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de Sousa GR, Lira RCP, de Almeida Magalhães T, da Silva KR, Nagano LFP, Saggioro FP, Baroni M, Marie SKN, Oba-Shinjo SM, Brandelise S, de Paula Queiroz RG, Brassesco MS, Scrideli CA, Tone LG, Valera ET. A coordinated approach for the assessment of molecular subgroups in pediatric ependymomas using low-cost methods. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1101-1113. [PMID: 33903940 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although ependymoma (EPN) molecular subgroups have been well established by integrated high-throughput platforms, low- and middle-income countries still need low-cost techniques to promptly classify these molecular subtypes. Here, we applied low-cost methods to classify EPNs from a Brazilian cohort with 60 pediatric EPN patients. Fusion transcripts (C11orf95-RELA, YAP1-MAMLD1, and YAP1-FAM118B) were investigated in supratentorial EPN (ST-EPNs) samples through RT-PCR/Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p65/L1CAM. qRT-PCR and IHC were used to evaluate expression profiling of CXorf67, LAMA2, NELL2, and H3K27me3 in posterior fossa EPN (PF-EPNs) samples. In silico analysis was performed using public microarray data to validate the molecular assignment PF-EPNs with LAMA2/NELL2 markers. RELA cases and YAP1-MAMLD1 fusions were identified in nine and four ST-EPNs, respectively. An additional RELA case was identified by IHC. Of note, LAMA2 and NELL2 gene expression and immunoprofiling were less accurate for classifying PF-EPNs, which were confirmed by in silico analysis. Yet, H3K27me3 staining was sufficient to classify PF-EPN subgroups. Our results emphasize the feasibility of a simplified strategy to molecularly classify EPNs in the vast majority of cases (49/60; 81.7%). A coordinated combination of simple methods can be effective to screen pediatric EPN with the available laboratory resources at most low-/mid-income countries, giving support for clinical practice in pediatric EPN. KEY MESSAGES: Low- and middle-income countries need effective low-cost approaches to promptly distinguish between EPN molecular subgroups. RT-PCR plus Sanger sequencing is able to recognize the most common types of RELA and YAP1 fusion transcripts in ST-EPNs. Genetic and protein expressions of LAMA2 and NELL2 are of limited value to accurately stratify PF-EPNs. Immunohistochemical staining for H3K27me3 may be used as a robust method to accurately diagnose PF-EPNs subgroups. A coordinated flow diagram based on these validated low-cost methods is proposed to help clinical-decision making and to reduce costs with NGS assessment outside research protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ribeiro de Sousa
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Régia Caroline Peixoto Lira
- Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Division of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Campus I, Manuel Terra square, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38025-200, Brazil
| | - Taciani de Almeida Magalhães
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Keteryne Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Peinado Nagano
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Pinto Saggioro
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Rede D'Or São Luiz Hospital, São Paulo, Rua das Perobas, SP, 04321-120, Brazil
| | - Mirella Baroni
- Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Suely Kazue Nagahashi Marie
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sueli Mieko Oba-Shinjo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rosane Gomes de Paula Queiroz
- Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Scrideli
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Paediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
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52
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Piunti A, Shilatifard A. The roles of Polycomb repressive complexes in mammalian development and cancer. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:326-345. [PMID: 33723438 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
More than 80 years ago, the first Polycomb-related phenotype was identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Later, a group of diverse genes collectively called Polycomb group (PcG) genes were identified based on common mutant phenotypes. PcG proteins, which are well-conserved in animals, were originally characterized as negative regulators of gene transcription during development and subsequently shown to function in various biological processes; their deregulation is associated with diverse phenotypes in development and in disease, especially cancer. PcG proteins function on chromatin and can form two distinct complexes with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is a histone ubiquitin ligase and PRC2 is a histone methyltransferase. Recent studies have revealed the existence of various mutually exclusive PRC1 and PRC2 variants. In this Review, we discuss new concepts concerning the biochemical and molecular functions of these new PcG complex variants, and how their epigenetic activities are involved in mammalian development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piunti
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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53
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Georgiev PG, Erokhin MM. Genetic Impairments of PRC2 Activity in Oncology: Problems and Prospects. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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54
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Tsangaris GT, Anastasoviti MC, Anagnostopoulos AK. Proteomics of pediatric ependymomas: a review. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:767-770. [PMID: 32377827 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ependymomas, affecting both children and adults, are neuroepithelial tumors occurring throughout all compartments of the central nervous system. Pediatric ependymomas arise almost exclusively intracranially and are associated with a poor 10-year overall survival of around 60%. During the last years, the application of multi-omics technologies on the study and understanding of neuro-cancer diseases has become a standard; in this regard, application of these approaches on ependymomas has gained noticeable momentum. The objective of this review article was to summarize all knowledge generated by the application of modern omics approaches with regard to pediatric ependymal tumors, aiming at elucidating molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis as well as identification of pathway strategies that will help in therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Th Tsangaris
- Department of Proteomics, Division of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria C Anastasoviti
- Department of Proteomics, Division of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios K Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Proteomics, Division of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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55
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Sievers P, Sill M, Schrimpf D, Stichel D, Reuss DE, Sturm D, Hench J, Frank S, Krskova L, Vicha A, Zapotocky M, Bison B, Castel D, Grill J, Debily MA, Harter PN, Snuderl M, Kramm CM, Reifenberger G, Korshunov A, Jabado N, Wesseling P, Wick W, Solomon DA, Perry A, Jacques TS, Jones C, Witt O, Pfister SM, von Deimling A, Jones DTW, Sahm F. A subset of pediatric-type thalamic gliomas share a distinct DNA methylation profile, H3K27me3 loss and frequent alteration of EGFR. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:34-43. [PMID: 33130881 PMCID: PMC7850075 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant astrocytic gliomas in children show a remarkable biological and clinical diversity. Small in-frame insertions or missense mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) have recently been identified in a distinct subset of pediatric-type bithalamic gliomas with a unique DNA methylation pattern. METHODS Here, we investigated an epigenetically homogeneous cohort of malignant gliomas (n = 58) distinct from other subtypes and enriched for pediatric cases and thalamic location, in comparison with this recently identified subtype of pediatric bithalamic gliomas. RESULTS EGFR gene amplification was detected in 16/58 (27%) tumors, and missense mutations or small in-frame insertions in EGFR were found in 20/30 tumors with available sequencing data (67%; 5 of them co-occurring with EGFR amplification). Additionally, 8 of the 30 tumors (27%) harbored an H3.1 or H3.3 K27M mutation (6 of them with a concomitant EGFR alteration). All tumors tested showed loss of H3K27me3 staining, with evidence of overexpression of the EZH inhibitory protein (EZHIP) in the H3 wildtype cases. Although some tumors indeed showed a bithalamic growth pattern, a significant proportion of tumors occurred in the unilateral thalamus or in other (predominantly midline) locations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings present a distinct molecular class of pediatric-type malignant gliomas largely overlapping with the recently reported bithalamic gliomas characterized by EGFR alteration, but additionally showing a broader spectrum of EGFR alterations and tumor localization. Global H3K27me3 loss in this group appears to be mediated by either H3 K27 mutation or EZHIP overexpression. EGFR inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in these highly aggressive gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Sievers
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Sill
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schrimpf
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damian Stichel
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David E Reuss
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Sturm
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, and Pulmonology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hench
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Krskova
- Prague Brain Tumor Research Group, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Vicha
- Prague Brain Tumor Research Group, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Zapotocky
- Prague Brain Tumor Research Group, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Brigitte Bison
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Castel
- Molecular Predictors and New Targets in Oncology, INSERM, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Département de Cancérologie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Jacques Grill
- Molecular Predictors and New Targets in Oncology, INSERM, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Département de Cancérologie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Anne Debily
- Molecular Predictors and New Targets in Oncology, INSERM, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Département de Biologie, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Patrick N Harter
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christof M Kramm
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada (N.J.)
| | - Pieter Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (P.W.)
