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Published on: June 9, 2023
PKM2-DNMT3A-SMAD2 Axis Regulates Cell Proliferation via Histone Lactylation in Breast Cancer
Abin Sabu1, Deepak Pant1, Srinivas Abhishek Mutnuru1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Lactate, a cancer cell byproduct, influences gene expression through histone lactylation. This study reveals how this metabolic-epigenetic process drives breast cancer progression by regulating key genes and pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- Cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth due to genetic and epigenetic changes.
- Cellular metabolism, particularly lactate production via the Warburg effect, impacts epigenetic states.
- Histone lactylation, a new epigenetic mark, is linked to gene expression but its role in breast cancer is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of histone lactylation in breast cancer.
- To examine the impact of histone lactylation on gene regulation in a lactate-deficient model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a PKM2 knockout cell line to create a lactate-deficient environment.
- Analyzed promoter-level histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la).
- Investigated the regulation of DNMT3A, SMAD2 expression, and the TGF-β signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- Histone lactylation at the DNMT3A gene promoter was modulated in lactate-deficient conditions.
- This modulation affected SMAD2 expression and TGF-β signaling.
- Cellular proliferation in breast cancer was influenced by this metabolic-epigenetic axis.
Conclusions:
- Elucidated a novel metabolic-epigenetic axis in breast cancer.
- Demonstrated lactate's role in regulating gene expression via histone lactylation.
- Highlighted a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
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