scholarly journals Rebelled epigenome: histone H3S10 phosphorylation and H3S10 kinases in cancer biology and therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Komar ◽  
Przemyslaw Juszczynski
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Transformation ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Regulatory Machinery ◽  
Initiation And Propagation ◽  
Important Player ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Main Components

Abstract Background With the discovery that more than half of human cancers harbor mutations in chromatin proteins, deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been recognized a hallmark of malignant transformation. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins, as main components of epigenetic regulatory machinery, are also broadly accepted as therapeutic target. Current “epigenetic” therapies target predominantly writers, erasers and readers of histone acetylation and (to a lesser extent) methylation, leaving other types of PTMs largely unexplored. One of them is the phosphorylation of serine 10 on histone H3 (H3S10ph). Main body H3S10ph is emerging as an important player in the initiation and propagation of cancer, as it facilitates cellular malignant transformation and participates in fundamental cellular functions. In normal cells this histone mark dictates the hierarchy of additional histone modifications involved in the formation of protein binding scaffolds, transcriptional regulation, blocking repressive epigenetic information and shielding gene regions from heterochromatin spreading. During cell division, this mark is essential for chromosome condensation and segregation. It is also involved in the function of specific DNA–RNA hybrids, called R-loops, which modulate transcription and facilitate chromosomal instability. Increase in H3S10ph is observed in numerous cancer types and its abundance has been associated with inferior prognosis. Many H3S10-kinases, including MSK1/2, PIM1, CDK8 and AURORA kinases, have been long considered targets in cancer therapy. However, since these proteins also participate in other critical processes, including signal transduction, apoptotic signaling, metabolic fitness and transcription, their chromatin functions are often neglected. Conclusions H3S10ph and enzymes responsible for deposition of this histone modification are important for chromatin activity and oncogenesis. Epigenetic-drugs targeting this axis of modifications, potentially in combination with conventional or targeted therapy, provide a promising angle in search for knowledge-driven therapeutic strategies in oncology.

scholarly journals Identifying common transcriptome signatures of cancer by interpreting deep learning models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupama Jha ◽  
Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières ◽  
Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko ◽  
Kristen W. Lynch ◽  
Yoseph Barash
Keyword(s):  
Solid Tumor ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Splice Junction ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Cancer Pathways ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Independent Test Dataset ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Tumor Types

Cancer is a set of diseases characterized by unchecked cell proliferation and invasion of surrounding tissues. The many genes that have been genetically associated with cancer or shown to directly contribute to oncogenesis vary widely between tumor types, but common gene signatures that relate to core cancer pathways have also been identified, signifying that cancer cases display common hallmark molecular features. It is not clear however whether there exist additional sets of genes or transcriptomic features that are less well known in cancer biology but that are also commonly deregulated across several cancer types. Here, in order to agnostically identify transcriptomic features that are commonly shared between cancer types, we used RNA-Seq datasets encompassing thousands of samples from 19 healthy tissue types and 18 solid tumor types to train three feed-forward neural networks, based either on protein-coding gene expression, lncRNA expression or splice junction use, to distinguish between healthy and tumor samples. All three models achieve high precision, recall and accuracy on test sets derived from 13 datasets used during training and on an independent test dataset, indicating that our models recognize transcriptome signatures that are consistent across tumors. Analysis of attribution values extracted from our models reveals that genes that are commonly altered in cancer by expression or splicing variations are under strong evolutionary and selective constraints, suggesting that they have important cellular functions. Importantly, we found that genes composing our cancer transcriptome signatures are not frequently affected by mutations or genomic alterations and that their functions differ widely from the genes genetically associated with cancer. Finally, our results also highlighted that deregulation of RNA-processing genes and aberrant splicing are pervasive features across a large array of solid tumor types. The transcriptomic features that we highlight here define cancer signatures that may reflect causal variations or consequences of disease state, or a combination of both.

scholarly journals Multi-omics analysis reveals contextual tumor suppressive and oncogenic gene modules within the acute hypoxic response

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdenek Andrysik ◽  
Heather Bender ◽  
Matthew D. Galbraith ◽  
Joaquin M. Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Acute Hypoxia ◽  
Transcriptional Response ◽  
Adaptation To Hypoxia ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Collagen Remodeling ◽  
Acute Response ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Transcriptional Changes ◽  
Cancer Types

