic regulation in multi-organ fibrosis and its potential as a therapeutic target. We discuss the preclinical evidence that suggests that EP300 inhibition can attenuate fibrosis-related molecular processes, including extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We also highlight the contributions of small molecule inhibitors and gene therapy approaches targeting EP300 as novel therapies against fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rubio
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus Valsequillo, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico
- Laboratoire IMoPA, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR 7365, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Alejandro Molina-Herrera
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus Valsequillo, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Andrea Pérez-González
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus Valsequillo, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Hury Viridiana Hernández-Galdámez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Carolina Piña-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Tania Araujo-Ramos
- Emmy Noether Research Group Epigenetic Machineries and Cancer, Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Indrabahadur Singh
- Emmy Noether Research Group Epigenetic Machineries and Cancer, Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Shukla S, Riveros C, Al-Toubat M, Chardon-Robles J, Osumi T, Serrano S, Kase AM, Petit JL, Meurice N, Gleba J, Copland JA, Chauhan J, Fletcher S, Balaji KC. The Bivalent Bromodomain Inhibitor MT-1 Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3851. [PMID: 37568667 PMCID: PMC10416835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomains (BD) are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation of several genes including protooncogene cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc). c-Myc is difficult to target directly by agents due to its disordered alpha helical protein structure and predominant nuclear localization. The epigenetic targeting of c-Myc by BD inhibitors is an attractive therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer (PC) associated with increased c-Myc upregulation with advancing disease. MT-1 is a bivalent BD inhibitor that is 100-fold more potent than the first-in-class BD inhibitor JQ1. MT-1 decreased cell viability and causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in castration-sensitive and resistant PC cell lines in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition of c-Myc function by MT-1 was molecularly corroborated by the de-repression of Protein Kinase D1 (PrKD) and increased phosphorylation of PrKD substrate proteins: threonine 120, serine 11, and serine 216 amino acid residues in β-Catenin, snail, and cell division cycle 25c (CDC25c) proteins, respectively. The treatment of 3D cell cultures derived from three unique clinically annotated heavily pretreated patient-derived PC xenografts (PDX) mice models with increasing doses of MT-1 demonstrated the lowest IC50 in tumors with c-Myc amplification and clinically resistant to Docetaxel, Cabazitaxel, Abiraterone, and Enzalutamide. An intraperitoneal injection of either MT-1 or in combination with 3jc48-3, an inhibitor of obligate heterodimerization with MYC-associated protein X (MAX), in mice implanted with orthotopic PC PDX, decreased tumor growth. This is the first pre-clinical study demonstrating potential utility of MT-1 in the treatment of PC with c-Myc dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Shukla
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Carlos Riveros
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Mohammed Al-Toubat
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Jonathan Chardon-Robles
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Teruko Osumi
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Samuel Serrano
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Adam M. Kase
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Joachim L. Petit
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Nathalie Meurice
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Justyna Gleba
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - John A. Copland
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jay Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - K. C. Balaji
- Department of Urology, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