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands (P.W.)
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Neurooncology Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David A Solomon
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA (D.A.S., A.P.)
- Clinical Cancer Genomics Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA (D.A.S.)
| | - Arie Perry
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA (D.A.S., A.P.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA (A.P.)
| | - Thomas S Jacques
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, and Pulmonology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany (O.W.)
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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56
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Guo Y, Zhao S, Wang GG. Polycomb Gene Silencing Mechanisms: PRC2 Chromatin Targeting, H3K27me3 'Readout', and Phase Separation-Based Compaction. Trends Genet 2021; 37:547-565. [PMID: 33494958 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of chromatin structure and/or modification by Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) provides an important means to partition the genome into functionally distinct subdomains and to regulate the activity of the underlying genes. Both the enzymatic activity of PRC2 and its chromatin recruitment, spreading, and eviction are exquisitely regulated via interactions with cofactors and DNA elements (such as unmethylated CpG islands), histones, RNA (nascent mRNA and long noncoding RNA), and R-loops. PRC2-catalyzed histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) is recognized by distinct classes of effectors such as canonical PRC1 and BAH module-containing proteins (notably BAHCC1 in human). These effectors mediate gene silencing by different mechanisms including phase separation-related chromatin compaction and histone deacetylation. We discuss recent advances in understanding the structural architecture of PRC2, the regulation of its activity and chromatin recruitment, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Polycomb-mediated gene silencing. Because PRC deregulation is intimately associated with the development of diseases, a better appreciation of Polycomb-based (epi)genomic regulation will have far-reaching implications in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Guo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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57
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Chaouch A, Lasko P. Drosophila melanogaster: a fruitful model for oncohistones. Fly (Austin) 2021; 15:28-37. [PMID: 33423597 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2020.1863124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has proven to be a powerful genetic model to study human disease. Approximately 75% of human disease-associated genes have homologs in the fruit fly and regulatory pathways are highly conserved in Drosophila compared to humans. Drosophila is an established model organism for the study of genetics and developmental biology related to human disease and has also made a great contribution to epigenetic research. Many key factors that regulate chromatin condensation through effects on histone post-translational modifications were first discovered in genetic screens in Drosophila. Recently, the importance of chromatin regulators in cancer progression has been uncovered, leading to a rapid expansion in the knowledge on how perturbations of chromatin can result in the pathogenesis of human cancer. In this review, we provide examples of how Drosophila melanogaster has contributed to better understanding the detrimental effects of mutant forms of histones, called 'oncohistones', that are found in different human tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Chaouch
- Department of Biology, McGill University , Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul Lasko
- Department of Biology, McGill University , Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc , Nijmegen, Netherlands
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58
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Han J, Yu M, Bai Y, Yu J, Jin F, Li C, Zeng R, Peng J, Li A, Song X, Li H, Wu D, Li L. Elevated CXorf67 Expression in PFA Ependymomas Suppresses DNA Repair and Sensitizes to PARP Inhibitors. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:844-856.e7. [PMID: 33186520 PMCID: PMC8455074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ependymoma is the third most common pediatric tumor with posterior fossa group A (PFA) being its most aggressive subtype. Ependymomas are generally refractory to chemotherapies and thus lack any effective treatment. Here, we report that elevated expression of CXorf67 (chromosome X open reading frame 67), which frequently occurs in PFA ependymomas, suppresses homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair. Mechanistically, CXorf67 interacts with PALB2 and inhibits PALB2-BRCA2 interaction, thereby inhibiting HR repair. Concordantly, tumor cells with high CXorf67 expression levels show increased sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, especially when combined with radiotherapy. Thus, our findings have revealed a role of CXorf67 in HR repair and suggest that combination of PARP inhibitors with radiotherapy could be an effective treatment option for PFA ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Meng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiqin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jianzhong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Fei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jinghong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208089, USA
| | - Xiaomin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Dianqing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208089, USA.
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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59
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Liu X. A Structural Perspective on Gene Repression by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Subcell Biochem 2020; 96:519-562. [PMID: 33252743 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-58971-4_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is a major repressive chromatin complex formed by the Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins. PRC2 mediates trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a hallmark of gene silencing. PRC2 is a key regulator of development, impacting many fundamental biological processes, like stem cell differentiation in mammals and vernalization in plants. Misregulation of PRC2 function is linked to a variety of human cancers and developmental disorders. In correlation with its diverse roles in development, PRC2 displays a high degree of compositional complexity and plasticity. Structural biology research over the past decade has shed light on the molecular mechanisms of the assembly, catalysis, allosteric activation, autoinhibition, chemical inhibition, dimerization and chromatin targeting of various developmentally regulated PRC2 complexes. In addition to these aspects, structure-function analysis is also discussed in connection with disease data in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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60
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Prabhu VV, Morrow S, Rahman Kawakibi A, Zhou L, Ralff M, Ray J, Jhaveri A, Ferrarini I, Lee Y, Parker C, Zhang Y, Borsuk R, Chang WI, Honeyman JN, Tavora F, Carneiro B, Raufi A, Huntington K, Carlsen L, Louie A, Safran H, Seyhan AA, Tarapore RS, Schalop L, Stogniew M, Allen JE, Oster W, El-Deiry WS. ONC201 and imipridones: Anti-cancer compounds with clinical efficacy. Neoplasia 2020; 22:725-744. [PMID: 33142238 PMCID: PMC7588802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ONC201 was originally discovered as TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-inducing compound TIC10. ONC201 appears to act as a selective antagonist of the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), and as an allosteric agonist of mitochondrial protease caseinolytic protease P (ClpP). Downstream of target engagement, ONC201 activates the ATF4/CHOP-mediated integrated stress response leading to TRAIL/Death Receptor 5 (DR5) activation, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation via c-myc, and inactivates Akt/ERK signaling in tumor cells. This typically results in DR5/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of tumor cells; however, DR5/TRAIL-independent apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or antiproliferative effects also occur. The effects of ONC201 extend beyond bulk tumor cells to include cancer stem cells, cancer associated fibroblasts and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment that can contribute to its efficacy. ONC201 is orally administered, crosses the intact blood brain barrier, and is under evaluation in clinical trials in patients with advanced solid tumors and hematological malignancies. ONC201 has single agent clinical activity in tumor types that are enriched for DRD2 and/or ClpP expression including specific subtypes of high-grade glioma, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, and adrenal tumors. Synergy with radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immune-checkpoint agents has been identified in preclinical models and is being evaluated in clinical trials. Structure-activity relationships based on the core pharmacophore of ONC201, termed the imipridone scaffold, revealed novel potent compounds that are being developed. Imipridones represent a novel approach to therapeutically target previously undruggable GPCRs, ClpP, and innate immune pathways in oncology.
