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Qu P, Li L, Jin Q, Liu D, Qiao Y, Zhang Y, Sun Q, Ran S, Li Z, Liu T, Peng L. Histone methylation modification and diabetic kidney disease: Potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 54:104. [PMID: 39301658 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5428] [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: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end‑stage renal disease, and is characterized by persistent proteinuria and decreased glomerular filtration rate. Despite extensive efforts, the increasing incidence highlights the urgent need for more effective treatments. Histone methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification, and its alteration can destabilize chromatin structure, thereby regulating the transcriptional activity of specific genes. Histone methylation serves a substantial role in the onset and progression of various diseases. In patients with DKD, changes in histone methylation are pivotal in mediating the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Targeting these modifications shows promise in ameliorating renal histological manifestations, tissue fibrosis and proteinuria, and represents a novel therapeutic frontier with the potential to halt DKD progression. The present review focuses on the alterations in histone methylation during the development of DKD, systematically summarizes its impact on various renal parenchymal cells and underscores the potential of targeted histone methylation modifications in improving DKD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qu
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Qi Jin
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Donghai Liu
- China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyue Sun
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Shuman Ran
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Zecheng Li
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Tongtong Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Liang Peng
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China‑Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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Khan B, Lanzuolo C, Rosti V, Santarelli P, Pich A, Kraft T, Amrute-Nayak M, Nayak A. Sorafenib induces cachexia by impeding transcriptional signaling of the SET1/MLL complex on muscle-specific genes. iScience 2024; 27:110913. [PMID: 39386761 PMCID: PMC11462028 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110913] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapy are often linked to muscle wasting or cachexia. Insights into the molecular basis of chemotherapy-induced cachexia is essential to improve treatment strategies. Here, we demonstrated that Sorafenib-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) class of chemotherapeutic agents-induced cachexia. System-wide analyses revealed that Sorafenib alters the global transcriptional program and proteostasis in muscle cells. Mechanistically, Sorafenib treatment reduced active epigenetic mark H3K4 methylation on distinct muscle-specific genes by impeding chromatin association of SET1A-catalytic component of the SET1/MLL histone methyltransferase complex. This mechanism favored transcriptional disorientation that led to disrupted sarcomere assembly, calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial respiration. Consequently, the contractile ability of muscle cells was severely compromised. Interestingly, the other prominent TKIs Nilotinib and Imatinib did not exert similar effects on muscle cell physiology. Collectively, we identified an unanticipated transcriptional mechanism underlying Sorafenib-induced cachexia. Our findings hold the potential to strategize therapy regimens to minimize chemotherapy-induced cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Khan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chiara Lanzuolo
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare ‘Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosti
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare ‘Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Philina Santarelli
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare ‘Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreas Pich
- Institute of Toxicology, Core Facility Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Theresia Kraft
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mamta Amrute-Nayak
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnab Nayak
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Haase S, Carney S, Varela ML, Mukherji D, Zhu Z, Li Y, Nuñez FJ, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Epigenetic reprogramming in pediatric gliomas: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic implications. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00196-1. [PMID: 39394009 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.007] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Brain tumors in children and adults differ greatly in patient outcomes and responses to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, the prevalence of recurrent mutations in histones and chromatin regulatory proteins in pediatric and young adult gliomas suggests that the chromatin landscape is rewired to support oncogenic programs. These early somatic mutations dysregulate widespread genomic loci by altering the distribution of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and, in consequence, causing changes in chromatin accessibility and in the histone code, leading to gene transcriptional changes. We review how distinct chromatin imbalances in glioma subtypes impact on oncogenic features such as cellular fate, proliferation, immune landscape, and radio resistance. Understanding these mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation carries substantial implications for advancing targeted epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Haase
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Stephen Carney
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Varela
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Devarshi Mukherji
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ziwen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yingxiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Felipe J Nuñez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Pedro R Lowenstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maria G Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Science Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, BioInnovations in Brain Cancer Initiative (BIBC), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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4
