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Butler JS, Koutelou E, Schibler AC, Dent SYR. Histone-modifying enzymes: regulators of developmental decisions and drivers of human disease. Epigenomics 2012; 4:163-77. [PMID: 22449188 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise transcriptional networks drive the orchestration and execution of complex developmental processes. Transcription factors possessing sequence-specific DNA binding properties activate or repress target genes in a step-wise manner to control most cell lineage decisions. This regulation often requires the interaction between transcription factors and subunits of massive protein complexes that bear enzymatic activities towards histones. The functional coupling of transcription proteins and histone modifiers underscores the importance of transcriptional regulation through chromatin modification in developmental cell fate decisions and in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Butler
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis at The Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Science Park, PO Box 389, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
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252
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Toor AA, Payne KK, Chung HM, Sabo RT, Hazlett AF, Kmieciak M, Sanford K, Williams DC, Clark WB, Roberts CH, McCarty JM, Manjili MH. Epigenetic induction of adaptive immune response in multiple myeloma: sequential azacitidine and lenalidomide generate cancer testis antigen-specific cellular immunity. Br J Haematol 2012; 158:700-11. [PMID: 22816680 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) remain at risk for disease progression. Induction of the expression of highly immunogenic cancer testis antigens (CTA) in malignant plasma cells in MM patients may trigger a protective immune response following SCT. We initiated a phase II clinical trial of the DNA hypomethylating agent, azacitidine (Aza) administered sequentially with lenalidomide (Rev) in patients with MM. Three cycles of Aza and Rev were administered and autologous lymphocytes were collected following the 2nd and 3rd cycles of Aza-Rev and cryopreserved. Subsequent stem cell mobilization was followed by high-dose melphalan and SCT. Autologous lymphocyte infusion (ALI) was performed in the second month following transplantation. Fourteen patients have completed the investigational therapy; autologous lymphocytes were collected from all of the patients. Thirteen patients have successfully completed SCT and 11 have undergone ALI. Six patients tested have demonstrated CTA up-regulation in either unfractionated bone marrow (n = 4) or CD138+ cells (n = 2). CTA (CTAG1B)-specific T cell response has been observed in all three patients tested and persists following SCT. Epigenetic induction of an adaptive immune response to cancer testis antigens is safe and feasible in MM patients undergoing SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir A Toor
- Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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253
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The histone methyltransferase MMSET/WHSC1 activates TWIST1 to promote an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasive properties of prostate cancer. Oncogene 2012; 32:2882-90. [PMID: 22797064 PMCID: PMC3495247 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic deregulation of gene expression plays a role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). The histone methyltransferase MMSET/WHSC1 (Multiple Myeloma Set Domain) is overexpressed in a number of metastatic tumors, but its mechanism of action has not been defined. In this work, we found that PCa cell lines expressed significantly higher levels of MMSET compared to immortalized, non-transformed prostate cells. Knockdown experiments showed that, in metastatic PCa cell lines, dimethylation of lysine 36 and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K36me2 and H3K27me3, respectively) depended on MMSET expression, while depletion of MMSET in benign prostatic cells did not affect chromatin modifications. Knockdown of MMSET in DU145 and PC-3 tumor cells decreased cell proliferation, colony formation in soft agar, and strikingly diminished cell migration and invasion. Conversely, overexpression of MMSET in immortalized, non-transformed RWPE-1 cells promoted cell migration and invasion, accompanied by an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Among a panel of EMT-promoting genes analyzed, TWIST1 expression was strongly activated in response to MMSET. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that MMSET binds to the TWIST1 locus, leading to an increase in H3K36me2, suggesting a direct role of MMSET in the regulation of this gene. Depletion of TWIST1 in MMSET-overexpressing RWPE-1 cells blocked cell invasion and EMT, indicating that TWIST1 was a critical target of MMSET, responsible for the acquisition of an invasive phenotype. Collectively, these data suggest that MMSET plays a role in PCa pathogenesis and progression through epigenetic regulation of metastasis-related genes.
