EP300 as a Molecular Integrator of Fibrotic Transcriptional Programs

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 1;24(15):12302. doi: 10.3390/ijms241512302.

Abstract

Fibrosis is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in tissues, leading to organ dysfunction and failure. Recent studies have identified EP300, a histone acetyltransferase, as a crucial regulator of the epigenetic changes that contribute to fibrosis. In fact, EP300-mediated acetylation of histones alters global chromatin structure and gene expression, promoting the development and progression of fibrosis. Here, we review the role of EP300-mediated epigenetic regulation in multi-organ fibrosis and its potential as a therapeutic target. We discuss the preclinical evidence that suggests that EP300 inhibition can attenuate fibrosis-related molecular processes, including extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We also highlight the contributions of small molecule inhibitors and gene therapy approaches targeting EP300 as novel therapies against fibrosis.

Keywords: EMT; EP300 degraders; TGFβ signaling pathway; bromodomain inhibitors; epigenetics; fibrosis; histone acetyltransferase; intrinsic disorder domains.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • E1A-Associated p300 Protein / genetics
  • E1A-Associated p300 Protein / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibrosis
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / metabolism
  • Histones* / metabolism
  • Humans

Substances

  • Histones
  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • EP300 protein, human
  • E1A-Associated p300 Protein