51
|
Zhang P, Zhang Z, Fu Y, Zhang Y, Washburn MP, Florens L, Wu M, Huang C, Hou Z, Mohan M. K63-linked ubiquitination of DYRK1A by TRAF2 alleviates Sprouty 2-mediated degradation of EGFR. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:608. [PMID: 34117217 PMCID: PMC8196033 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A, DYRK1A, functions in multiple cellular pathways, including signaling, endocytosis, synaptic transmission, and transcription. Alterations in dosage of DYRK1A leads to defects in neurogenesis, cell growth, and differentiation, and may increase the risk of certain cancers. DYRK1A localizes to a number of subcellular structures including vesicles where it is known to phosphorylate a number of proteins and regulate vesicle biology. However, the mechanism by which it translocates to vesicles is poorly understood. Here we report the discovery of TRAF2, an E3 ligase, as an interaction partner of DYRK1A. Our data suggest that TRAF2 binds to PVQE motif residing in between the PEST and histidine repeat domain (HRD) of DYRK1A protein, and mediates K63-linked ubiquitination of DYRK1A. This results in translocation of DYRK1A to the vesicle membrane. DYRK1A increases phosphorylation of Sprouty 2 on vesicles, leading to the inhibition of EGFR degradation, and depletion of TRAF2 expression accelerates EGFR degradation. Further, silencing of DYRK1A inhibits the growth of glioma cells mediated by TRAF2. Collectively, these findings suggest that the axis of TRAF2-DYRK1A-Sprouty 2 can be a target for new therapeutic development for EGFR-mediated human pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengshan Zhang
- Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Hongqiao Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yinkun Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MI, USA
| | - Michael P Washburn
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Min Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhaoyuan Hou
- Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Hongqiao Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Man Mohan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Specific patterns of H3K79 methylation influence genetic interaction of oncogenes in AML. Blood Adv 2021; 4:3109-3122. [PMID: 32634241 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms of cooperation between oncogenes is critical for the development of novel therapies and rational combinations. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with KMT2A-fusions and KMT2A partial tandem duplications (KMT2APTD) are known to depend on the histone methyltransferase DOT1L, which methylates histone 3 lysine 79 (H3K79). About 30% of KMT2APTD AMLs carry mutations in IDH1/2 (mIDH1/2). Previous studies showed that 2-hydroxyglutarate produced by mIDH1/2 increases H3K79 methylation, and mIDH1/2 patient samples are sensitive to DOT1L inhibition. Together, these findings suggested that stabilization or increases in H3K79 methylation associated with IDH mutations support the proliferation of leukemias dependent on this mark. However, we found that mIDH1/2 and KMT2A alterations failed to cooperate in an experimental model. Instead, mIDH1/2 and 2-hydroxyglutarate exert toxic effects, specifically on KMT2A-rearranged AML cells (fusions/partial tandem duplications). Mechanistically, we uncover an epigenetic barrier to efficient cooperation; mIDH1/2 expression is associated with high global histone 3 lysine 79 dimethylation (H3K79me2) levels, whereas global H3K79me2 is obligate low in KMT2A-rearranged AML. Increasing H3K79me2 levels, specifically in KMT2A-rearrangement leukemias, resulted in transcriptional downregulation of KMT2A target genes and impaired leukemia cell growth. Our study details a complex genetic and epigenetic interaction of 2 classes of oncogenes, IDH1/2 mutations and KMT2A rearrangements, that is unexpected based on the high percentage of IDH mutations in KMT2APTD AML. KMT2A rearrangements are associated with a trend toward lower response rates to mIDH1/2 inhibitors. The substantial adaptation that has to occur for 2 initially counteracting mutations to be tolerated within the same leukemic cell may provide at least a partial explanation for this observation.
Collapse
|
53
|
Anshabo AT, Milne R, Wang S, Albrecht H. CDK9: A Comprehensive Review of Its Biology, and Its Role as a Potential Target for Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:678559. [PMID: 34041038 PMCID: PMC8143439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.678559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins pivotal to a wide range of cellular functions, most importantly cell division and transcription, and their dysregulations have been implicated as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis. Besides the well-established role of cell cycle CDKs in cancer, the involvement of transcriptional CDKs has been confirmed more recently. Most cancers overtly employ CDKs that serve as key regulators of transcription (e.g., CDK9) for a continuous production of short-lived gene products that maintain their survival. As such, dysregulation of the CDK9 pathway has been observed in various hematological and solid malignancies, making it a valuable anticancer target. This therapeutic potential has been utilized for the discovery of CDK9 inhibitors, some of which have entered human clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure and biology of CDK9, its role in solid and hematological cancers, and an updated review of the available inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abel Tesfaye Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Grigsby SM, Friedman A, Chase J, Waas B, Ropa J, Serio J, Shen C, Muntean AG, Maillard I, Nikolovska-Coleska Z. Elucidating the Importance of DOT1L Recruitment in MLL-AF9 Leukemia and Hematopoiesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040642. [PMID: 33562706 PMCID: PMC7914713 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MLL1 (KMT2a) gene rearrangements underlie the pathogenesis of aggressive MLL-driven acute leukemia. AF9, one of the most common MLL-fusion partners, recruits the histone H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L to MLL target genes, constitutively activating transcription of pro-leukemic targets. DOT1L has emerged as a therapeutic target in patients with MLL-driven leukemia. However, global DOT1L enzymatic inhibition may lead to off-target toxicities in non-leukemic cells that could decrease the therapeutic index of DOT1L inhibitors. To bypass this problem, we developed a novel approach targeting specific protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that mediate DOT1L recruitment to MLL target genes, and compared the effects of enzymatic and PPIs inhibition on leukemic and non-leukemic hematopoiesis. MLL-AF9 cell lines were engineered to carry mutant DOT1L constructs with a defective AF9 interaction site or lacking enzymatic activity. In cell lines expressing a DOT1L mutant with defective AF9 binding, we observed complete disruption of DOT1L recruitment to critical target genes and inhibition of leukemic cell growth. To evaluate the overall impact of DOT1L loss in non-leukemic hematopoiesis, we first assessed the impact of acute Dot1l inactivation in adult mouse bone marrow. We observed a rapid reduction in myeloid progenitor cell numbers within 7 days, followed by a loss of long-term hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, WT and PPI-deficient DOT1L mutants but not an enzymatically inactive DOT1L mutant were able to rescue sustained hematopoiesis. These data show that the AF9-DOT1L interaction is dispensable in non-leukemic hematopoiesis. Our findings support targeting of the MLL-AF9-DOT1L interaction as a promising therapeutic strategy that is selectively toxic to MLL-driven leukemic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sierrah M. Grigsby
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Ann Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (A.F.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (I.M.)
| | - Jennifer Chase
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (A.F.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (I.M.)
| | - Bridget Waas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (A.F.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (I.M.)
| | - James Ropa
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Justin Serio
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Chenxi Shen
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Andrew G. Muntean
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (A.F.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (I.M.)
| | - Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska
- Molecular and Celular Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA; (S.M.G.); (J.R.); (J.S.); (C.S.); (A.G.M.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(734)-615-9202; Fax: +1-(734)-763-8764
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Bhat KP, Ümit Kaniskan H, Jin J, Gozani O. Epigenetics and beyond: targeting writers of protein lysine methylation to treat disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:265-286. [PMID: 33469207 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates the functions of both histone and non-histone proteins. Deregulation of the enzymes or 'writers' of protein lysine methylation, lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), is implicated in the cause of many diseases, including cancer, mental health disorders and developmental disorders. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in developing drugs to target KMTs that are involved in histone methylation and epigenetic regulation. The first of these inhibitors, tazemetostat, was recently approved for the treatment of epithelioid sarcoma and follicular lymphoma, and several more are in clinical and preclinical evaluation. Beyond chromatin, the many KMTs that regulate protein synthesis and other fundamental biological processes are emerging as promising new targets for drug development to treat diverse diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamakoti P Bhat
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Or Gozani
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Aberrant Activity of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) Complexes in Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249340. [PMID: 33302406 PMCID: PMC7762615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KMT2 (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase subclass 2) complexes methylate lysine 4 on the histone H3 tail at gene promoters and gene enhancers and, thus, control the process of gene transcription. These complexes not only play an essential role in normal development but have also been described as involved in the aberrant growth of tissues. KMT2 mutations resulting from the rearrangements of the KMT2A (MLL1) gene at 11q23 are associated with pediatric mixed-lineage leukemias, and recent studies demonstrate that KMT2 genes are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers. Moreover, other components of the KMT2 complexes have been reported to contribute to oncogenesis. This review summarizes the recent advances in our knowledge of the role of KMT2 complexes in cell transformation. In addition, it discusses the therapeutic targeting of different components of the KMT2 complexes.