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Cuglievan B, Kantarjian H, Rubnitz JE, Cooper TM, Zwaan CM, Pollard JA, DiNardo CD, Kadia TM, Guest E, Short NJ, McCall D, Daver N, Nunez C, Haddad FG, Garcia M, Bhalla KN, Maiti A, Catueno S, Fiskus W, Carter BZ, Gibson A, Roth M, Khazal S, Tewari P, Abbas HA, Bourgeois W, Andreeff M, Shukla NN, Truong DD, Connors J, Ludwig JA, Stutterheim J, Salzer E, Juul-Dam KL, Sasaki K, Mahadeo KM, Tasian SK, Borthakur G, Dickson S, Jain N, Jabbour E, Meshinchi S, Garcia-Manero G, Ravandi F, Stein EM, Kolb EA, Issa GC. Menin inhibitors in pediatric acute leukemia: a comprehensive review and recommendations to accelerate progress in collaboration with adult leukemia and the international community. Leukemia 2024; 38:2073-2084. [PMID: 39179671 PMCID: PMC11436367 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02368-7] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of HOX and MEIS1 family genes, as seen in KMT2A-rearranged, NUP98-rearranged, or NPM1-mutated leukemias leads to arrested differentiation and leukemia development. HOX family genes are essential gatekeepers of physiologic hematopoiesis, and their expression is regulated by the interaction between KMT2A and menin. Menin inhibitors block this interaction, downregulate the abnormal expression of MEIS1 and other transcription factors and thereby release the differentiation block. Menin inhibitors show significant clinical efficacy against KMT2A-rearranged and NPM1-mutated acute leukemias, with promising potential to address unmet needs in various pediatric leukemia subtypes. In this collaborative initiative, pediatric and adult hematologists/oncologists, and stem cell transplant physicians have united their expertise to explore the potential of menin inhibitors in pediatric leukemia treatment internationally. Our efforts aim to provide a comprehensive clinical overview of menin inhibitors, integrating preclinical evidence and insights from ongoing global clinical trials. Additionally, we propose future international, inclusive, and efficient clinical trial designs, integrating pediatric populations in adult trials, to ensure broad access to this promising therapy for all children and adolescents with menin-dependent leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Cuglievan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Todd M Cooper
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer Consortium, Paris, France
| | | | - Courtney D DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tapan M Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Guest
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas J Short
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David McCall
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cesar Nunez
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fadi G Haddad
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miriam Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kapil N Bhalla
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek Maiti
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samanta Catueno
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Warren Fiskus
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bing Z Carter
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sajad Khazal
- Division of Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Priti Tewari
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hussein A Abbas
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Neerav N Shukla
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danh D Truong
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeremy Connors
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph A Ludwig
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Elisabeth Salzer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kristian L Juul-Dam
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Koji Sasaki
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kris M Mahadeo
- Division of Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah K Tasian
- Department of Pediatrics and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha Dickson
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nitin Jain
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Soheil Meshinchi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eytan M Stein
- Department of Leukemia, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Anders Kolb
- Moseley Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Ghayas C Issa
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Majer AD, Hua X, Katona BW. Menin in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1231. [PMID: 39336822 PMCID: PMC11431421 DOI: 10.3390/genes15091231] [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: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein menin is encoded by the MEN1 gene and primarily serves as a nuclear scaffold protein, regulating gene expression through its interaction with and regulation of chromatin modifiers and transcription factors. While the scope of menin's functions continues to expand, one area of growing investigation is the role of menin in cancer. Menin is increasingly recognized for its dual function as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in a highly tumor-dependent and context-specific manner. While menin serves as a suppressor of neuroendocrine tumor growth, as seen in the cancer risk syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome caused by pathogenic germline variants in MEN1, recent data demonstrate that menin also suppresses cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. On the other hand, menin can also serve as a tumor promoter in leukemia, colorectal cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, Ewing sarcoma, and gliomas. Moreover, menin can either suppress or promote tumorigenesis in the breast and prostate depending on hormone receptor status and may also have mixed roles in hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we review the rapidly expanding literature on the role and function of menin across a broad array of different cancer types, outlining tumor-specific differences in menin's function and mechanism of action, as well as identifying its therapeutic potential and highlighting areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana D Majer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xianxin Hua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bryson W Katona
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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6