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Ocker M, Neureiter D. Gene expression inhibitors for the treatment of liver fibrosis: drugs under preclinical and early clinical investigation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1133-1141. [PMID: 37997755 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver fibrosis represents an unmet medical condition with growing incidence and only limited therapeutic options. Interfering with dysregulated gene expression was considered a specific treatment approach, and we are here reviewing the current options to modulate transcription and translation with small molecule inhibitors of involved enzymes, transcription factors or by using non-coding RNA molecules (RNA interference) or DNA antisense oligonucleotides. Despite promising results in preclinical models, only limited data are available from studies in humans. AREAS COVERED This expert opinion provides a general overview of how to interfere with gene expression (transcription and translation) and highlighting recent achievements in liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Many compounds that were explored to modulate gene expression in liver fibrosis (models) were developed as anti-cancer agents. Their use in humans with impaired liver function is often impaired by the lack of specificity to inhibit only fibrosis-related genes in the liver and by associated general toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. RNAi approaches show a higher degree of specificity and potentially less systemic toxicity. Clinical development in liver fibrosis requires close interaction between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities to address topics like relevant (surrogate) endpoints to achieve meaningful readouts faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University/University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Jia Y, Li L, Lin YH, Gopal P, Shen S, Zhou K, Yu X, Sharma T, Zhang Y, Siegwart DJ, Ready JM, Zhu H. In vivo CRISPR screening identifies BAZ2 chromatin remodelers as druggable regulators of mammalian liver regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:372-385.e8. [PMID: 35090595 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Identifying new pathways that regulate mammalian regeneration is challenging due to the paucity of in vivo screening approaches. We employed pooled CRISPR knockout and activation screening in the regenerating liver to evaluate 165 chromatin regulatory proteins. Both screens identified the imitation-SWI chromatin remodeling components Baz2a and Baz2b, not previously implicated in regeneration. In vivo sgRNA, siRNA, and knockout strategies against either paralog confirmed increased regeneration. Distinct BAZ2-specific bromodomain inhibitors, GSK2801 and BAZ2-ICR, resulted in accelerated liver healing after diverse injuries. Inhibitor-treated mice also exhibited improved healing in an inflammatory bowel disease model, suggesting multi-tissue applicability. Transcriptomics on regenerating livers showed increases in ribosomal and cell cycle mRNAs. Surprisingly, CRISPRa screening to define mechanisms showed that overproducing Rpl10a or Rpl24 was sufficient to drive regeneration, whereas Rpl24 haploinsufficiency was rate limiting for BAZ2 inhibition-mediated regeneration. The discovery of regenerative roles for imitation-SWI components provides immediate strategies to enhance tissue repair.
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Fernández-Serrano M, Winkler R, Santos JC, Le Pannérer MM, Buschbeck M, Roué G. Histone Modifications and Their Targeting in Lymphoid Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:253. [PMID: 35008680 PMCID: PMC8745418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In a wide range of lymphoid neoplasms, the process of malignant transformation is associated with somatic mutations in B cells that affect the epigenetic machinery. Consequential alterations in histone modifications contribute to disease-specific changes in the transcriptional program. Affected genes commonly play important roles in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis-inducing signal transduction, and DNA damage response, thus facilitating the emergence of malignant traits that impair immune surveillance and favor the emergence of different B-cell lymphoma subtypes. In the last two decades, the field has made a major effort to develop therapies that target these epigenetic alterations. In this review, we discuss which epigenetic alterations occur in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, we aim to present in a close to comprehensive manner the current state-of-the-art in the preclinical and clinical development of epigenetic drugs. We focus on therapeutic strategies interfering with histone methylation and acetylation as these are most advanced in being deployed from the bench-to-bedside and have the greatest potential to improve the prognosis of lymphoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Fernández-Serrano
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (M.F.-S.); (J.C.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
| | - René Winkler
- Chromatin, Metabolism and Cell Fate Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (R.W.); (M.-M.L.P.)
| | - Juliana C. Santos
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (M.F.-S.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Marguerite-Marie Le Pannérer
- Chromatin, Metabolism and Cell Fate Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (R.W.); (M.-M.L.P.)
| | - Marcus Buschbeck
- Chromatin, Metabolism and Cell Fate Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (R.W.); (M.-M.L.P.)
- Program of Personalized and Predictive Medicine of Cancer, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Gaël Roué
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (M.F.-S.); (J.C.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
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Liu CS, Toth R, Bakr A, Goyal A, Islam MS, Breuer K, Mayakonda A, Lin YY, Stepper P, Jurkowski TP, Veldwijk MR, Sperk E, Herskind C, Lutsik P, Weichenhan D, Plass C, Schmezer P, Popanda O. Epigenetic Modulation of Radiation-Induced Diacylglycerol Kinase Alpha Expression Prevents Pro-Fibrotic Fibroblast Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2455. [PMID: 34070078 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To reduce long-term fibrosis risk after radiotherapy, we demonstrated with different experimental approaches that modulation of the epigenetic pattern at the DGKA enhancer can attenuate pro-fibrotic reactions in human fibroblasts. We used (epi)genomic editing of the DGKA enhancer and administration of various epigenetic drugs and were able to modulate radiation-induced expression of DGKA and pro-fibrotic collagens. Based on our results, clinical application of bromodomain inhibitors will open promising ways to epigenetically modulate DGKA expression and might provide novel therapeutic options to prevent or even reverse radiotherapy-induced fibrotic reactions. Abstract Radiotherapy, a common component in cancer treatment, can induce adverse effects including fibrosis in co-irradiated tissues. We previously showed that differential DNA methylation at an enhancer of diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGKA) in normal dermal fibroblasts is associated with radiation-induced fibrosis. After irradiation, the transcription factor EGR1 is induced and binds to the hypomethylated enhancer, leading to increased DGKA and pro-fibrotic marker expression. We now modulated this DGKA induction by targeted epigenomic and genomic editing of the DGKA enhancer and administering epigenetic drugs. Targeted DNA demethylation of the DGKA enhancer in HEK293T cells resulted in enrichment of enhancer-related histone activation marks and radiation-induced DGKA expression. Mutations of the EGR1-binding motifs decreased radiation-induced DGKA expression in BJ fibroblasts and caused dysregulation of multiple fibrosis-related pathways. EZH2 inhibitors (GSK126, EPZ6438) did not change radiation-induced DGKA increase. Bromodomain inhibitors (CBP30, JQ1) suppressed radiation-induced DGKA and pro-fibrotic marker expression. Similar drug effects were observed in donor-derived fibroblasts with low DNA methylation. Overall, epigenomic manipulation of DGKA expression may offer novel options for a personalized treatment to prevent or attenuate radiotherapy-induced fibrosis.
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Leal AS, Liu P, Krieger-Burke T, Ruggeri B, Liby KT. The Bromodomain Inhibitor, INCB057643, Targets Both Cancer Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Two Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010096. [PMID: 33396954 PMCID: PMC7794921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal disease, with only ~10% of patients still alive five years after diagnosis, as most patients already have advanced, metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, new treatments are needed for these patients. We tested INCB057643, a novel bromodomain inhibitor, in a relevant mouse model of pancreatic cancer, and this compound improves survival and reduces metastasis. Pancreatic cancers are very dense, as the stroma within the tumor can account for up to 90% of the tumor mass and is responsible for the failure of many drugs. INCB057643 modulates the immune cells within the tumor so they can attack and kill tumor cells. INCB057643 also alters immune cells within the pancreas in a mouse model of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that can promote the development of pancreatic cancer. Abstract In pancreatic cancer the tumor microenvironment (TME) can account for up to 90% of the tumor mass. The TME drives essential functions in disease progression, invasion and metastasis. Tumor cells can use epigenetic modulation to evade immune recognition and shape the TME toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. Bromodomain inhibitors are a class of drugs that target BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) proteins, impairing their ability to bind to acetylated lysines and therefore interfering with transcriptional initiation and elongation. INCB057643 is a new generation, orally bioavailable BET inhibitor that was developed for treating patients with advanced malignancies. KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) mice mimic human disease, with similar progression and incidence of metastasis. Treatment of established tumors in KPC mice with INCB057643 increased survival by an average of 55 days, compared to the control group. Moreover, INCB057643 reduced metastatic burden in these mice. KPC mice treated with INCB057643, starting at 4 weeks of age, showed beneficial changes in immune cell populations in the pancreas and liver. Similarly, INCB057643 modified immune cell populations in the pancreas of KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KC) mice with pancreatitis, an inflammatory process known to promote pancreatic cancer progression. The data presented here suggest that the bromodomain inhibitor INCB057643 modulates the TME, reducing disease burden in two mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this work suggests that BRD4 may play a role in establishing the TME in the liver, a primary metastatic site for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Leal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