Collapse
|
58
|
Söderholm S, Cantù C. The WNT/β‐catenin dependent transcription: A tissue‐specific business. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1511. [PMID: 33085215 PMCID: PMC9285942 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
β‐catenin‐mediated Wnt signaling is an ancient cell‐communication pathway in which β‐catenin drives the expression of certain genes as a consequence of the trigger given by extracellular WNT molecules. The events occurring from signal to transcription are evolutionarily conserved, and their final output orchestrates countless processes during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Importantly, a dysfunctional Wnt/β‐catenin pathway causes developmental malformations, and its aberrant activation is the root of several types of cancer. A rich literature describes the multitude of nuclear players that cooperate with β‐catenin to generate a transcriptional program. However, a unified theory of how β‐catenin drives target gene expression is still missing. We will discuss two types of β‐catenin interactors: transcription factors that allow β‐catenin to localize at target regions on the DNA, and transcriptional co‐factors that ultimately activate gene expression. In contrast to the presumed universality of β‐catenin's action, the ensemble of available evidence suggests a view in which β‐catenin drives a complex system of responses in different cells and tissues. A malleable armamentarium of players might interact with β‐catenin in order to activate the right “canonical” targets in each tissue, developmental stage, or disease context. Discovering the mechanism by which each tissue‐specific β‐catenin response is executed will be crucial to comprehend how a seemingly universal pathway fosters a wide spectrum of processes during development and homeostasis. Perhaps more importantly, this could ultimately inform us about which are the tumor‐specific components that need to be targeted to dampen the activity of oncogenic β‐catenin. This article is categorized under:Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Cancer > Stem Cells and Development
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Söderholm
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
DOT1L-controlled cell-fate determination and transcription elongation are independent of H3K79 methylation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27365-27373. [PMID: 33077595 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001075117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actively transcribed genes in mammals are decorated by H3K79 methylation, which is correlated with transcription levels and is catalyzed by the histone methyltransferase DOT1L. DOT1L is required for mammalian development, and the inhibition of its catalytic activity has been extensively studied for cancer therapy; however, the mechanisms underlying DOT1L's functions in normal development and cancer pathogenesis remain elusive. To dissect the relationship between H3K79 methylation, cellular differentiation, and transcription regulation, we systematically examined the role of DOT1L and its catalytic activity in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). DOT1L is dispensable for ESC self-renewal but is required for establishing the proper expression signature of neural progenitor cells, while catalytic inactivation of DOT1L has a lesser effect. Furthermore, DOT1L loss, rather than its catalytic inactivation, causes defects in glial cell specification. Although DOT1L loss by itself has no major defect in transcription elongation, transcription elongation defects seen with the super elongation complex inhibitor KL-2 are exacerbated in DOT1L knockout cells, but not in catalytically dead DOT1L cells, revealing a role of DOT1L in promoting productive transcription elongation that is independent of H3K79 methylation. Taken together, our study reveals a catalytic-independent role of DOT1L in modulating cell-fate determination and in transcriptional elongation control.
Collapse
|
60
|
Lascarez-Lagunas LI, Herruzo E, Grishok A, San-Segundo PA, Colaiácovo MP. DOT-1.1-dependent H3K79 methylation promotes normal meiotic progression and meiotic checkpoint function in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009171. [PMID: 33104701 PMCID: PMC7644094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers are emerging as important regulators of the genome. However, how they regulate specific processes during meiosis is not well understood. Methylation of H3K79 by the histone methyltransferase Dot1 has been shown to be involved in the maintenance of genomic stability in various organisms. In S. cerevisiae, Dot1 modulates the meiotic checkpoint response triggered by synapsis and/or recombination defects by promoting Hop1-dependent Mek1 activation and Hop1 distribution along unsynapsed meiotic chromosomes, at least in part, by regulating Pch2 localization. However, how this protein regulates meiosis in metazoans is unknown. Here, we describe the effects of H3K79me depletion via analysis of dot-1.1 or zfp-1 mutants during meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. We observed decreased fertility and increased embryonic lethality in dot-1.1 mutants suggesting meiotic dysfunction. We show that DOT-1.1 plays a role in the regulation of pairing, synapsis and recombination in the worm. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DOT-1.1 is an important regulator of mechanisms surveilling chromosome synapsis during meiosis. In sum, our results reveal that regulation of H3K79me plays an important role in coordinating events during meiosis in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Lascarez-Lagunas
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Esther Herruzo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alla Grishok
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Pedro A. San-Segundo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mónica P. Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Bian J, Dannappel M, Wan C, Firestein R. Transcriptional Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092125. [PMID: 32961708 PMCID: PMC7564852 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway exerts integral roles in embryogenesis and adult homeostasis. Aberrant activation of the pathway is implicated in growth-associated diseases and cancers, especially as a key driver in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Loss or inactivation of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) results in constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is considered as an initiating event in the development of CRC. Increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling is observed in virtually all CRC patients, underscoring the importance of this pathway for therapeutic intervention. Prior studies have deciphered the regulatory networks required for the cytoplasmic stabilisation or degradation of the Wnt pathway effector, β-catenin. However, the mechanism whereby nuclear β-catenin drives or inhibits expression of Wnt target genes is more diverse and less well characterised. Here, we describe a brief synopsis of the core canonical Wnt pathway components, set the spotlight on nuclear mediators and highlight the emerging role of chromatin regulators as modulators of β-catenin-dependent transcription activity and oncogenic output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Bian
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Marius Dannappel
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chunhua Wan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Wong NHM, So CWE. Novel therapeutic strategies for MLL-rearranged leukemias. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194584. [PMID: 32534041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
MLL rearrangement is one of the key drivers and generally regarded as an independent poor prognostic marker in acute leukemias. The standard of care for MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias has remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years despite unsatisfying clinical outcomes, so there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that a vast number of epigenetic regulators are directly or indirectly involved in MLL-r leukemia, and they are responsible for supporting the aberrant gene expression program mediated by MLL-fusions. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications can be reversed by pharmacologic targeting of the responsible epigenetic regulators. This leads to significant interest in developing epigenetic therapies for MLL-r leukemia. Intriguingly, many of the epigenetic enzymes also involve in DNA damage response (DDR), which can be potential targets for synthetic lethality-induced therapies. In this review, we will summarize some of the recent advances in the development of epigenetic and DDR therapeutics by targeting epigenetic regulators or protein complexes that mediate MLL-r leukemia gene expression program and key players in DDR that safeguard essential genome integrity. The rationale and molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects will also be discussed with a focus on how these treatments can disrupt MLL-fusion mediated transcriptional programs and impair DDR, which may help overcome treatment resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nok-Hei Mickey Wong
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Division of Cancer Studies, Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Team, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chi Wai Eric So