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Key Words
- 5-fu, 5-fluorouracil
- a2a, adenosine 2a receptor
- alcl, anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- all, acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- aml, acute myeloid leukemia
- ampk, amp kinase
- atrt, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor
- auc, area under the curve
- brd, bromodomain
- camp, cyclic amp
- cck18, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18
- ck18, cytokeratin 18
- cll, chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- clpp, caseinolytic protease p
- clpx, caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit x
- cml, chronic myelogenous leukemia
- crc, colorectal cancer
- csc, cancer stem cell
- ctcl, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
- dipg, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
- dlbcl, diffuse large b-cell lymphoma
- dna-pkcs, dna-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit
- dr5, death receptor 5
- drd1, dopamine receptor d1
- drd2, dopamine receptor d2
- drd3, dopamine receptor d3
- drd4, dopamine receptor d4
- drd5, dopamine receptor d5
- dsrct, desmoplastic small round cell tumor
- ec, endometrial cancer
- egfr, epidermal growth factor receptor
- flair, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
- gbm, glioblastoma multiforme
- gdsc, genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer
- girk, g protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel
- gnrh, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor
- gpcr, g protein coupled receptor
- hcc, hepatocellular carcinoma
- ihc, immunohistochemistry
- hgg, high-grade glioma
- isr, integrated stress response
- mcl, mantle cell lymphoma
- mm, multiple myeloma
- mtd, maximum tolerated dose
- nhl, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
- nk, natural killer
- noael, no-observed-adverse-event-level
- nsclc, non-small cell lung cancer
- os, overall survival
- oxphos, oxidative phosphorylation
- pc-pg, pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma
- pd, pharmacodynamic
- pdx, patient-derived xenograft
- pfs, progression-free survival
- pk, pharmacokinetic
- plc, phospholipase c
- rano, response assessment in neuro-oncology
- recist, response evaluation criteria in solid tumors
- rhtrail, recombinant human trail
- rp2d, recommended phase ii dose
- sar, structure–activity relationship
- sclc, small-cell lung cancer
- tic10, trail-inducing compound 10
- tmz, temozolomide
- tnbc, triple-negative breast cancer
- trail, tnf-associated apoptosis-inducing ligand
- tunel, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling
- who, world health organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Vijay Prabhu
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sara Morrow
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Lanlan Zhou
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Marie Ralff
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Jocelyn Ray
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Aakash Jhaveri
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Isacco Ferrarini
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Young Lee
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Cassandra Parker
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Robyn Borsuk
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Wen-I Chang
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Joshua N Honeyman
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Fabio Tavora
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Benedito Carneiro
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Alexander Raufi
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Kelsey Huntington
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Lindsey Carlsen
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Anna Louie
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Howard Safran
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Attila A Seyhan
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | | | - Lee Schalop
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Martin Stogniew
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joshua E Allen
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Wolfgang Oster
- Oncoceutics, Inc., 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Room 537, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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61
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Reevaluating the roles of histone-modifying enzymes and their associated chromatin modifications in transcriptional regulation. Nat Genet 2020; 52:1271-1281. [PMID: 33257899 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-00736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Histone-modifying enzymes are implicated in the control of diverse DNA-templated processes including gene expression. Here, we outline historical and current thinking regarding the functions of histone modifications and their associated enzymes. One current viewpoint, based largely on correlative evidence, posits that histone modifications are instructive for transcriptional regulation and represent an epigenetic 'code'. Recent studies have challenged this model and suggest that histone marks previously associated with active genes do not directly cause transcriptional activation. Additionally, many histone-modifying proteins possess non-catalytic functions that overshadow their enzymatic activities. Given that much remains unknown regarding the functions of these proteins, the field should be cautious in interpreting loss-of-function phenotypes and must consider both cellular and developmental context. In this Perspective, we focus on recent progress relating to the catalytic and non-catalytic functions of the Trithorax-COMPASS complexes, Polycomb repressive complexes and Clr4/Suv39 histone-modifying machineries.
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62
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Structural basis for PRC2 engagement with chromatin. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 67:135-144. [PMID: 33232890 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a conserved multiprotein, repressive chromatin complex essential for development and maintenance of eukaryotic cellular identity. PRC2 comprises a trimeric core of SUZ12, EED and EZH1/2, which together with RBBP4/7 is sufficient to catalyse mono-methylation, di-methylation and tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3). These histone methyltransferase activities of PRC2 are deregulated in several human cancers and certain developmental disorders, such as Weaver Syndrome. Core PRC2 associates with several accessory proteins, which organise to define two main subassemblies, PRC2.1 and PRC2.2. Here we review new biochemical and structural studies that are providing critical insights into how core and accessory PRC2 subunits coordinate the faithful deposition of H3K27 methylations genome-wide.
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63
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Jain SU, Rashoff AQ, Krabbenhoft SD, Hoelper D, Do TJ, Gibson TJ, Lundgren SM, Bondra ER, Deshmukh S, Harutyunyan AS, Juretic N, Jabado N, Harrison MM, Lewis PW. H3 K27M and EZHIP Impede H3K27-Methylation Spreading by Inhibiting Allosterically Stimulated PRC2. Mol Cell 2020; 80:726-735.e7. [PMID: 33049227 PMCID: PMC7680438 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas and posterior fossa type A ependymomas contain the recurrent histone H3 lysine 27 (H3 K27M) mutation and express the H3 K27M-mimic EZHIP (CXorf67), respectively. H3 K27M and EZHIP are competitive inhibitors of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) lysine methyltransferase activity. In vivo, these proteins reduce overall H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) levels; however, residual peaks of H3K27me3 remain at CpG islands (CGIs) through an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that EZHIP and H3 K27M preferentially interact with PRC2 that is allosterically activated by H3K27me3 at CGIs and impede its spreading. Moreover, H3 K27M oncohistones reduce H3K27me3 in trans, independent of their incorporation into the chromatin. Although EZHIP is not found outside placental mammals, expression of human EZHIP reduces H3K27me3 in Drosophila melanogaster through a conserved mechanism. Our results provide mechanistic insights for the retention of residual H3K27me3 in tumors driven by H3 K27M and EZHIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant U Jain
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Andrew Q Rashoff
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Samuel D Krabbenhoft
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dominik Hoelper
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Truman J Do
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tyler J Gibson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Stefan M Lundgren
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eliana R Bondra
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shriya Deshmukh
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ashot S Harutyunyan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nikoleta Juretic
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Peter W Lewis
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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64
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Micci F, Heim S, Panagopoulos I. Molecular pathogenesis and prognostication of "low-grade'' and "high-grade" endometrial stromal sarcoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 60:160-167. [PMID: 33099834 PMCID: PMC7894482 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) are a heterogeneous group of rare mesenchymal cancers. Considerable knowledge has been gained in recent years about the molecular characteristics of these cancers, which helps to classify them in a more meaningful manner leading to improved diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment. According to this classification, ESS is now grouped as low‐ or high‐grade. ESS may have overlapping clinical presentation, morphology, and immunohistochemical profile. Their genetic characteristics allow subdivision of many of them depending on which pathogenetically important fusion genes they carry, but clearly much more needs to be unraveled in this regard. We here provide an overview of the molecular pathogenetic knowledge gained so far on low‐ and high‐grade ESS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Micci
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo, Norway
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65
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Phillips RE, Soshnev AA, Allis CD. Epigenomic Reprogramming as a Driver of Malignant Glioma. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:647-660. [PMID: 32916125 PMCID: PMC8248764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are central nervous system tumors and remain among the most treatment-resistant cancers. Exome sequencing has revealed significant heterogeneity and important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of gliomas. Mutations in chromatin modifiers-proteins that shape the epigenomic landscape through remodeling and regulation of post-translational modifications on chromatin-are very frequent and often define specific glioma subtypes. This suggests that epigenomic reprogramming may be a fundamental driver of glioma. Here, we describe the key chromatin regulatory pathways disrupted in gliomas, delineating their physiological function and our current understanding of how their dysregulation may contribute to gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Phillips
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Alexey A Soshnev
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C David Allis
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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66
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Antin C, Tauziède-Espariat A, Debily MA, Castel D, Grill J, Pagès M, Ayrault O, Chrétien F, Gareton A, Andreiuolo F, Lechapt E, Varlet P. EZHIP is a specific diagnostic biomarker for posterior fossa ependymomas, group PFA and diffuse midline gliomas H3-WT with EZHIP overexpression. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:183. [PMID: 33153494 PMCID: PMC7643397 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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67
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Nambirajan A, Sharma A, Rajeshwari M, Boorgula MT, Doddamani R, Garg A, Suri V, Sarkar C, Sharma MC. EZH2 inhibitory protein (EZHIP/Cxorf67) expression correlates strongly with H3K27me3 loss in posterior fossa ependymomas and is mutually exclusive with H3K27M mutations. Brain Tumor Pathol 2020; 38:30-40. [PMID: 33130928 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-020-00385-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The PFA molecular subgroup of posterior fossa ependymomas (PF-EPNs) shows poor outcome. H3K27me3 (me3) loss by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a surrogate marker for PFA wherein its loss is attributed to overexpression of Cxorf67/EZH2 inhibitory protein (EZHIP), C17orf96, and ATRX loss. We aimed to subgroup PF-EPNs using me3 IHC and study correlations of the molecular subgroups with other histone related proteins, 1q gain, Tenascin C and outcome. IHC for me3, acetyl-H3K27, H3K27M, ATRX, EZH2, EZHIP, C17orf96, Tenascin-C, and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation for chromosome 1q25 locus were performed on an ambispective PF-EPN cohort (2003-2019). H3K27M-mutant gliomas were included for comparison. Among 69 patients, PFA (me3 loss) constituted 64%. EZHIP overexpression and 1q gain were exclusive to PFA seen in 72% and 19%, respectively. Tenascin C was more frequently positive in PFA (p = 0.02). H3K27M expression and ATRX loss were noted in one case of PFA-EPN each. All H3K27M-mutant gliomas (n = 8) and PFA-EPN (n = 1) were EZHIP negative. C17orf96 and acetyl-H3K27 expression did not correlate with me3 loss. H3K27me3 is a robust surrogate for PF-EPN molecular subgrouping. EZHIP overexpression was exclusive to PFA EPNs and was characteristically absent in midline gliomas and the rare PFA harbouring H3K27M mutations representing mutually exclusive pathways leading to me3 loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Nambirajan
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Agrima Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Madhu Rajeshwari
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Meher Tej Boorgula
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh Doddamani
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Garg
- Department of Neuroradiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vaishali Suri
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mehar Chand Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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68
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Yang Y, Li G. Post-translational modifications of PRC2: signals directing its activity. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:47. [PMID: 33129354 PMCID: PMC7603765 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a chromatin-modifying enzyme that catalyses the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3). This complex maintains gene transcriptional repression and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular identity as well as normal organismal development. The activity of PRC2, including its genomic targeting and catalytic activity, is controlled by various signals. Recent studies have revealed that these signals involve cis chromatin features, PRC2 facultative subunits and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PRC2 subunits. Overall, these findings have provided insight into the biochemical signals directing PRC2 function, although many mysteries remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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69
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Nacev BA, Jones KB, Intlekofer AM, Yu JSE, Allis CD, Tap WD, Ladanyi M, Nielsen TO. The epigenomics of sarcoma. Nat Rev Cancer 2020; 20:608-623. [PMID: 32782366 PMCID: PMC8380451 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-020-0288-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is critical to physiological control of development, cell fate, cell proliferation, genomic integrity and, fundamentally, transcriptional regulation. This epigenetic control occurs at multiple levels including through DNA methylation, histone modification, nucleosome remodelling and modulation of the 3D chromatin structure. Alterations in genes that encode chromatin regulators are common among mesenchymal neoplasms, a collection of more than 160 tumour types including over 60 malignant variants (sarcomas) that have unique and varied genetic, biological and clinical characteristics. Herein, we review those sarcomas in which chromatin pathway alterations drive disease biology. Specifically, we emphasize examples of dysregulation of each level of epigenetic control though mechanisms that include alterations in metabolic enzymes that regulate DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications, mutations in histone genes, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodelling and modifying complexes, and disruption of higher-order chromatin structure. Epigenetic mechanisms of tumorigenesis have been implicated in mesenchymal tumours ranging from chondroblastoma and giant cell tumour of bone to chondrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, synovial sarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma - all diseases that present in a younger patient population than most cancers. Finally, we review current and potential future approaches for the development of sarcoma therapies based on this emerging understanding of chromatin dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Nacev
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin B Jones
- Department of Orthopaedics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Andrew M Intlekofer
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamie S E Yu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C David Allis
- The Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - William D Tap
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Torsten O Nielsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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70
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Erokhin MM. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins: The Long Road from Mutations in Drosophila to Use in Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:66-85. [PMID: 33456979 PMCID: PMC7800605 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved factors responsible for the repression and activation of the transcription of multiple genes in Drosophila and mammals. Disruption of the PcG/TrxG expression is associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer, which makes them suitable targets for diagnosis and therapy in medicine. In this review, we focus on the major PcG and TrxG complexes, the mechanisms of PcG/TrxG action, and their recruitment to chromatin. We discuss the alterations associated with the dysfunction of a number of factors of these groups in oncology and the current strategies used to develop drugs based on small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - D. V. Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - M. M. Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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71
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Graham MS, Mellinghoff IK. Histone-Mutant Glioma: Molecular Mechanisms, Preclinical Models, and Implications for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7193. [PMID: 33003625 PMCID: PMC7582376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is the leading cause of cancer death in children. Despite histologic similarities, it has recently become apparent that this disease is molecularly distinct from its adult counterpart. Specific hallmark oncogenic histone mutations within pediatric malignant gliomas divide these tumors into subgroups with different neuroanatomic and chronologic predilections. In this review, we will summarize the characteristic molecular alterations of pediatric high-grade gliomas, with a focus on how preclinical models of these alterations have furthered our understanding of their oncogenicity as well as their potential impact on developing targeted therapies for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya S. Graham
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Ingo K. Mellinghoff
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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72
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ependymoma is the third most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Although the biology that drives ependymoma is slowly being unraveled, the ability to translate these findings to clinical care remains an ongoing challenge. Epigenetic alterations appear to play a central role in the development of molecular classification of ependymoma. METHODS We reviewed the published literature available describing genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of ependymoma that have been reported to date and have summarized the information regarding genetic drivers of ependymoma that may point us toward therapeutic strategies. RESULTS Ependymoma is a molecularly heterogeneous disease which has now been divided into at least nine distinct molecular subtypes based on DNA methylation and gene expression profiling. DNA methylation has emerged as an effective tool for classification of brain tumors alongside histopathology and other molecular diagnostics. There have been large retrospective cohorts describing molecular subgroup identity as a powerful independent predictor of outcome. There is limited published data on prospective trials to date however this is forthcoming which will lead to molecular stratification in the next generation of clinical studies. CONCLUSION This is a review of recent advancements in our understanding of the epigenetic basis of ependymoma and discussion of how these findings reveal potential therapeutic opportunities.