| | - Phillip Liu
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (P.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Teresa Krieger-Burke
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
| | - Bruce Ruggeri
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (P.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-884-8955; Fax: +1-517-353-8915
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Yang G, Zhou D, Li J, Wang W, Zhong W, Fan W, Yu M, Cheng H. VDAC1 is regulated by BRD4 and contributes to JQ1 resistance in breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2340-2347. [PMID: 31452730 PMCID: PMC6676538 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are situated in the outer membrane of the mitochondria and serve as gatekeepers that control metabolite and ion exchange between the cytosol and mitochondria. VDAC1 is one of the most studied members of the VDAC protein family and is overexpressed in multiple types of cancer. However, the specific biological function and regulatory mechanism of VDAC1 in breast cancer remains unclear. The present study investigated the biological role of VDAC1 in breast cancer cells using an MTS assay. The association of clinicopathological features with VDAC1 in breast cancer was analyzed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. The regulatory mechanism of VDAC1 was determined by cell transfection, western blot analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative (q)PCR analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-qPCR analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that VDAC1 promoted breast cancer proliferation and was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Additionally, it was observed that the expression of VDAC1 could be decreased by the bromodomain inhibitor (JQ1), and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) was indicated to be a regulator of VDAC1. Furthermore, results suggested that VDAC1 may be involved in the resistance of breast cancer to JQ1. Collectively, the present findings uncovered important aspects of the function of VDAC1 in the tumor progression of breast cancer, and may provide a basis for potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Rongjun Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Dianwei Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Mancheng Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Hongtao Cheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
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Copsel SN, Lightbourn CO, Barreras H, Lohse I, Wolf D, Bader CS, Manov J, Kale BJ, Shah D, Brothers SP, Perez VL, Komanduri KV, Wahlestedt C, Levy RB. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors Which Permit Treg Function Enable a Combinatorial Strategy to Suppress GVHD in Pre-clinical Allogeneic HSCT. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3104. [PMID: 30733722 PMCID: PMC6353853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A recent approach for limiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been to target bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins. These epigenetic readers of histone acetylation regulate transcription of genes involved in inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Development of BET inhibitors (BETi) has generated enormous interest for their therapeutic potential. Because inflammatory signals and donor T cells promote graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), regulating both pathways could be effective to abrogate this disorder. The objective of the present study was to identify a BETi which did not interfere in vivo with CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and function to utilize together with Tregs following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) to ameliorate GVHD. We have reported that Tregs can be markedly expanded and selectively activated with increased functional capacity by targeting TNFRSF25 and CD25 with TL1A-Ig and low dose IL-2, respectively. Here, mice were treated over 7 days (TL1A-Ig + IL-2) together with BETi. We found that the BETi EP11313 did not decrease frequency/numbers or phenotype of expanded Tregs as well as effector molecules, such as IL-10 and TGF-β. However, BETi JQ1 interfered with Treg expansion and altered subset distribution and phenotype. Notably, in Treg expanded mice, EP11313 diminished tnfa and ifng but not il-2 RNA levels. Remarkably, Treg pSTAT5 expression was not affected by EP11313 supporting the notion that Treg IL-2 signaling remained intact. MHC-mismatched aHSCT (B6 → BALB/c) was performed using in vivo expanded donor Tregs with or without EP11313 short-term treatment in the recipient. Early post-transplant, improvement in the splenic and LN CD4/CD8 ratio along with fewer effector cells and high Treg levels in aHSCT recipients treated with expanded Tregs + EP11313 was detected. Interestingly, this group exhibited a significant diminution of GVHD clinical score with less skin and ocular involvement. Finally, using low numbers of highly purified expanded Tregs, improved clinical GVHD scores were observed in EP11313 treated recipients. In total, we conclude that use of this novel combinatorial strategy can suppress pre-clinical GVHD and posit, in vivo EP11313 treatment might be useful combined with Treg expansion therapy for treatment of diseases involving inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Copsel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Casey O Lightbourn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Henry Barreras