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Division of Cancer Studies, Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Team, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Miyamoto R, Okuda H, Kanai A, Takahashi S, Kawamura T, Matsui H, Kitamura T, Kitabayashi I, Inaba T, Yokoyama A. Activation of CpG-Rich Promoters Mediated by MLL Drives MOZ-Rearranged Leukemia. Cell Rep 2020; 32:108200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
|
64
|
Kara N, Kent MR, Didiano D, Rajaram K, Zhao A, Summerbell ER, Patton JG. The miR-216a-Dot1l Regulatory Axis Is Necessary and Sufficient for Müller Glia Reprogramming during Retina Regeneration. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2037-2047.e4. [PMID: 31433981 PMCID: PMC6750267 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike the adult mammalian retina, Müller glia (MG) in the adult zebrafish retina are able to dedifferentiate into a ‘‘stem cell’’-like state and give rise to multipotent progenitor cells upon retinal damage. We show that miR-216a is downregulated in MG after constant intense light lesioning and that miR-216a suppression is necessary and sufficient for MG dedifferentiation and proliferation during retina regeneration. miR-216a targets the H3K79 methyltransferase Dot1l, which is upregulated in proliferating MG after retinal damage. Loss-of-function experiments show that Dot1l is necessary for MG reprogramming and mediates MG proliferation downstream of miR-216a. We further demonstrate that miR-216a and Dot1l regulate MG-mediated retina regeneration through canonical Wnt signaling. This article reports a regulatory mechanism upstream of Wnt signaling during retina regeneration and provides potential targets for enhancing regeneration in the adult mammalian retina. Unlike the adult mammalian retina, Müller glia in the adult zebrafish retina are able to reprogram into a stem cell-like state and give rise to multipotent progenitor cells upon retinal damage. Kara et al. show that miR-216a suppression stimulates Müller glia reprogramming through upregulation of the H3K79 methyltransferase Dot1l and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nergis Kara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew R Kent
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dominic Didiano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kamya Rajaram
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anna Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily R Summerbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - James G Patton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Szulik MW, Davis K, Bakhtina A, Azarcon P, Bia R, Horiuchi E, Franklin S. Transcriptional regulation by methyltransferases and their role in the heart: highlighting novel emerging functionality. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H847-H865. [PMID: 32822544 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00382.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Methyltransferases are a superfamily of enzymes that transfer methyl groups to proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. Traditionally, these enzymes have been shown to carry out a specific modification (mono-, di-, or trimethylation) on a single, or limited number of, amino acid(s). The largest subgroup of this family, protein methyltransferases, target arginine and lysine side chains of histone molecules to regulate gene expression. Although there is a large number of functional studies that have been performed on individual methyltransferases describing their methylation targets and effects on biological processes, no analyses exist describing the spatial distribution across tissues or their differential expression in the diseased heart. For this review, we performed tissue profiling in protein databases of 199 confirmed or putative methyltransferases to demonstrate the unique tissue-specific expression of these individual proteins. In addition, we examined transcript data sets from human heart failure patients and murine models of heart disease to identify 40 methyltransferases in humans and 15 in mice, which are differentially regulated in the heart, although many have never been functionally interrogated. Lastly, we focused our analysis on the largest subgroup, that of protein methyltransferases, and present a newly emerging phenomenon in which 16 of these enzymes have been shown to play dual roles in regulating transcription by maintaining the ability to both activate and repress transcription through methyltransferase-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Overall, this review highlights a novel paradigm shift in our understanding of the function of histone methyltransferases and correlates their expression in heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta W Szulik
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kathryn Davis
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Anna Bakhtina
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Presley Azarcon
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ryan Bia
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Emilee Horiuchi
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sarah Franklin
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Esse R, Grishok A. Caenorhabditis elegans Deficient in DOT-1.1 Exhibit Increases in H3K9me2 at Enhancer and Certain RNAi-Regulated Regions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081846. [PMID: 32781660 PMCID: PMC7464606 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 is a feature of open chromatin. It is deposited by the conserved histone methyltransferase DOT1. Recently, DOT1 localization and H3K79 methylation (H3K79me) have been correlated with enhancers in C. elegans and mammalian cells. Since earlier research implicated H3K79me in preventing heterochromatin formation both in yeast and leukemic cells, we sought to inquire whether a H3K79me deficiency would lead to higher levels of heterochromatic histone modifications, specifically H3K9me2, at developmental enhancers in C. elegans. Therefore, we used H3K9me2 ChIP-seq to compare its abundance in control and dot-1.1 loss-of-function mutant worms, as well as in rde-4; dot-1.1 and rde-1; dot-1.1 double mutants. The rde-1 and rde-4 genes are components of the RNAi pathway in C. elegans, and RNAi is known to initiate H3K9 methylation in many organisms, including C. elegans. We have previously shown that dot-1.1(-) lethality is rescued by rde-1 and rde-4 loss-of-function. Here we found that H3K9me2 was elevated in enhancer, but not promoter, regions bound by the DOT-1.1/ZFP-1 complex in dot-1.1(-) worms. We also found increased H3K9me2 at genes targeted by the ALG-3/4-dependent small RNAs and repeat regions. Our results suggest that ectopic H3K9me2 in dot-1.1(-) could, in some cases, be induced by small RNAs.
Collapse
|
67
|
Forgione MO, McClure BJ, Yeung DT, Eadie LN, White DL. MLLT10 rearranged acute leukemia: Incidence, prognosis, and possible therapeutic strategies. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:709-721. [PMID: 32720323 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearrangements of the MLLT10 gene occur in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), most commonly T-lineage ALL (T-ALL), in patients of all ages. MLLT10 rearranged (MLLT10r) acute leukemia presents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to frequent presentation of immature or mixed phenotype, and a lack of consensus regarding optimal therapy. Cases of MLLT10r AML or T-ALL bearing immature phenotype are at high risk of poor outcome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and sensitivity to targeted therapies remain poorly characterized. This review addresses the incidence and prognostic significance of MLLT10r in acute leukemia, and how the aberrant gene expression profile of this disease can inform potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying genomics of MLLT10r acute leukemia, both clinically and molecularly, will improve prognostic stratification and accelerate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, to improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O Forgione
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara J McClure
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David T Yeung
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura N Eadie
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah L White
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance (AGHA), The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Children's Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), Hudson Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Basu S, Nandy A, Biswas D. Keeping RNA polymerase II on the run: Functions of MLL fusion partners in transcriptional regulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194563. [PMID: 32348849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of key MLL fusion partners as transcription elongation factors regulating expression of HOX cluster genes during hematopoiesis, extensive work from the last decade has resulted in significant progress in our overall mechanistic understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation of diverse set of genes beyond just the HOX cluster. In this review, we are going to detail overall understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation and thus provide mechanistic insights into possible MLL fusion protein-mediated transcriptional misregulation leading to aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subham Basu
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India
| | - Arijit Nandy
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India.
