Determinants of Chromatin Organization in Aging and Cancer-Emerging Opportunities for Epigenetic Therapies and AI Technology.

This review article critically examines the pivotal role of chromatin organization in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, disease progression and aging. It explores the dynamic between the euchromatin and heterochromatin, coded by a complex array of histone modifications that orchestrate essential cellular processes. We discuss the pathological impacts of chromatin state misregulation, particularly in cancer and accelerated aging conditions such as progeroid syndromes, and highlight the innovative role of epigenetic therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) in comprehending and harnessing the histone code toward personalized medicine. In the context of aging, this review explores the use of AI and advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms to parse vast biological datasets, leading to the development of predictive models for epigenetic modifications and providing a framework for understanding complex regulatory mechanisms, such as those governing cell identity genes. It supports innovative platforms like CEFCIG for high-accuracy predictions and tools like GridGO for tailored ChIP-Seq analysis, which are vital for deciphering the epigenetic landscape. The review also casts a vision on the prospects of AI and ML in oncology, particularly in the personalization of cancer therapy, including early diagnostics and treatment optimization for diseases like head and neck and colorectal cancers by harnessing computational methods, AI advancements and integrated clinical data for a transformative impact on healthcare outcomes.

Novel Epigenetic Modifiers of Histones Presenting Potent Inhibitory Effects on Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Stemness and Invasive Properties.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm known for its indolent clinical course, risk of perineural invasion, and late onset of distant metastasis. Due to the scarcity of samples and the tumor's rarity, progress in developing effective treatments has been historically limited. To tackle this issue, a high-throughput screening of epigenetic drugs was conducted to identify compounds capable of disrupting the invasive properties of the tumor and its cancer stem cells (CSCs). ACC cells were screened for changes in tumor viability, chromatin decondensation, Snail inhibition along tumor migration, and disruption of cancer stem cells. Seven compounds showed potential clinical interest, and further validation showed that Scriptaid emerged as a promising candidate for treating ACC invasion. Scriptaid demonstrated a favorable cellular toxicity index, effectively inhibited Snail expression, induced hyperacetylation of histone, reduced cell migration, and effectively disrupted tumorspheres. Additionally, LMK235 displayed encouraging results in four out of five validation assays, further highlighting its potential in combating tumor invasion in ACC. By targeting the invasive properties of the tumor and CSCs, Scriptaid and LMK235 hold promise as potential treatments for ACC, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and pave the way for further research in this critical area.

Feeling the Heat. Mapping the Epigenetic Modifications of Histone during Burn Wound Healing.

Burn injuries are observed throughout a wide range of ages, with over 1.1 million Americans suffering burns yearly, and half of these require hospitalization. Epigenetic modifications are fast-acting mechanisms that allow the human body to respond and adapt to environmental changes, including burn injuries. There is a lack of understanding of the epigenetic role during burn-induced tissue repair. Here, we characterize the histone modifications that follow burn injury, aiming at future pharmacological intervention using drugs capable of targeting epigenetic events. A clinically relevant porcine burn model was used to recapitulate the skin healing process after the burn. Isolated skin tissues at different time points were used to detect the acetylation levels of histones H3K27, H4K5, H4K8, and H4K12 as significant players of gene transcription using MetaXpress High-Content Imaging Analysis. We observed that the acetylation of histones is dynamically adjusted throughout healing, and its modifications are uniquely expressed according to the anatomical location and time of healing. We also observed that histone H4K5 is the most widely expressed during healing, followed by histone H3K27. We observed that histones expressed in intact skin tissue adjacent to the burn site could sense the burn injury by changing its histone acetylation pattern compared to control skin from uninjured and distant skin. Using a clinically relevant animal model, we have generated a comprehensive landscape of epigenetic modifications during burn healing. Our data will help us identify novel epi-drugs capable of manipulating histone modifications during healing to accelerate the healing process.