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Su P, Liu Y, Chen T, Xue Y, Zeng Y, Zhu G, Chen S, Teng M, Ci X, Guo M, He MY, Hao J, Chu V, Xu W, Wang S, Mehdipour P, Xu X, Marhon SA, Soares F, Pham NA, Wu BX, Her PH, Feng S, Alshamlan N, Khalil M, Krishnan R, Yu F, Chen C, Burrows F, Hakem R, Lupien M, Harding S, Lok BH, O'Brien C, Berlin A, De Carvalho DD, Brooks DG, Schramek D, Tsao MS, He HH. In vivo CRISPR screens identify a dual function of MEN1 in regulating tumor-microenvironment interactions. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1890-1902. [PMID: 39227744 PMCID: PMC11387198 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Functional genomic screens in two-dimensional cell culture models are limited in identifying therapeutic targets that influence the tumor microenvironment. By comparing targeted CRISPR-Cas9 screens in a two-dimensional culture with xenografts derived from the same cell line, we identified MEN1 as the top hit that confers differential dropout effects in vitro and in vivo. MEN1 knockout in multiple solid cancer types does not impact cell proliferation in vitro but significantly promotes or inhibits tumor growth in immunodeficient or immunocompetent mice, respectively. Mechanistically, MEN1 knockout redistributes MLL1 chromatin occupancy, increasing H3K4me3 at repetitive genomic regions, activating double-stranded RNA expression and increasing neutrophil and CD8+ T cell infiltration in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction reduces tumor growth in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner. These findings reveal tumor microenvironment-dependent oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions of MEN1 and provide a rationale for targeting MEN1 in solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Su
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yibo Xue
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yong Zeng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sujun Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mona Teng
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xinpei Ci
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengdi Guo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Y He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Hao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian Chu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenxi Xu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shiyan Wang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Parinaz Mehdipour
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xin Xu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sajid A Marhon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fraser Soares
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nhu-An Pham
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bell Xi Wu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Hyunwuk Her
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shengrui Feng
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Najd Alshamlan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Khalil
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rehna Krishnan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fangyou Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Razqallah Hakem
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane Harding
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin H Lok
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine O'Brien
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alejandro Berlin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David G Brooks
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Yokoyama A, Niida H, Kutateladze TG, Côté J. HBO1, a MYSTerious KAT and its links to cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195045. [PMID: 38851533 PMCID: PMC11330361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase HBO1, also known as KAT7, is a major chromatin modifying enzyme responsible for H3 and H4 acetylation. It is found within two distinct tetrameric complexes, the JADE subunit-containing complex and BRPF subunit-containing complex. The HBO1-JADE complex acetylates lysine 5, 8 and 12 of histone H4, and the HBO1-BRPF complex acetylates lysine 14 of histone H3. HBO1 regulates gene transcription, DNA replication, DNA damage repair, and centromere function. It is involved in diverse signaling pathways and plays crucial roles in development and stem cell biology. Recent work has established a strong relationship of HBO1 with the histone methyltransferase MLL/KMT2A in acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we discuss functional and pathological links of HBO1 to cancer, highlighting the underlying mechanisms that may pave the way to the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Niida
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America.
| | - Jacques Côté
- St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Oncology Division-CHU de Québec-UL Research Center, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
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8
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Battista S, Fedele M, Secco L, Ingo AMD, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Binding to the Other Side: The AT-Hook DNA-Binding Domain Allows Nuclear Factors to Exploit the DNA Minor Groove. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8863. [PMID: 39201549 PMCID: PMC11354804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168863] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The "AT-hook" is a peculiar DNA-binding domain that interacts with DNA in the minor groove in correspondence to AT-rich sequences. This domain has been first described in the HMGA protein family of architectural factors and later in various transcription factors and chromatin proteins, often in association with major groove DNA-binding domains. In this review, using a literature search, we identified about one hundred AT-hook-containing proteins, mainly chromatin proteins and transcription factors. After considering the prototypes of AT-hook-containing proteins, the HMGA family, we review those that have been studied in more detail and that have been involved in various pathologies with a particular focus on cancer. This review shows that the AT-hook is a domain that gives proteins not only the ability to interact with DNA but also with RNA and proteins. This domain can have enzymatic activity and can influence the activity of the major groove DNA-binding domain and chromatin docking modules when present, and its activity can be modulated by post-translational modifications. Future research on the function of AT-hook-containing proteins will allow us to better decipher their function and contribution to the different pathologies and to eventually uncover their mutual influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Battista
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Luca Secco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.S.); (A.M.D.I.)
