Histone lysine acetyltransferase inhibitors: an emerging class of drugs for cancer therapy.

Lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) are a family of epigenetic enzymes involved in the regulation of gene expression; they represent a promising class of emerging drug targets. The frequent molecular dysregulation of these enzymes, as well as their mechanistic links to biological functions that are crucial to cancer, have led to exploration around the development of small-molecule inhibitors against KATs. Despite early challenges, recent advances have led to the development of potent and selective enzymatic and bromodomain (BRD) KAT inhibitors. In this review we discuss the discovery and development of new KAT inhibitors and their application as oncology therapeutics. Additionally, new chemically induced proximity approaches are presented, offering opportunities for unique target selectivity profiles and tissue-specific targeting of KATs. Emerging clinical data for CREB binding protein (CREBBP)/EP300 BRD inhibitors and KAT6 catalytic inhibitors indicate the promise of this target class in cancer therapeutics.

Salmon sperm DNA increases sample recovery from cotton swabs.

Forensic samples with low DNA template amounts are difficult to analyze and interpret. There is a large body of research demonstrating that adding carrier nucleic acid to storage tubes, solid phase extractions, or filtering devices can improve yields of target DNA. However, the addition of carrier nucleic acid to sampling substrates, like cotton swabs, has not yet been attempted. In this proof-of-concept study, carrier nucleic acids in the form of either Poly (A) RNA or salmon sperm DNA were spotted onto cotton swabs, followed by human genomic DNA, to determine if introducing the carrier prior to sample collection would increase recovery from the swabs post-extraction. Extracts were also evaluated to determine whether adding the carrier nucleic acids to human DNA would interfere with downstream forensic DNA analysis processes such as real-time PCR quantitation, PCR amplification of STR loci, or capillary electrophoresis. The RNA carrier did not improve human sample recovery from cotton swabs. The extraction efficiency of human DNA from cotton swabs was increased when the DNA carrier was applied to the swabs prior to sample deposition, and the scale of the increase depended on the amount of carrier DNA used. When applying the salmon sperm DNA carrier to cotton swabs, with each increase from no carrier to 0.001-1-10 µg, human DNA recovery went from ∼29 % to ∼50 % to ∼75 % to ∼100 %. Additionally, no inhibitory effects from the carrier DNA were observed post-extraction with quantitation or in the DNA profile after amplification. Therefore, salmon sperm DNA carrier will increase human DNA yield from cotton swabs without negative effects on downstream forensic DNA profiling methods, with the optimal carrier amount being 10 µg.

Older mice show decreased regeneration of neuromuscular junctions following lengthening contraction-induced injury.

Progressive muscle atrophy and loss of muscle strength associated with old age have been well documented. Although age-associated impairments in skeletal muscle regeneration following injury have been demonstrated, less is known about whether aging impacts the regenerative response of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) following contraction-induced injury. Reduced ability of NMJs to regenerate could lead to increased numbers of denervated muscle fibers and therefore play a contributing role to age-related sarcopenia. To investigate the relationship between age and NMJ regeneration following injury, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of middle-aged (18-19 months) and old mice (27-28 months) were subjected to a protocol of lengthening contractions (LC) that resulted in an acute force deficit of ~55% as well as functional and histological evidence of a similar magnitude of injury 3 days post LCs that was not different between age groups. After 28 days, the architecture and innervation of the NMJs were evaluated. The numbers of fragmented endplates increased and of fully innervated NMJs decreased post-injury for the muscle of both middle-aged and old mice and for contralateral uninjured muscles of old compared with uninjured muscles of middle-aged controls. Thus, the diminished ability of the skeletal muscle of old mice to recover following injury may be due in part to an age-related decrease in the ability to regenerate NMJs in injured muscles. The impaired ability to regenerate NMJs may be a triggering factor for degenerative changes at the NMJ contributing to muscle fiber weakness and loss in old age.