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Takahashi S, Yokoyama A. The molecular functions of common and atypical MLL fusion protein complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194548. [PMID: 32320750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) fuses with a variety of partners to produce a functionally altered MLL complex that is not expressed in normal cells, which transforms normal hematopoietic progenitors into leukemia cells. Because more than 80 fusion partners have been identified to date, the molecular functions of MLL fusion protein complexes appear diverse. However, over the past decade, the common functions utilized for leukemic transformation have begun to be elucidated. It appears that most (if not all) MLL fusion protein complexes utilize the AF4/ENL/P-TEFb and DOT1L complexes to some extent. Based on an understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, several molecular targeting drugs are being developed, opening paths to novel therapies. Here, we review the recent progress made in identifying the molecular functions of various MLL fusions and categorize the numerous fusion partners into several functionally-distinct groups to help discern commonalities and differences among various MLL fusion protein complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takahashi
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan; National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Guo C, Che Z, Yue J, Xie P, Hao S, Xie W, Luo Z, Lin C. ENL initiates multivalent phase separation of the super elongation complex (SEC) in controlling rapid transcriptional activation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay4858. [PMID: 32270036 PMCID: PMC7112754 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay4858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Release of paused RNA polymerase II (Pol II) requires incorporation of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) into the super elongation complex (SEC), thus resulting in rapid yet synchronous transcriptional activation. However, the mechanism underlying dynamic transition of P-TEFb from inactive to active state remains unclear. Here, we found that the SEC components are able to compartmentalize and concentrate P-TEFb via liquid-liquid phase separation from the soluble inactive HEXIM1 containing the P-TEFb complex. Specifically, ENL or its intrinsically disordered region is sufficient to initiate the liquid droplet formation of SEC. AFF4 functions together with ENL in fluidizing SEC droplets. SEC droplets are fast and dynamically formed upon serum exposure and required for rapid transcriptional induction. We also found that the fusion of ENL with MLL can boost SEC phase separation. In summary, our results suggest a critical role of multivalent phase separation of SEC in controlling transcriptional pause release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Che
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Junjie Yue
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Southeast University-Allen Institute Joint Center, Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Shaohua Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Wei Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Southeast University-Allen Institute Joint Center, Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zhuojuan Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Corresponding author. (C.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Chengqi Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Corresponding author. (C.L.); (Z.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Zhang W, Zhang J, Xu C, Zhang S, Bian S, Jiang F, Ni W, Qu L, Lu C, Ni R, Fan Y, Xiao M, Liu J. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 is a drug-able target that promotes hepatocellular carcinoma and chemoresistance. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:28. [PMID: 32002017 PMCID: PMC6986148 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a de-ubiquitin enzyme that plays an essential role in multiple cancers and becomes a target for treatment. However, the role of USP7 and its therapeutic value for HCC remains unclear. Methods USP7 expression was examined in HCC tissues by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The correlation of USP7 and HCC prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier survival method. Mass spectrometry was determined and cell proliferation and tumorigenicity assays were conducted in vitro and in vivo treated by P22077 and sgRNA-USP7. Results USP7 expression was significantly increased in HCC and associated with its progression. Interestingly, many HCC cells are sensitive to USP7 inhibition by using P22077. P22077 treatment not only induced cell death but also inhibited cell proliferation and migration in Huh7 and SK-Hep1 cells. In a xenograft model, P22077 efficiently inhibited tumor growth. In chemo-resistant HCC cells, P22077 decreased cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. In addition, mass spectrometry reveals 224 of significantly changed proteins upon P22077 treatment. Conclusions We demonstrate a critical role of USP7 in HCC devolvement and chemoresistance. Disruption of USP7 function results in dis-regulated several key biological processes and subsequently activates BAX. USP7 might be a novel and drug-able target in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,2Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Jingxin Zhang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,2Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Chenzhou Xu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,2Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,2Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Saiyan Bian
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,2Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Feng Jiang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Wenkai Ni
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Lishuai Qu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihua Lu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Runzhou Ni
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Yihui Fan
- 3Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001 China
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China.,4Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Yoo H, Lee YJ, Park C, Son D, Choi DY, Park JH, Choi HJ, La HW, Choi YJ, Moon EH, Saur D, Chung HM, Song H, Do JT, Jang H, Lee DR, Park C, Lee OH, Cho SG, Hong SH, Kong G, Kim JH, Choi Y, Hong K. Epigenetic priming by Dot1l in lymphatic endothelial progenitors ensures normal lymphatic development and function. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:14. [PMID: 31908356 PMCID: PMC6944698 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Proper functioning of the lymphatic system is required for normal immune responses, fluid balance, and lipid reabsorption. Multiple regulatory mechanisms are employed to ensure the correct formation and function of lymphatic vessels; however, the epigenetic modulators and mechanisms involved in this process are poorly understood. Here, we assess the regulatory role of mouse Dot1l, a histone H3 lysine (K) 79 (H3K79) methyltransferase, in lymphatic formation. Genetic ablation of Dot1l in Tie2(+) endothelial cells (ECs), but not in Lyve1(+) or Prox1(+) lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) or Vav1(+) definitive hematopoietic stem cells, leads to catastrophic lymphatic anomalies, including skin edema, blood–lymphatic mixing, and underdeveloped lymphatic valves and vessels in multiple organs. Remarkably, targeted Dot1l loss in Tie2(+) ECs leads to fully penetrant lymphatic aplasia, whereas Dot1l overexpression in the same cells results in partially hyperplastic lymphatics in the mesentery. Genetic studies reveal that Dot1l functions in c-Kit(+) hemogenic ECs during mesenteric lymphatic formation. Mechanistically, inactivation of Dot1l causes a reduction of both H3K79me2 levels and the expression of genes important for LEC development and function. Thus, our study establishes that Dot1l-mediated epigenetic priming and transcriptional regulation in LEC progenitors safeguard the proper lymphatic development and functioning of lymphatic vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Yoo
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jae Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Gachon University, Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Park
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dabin Son
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Yoon Choi
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Choi
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo La
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Moon
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Gachon University, Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Baden-Württemberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Department of Medicine II and Institute of Translational Cancer Research, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Bavaria, München, 81675, Germany
| | - Hyung Min Chung
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Jang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Bundang-gu, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Bundang-gu, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Bundang-gu, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Kong
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Cao L, Mitra P, Gonda TJ. The mechanism of MYB transcriptional regulation by MLL-AF9 oncoprotein. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20084. [PMID: 31882723 PMCID: PMC6934848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute leukaemias express high levels of MYB which are required for the initiation and maintenance of the disease. Inhibition of MYB expression or activity has been shown to suppress MLL-fusion oncoprotein-induced acute myeloid leukaemias (AML), which are among the most aggressive forms of AML, and indeed MYB transcription has been reported to be regulated by the MLL-AF9 oncoprotein. This highlights the importance of understanding the mechanism of MYB transcriptional regulation in these leukaemias. Here we have demonstrated that the MLL-AF9 fusion protein regulates MYB transcription directly at the promoter region, in part by recruiting the transcriptional regulator kinase CDK9, and CDK9 inhibition effectively suppresses MYB expression as well as cell proliferation. However, MYB regulation by MLL-AF9 does not require H3K79 methylation mediated by the methyltransferase DOT1L, which has also been shown to be a key mediator of MLL-AF9 leukemogenicity. The identification of specific, essential and druggable transcriptional regulators may enable effective targeting of MYB expression, which in turn could potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for acute myeloid leukaemia with MLL-AF9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Cao
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Partha Mitra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, TRI, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas J Gonda
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. .,University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Zhao Z, Shilatifard A. Epigenetic modifications of histones in cancer. Genome Biol 2019; 20:245. [PMID: 31747960 PMCID: PMC6868810 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifications of histones are versatile marks that are intimately connected to development and disease pathogenesis including human cancers. In this review, we will discuss the many different types of histone modifications and the biological processes with which they are involved. Specifically, we review the enzymatic machineries and modifications that are involved in cancer development and progression, and how to apply currently available small molecule inhibitors for histone modifiers as tool compounds to study the functional significance of histone modifications and their clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Simpson Querrey 7th Floor 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Simpson Querrey 7th Floor 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Esse R, Gushchanskaia ES, Lord A, Grishok A. DOT1L complex suppresses transcription from enhancer elements and ectopic RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:1259-1273. [PMID: 31300558 PMCID: PMC6800474 DOI: 10.1261/rna.070292.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Methylation of histone H3 on lysine 79 (H3K79) by DOT1L is associated with actively transcribed genes. Earlier, we described that DOT-1.1, the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of mammalian DOT1L, cooperates with the chromatin-binding protein ZFP-1 (AF10 homolog) to negatively modulate transcription of highly and widely expressed target genes. Also, the reduction of ZFP-1 levels has consistently been associated with lower efficiency of RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), but the reason for this is not clear. Here, we demonstrate that the DOT1L complex suppresses transcription originating from enhancer elements and antisense transcription, thus potentiating the expression of enhancer-regulated genes. We also show that worms lacking H3K79 methylation do not survive, and this lethality is suppressed by a loss of caspase-3 or Dicer complex components that initiate gene silencing response to exogenous dsRNA. Our results suggest that ectopic elevation of endogenous dsRNA directly or indirectly resulting from global misregulation of transcription in DOT1L complex mutants may engage the Dicer complex and, therefore, limit the efficiency of exogenous RNAi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Esse
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | | | - Avery Lord
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Alla Grishok
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
- Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Chen FX, Smith ER, Shilatifard A. Born to run: control of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 19:464-478. [PMID: 29740129 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is an integral part of the implementation of gene expression programmes during development. In most metazoans, the majority of transcribed genes exhibit transient pausing of Pol II at promoter-proximal regions, and the release of Pol II into gene bodies is controlled by many regulatory factors that respond to environmental and developmental cues. Misregulation of the elongation stage of transcription is implicated in cancer and other human diseases, suggesting that mechanistic understanding of transcription elongation control is therapeutically relevant. In this Review, we discuss the features, establishment and maintenance of Pol II pausing, the transition into productive elongation, the control of transcription elongation by enhancers and by factors of other cellular processes, such as topoisomerases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and the potential of therapeutic targeting of the elongation stage of transcription by Pol II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xavier Chen
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin R Smith
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Transcriptional addiction in mixed lineage leukemia: new avenues for target therapies. BLOOD SCIENCE 2019; 1:50-56. [PMID: 35402805 PMCID: PMC8975088 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) is an aggressive and refractory blood cancer that predominantly occurs in pediatric patients and is often associated with poor prognosis and dismal outcomes. Thus far, no effective target therapy for the treatment of MLL leukemia is available. MLL leukemia is caused by the rearrangement of MLL genes at 11q23, which generates various MLL chimeric proteins that promote leukemogenesis through transcriptional misregulation of MLL target genes. Biochemical studies on MLL chimeras have identified that the most common partners exist in the superelongation complex (SEC) and DOT1L complex, which activate or sustain MLL target gene expression through processive transcription elongation. The results of these studies indicate a transcription-related mechanism for MLL leukemogenesis and maintenance. In this study, we first review the history of MLL leukemia and its related clinical features. Then, we discuss the biological functions of MLL and MLL chimeras, significant cooperating events, and transcriptional addiction mechanisms in MLL leukemia with an emphasis on potential and rational therapy development. Collectively, we believe that targeting the transcriptional addiction mediated by SEC and the DOT1L complex will provide new avenues for target therapies in MLL leukemia and serve as a novel paradigm for targeting transcriptional addiction in other cancers.