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254
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Chu L, Su MY, Maggi LB, Lu L, Mullins C, Crosby S, Huang G, Chng WJ, Vij R, Tomasson MH. Multiple myeloma-associated chromosomal translocation activates orphan snoRNA ACA11 to suppress oxidative stress. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:2793-806. [PMID: 22751105 DOI: 10.1172/jci63051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase WHSC1 (also known as MMSET) is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM) as a result of the t(4;14) chromosomal translocation and in a broad variety of other cancers by unclear mechanisms. Overexpression of WHSC1 did not transform wild-type or tumor-prone primary hematopoietic cells. We found that ACA11, an orphan box H/ACA class small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) encoded within an intron of WHSC1, was highly expressed in t(4;14)-positive MM and other cancers. ACA11 localized to nucleoli and bound what we believe to be a novel small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex composed of several proteins involved in postsplicing intron complexes. RNA targets of this uncharacterized snRNP included snoRNA intermediates hosted within ribosomal protein (RP) genes, and an RP gene signature was strongly associated with t(4;14) in patients with MM. Expression of ACA11 was sufficient to downregulate RP genes and other snoRNAs implicated in the control of oxidative stress. ACA11 suppressed oxidative stress, afforded resistance to chemotherapy, and increased the proliferation of MM cells, demonstrating that ACA11 is a critical target of the t(4;14) translocation in MM and suggesting an oncogenic role in other cancers as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chu
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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255
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Histone methyltransferase NSD2/MMSET mediates constitutive NF-κB signaling for cancer cell proliferation, survival, and tumor growth via a feed-forward loop. Mol Cell Biol 2012; 32:3121-31. [PMID: 22645312 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00204-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive NF-κB activation by proinflammatory cytokines plays a major role in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We report here that histone methyltransferase NSD2 (also known as MMSET or WHSC1), a target of bromodomain protein ANCCA/ATAD2, acts as a strong coactivator of NF-κB by directly interacting with NF-κB for activation of target genes, including those for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), cyclin D, Bcl-2, and survivin, in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. NSD2 is recruited to the target gene promoters upon induction and mediates NF-κB activation-associated elevation of histone H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 marks at the promoter, which involves its methylase activity. Interestingly, we found that NSD2 is also critical for cytokine-induced recruitment of NF-κB and acetyltransferase p300 and histone hyperacetylation. Importantly, NSD2 is overexpressed in prostate cancer tumors, and its overexpression correlates with NF-κB activation. Furthermore, NSD2 expression is strongly induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 via NF-κB and plays a crucial role in tumor growth. These results identify NSD2 to be a key chromatin regulator of NF-κB and mediator of the cytokine autocrine loop for constitutive NF-κB activation and emphasize the important roles played by NSD2 in cancer cell proliferation and survival and tumor growth.
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256
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Popovic R, Licht JD. Emerging epigenetic targets and therapies in cancer medicine. Cancer Discov 2012; 2:405-13. [PMID: 22588878 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-12-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Abnormalities in the epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure and function can lead to aberrant gene expression and cancer development. Consequently, epigenetic therapies aim to restore normal chromatin modification patterns through the inhibition of various components of the epigenetic machinery. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors represent the first putative epigenetic therapies; however, these agents have pleiotropic effects and it remains unclear how they lead to therapeutic responses. More recently, drugs that inhibit histone methyltransferases were developed, perhaps representing more specific agents. We review emerging epigenetic targets in cancer and present recent models of promising epigenetic therapies. SIGNIFICANCE The use of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors in patients has validated the use of drugs targeted to epigenetic enzymes and strengthened the need for development of additional therapies. In this review, we summarize recently discovered epigenetic abnormalities, their implications for cancer, and the approaches taken for discovering small-molecule inhibitors targeting various properties of the epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relja Popovic
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert. H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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257
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Abstract
Based on the clinical features of myeloma and related malignancies of plasma cells, it has been possible to generate a model system of myeloma progression from a normal plasma cell through smouldering myeloma to myeloma and then plasma cell leukaemia. Using this model system we can study at which points the genetic alterations identified through whole-tumour molecular analyses function in the initiation and progression of myeloma. Further genetic complexity, such as intraclonal heterogeneity, and insights into the molecular evolution and intraclonal dynamics in this model system are crucial to our understandings of tumour progression, treatment resistance and the use of currently available and future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth J Morgan
- Haemato-oncology Research Unit, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK.