Intrinsic and acquired drug resistance to LSD1 inhibitors in small cell lung cancer occurs through a TEAD4-driven transcriptional state.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a heterogeneous disease, consisting of intratumoral and intertumoral neuroendocrine (ASCL1 and/or NEUROD1), mesenchymal-like, and YAP-driven transcriptional states. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A) inhibitors have recently been progressed to clinical trials in SCLC based on a promising preclinical antitumor activity. A potential clinical limitation of LSD1 inhibitors is the heterogeneous drug responses that have been observed in SCLC cell lines and patient-derived models. Based on these observations, we studied molecular and transcriptional signatures that predict patient response to this class of drug. Employing SCLC patient-derived transcriptional signatures, we define that SCLC cell lines sensitive to LSD1 inhibitors are enriched in neuroendocrine transcriptional markers, whereas cell lines enriched in a mesenchymal-like transcriptional program demonstrate intrinsic resistance to LSD1 inhibitors. We have identified a reversible, adaptive resistance mechanism to LSD1 inhibitors through epigenetic reprogramming to a TEAD4-driven mesenchymal-like state. Our data suggest that only a segment of SCLC patients, with a defined neuroendocrine differentiation state, will likely benefit from LSD1 inhibitors. It provides novel evidence for the selection of a TEAD4-driven mesenchymal-like subpopulation resistant to LSD1 inhibitors in SCLC patients that may require effective drug combinations to sustain effective clinical responses.

SAM-Competitive PRMT5 Inhibitor PF-06939999 Demonstrates Antitumor Activity in Splicing Dysregulated NSCLC with Decreased Liability of Drug Resistance.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) overexpression in hematologic and solid tumors methylates arginine residues on cellular proteins involved in important cancer functions including cell-cycle regulation, mRNA splicing, cell differentiation, cell signaling, and apoptosis. PRMT5 methyltransferase function has been linked with high rates of tumor cell proliferation and decreased overall survival, and PRMT5 inhibitors are currently being explored as an approach for targeting cancer-specific dependencies due to PRMT5 catalytic function. Here, we describe the discovery of potent and selective S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) competitive PRMT5 inhibitors, with in vitro and in vivo characterization of clinical candidate PF-06939999. Acquired resistance mechanisms were explored through the development of drug resistant cell lines. Our data highlight compound-specific resistance mutations in the PRMT5 enzyme that demonstrate structural constraints in the cofactor binding site that prevent emergence of complete resistance to SAM site inhibitors. PRMT5 inhibition by PF-06939999 treatment reduced proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, with dose-dependent decreases in symmetric dimethyl arginine (SDMA) levels and changes in alternative splicing of numerous pre-mRNAs. Drug sensitivity to PF-06939999 in NSCLC cells associates with cancer pathways including MYC, cell cycle and spliceosome, and with mutations in splicing factors such as RBM10. Translation of efficacy in mouse tumor xenograft models with splicing mutations provides rationale for therapeutic use of PF-06939999 in the treatment of splicing dysregulated NSCLC.

Removal of p16 INK4 Expressing Cells in Late Life has Moderate Beneficial Effects on Skeletal Muscle Function in Male Mice.

Aging results in the progressive accumulation of senescent cells in tissues that display loss of proliferative capacity and acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The tumor suppressor, p16 INK4A , which slows the progression of the cell cycle, is highly expressed in most senescent cells and the removal of p16-expressing cells has been shown to be beneficial to tissue health. Although much work has been done to assess the effects of cellular senescence on a variety of different organs, little is known about the effects on skeletal muscle and whether reducing cellular senescent load would provide a therapeutic benefit against age-related muscle functional decline. We hypothesized that whole-body ablation of p16-expressing cells in the advanced stages of life in mice would provide a therapeutic benefit to skeletal muscle structure and function. Treatment of transgenic p16-3MR mice with ganciclovir (GCV) from 20 to 26 months of age resulted in reduced p16 mRNA levels in muscle. At 26 months of age, the masses of tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles were significantly larger in GCV-treated compared with vehicle-treated mice, but this effect was limited to male mice. Maximum isometric force for gastrocnemius muscles was also greater in GCV-treated male mice compared to controls. Further examination of muscles of GCV- and vehicle-treated mice showed fewer CD68-positive macrophages present in the tissue following GCV treatment. Plasma cytokine levels were also measured with only one, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), out of 22 chemokines analyzed was reduced in GCV-treated mice. These findings show that genetic ablation of p16+ senescent cells provides moderate and sex specific therapeutic benefits to muscle mass and function.

The complex role of EZH2 in the tumor microenvironment: opportunities and challenges for immunotherapy combinations.

Immune dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment occurs through epigenetic changes in both tumor cells and immune cells that alter transcriptional programs driving cell fate and cell function. Oncogenic activation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 mediates gene expression changes, governing tumor immunogenicity as well as differentiation, survival and activation states of immune lineages. Emerging preclinical studies have highlighted the potential for EZH2 inhibitors to reverse epigenetic immune suppression in tumors and combine with immune checkpoint therapies. However, EZH2 activity is essential for the development of lymphoid cells, performing critical immune effector functions within tumors. In this review, we highlight the complexity of EZH2 function in immune regulation which may impact the implementation of combination with immunotherapy agents in clinic.

Characterization of Specific N-α-Acetyltransferase 50 (Naa50) Inhibitors Identified Using a DNA Encoded Library.

Two novel compounds were identified as Naa50 binders/inhibitors using DNA-encoded technology screening. Biophysical and biochemical data as well as cocrystal structures were obtained for both compounds (3a and 4a) to understand their mechanism of action. These data were also used to rationalize the binding affinity differences observed between the two compounds and a MLGP peptide-containing substrate. Cellular target engagement experiments further confirm the Naa50 binding of 4a and demonstrate its selectivity toward related enzymes (Naa10 and Naa60). Additional analogs of inhibitor 4a were also evaluated to study the binding mode observed in the cocrystal structures.

The Promise for Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitors for Epigenetic Therapy in Clinical Oncology: A Narrative Review.

Epigenetic processes are essential for normal development and the maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression in mammals. Changes in gene expression and malignant cellular transformation can result from disruption of epigenetic mechanisms, and global disruption in the epigenetic landscape is a key feature of cancer. The study of epigenetics in cancer has revealed that human cancer cells harbor both genetic alterations and epigenetic abnormalities that interplay at all stages of cancer development. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic aberrations are potentially reversible through epigenetic therapy, providing a therapeutically relevant treatment option. Histone methyltransferase inhibitors are emerging as an epigenetic therapy approach with great promise in the field of clinical oncology. The recent accelerated approval of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2; also known as histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2) inhibitor tazemetostat for metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma marks the first approval of such a compound for the treatment of cancer. Many other histone methyltransferase inhibitors are currently in development, some of which are being tested in clinical studies. This review focuses on histone methyltransferase inhibitors, highlighting their potential in the treatment of cancer. We also discuss the role for such epigenetic drugs in overcoming epigenetically driven drug resistance mechanisms, and their value in combination with other therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapy.

Chemical Proteomics Identifies Druggable Vulnerabilities in a Genetically Defined Cancer.

The transcription factor NRF2 is a master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, and it is often genetically activated in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) by, for instance, mutations in the negative regulator KEAP1. While direct pharmacological inhibition of NRF2 has proven challenging, its aberrant activation rewires biochemical networks in cancer cells that may create special vulnerabilities. Here, we use chemical proteomics to map druggable proteins that are selectively expressed in KEAP1-mutant NSCLC cells. Principal among these is NR0B1, an atypical orphan nuclear receptor that we show engages in a multimeric protein complex to regulate the transcriptional output of KEAP1-mutant NSCLC cells. We further identify small molecules that covalently target a conserved cysteine within the NR0B1 protein interaction domain, and we demonstrate that these compounds disrupt NR0B1 complexes and impair the anchorage-independent growth of KEAP1-mutant cancer cells. Our findings designate NR0B1 as a druggable transcriptional regulator that supports NRF2-dependent lung cancers.