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.S.); (A.M.D.I.)
| | - Guidalberto Manfioletti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (L.S.); (A.M.D.I.)
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9
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LaRue-Nolan KC, Arul GLR, Sigafoos AN, Shi J, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Insights into the mechanisms driven by H3K4 KMTs in pancreatic cancer. Biochem J 2024; 481:983-997. [PMID: 39078225 PMCID: PMC11332384 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230374] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy arising from the endocrine or exocrine compartment of this organ. Tumors from exocrine origin comprise over 90% of all pancreatic cancers diagnosed. Of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common histological subtype. The five-year survival rate for PDAC ranged between 5 and 9% for over four decades, and only recently saw a modest increase to ∼12-13%, making this a severe and lethal disease. Like other cancers, PDAC initiation stems from genetic changes. However, therapeutic targeting of PDAC genetic drivers has remained relatively unsuccessful, thus the focus in recent years has expanded to the non-genetic factors underlying the disease pathogenesis. Specifically, it has been proposed that dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape promote tumor growth and metastasis. Emphasis has been given to the re-organization of enhancers, essential regulatory elements controlling oncogenic gene expression, commonly marked my histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1). H3K4me1 is typically deposited by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). While well characterized as oncogenes in other cancer types, recent work has expanded the role of KMTs as tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the role and translational significance for PDAC development and therapeutics of KMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C. LaRue-Nolan
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | | | - Ashley N. Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center and Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A
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10
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Liu P, Shi C, Qiu L, Shang D, Lu Z, Tu Z, Liu H. Menin signaling and therapeutic targeting in breast cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 51:101118. [PMID: 38968834 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101118] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
To date, mounting evidence have shown that patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) may face an increased risk for breast carcinogenesis. The product of the MEN1 gene, menin, was also indicated to be an important regulator in breast cancer signaling network. Menin directly interacts with MLL, EZH2, JunD, NF-κB, PPARγ, VDR, Smad3, β-catenin and ERα to modulate gene transcriptions leading to cell proliferation inhibition. Moreover, interaction of menin-FANCD2 contributes to the enhancement of BRCA1-mediated DNA repair mechanism. Ectopic expression of menin causes Bax-, Bak- and Caspase-8-dependent apoptosis. However, despite numbers of menin inhibitors were exploited in other cancers, data on the usage of menin inhibitors in breast cancer treatment remain limited. In this review, we focused on the menin associated signaling pathways and gene transcription regulations, with the aim of elucidating its molecular mechanisms and of guiding the development of novel menin targeted drugs in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Chaowen Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Lipeng Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, PR China.
