Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cell types derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts. Recent data indicate that the majority of established female XX hESC lines have undergone X chromosome inactivation (XCI) prior to differentiation, and XCI of hESCs can be either XIST-dependent (class II) or XIST-independent (class III). XCI of female hESCs precludes the use of XX hESCs as a cell-based model for examining mechanisms of XCI, and will be a challenge for studying X-linked diseases unless strategies are developed to reactivate the inactive X. In order to recover nuclei with two active X chromosomes (class I), we developed a reprogramming strategy by supplementing hESC media with the small molecules sodium butyrate and 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep). Our data demonstrate that successful reprogramming can occur from the XIST-dependent class II nuclear state but not class III nuclear state. To determine whether these small molecules prevent XCI, we derived six new hESC lines under normoxic conditions (UCLA1–UCLA6). We show that class I nuclei are present within the first 20 passages of hESC derivation prior to cryopreservation, and that supplementation with either sodium butyrate or DZNep preserve class I nuclei in the self-renewing state. Together, our data demonstrate that self-renewal and survival of class I nuclei are compatible with normoxic hESC derivation, and that chemical supplementation after derivation provides a strategy to prevent epigenetic progression and retain nuclei with two active X chromosomes in the self-renewing state.

Beginning with a known 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold (I), the relocation of the fused cyclopropane ring bond and the shifting of the oxygen atom to an alternative location engendered a new 2-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane template (II) that mimics more closely the tetrahydrofuran ring of conventional nucleosides. The synthesis of this new class of locked nucleosides involved a novel approach that required the isocyanate II (B = NCO) with a hydroxyl-protected scaffold as a pivotal intermediate that was obtained in eleven steps from a known dihydrofuran precursor. The completion of the nucleobases was successfully achieved by quenching the isocyanate with the lithium salts of the corresponding acrylic amides that led to the uracil and thymidine precursors in a single step. Ring closure of these intermediates led to the target, locked nucleosides. The anti-HIV activity of 29 (uridine analogue), 31 (thymidine analogue), and 34 (cytidine analogue) was explored in human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells or modified HOS cells (HOS-313) expressing the herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-1 TK). Only the cytidine analogue showed moderate activity in HOS-313 cells, which means that the compounds are not good substrates for the cellular kinases.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor with an undifferentiated status and generally poor prognosis, but the basis for these characteristics remains unknown. In this study, we show that upregulation of the Polycomb complex histone methytransferase EZH2, which limits differentiation in many tissues, is critical to maintain the undifferentiated state and poor prognostic status of NB by epigenetic repression of multiple tumor suppressor genes. We identified this role for EZH2 by examining the regulation of CASZ1, a recently identified NB tumor suppressor gene whose ectopic restoration inhibits NB cell growth and induces differentiation. Reducing EZH2 expression by RNAi-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibiton with 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) increased CASZ1 expression, inhibited NB cell growth and induced neurite extension. Similarly, EZH2−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) displayed 3-fold higher levels of CASZ1 mRNA compared to EZH2+/+ MEFs. In cells with increased expression of CASZ1, treatment with HDAC inhibitors decreased expression of EZH2 and the Polycomb complex component SUZ12. Under steady-state conditions H3K27me3 and PRC2 components bound to the CASZ1 gene were enriched, but this enrichment was decreased after HDAC inhibitor treatment. We determined that the tumor suppressors CLU, NGFR and RUNX3 were also directly repressed by EZH2 like CASZ1 in NB cells. Together, our findings establish that aberrant upregulation of EZH2 in NB cells silences several tumor suppressors, which contribute to the genesis and maintenance of the undifferentiated phenotype of NB tumors.

