Project description:This experiment contains a subset of data from the BLUEPRINT Epigenome project ( http://www.blueprint-epigenome.eu ), which aims at producing a reference haemopoetic epigenomes for the research community. 29 samples of primary cells or cultured primary cells of different haemopoeitc lineages from cord blood are included in this experiment. This ArrayExpress record contains only meta-data. Raw data files have been archived at the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA, www.ebi.ac.uk/ega) by the consortium, with restricted access to protect sample donors' identity. The relevant accessions of EGA data sets is EGAD00001001165. Details on how to apply for data access via the BLUEPRINT data access committee are on the EGA data set pages. The mapping of samples to these EGA accessions can be found in the 'Sample Data Relationship Format' file of this ArrayExpress record. Information on individual samples and sequencing libraries can also be found on the BLUEPRINT data coordination centre (DCC) website: http://dcc.blueprint-epigenome.eu
Project description:Aberrant DNA methylation (5mC) is one of the key characteristics of many cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (DAC) has anti-cancer therapeutic potential, but its clinical efficacy is currently hindered by dose-limiting side effects. Here we investigated the potential use of DAC in the treatment of HNSCC and show that its efficacy is primarily dependent on the ability of DAC to demethylate DNA. In order to establish whether HNSCC cells can be sensitized to DAC, a panel of 100 generic drugs were screened in combination with DAC. While the 100-drug panel did not sensitise DAC-resistant HNSCC cell lines to DAC treatment, the screen identified that paracetamol (acetaminophen), valproic acid and zinc acetate significantly enhanced DAC efficacy in the DAC-responsive cell lines. DAC and paracetamol were established to work in synergy, allowing DAC to be used at therapeutically relevant low doses (below 500nM). The mechanisms underlying the DAC-paracetamol synergy are multifactorial and encompass both effects of DAC on paracetamol action (alterations in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and mimicry of paracetamol overdose) as well as decreased DNA methylation by paracetamol. Therefore, we propose DAC to be a potential therapeutic in a subset of HNSCC patients with its efficacy significantly increased by use of the common analgesic paracetamol. The DAC-paracetamol synergy should also be considered in cancers with an approved DAC treatment regime.