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11
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Miao H, Chen D, Ropa J, Purohit T, Kim E, Sulis ML, Ferrando A, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Combination of menin and kinase inhibitors as an effective treatment for leukemia with NUP98 translocations. Leukemia 2024; 38:1674-1687. [PMID: 38890447 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02312-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations of the nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) gene are found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients leading to very poor outcomes. The oncogenic activity of NUP98 fusion proteins is dependent on the interaction between Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1 and menin. NUP98-rearranged (NUP98-r) leukemia cells also rely on specific kinases, including CDK6 and/or FLT3, suggesting that simultaneous targeting of these kinases and menin could overcome limited sensitivity to single agents. Here, we found that combinations of menin inhibitor, MI-3454, with kinase inhibitors targeting either CDK6 (Palbociclib) or FLT3 (Gilteritinib) strongly enhance the anti-leukemic effect of menin inhibition in NUP98-r leukemia models. We found strong synergistic effects of both combinations on cell growth, colony formation and differentiation in patient samples with NUP98 translocations. These combinations also markedly augmented anti-leukemic efficacy of menin inhibitor in Patient Derived Xenograft models of NUP98-r leukemia. Despite inhibiting two unrelated kinases, when Palbociclib or Gilteritinib were combined with the menin inhibitor, they affected similar pathways relevant to leukemogenesis, including cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation and differentiation. This study provides strong rationale for clinical translation of the combination of menin and kinase inhibitors as novel treatments for NUP98-r leukemia, supporting the unexplored combinations of epigenetic drugs with kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James Ropa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Maria-Luisa Sulis
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Adolfo Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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12
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Pathak R, Esnault C, Radhakrishnan R, Singh PK, Zhang H, Dale R, Anand A, Bedwell GJ, Engelman AN, Rabi A, Hormoz S, Singh P, Levin HL. The role of LEDGF in transcription is exploited by HIV-1 to position integration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.29.601340. [PMID: 39005447 PMCID: PMC11244883 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.29.601340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
HIV-1 integration occurs across actively transcribed genes due to the interaction of integrase with host chromatin factor LEDGF. Although LEDGF was originally isolated as a co-activator that stimulates promoter activity in purified systems, this role is inconsistent with LEDGF-mediated integration across gene bodies and with data indicating LEDGF is a histone chaperone that promotes transcriptional elongation. We found LEDGF is enriched in pronounced peaks that match the enrichments of H3K4me3 and RNA Pol II at transcription start sites (TSSs) of active promoters. Our genome-wide chromatin mapping revealed that MLL1 had a dominant role in recruiting LEDGF to promoters and the presence of LEDGF recruits RNA Pol II. Enrichment of LEDGF at TSSs correlates strongly with levels of integration across the transcribed sequences, indicating that LEDGF at TSSs contributed to integration across gene bodies. Although the N-terminal Pro-Trp-Trp-Pro (PWWP) domain of LEDGF interacts with nucleosomes containing H3K36me3, a modification thought to recruit LEDGF to chromatin, we found H3K36me3 does not contribute to gene specificity of integration. These data support a dual role model of LEDGF where it is tethered to promoters by MLL1 and recruits RNA Pol II. Subsequently, LEDGF travels across genes to effect HIV-1 integration. Our data also provides a mechanistic context for the contribution made by LEDGF to MLL1-based infant acute leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia in adults.
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13
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Adriaanse FRS, Schneider P, Arentsen-Peters STCJM, da Fonseca AMN, Stutterheim J, Pieters R, Zwaan CM, Stam RW. Distinct Responses to Menin Inhibition and Synergy with DOT1L Inhibition in KMT2A-Rearranged Acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6020. [PMID: 38892207 PMCID: PMC11173273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116020] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) exhibit favorable survival rates. However, for AML and ALL patients carrying KMT2A gene translocations clinical outcome remains unsatisfactory. Key players in KMT2A-fusion-driven leukemogenesis include menin and DOT1L. Recently, menin inhibitors like revumenib have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic efficacy in treating KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemias. However, resistance to menin inhibition poses challenges, and identifying which patients would benefit from revumenib treatment is crucial. Here, we investigated the in vitro response to revumenib in KMT2A-rearranged ALL and AML. While ALL samples show rapid, dose-dependent induction of leukemic cell death, AML responses are much slower and promote myeloid differentiation. Furthermore, we reveal that acquired resistance to revumenib in KMT2A-rearranged ALL cells can occur either through the acquisition of MEN1 mutations or independently of mutations in MEN1. Finally, we demonstrate significant synergy between revumenib and the DOT1L inhibitor pinometostat in KMT2A-rearranged ALL, suggesting that such drug combinations represent a potent therapeutic strategy for these patients. Collectively, our findings underscore the complexity of resistance mechanisms and advocate for precise patient stratification to optimize the use of menin inhibitors in KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne R. S. Adriaanse
