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Yang Y, Ahmad E, Premkumar V, Liu A, Ashikur Rahman SM, Nikolovska‐Coleska Z. Structural studies of intrinsically disordered MLL-fusion protein AF9 in complex with peptidomimetic inhibitors. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5019. [PMID: 38747396 PMCID: PMC11094776 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
AF9 (MLLT3) and its paralog ENL(MLLT1) are members of the YEATS family of proteins with important role in transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory complexes. These proteins are two common MLL fusion partners in MLL-rearranged leukemias. The oncofusion proteins MLL-AF9/ENL recruit multiple binding partners, including the histone methyltransferase DOT1L, leading to aberrant transcriptional activation and enhancing the expression of a characteristic set of genes that drive leukemogenesis. The interaction between AF9 and DOT1L is mediated by an intrinsically disordered C-terminal ANC1 homology domain (AHD) in AF9, which undergoes folding upon binding of DOT1L and other partner proteins. We have recently reported peptidomimetics that disrupt the recruitment of DOT1L by AF9 and ENL, providing a proof-of-concept for targeting AHD and assessing its druggability. Intrinsically disordered proteins, such as AF9 AHD, are difficult to study and characterize experimentally on a structural level. In this study, we present a successful protein engineering strategy to facilitate structural investigation of the intrinsically disordered AF9 AHD domain in complex with peptidomimetic inhibitors by using maltose binding protein (MBP) as a crystallization chaperone connected with linkers of varying flexibility and length. The strategic incorporation of disulfide bonds provided diffraction-quality crystals of the two disulfide-bridged MBP-AF9 AHD fusion proteins in complex with the peptidomimetics. These successfully determined first series of 2.1-2.6 Å crystal complex structures provide high-resolution insights into the interactions between AHD and its inhibitors, shedding light on the role of AHD in recruiting various binding partner proteins. We show that the overall complex structures closely resemble the reported NMR structure of AF9 AHD/DOT1L with notable difference in the conformation of the β-hairpin region, stabilized through conserved hydrogen bonds network. These first series of AF9 AHD/peptidomimetics complex structures are providing insights of the protein-inhibitor interactions and will facilitate further development of novel inhibitors targeting the AF9/ENL AHD domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Yang
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Vidhya Premkumar
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Alicen Liu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - S. M. Ashikur Rahman
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Zaneta Nikolovska‐Coleska
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Rogel Cancer CenterUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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2
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Kreissig S, Windisch R, Wichmann C. Deciphering Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated Transcription Factors in Human Primary CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells. Cells 2023; 13:78. [PMID: 38201282 PMCID: PMC10777941 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemato-oncological diseases account for nearly 10% of all malignancies and can be classified into leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative diseases, and myelodysplastic syndromes. The causes and prognosis of these disease entities are highly variable. Most entities are not permanently controllable and ultimately lead to the patient's death. At the molecular level, recurrent mutations including chromosomal translocations initiate the transformation from normal stem-/progenitor cells into malignant blasts finally floating the patient's bone marrow and blood system. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the so-called master transcription factors such as RUNX1, KMT2A, and HOX are frequently disrupted by chromosomal translocations, resulting in neomorphic oncogenic fusion genes. Triggering ex vivo expansion of primary human CD34+ stem/progenitor cells represents a distinct characteristic of such chimeric AML transcription factors. Regarding oncogenic mechanisms of AML, most studies focus on murine models. However, due to biological differences between mice and humans, findings are only partly transferable. This review focuses on the genetic manipulation of human CD34+ primary hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from healthy donors to model acute myeloid leukemia cell growth. Analysis of defined single- or multi-hit human cellular AML models will elucidate molecular mechanisms of the development, maintenance, and potential molecular intervention strategies to counteract malignant human AML blast cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Wichmann
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.K.)