Fiber-coupled LED gas sensor and its application to online monitoring of ecoefficient dielectric insulation gases in high-voltage circuit breakers.

Novel dielectric insulation gases used as alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) include several mixtures containing fluorinated organic compounds. We developed a fiber-optic analyzer enabling concentration measurement of fluoroketones used in medium- and high-voltage switchgear applications by ABB, with concurrent compensation of disturbing effects caused by dust and dirt. The sensor enables measurements in GIS and even in operating high-voltage circuit breakers. The online availability of concentration readings of fluoroketones is important for development tests, but can also be applied for monitoring or diagnostics of field installations.

The SMARCA2/4 ATPase Domain Surpasses the Bromodomain as a Drug Target in SWI/SNF-Mutant Cancers: Insights from cDNA Rescue and PFI-3 Inhibitor Studies.

The SWI/SNF multisubunit complex modulates chromatin structure through the activity of two mutually exclusive catalytic subunits, SMARCA2 and SMARCA4, which both contain a bromodomain and an ATPase domain. Using RNAi, cancer-specific vulnerabilities have been identified in SWI/SNF-mutant tumors, including SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer; however, the contribution of conserved, druggable protein domains to this anticancer phenotype is unknown. Here, we functionally deconstruct the SMARCA2/4 paralog dependence of cancer cells using bioinformatics, genetic, and pharmacologic tools. We evaluate a selective SMARCA2/4 bromodomain inhibitor (PFI-3) and characterize its activity in chromatin-binding and cell-functional assays focusing on cells with altered SWI/SNF complex (e.g., lung, synovial sarcoma, leukemia, and rhabdoid tumors). We demonstrate that PFI-3 is a potent, cell-permeable probe capable of displacing ectopically expressed, GFP-tagged SMARCA2-bromodomain from chromatin, yet contrary to target knockdown, the inhibitor fails to display an antiproliferative phenotype. Mechanistically, the lack of pharmacologic efficacy is reconciled by the failure of bromodomain inhibition to displace endogenous, full-length SMARCA2 from chromatin as determined by in situ cell extraction, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and target gene expression studies. Furthermore, using inducible RNAi and cDNA complementation (bromodomain- and ATPase-dead constructs), we unequivocally identify the ATPase domain, and not the bromodomain of SMARCA2, as the relevant therapeutic target with the catalytic activity suppressing defined transcriptional programs. Taken together, our complementary genetic and pharmacologic studies exemplify a general strategy for multidomain protein drug-target validation and in case of SMARCA2/4 highlight the potential for drugging the more challenging helicase/ATPase domain to deliver on the promise of synthetic-lethality therapy.

Epigenetic silencing of CHD5, a novel tumor-suppressor gene, occurs in early colorectal cancer stages.

BACKGROUND: Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 (CHD5) is a family member of chromatin remodeling factors. The epigenetic silencing mechanisms of CHD5 in colorectal cancer have not been well studied. METHODS: Here we analyzed CHD5 methylation and mRNA expression in vitro and in clinical samples from African American patients. DNA and RNA were isolated from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) colon tissues. DNA was tested for methylation using methylation-specific polymerase chain reation (PCR) and bisulfite sequencing. RNA was used for mRNA quantification using qRT-PCR. The RKO cell line was treated with 5-Aza-dC and SAHA. RKO cells were also stably transfected with a CHD5-expressing vector. The transcriptional activity was studied in the 1 kb upstream region of the CHD5 promoter using the dual reporter assay. We performed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays using the RKO cell line. RESULTS: In most adenoma samples, CHD5 expression was not detected in contrast to normal tissues. In RKO cells, CHD5 silencing was associated with DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications. CHD5 expression was restored after treatment with 5-Aza-dC and SAHA. CHD5 reactivation reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The reporter assay indicated that the main regulatory region of the CHD5 promoter is encompassed in the -489 to -823 region with important transcriptional regulatory sites (TCF/LEF, SP1, and AP-2). CONCLUSIONS: The CHD5 gene is repressed in all types of adenomas, either epigenetically or by chromosomal deletion. CHD5 activity is regulated by DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications. CHD5 likely acts as a tumor-suppressor gene in early colorectal carcinogenesis.