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73
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Kilburn LB, Packer RJ. JNO special issue: an update on pediatric neuro-oncology. J Neurooncol 2020; 150:1-4. [PMID: 32845498 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03560-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L B Kilburn
- Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Roger J Packer
- Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
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74
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Englinger B, Hack OA, Filbin MG. Into Thin Air: Hypoxia Drives Metabolic and Epigenomic Deregulation of Lethal Pediatric Ependymoma. Dev Cell 2020; 54:134-136. [PMID: 32693052 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posterior fossa type A (PFA) ependymoma is a lethal pediatric brain tumor proposed to be driven solely by epigenetic deregulation. Michealraj et al. (2020) demonstrate that hypoxia reprograms PFA metabolism and, subsequently, the epigenome toward H3K27 hypomethylation, mirroring transcriptional and metabolic signatures of gliogenic progenitors involved in embryonal hindbrain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Englinger
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Olivia A Hack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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75
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Gojo J, Englinger B, Jiang L, Hübner JM, Shaw ML, Hack OA, Madlener S, Kirchhofer D, Liu I, Pyrdol J, Hovestadt V, Mazzola E, Mathewson ND, Trissal M, Lötsch D, Dorfer C, Haberler C, Halfmann A, Mayr L, Peyrl A, Geyeregger R, Schwalm B, Mauermann M, Pajtler KW, Milde T, Shore ME, Geduldig JE, Pelton K, Czech T, Ashenberg O, Wucherpfennig KW, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Alexandrescu S, Ligon KL, Pfister SM, Regev A, Slavc I, Berger W, Suvà ML, Kool M, Filbin MG. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Cellular Hierarchies and Impaired Developmental Trajectories in Pediatric Ependymoma. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:44-59.e9. [PMID: 32663469 PMCID: PMC7479515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ependymoma is a heterogeneous entity of central nervous system tumors with well-established molecular groups. Here, we apply single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze ependymomas across molecular groups and anatomic locations to investigate their intratumoral heterogeneity and developmental origins. Ependymomas are composed of a cellular hierarchy initiating from undifferentiated populations, which undergo impaired differentiation toward three lineages of neuronal-glial fate specification. While prognostically favorable groups of ependymoma predominantly harbor differentiated cells, aggressive groups are enriched for undifferentiated cell populations. The delineated transcriptomic signatures correlate with patient survival and define molecular dependencies for targeted treatment approaches. Taken together, our analyses reveal a developmental hierarchy underlying ependymomas relevant to biological and clinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Gojo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jens M Hübner
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - McKenzie L Shaw
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Olivia A Hack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sibylle Madlener
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Kirchhofer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilon Liu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jason Pyrdol
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Volker Hovestadt
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathan D Mathewson
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Maria Trissal
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniela Lötsch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Dorfer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Haberler
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angela Halfmann
- Clinical Cell Biology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Mayr
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Peyrl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rene Geyeregger
- Clinical Cell Biology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Schwalm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Mauermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristian W Pajtler
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marni E Shore
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jack E Geduldig
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kristine Pelton
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Thomas Czech
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Orr Ashenberg
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sanda Alexandrescu
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Keith L Ligon
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Irene Slavc
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario L Suvà
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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76
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Abstract
Ependymomas are aggressive central nervous system tumors that resist chemotherapy. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Gojo et al. dissect the single cell transcriptional landscapes of ependymoma to define cellular programs that mediate therapeutic resistance, tumor aggressiveness, and potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Mack
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Kelsey C Bertrand
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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77
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Yang D, Holsten T, Börnigen D, Frank S, Mawrin C, Glatzel M, Schüller U. Ependymoma relapse goes along with a relatively stable epigenome, but a severely altered tumor morphology. Brain Pathol 2020; 31:33-44. [PMID: 32633004 PMCID: PMC8018105 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular biology of ependymomas is not well understood and this is particularly true for ependymoma relapses. We aimed at finding out if and to which extent, relapses differ from their corresponding primary tumors on the morphological, chromosomal and epigenetic level. We investigated 24 matched ependymoma primary and relapsed tumor samples and, as a first step, compared cell density, necrosis, vessel proliferation, Ki67 proliferative index, trimethylation at H3K27 and expression of CXorf67. For the investigation of global methylation profiles, we used public data in order to analyze copy number variation profiles, differential methylation, methylation status and fractions of hypo‐ and hypermethylated CpGs in different epigenomic substructures. Morphologically, we found a significant increase with relapse in cell density and proliferation. H3K27 trimethylation and CXorf67 expression remained stable between primary and relapse tumor samples, and the analysis of DNA methylation profiles neither revealed significant differences in copy number variations nor differentially methylated regions. Significant differences in the methylation status were found for CpG islands, but also in N Shelves or S Shelves, depending on the molecular subgroup. The fraction of probes changing their methylation in the epigenomic substructures appeared subgroup‐specific. Most changes occur in CpG islands, for which relapsed tumors demonstrate higher methylation values than primary tumors. The morphological differences reflect increased aggressiveness upon ependymoma relapse, but, despite slight changes, this observation does not appear to be sufficiently explained by epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Yang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Holsten
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Börnigen
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Frank
- Division for Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Institute for Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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78
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Michealraj KA, Kumar SA, Kim LJY, Cavalli FMG, Przelicki D, Wojcik JB, Delaidelli A, Bajic A, Saulnier O, MacLeod G, Vellanki RN, Vladoiu MC, Guilhamon P, Ong W, Lee JJY, Jiang Y, Holgado BL, Rasnitsyn A, Malik AA, Tsai R, Richman CM, Juraschka K, Haapasalo J, Wang EY, De Antonellis P, Suzuki H, Farooq H, Balin P, Kharas K, Van Ommeren R, Sirbu O, Rastan A, Krumholtz SL, Ly M, Ahmadi M, Deblois G, Srikanthan D, Luu B, Loukides J, Wu X, Garzia L, Ramaswamy V, Kanshin E, Sánchez-Osuna M, El-Hamamy I, Coutinho FJ, Prinos P, Singh S, Donovan LK, Daniels C, Schramek D, Tyers M, Weiss S, Stein LD, Lupien M, Wouters BG, Garcia BA, Arrowsmith CH, Sorensen PH, Angers S, Jabado N, Dirks PB, Mack SC, Agnihotri S, Rich JN, Taylor MD. Metabolic Regulation of the Epigenome Drives Lethal Infantile Ependymoma. Cell 2020; 181:1329-1345.e24. [PMID: 32445698 PMCID: PMC10782558 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Posterior fossa A (PFA) ependymomas are lethal malignancies of the hindbrain in infants and toddlers. Lacking highly recurrent somatic mutations, PFA ependymomas are proposed to be epigenetically driven tumors for which model systems are lacking. Here we demonstrate that PFA ependymomas are maintained under hypoxia, associated with restricted availability of specific metabolites to diminish histone methylation, and increase histone demethylation and acetylation at histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27). PFA ependymomas initiate from a cell lineage in the first trimester of human development that resides in restricted oxygen. Unlike other ependymomas, transient exposure of PFA cells to ambient oxygen induces irreversible cellular toxicity. PFA tumors exhibit a low basal level of H3K27me3, and, paradoxically, inhibition of H3K27 methylation specifically disrupts PFA tumor growth. Targeting metabolism and/or the epigenome presents a unique opportunity for rational therapy for infants with PFA ependymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulandaimanuvel Antony Michealraj
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sachin A Kumar
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Leo J Y Kim
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Florence M G Cavalli
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - David Przelicki
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - John B Wojcik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Andrea Bajic
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Graham MacLeod