AbstractCellular adaptation to hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer, but the relative contribution of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) versus other oxygen sensors to tumorigenesis is unclear. We employ a multi-omics pipeline including measurements of nascent RNA to characterize transcriptional changes upon acute hypoxia. We identify an immediate early transcriptional response that is strongly dependent on HIF1A and the kinase activity of its cofactor CDK8, includes indirect repression of MYC targets, and is highly conserved across cancer types. HIF1A drives this acute response via conserved high-occupancy enhancers. Genetic screen data indicates that, in normoxia, HIF1A displays strong cell-autonomous tumor suppressive effects through a gene module mediating mTOR inhibition. Conversely, in advanced malignancies, expression of a module of HIF1A targets involved in collagen remodeling is associated with poor prognosis across diverse cancer types. In this work, we provide a valuable resource for investigating context-dependent roles of HIF1A and its targets in cancer biology.

scholarly journals Novel Roles for the Sirtuin Deacylase SIRT5 in Normal Physiology and in Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 741-741
Author(s):  
David Lombard
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Matrix ◽  
Genomic Integrity ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Catalytic Activities ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Specific Cancer ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Chromatin Biology

Abstract Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deacylases that regulate diverse cellular processes such as metabolic homeostasis and genomic integrity. Mammals possess seven sirtuin family members, SIRT1-SIRT7, that display diverse subcellular localization patterns, catalytic activities, protein targets, and biological functions. Three sirtuins, SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5, are primarily located in the mitochondrial matrix. SIRT5 is a very inefficient deacetylase, instead removing negatively charged post-translational modifications (succinyl, glutaryl, and malonyl groups) from lysines of its target proteins, in mitochondria and throughout the cell. SIRT5 plays only modest known roles in normal physiology, with its major functions occurring in the heart under stress conditions. In contrast, in specific cancer types, including melanoma, we have identified a major pro-survival role for SIRT5. We have traced this function of SIRT5 to novel roles for this protein in regulating chromatin biology. New insights into mechanisms of SIRT5 action in cancer, and in normal myocardium, will be discussed.

Role of long interspersed nuclear element-1 in the regulation of chromatin landscapes and genome dynamics

2021 ◽  
pp. 153537022110312
Author(s):  
Kenneth S Ramos ◽  
Pasano Bojang ◽  
Emma Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Mobile Element ◽  
Cancer Diagnostics ◽  
Regulatory Control ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Genome Dynamics ◽  
Human Illness ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Stressful Environments

LINE-1 retrotransposon, the most active mobile element of the human genome, is subject to tight regulatory control. Stressful environments and disease modify the recruitment of regulatory proteins leading to unregulated activation of LINE-1. The activation of LINE-1 influences genome dynamics through altered chromatin landscapes, insertion mutations, deletions, and modulation of cellular plasticity. To date, LINE-1 retrotransposition has been linked to various cancer types and may in fact underwrite the genetic basis of various other forms of chronic human illness. The occurrence of LINE-1 polymorphisms in the human population may define inter-individual differences in susceptibility to disease. This review is written in honor of Dr Peter Stambrook, a friend and colleague who carried out highly impactful cancer research over many years of professional practice. Dr Stambrook devoted considerable energy to helping others live up to their full potential and to navigate the complexities of professional life. He was an inspirational leader, a strong advocate, a kind mentor, a vocal supporter and cheerleader, and yes, a hard critic and tough friend when needed. His passionate stand on issues, his witty sense of humor, and his love for humanity have left a huge mark in our lives. We hope that that the knowledge summarized here will advance our understanding of the role of LINE-1 in cancer biology and expedite the development of innovative cancer diagnostics and treatments in the ways that Dr Stambrook himself had so passionately envisioned.

scholarly journals TFEB Signalling-Related MicroRNAs and Autophagy

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 985
Author(s):  
Davide Corà ◽  
Federico Bussolino ◽  
Gabriella Doronzo
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Factor Deficiency ◽  
Transcription Factor Eb ◽  
Important Regulator ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation

The oncogenic Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a member of MITF-TFE family, is known to be the most important regulator of the transcription of genes responsible for the control of lysosomal biogenesis and functions, autophagy, and vesicles flux. TFEB activation occurs in response to stress factors such as nutrient and growth factor deficiency, hypoxia, lysosomal stress, and mitochondrial damage. To reach the final functional status, TFEB is regulated in multimodal ways, including transcriptional rate, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modifications. Post-transcriptional regulation is in part mediated by miRNAs. miRNAs have been linked to many cellular processes involved both in physiology and pathology, such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. miRNAs also play a significant role in autophagy, which exerts a crucial role in cell behaviour during stress or survival responses. In particular, several miRNAs directly recognise TFEB transcript or indirectly regulate its function by targeting accessory molecules or enzymes involved in its post-translational modifications. Moreover, the transcriptional programs triggered by TFEB may be influenced by the miRNA-mediated regulation of TFEB targets. Finally, recent important studies indicate that the transcription of many miRNAs is regulated by TFEB itself. In this review, we describe the interplay between miRNAs with TFEB and focus on how these types of crosstalk affect TFEB activation and cellular functions.

scholarly journals Histone Modifying Enzymes in Gynaecological Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Priya Ramarao-Milne ◽  
Olga Kondrashova ◽  
Sinead Barry ◽  
John D. Hooper ◽  
Jason S. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Instability ◽  
Cpg Islands ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Driver Mutations ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Chromatin Dynamics ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Histone Modifying Enzymes

Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of cancer. Epigenetic dysregulation is common in gynaecological cancers and includes altered methylation at CpG islands in gene promoter regions, global demethylation that leads to genome instability and histone modifications. Histones are a major determinant of chromosomal conformation and stability, and unlike DNA methylation, which is generally associated with gene silencing, are amenable to post-translational modifications that induce facultative chromatin regions, or condensed transcriptionally silent regions that decondense resulting in global alteration of gene expression. In comparison, other components, crucial to the manipulation of chromatin dynamics, such as histone modifying enzymes, are not as well-studied. Inhibitors targeting DNA modifying enzymes, particularly histone modifying enzymes represent a potential cancer treatment. Due to the ability of epigenetic therapies to target multiple pathways simultaneously, tumours with complex mutational landscapes affected by multiple driver mutations may be most amenable to this type of inhibitor. Interrogation of the actionable landscape of different gynaecological cancer types has revealed that some patients have biomarkers which indicate potential sensitivity to epigenetic inhibitors. In this review we describe the role of epigenetics in gynaecological cancers and highlight how it may exploited for treatment.

RegulatING chromatin regulators: post-translational modification of the ING family of epigenetic regulators

2013 ◽  
Vol 450 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankha Satpathy ◽  
Arash Nabbi ◽  
Karl Riabowol
Keyword(s):  
Biological Significance ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Chromatin Regulators ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Splicing Isoforms ◽  
Enrichment Techniques ◽  
Affect Cell Growth

The five human ING genes encode at least 15 splicing isoforms, most of which affect cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis through their ability to alter gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms. Since their discovery in 1996, ING proteins have been classified as type II tumour suppressors on the basis of reports describing their down-regulation and mislocalization in a variety of cancer types. In addition to their regulation by transcriptional mechanisms, understanding the range of PTMs (post-translational modifications) of INGs is important in understanding how ING functions are fine-tuned in the physiological setting and how they add to the repertoire of activities affected by the INGs. In the present paper we review the different PTMs that have been reported to occur on INGs. We discuss the PTMs that modulate ING function under normal conditions and in response to a variety of stresses. We also describe the ING PTMs that have been identified by several unbiased MS-based PTM enrichment techniques and subsequent proteomic analysis. Among the ING PTMs identified to date, a subset has been characterized for their biological significance and have been shown to affect processes including subcellular localization, interaction with enzymatic complexes and ING protein half-life. The present review aims to highlight the emerging role of PTMs in regulating ING function and to suggest additional pathways and functions where PTMs may effect ING function.