Collapse
|
78
|
Cloud V, Thapa A, Morales-Sosa P, Miller TM, Miller SA, Holsapple D, Gerhart PM, Momtahan E, Jack JL, Leiva E, Rapp SR, Shelton LG, Pierce RA, Martin-Brown S, Florens L, Washburn MP, Mohan RD. Ataxin-7 and Non-stop coordinate SCAR protein levels, subcellular localization, and actin cytoskeleton organization. eLife 2019; 8:e49677. [PMID: 31348003 PMCID: PMC6693919 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atxn7, a subunit of SAGA chromatin remodeling complex, is subject to polyglutamine expansion at the amino terminus, causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a progressive retinal and neurodegenerative disease. Within SAGA, the Atxn7 amino terminus anchors Non-stop, a deubiquitinase, to the complex. To understand the scope of Atxn7-dependent regulation of Non-stop, substrates of the deubiquitinase were sought. This revealed Non-stop, dissociated from Atxn7, interacts with Arp2/3 and WAVE regulatory complexes (WRC), which control actin cytoskeleton assembly. There, Non-stop countered polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of WRC subunit SCAR. Dependent on conserved WRC interacting receptor sequences (WIRS), Non-stop augmentation increased protein levels, and directed subcellular localization, of SCAR, decreasing cell area and number of protrusions. In vivo, heterozygous mutation of SCAR did not significantly rescue knockdown of Atxn7, but heterozygous mutation of Atxn7 rescued haploinsufficiency of SCAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cloud
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Ada Thapa
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Tayla M Miller
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Sara A Miller
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Paige M Gerhart
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Elaheh Momtahan
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Jarrid L Jack
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Edgardo Leiva
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Sarah R Rapp
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael P Washburn
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityUnited States
| | - Ryan D Mohan
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Condelli V, Crispo F, Pietrafesa M, Lettini G, Matassa DS, Esposito F, Landriscina M, Maddalena F. HSP90 Molecular Chaperones, Metabolic Rewiring, and Epigenetics: Impact on Tumor Progression and Perspective for Anticancer Therapy. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060532. [PMID: 31163702 PMCID: PMC6627532 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) molecular chaperones are a family of ubiquitous proteins participating in several cellular functions through the regulation of folding and/or assembly of large multiprotein complexes and client proteins. Thus, HSP90s chaperones are, directly or indirectly, master regulators of a variety of cellular processes, such as adaptation to stress, cell proliferation, motility, angiogenesis, and signal transduction. In recent years, it has been proposed that HSP90s play a crucial role in carcinogenesis as regulators of genotype-to-phenotype interplay. Indeed, HSP90 chaperones control metabolic rewiring, a hallmark of cancer cells, and influence the transcription of several of the key-genes responsible for tumorigenesis and cancer progression, through either direct binding to chromatin or through the quality control of transcription factors and epigenetic effectors. In this review, we will revise evidence suggesting how this interplay between epigenetics and metabolism may affect oncogenesis. We will examine the effect of metabolic rewiring on the accumulation of specific metabolites, and the changes in the availability of epigenetic co-factors and how this process can be controlled by HSP90 molecular chaperones. Understanding deeply the relationship between epigenetic and metabolism could disclose novel therapeutic scenarios that may lead to improvements in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Condelli
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Crispo
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
| | - Michele Pietrafesa
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Lettini
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
| | - Danilo Swann Matassa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Franca Esposito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Maddalena
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Abstract
Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements leading to the generation of oncogenic fusion proteins are a common feature of many cancers. These aberrations are particularly prevalent in sarcomas and haematopoietic malignancies and frequently involve genes required for chromatin regulation and transcriptional control. In many cases, these fusion proteins are thought to be the primary driver of cancer development, altering chromatin dynamics to initiate oncogenic gene expression programmes. In recent years, mechanistic insights into the underlying molecular functions of a number of these oncogenic fusion proteins have been discovered. These insights have allowed the design of mechanistically anchored therapeutic approaches promising substantial treatment advances. In this Review, we discuss how our understanding of fusion protein function is informing therapeutic innovations and illuminating mechanisms of chromatin and transcriptional regulation in cancer and normal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard L Brien
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Structural Basis of Dot1L Stimulation by Histone H2B Lysine 120 Ubiquitination. Mol Cell 2019; 74:1010-1019.e6. [PMID: 30981630 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The essential histone H3 lysine 79 methyltransferase Dot1L regulates transcription and genomic stability and is deregulated in leukemia. The activity of Dot1L is stimulated by mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B on lysine 120 (H2BK120Ub); however, the detailed mechanism is not understood. We report cryo-EM structures of human Dot1L bound to (1) H2BK120Ub and (2) unmodified nucleosome substrates at 3.5 Å and 4.9 Å, respectively. Comparison of both structures, complemented with biochemical experiments, provides critical insights into the mechanism of Dot1L stimulation by H2BK120Ub. Both structures show Dot1L binding to the same extended surface of the histone octamer. In yeast, this surface is used by silencing proteins involved in heterochromatin formation, explaining the mechanism of their competition with Dot1. These results provide a strong foundation for understanding conserved crosstalk between histone modifications found at actively transcribed genes and offer a general model of how ubiquitin might regulate the activity of chromatin enzymes.
Collapse
|
82
|
Osteoarthritis year in review 2018: biology. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2019; 27:365-370. [PMID: 30808484 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This Year in Review highlights a selection of articles published between the 2017 and 2018 Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) World Congress meetings within the field of osteoarthritis biology, presented at OARSI 2018. Selected articles were obtained from a PubMed search covering cartilage, subchondral bone, inflammation, ageing, pain and animal models. Studies focused on biomechanics, biomarkers, genetics and epigenetics, imaging and clinical studies were excluded due to their coverage in other articles within the OARSI Year in Review series. Significant themes including the role of progenitor cells in cartilage homeostasis and repair, novel signalling mechanisms controlling chondrocyte phenotypic stability and the influence of disrupted or senescent chondrocytes were identified and are discussed in this review. Overarching conclusions derived from these study areas indicate that promising avenues of intervention are on the horizon, however further understanding is required in order to target therapeutic treatments to suitable patient subgroups and disease stages.