Adenosine receptor agonists have cardioprotective, cerebroprotective, and antiinflammatory properties. We report that a carbocyclic modification of the ribose moiety incorporating ring constraints is a general approach for the design of A1 and A3 receptor agonists having favorable pharmacodynamic properties. While simple carbocyclic substitution of adenosine agonists greatly diminishes potency, methanocarba-adenosine analogues have now defined the role of sugar puckering in stabilizing the active adenosine receptor-bound conformation and thereby have allowed identification of a favored isomer. In such analogues a fused cyclopropane moiety constrains the pseudosugar ring of the nucleoside to either a Northern (N) or Southern (S) conformation, as defined in the pseudorotational cycle. In binding assays at A1, A2A, and A3 receptors, (N)-methanocarba-adenosine was of higher affinity than the (S)-analogue, particularly at the human A3 receptor (N/S affinity ratio of 150). (N)-Methanocarba analogues of various N6-substituted adenosine derivatives, including cyclopentyl and 3-iodobenzyl, in which the parent compounds are potent agonists at either A1 or A3 receptors, respectively, were synthesized. The N6-cyclopentyl derivatives were A1 receptor-selective and maintained high efficacy at recombinant human but not rat brain A1 receptors, as indicated by stimulation of binding of [35S]GTP-γ-S. The (N)-methanocarba-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine and its 2-chloro derivative had Ki values of 4.1 and 2.2 nM at A3 receptors, respectively, and were highly selective partial agonists. Partial agonism combined with high functional potency at A3 receptors (EC50 < 1 nM) may produce tissue selectivity. In conclusion, as for P2Y1 receptors, at least three adenosine receptors favor the ribose (N)-conformation.

Polycomb group (PcG) protein-dependent histone methylation and ubiquitination drives chromatin compaction leading to reduced tumor suppressor expression and increased cancer cell survival. Green tea polyphenols and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase inhibitors are important candidate chemopreventive agents. Previous studies indicate that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent green tea polyphenol, suppresses PcG protein level and skin cancer cell survival. Inhibition of AdoHcy hydrolase with 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) inhibits methyltransferases by reducing methyl group availability. In the present study, we examine the impact of EGCG and DZNep cotreatment on skin cancer cell function. EGCG and DZNep, independently and in combination, reduce the level of PcG proteins including Ezh2, eed, Suz12, Mel18 and Bmi-1. This is associated with reduced H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub formation, histone modifications associated with closed chromatin. Histone deacetylase 1 level is also reduced and acetylated H3 formation is increased. These changes are associated with increased tumor suppressor expression and reduced cell survival and are partially reversed by vector-mediated maintenance of Bmi-1 level. The reduction in PcG protein level is associated with increased ubiquitination and is reversed by proteasome inhibitors, suggesting proteasome-associated degradation.

An enantioselective synthesis of suitably protected (1R,2S,4S,5S)-4-amino-1-(hydroxymethyl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol, a key starting material for the synthesis of conformationally locked carbocyclic nucleosides, including the antiviral active North-methanocarba thymidine, is reported. Starting from 2-deoxyribose the target Boc-protected amine was prepared in 33% overall yield under condition that are ecologically friendlier than previous methods.

Preference for the northern (N) ring conformation of the ribose moiety of adenine nucleotide 3′,5′-bisphosphate antagonists of P2Y1 receptors was established by using a ring-constrained methanocarba (a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring as a ribose substitute (Nandanan et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 829–842). We have now combined the ring-constrained (N)-methanocarba modification with other functionalities at the 2-position of the adenine moiety. A new synthetic route to this series of bisphosphate derivatives was introduced, consisting of phosphorylation of the pseudoribose moiety prior to coupling with the adenine base. The activity of the newly synthesized analogues was determined by measuring antagonism of 2-methylthio-ADP-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC) activity in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells expressing the recombinant human P2Y1 receptor and by using the radiolabeled antagonist [3H]2-chloro-N6-methyl-(N)-methanocarba-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate 5 in a newly developed binding assay in Sf9 cell membranes. Within the series of 2-halo analogues, the most potent molecule at the hP2Y1 receptor was an (N)-methanocarba N6-methyl-2-iodo analogue 12, which displayed a Ki value in competition for binding of [3H]5 of 0.79 nM and a KB value of 1.74 nM for inhibition of PLC. Thus, 12 is the most potent antagonist selective for the P2Y1 receptor yet reported. The 2-iodo group was substituted with trimethyltin, thus providing a parallel synthetic route for the introduction of an iodo group in this high-affinity antagonist. The (N)-methanocarba-2-methylthio, 2-methylseleno, 2-hexyl, 2-(1-hexenyl), and 2-(1-hexynyl) analogues bound less well, exhibiting micromolar affinity at P2Y1 receptors. An enzymatic method of synthesis of the 3′,5′-bisphosphate from the corresponding 3′-monophosphate, suitable for the preparation of a radiophosphorylated analogue, was explored.