Using PDX animal models to identify and stratify adenoid cystic carcinoma patients presenting an enhanced response to HDAC inhibitors.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients face a highly infiltrative and metastatic disease characterized by poor survival rates and suboptimal response to available therapies. We have previously shown that sensitization of ACC tumors to chemotherapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy to manage tumor growth. Here, we used patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from ACC tumors to evaluate the effects of in vivo administration of the HDAC inhibitor Entinostat combined with Cisplatin over tumor growth. RNA from PDX tumor samples receiving the proposed therapy were analyzed using NanoString technology to identify molecular signatures capable of predicting ACC response to the therapy. We also used an RNAseq dataset from 68 ACC patients to validate the molecular signature identified by the NanoString platform. We found that the administration of Entinostat combined with Cisplatin resulted in a potent tumor growth inhibition (TGI) ranging from 38% to 106% of the original tumor mass. Enhanced response to therapy is consistent with the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, including SFRP1, and the downregulation of oncogenes like FGF8 and CCR7. Nanostring data from PDX tumors identified a genetic signature capable of predicting tumor response to therapy. We further stratified 68 ACC patients containing RNAseq data accordingly to the activity levels of the identified genetic signature. We found that 23% of all patients exhibit a genetic signature consistent with a high ACC tumor response rate to Entinostat and Cisplatin. Our study provides compelling preclinical data supporting the deployment of a powerful systemic anticancer therapy crafted and explicitly tested for ACC tumors.

Empowering the youth to choose non-traditional careers in research and academia.

BACKGROUD: The United States is facing a dramatic shortage of clinician-scientists within the domains of medicine and dentistry. POINT OF VIEW: In this perspective article, we stressed the problem involving the continuous shortage of specialized professionals capable of addressing complex basic sciences questions, while maintaining clinical relevance. Here we present a different perspective regarding the early engagement of young students to clinical sciences by teaming up with high schools across the United States, and to energize the debate on our current shortage of clinician-scientists.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cells have different drug sensitive to pharmacological NFκB and histone deacetylation inhibition.

Despite many progresses in the development of new systemic therapies for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the five-year survival rate of OSCC is low. The traditional chemotherapies approach (cisplatin - CDDP) shows some limitations like drug toxicity, limited efficacy, and drug resistance. Promising studies suggested OSCC cancer stem cells (CSC) presented resistance to CDDP. We have previously studied many targets, and we extensively showed the efficacy of the NFκB signaling and the role of histones acetylation, on different malignant tumors, including adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but until then the effects of the NFkB inhibitor and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor on the biology of OSCC were not evaluated. Here we assessed the pharmacological inhibitor of NFκB emetine and HDAC inhibitor SAHA on the behavior of CSC derived from OSCC. Our data suggested that CDDP administration resulted in reduced viability of bulk OSCC cells and increased CSC. A single and isolated shot of emetine and SAHA were able to disrupt CSC by inhibiting the NFκB pathway and increasing the histone acetylation levels, respectively. Further, the combined administration of emetine and SAHA presented the same CSC disruption as seen in emetine alone.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma from the salivary and lacrimal glands and the breast: Different clinical outcomes to the same tumor.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a biphasic malignant lesion that can develop at various anatomical sites. Salivary and lacrimal ACC lesions have a high risk of local invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis. In more distant organs, such as the breast, ACC is a rarer and less aggressive lesion. One of the major predictors of mortality of ACC is perineural invasion, which can be seen in 30 % of breast lesions, 85% of salivary lesions, and almost 100 % of lacrimal gland tumors. The biological differences between these three ACC tumors are still poorly understood. We focused on the current understanding of the genetic variations observed on ACC tumors and prognostic differences associated with distinct anatomical sites. A special effort was made to present the currently available therapies alongside the emerging strategies under development.

Adopting artificial intelligence in dental education: A model for academic leadership and innovation.

INTRODUCTION: The continual evolution of dental education, dental practice and the delivery of optimal oral health care is rooted in the practice of leadership. This paper explores opportunities and challenges facing dental education with a specific focus on incorporating the use of artificial intelligence (AI). METHODS: Using the model in Bolman and Deal's Reframing Organizations, the Four Frames model serves as a road map for building infrastructure within dental schools for the adoption of AI. CONCLUSION: AI can complement and boost human tasks and have a far-reaching impact in academia and health care. Its adoption could enhance educational experiences and the delivery of care, and support current functions and future innovation. The framework suggested in this paper, while specific to AI, could be adapted and applied to a myriad of innovations and new organizational ideals and goals within institutions of dental education.

Histone Modification on Parathyroid Tumors: A Review of Epigenetics.

Parathyroid tumors are very prevalent conditions among endocrine tumors, being the second most common behind thyroid tumors. Secondary hyperplasia can occur beyond benign and malignant neoplasia in parathyroid glands. Adenomas are the leading cause of hyperparathyroidism, while carcinomas represent less than 1% of the cases. Tumor suppressor gene mutations such as MEN1 and CDC73 were demonstrated to be involved in tumor development in both familiar and sporadic types; however, the epigenetic features of the parathyroid tumors are still a little-explored subject. We present a review of epigenetic mechanisms related to parathyroid tumors, emphasizing advances in histone modification and its perspective of becoming a promising area in parathyroid tumor research.

From Tissue Physoxia to Cancer Hypoxia, Cost-Effective Methods to Study Tissue-Specific O2 Levels in Cellular Biology.

The human body is endowed with an extraordinary ability to maintain different oxygen levels in various tissues and organs. The maintenance of physiological levels of oxygen is known as physoxia. The development of hypoxic conditions plays an important role in the biology of several pathologies, including cancer. In vitro studies using normal and neoplastic cells require that culture conditions be carried out under appropriate oxygen levels, either physoxic or hypoxic conditions. Such requirements are difficult to widely implement in laboratory practice, mainly due to the high costs of specialized equipment. In this work, we present and characterize a cost-effective method to culture cells under a range of oxygen levels using deoxidizing pouches. Our results show that physoxic and hypoxic levels using deoxidizing absorbers can be achieved either by implementing a gradual change in oxygen levels or by a regimen of acute depletion of oxygen. This approach triggers the activation of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells while stimulating the expression of HIF-1α. Culturing cancer cells with deoxidizing agent pouches revealed PI3K oncogenic pathway exacerbations compared to tumor cells growing under atmospheric levels of oxygen. Similar to the PI3K signaling disturbance, we also observed augmented oxidative stress and superoxide levels and increased cell cycle arrest. Most interestingly, the culture of cancer cells under hypoxia resulted in the accumulation of cancer stem cells in a time-dependent manner. Overall, we present an attractive, cost-effective method of culturing cells under appropriate physoxic or hypoxic conditions that is easily implementable in any wet laboratory equipped with cell culture tools.

Periodontal disease affects oral cancer progression in a surrogate animal model for tobacco exposure.

For decades, the link between poor oral hygiene and the increased prevalence of oral cancer has been suggested. Most recently, emerging evidence has suggested that chronic inflammatory diseases from the oral cavity (e.g., periodontal disease), to some extent, play a role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The present study aimed to explore the direct impact of biofilm­induced periodontitis in the carcinogenesis process using a tobacco surrogate animal model for oral cancer. A total of 42 Wistar rats were distributed into four experimental groups: Control group, periodontitis (Perio) group, 4­nitroquinoline 1­oxide (4­NQO) group and 4NQO/Perio group. Periodontitis was stimulated by placing a ligature subgingivally, while oral carcinogenesis was induced by systemic administration of 4NQO in the drinking water for 20 weeks. It was observed that the Perio, 4NQO and 4NQO/Perio groups presented with significantly higher alveolar bone loss compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, all groups receiving 4NQO developed lesions on the dorsal surface of the tongue; however, the 4NQO/Perio group presented larger lesions compared with the 4NQO group. There was also a modest overall increase in the number of epithelial dysplasia and OSCC lesions in the 4NQO/Perio group. Notably, abnormal focal activation of cellular differentiation (cytokeratin 10­positive cells) that extended near the basal cell layer of the mucosa was observed in rats receiving 4NQO alone, but was absent in rats receiving 4NQO and presenting with periodontal disease. Altogether, the presence of periodontitis combined with 4NQO administration augmented tumor size in the current rat model and tampered with the protective mechanisms of the cellular differentiation of epithelial cells.

Cephaeline is an inductor of histone H3 acetylation and inhibitor of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cancer stem cells.

AIM: To evaluate the potential use of Cephaeline as a therapeutic strategy to manage mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the salivary glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: UM-HMC-1, UM-HMC-2, and UM-HMC-3A MEC cell lines were used to establish the effects of Cephaeline over tumor viability determined by MTT assay. In vitro wound healing scratch assays were performed to address cellular migration while immunofluorescence staining for histone H3 lysine 9 (H3k9ac) was used to identify the acetylation status of tumor cells upon Cephaeline administration. The presence of cancer stem cells was evaluated by the identification of ALDH enzymatic activity by flow cytometry and through functional assays using in vitro tumorsphere formation. RESULTS: A single administration of Cephaeline resulted in reduced viability of MEC cells along with the halt on tumor growth and cellular migration potential. Administration of Cephaeline resulted in chromatin histone acetylation as judged by the increased levels of H3K9ac and disruption of tumorspheres formation. Interestingly, ALDH levels were increased in UM-HMC-1 and UM-HMC-3A cell lines, while UM-HMC-2 showed a reduced enzymatic activity. CONCLUSION: Cephaeline has shown anti-cancer properties in all MEC cell lines tested by regulating tumor cells' viability, migration, proliferation, and disrupting the ability of cancer cells to generate tumorspheres.

