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A novel dual epigenetic approach targeting BET proteins and HDACs in Group 3 (MYC-driven) Medulloblastoma
Matthew J Kling1,2, Varun Kesherwani2, Nitish K Mishra3
1Department of Oral Biology, Creighton University, School of Dentistry, Omaha, NE, 68102, USA.
Background:
Medulloblastoma (MB) patients with MYC oncogene amplification or overexpression exhibit extremely poor clinical outcomes and respond poorly to current therapies. Epigenetic deregulation is very common in MYC-driven MB. The bromodomain extra-terminal (BET) proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic regulators of MYC transcription and its associated tumorigenic programs. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the BET proteins and HDACs together in MB.
Methods:
Using clinically relevant BET inhibitors (JQ1 or OTX015) and a pan-HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat), we evaluated the effects of combined inhibition on cell growth/survival in MYC-amplified MB cell lines and xenografts and examined underlying molecular mechanism(s).
Results:
Co-treatment of JQ1 or OTX015 with panobinostat synergistically suppressed growth/survival of MYC-amplified MB cells by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation using RNA-seq revealed that co-treatment of JQ1 with panobinostat synergistically modulated global gene expression including MYC/HDAC targets. SYK and MSI1 oncogenes were among the top 50 genes synergistically downregulated by JQ1 and panobinostat. RT-PCR and western blot analyses confirmed that JQ1 and panobinostat synergistically inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of MSI1/SYK along with MYC expression. Reduced SYK/MSI expression after BET (specifically, BRD4) gene-knockdown further confirmed the epigenetic regulation of SYK and MSI1 genes. In addition, the combination of OTX015 and panobinostat significantly inhibited tumor growth in MYC-amplified MB xenografted mice by downregulating expression of MYC, compared to single-agent therapy.
Conclusions:
Together, our findings demonstrated that dual-inhibition of BET and HDAC proteins of the epigenetic pathway can be a novel therapeutic approach against MYC-driven MB.
Insights
Dual inhibition of BET proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) synergistically targets MYC-driven medulloblastoma. This combination therapy suppressed tumor growth by downregulating MYC and other oncogenes, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MYC oncogene amplification in medulloblastoma (MB) leads to poor outcomes.
- Epigenetic deregulation is common in MYC-driven MB.
- BET proteins and HDACs regulate MYC transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the combined therapeutic potential of inhibiting BET proteins and HDACs in MB.
- Evaluate the efficacy of dual inhibition in MYC-amplified MB models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized BET inhibitors (JQ1, OTX015) and a pan-HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat).
- Assessed effects on cell growth, survival, cell cycle, and apoptosis in MB cell lines and xenografts.
- Performed RNA-seq, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses to examine molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Combined BET and HDAC inhibition synergistically suppressed MB cell growth and survival.
- Co-treatment induced G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
- Downregulated MYC, SYK, and MSI1 oncogenes at mRNA and protein levels.
- Significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models.
Conclusions:
- Dual inhibition of BET and HDAC proteins is a promising therapeutic strategy for MYC-driven MB.
- This approach targets key epigenetic regulators of MYC-driven tumorigenesis.
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