Transgenic expression of walleye dermal sarcoma virus rv-cyclin (orfA) in zebrafish does not result in tissue proliferation.

Walleye dermal sarcoma (WDS) is a benign tumor of walleye fish that develops and completely regresses seasonally. The retrovirus associated with this disease, walleye dermal sarcoma virus, encodes three accessory genes, two of which, rv-cyclin (orfA) and orfb, are thought to play a role in tumor development. In this study, we attempted to recapitulate WDS development by expressing rv-cyclin in chimeric and stable transgenic zebrafish. Six stable transgenic lines expressing rv-cyclin from the constitutive CMVtk promoter were generated. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction demonstrate that rv-cyclin is widely expressed in different tissues in these fish. These lines were viable and histologically normal for up to 2 years. No increase in tumors or tissue proliferation was observed following N-ethyl N-nitrosourea exposure or following tail wounding and subsequent tissue regeneration compared to controls. These data indicate that rv-cyclin is not independently sufficient for tumor induction in zebrafish.

Accelerated leukemogenesis by truncated CBF beta-SMMHC defective in high-affinity binding with RUNX1.

Dominant RUNX1 inhibition has been proposed as a common pathway for CBF leukemia. CBF beta-SMMHC, a fusion protein in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dominantly inhibits RUNX1 largely through its RUNX1 high-affinity binding domain (HABD). However, the type I CBF beta-SMMHC fusion in AML patients lacks HABD. Here, we report that the type I CBF beta-SMMHC protein binds RUNX1 inefficiently. Knockin mice expressing CBF beta-SMMHC with a HABD deletion developed leukemia quickly, even though hematopoietic defects associated with Runx1-inhibition were partially rescued. A larger pool of leukemia-initiating cells, increased MN1 expression, and retention of RUNX1 phosphorylation are potential mechanisms for accelerated leukemia development in these mice. Our data suggest that RUNX1 dominant inhibition may not be a critical step for leukemogenesis by CBF beta-SMMHC.

Signatures of polycomb repression and reduced H3K4 trimethylation are associated with p15INK4b DNA methylation in AML.

DNA hypermethylation of the p15INK4b tumor suppressor gene is commonly observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Repressive histone modifications and their associated binding proteins have been implicated in the regulation of DNA methylation and the transcriptional repression of genes with DNA methylation. We have used high-density chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip to determine the histone modifications that normally regulate p15INK4b expression in AML cells and how these marks are altered in cells that have p15INK4b DNA methylation. In AML patient blasts without p15INK4b DNA methylation, a bivalent pattern of active (H3K4me3) and repressive (H3K27me3) modifications exist at the p15INK4b promoter. AML patient blasts with p15INK4b DNA methylation lose H3K4me3 at p15INK4b and become exclusively marked by H3K27me3. H3K27me3, as well as EZH2, extends throughout p14ARF and p16INK4a, indicating that polycomb repression of p15INK4b is a common feature in all AML blasts irrespective of the DNA methylation status of the gene. Reactivation of p15INK4b expression in AML cell lines and patient blasts using 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) and trichostatin A increased H3K4me3 and maintained H3K27me3 enrichment at p15INK4b. These data indicate that AML cells with p15INK4b DNA methylation have an altered histone methylation pattern compared with unmethylated samples and that these changes are reversible by epigenetic drugs.