Oral health care professionals recommending and administering the HPV vaccine: Understanding the strengths and assessing the barriers.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancer is a deadly cancer that ranks among the six most common cancers worldwide. The HPV vaccine has been used to prevent head and neck cancer of the oropharynx, and changes in health policies and state law are impacting the role of dental professionals in HPV vaccination. However, relatively little is known about dental professionals' attitudes regarding the vaccine. OBJECTIVES: Our study assesses dental professionals' willingness to administer the HPV vaccine, their confidence discussing HPV with patients, beliefs about the vaccine's efficacy, perceived barriers to administering it, and sites of referral. METHODS: We surveyed 623 dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, dental students, and hygiene students across Michigan. Attitudes toward the vaccine and predictive characteristics were evaluated by logistic regression, ANOVAs, and t-tests. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (51% of dentists, 63% of hygienists, 82% of dental students, and 71% of hygiene students) were willing to administer the HPV vaccine if allowed by law. The role of dental and dental hygiene students would be one of advocacy, educating and recommending the vaccine, and the dental students administering it once licensed. Dental professionals were variably confident discussing HPV with patients and generally believed it enhanced patients' health. Stronger confidence and beliefs were associated with greater willingness to administer the vaccine. Barriers among professionals opposing the HPV vaccine included lack of knowledge on the subject, liability concerns, and personal beliefs. CONCLUSION: Dental professionals can become leaders in preventing HPV-related cancers. Training and continuing education courses could enhance their confidence and willingness to recommend and administer the HPV vaccine. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Legislation that permits dental professionals to administer the vaccine could increase the vaccine's accessibility to patients, improve vaccination rates, and population health.

Photobiomodulation therapy drives massive epigenetic histone modifications, stem cells mobilization and accelerated epithelial healing.

Emerging evidence indicates the clinical benefits of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the management of skin and mucosal wounds. Here, we decided to explore the effects of different regiments of PBMT on epithelial cells and stem cells, and the potential implications over the epigenetic circuitry during healing. Scratch-wound migration, immunofluorescence (anti-acetyl-Histone H3, anti-acetyl-CBP/p300 and anti-BMI1), nuclear morphometry and western blotting (anti-Phospho-S6, anti-methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 [MBD2]) were performed. Epithelial stem cells were identified by the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymatic levels and sphere-forming assay. We observed that PBMT-induced accelerated epithelial migration and chromatin relaxation along with increased levels of histones acetylation, the transcription cofactors CBP/p300 and mammalian target of rapamycin. We further observed a reduction of the transcription repression-associated protein MBD2 and a reduced number of epithelial stem cells and spheres. In this study, we showed that PBMT could induce epigenetic modifications of epithelial cells and control stem cell fate, leading to an accelerated healing phenotype.

Entinostat is a novel therapeutic agent to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Alterations of the epigenome may influence cancer initiation and progression. At the cellular level, histones are key regulators of chromatin accessibility and gene transcription; thus, the inhibition of histone deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) constitutes an attractive target for therapy. In this study, we investigated the effects of the HDAC inhibitor entinostat on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the effects of entinostat on OSCC cell lines. Cell viability and growth were analyzed using MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis, cell apoptosis, cancer stem cell (CSC) content, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OSCC tumor cells were assessed using flow cytometry. The expression of histones and cell cycle regulatory proteins was examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The administration of entinostat resulted in reduced proliferation of OSCC cells, followed by cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, as well as substantial tumor apoptosis. We found an increase in ROS production and significant reductions in CSCs. We also found that entinostat caused increased acetylation histone H3 and histone H4, and changes in the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins such as p21. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that entinostat is a potential novel therapeutic agent for OSCC by halting tumor proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and intracellular ROS, and attacking the CSCs.

Pharmacological PTEN inhibition: potential clinical applications and effects in tissue regeneration.

Although the human body can heal, it takes time, and slow healing and chronic wounds often occur. Thus, identifying novel therapies to aid regeneration is needed. Here, we conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines and assessed preclinical studies on phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors and their effects on tissue repair and regeneration. In conditions associated with neurodegeneration, tissue injury and ischemia, the PTEN-regulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is activated. The use of PTEN inhibitors resulted in better tissue response by reducing the healing time and lesion sizes or inducing neuronal regeneration. Notably, all studies included in this systematic review indicated that pharmacological inhibition of PTEN enhanced the repair process of the eye, lung, muscle and nervous system.

Skin wound healing triggers epigenetic modifications of histone H4.