Cancer-testis antigens such as NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A1 and MAGE-A3 are immunogenic proteins encoded by genes, which are normally expressed only in male germ cells, but activated by ill-defined epigenetic mechanisms in human tumors including lung cancers. Previously we reported induction of these cancer-testis antigens in cancer cells, but not normal cells, by DNA demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors using clinically achievable exposure conditions. In the present study, we evaluated chromatin alterations associated with repression/activation of cancer-testis genes in lung cancer cells to further develop gene induction regimens for cancer immunotherapy. Repression of NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A1, and MAGE-A3 coincided with DNA hypermethylation, recruitment and binding of polycomb group proteins, and histone heterochromatin modifications within the promoters of these genes. De-repression coincided with DNA demethylation, dissociation of polycomb proteins, and presence of euchromatin marks within the respective promoters. ShRNAs were used to inhibit several histone methyl transferases (KMTs) and histone demethylases (KDMs) that mediate histone methylation and repress gene expression. Knockdown of KMT6, KDM1 or KDM5B markedly enhanced deoxyazacytidine (DAC)-mediated activation of these cancer-testis genes in lung cancer cells. DZNep, a pharmacologic inhibitor of KMT6 expression, recapitulated the effects of KMT6 knock-down. Following DAC-DZNep exposure, lung cancer cells were specifically recognized and lysed by allogeneic lymphocytes expressing recombinant T cell receptors recognizing NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3. Combining DNA demethylating agents with compounds such as DZNep that modulate histone lysine methylation may provide a novel epigenetic strategy to augment cancer-testis gene expression as an adjunct to adoptive cancer immunotherapy.

Two conformationally locked versions of L-deoxythreosyl phosphonate nucleosides (2 and 3) were synthesized to investigate the preference of HIV reverse transcriptase for a conformation displaying either a fully diaxial or fully diequatorial disposition of substituents. Synthesis of the enantiomeric 4-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2-ol carbocyclic nucleoside precursors (diaxially disposed) proceeded straightforwardly from commercially available (1R,4S)-4-hydroxy-2-cyclopent-2-enyl-1-yl acetate employing a hydroxyl-directed Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation that culminated with a Mitsunobu coupling of the purine base. For the more complicated 1-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-ol carbocyclic nucleoside precursors (diequatorially disposed), the obligatory linear approach required the syntheses of key 1-aminobicyclo[3.1.0.]hexan-3-yl benzoate precursors that were assembled via the amide variant of the Kulinkovich reaction involving the intramolecular cyclopropanation of a substitued δ-vinylamide. Completion of the purine ring was achieved by conventional approaches but with much improved yields through the use of a microwave reactor. The syntheses of the phosphonates and the corresponding diphosphates were achieved by conventional means. None of the diphosphates, which were supposed to act as nucleoside triphosphate mimics, could compete with dATP even when present in a ten-fold excess.

Relatively new types of the modified nucleotides, namely carbocyclic sugars that are constrained to north or south (C2′ or C3′ exo) conformations, can be used for RNA nanoparticle design to control their structures and stability by rigidifying nucleotides and altering the helical properties of RNA duplexes. Two RNA structures, an RNA dodecamer and an HIV kissing loop complex where several nucleotides were replaced with north or south constrained sugars, were studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The substituted south constrained nucleotides in the dodecamer widened the major groove and narrowed and deepened the minor groove thus inducing local conformational changes that resemble a B-form DNA helix. In the HIV kissing loop complex, north and south constrained nucleotides were substituted into flanking bases and stems. The modified HIV kissing loop complex showed a lower RMSD value than the normal kissing loop complex. The overall twist angle was also changed and its standard deviation was reduced. In addition, the modified RNA dodecamer and HIV kissing loop complex were characterized by principal component analysis (PCA) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD). PCA results showed that the constrained sugars stabilized the overall motions. The results of the SMD simulations indicated that as the backbone δ angles were increased by elongation, more force was applied to the modified RNA due to the constrained sugar analogues.

