Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 as a Candidate Therapeutic Agent in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor that develops from the mesothelial linings of the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. The actual risk factor for developing the disease is exposure to asbestos in workplace. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain proteins are epigenetic signaling agents that associate with acetylated histones and expedite the transcription of target genes. This study investigates whether the small molecule BET protein inhibitor JQ1 specifically may be an effective therapy for MPM. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods reveal an inclusive change in gene expression implying that JQ1 is a potential inhibitor which targets the BET proteins. Our results report that JQ1 has tumor-suppressive effects as it significantly ceased cellular activity in MPM cell lines. We predict that JQ1 may be the promising therapy for pleural mesothelioma cancers.