BACKGROUND: The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Upon injury, the skin triggers a sequence of signaling pathways that induce epithelial proliferation, migration, and ultimately, the re-establishment of the epithelial barrier. Our study explores the unknown epigenetic regulations of wound healing from a histone perspective. Posttranslational modifications of histones enhance chromatin accessibility and modify gene transcription. METHODS: Full-thickness wounds were made in the dorsal skin of twenty-four C57/B6 mice (C57BL/6J), followed by the use of ring-shaped silicone splints to prevent wound contraction. Tissue samples were collected at three time points (post-operatory day 1, 4, and 9), and processed for histology. Immunofluorescence was performed in all-time points using markers for histone H4 acetylation at lysines K5, K8, K12, and K16. RESULTS: We found well-defined histone modifications associated with the stages of healing. Most exciting, we showed that the epidermis located at a distance from the wound demonstrated changes in histone acetylation, particularly the deacetylation of histone H4K5, H4K8, and H4K16, and hyperacetylation of H4K12. The epidermis adjacent to the wound revealed the deacetylation of H4K5 and H4K8 and hyperacetylation of H4K12. Conversely, the migratory epithelium (epithelial tongue) displayed significant acetylation of H4K5 and H4K12. The H4K5 and H4K8 were decreased in the newly formed epidermis, which continued to display high levels of H4K12 and H4K16. CONCLUSIONS: This study profiles the changes in histone H4 acetylation in response to injury. In addition to the epigenetic changes found in the healing tissue, these changes also took place in tissues adjacent and distant to the wound. Furthermore, not only deacetylation but also hyperacetylation occurred during tissue repair and regeneration.

BMAL1 Modulates Epidermal Healing in a Process Involving the Antioxidative Defense Mechanism.

The circadian rhythm regulates the physiology and behavior of living organisms in a time-dependent manner. Clock genes have distinct roles including the control over gene expression mediated by the transcriptional activators CLOCK and BMAL1, and the suppression of gene expression mediated by the transcriptional repressors PER1/2 and CRY1/2. The balance between gene expression and repression is key to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis that is disrupted in the event of an injury. In the skin, a compromised epithelial barrier triggers a cascade of events that culminate in the mobilization of epithelial cells and stem cells. Recruited epithelial cells migrate towards the wound and reestablish the protective epithelial layer of the skin. Although we have recently demonstrated the involvement of BMAL and the PI3K signaling in wound healing, the role of the circadian clock genes in tissue repair remains poorly understood. Here, we sought to understand the role of BMAL1 on skin healing in response to injury. We found that genetic depletion of BMAL1 resulted in delayed healing of the skin as compared to wild-type control mice. Furthermore, we found that loss of Bmal1 was associated with the accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species Modulator 1 (ROMO1), a protein responsible for inducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The slow healing was associated with ROS and superoxide dismutase (SOD) production, and pharmacological inhibition of the oxidative stress signaling (ROS/SOD) led to cellular proliferation, upregulation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and rescued the skin healing phenotype of Bmal1-/- mice. Overall, our study points to BMAL1 as a key player in tissue regeneration and as a critical regulator of ROMO1 and oxidative stress in the skin.

Asparaginase induces selective dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and reduction of NFκB expression in oral cancer cells.

Asparaginase is fundamental to the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, little has been studied on the effects that asparaginase could exert on solid tumours. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of asparaginase on an oral carcinoma cell line. The cytotoxicity of asparaginase in SCC-9 (tongue squamous cell carcinoma) and HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cell lines was evaluated with MTT cell viability assay. The cells were treated with asparaginase at 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, and 5.0 IU/mL. Dose-response curves and IC50 values were obtained and the Tumour Selectivity Index (TSI) was calculated. The effect of asparaginase on procaspase-3 and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression was evaluated with western blot because it was reported that the overexpression of NFκB has been shown to contribute to tumour cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Caspase 3/7 staining was performed to identify cell death using flow cytometry. Effective asparaginase concentrations were lower for SCC-9 cells when compared to HaCaT cells. The cytotoxicity results at 48 and 72 hours were significantly different for SCC-9 cells. The TSI indicated that asparaginase was selective for the tumour cells. A decrease in procaspase-3 and NFκB protein levels was observed in SCC-9 cells. Furthermore, asparaginase resulted in significant apoptosis after 48 and 72 hours. Based on these results, asparaginase was cytotoxic in a dose- and time-dependent manner, induces apoptosis, and reduces NFκB expression in oral cancer cells. These results encourage further studies on the effectiveness of this enzyme as a treatment for solid tumours, especially head and neck cancer.