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Schneider
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Janine Stutterheim
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C. Michel Zwaan
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald W. Stam
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Bourgeois W, Cutler JA, Aubrey BJ, Wenge DV, Perner F, Martucci C, Henrich JA, Klega K, Nowak RP, Donovan KA, Boileau M, Wen Y, Hatton C, Apazidis AA, Olsen SN, Kirmani N, Pikman Y, Pollard JA, Perry JA, Sperling AS, Ebert BL, McGeehan GM, Crompton BD, Fischer ES, Armstrong SA. Mezigdomide is effective alone and in combination with menin inhibition in preclinical models of KMT2A-r and NPM1c AML. Blood 2024; 143:1513-1527. [PMID: 38096371 PMCID: PMC11033588 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023021105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Small molecules that target the menin-KMT2A protein-protein interaction (menin inhibitors) have recently entered clinical trials in lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A or MLL1)-rearranged (KMT2A-r) and nucleophosmin-mutant (NPM1c) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are demonstrating encouraging results. However, rationally chosen combination therapy is needed to improve responses and prevent resistance. We have previously identified IKZF1/IKAROS as a target in KMT2A-r AML and shown in preclinical models that IKAROS protein degradation with lenalidomide or iberdomide has modest single-agent activity yet can synergize with menin inhibitors. Recently, the novel IKAROS degrader mezigdomide was developed with greatly enhanced IKAROS protein degradation. In this study, we show that mezigdomide has increased preclinical activity in vitro as a single-agent in KMT2A-r and NPM1c AML cell lines, including sensitivity in cell lines resistant to lenalidomide and iberdomide. Further, we demonstrate that mezigdomide has the greatest capacity to synergize with and induce apoptosis in combination with menin inhibitors, including in MEN1 mutant models. We show that the superior activity of mezigdomide compared with lenalidomide or iberdomide is due to its increased depth, rate, and duration of IKAROS protein degradation. Single-agent mezigdomide was efficacious in 5 patient-derived xenograft models of KMT2A-r and 1 NPM1c AML. The combination of mezigdomide with the menin inhibitor VTP-50469 increased survival and prevented and overcame MEN1 mutations that mediate resistance in patients receiving menin inhibitor monotherapy. These results support prioritization of mezigdomide for early phase clinical trials in KMT2A-r and NPM1c AML, either as a single agent or in combination with menin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Bourgeois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jevon A. Cutler
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Brandon J. Aubrey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Daniela V. Wenge
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Florian Perner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Internal Medicine C, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cynthia Martucci
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jill A. Henrich
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kelly Klega
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Radosław P. Nowak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Meaghan Boileau
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yanhe Wen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Charlie Hatton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Athina A. Apazidis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Naomi Olsen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nadia Kirmani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Yana Pikman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica A. Pollard
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer A. Perry
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam S. Sperling
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin L. Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Brian D. Crompton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Scott A. Armstrong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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15
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Van HT, Xie G, Dong P, Liu Z, Ge K. KMT2 Family of H3K4 Methyltransferases: Enzymatic Activity-dependent and -independent Functions. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168453. [PMID: 38266981 PMCID: PMC10957308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168453] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) methyltransferases are critical for gene regulation, cell differentiation, animal development, and human diseases. KMT2 biological roles are often attributed to their methyltransferase activities on lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4). However, recent data indicate that KMT2 proteins also possess non-enzymatic functions. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of KMT2 family, with a focus on their enzymatic activity-dependent and -independent functions. Six mammalian KMT2 proteins of three subgroups, KMT2A/B (MLL1/2), KMT2C/D (MLL3/4), and KMT2F/G (SETD1A/B or SET1A/B), have shared and distinct protein domains, catalytic substrates, genomic localizations, and associated complex subunits. Recent studies have revealed the importance of KMT2C/D in enhancer regulation, differentiation, development, tumor suppression and highlighted KMT2C/D enzymatic activity-dependent and -independent roles in mouse embryonic development and cell differentiation. Catalytic dependent and independent functions for KMT2A/B and KMT2F/G in gene regulation, differentiation, and development are less understood. Finally, we provide our perspectives and lay out future research directions that may help advance the investigation on enzymatic activity-dependent and -independent biological roles and working mechanisms of KMT2 methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieu T Van
