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The Expression Patterns of Human Cancer-Testis Genes Are Induced through Epigenetic Drugs in Colon Cancer Cells

Mikhlid H Almutairi1, Turki M Alrubie1, Bader O Almutairi1

  • 1Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 10, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Epigenetic drugs like 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A can activate cancer-testis (CT) genes in colon cancer cells. This finding highlights CT genes as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Human germline genes are normally restricted to sperm and egg production.
  • Cancer-testis (CT) genes, involved in testis development, can be activated in cancer cells.
  • Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, influence CT gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of epigenetic modifications on CT gene expression in cancer.
  • To test if DNA methylation changes can alter CT gene profiles in cancer and germ cells.

Main Methods:

  • Colon cancer cell lines were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) 5-aza-2 -deoxycytidine.
  • Colon cancer cell lines were treated with histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA).
  • Transcriptional activation of specific CT and testis-specific genes was analyzed post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Treatment with 5-aza-2 -deoxycytidine or TSA activated X-encoded CT genes in colon cancer cells.
  • Epigenetic treatments also led to the activation of non-X-encoded CT genes in somatic cells.
  • The study observed CT gene activation in non-germline cells following epigenetic drug treatment.

Conclusions:

  • A subset of CT genes are regulated by hypomethylating drugs.
  • Activated CT genes represent a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
  • Epigenetic regulation of CT genes offers new avenues for cancer therapy.
Keywords:
DNA methyl-transferase inhibitor (DNMTi)cancer-testis (CT) genecolon cancerhistone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)immunotherapy

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