Targeting cancer epigenetic pathways with small-molecule compounds: Therapeutic efficacy and combination therapies.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of epigenetic pathways, small molecule inhibitors targeting DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and small-molecule inhibitors targeting histone modification (the main regulatory targets are histone acetyltransferases (HAT), histone deacetylases (HDACs), as well as the combination strategies of the existing epigenetic therapeutic drugs and more new therapies to improve the efficacy.
About: This article is published in Pharmacological Research.The article was published on 2021-06-05. It has received 11 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Histone methyltransferase & Epigenetics.
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TL;DR: In this paper , the authors focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subsroutine.
Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of human breast cancer with one of the worst prognoses, with no targeted therapeutic strategies currently available. Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), has been widely reported to have numerous links to the progression and therapy of many types of human cancer. Of note, RCD can be divided into numerous different subroutines, including autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis. More recently, targeting the subroutines of RCD with small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy, which has rapidly progressed in the treatment of TNBC. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to TNBC and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subroutines. Moreover, we further discuss the combined strategies of one drug (e.g., narciclasine) or more drugs (e.g., torin-1 combined with chloroquine) to achieve the therapeutic potential on TNBC by regulating RCD subroutines. More importantly, we demonstrate several small-molecule compounds (e.g., ONC201 and NCT03733119) by targeting the subroutines of RCD in TNBC clinical trials. Taken together, these findings will provide a clue on illuminating more actionable low-hanging-fruit druggable targets and candidate small-molecule drugs for potential RCD-related TNBC therapies.
22 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors reported a novel aromatic amide derivative SY-65 co-targeted tubulin and histone deacetylase 1 with potent anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.
10 citations
TL;DR: Gene expression analysis revealed that treatment with CLI, an ERβ selective agonist ligand often enhanced the suppressive activity of ERβ1 in T NBCs in vivo or in TNBC cells in culture, suggesting the potential utility of ER β1 and ERβ ligand in improving TNBC treatment.
Abstract: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor, and HER2. These receptors often serve as targets in breast cancer treatment. As a result, TNBCs are difficult to treat and have a high propensity to metastasize to distant organs. For these reasons, TNBCs are responsible for over 50% of all breast cancer mortalities while only accounting for 15% - 20% of breast cancer cases. However, estrogen receptor beta 1 (ERβ1), an isoform of the ESR2 gene, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of TNBCs. Using an in vivo xenograft preclinical mouse model with human TNBC, we found that expression of ERβ1 significantly reduced both primary tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, TNBCs with elevated levels of ERβ1 showed reduction in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) markers, and increases in the expression of genes associated with inhibition of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of ERβ1. Gene expression analysis by qPCR and RNA-seq revealed that treatment with CLI, an ERβ selective agonist ligand often enhanced the suppressive activity of ERβ1 in TNBCs in vivo or in TNBC cells in culture, suggesting the potential utility of ERβ1 and ERβ ligand in improving TNBC treatment. The findings enable understanding of the mechanisms by which ERβ1 impedes TNBC growth, invasiveness and metastasis and consideration of ways by which treatments involving ERβ might improve TNBC patient outcome.
7 citations
TL;DR: The results of the present work indicate that the hypermethylation of miR-23 promoter mediates the aberrant expression of uPA/PLAU (urokinase plasminogen activator, uPA) in multiple myeloma cells.
Abstract: Multiple myeloma has a long course, with no obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, advanced stages are characterized by injury to the bone system and represent a severe threat to human health. The results of the present work indicate that the hypermethylation of miR-23 promoter mediates the aberrant expression of uPA/PLAU (urokinase plasminogen activator, uPA) in multiple myeloma cells. miR-23, a microRNA that potentially targets uPA’s 3’UTR, was predicted by the online tool miRDB. The endogenous expressions of uPA and miR-23 are related to disease severity in human patients, and the expression of miR-23 is negatively related to uPA expression. The hypermethylation of the promoter region of miR-23 is a promising mechanism to explain the low level of miR-23 or aberrant uPA expression associated with disease severity. Overexpression of miR-23 inhibited the expression of uPA by targeting the 3’UTR of uPA, not only in MM cell lines, but also in patient-derived cell lines. Overexpression of miR-23 also inhibited in vitro and in vivo invasion of MM cells in a nude mouse model. The results therefore extend our knowledge about uPA in MM and may assist in the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for MM treatment.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a review summarizes NASH pathogenesis from the perspective of ferroptosis mechanisms, and potential pharmacological therapies directed to ferroidosis in NASH are hypothesized.