- Adipocyte Biology and Gene Regulation Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Room 4149, 50 South Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Guojia Xie
- Adipocyte Biology and Gene Regulation Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Room 4149, 50 South Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Peng Dong
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Kai Ge
- Adipocyte Biology and Gene Regulation Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Room 4149, 50 South Dr, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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16
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Bai H, Yang Z, Lei H, Wu Y, Liu J, Yuan B, Ma M, Gao L, Zhang SQ, Xin M. Discovery of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent menin-mixed lineage leukemia interaction inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116226. [PMID: 38367493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116226] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
To interfere the Menin-MLL interaction using small molecular inhibitors has been shown as new treatment of several special hematological malignancies. Herein, a series of Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors with pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Among them, compound A6 exhibited potent binding affinity with an IC50 value of 0.38 μM, and strong anti-proliferative activity against MV4-11 cells with an IC50 value of 1.07 μM. Further study showed A6 reduced the transcriptional levels of HOXA9 and MEIS1 genes. Moreover, A6 induced cellular apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and reversed the differentiation arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. This study suggested compound A6 was as a novel potent Menin-MLL interaction inhibitor, and it proved that introduction of 4-amino pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine to occupy the P10 hydrophobic pocket was new idea for design of novel Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Zhe Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Hao Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Yujie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Bo Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Mengyan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Li Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China.
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17
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Glancy E, Choy N, Eckersley-Maslin MA. Bivalent chromatin: a developmental balancing act tipped in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:217-229. [PMID: 38385532 PMCID: PMC10903468 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230426] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Bivalent chromatin is defined by the co-occurrence of otherwise opposing H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications and is typically located at unmethylated promoters of lowly transcribed genes. In embryonic stem cells, bivalent chromatin has been proposed to poise developmental genes for future activation, silencing or stable repression upon lineage commitment. Normally, bivalent chromatin is kept in tight balance in cells, in part through the activity of the MLL/COMPASS-like and Polycomb repressive complexes that deposit the H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications, respectively, but also emerging novel regulators including DPPA2/4, QSER1, BEND3, TET1 and METTL14. In cancers, both the deregulation of existing domains and the creation of de novo bivalent states is associated with either the activation or silencing of transcriptional programmes. This may facilitate diverse aspects of cancer pathology including epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity, chemoresistance and immune evasion. Here, we review current methods for detecting bivalent chromatin and discuss the factors involved in the formation and fine-tuning of bivalent domains. Finally, we examine how the deregulation of chromatin bivalency in the context of cancer could facilitate and/or reflect cancer cell adaptation. We propose a model in which bivalent chromatin represents a dynamic balance between otherwise opposing states, where the underlying DNA sequence is primed for the future activation or repression. Shifting this balance in any direction disrupts the tight equilibrium and tips cells into an altered epigenetic and phenotypic space, facilitating both developmental and cancer processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Glancy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie Choy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Melanie A. Eckersley-Maslin
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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18