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258
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Abstract
Effectively treating patients with multiple myeloma is challenging. The development of therapeutic regimens over the past decade that incorporate the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide has been the cornerstone of improving the outcome of patients with myeloma. Although these treatment regimens have improved patient survival, nearly all patients eventually relapse. Our improved understanding of the biology of the disease and the importance of the microenvironment has translated into ongoing work to help overcome the challenge of relapse. Several classes of agents including next-generation proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, selective histone-deacetylase inhibitors, antibody and antitumor immunotherapy approaches are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation. This Review provides an update on the latest advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma. In particular, we focus on novel therapies including modulating protein homeostasis, kinases inhibitors, targeting accessory cells and cytokines, and immunomodulatory agents. A discussion of the challenges associated with these therapeutic approaches is also presented.
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259
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Abstract
Histone side chains are post-translationally modified at multiple sites, including at Lys36 on histone H3 (H3K36). Several enzymes from yeast and humans, including the methyltransferases SET domain-containing 2 (Set2) and nuclear receptor SET domain-containing 1 (NSD1), respectively, alter the methylation status of H3K36, and significant progress has been made in understanding how they affect chromatin structure and function. Although H3K36 methylation is most commonly associated with the transcription of active euchromatin, it has also been implicated in diverse processes, including alternative splicing, dosage compensation and transcriptional repression, as well as DNA repair and recombination. Disrupted placement of methylated H3K36 within the chromatin landscape can lead to a range of human diseases, underscoring the importance of this modification.
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260
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Kuo AJ, Cheung P, Chen K, Zee BM, Kioi M, Lauring J, Xi Y, Park BH, Shi X, Garcia BA, Li W, Gozani O. NSD2 links dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 to oncogenic programming. Mol Cell 2012; 44:609-20. [PMID: 22099308 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2011.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The histone lysine methyltransferase NSD2 (MMSET/WHSC1) is implicated in diverse diseases and commonly overexpressed in multiple myeloma due to a recurrent t(4;14) chromosomal translocation. However, the precise catalytic activity of NSD2 is obscure, preventing progress in understanding how this enzyme influences chromatin biology and myeloma pathogenesis. Here, we show that dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2) is the principal chromatin-regulatory activity of NSD2. Catalysis of H3K36me2 by NSD2 is sufficient for gene activation. In t(4;14)-positive myeloma cells, the normal genome-wide and gene-specific distribution of H3K36me2 is obliterated, creating a chromatin landscape that selects for a transcription profile favorable for myelomagenesis. Catalytically active NSD2 confers xenograft tumor formation upon t(4;14)-negative cells and promotes oncogenic transformation of primary cells in an H3K36me2-dependent manner. Together, our findings establish H3K36me2 as the primary product generated by NSD2 and demonstrate that genomic disorganization of this canonical chromatin mark by NSD2 initiates oncogenic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Kuo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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261
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Protocadherin-10 is involved in angiogenesis and methylation correlated with multiple myeloma. Int J Mol Med 2012; 29:704-10. [PMID: 22245948 PMCID: PMC3577349 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin-10 (PCDH10) which is located at 4q28.3, is a member of the cadherin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. PCDH10 is broadly expressed in normal adult, but nearly undetectable in multiple myeloma (MM) tissues and cell lines. Its promoter methylation was detected in virtually all the silenced or downregulated cell lines. The silencing of PCDH10 could be reversed by pharmacological demethylation, indicating a methylation-mediated mechanism. In the current study, we investigated 44 patients (23 females, 21 males), 77.27% (34/44) of whom presented high methylation of PCDH10. We found no associations between promoter hypermethylation and gender or age at the time of initial diagnosis. We also examined the role of PCDH10 as a mediator of MM cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and its involvement in angiogenesis. Our results demonstrate that the PCDH10 gene is a target for epigenetic silencing in MM and provide a link between the dysregulation of angiogenesis and DNA methylation.
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262
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on the three-dimensional organization of the nucleus in normal, early genomically unstable, and tumor cells. A cause-consequence relationship is discussed between nuclear alterations and the resulting genomic rearrangements. Examples are presented from studies on conditional Myc deregulation, experimental tumorigenesis in mouse plasmacytoma, nuclear remodeling in Hodgkin's lymphoma, and in adult glioblastoma. A model of nuclear remodeling is proposed for cancer progression in multiple myeloma. Current models of nuclear remodeling are described, including our model of altered nuclear architecture and the onset of genomic instability.