scholarly journals Criticality in tumor evolution and clinical outcome

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (47) ◽  
pp. E11101-E11110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erez Persi ◽  
Yuri I. Wolf ◽  
Mark D. M. Leiserson ◽  
Eugene V. Koonin ◽  
Eytan Ruppin
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Patient Survival ◽  
Fitness Landscape ◽  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Nonlinear Effects ◽  
Tumor Evolution ◽  
Evolutionary Trajectories ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Selection Phase

How mutation and selection determine the fitness landscape of tumors and hence clinical outcome is an open fundamental question in cancer biology, crucial for the assessment of therapeutic strategies and resistance to treatment. Here we explore the mutation-selection phase diagram of 6,721 tumors representing 23 cancer types by quantifying the overall somatic point mutation load (ML) and selection (dN/dS) in the entire proteome of each tumor. We show that ML strongly correlates with patient survival, revealing two opposing regimes around a critical point. In low-ML cancers, a high number of mutations indicates poor prognosis, whereas high-ML cancers show the opposite trend, presumably due to mutational meltdown. Although the majority of cancers evolve near neutrality, deviations are observed at extreme MLs. Melanoma, with the highest ML, evolves under purifying selection, whereas in low-ML cancers, signatures of positive selection are observed, demonstrating how selection affects tumor fitness. Moreover, different cancers occupy specific positions on the ML–dN/dS plane, revealing a diversity of evolutionary trajectories. These results support and expand the theory of tumor evolution and its nonlinear effects on survival.

scholarly journals Allosteric changes in HDM2 by the ATM phosphomimetic S395D mutation: implications on HDM2 function

2019 ◽  
Vol 476 (21) ◽  
pp. 3401-3411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Uhrik ◽  
Lixiao Wang ◽  
Lucia Haronikova ◽  
Ixaura Medina-Medina ◽  
Yolanda Rebolloso-Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ataxia Telangiectasia ◽  
P53 Protein ◽  
Intrinsic Disorder ◽  
26S Proteasome ◽  
Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Positive Regulator ◽  
P53 Mrna

Allosteric changes imposed by post-translational modifications regulate and differentiate the functions of proteins with intrinsic disorder regions. HDM2 is a hub protein with a large interactome and with different cellular functions. It is best known for its regulation of the p53 tumour suppressor. Under normal cellular conditions, HDM2 ubiquitinates and degrades p53 by the 26S proteasome but after DNA damage, HDM2 switches from a negative to a positive regulator of p53 by binding to p53 mRNA to promote translation of the p53 mRNA. This change in activity is governed by the ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase via phosphorylation on serine 395 and is mimicked by the S395D phosphomimetic mutant. Here we have used different approaches to show that this event is accompanied by a specific change in the HDM2 structure that affects the HDM2 interactome, such as the N-termini HDM2–p53 protein–protein interaction. These data will give a better understanding of how HDM2 switches from a negative to a positive regulator of p53 and gain new insights into the control of the HDM2 structure and its interactome under different cellular conditions and help identify interphases as potential targets for new drug developments.

scholarly journals A Bayesian Nonparametric Approach to Discover Clinico-Genetic Associations across Cancer Types

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie F. Pradier ◽  
Stephanie L. Hyland ◽  
Stefan G. Stark ◽  
Kjong Lehmann ◽  
Julia E. Vogt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Multiple Hypothesis Testing ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Bayesian Nonparametric ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Disease Treatment ◽  
Nonparametric Approach ◽  
Gene Level ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Unsupervised Approach

AbstractMotivationPersonalized medicine aims at combining genetic, clinical, and environmental data to improve medical diagnosis and disease treatment, tailored to each patient. This paper presents a Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) approach to identify genetic associations with clinical/environmental features in cancer. We propose an unsupervised approach to generate data-driven hypotheses and bring potentially novel insights about cancer biology. Our model combines somatic mutation information at gene-level with features extracted from the Electronic Health Record. We propose a hierarchical approach, the hierarchical Poisson factor analysis (H-PFA) model, to share information across patients having different types of cancer. To discover statistically significant associations, we combine Bayesian modeling with bootstrapping techniques and correct for multiple hypothesis testing.ResultsUsing our approach, we empirically demonstrate that we can recover well-known associations in cancer literature. We compare the results of H-PFA with two other classical methods in the field: case-control (CC) setups, and linear mixed models (LMMs).

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