Neuralized (Neurl) is a highly conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase, which in Drosophila acts upon Notch ligands to regulate Notch pathway signaling. Human Neuralized1 (NEURL1) was investigated as a potential tumor suppressor in medulloblastoma (MB). The gene is located at 10q25.1, a region demonstrating frequent loss of heterozygosity in tumors. In addition, prior publications have shown that the Notch pathway is functional in a proportion of MB tumors and that Neurl1 is only expressed in differentiated cells in the developing cerebellum. In this study, NEURL1 expression was downregulated in MB compared with normal cerebellar tissue, with the lowest levels of expression in hedgehog-activated tumors. Control of gene expression by histone modification was implicated mechanistically; loss of 10q, sequence mutation, and promoter hypermethylation did not play major roles. NEURL1-transfected MB cell lines demonstrated decreased population growth, colony-forming ability, tumor sphere formation, and xenograft growth compared with controls, and a significant increase in apoptosis was seen on cell cycle and cell death analysis. Notch pathway inhibition occurred on the exogenous expression of NEURL1, as shown by decreased expression of the Notch ligand, Jagged1, and the target genes, HES1 and HEY1. From these studies, we conclude that NEURL1 is a candidate tumor suppressor in MB, at least in part through its effects on the Notch pathway.

It is important to develop new anti-HIV drugs that are effective against the existing drug-resistant mutants. Because the excision mechanism is an important pathway for resistance to nucleoside analogs, we are preparing analogs that retain a 3′-OH and can be extended after they are incorporated by the viral reverse transcriptase. We show that 4′-C-alkyl-deoxyadenosine (4′-C-alkyl-dA) compounds can be phosphorylated in cultured cells and can inhibit the replication of HIV-1 vectors: 4′-C-methyl- and 4′-C-ethyl-dA show both efficacy and selectivity against HIV-1. The compounds are also effective against viruses that replicate using reverse transcriptases (RTs) that carry nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutations, with the exception of the M184V mutant. Analysis of viral DNA synthesis in infected cells showed that viral DNA synthesis is blocked by the incorporation of either 4′-C-methyl- or 4′-C-ethyl-2′-deoxyadenosine. In vitro experiments with purified HIV-1 RT showed that 4′-C-methyl-2′-dATP can compete with dATP and that incorporation of the analog causes pausing in DNA synthesis. The 4′-C-ethyl compound also competes with dATP and shows a differential ability to block DNA synthesis on RNA and DNA templates. Experiments that measure the ability of the compounds to block DNA synthesis in infected cells suggest that this differential block to DNA synthesis also occurs in infected cells.

How regeneration cues are converted into the epigenetic information that controls gene expression in adult stem cells is currently unknown. We identified a novel inflammation-activated signalling in muscle stem (satellite) cells, by which the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) represses Pax7 expression during muscle regeneration. TNF-activated p38alpha kinase promotes the interaction between YY1 and PRC2, via threonine 372 phosphorylation of EzH2, the enzymatic sub-unit of the complex, leading to the formation of repressive chromatin on Pax7 promoter. Anti-TNF antibodies stimulate satellite cell proliferation in regenerating muscles of dystrophic or normal mice. Genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of the enzymatic components of the p38/PRC2 signalling – p38alpha and EzH2 - invariably promote Pax7 expression and expansion of satellite cells that retain their differentiation potential upon signalling resumption. Genetic knockdown of Pax7 impaired satellite cell proliferation in response to p38 inhibition, thereby establishing the biological link between p38/PRC2 signalling to Pax7 and satellite cell decision to proliferate or differentiate.

DNA methylation, histone modifications, and nucleosomal occupancy collaborate to cause silencing of tumor-related genes in cancer. The development of drugs that target these processes is therefore important for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, drugs that target other mechanisms still need to be developed. Recently, 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) was reported to selectively inhibit trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) and lysine 20 on histone H4 (H4K20me3) as well as reactivate silenced genes in cancer cells. This finding opens the door to the pharmacologic inhibition of histone methylation. We therefore wanted to further study the mechanism of action of DZNep in cancer cells. Western blot analysis shows that DZNep globally inhibits histone methylation and is not selective. Two other drugs, sinefungin and adenosine dialdehyde, have similar effects as DZNep on H3K27me3. Intriguingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation of various histone modifications and microarray analysis show that DZNep acts through a different pathway than 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. These observations give us interesting insight into how chromatin structure affects gene expression. We also determined the kinetics of gene activation to understand if the induced changes were somatically heritable. We found that upon removal of DZNep, gene expression is reduced to its original state. This suggests that there is a homeostatic mechanism that returns the histone modifications to their “ground state” after DZNep treatment. Our data show the strong need for further development of histone methylation inhibitors

Steric and electronic parameters such as the anomeric effect (AE) and gauche effect play significant roles in steering the North ⇆ South equilibrium of nucleosides in solution. Two isomeric oxa-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane nucleosides that are conformationally locked in either the North or the South conformation of the pseudorotational cycle were designed to study the consequences of having the AE operational or not, independent of other parameters. The rigidity of the system allowed the orientation of the orbitals involved to be set in “fixed” relationships, either antiperiplanar where the AE is permanently “on”, or gauche where the AE is impaired. The consequences of these two alternatives were subject to high-level calculations and measured experimentally by x-ray crystallography, hydrolytic stability of the glycosyl bond, and pKa values.