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263
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264
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It has only recently become apparent that mutations in epigenetic mechanisms and perturbation of epigenomic patterning are frequent events in B-cell lymphomas. The purpose of this review is to highlight these new findings and provide a conceptual framework for understanding how epigenetic modifications might contribute to lymphomagenesis. RECENT FINDINGS Somatic mutations affecting histone methyltransferases such as enhancer of zeste 2 and mixed lineage leukemia 2, histone demethylases including ubiquitously transcribed X chromosome tetratricopeptide repeat and Jumonji domain-containing 2C, and histone acetyltransferases including CBP and p300 are recurrent and common in lymphomas. These mutations result in disruption of chromatin structure and functions of other proteins, ultimately causing aberrant transcriptional programming affecting multiple gene networks. Widespread perturbation of cytosine methylation patterning now appears to be a hallmark of B-cell lymphomas and occurs in specific patterns that can distinguish disease subtypes. Therapeutic targeting strategies can overcome abnormal epigenetic mechanisms and potently kill lymphoma cells. SUMMARY Newly discovered epigenetic lesions may provide critical insights into the genesis of B-cell lymphomas, but further studies are required to understand how they affect biological mechanism. Epigenetic lesions offer tremendous opportunities for the development of improved biomarkers and treatments.
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265
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Dawson MA, Prinjha RK, Dittman A, Giotopoulos G, Bantscheff M, Chan WI, Robson SC, Chung CW, Hopf C, Savitski MM, Huthmacher C, Gudgin E, Lugo D, Beinke S, Chapman TD, Roberts EJ, Soden PE, Auger KR, Mirguet O, Doehner K, Delwel R, Burnett AK, Jeffrey P, Drewes G, Lee K, Huntly BJ, Kouzarides T. Inhibition of BET recruitment to chromatin as an effective treatment for MLL-fusion leukaemia. Nature 2011; 478:529-33. [PMID: 21964340 PMCID: PMC3679520 DOI: 10.1038/nature10509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1221] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL) gene initiate aggressive forms of leukaemia, which are often refractory to conventional therapies. Many MLL-fusion partners are members of the super elongation complex (SEC), a critical regulator of transcriptional elongation, suggesting that aberrant control of this process has an important role in leukaemia induction. Here we use a global proteomic strategy to demonstrate that MLL fusions, as part of SEC and the polymerase-associated factor complex (PAFc), are associated with the BET family of acetyl-lysine recognizing, chromatin 'adaptor' proteins. These data provided the basis for therapeutic intervention in MLL-fusion leukaemia, via the displacement of the BET family of proteins from chromatin. We show that a novel small molecule inhibitor of the BET family, GSK1210151A (I-BET151), has profound efficacy against human and murine MLL-fusion leukaemic cell lines, through the induction of early cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. I-BET151 treatment in two human leukaemia cell lines with different MLL fusions alters the expression of a common set of genes whose function may account for these phenotypic changes. The mode of action of I-BET151 is, at least in part, due to the inhibition of transcription at key genes (BCL2, C-MYC and CDK6) through the displacement of BRD3/4, PAFc and SEC components from chromatin. In vivo studies indicate that I-BET151 has significant therapeutic value, providing survival benefit in two distinct mouse models of murine MLL-AF9 and human MLL-AF4 leukaemia. Finally, the efficacy of I-BET151 against human leukaemia stem cells is demonstrated, providing further evidence of its potent therapeutic potential. These findings establish the displacement of BET proteins from chromatin as a promising epigenetic therapy for these aggressive leukaemias.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chromatin/genetics
- Chromatin/metabolism
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings/pharmacology
- Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Models, Molecular
- Multiprotein Complexes/chemistry
- Multiprotein Complexes/metabolism
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Proteomics
- Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Dawson
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Antje Dittman
- Cellzome AG Meyerhofstrasse 1 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - George Giotopoulos
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | | | - Wai-In Chan
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Samuel C Robson
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Chun-wa Chung
- Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, SG1 2NY UK
| | - Carsten Hopf
- Cellzome AG Meyerhofstrasse 1 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Emma Gudgin
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Dave Lugo
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Soren Beinke
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Trevor D. Chapman
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Emma J. Roberts
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Peter E Soden
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Kurt R. Auger
- Cancer Epigenetics DPU, Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, USA
| | - Olivier Mirguet
- Lipid Metabolism Discovery Performance Unit, GSK R&D, Les Ulis, France
| | - Konstanze Doehner
- University Hospital of Ulm Internal Medicine III Albert-Einstein-Allee 23. Ulm Germany 89081
| | - Ruud Delwel