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ines Lohse
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Dietlinde Wolf
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Cameron S Bader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - John Manov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Brandon J Kale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Devangi Shah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Shaun P Brothers
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Victor L Perez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Krishna V Komanduri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Robert B Levy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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12
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Riganti C, Lingua MF, Salaroglio IC, Falcomatà C, Righi L, Morena D, Picca F, Oddo D, Kopecka J, Pradotto M, Libener R, Orecchia S, Bironzo P, Comunanza V, Bussolino F, Novello S, Scagliotti GV, Di Nicolantonio F, Taulli R. Bromodomain inhibition exerts its therapeutic potential in malignant pleural mesothelioma by promoting immunogenic cell death and changing the tumor immune-environment. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1398874. [PMID: 29399399 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1398874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is moderately active for the intrinsic pharmacological resistance of MPM cell and its ability to induce an immune suppressive environment. Here we showed that the expression of bromodomain (BRD) proteins BRD2, BRD4 and BRD9 was significantly higher in human primary MPM cells compared to normal mesothelial cells (HMC). Nanomolar concentrations of bromodomain inhibitors (BBIs) JQ1 or OTX015 impaired patient-derived MPM cell proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest without affecting apoptosis. Importantly, BBIs primed MPM cells for immunogenic cell death, by increasing extracellular release of ATP and HMGB1, and by promoting membrane exposure of calreticulin and ERp57. Accordingly, BBIs activated dendritic cell (DC)-mediated phagocytosis and expansion of CD8+ T-lymphocyte clones endorsed with antitumor cytotoxic activity. BBIs reduced the expression of the immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1 in MPM cells; while both CD8+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes co-cultured with JQ1-treated MPM cells decreased PD-1 expression, suggesting a disruption of the immune-suppressive PD-L1/PD-1 axis. Additionally, BBIs reduced the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) induced by MPM cells. Finally, a preclinical model of MPM confirmed that the anti-tumor efficacy of JQ1 was largely due to its ability to restore an immune-active environment, by increasing intra-tumor DC and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and decreasing MDSC. Thereby, we propose that, among novel drugs, BBIs should be investigated for MPM treatment for their combined activity on both tumor cells and surrounding immune-environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Falcomatà
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luisella Righi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Deborah Morena
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Oddo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Monica Pradotto
- Thoracic Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberta Libener
- Pathology Division, S. Antonio and Biagio Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Sara Orecchia
- Pathology Division, S. Antonio and Biagio Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Paolo Bironzo
- Thoracic Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Valentina Comunanza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Novello
- Thoracic Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti
- Thoracic Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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13
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Langdon CG, Platt JT, Means RE, Iyidogan P, Mamillapalli R, Klein M, Held MA, Lee JW, Koo JS, Hatzis C, Hochster HS, Stern DF. Combinatorial Screening of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Reveals Sensitivity to Drug Combinations Including Bromodomain Inhibitor Plus Neddylation Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:1041-1053. [PMID: 28292938 PMCID: PMC5457712 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. PDAC is difficult to manage effectively, with a five-year survival rate of only 5%. PDAC is largely driven by activating KRAS mutations, and as such, cannot be directly targeted with therapeutic agents that affect the activated protein. Instead, inhibition of downstream signaling and other targets will be necessary to effectively manage PDAC. Here, we describe a tiered single-agent and combination compound screen to identify targeted agents that impair growth of a panel of PDAC cell lines. Several of the combinations identified from the screen were further validated for efficacy and mechanism. Combination of the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 and the neddylation inhibitor MLN4294 altered the production of reactive oxygen species in PDAC cells, ultimately leading to defects in the DNA damage response. Dual bromodomain/neddylation blockade inhibited in vivo growth of PDAC cell line xenografts. Overall, this work revealed novel combinatorial regimens, including JQ1 plus MLN4294, which show promise for the treatment of RAS-driven PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1041-53. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey G Langdon