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3
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Teku G, Nilsson J, Magnusson L, Sydow S, Flucke U, Puls F, Mitra S, Mertens F. Insertion of the CXXC domain of KMT2A into YAP1: An unusual mechanism behind the formation of a chimeric oncogenic protein. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:633-640. [PMID: 37246732 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Most neoplasia-associated gene fusions are formed through the fusion of the 5'-part of one gene with the 3'-part of another. We here describe a unique mechanism, by which a part of the KMT2A gene through an insertion replaces part of the YAP1 gene. The resulting YAP1::KMT2A::YAP1 (YKY) fusion was verified by RT-PCR in three cases of sarcoma morphologically resembling sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF-like sarcoma). In all cases, a portion (exons 4/5-6) encoding the CXXC domain of KMT2A was inserted between exon 4/5 and exon 8/9 of YAP1. The inserted sequence from KMT2A thus replaced exons 5/6-8 of YAP1, which encode an important regulatory sequence of YAP1. To evaluate the cellular impact of the YKY fusion, global gene expression profiles from fresh frozen and formalin-fixed YKY-expressing sarcomas were compared with control tumors. The effects of the YKY fusion, as well as YAP1::KMT2A and KMT2A::YAP1 fusion constructs, were further studied in immortalized fibroblasts. Analysis of differentially upregulated genes revealed significant overlap between tumors and cell lines expressing YKY, as well as with previously reported YAP1 fusions. Pathway analysis of upregulated genes in cells and tumors expressing YKY revealed an enrichment of genes included in key oncogenic signaling pathways, such as Wnt and Hedgehog. As these pathways are known to interact with YAP1, it seems likely that the pathogenesis of sarcomas with the YKY fusion is linked to distorted YAP1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Teku
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Nilsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Linda Magnusson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Saskia Sydow
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Uta Flucke
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Puls
- Department Clinical Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shamik Mitra
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Mertens
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, Lund, Sweden
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4
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Johannessen JA, Formica M, Haukeland ALC, Bråthen NR, Al Outa A, Aarsund M, Therrien M, Enserink JM, Knævelsrud H. The human leukemic oncogene MLL-AF4 promotes hyperplastic growth of hematopoietic tissues in Drosophila larvae. iScience 2023; 26:107726. [PMID: 37720104 PMCID: PMC10504488 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias are among the leukemic subtypes with poorest survival, and treatment options have barely improved over the last decades. Despite increasing molecular understanding of the mechanisms behind these hematopoietic malignancies, this knowledge has had poor translation into the clinic. Here, we report a Drosophila melanogaster model system to explore the pathways affected in MLL-r leukemia. We show that expression of the human leukemic oncogene MLL-AF4 in the Drosophila hematopoietic system resulted in increased levels of circulating hemocytes and an enlargement of the larval hematopoietic organ, the lymph gland. Strikingly, depletion of Drosophila orthologs of known interactors of MLL-AF4, such as DOT1L, rescued the leukemic phenotype. In agreement, treatment with small-molecule inhibitors of DOT1L also prevented the MLL-AF4-induced leukemia-like phenotype. Taken together, this model provides an in vivo system to unravel the genetic interactors involved in leukemogenesis and offers a system for improved biological understanding of MLL-r leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Johannessen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Formica
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aina Louise C. Haukeland
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nora Rojahn Bråthen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amani Al Outa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Aarsund
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marc Therrien
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Département de pathologie et de biologie cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jorrit M. Enserink
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helene Knævelsrud
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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5
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Lomov NA, Viushkov VS, Rubtsov MA. Mechanisms of Secondary Leukemia Development Caused by Treatment with DNA Topoisomerase Inhibitors. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:892-911. [PMID: 37751862 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923070040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia is a blood cancer originating in the blood and bone marrow. Therapy-related leukemia is associated with prior chemotherapy. Although cancer therapy with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors is one of the most effective cancer treatments, its side effects include development of secondary leukemia characterized by the chromosomal rearrangements affecting AML1 or MLL genes. Recurrent chromosomal translocations in the therapy-related leukemia differ from chromosomal rearrangements associated with other neoplasias. Here, we reviewed the factors that drive chromosomal translocations induced by cancer treatment with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors, such as mobility of ends of double-strand DNA breaks formed before the translocation and gain of function of fusion proteins generated as a result of translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai A Lomov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Vladimir S Viushkov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Rubtsov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Industrial Technologies and Entrepreneurship Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119435, Russia
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6
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Kong Y, Jiang C, Wei G, Sun K, Wang R, Qiu T. Small Molecule Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents Targeting Oncogenic Fusion Proteins: Current Status and Clinical. Molecules 2023; 28:4672. [PMID: 37375228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic fusion proteins, arising from chromosomal rearrangements, have emerged as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis and crucial therapeutic targets in cancer research. In recent years, the potential of small molecular inhibitors in selectively targeting fusion proteins has exhibited significant prospects, offering a novel approach to combat malignancies harboring these aberrant molecular entities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of small molecular inhibitors as therapeutic agents for oncogenic fusion proteins. We discuss the rationale for targeting fusion proteins, elucidate the mechanism of action of inhibitors, assess the challenges associated with their utilization, and provide a summary of the clinical progress achieved thus far. The objective is to provide the medicinal community with current and pertinent information and to expedite the drug discovery programs in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Caihong Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Guifeng Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Kai Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ruijie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ting Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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7
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Meyer C, Larghero P, Almeida Lopes B, Burmeister T, Gröger D, Sutton R, Venn NC, Cazzaniga G, Corral Abascal L, Tsaur G, Fechina L, Emerenciano M, Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Lund-Aho T, Lundán T, Montonen M, Juvonen V, Zuna J, Trka J, Ballerini P, Lapillonne H, Van der Velden VHJ, Sonneveld E, Delabesse E, de Matos RRC, Silva MLM, Bomken S, Katsibardi K, Keernik M, Grardel N, Mason J, Price R, Kim J, Eckert C, Lo Nigro L, Bueno C, Menendez P, Zur Stadt U, Gameiro P, Sedék L, Szczepański T, Bidet A, Marcu V, Shichrur K, Izraeli S, Madsen HO, Schäfer BW, Kubetzko S, Kim R, Clappier E, Trautmann H, Brüggemann M, Archer P, Hancock J, Alten J, Möricke A, Stanulla M, Lentes J, Bergmann AK, Strehl S, Köhrer S, Nebral K, Dworzak MN, Haas OA, Arfeuille C, Caye-Eude A, Cavé H, Marschalek R. The KMT2A recombinome of acute leukemias in 2023. Leukemia 2023; 37:988-1005. [PMID: 37019990 PMCID: PMC10169636 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01877-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the human KMT2A/MLL gene are associated with de novo as well as therapy-induced infant, pediatric, and adult acute leukemias. Here, we present the data obtained from 3401 acute leukemia patients that have been analyzed between 2003 and 2022. Genomic breakpoints within the KMT2A gene and the involved translocation partner genes (TPGs) and KMT2A-partial tandem duplications (PTDs) were determined. Including the published data from the literature, a total of 107 in-frame KMT2A gene fusions have been identified so far. Further 16 rearrangements were out-of-frame fusions, 18 patients had no partner gene fused to 5'-KMT2A, two patients had a 5'-KMT2A deletion, and one ETV6::RUNX1 patient had an KMT2A insertion at the breakpoint. The seven most frequent TPGs and PTDs account for more than 90% of all recombinations of the KMT2A, 37 occur recurrently and 63 were identified so far only once. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the KMT2A recombinome in acute leukemia patients. Besides the scientific gain of information, genomic breakpoint sequences of these patients were used to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD). Thus, this work may be directly translated from the bench to the bedside of patients and meet the clinical needs to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Meyer
- DCAL/Institute of Pharm. Biology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - P Larghero
- DCAL/Institute of Pharm. Biology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - B Almeida Lopes
- DCAL/Institute of Pharm. Biology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T Burmeister
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dept. of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - D Gröger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dept. of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Sutton
- Molecular Diagnostics, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N C Venn
- Molecular Diagnostics, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G Cazzaniga
- Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Tettamanti, Monza, Italy
| | - L Corral Abascal
- Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Tettamanti, Monza, Italy
| | - G Tsaur
- Regional Children's Hospital, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; Research Institute of Medical Cell Technologies, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - L Fechina
- Regional Children's Hospital, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation; Research Institute of Medical Cell Technologies, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - M Emerenciano
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - T Lund-Aho
- Laboratory of Clinical Genetics, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - T Lundán
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Division, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - M Montonen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Division, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - V Juvonen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Division, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - J Zuna
- CLIP, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Trka
- CLIP, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Ballerini
- Biological Hematology, AP-HP A. Trousseau, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Paris, France
| | - H Lapillonne
- Biological Hematology, AP-HP A. Trousseau, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Paris, France
| | - V H J Van der Velden
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - E Sonneveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - E Delabesse
- Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - R R C de Matos
- Cytogenetics Department, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M L M Silva
- Cytogenetics Department, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - S Bomken
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - K Katsibardi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M Keernik
- Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - N Grardel
- Department of Hematology, CHU Lille, France
| | - J Mason
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University and the Great North Children's West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - R Price
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University and the Great North Children's West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - J Kim
- DCAL/Institute of Pharm. Biology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - C Eckert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - L Lo Nigro
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica, Azienda Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Catania, Italy
| | - C Bueno
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute. Barcelona, Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (RICORS-TERAV, ISCIII); Spanish Collaborative Cancer Network (CIBERONC. ISCIII); University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute. Barcelona, Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (RICORS-TERAV, ISCIII); Spanish Collaborative Cancer Network (CIBERONC. ISCIII); Department of Biomedicine. University of Barcelona; and Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Menendez
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica, Azienda Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Catania, Italy
| | - U Zur Stadt
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and CoALL Study Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P Gameiro
- Instituto Português de Oncologia, Departament of Hematology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L Sedék
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - T Szczepański
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - A Bidet
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Marcu
- Hematology Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - K Shichrur
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - S Izraeli
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petah Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - H O Madsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B W Schäfer
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S Kubetzko
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Kim
- Hematology Laboratory, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM/CNRS U944/UMR7212, Institut de recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - E Clappier
- Hematology Laboratory, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM/CNRS U944/UMR7212, Institut de recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - H Trautmann
- Laboratory for Specialized Hematological Diagnostics, Medical Department II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Brüggemann
- Laboratory for Specialized Hematological Diagnostics, Medical Department II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - P Archer
- Bristol Genetics Laboratory, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - J Hancock
- Bristol Genetics Laboratory, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - J Alten
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Möricke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Stanulla
- Department of Pediatrics, MHH, Hanover, Germany
| | - J Lentes
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - A K Bergmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Strehl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - S Köhrer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Labdia Labordiagnostik, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Nebral
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Labdia Labordiagnostik, Vienna, Austria
| | - M N Dworzak
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Labdia Labordiagnostik, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - O A Haas
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Labdia Labordiagnostik, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Arfeuille
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Hopital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | - A Caye-Eude
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Hopital Robert Debré, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1131, Institut de recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - H Cavé
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Hopital Robert Debré, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1131, Institut de recherche Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - R Marschalek
- DCAL/Institute of Pharm. Biology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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8
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Siemund AL, Hanewald T, Kowarz E, Marschalek R. MLL-AF4 and a murinized pSer-variant thereof are turning on the nucleolar stress pathway. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:47. [PMID: 35468859 PMCID: PMC9036721 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00781-y] [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: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent pathomolecular studies on the MLL-AF4 fusion protein revealed that the murinized version of MLL-AF4, the MLL-Af4 fusion protein, was able to induce leukemia when expressed in murine or human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (Lin et al. in Cancer Cell 30:737–749, 2016). In parallel, a group from Japan demonstrated that the pSer domain of the AF4 protein, as well as the pSer domain of the MLL-AF4 fusion is able to bind the Pol I transcription factor complex SL1 (Okuda et al. in Nat Commun 6:8869, 2015). Here, we investigated the human MLL-AF4 and a pSer-murinized version thereof for their functional properties in mammalian cells. Gene expression profiling studies were complemented by intracellular localization studies and functional experiments concerning their biological activities in the nucleolus. Results Based on our results, we have to conclude that MLL-AF4 is predominantly localizing inside the nucleolus, thereby interfering with Pol I transcription and ribosome biogenesis. The murinized pSer-variant is localizing more to the nucleus, which may suggest a different biological behavior. Of note, AF4-MLL seems to cooperate at the molecular level with MLL-AF4 to steer target gene transcription, but not with the pSer-murinized version of it. Conclusion This study provides new insights and a molecular explanation for the described differences between hMLL-hAF4 (not leukemogenic) and hMLL-mAf4 (leukemogenic). While the human pSer domain is able to efficiently recruit the SL1 transcription factor complex, the murine counterpart seems to be not. This has several consequences for our understanding of t(4;11) leukemia which is the most frequent leukemia in infants, childhood and adults suffering from MLL-r acute leukemia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00781-y.
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Closantel is an allosteric inhibitor of human Taspase1. iScience 2021; 24:103524. [PMID: 34934933 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimerization of Taspase1 activates an intrinsic serine protease function that leads to the catalytic Thr234 residue, which allows to catalyze the consensus sequence Q-3X-2D-1⋅G1X2D3D4, present in Trithorax family members and TFIIA. Noteworthy, Taspase1 performs only a single hydrolytic step on substrate proteins, which makes it impossible to screen for inhibitors in a classical screening approach. Here, we report the development of an HTRF reporter assay that allowed the identification of an inhibitor, Closantel sodium, that inhibits Taspase1 in a noncovalent fashion (IC50 = 1.6 μM). The novel inhibitor interferes with the dimerization step and/or the intrinsic serine protease function of the proenzyme. Of interest, Taspase1 is required to activate the oncogenic functions of the leukemogenic AF4-MLL fusion protein and was shown in several studies to be overexpressed in many solid tumors. Therefore, the inhibitor may be useful for further validation of Taspase1 as a target for cancer therapy.