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with dismal prognosis. GBM patients have a median survival of less than 2 years. GBM is characterized by fast cell proliferation, infiltrative migration, and by the induction of angiogenesis. MicroRNAs and polycomb group (PcG) proteins have emerged as important regulators of gene expression.

Methods

Here we determined that miR-101 is down-regulated in GBM, resulting in overexpression of the miR-101 target PcG protein EZH2, a histone methyltransferase affecting gene expression profiles in an epigenetic manner.

Results

Inhibition of EZH2 in vitro by pre-miR-101, EZH2 siRNA, or small molecule DZNep, attenuated GBM cell growth, migration/invasion, and GBM-induced endothelial tubule formation. In addition, for each biological process we identified ontology-associated transcripts that significantly correlate with EZH2 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 in vivo by systemic DZNep administration in a U87-Fluc-mCherry GBM xenograft mouse imaging model resulted in reduced tumor growth.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that EZH2 has a versatile function in GBM progression and that its overexpression is at least partly due to decreased miR-101 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to target GBM proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Histone lysine methylation (HKM) is a crucial epigenetic mechanism that establishes cell-specific gene expression and functions in development but is poorly understood in the retina. The authors examine the dynamic changes of specific HKM modifications and enzymes that control these marks in the developing retina and demonstrate a novel role for HKM in retinal neuron survival.

Purpose.

Histone lysine methylation (HKM) is an important epigenetic mechanism that establishes cell-specific gene expression and functions in development. However, epigenetic control of retinal development is poorly understood. To study the roles of HKM in retinogenesis, the authors examined the dynamic changes of three HKM modifications and of two of their regulators, the histone methyltransferases (HMTases) Ezh2 and G9a, in the mouse retina.

Methods.

Retinal sections and lysates from embryonic day 16 through adult were processed for immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting using antibodies against various marks and HMTases. To further analyze the biological functions of HKM, the effects of small molecule inhibitors of HMTases were examined in vitro.

Results.

Methylation marks of trimethyl lysine 4 and 27 on histone H3 (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) were detected primarily in differentiated retinal neurons in the embryonic and adult retina. In contrast, dimethyl lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me2) was noted in early differentiating retinal ganglion cells but was lost after birth. The HMTases controlling H3K27me3, H3K9me2, Ezh2, and G9a were enriched in the inner embryonic retina during the period of active retinogenesis. Using the chemical inhibitors of Ezh2 and G9a, the authors reveal a role for HKM in regulating retinal neuron survival.

Conclusions.

HKM is a dynamic and spatiotemporally regulated process in the developing retina. Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription by Ezh2- and G9a-mediated HKM plays crucial roles in retinal neuron survival and may represent novel epigenetic targets to enhance viability in retinal neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma.

Background

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates gene silencing through histone H3K27 methylation. PRC2 components are over-expressed in metastatic prostate cancer (PC), and are required for cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal. 3-Dezaneplanocin-A (DZNeP) is an inhibitor of PRC2 with broad anticancer activity.

Method

we investigated the effects of DZNeP on cell proliferation, tumorigenicity and invasive potential of PC cell lines (LNCaP and DU145).

Results

Exploring GEO and Oncomine databases, we found that specific PRC2 genes (EED, EZH2, SUZ12) predict poor prognosis in PC. Non-toxic DZNeP concentrations completely eradicated LNCaP and DU145 prostatosphere formation, and significantly reduced the expression of CSC markers. At comparable doses, other epigenetic drugs were not able to eradicate CSCs. DZNeP was also able to reduce PC cell invasion. Cells pre-treated with DZNeP were significantly less tumorigenic (LNCaP) and formed smaller tumors (DU145) in immunocompromised mice.

Conclusion

DZNeP is effective both in vitro and in vivo against PC cells. DZNeP antitumor activity is in part mediated by inhibition of CSC tumorigenic potential.