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alan K. Burnett
- Department of Hematology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip Jeffrey
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Gerard Drewes
- Cellzome AG Meyerhofstrasse 1 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Lee
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Brian J.P Huntly
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Tony Kouzarides
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
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266
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Toyokawa G, Cho HS, Masuda K, Yamane Y, Yoshimatsu M, Hayami S, Takawa M, Iwai Y, Daigo Y, Tsuchiya E, Tsunoda T, Field HI, Kelly JD, Neal DE, Maehara Y, Ponder BAJ, Nakamura Y, Hamamoto R. Histone lysine methyltransferase Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 is involved in human carcinogenesis through regulation of the Wnt pathway. Neoplasia 2011; 13:887-98. [PMID: 22028615 PMCID: PMC3201566 DOI: 10.1593/neo.11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A number of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, but the pathologic roles of their dysfunction in human diseases like cancer are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 (WHSC1) plays important roles in human carcinogenesis. Transcriptional levels of this gene are significantly elevated in various types of cancer including bladder and lung cancers. Immunohistochemical analysis using a number of clinical tissues confirmed significant up-regulation of WHSC1 expression in bladder and lung cancer cells at the protein level. Treatment of cancer cell lines with small interfering RNA targeting WHSC1 significantly knocked down its expression and resulted in the suppression of proliferation. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that knockdown of WHSC1 decreased the cell population of cancer cells at the S phase while increasing that at the G(2)/M phase. WHSC1 interacts with some proteins related to the WNT pathway including β-catenin and transcriptionally regulates CCND1, the target gene of the β-catenin/Tcf-4 complex, through histone H3 at lysine 36 trimethylation. This is a novel mechanism for WNT pathway dysregulation in human carcinogenesis, mediated by the epigenetic regulation of histone H3. Because expression levels of WHSC1 are significantly low in most normal tissue types, it should be feasible to develop specific and selective inhibitors targeting the enzyme as antitumor agents that have a minimal risk of adverse reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gouji Toyokawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Masuda
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamane
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Yoshimatsu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinya Hayami
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Takawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Iwai
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yataro Daigo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Shiga, Japan
| | - Eiju Tsuchiya
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan
- Molecular Pathology and Genetics Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Helen I Field
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John D Kelly
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - David E Neal
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Bruce AJ Ponder
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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267
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Morishita M, di Luccio E. Structural insights into the regulation and the recognition of histone marks by the SET domain of NSD1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 412:214-9. [PMID: 21806967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of epigenetic therapies fuels cancer hope. DNA-methylation inhibitors, histone-deacetylase and histone-methyltransferase (HMTase) inhibitors are being developed as the utilization of epigenetic targets is emerging as an effective and valuable approach to chemotherapy as well as chemoprevention of cancer. The nuclear receptor binding SET domain (NSD) protein is a family of three HMTases, NSD1, NSD2/MMSET/WHSC1, and NSD3/WHSC1L1 that are critical in maintaining the chromatin integrity. A growing number of studies have reported alterations or amplifications of NSD1, NSD2, or NSD3 in numerous carcinogenic events. Reducing NSDs activity through specific lysine-HMTase inhibitors appears promising to help suppressing cancer growth. However, little is known about the NSD pathways and our understanding of the histone lysine-HMTase mechanism is partial. To shed some light on both the recognition and the regulation of epigenetic marks by the SET domain of the NSD family, we investigate the structural mechanisms of the docking of the histone-H4 tail on the SET domain of NSD1. Our finding exposes a key regulatory and recognition mechanism driven by the flexibility of a loop at the interface of the SET and postSET region. Finally, we prospect the special value of this regulatory region for developing specific and selective NSD inhibitors for the epigenetic therapy of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Morishita
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, South Korea
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268