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - James T Platt
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert E Means
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pinar Iyidogan
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Michael Klein
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Matthew A Held
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jong Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ja Seok Koo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christos Hatzis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Howard S Hochster
- Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David F Stern
- Department of Pathology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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14
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Barrow JJ, Balsa E, Verdeguer F, Tavares CD, Soustek MS, Hollingsworth LR 4th, Jedrychowski M, Vogel R, Paulo JA, Smeitink J, Gygi SP, Doench J, Root DE, Puigserver P. Bromodomain Inhibitors Correct Bioenergetic Deficiency Caused by Mitochondrial Disease Complex I Mutations. Mol Cell 2016; 64:163-75. [PMID: 27666594 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited disorders that cause failures in energetic and metabolic function. Boosting residual oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity can partially correct these failures. Herein, using a high-throughput chemical screen, we identified the bromodomain inhibitor I-BET 525762A as one of the top hits that increases COX5a protein levels in complex I (CI) mutant cybrid cells. In parallel, bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a target of I-BET 525762A, was identified using a genome-wide CRISPR screen to search for genes whose loss of function rescues death of CI-impaired cybrids grown under conditions requiring OXPHOS activity for survival. We show that I-BET525762A or loss of BRD4 remodeled the mitochondrial proteome to increase the levels and activity of OXPHOS protein complexes, leading to rescue of the bioenergetic defects and cell death caused by mutations or chemical inhibition of CI. These studies show that BRD4 inhibition may have therapeutic implications for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
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15
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Wadhwa E, Nicolaides T. Bromodomain Inhibitor Review: Bromodomain and Extra-terminal Family Protein Inhibitors as a Potential New Therapy in Central Nervous System Tumors. Cureus 2016; 8:e620. [PMID: 27382528 PMCID: PMC4917374 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins associate with transcriptional activation through interaction with acetylated chromatin, therefore playing a key role as epigenetic regulators. BET proteins serve to regulate the expression of importance oncogenes, including those involved in apoptosis as well as cell cycle progression. Due to this potential as an epigenetic target, small molecule inhibition of BET proteins have been investigated and demonstrate promising activity in both solid and hematologic malignancies, including brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), subsets of medulloblastoma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) are types of brain tumors with dismal prognoses, and as such have been the subjects of preclinical studies using BET inhibitors both in vivo and in vitro. While results from these preclinical investigations have shown promise, clinical trials are in early phases at this time. In this review, we will summarize the current literature on BET family proteins, their potential as therapeutic targets in brain tumors as well as other malignancies, and the preclinical and clinical investigations that have been undertaken to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodore Nicolaides
- Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
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16
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Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignancy in children. Although it is now curable in 80-90% of cases, patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) experience a higher frequency of induction failure and early relapse. Despite aggressive treatment approaches, including transplantation and new salvage regimens, most children with relapsed T-ALL will not be cured. As such, we are in need of new targeted therapies for the disease. Recent advances in the molecular characterization of T-ALL have uncovered a number of new therapeutic targets. This review will summarize recent advancements in the study of inhibiting the NOTCH1, PI3K-AKT, and Cyclin D3:CDK4/6 pathways as therapeutic strategies for T-ALL. We will focus on pre-clinical studies supporting the testing of small-molecule inhibitors targeting these proteins and the rationale of combination therapies. Moreover, epigenetic approaches to modulate T-ALL are rapidly emerging. Here, we will discuss the data supporting the role of bromodomain and extra-terminal bromodomain inhibitors in human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Roti
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA , USA ; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, MA , USA ; Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA , USA ; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, MA , USA ; Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, MA , USA
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