Epigenetic modulation of BARD1 to enhance anti-VEGF therapy.

ABSTRACT: Despite the clinical use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies (AVAs) in cancer therapy, resistance frequently develops, leading to disease progression. To address this, we identify a previously unknown role for breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1)-associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) in modulating AVA sensitivity. Epigenetic modulation-via global and targeted DNA methylation-reveals BARD1 as a key regulator of angiogenesis. Sequential treatment with azacytidine overcomes AVA resistance in vivo. To enable precise epigenetic reactivation, we develop a liposomal CRISPR-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-TET1 system guided by BARD1-targeting single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs). This platform achieves CpG-specific demethylation of the BARD1 promoter, restores expression, and enh

SUBMITTER: Bayraktar E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12490209 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature