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Benetatos L, Vartholomatos G. Embryonic transcription and epigenetics: root of the evil. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1830-1833. [PMID: 37330916 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00937-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Benetatos
- Hematology Unit, Preveza General Hospital, Selefkias 2, 48100, Preveza, Greece.
| | - George Vartholomatos
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ioannina University Hospital, Niarchos Ave, 45100, Ioannina, Greece
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2
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Li J, Kalev-Zylinska ML. Advances in molecular characterization of myeloid proliferations associated with Down syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:891214. [PMID: 36035173 PMCID: PMC9399805 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.891214] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome (ML-DS) has a unique molecular landscape that differs from other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia. ML-DS is often preceded by a myeloproliferative neoplastic condition called transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) that disrupts megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation. Over the last two decades, many genetic and epigenetic changes in TAM and ML-DS have been elucidated. These include overexpression of molecules and micro-RNAs located on chromosome 21, GATA1 mutations, and a range of other somatic mutations and chromosomal alterations. In this review, we summarize molecular changes reported in TAM and ML-DS and provide a comprehensive discussion of these findings. Recent advances in the development of CRISPR/Cas9-modified induced pluripotent stem cell-based disease models are also highlighted. However, despite significant progress in this area, we still do not fully understand the pathogenesis of ML-DS, and there are no targeted therapies. Initial diagnosis of ML-DS has a favorable prognosis, but refractory and relapsed disease can be difficult to treat; therapeutic options are limited in Down syndrome children by their stronger sensitivity to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Because of the rarity of TAM and ML-DS, large-scale multi-center studies would be helpful to advance molecular characterization of these diseases at different stages of development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixia Li
- Blood and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Jixia Li, ; Maggie L. Kalev-Zylinska,
| | - Maggie L. Kalev-Zylinska
- Blood and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Haematology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Jixia Li, ; Maggie L. Kalev-Zylinska,
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Ahmadi SE, Rahimi S, Zarandi B, Chegeni R, Safa M. MYC: a multipurpose oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic implications in blood malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:121. [PMID: 34372899 PMCID: PMC8351444 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC oncogene is a transcription factor with a wide array of functions affecting cellular activities such as cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and hematopoiesis. Due to the multi-functionality of MYC, its expression is regulated at multiple levels. Deregulation of this oncogene can give rise to a variety of cancers. In this review, MYC regulation and the mechanisms by which MYC adjusts cellular functions and its implication in hematologic malignancies are summarized. Further, we also discuss potential inhibitors of MYC that could be beneficial for treating hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Zarandi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, College of Health and Human Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Deregulation of Transcriptional Enhancers in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143532. [PMID: 34298745 PMCID: PMC8303223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One of the major challenges in cancer treatments is the dynamic adaptation of tumor cells to cancer therapies. In this regard, tumor cells can modify their response to environmental cues without altering their DNA sequence. This cell plasticity enables cells to undergo morphological and functional changes, for example, during the process of tumour metastasis or when acquiring resistance to cancer therapies. Central to cell plasticity, are the dynamic changes in gene expression that are controlled by a set of molecular switches called enhancers. Enhancers are DNA elements that determine when, where and to what extent genes should be switched on and off. Thus, defects in enhancer function can disrupt the gene expression program and can lead to tumour formation. Here, we review how enhancers control the activity of cancer-associated genes and how defects in these regulatory elements contribute to cell plasticity in cancer. Understanding enhancer (de)regulation can provide new strategies for modulating cell plasticity in tumour cells and can open new research avenues for cancer therapy. Abstract Epigenetic regulations can shape a cell’s identity by reversible modifications of the chromatin that ultimately control gene expression in response to internal and external cues. In this review, we first discuss the concept of cell plasticity in cancer, a process that is directly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, with a particular focus on transcriptional enhancers as the cornerstone of epigenetic regulation. In the second part, we discuss mechanisms of enhancer deregulation in adult stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as two paradigms of cell plasticity that are dependent on epigenetic regulation and serve as major sources of tumour heterogeneity. Finally, we review how genetic variations at enhancers and their epigenetic modifiers contribute to tumourigenesis, and we highlight examples of cancer drugs that target epigenetic modifications at enhancers.
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Xiao X, Jiang L, Hu H, Huang Y, Yang L, Jiao Y, Wei G. Silencing of UAP1L1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:179-187. [PMID: 33434300 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is recognized as one of the malignant tumors with poor prognosis. UAP1L1 (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-1-like-1) affects numerous biological processes, which is a key regulator of the development of malignant tumors. The biological function and molecular mechanism of UAP1L1 in ESCC were explored in this study. The relationship between UAP1L1 and ESCC was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, revealing the high expression of UAP1L1 in ESCC. Importantly, the increased expression of UAP1L1 indicated the deterioration of patients' condition, which has clinical significance. Furthermore, the loss-of-function assays demonstrated that knockdown of UAP1L1 inhibited the progression of ESCC on suppressing proliferation, hindering migration, and enhancing apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, the apoptosis of ESCC cells was induced by knockdown of UAP1L1 via regulating a variety of apoptosis-related proteins, such as upregulation of Bax, CD40, CD40L, Fas, FasL, IGFBP-6, p21, p27, p53, and SMAC. Additionally, further investigation indicated that UAP1L1 by affecting the PI3K/Akt, CCND1, and MAPK promotes the progression of ESCC. In vivo xenograft model further confirmed that knockdown of UAP1L1 inhibited the development of ESCC. In conclusion, UAP1L1 was involved in the development and progression of ESCC, which may provide a powerful target for future molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiong Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huoli Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yunhe Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lun Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhangjiajie City People's Hospital, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxia Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Rajavel A, Schmitt AO, Gültas M. Computational Identification of Master Regulators Influencing Trypanotolerance in Cattle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020562. [PMID: 33429951 PMCID: PMC7827104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is transmitted by the tsetse fly which carries pathogenic trypanosomes in its saliva, thus causing debilitating infection to livestock health. As the disease advances, a multistage progression process is observed based on the progressive clinical signs displayed in the host’s body. Investigation of genes expressed with regular monotonic patterns (known as Monotonically Expressed Genes (MEGs)) and of their master regulators can provide important clue for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the AAT disease. For this purpose, we analysed MEGs for three tissues (liver, spleen and lymph node) of two cattle breeds, namely trypanosusceptible Boran and trypanotolerant N’Dama. Our analysis revealed cattle breed-specific master regulators which are highly related to distinguish the genetic programs in both cattle breeds. Especially the master regulators MYC and DBP found in this study, seem to influence the immune responses strongly, thereby susceptibility and trypanotolerance of Boran and N’Dama respectively. Furthermore, our pathway analysis also bolsters the crucial roles of these master regulators. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights into breed-specific master regulators which orchestrate the regulatory cascades influencing the level of trypanotolerance in cattle breeds and thus could be promising drug targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abirami Rajavel
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.R.); (A.O.S.)
| | - Armin Otto Schmitt
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.R.); (A.O.S.)
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, Georg-August University, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mehmet Gültas
- Breeding Informatics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August University, Margarethe von Wrangell-Weg 7, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.R.); (A.O.S.)
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, Georg-August University, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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