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Ravi N Vellanki
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Maria C Vladoiu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Paul Guilhamon
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Winnie Ong
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - John J Y Lee
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Yanqing Jiang
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Borja L Holgado
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alex Rasnitsyn
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ahmad A Malik
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ricky Tsai
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cory M Richman
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kyle Juraschka
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Evan Y Wang
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Pasqualino De Antonellis
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hiromichi Suzuki
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hamza Farooq
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Polina Balin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Kharas
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Randy Van Ommeren
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Olga Sirbu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Avesta Rastan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Stacey L Krumholtz
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Michelle Ly
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Moloud Ahmadi
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Geneviève Deblois
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Dilakshan Srikanthan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Betty Luu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - James Loukides
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Xiaochong Wu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Livia Garzia
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Evgeny Kanshin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - María Sánchez-Osuna
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Ibrahim El-Hamamy
- Computational Biology Program, Adaptive Oncology Theme, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Fiona J Coutinho
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Panagiotis Prinos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South Tower, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Sheila Singh
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Laura K Donovan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Craig Daniels
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mike Tyers
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Samuel Weiss
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Lincoln D Stein
- Computational Biology Program, Adaptive Oncology Theme, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Bradly G Wouters
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South Tower, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Stephane Angers
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Peter B Dirks
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Stephen C Mack
- Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
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79
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Dai S, Holt MV, Horton JR, Woodcock CB, Patel A, Zhang X, Young NL, Wilkinson AW, Cheng X. Characterization of SETD3 methyltransferase-mediated protein methionine methylation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10901-10910. [PMID: 32503840 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most characterized protein methylation events encompass arginine and lysine N-methylation, and only a few cases of protein methionine thiomethylation have been reported. Newly discovered oncohistone mutations include lysine-to-methionine substitutions at positions 27 and 36 of histone H3.3. In these instances, the methionine substitution localizes to the active-site pocket of the corresponding histone lysine methyltransferase, thereby inhibiting the respective transmethylation activity. SET domain-containing 3 (SETD3) is a protein (i.e. actin) histidine methyltransferase. Here, we generated an actin variant in which the histidine target of SETD3 was substituted with methionine. As for previously characterized histone SET domain proteins, the methionine substitution substantially (76-fold) increased binding affinity for SETD3 and inhibited SETD3 activity on histidine. Unexpectedly, SETD3 was active on the substituted methionine, generating S-methylmethionine in the context of actin peptide. The ternary structure of SETD3 in complex with the methionine-containing actin peptide at 1.9 Å resolution revealed that the hydrophobic thioether side chain is packed by the aromatic rings of Tyr312 and Trp273, as well as the hydrocarbon side chain of Ile310 Our results suggest that placing methionine properly in the active site-within close proximity to and in line with the incoming methyl group of SAM-would allow some SET domain proteins to selectively methylate methionine in proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobo Dai
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew V Holt
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Clayton B Woodcock
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anamika Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicolas L Young
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alex W Wilkinson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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80
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Richart L, Margueron R. Drugging histone methyltransferases in cancer. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 56:51-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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81
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Castel D, Kergrohen T, Tauziède-Espariat A, Mackay A, Ghermaoui S, Lechapt E, Pfister SM, Kramm CM, Boddaert N, Blauwblomme T, Puget S, Beccaria K, Jones C, Jones DTW, Varlet P, Grill J, Debily MA. Histone H3 wild-type DIPG/DMG overexpressing EZHIP extend the spectrum diffuse midline gliomas with PRC2 inhibition beyond H3-K27M mutation. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 139:1109-1113. [PMID: 32193787 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02142-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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82
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Velanis CN, Perera P, Thomson B, de Leau E, Liang SC, Hartwig B, Förderer A, Thornton H, Arede P, Chen J, Webb KM, Gümüs S, De Jaeger G, Page CA, Hancock CN, Spanos C, Rappsilber J, Voigt P, Turck F, Wellmer F, Goodrich J. The domesticated transposase ALP2 mediates formation of a novel Polycomb protein complex by direct interaction with MSI1, a core subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008681. [PMID: 32463832 PMCID: PMC7282668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A large fraction of plant genomes is composed of transposable elements (TE), which provide a potential source of novel genes through “domestication”–the process whereby the proteins encoded by TE diverge in sequence, lose their ability to catalyse transposition and instead acquire novel functions for their hosts. In Arabidopsis, ANTAGONIST OF LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (ALP1) arose by domestication of the nuclease component of Harbinger class TE and acquired a new function as a component of POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX 2 (PRC2), a histone H3K27me3 methyltransferase involved in regulation of host genes and in some cases TE. It was not clear how ALP1 associated with PRC2, nor what the functional consequence was. Here, we identify ALP2 genetically as a suppressor of Polycomb-group (PcG) mutant phenotypes and show that it arose from the second, DNA binding component of Harbinger transposases. Molecular analysis of PcG compromised backgrounds reveals that ALP genes oppose silencing and H3K27me3 deposition at key PcG target genes. Proteomic analysis reveals that ALP1 and ALP2 are components of a variant PRC2 complex that contains the four core components but lacks plant-specific accessory components such as the H3K27me3 reader LIKE HETEROCHROMATION PROTEIN 1 (LHP1). We show that the N-terminus of ALP2 interacts directly with ALP1, whereas the C-terminus of ALP2 interacts with MULTICOPY SUPPRESSOR OF IRA1 (MSI1), a core component of PRC2. Proteomic analysis reveals that in alp2 mutant backgrounds ALP1 protein no longer associates with PRC2, consistent with a role for ALP2 in recruitment of ALP1. We suggest that the propensity of Harbinger TE to insert in gene-rich regions of the genome, together with the modular two component nature of their transposases, has predisposed them for domestication and incorporation into chromatin modifying complexes. A large part of the genomes of plants and animals consists of transposable elements (TE), which are usually considered as selfish or parasitic as they encode proteins (transposases) which promote TE proliferation but not functions useful for their hosts. As a result, hosts have evolved ways of reducing TE proliferation, usually by modifying the DNA or chromatin of TE so that their transposases are no longer produced. Once the TE are inactivated they can no longer proliferate and over time they accumulate mutations and can evolve new functions, often beneficial for their hosts. This process is known as domestication and is increasingly recognised as a potent source of evolutionary novelty. For example, the CRISPR/Cas system that has provided the basis for a revolution in genetic engineering (“genome editing”) has evolved via domestication of transposons in bacteria. We have identified the ALP proteins, two domesticated transposases which function as components of an enzyme complex (PRC2) involved in modifying chromatin and regulating host gene activity in plants. Here we show how ALPs contact PRC2 and direct formation of a novel complex that lacks several of the usual components. The ALPs and related proteins will provide valuable tools for manipulating plant chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N. Velanis
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pumi Perera
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bennett Thomson
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erica de Leau
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Shih Chieh Liang
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Hartwig
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Köln, Germany