Most bacteria, including Escherichia coli, lack an enzyme that can phosphorylate deoxycytidine and its analogs. Consequently, most studies of toxicity and mutagenicity of cytosine analogs u se ribonucleosides such as 5-azacytidine (AzaC) and zebularine (Zeb) instead of their deoxynucleoside forms, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (AzadC) and 2’-deoxy-zebularine (dZeb). The former analogs are incorporated into both RNA and DNA creating complex physiological responses in cells. To circumvent this p roblem, we introduced into E. coli the Drosophila deoxynucleoside kinase (Dm-dNK), which has a relaxed substrate specificity, and tested these cells for sensitivity to AzadC and dZeb. We find that Dm-dNK expression increases substantially sensitivity of cells to these analogs and dZeb is very mutagenic in cells expressing the kinase. Furthermore, toxicity of dZeb in these cells requires DNA mismatch correction system suggesting a mechanism for its toxicity and mutagenicity. The fluorescence p roperties of dZeb were used to quantify the amount of this analog incorporated into cellular DNA of mismatch repair-deficient cells expressing Dm-dNK and the results showed that in a mismatch correction-defective strain a high percentage of DNA bases may be replaced with the analog without long term toxic effects. This study demonstrates that the mechanism by which Zeb and dZeb cause cell death is fundamentally different than the mechanism of toxicity of AzaC and AzadC. It also opens up a new way to study the mechanism of action of deoxycytidine analogs that are used in anticancer chemotherapy.

Angiogenesis is a balanced process controlled by pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules of which the regulation is not fully understood. Besides classical gene regulation, miRNAs have emerged as post-transcriptional regulators of angiogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetic changes caused by histone-modifying enzymes were shown to modulate angiogenesis as well. However, a possible interplay between miRNAs and histone-modulating enzymes during angiogenesis has not been described. Here we show that VEGF-mediated down-regulation of miR-101 caused pro-angiogenic effects. We found that the pro-angiogenic effects are partly mediated through reduced repression by miR-101 of the histone-methyltransferase EZH2, a member of the Polycomb group family, thereby increasing methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 and transcriptome alterations. In vitro, the sprouting and migratory properties of primary endothelial cell cultures were reduced by inhibiting EZH2 through up-regulation of miR-101, siRNA-mediated knockdown of EZH2, or treatment with 3-Deazaneplanocin-A (DZNep), a small molecule inhibitor of EZH2 methyltransferase activity. In addition, we found that systemic DZNep administration reduced the number of blood vessels in a subcutaneous glioblastoma mouse model, without showing adverse toxicities. Altogether, by identifying a pro-angiogenic VEGF/miR-101/EZH2 axis in endothelial cells we provide evidence for a functional link between growth factor-mediated signaling, post-transcriptional silencing, and histone-methylation in the angiogenesis process. Inhibition of EZH2 may prove therapeutic in diseases in which aberrant vascularization plays a role.

Summary

Synthetic diacylglycerol lactones (DAG-lactones) are effective modulators of critical cellular signaling pathways, downstream of the lipophilic second messenger diacylglycerol, that activate a host of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes as well as other non-kinase proteins that share with PKC similar C1 membrane-targeting domains. A fundamental determinant of the biological activity of these amphiphilic molecules is the nature of their interactions with cellular membranes. This study characterizes the membrane interactions and bilayer anchoring of a series of DAG-lactones in which the hydrophobic moiety is a “molecular rod”, namely a rigid 4-[2-(R-phenyl)ethynyl]benzoate moiety in the acyl position. Application of assays employing chromatic biomimetic vesicles and biophysical techniques reveals that the mode of membrane anchoring of the DAG-lactone derivatives was markedly affected by the presence of the hydrophobic diphenyl rod and by the size of the functional unit displayed at the terminus of the rod. Two primary mechanisms of interaction were observed: surface binding of the DAG-lactones at the lipid/water interface and deep insertion of the ligands into the alkyl core of the lipid bilayer. These membrane-insertion properties could explain the different patterns of PKC translocation from cytosol to membranes induced by the molecular-rod DAG-lactones. This investigation emphasizes that the side-residues of DAG-lactones, rather than simply conferring hydrophobicity, profoundly influence membrane interactions and in that fashion may further contribute to the diversity of biological actions of these synthetic biomimetic ligands.

