(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and DZNep reduce polycomb protein level via a proteasome-dependent mechanism in skin cancer cells

Carcinogenesis. 2011 Oct;32(10):1525-32. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgr171. Epub 2011 Jul 27.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation / drug effects
  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine / pharmacology
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Drug Synergism
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Histone Deacetylase 1 / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • BMI1 protein, human
  • Carrier Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • EED protein, human
  • Histones
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • SUZ12 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • 3-deazaneplanocin
  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
  • Caspases
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
  • Histone Deacetylase 1
  • Adenosine