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Panagopoulos I, Andersen K, Eilert-Olsen M, Rognlien AG, Munthe-Kaas MC, Micci F, Heim S. Rare KMT2A-ELL and Novel ZNF56-KMT2A Fusion Genes in Pediatric T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2021; 18:121-131. [PMID: 33608309 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Previous reports have associated the KMT2A-ELL fusion gene, generated by t(11;19)(q23;p13.1), with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We herein report a KMT2A-ELL and a novel ZNF56-KMT2A fusion genes in a pediatric T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Genetic investigations were performed on bone marrow of a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with T-ALL. RESULTS A KMT2A-ELL and a novel ZNF56-KMT2A fusion genes were generated on der(11)t(11;19)(q23;p13.1) and der(19)t(11;19)(q23;p13.1), respectively. Exon 20 of KMT2A fused to exon 2 of ELL in KMT2A-ELL chimeric transcript whereas exon 1 of ZNF56 fused to exon 21 of KMT2A in ZNF56-KMT2A transcript. A literature search revealed four more T-ALL patients carrying a KMT2A-ELL fusion. All of them were males aged 11, 11, 17, and 20 years. CONCLUSION KMT2A-ELL fusion is a rare recurrent genetic event in T-ALL with uncertain prognostic implications. The frequency and impact of ZNF56-KMT2A in T-ALL are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Kristin Andersen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martine Eilert-Olsen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Gro Rognlien
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica Cheng Munthe-Kaas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesca Micci
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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The role of reciprocal fusions in MLL-r acute leukemia: studying the chromosomal translocation t(4;11). Oncogene 2021; 40:6093-6102. [PMID: 34489550 PMCID: PMC8530991 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia patients bearing the t(4;11)(q21;q23) translocations can be divided into two subgroups: those expressing both reciprocal fusion genes, and those that have only the MLL-AF4 fusion gene. Moreover, a recent study has demonstrated that patients expressing both fusion genes have a better outcome than patients that are expressing the MLL-AF4 fusion protein alone. All this may point to a clonal process where the reciprocal fusion gene AF4-MLL could be lost during disease progression, as this loss may select for a more aggressive type of leukemia. Therefore, we were interested in unraveling the decisive role of the AF4-MLL fusion protein at an early timepoint of disease development. We designed an experimental model system where the MLL-AF4 fusion protein was constitutively expressed, while an inducible AF4-MLL fusion gene was induced for only 48 h. Subsequently, we investigated genome-wide changes by RNA- and ATAC-Seq experiments at distinct timepoints. These analyses revealed that the expression of AF4-MLL for only 48 h was sufficient to significantly change the genomic landscape (transcription and chromatin) even on a longer time scale. Thus, we have to conclude that the AF4-MLL fusion protein works through a hit-and-run mechanism, probably necessary to set up pre-leukemic conditions, but being dispensable for later disease progression.
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The role of reciprocal fusions in MLL-r acute leukemia: studying the chromosomal translocation t(6;11). Oncogene 2021; 40:5902-5912. [PMID: 34354240 PMCID: PMC8497272 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01983-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia patients bearing t(6;11)(q27;q23) translocations can be divided in two subgroups: those with breakpoints in the major breakpoint cluster region of MLL (introns 9-10; associated mainly with AML M1/4/5), and others with breakpoints in the minor breakpoint cluster region (introns 21-23), associated with T-ALL. We cloned all four of the resulting fusion genes (MLL-AF6, AF6-MLL, exMLL-AF6, AF6-shMLL) and subsequently transfected them to generate stable cell culture models. Their molecular function was tested by inducing gene expression for 48 h in a Doxycycline-dependent fashion. Here, we present our results upon differential gene expression (DGE) that were obtained by the "Massive Analyses of cDNA Ends" (MACE-Seq) technology, an established 3'-end based RNA-Seq method. Our results indicate that the PHD/BD domain, present in the AF6-MLL and the exMLL-AF6 fusion protein, is responsible for chromatin activation in a genome-wide fashion. This led to strong deregulation of transcriptional processes involving protein-coding genes, pseudogenes, non-annotated genes, and RNA genes, e.g., LincRNAs and microRNAs, respectively. While cooperation between the MLL-AF6 and AF6-MLL fusion proteins appears to be required for the above-mentioned effects, exMLL-AF6 is able to cause similar effects on its own. The exMLL-AF6/AF6-shMLL co-expressing cell line displayed the induction of a myeloid-specific and a T-cell specific gene signature, which may explain the T-ALL disease phenotype observed in patients with such breakpoints. This again demonstrated that MLL fusion proteins are instructive and allow to study their pathomolecular mechanisms.
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Gestrich CK, Sadri N, Sinno MG, Pateva I, Meyerson HJ. Reciprocal ATP5L-KMT2A gene fusion in a paediatric B lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (B-ALL) patient. Br J Haematol 2020; 191:e61-e64. [PMID: 32729113 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Gestrich
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Navid Sadri
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mohamad G Sinno
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Irina Pateva
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Howard J Meyerson
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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