Polycomb protein EZH2-mediated gene silencing is implicated in breast tumorigenesis through methylation of histone H3 on Lysine 27 (H3K27). We have previously showed that S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitor 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) can modulate histone methylation and disrupt EZH2 complex. Here, we used DZNep, together with other chromatin remodeling agents, as well as RNA interference-mediated EZH2 depletion, to probe the role of EZH2 in coordination with other epigenetic components in gene regulation in breast cancer cells. Through genome-wide gene expression analysis, coupled with extensive chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of histone modifications, we have identified a variety of gene sets that are regulated either by EZH2 alone or through the coordinated action of EZH2 with HDAC and/or DNA methylation. We further found that tumor antigen GAGEs were regulated by distinct epigenetic mechanisms in a cell context-dependent manner, possibly reflecting mechanistic heterogeneity in breast cancer. Intriguingly, we found that EZH2 regulates a remarkable cohort of genes whose functions are highly enriched in immunoresponse and autocrine inflammation network, and their transcriptional activation upon EZH2 perturbation is cancer-specific, revealing a potential novel role of EZH2 in regulating cancer immunity. These findings demonstrate the complexity and diversity of epigenetic regulation in human cancer and underscore the importance for developing combinatorial pharmacologic approaches for effective epigenetic gene reactivation.

Background:

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with dismal prognosis. GBM patients have a median survival of less than 2 years. GBM is characterized by fast cell proliferation, infiltrative migration, and by the induction of angiogenesis. MicroRNAs and polycomb group (PcG) proteins have emerged as important regulators of gene expression.

Methods:

Here we determined that miR-101 is down-regulated in GBM, resulting in overexpression of the miR-101 target PcG protein EZH2, a histone methyltransferase affecting gene expression profiles in an epigenetic manner. Results: Inhibition of EZH2 in vitro by pre-miR-101, EZH2 siRNA, or small molecule DZNep, attenuated GBM cell growth, migration/invasion, and GBM-induced endothelial tubule formation. In addition, for each biological process we identified ontology-associated transcripts that significantly correlate with EZH2 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 in vivo by systemic DZNep administration in a U87-Fluc-mCherry GBM xenograft mouse imaging model resulted in reduced tumor growth.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that EZH2 has a versatile function in GBM progression and that its overexpression is at least partly due to decreased miR-101 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to target GBM proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Aberrant cytosine methylation in promoter regions leads to gene silencing associated with cancer progression. A number of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors are known to reactivate silenced genes; including 5-azacytidine and 2-(1H)-pyrimidinone riboside (zebularine). Zebularine is a more stable, less cytotoxic inhibitor compared to 5-azacytidine. To determine the mechanistic basis for this difference, we carried out a detailed comparisons of the interaction between purified DNA methyltransferases and oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing either 5-azacytosine or 2-(1H)-pyrimidinone in place of the cytosine targeted for methylation. When incorporated into small ODNs, the rate of C5 DNA methyltransferase inhibition by both nucleosides is essentially identical. However, the stability and reversibility of the enzyme complex in the absence and presence of cofactor differs. 5-Azacytosine ODNs form complexes with C5 DNA methyltransferases that are irreversible when the 5-azacytosine ring is intact. ODNs containing 2-(1H)-pyrimidinone at the enzymatic target site are competitive inhibitors of both prokaryotic and mammalian DNA C5 methyltransferases. We determined that the ternary complexes between the enzymes, 2-(1H)-pyrimidinone inhibitor, and the cofactor S-adenosyl methionine are maintained through the formation of a reversible covalent interaction. The differing stability and reversibility of the covalent bonds may partially account for the observed differences in cytotoxicity between zebularine and 5-azacytidine inhibitors.

A major pathway for HIV-1 resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) involves reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations that enhance ATP-dependent pyrophosphorolysis, which excises NRTIs from the end of viral DNA. We analyzed novel NRTIs for their ability to inhibit DNA synthesis of excision-proficient HIV-1 RT mutants. D-carba T is a carbocyclic nucleoside that has a 3′ hydroxyl on the pseudosugar. The 3′ hydroxyl group allows RT to incorporate additional dNTPs, which should protect D-carba TMP from excision. D-carba T can be converted to the triphosphate form by host cell kinases with moderate efficiency. D-carba T-TP is efficiently incorporated by HIV-1 RT; however, the next dNTP is added slowly to a D-carba TMP at the primer terminus. D-carba T effectively inhibits viral vectors that replicate using NRTI-resistant HIV-1 RTs, and there is no obvious toxicity in cultured cells. NRTIs based on the carbocyclic pseudosugar may offer an effective approach for the treatment of HIV-1 infections.