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Morishita M, di Luccio E. Cancers and the NSD family of histone lysine methyltransferases. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1816:158-63. [PMID: 21664949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Both genetic and epigenetic alterations are responsible for the stepwise initiation and progression of cancers. Only epigenetic aberrations can be reversible, allowing the malignant cell population to revert to a more benign phenotype. The epigenetic therapy of cancers is emerging as an effective and valuable approach to both the chemotherapy and the chemoprevention of cancer. The utilization of epigenetic targets that include histone methyltransferase (HMTase), Histone deacetylatase, and DNA methyltransferase, are emerging as key therapeutic targets. The nuclear receptor binding SET domain (NSD) protein is a family of three HMTases, NSD1, NSD2/MMSET/WHSC1, and NSD3/WHSC1L1, and plays a critical part in chromatin integrity as evidenced by a growing number of conditions linked to the alterations and/or amplification of NSD1, NSD2, and/or NSD3. NSD1, NSD2 and NSD3 are associated with multiple cancers. The amplification of either NSD1 or NSD2 triggers the cellular transformation and thus is key in the early carcinogenesis events. In most cases, reducing the levels of NSD proteins would suppress cancer growth. NSD1 and NSD2 were isolated as genes linked to developmental diseases, such as Sotos syndrome and Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, respectively, implying versatile aspects of the NSD proteins. The NSD pathways, however, are not well understood. It is noteworthy that the NSD family is phylogenetically distinct compared to other known lysine-HMTases, Here, we review the current knowledge on NSD1/NSD2/NSD3 in tumorigenesis and prospect their special value for developing novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Morishita
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 702-701, South Korea
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269
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Tipton JD, Tran JC, Catherman AD, Ahlf DR, Durbin KR, Kelleher NL. Analysis of intact protein isoforms by mass spectrometry. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:25451-8. [PMID: 21632550 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r111.239442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse proteome of an organism arises from such events as single nucleotide substitutions at the DNA level, different RNA processing, and dynamic enzymatic post-translational modifications. This minireview focuses on the measurement of intact proteins to describe the diversity found in proteomes. The field of biological mass spectrometry has steadily advanced, enabling improvements in the characterization of single proteins to proteins derived from cells or tissues. In this minireview, we discuss the basic technology for "top-down" intact protein analysis. Furthermore, examples of studies involved with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of full-length polypeptides are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah D Tipton
- Departmen of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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270
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Abstract
Despite increased understanding of molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and implementation of therapies such as bortezomib and thalidomide, only 10% of patients survive more than 10 years after diagnosis. Until recently, new therapies for myeloma have not been developed based on a detailed understanding of the molecular pathology of the disease. In this issue of Blood, Annunziata et al report a rationale for the use of mitogen-activated or extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors in the subset of myeloma patients expressing high levels of the MAF oncogene.
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271
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Mitsiades CS, Davies FE, Laubach JP, Joshua D, San Miguel J, Anderson KC, Richardson PG. Future directions of next-generation novel therapies, combination approaches, and the development of personalized medicine in myeloma. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:1916-23. [PMID: 21482978 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.34.0760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tangible progress in recent years, substantial therapeutic challenges remain in multiple myeloma (MM), particularly for patients at high risk for early relapse or death and for those with advanced multi-drug resistant disease and refractoriness to currently available combination regimens. Addressing these challenges requires identification of novel classes of anti-MM agents, their incorporation into safe and more effective combination regimens, and development of efficient algorithms to select the most appropriate therapeutic options for the clinical and molecular features of individual patients at a given time during their disease. Ideally, these goals can be facilitated by preclinical identification of the "driver" molecular lesions on which different myeloma subtypes exquisitely depend, and by informative preclinical models simulating the clinical setting(s) in which trials will be conducted. Large prospective studies of patients treated uniformly with contemporary clinical regimens are essential, but there is also a major need for flexibility in studying new regimens in the future. Long-term patient follow-up and integrated annotation of clinical (safety and efficacy) and correlative (molecular, biochemical, etc) data are also critical. Novel molecular profiling techniques will likely identify more clinically and biologically discrete subsets of patients with recurrent, even if infrequent, lesions. This molecular heterogeneity, combined with the increasing numbers of candidate therapeutic targets and respective investigational agents, may pose formidable challenges for the development and implementation of personalized medicine in MM. This review discusses these challenges, as well as potential strategies to address them, with the aim of making significant improvement in the clinical outcome of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine S Mitsiades
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Hudlebusch HR, Santoni-Rugiu E, Simon R, Ralfkiær E, Rossing HH, Johansen JV, Jørgensen M, Sauter G, Helin K. The histone methyltransferase and putative oncoprotein MMSET is overexpressed in a large variety of human tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:2919-33. [PMID: 21385930 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple myeloma SET (Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of zeste, and Trithorax) domain (MMSET) is a histone lysine methyltransferase deregulated in a subgroup of multiple myelomas with the t(4;14)(p16;q32) translocation and poor prognosis. With the aim of understanding, if MMSET can be involved in other types of cancer we investigated the expression of MMSET protein in different types of human tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A monoclonal antibody against MMSET was developed and immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays (TMA) containing a large number of tumor samples (n = 3774) and corresponding normal tissues (n = 904) was carried out. Further validations of MMSET expression were carried out on independent, tumor-specific sets of TMAs for urinary bladder (n = 1293) and colon cancer (n = 1206) with corresponding clinicopathological data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS MMSET protein was highly expressed in different tumor types compared to normal counterparts. Particular frequent and/or high MMSET expression was found in carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, colon, anal canal), small cell lung carcinoma, tumors of the urinary bladder, female genitals, and skin. In bladder cancer, MMSET expression correlated with tumor aggressiveness. In contrast, MMSET expression was associated with good prognostic factors in colon cancer and was more pronounced in early stages of colon carcinogenesis (dysplasias) than in adenocarcinomas. However, colon cancer patients with high MMSET levels showed a worse 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that MMSET has a broader role in cancer than previously anticipated, and further analysis might qualify it as a prognostic marker and a target for the development of therapy against several types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rye Hudlebusch
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Chesi M, Bergsagel PL. Many multiple myelomas: making more of the molecular mayhem. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2011; 2011:344-353. [PMID: 22160056 PMCID: PMC3903307 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2011.1.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is malignancy of isotype-switched, BM-localized plasma cells that frequently results in bone destruction, BM failure, and death. Important molecular subgroups are identified by three classes of recurrent immunoglobulin gene translocations and hyperdiploidy, both of which affect disease course. From a clinical standpoint, it is critical to identify MM patients carrying the t(4;14) translocation, which is present in 15% of myelomas and is associated with dysregulation of WHSC1/MMSET and often FGFR3. These patients should all receive bortezomib as part of their initial induction treatment because this has been shown to significantly prolong survival. In contrast, patients with translocations affecting the MAF family of transcription factors, del17p, or gene-expression profiling (GEP)-defined high-risk disease appear to have a worse prognosis that is not dramatically improved by any intervention. These patients should be enrolled in innovative clinical trials. The remaining patients with cyclin D translocations or hyperdiploidy do well with most therapies, and the goal should be to control disease while minimizing toxicity.
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274
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A mechanistic rationale for MEK inhibitor therapy in myeloma based on blockade of MAF oncogene expression. Blood 2010; 117:2396-404. [PMID: 21163924 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-04-278788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulating aberrant transcription of oncogenes is a relatively unexplored opportunity in cancer therapeutics. In approximately 10% of multiple myelomas, the initiating oncogenic event is translocation of musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog (MAF), a transcriptional activator of key target genes, including cyclinD2. Our prior work showed that MAF is up-regulated in an additional 30% of multiple myeloma cases. The present study describes a common mechanism inducing MAF transcription in both instances. The second mode of MAF transcription occurred in myelomas with multiple myeloma SET domain (MMSET) translocation. MMSET knockdown decreased MAF transcription and cell viability. A small-molecule screen found an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), which activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-MAP kinases, reduced MAF mRNA in cells representing MMSET or MAF subgroups. ERK activates transcription of FOS, part of the AP-1 transcription factor. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, FOS bound the MAF promoter, and MEK inhibition decreased this interaction. MEK inhibition selectively induced apoptosis in MAF-expressing myelomas, and FOS inactivation was similarly toxic. Reexpression of MAF rescued cells from death induced by MMSET depletion, MEK inhibition, or FOS inactivation. The data presented herein demonstrate that the MEK-ERK pathway regulates MAF transcription, providing molecular rationale for clinical evaluation of MEK inhibitors in MAF-expressing myeloma.
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