| | - Alexander Förderer
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Köln, Germany
| | - Harry Thornton
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Arede
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jiawen Chen
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly M. Webb
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Serin Gümüs
- Department of Biotechnology, Mannheim University of Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Clinton A. Page
- Department of Biology & Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - C. Nathan Hancock
- Department of Biology & Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christos Spanos
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Bioanalytics Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Turck
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Köln, Germany
| | - Frank Wellmer
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justin Goodrich
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Daniel Rutherford Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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83
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Pratt D, Quezado M, Abdullaev Z, Hawes D, Yang F, Garton HJL, Judkins AR, Mody R, Chinnaiyan A, Aldape K, Koschmann C, Venneti S. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma-like tumor with EZHIP expression and molecular features of PFA ependymoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:37. [PMID: 32197665 PMCID: PMC7083001 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00905-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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84
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Ependymoma Pediatric Brain Tumor Protein Fingerprinting by Integrated Mass Spectrometry Platforms: A Pilot Investigation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030674. [PMID: 32183175 PMCID: PMC7140025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymoma pediatric brain tumor occurs at approximate frequencies of 10-15% in supratentorial and 20-30% in posterior fossa regions. These tumors have an almost selective response to surgery and relative and confirmed resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapic agents, respectively. Alongside histopathological grading, clinical and treatment evaluation of ependymomas currently consider the tumor localization and the genomic outlined associated molecular subgroups, with the supratentorial and the posterior fossa ependymomas nowadays considered diverse diseases. On these grounds and in trying to better understand the molecular features of these tumors, the present investigation aimed to originally investigate the proteomic profile of pediatric ependymoma tissues of different grade and localization by mass spectrometry platforms to disclose potential distinct protein phenotypes. To this purpose, acid-soluble and acid-insoluble fractions of ependymoma tumor tissues homogenates were analyzed by LC-MS following both the top-down and the shotgun proteomic approaches, respectively, to either investigate the intact proteome or its digested form. The two approaches were complementary in profiling the ependymoma tumor tissues and showed distinguished profiles for supratentorial and posterior fossa ependymomas and for WHO II and III tumor grades. Top-down proteomic analysis revealed statistically significant higher levels of thymosin beta 4, 10 kDa heat shock protein, non-histone chromosomal protein HMG-17, and mono-/uncitrullinated forms ratio of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) fragment 388-432 in supratentorial ependymomas-the same GFAP fragment as well as the hemoglobin alpha- and the beta-chain marked grade II with respect to grade III posterior fossa ependymomas. Gene ontology classification of shotgun data of the identified cancer and the non-cancer related proteins disclosed protein elements exclusively marking tumor localization and pathways that were selectively overrepresented. These results, although preliminary, seem consistent with different protein profiles of ependymomas of diverse grade of aggressiveness and brain region development and contributed to enlarging the molecular knowledge of this still enigmatic tumor.
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85
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Mendez FM, Núñez FJ, Garcia-Fabiani MB, Haase S, Carney S, Gauss JC, Becher OJ, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Epigenetic reprogramming and chromatin accessibility in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: a neural developmental disease. Neuro Oncol 2020; 22:195-206. [PMID: 32078691 PMCID: PMC7032633 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare but deadly pediatric brainstem tumor. To date, there is no effective therapy for DIPG. Transcriptomic analyses have revealed DIPGs have a distinct profile from other pediatric high-grade gliomas occurring in the cerebral hemispheres. These unique genomic characteristics coupled with the younger median age group suggest that DIPG has a developmental origin. The most frequent mutation in DIPG is a lysine to methionine (K27M) mutation that occurs on H3F3A and HIST1H3B/C, genes encoding histone variants. The K27M mutation disrupts methylation by polycomb repressive complex 2 on histone H3 at lysine 27, leading to global hypomethylation. Histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation is an important developmental regulator controlling gene expression. This review discusses the developmental and epigenetic mechanisms driving disease progression in DIPG, as well as the profound therapeutic implications of epigenetic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor M Mendez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Felipe J Núñez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria B Garcia-Fabiani
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Santiago Haase
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephen Carney
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jessica C Gauss
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Oren J Becher
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Pedro R Lowenstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria G Castro
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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86
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Altered epigenetics is central to oncogenesis in many pediatric cancers. Aberrant epigenetic states are induced by mutations in histones or epigenetic regulatory genes, aberrant expression of genes regulating chromatin complexes, altered DNA methylation patterns, or dysregulated expression of noncoding RNAs. Developmental contexts of dysregulated epigenetic states are equally important for initiation and progression of many childhood cancers. As an improved understanding of disease-specific roles and molecular consequences of epigenetic alterations in oncogenesis is emerging, targeting these mechanisms of disease in childhood cancers is increasingly becoming important. RECENT FINDINGS In addition to disease-causing epigenetic events, DNA methylation patterns and specific oncohistone mutations are being utilized for the diagnosis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) and solid tumors. These discoveries have improved the classification of poorly differentiated tumors and laid the foundation for future improved clinical management. On the therapeutic side, the first therapies targeting epigenetic alterations have recently entered clinical trials. Current clinical trials include pharmacological inhibition of histone and DNA modifiers in aggressive types of pediatric cancer. SUMMARY Targeting novel epigenetic vulnerabilities, either by themselves, or coupled with targeting altered transcriptional states, developmental cell states or immunomodulation will result in innovative approaches for treating deadly pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshini Panditharatna
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA.,Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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87
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Kasper LH, Baker SJ. Invited Review: Emerging functions of histone H3 mutations in paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:73-85. [PMID: 31859390 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are rare, but deadly tumours. The discovery of recurrent mutations in the tail of histone H3, changing lysine 27 to methionine, or glycine 34 to arginine or valine, has illuminated a critical role for epigenetic dysregulation in the aetiology of childhood gliomas and opened new avenues of exploration that have resulted in numerous advances for the field. In this review, we describe the current models of H3K27M mutant cancer that are available to the research community and the insights they have provided on tumour biology and the epigenetic and transcriptional effects of histone mutations. We also review the current understanding of the H3G34R/V mutation and the therapeutic outlook for the treatment of pHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Kasper
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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88
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Patient-derived orthotopic xenografts of pediatric brain tumors: a St. Jude resource. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:209-225. [PMID: 32519082 PMCID: PMC7360541 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX) of childhood brain tumors have recently emerged as a biologically faithful vehicle for testing novel and more effective therapies. Herein, we provide the histopathological and molecular analysis of 37 novel PDOX models generated from pediatric brain tumor patients treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Using a combination of histopathology, whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and DNA methylation arrays, we demonstrate the overall fidelity and inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity of pediatric brain tumor PDOX models. These models represent frequent as well as rare childhood brain tumor entities, including medulloblastoma, ependymoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, and embryonal tumor with multi-layer rosettes. PDOX models will be valuable platforms for evaluating novel therapies and conducting pre-clinical trials to accelerate progress in the treatment of brain tumors in children. All described PDOX models and associated datasets can be explored using an interactive web-based portal and will be made freely available to the research community upon request.