Transgenic expression of walleye dermal sarcoma virus rv-cyclin gene in zebrafish and its suppressive effect on liver tumor development after carcinogen treatment.

A retrovirus homologue gene of cellular cyclin D1, walleye dermal sarcoma virus rv-cyclin gene (orf A or rv-cyclin), was expressed in the livers of zebrafish under the control of liver fatty acid-binding protein (lfabp) promoter. To prevent possible fatality caused by overexpression of the oncogene, the GAL4/upstream activation sequence (GAL4/UAS) system was used to maintain the transgenic lines. Thus, both GAL4-activator [Tg(lfabp:GAL4)] and UAS-effector [Tg(UAS:rvcyclin)] lines were generated, and the rv-cyclin gene was activated in the liver after crossing these two lines. Since no obvious neoplasia phenotypes were observed in the double-transgenic line, cancer susceptibility of the transgenic fish expressing rv-cyclin was tested by carcinogen treatment. Unexpectedly, transgenic fish expressing rv-cyclin gene (rvcyclin+) were more resistant to the carcinogen than siblings not expressing this gene (rvcyclin-). Lower incidences of multiple and malignant liver tumors were observed in rvcyclin+ than in rvcyclin- fish, and the liver tumors in the rvcyclin+ group appeared later and were less malignant. These results suggest that expression of rv-cyclin protects the fish liver from carcinogen damage and delays onset of malignancy. These findings indicate that transgenic fish models are powerful systems for investigating mechanisms of inhibition and regression of liver tumors.

Expression of feline immunodeficiency virus Vif is associated with reduced viral mutation rates without restoration of replication of vif mutant viruses.

The vif gene of lentiviruses has been demonstrated to be essential for efficient viral replication in many cell types. Although the Vif protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) displays limited homology to HIV-1 Vif, the role of vif in FIV replication is not known. We have examined the requirements of vif for replication of a FIV strain isolated from a non-domestic felid, Otocolobus manul (FIV-Oma). In agreement with others, we find that replication of FIV vif mutant molecular clones in CrFK cells is highly attenuated. Initial attempts to rescue vif mutant viruses in trans were limited by lack of detectable wild-type Vif expression from DNA constructs. We demonstrate that FIV-Oma Vif expression can be increased by re-synthesis of the gene to remove splice donor and acceptor sites as well as improving codon usage to a mammalian codon optimized model. Cellular localization of resynthesized Vif (Vif-RS) is cytoplasmic. Clonal stable transfectants expressing HA-tagged Vif-RS do not restore replication levels of vif mutant virus. However, in such cell lines, G-to-A mutation rates in replicating wild-type viruses are reduced.

Identification and characterization of an exogenous retrovirus from atlantic salmon swim bladder sarcomas.

A novel piscine retrovirus has been identified in association with an outbreak of leiomyosarcoma in the swim bladders of Atlantic salmon. The complete nucleotide sequence of the Atlantic salmon swim bladder sarcoma virus (SSSV) provirus is 10.9 kb in length and shares a structure and transcriptional profile similar to those of murine leukemia virus-like simple retroviruses. SSSV appears unique to simple retroviruses by not harboring sequences in the Atlantic salmon genome. Additionally, SSSV differs from other retroviruses in potentially utilizing a methionine tRNA primer binding site. SSSV-associated tumors contain high proviral copy numbers (greater than 30 per cell) and a polyclonal integration pattern. Phylogenetic analysis based on reverse transcriptase places SSSV with zebrafish endogenous retrovirus (ZFERV) between the Gammaretrovirus and Epsilonretrovirus genera. Large regions of continuous homology between SSSV and ZFERV Gag, Pol, and Env suggest that these viruses represent a new group of related piscine retroviruses.