Collapse
|
83
|
Wang X, Wang H, Xu B, Jiang D, Huang S, Yu H, Wu Z, Wu Q. Depletion of H3K79 methyltransferase Dot1L promotes cell invasion and cancer stem-like cell property in ovarian cancer. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:1145-1153. [PMID: 30899413 PMCID: PMC6413254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
DOT1-like protein (Dot1L) is the sole methyltransferase for methylation of lysine 79 in histone H3. Dot1L-dependent H3K79 methylation is involved in many biological processes, including telomeric silencing, cell cycle regulation, transcriptional activation and DNA repair. Genome-wide sequencing studies have revealed recurrent deletion and mutations of Dot1L gene in many types of human malignancies including ovarian cancer, however the role of Dot1L in ovarian cancer are largely unknown. To demonstrate the role of Dot1L in ovarian cancer, the expression of Dot1L was knocked out in ovarian cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the present study. Dot1L loss showed minimal effect on cell growth, but significantly promoted cell invasion and induced cancer stem-like cell property in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, loss of Dot1L downregulated the expression of tight junction makers E-Cadherin and TJP1 and upregulated the expression of ALDH1A1 through Wnt signaling activation. Our data indicate potential tumor suppressor function of Dot1L in ovarian cancer, which is correlated with observed deletion of Dot1L gene in ovarian cancer patients, further study is granted to elucidate the function of Dot1L in tumorigenesis and progression in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230601, China
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People’s Hospital of HefeiHefei 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Dongrui Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230601, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hongzhen Yu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhengsheng Wu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230032, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Yokoyama A. RNA Polymerase II-Dependent Transcription Initiated by Selectivity Factor 1: A Central Mechanism Used by MLL Fusion Proteins in Leukemic Transformation. Front Genet 2019; 9:722. [PMID: 30693017 PMCID: PMC6339877 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells transcribe RNAs in a characteristic manner in order to maintain their oncogenic potentials. In eukaryotes, RNA is polymerized by three distinct RNA polymerases, RNA polymerase I, II, and III (RNAP1, RNAP2, and RNAP3, respectively). The transcriptional machinery that initiates each transcription reaction has been purified and characterized. Selectivity factor 1 (SL1) is the complex responsible for RNAP1 pre-initiation complex formation. However, whether it plays any role in RNAP2-dependent transcription remains unclear. Our group previously found that SL1 specifically associates with AF4 family proteins. AF4 family proteins form the AEP complex with ENL family proteins and the P-TEFb elongation factor. Similar complexes have been independently characterized by several different laboratories and are often referred to as super elongation complex. The involvement of AEP in RNAP2-dependent transcription indicates that SL1 must play an important role in RNAP2-dependent transcription. To date, this role of SL1 has not been appreciated. In leukemia, AF4 and ENL family genes are frequently rearranged to form chimeric fusion genes with MLL. The resultant MLL fusion genes produce chimeric MLL fusion proteins comprising MLL and AEP components. The MLL portion functions as a targeting module, which specifically binds chromatin containing di-/tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 36 and non-methylated CpGs. This type of chromatin is enriched at the promoters of transcriptionally active genes which allows MLL fusion proteins to selectively bind to transcriptionally-active/CpG-rich gene promoters. The fusion partner portion, which recruits other AEP components and SL1, is responsible for activation of RNAP2-dependent transcription. Consequently, MLL fusion proteins constitutively activate the transcription of previously-transcribed MLL target genes. Structure/function analysis has shown that the ability of MLL fusion proteins to transform hematopoietic progenitors depends on the recruitment of AEP and SL1. Thus, the AEP/SL1-mediated gene activation pathway appears to be the central mechanism of MLL fusion-mediated transcriptional activation. However, the molecular mechanism by which SL1 activates RNAP2-dependent transcription remains largely unclear. This review aims to cover recent discoveries of the mechanism of transcriptional activation by MLL fusion proteins and to introduce novel roles of SL1 in RNAP2-dependent transcription by discussing how the RNAP1 machinery may be involved in RNAP2-dependent gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Meatabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Yamagata, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Li S, Xu C, Fu Y, Lei PJ, Yao Y, Yang W, Zhang Y, Washburn MP, Florens L, Jaiswal M, Wu M, Mohan M. DYRK1A interacts with histone acetyl transferase p300 and CBP and localizes to enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:11202-11213. [PMID: 30137413 PMCID: PMC6265467 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DYRK1A, dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A, which is linked to mental retardation and microcephaly, is a member of the CMGC group of kinases. It has both cytoplasmic and nuclear functions, however, molecular mechanisms of how DYRK1A regulates gene expression is not well understood. Here, we identify two histone acetyltransferases, p300 and CBP, as interaction partners of DYRK1A through a proteomics study. We show that overexpression of DYKR1A causes hyperphosphorylation of p300 and CBP. Using genome-wide location (ChIP-sequencing) analysis of DYRK1A, we show that most of the DYRK1A peaks co-localize with p300 and CBP, at enhancers or near the transcription start sites (TSS). Modulation of DYRK1A, by shRNA mediated reduction or transfection mediated overexpression, leads to alteration of expression of downstream located genes. We show that the knockdown of DYRK1A results in a significant loss of H3K27acetylation at these enhancers, suggesting that DYRK1A modulates the activity of p300/CBP at these enhancers. We propose that DYRK1A functions in enhancer regulation by interacting with p300/CBP and modulating their activity. Overall, DYRK1A function in the regulation of enhancer activity provides a new mechanistic understanding of DYRK1A mediated regulation of gene expression, which may help in better understanding of the roles of DYRK1A in human pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chu Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yinkun Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Pin-Ji Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Yanhua Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wanli Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Michael P Washburn
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA
| | - Laurence Florens
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Manish Jaiswal
- TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad 500107, India
| | - Min Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Man Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Xu X, Schneider B. Therapeutic targeting potential of chromatin-associated proteins in MLL-rearranged acute leukemia. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2018; 42:117-130. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-018-0414-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
87
|
Chen L, Zhang S, Pan X, Hu X, Zhang YH, Yuan F, Huang T, Cai YD. HIV infection alters the human epigenetic landscape. Gene Ther 2018; 26:29-39. [PMID: 30443044 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many complex diseases or traits are the results of both genetic and environmental factors. The environmental factors affect the human body by modifying its epigenetics, which controls the activity of genomes without mutating it. Viral infection is one of the common environmental factors for complex diseases. For example, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), HBV, and HCV infections are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, and human papillomavirus infection is a causal factor in cervical carcinoma. In this study, to investigate how HIV infection affects DNA methylation, we analyzed the blood DNA methylation data of 485 512 sites in 44 HIV- and 142 HIV + patients. Several advanced computational methods were applied to identify the core distinctive features that were different between the HIV patients and the healthy controls. These methods can be used for differentiating HIV-infected patients from uninfected ones. These core distinctive DNA methylation features were confirmed to be functionally connected to premature aging and abnormal immune regulation, two typical pathological symptoms of HIV infection, revealing the potential regulatory mechanisms of HIV infection on the DNA methylation status of the host cells and provided novel insights on the pathogenesis of HIV infection and AIDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiaoyong Pan
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - XiaoHua Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yu-Hang Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Science & Technology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Lu K, Tao H, Si X, Chen Q. The Histone H3 Lysine 4 Presenter WDR5 as an Oncogenic Protein and Novel Epigenetic Target in Cancer. Front Oncol 2018; 8:502. [PMID: 30488017 PMCID: PMC6246693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) presenter WDR5 forms protein complexes with H3K4 methyltransferases MLL1-MLL4 and binding partner proteins including RBBP5, ASH2L, and DPY30, and plays a key role in histone H3K4 trimethylation, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional activation of target genes, normal biology, and diseases such as MLL-rearranged leukemia. By forming protein complexes with other proteins such as Myc, WDR5 induces transcriptional activation of key oncogenes, tumor cell cycle progression, DNA replication, cell proliferation, survival, tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer of a variety of organ origins. Several small molecule MLL/WDR5 protein-protein interaction inhibitors, such as MM-401, MM-589, WDR5-0103, Piribedil, and OICR-9429, have been confirmed to reduce H3K4 trimethylation, oncogenic gene expression, cell cycle progression, cancer cell proliferation, survival and resistance to chemotherapy without general toxicity to normal cells. Derivatives of the MLL/WDR5 interaction inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetic properties and in vivo bioavailability are expected to have the potential to be trialed in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kebin Lu
- Department of Paediatrics, Shan Xian Central Hospital, Heze, China
| | - He Tao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shan Xian Haijiya Hospital, Heze, China
| | - Xiaomin Si
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xian Yang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
| | - Qingjuan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xian Yang Central Hospital, Xianyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Zhou J, Ng Y, Chng WJ. ENL: structure, function, and roles in hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3931-3941. [PMID: 30066088 PMCID: PMC11105289 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2895-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ENL/MLLT1 is a distinctive member of the KMT2 family based on its structural homology. ENL is a histone acetylation reader and a critical component of the super elongation complex. ENL plays pivotal roles in the regulation of chromatin remodelling and gene expression of many important proto-oncogenes, such as Myc, Hox genes, via histone acetylation. Novel insights of the key role of the YEATS domain of ENL in the transcriptional control of leukemogenic gene expression has emerged from whole genome Crisp-cas9 studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we have summarized what is currently known about the structure and function of the ENL molecule. We described the ENL's role in normal hematopoiesis, and leukemogenesis. We have also outlined the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of target gene expression by ENL, as well as its major interacting partners and complexes involved. Finally, we discuss the emerging knowledge of different approaches for the validation of ENL as a therapeutic target and the development of small-molecule inhibitors disrupting the YEATS reader pocket of ENL protein, which holds great promise for the treatment of AML. This review will not only provide a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of ENL and update on the roles of ENL in AML, but also the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Nuclear lactate dehydrogenase A senses ROS to produce α-hydroxybutyrate for HPV-induced cervical tumor growth. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4429. [PMID: 30356100 PMCID: PMC6200739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection is strongly associated with cervical cancer and E7 was identified as one of the key initiators in HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. Here we show that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) preferably locates in the nucleus in HPV16-positive cervical tumors due to E7-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Surprisingly, nuclear LDHA gains a non-canonical enzyme activity to produce α-hydroxybutyrate and triggers DOT1L (disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like)-mediated histone H3K79 hypermethylation, resulting in the activation of antioxidant responses and Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, HPV16 E7 knocking-out reduces LDHA nuclear translocation and H3K79 tri-methylation in K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model. HPV16 E7 level is significantly positively correlated with nuclear LDHA and H3K79 tri-methylation in cervical cancer. Collectively, our findings uncover a non-canonical enzyme activity of nuclear LDHA to epigenetically control cellular redox balance and cell proliferation facilitating HPV-induced cervical cancer development. High-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection is strongly associated with cervical cancer and current evidences link E7 to HPV-associated carcinogenesis. Here the authors propose a model in which the infection of epithelial cells with high risk HPV results in a burst of reactive oxygen species, translocation of LDHA to the nucleus and activation of a gene profile that supports the growth of cervical cancer.