Abstract: Ferroptosis relies on iron, and ferroptotic cell death is triggered when the balance of the oxidation-reduction system is disrupted by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. A close relationship between ferroptosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is formed by phospholipid peroxidation substrates, bioactive iron, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) neutralization systems. Recent studies into ferroptosis during NASH development might reveal NASH pathogenesis and drug targets. Our review summarizes NASH pathogenesis from the perspective of ferroptosis mechanisms. Further, we discuss the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and NASH. Finally, potential pharmacological therapies directed to ferroptosis in NASH are hypothesized.
1 citations
References
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TL;DR: The mechanisms of gene silencing in cancer and clinical applications of this phenomenon are reviewed, especially tumor-suppressor genes.
Abstract: This article reviews the mechanisms of gene silencing in cancer and clinical applications of this phenomenon. The silencing of genes, especially tumor-suppressor genes, is a key event in the development of cancer. The silencing can be effected by a disabling mutation or by a shutting down of the promoter region, the site at which transcription of the gene begins.
3,285 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify a histone demethylase conserved from S. pombe to human and reveal dynamic regulation of histone methylation by both histonemethylases and demethylases.
3,281 citations
TL;DR: This work has uncovered a role for non-coding RNA in the recruitment of PRC2 to target genes, and expanded the perspectives on its function and regulation.
Abstract: Polycomb group proteins maintain the gene-expression pattern of different cells that is set during early development by regulating chromatin structure. In mammals, two main Polycomb group complexes exist — Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). PRC1 compacts chromatin and catalyses the monoubiquitylation of histone H2A. PRC2 also contributes to chromatin compaction, and catalyses the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27. PRC2 is involved in various biological processes, including differentiation, maintaining cell identity and proliferation, and stem-cell plasticity. Recent studies of PRC2 have expanded our perspectives on its function and regulation, and uncovered a role for non-coding RNA in the recruitment of PRC2 to target genes.
2,783 citations
TL;DR: A systematic discussion of the mechanisms that account for the cisplatin-resistant phenotype of tumor cells are described and the development of chemosensitization strategies constitute a goal with important clinical implications.
Abstract: Platinum-based drugs, and in particular cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (best known as cisplatin), are employed for the treatment of a wide array of solid malignancies, including testicular, ovarian, head and neck, colorectal, bladder and lung cancers. Cisplatin exerts anticancer effects via multiple mechanisms, yet its most prominent (and best understood) mode of action involves the generation of DNA lesions followed by the activation of the DNA damage response and the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis. Despite a consistent rate of initial responses, cisplatin treatment often results in the development of chemoresistance, leading to therapeutic failure. An intense research has been conducted during the past 30 years and several mechanisms that account for the cisplatin-resistant phenotype of tumor cells have been described. Here, we provide a systematic discussion of these mechanism by classifying them in alterations (1) that involve steps preceding the binding of cisplatin to DNA (pre-target resistance), (2) that directly relate to DNA-cisplatin adducts (on-target resistance), (3) concerning the lethal signaling pathway(s) elicited by cisplatin-mediated DNA damage (post-target resistance) and (4) affecting molecular circuitries that do not present obvious links with cisplatin-elicited signals (off-target resistance). As in some clinical settings cisplatin constitutes the major therapeutic option, the development of chemosensitization strategies constitute a goal with important clinical implications.
2,026 citations
TL;DR: The mammalian sirtuin protein family (comprising SIRT1–SIRT7) has received much attention for its regulatory role, mainly in metabolism and ageing, thereby acting as crucial regulators of the network that controls energy homeostasis and as such determines healthspan.
Abstract: Since the beginning of the century, the mammalian sirtuin protein family (comprising SIRT1-SIRT7) has received much attention for its regulatory role, mainly in metabolism and ageing. Sirtuins act in different cellular compartments: they deacetylate histones and several transcriptional regulators in the nucleus, but also specific proteins in other cellular compartments, such as in the cytoplasm and in mitochondria. As a consequence, sirtuins regulate fat and glucose metabolism in response to physiological changes in energy levels, thereby acting as crucial regulators of the network that controls energy homeostasis and as such determines healthspan.
1,604 citations