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89
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Agnihotri S. Tackling 1q+ PFA ependymomas. Neuro Oncol 2019; 21:1489. [PMID: 31846502 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Agnihotri
- Brain Tumor Research Center, John G. Rangos Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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90
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Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a conserved chromatin regulator that is responsible for the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). PRC2 is essential for normal development and its loss of function thus results in a range of developmental phenotypes. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding of mammalian PRC2 activity and present an updated summary of the phenotypes associated with its loss of function in mice. We then discuss recent studies that have highlighted regulatory interplay between the modifications laid down by PRC2 and other chromatin modifiers, including NSD1 and DNMT3A. Finally, we propose a model in which the dysregulation of these modifications at intergenic regions is a shared molecular feature of genetically distinct but highly phenotypically similar overgrowth syndromes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Deevy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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91
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Lee CH, Yu JR, Granat J, Saldaña-Meyer R, Andrade J, LeRoy G, Jin Y, Lund P, Stafford JM, Garcia BA, Ueberheide B, Reinberg D. Automethylation of PRC2 promotes H3K27 methylation and is impaired in H3K27M pediatric glioma. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1428-1440. [PMID: 31488577 PMCID: PMC6771381 DOI: 10.1101/gad.328773.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Lee et al. use both in vitro and in vivo approaches to elucidate the regulation of PRC2. They demonstrate a novel PRC2 self-regulatory mechanism through its EZH1/2-mediated automethylation activity. The histone methyltransferase activity of PRC2 is central to the formation of H3K27me3-decorated facultative heterochromatin and gene silencing. In addition, PRC2 has been shown to automethylate its core subunits, EZH1/EZH2 and SUZ12. Here, we identify the lysine residues at which EZH1/EZH2 are automethylated with EZH2-K510 and EZH2-K514 being the major such sites in vivo. Automethylated EZH2/PRC2 exhibits a higher level of histone methyltransferase activity and is required for attaining proper cellular levels of H3K27me3. While occurring independently of PRC2 recruitment to chromatin, automethylation promotes PRC2 accessibility to the histone H3 tail. Intriguingly, EZH2 automethylation is significantly reduced in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) cells that carry a lysine-to-methionine substitution in histone H3 (H3K27M), but not in cells that carry either EZH2 or EED mutants that abrogate PRC2 allosteric activation, indicating that H3K27M impairs the intrinsic activity of PRC2. Our study demonstrates a PRC2 self-regulatory mechanism through its EZH1/2-mediated automethylation activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Jia-Ray Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Jeffrey Granat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Ricardo Saldaña-Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Joshua Andrade
- Proteomics Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Gary LeRoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Shared Bioinformatics Core, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Peder Lund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - James M Stafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Beatrix Ueberheide
- Proteomics Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
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92
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Aranda S, Di Croce L. Inhibitory protein puts a lid on an epigenetic marker. Nature 2019; 573:38-39. [DOI: 10.1038/d41586-019-02521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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93
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Jones DTW, Banito A, Grünewald TGP, Haber M, Jäger N, Kool M, Milde T, Molenaar JJ, Nabbi A, Pugh TJ, Schleiermacher G, Smith MA, Westermann F, Pfister SM. Molecular characteristics and therapeutic vulnerabilities across paediatric solid tumours. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:420-438. [PMID: 31300807 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The spectrum of tumours arising in childhood is fundamentally different from that seen in adults, and they are known to be divergent from adult malignancies in terms of cellular origins, epidemiology, genetic complexity, driver mutations and underlying mutational processes. Despite the immense knowledge generated through sequencing efforts and functional characterization of identified (epi-)genetic alterations over the past decade, the clinical implications of this knowledge have so far been limited. Novel preclinical platforms such as the European Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer-Paediatric Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Platform and the US-based Pediatric Preclinical Testing Consortium are being developed to try to change this by aiming to recapitulate the extensive heterogeneity of paediatric tumours and thereby, hopefully, improve the ability to predict clinical benefit. Numerous studies have also been established worldwide to provide patients with access to real-time molecular profiling and the possibility of more precise mechanism-of-action-based treatments. In addition to tumour-intrinsic findings and mechanisms, ongoing studies are investigating features such as the immune microenvironment of paediatric tumours in comparison with adult cancers - currently of very timely clinical relevance. However, there is an ongoing need for rigorous preclinical biomarker and target validation to feed into the next generation of molecularly stratified clinical trials. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the molecular landscape of paediatric solid tumours, including their underlying genomic alterations and interactions with the microenvironment, complemented with our current understanding of potential therapeutic vulnerabilities and how these can be preclinically tested using more accurate predictive methods. Finally, we provide an outlook on the challenges and opportunities associated with translating this overwhelming scientific progress into real clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Banito
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's & Children's Health, UNSW Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Cancer, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arash Nabbi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gudrun Schleiermacher
- SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation and Research for Children and AYA with Cancer), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- INSERM U830, Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie des Cancers, Research Center, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Malcolm A Smith
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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94
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Piunti A, Smith ER, Morgan MAJ, Ugarenko M, Khaltyan N, Helmin KA, Ryan CA, Murray DC, Rickels RA, Yilmaz BD, Rendleman EJ, Savas JN, Singer BD, Bulun SE, Shilatifard A. CATACOMB: An endogenous inducible gene that antagonizes H3K27 methylation activity of Polycomb repressive complex 2 via an H3K27M-like mechanism. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax2887. [PMID: 31281901 PMCID: PMC6609211 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax2887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Using biochemical characterization of fusion proteins associated with endometrial stromal sarcoma, we identified JAZF1 as a new subunit of the NuA4 acetyltransferase complex and CXORF67 as a subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). Since CXORF67's interaction with PRC2 leads to decreased PRC2-dependent H3K27me2/3 deposition, we propose a new name for this gene: CATACOMB (catalytic antagonist of Polycomb; official gene name: EZHIP ). We map CATACOMB's inhibitory function to a short highly conserved region and identify a single methionine residue essential for diminution of H3K27me2/3 levels. Remarkably, the amino acid sequence surrounding this critical methionine resembles the oncogenic histone H3 Lys27-to-methionine (H3K27M) mutation found in high-grade pediatric gliomas. As CATACOMB expression is regulated through DNA methylation/demethylation, we propose CATACOMB as the potential interlocutor between DNA methylation and PRC2 activity. We raise the possibility that similar regulatory mechanisms could exist for other methyltransferase complexes such as Trithorax/COMPASS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piunti
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Edwin R. Smith
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marc A. J. Morgan
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michal Ugarenko
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Natalia Khaltyan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Helmin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Caila A. Ryan
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David C. Murray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ryan A. Rickels
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bahar D. Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J. Rendleman
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Savas
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Serdar E. Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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