Collapse
|
91
|
Di Carlo V, Mocavini I, Di Croce L. Polycomb complexes in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Biol 2018; 218:55-69. [PMID: 30341152 PMCID: PMC6314559 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201808028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Di Carlo et al. discuss how the regulation/dysregulation of Polycomb group proteins contributes to hematopoiesis and hematological disorders. Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for sustaining cell type–specific transcription programs. Among the distinct factors, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are major negative regulators of gene expression in mammals. These proteins play key roles in regulating the proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of stem cells. During hematopoietic differentiation, many PcG proteins are fundamental for proper lineage commitment, as highlighted by the fact that a lack of distinct PcG proteins results in embryonic lethality accompanied by differentiation biases. Correspondingly, proteins of these complexes are frequently dysregulated in hematological diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the role of PcG proteins in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, focusing on the compositional complexity of PcG complexes, and we briefly discuss the ongoing clinical trials for drugs targeting these factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Di Carlo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivano Mocavini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Histone methylation regulator PTIP is required to maintain normal and leukemic bone marrow niches. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10137-E10146. [PMID: 30297393 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806019115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone is essential for locomotion, calcium storage, and harboring the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that supply the body with mature blood cells throughout life. HSCs reside at the interface of the bone and bone marrow (BM), where active bone remodeling takes place. Although the cellular components of the BM niche have been characterized, little is known about its epigenetic regulation. Here we find that the histone methylation regulator PTIP (Pax interaction with transcription-activation domain protein-1) is required to maintain the integrity of the BM niche by promoting osteoclast differentiation. PTIP directly promotes chromatin changes required for the expression of Pparγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ), a transcription factor essential for osteoclastogenesis. PTIP deletion leads to a drastic reduction of HSCs in the BM and induces extramedullary hematopoiesis. Furthermore, exposure of acute myeloid leukemia cells to a PTIP-deficient BM microenvironment leads to a reduction in leukemia-initiating cells and increased survival upon transplantation. Taken together, our data identify PTIP as an epigenetic regulator of osteoclastogenesis that is required for the integrity of the BM niche to sustain both normal hematopoiesis and leukemia.
Collapse
|
93
|
Nardi I, Reno T, Yun X, Sztain T, Wang J, Dai H, Zheng L, Shen B, Kim J, Raz D. Triptolide inhibits Wnt signaling in NSCLC through upregulation of multiple Wnt inhibitory factors via epigenetic modifications to Histone H3. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:2470-2478. [PMID: 30006924 PMCID: PMC6483070 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, it has become clear that epigenetic changes act together with genetic mutations to promote virtually every stage of tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This knowledge has triggered searches for "epigenetic drugs" that can be developed into new cancer therapies. Here we report that triptolide reduced lung cancer incidence from 70% to 10% in a Fen1 E160D transgenic mouse model and effectively inhibited cancer growth and metastasis in A549 and H460 mouse xenografts. We found that triptolide induced lung cancer cell apoptosis that was associated with global epigenetic changes to histone 3 (H3). These global epigenetic changes in H3 are correlated with an increase in protein expression of five Wnt inhibitory factors that include WIF1, FRZB, SFRP1, ENY2, and DKK1. Triptolide had no effect on DNA methylation status at any of the CpG islands located in the promoter regions of all five Wnt inhibitory factors. Wnt expression is implicated in promoting the development and progression of many lung cancers. Because of this, the potential to target Wnt signaling with drugs that induce epigenetic modifications provides a new avenue for developing novel therapies for patients with these tumor types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Nardi
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Theresa Reno
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Xinwei Yun
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Terra Sztain
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Jami Wang
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Huifang Dai
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Duarte, California
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Duarte, California
| | - Binghui Shen
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Duarte, California
| | - Jae Kim
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| | - Dan Raz
- City of Hope Medical Center, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Baum Family Thoracic Oncology laboratory; Beckman Research Institute
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Du L, Grigsby SM, Yao A, Chang Y, Johnson G, Sun H, Nikolovska-Coleska Z. Peptidomimetics for Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions between DOT1L and MLL Oncofusion Proteins AF9 and ENL. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:895-900. [PMID: 30258537 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MLL-fusion proteins, AF9 and ENL, play an essential role in the recruitment of DOT1L and the H3K79 hypermethylation of MLL target genes, which is pivotal for leukemogenesis. Blocking these interactions may represent a novel therapeutic approach for MLL-rearranged leukemia. Based on the 7 mer DOT1L peptide, a class of peptidomimetics was designed. Compound 21 with modified middle residues, achieved significantly improved binding affinities to AF9 and ENL, with KD values of 15 nM and 57 nM, respectively. Importantly, 21 recognizes and binds to the cellular AF9 protein and effectively inhibits the AF9-DOT1L interactions in cells. Modifications of the N- and C-termini of 21 resulted in 28 with 2-fold improved binding affinity to AF9 and much decreased peptidic characteristics. Our study provides a proof-of-concept for development of nonpeptidic compounds to inhibit DOT1L activity by targeting its recruitment and the interactions between DOT1L and MLL-oncofusion proteins AF9 and ENL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | | | - Aihong Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yujie Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | | | - Haiying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
95
|
Jing X, Wu H, Cheng X, Chen X, Zhang Y, Shi M, Zhang T, Wang X, Zhao R. MLLT10 promotes tumor migration, invasion, and metastasis in human colorectal cancer. Scand J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:964-971. [PMID: 30102091 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1481521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most aggressive gastrointestinal malignancies, is a frequently diagnosed life-threatening cancer worldwide. Most CRC patients have poor prognosis mainly because of frequent metastasis and recurrence. Thus, it is crucial to find out some new biomarkers and to show deeper insights into the mechanisms of CRC. MLLT10, Myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia translocated to 10, also known as AF10, a recurrent MLL partner. In this study, we found that MLLT10 promotes CRC tumor invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Here, the expression of MLLT10 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Then, the plasmid and lentivirus particles for MLLT10 overexpression or knockdown were designed and constructed into SW620 and HT29 cells. Finally, cell proliferation assay, cell adhesion assay, transwell migration, and invasion assay were used to detect the migration and invasion ability of MLLT10 in CRC cells. A tail vein injection assay was employed to evaluate the role of MLLT10 in tumor metastases. RESULTS MLLT10 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in noncancerous tissues and was associated with some clinicopathological factors. In vitro, the overexpression of MLLT10 promoted CRC cell migration and invasion, while after MLLT10 was knocked down, the opposite results were observed. Furthermore, we used animal metastasis models to detect the function of MLLT10 in vivo, the results are same with the outcomes in vitro. In lung metastasis sites, the knockdown of MLLT10 in SW620 cells significantly inhibited Vimentin expression, whereas the E-Cadherin was increased. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that MLLT10 regulates the metastasis of CRC cells via EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Jing
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Haoxuan Wu
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Xi Cheng
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Xianze Chen
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Minmin Shi
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Tao Zhang
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- b Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences , Guangzhou University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Ren Zhao
- a Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Skucha A, Ebner J, Schmöllerl J, Roth M, Eder T, César-Razquin A, Stukalov A, Vittori S, Muhar M, Lu B, Aichinger M, Jude J, Müller AC, Győrffy B, Vakoc CR, Valent P, Bennett KL, Zuber J, Superti-Furga G, Grebien F. MLL-fusion-driven leukemia requires SETD2 to safeguard genomic integrity. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1983. [PMID: 29777171 PMCID: PMC5959866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MLL-fusions represent a large group of leukemia drivers, whose diversity originates from the vast molecular heterogeneity of C-terminal fusion partners of MLL. While studies of selected MLL-fusions have revealed critical molecular pathways, unifying mechanisms across all MLL-fusions remain poorly understood. We present the first comprehensive survey of protein-protein interactions of seven distantly related MLL-fusion proteins. Functional investigation of 128 conserved MLL-fusion-interactors identifies a specific role for the lysine methyltransferase SETD2 in MLL-leukemia. SETD2 loss causes growth arrest and differentiation of AML cells, and leads to increased DNA damage. In addition to its role in H3K36 tri-methylation, SETD2 is required to maintain high H3K79 di-methylation and MLL-AF9-binding to critical target genes, such as Hoxa9. SETD2 loss synergizes with pharmacologic inhibition of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L to induce DNA damage, growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis. These results uncover a dependency for SETD2 during MLL-leukemogenesis, revealing a novel actionable vulnerability in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skucha
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Jessica Ebner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | | | - Mareike Roth
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Thomas Eder
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Adrián César-Razquin
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Sarah Vittori
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Matthias Muhar
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Bin Lu
- Cold Spring Harbor Larboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, 11724, NY, USA
| | - Martin Aichinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Julian Jude
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - André C Müller
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- MTA TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Second Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | | | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I. Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Keiryn L Bennett
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Li T, Liu Q, Garza N, Kornblau S, Jin VX. Integrative analysis reveals functional and regulatory roles of H3K79me2 in mediating alternative splicing. Genome Med 2018; 10:30. [PMID: 29665865 PMCID: PMC5902843 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-018-0538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence suggests alternative splicing (AS) is a co-transcriptional splicing process not only controlled by RNA-binding splicing factors, but also mediated by epigenetic regulators, such as chromatin structure, nucleosome density, and histone modification. Aberrant AS plays an important role in regulating various diseases, including cancers. Methods In this study, we integrated AS events derived from RNA-seq with H3K79me2 ChIP-seq data across 34 different normal and cancer cell types and found the higher enrichment of H3K79me2 in two AS types, skipping exon (SE) and alternative 3′ splice site (A3SS). Results Interestingly, by applying self-organizing map (SOM) clustering, we unveiled two clusters mainly comprised of blood cancer cell types with a strong correlation between H3K79me2 and SE. Remarkably, the expression of transcripts associated with SE was not significantly different from that of those not associated with SE, indicating the involvement of H3K79me2 in splicing has little impact on full mRNA transcription. We further showed that the deletion of DOT1L1, the sole H3K79 methyltransferase, impeded leukemia cell proliferation as well as switched exon skipping to the inclusion isoform in two MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. Our data demonstrate H3K79me2 was involved in mediating SE processing, which might in turn influence transformation and disease progression in leukemias. Conclusions Collectively, our work for the first time reveals that H3K79me2 plays functional and regulatory roles through a co-transcriptional splicing mechanism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13073-018-0538-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianbao Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, 8403 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, 8403 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nick Garza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, 8403 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Steven Kornblau
- Department of Leukemia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Victor X Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, 8403 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Wood K, Tellier M, Murphy S. DOT1L and H3K79 Methylation in Transcription and Genomic Stability. Biomolecules 2018; 8:E11. [PMID: 29495487 PMCID: PMC5871980 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of eukaryotic genomes into chromatin provides challenges for the cell to accomplish basic cellular functions, such as transcription, DNA replication and repair of DNA damage. Accordingly, a range of proteins modify and/or read chromatin states to regulate access to chromosomal DNA. Yeast Dot1 and the mammalian homologue DOT1L are methyltransferases that can add up to three methyl groups to histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79). H3K79 methylation is implicated in several processes, including transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II, the DNA damage response and cell cycle checkpoint activation. DOT1L is also an important drug target for treatment of mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged leukemia where aberrant transcriptional activation is promoted by DOT1L mislocalisation. This review summarizes what is currently known about the role of Dot1/DOT1L and H3K79 methylation in transcription and genomic stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Michael Tellier
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Sun Y, Chen BR, Deshpande A. Epigenetic Regulators in the Development, Maintenance, and Therapeutic Targeting of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2018. [PMID: 29527516 PMCID: PMC5829038 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of epigenetic dysregulation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathophysiology has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Epigenetic regulators, including readers, writers, and erasers, are recurrently dysregulated by way of chromosomal translocations, somatic mutations, or genomic amplification in AML and many of these alterations are directly implicated in AML pathogenesis. Mutations in epigenetic regulators are often discovered in founder clones and persist after therapy, indicating that they may contribute to a premalignant state poised for the acquisition of cooperating mutations and frank malignancy. Apart from the proto-oncogenic impact of these mutations, the AML epigenome is also shaped by other epigenetic factors that are not mutated but co-opted by AML oncogenes, presenting with actionable vulnerabilities in this disease. Targeting the AML epigenome might also be important for eradicating AML leukemia stem cells, which can be critical for disease maintenance and resistance to therapy. In this review, we describe the importance of epigenetic regulators in AML. We also summarize evidence implicating specific epigenetic regulators in AML pathobiology and discuss emerging epigenome-based therapies for the treatment of AML in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Younguk Sun
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Bo-Rui Chen
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aniruddha Deshpande
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Lee S, Oh S, Jeong K, Jo H, Choi Y, Seo HD, Kim M, Choe J, Kwon CS, Lee D. Dot1 regulates nucleosome dynamics by its inherent histone chaperone activity in yeast. Nat Commun 2018; 9:240. [PMID: 29339748 PMCID: PMC5770421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dot1 (disruptor of telomeric silencing-1, DOT1L in humans) is the only known enzyme responsible for histone H3 lysine 79 methylation (H3K79me) and is evolutionarily conserved in most eukaryotes. Yeast Dot1p lacks a SET domain and does not methylate free histones and thus may have different actions with respect to other histone methyltransferases. Here we show that Dot1p displays histone chaperone activity and regulates nucleosome dynamics via histone exchange in yeast. We show that a methylation-independent function of Dot1p is required for the cryptic transcription within transcribed regions seen following disruption of the Set2-Rpd3S pathway. Dot1p can assemble core histones to nucleosomes and facilitate ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling activity through its nucleosome-binding domain, in vitro. Global analysis indicates that Dot1p appears to be particularly important for histone exchange and chromatin accessibility on the transcribed regions of long-length genes. Our findings collectively suggest that Dot1p-mediated histone chaperone activity controls nucleosome dynamics in transcribed regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soyun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwiwan Jeong
- Biocenter, Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyelim Jo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hogyu David Seo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonho Choe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Seob Kwon
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Korea Science Academy of KAIST, Busan, 47162, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyoup Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|