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Brouns T, Lux V, Van Belle S, Christ F, Veverka V, Debyser Z. The Impact of Lens Epithelium-Derived Growth Factor p75 Dimerization on Its Tethering Function. Cells 2024; 13:227. [PMID: 38334618 PMCID: PMC10854676 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030227] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 (LEDGF/p75) plays an important role in the biology of the cell and in several human diseases, including MLL-rearranged acute leukemia, autoimmunity, and HIV-1 infection. In both health and disease, LEDGF/p75 functions as a chromatin tether that interacts with proteins such as MLL1 and HIV-1 integrase via its integrase-binding domain (IBD) and with chromatin through its N-terminal PWWP domain. Recently, dimerization of LEDGF/p75 was shown, mediated by a network of electrostatic contacts between amino acids from the IBD and the C-terminal α6-helix. Here, we investigated the functional impact of LEDGF/p75 variants on the dimerization using biochemical and cellular interaction assays. The data demonstrate that the C-terminal α6-helix folds back in cis on the IBD of monomeric LEDGF/p75. We discovered that the presence of DNA stimulates LEDGF/p75 dimerization. LEDGF/p75 dimerization enhances binding to MLL1 but not to HIV-1 integrase, a finding that was observed in vitro and validated in cell culture. Whereas HIV-1 replication was not dependent on LEDGF/p75 dimerization, colony formation of MLLr-dependent human leukemic THP-1 cells was. In conclusion, our data indicate that intricate changes in the quaternary structure of LEDGF/p75 modulate its tethering function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Brouns
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Vanda Lux
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Siska Van Belle
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Frauke Christ
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Václav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.L.); (V.V.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
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19
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Thol F, Döhner H, Ganser A. How I treat refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2024; 143:11-20. [PMID: 37944143 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develop refractory/relapsed (R/R) disease even in the presence of novel and targeted therapies. Given the biological complexity of the disease and differences in frontline treatments, there are therapies approved for only subgroups of R/R AML, and enrollment in clinical trials should be first priority. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only potentially curative strategy for most patients. Therapeutic approaches, including allogeneic HCT, triggered by the presence of measurable residual disease (MRD), have recently evolved to prevent overt hematologic relapse. Salvage therapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy is frequently administered before HCT to reduce the leukemic burden. Gilteritinib is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for patients with relapsed FLT3 mutated AML, whereas targeted therapy for relapsed IDH1/2 mutated AML has only FDA approval. Patients who are R/R after azacitidine and venetoclax (AZA/VEN) have a dismal outcome. In this setting, even available targeted therapies show unsatisfactory results. Examples of ongoing developments include menin inhibitors, a targeted therapy for patients with mutated NPM1 or KMT2A rearrangements, antibodies targeting the macrophage immune checkpoint CD47, and triple combinations involving AZA/VEN. The latter cause significant myelosuppressive effects, which make it challenging to find the right schedule and dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Thol
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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20
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Cho US. The Core Complex of Yeast COMPASS and Human Mixed-Lineage Leukemia (MLL), Structure, Function, and Recognition of the Nucleosome. Subcell Biochem 2024; 104:101-117. [PMID: 38963485 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58843-3_6] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Yeast COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) and human MLL (mixed-lineage leukemia) complexes are histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases with critical roles in gene regulation and embryonic development. Both complexes share a conserved C-terminal SET domain, responsible for catalyzing histone H3 K4 methylation on nucleosomes. Notably, their catalytic activity toward nucleosomes is enhanced and optimized with assembly of auxiliary subunits. In this review, we aim to illustrate the recent X-ray and cryo-EM structures of yeast COMPASS and human MLL1 core complexes bound to either unmodified nucleosome core particle (NCP) or H2B mono-ubiquitinated NCP (H2Bub.NCP). We further delineate how each auxiliary component of the complex contributes to the NCP and ubiquitin recognition to maximize the methyltransferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uhn-Soo Cho
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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21
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Aryal S, Lu R. HOXA9 Regulome and Pharmacological Interventions in Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1459:405-430. [PMID: 39017854 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62731-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
HOXA9, an important transcription factor (TF) in hematopoiesis, is aberrantly expressed in numerous cases of both acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is a strong indicator of poor prognosis in patients. HOXA9 is a proto-oncogene which is both sufficient and necessary for leukemia transformation. HOXA9 expression in leukemia correlates with patient survival outcomes and response to therapy. Chromosomal transformations (such as NUP98-HOXA9), mutations, epigenetic dysregulation (e.g., MLL- MENIN -LEDGF complex or DOT1L/KMT4), transcription factors (such as USF1/USF2), and noncoding RNA (such as HOTTIP and HOTAIR) regulate HOXA9 mRNA and protein during leukemia. HOXA9 regulates survival, self-renewal, and progenitor cell cycle through several of its downstream target TFs including LMO2, antiapoptotic BCL2, SOX4, and receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 and STAT5. This dynamic and multilayered HOXA9 regulome provides new therapeutic opportunities, including inhibitors targeting DOT1L/KMT4, MENIN, NPM1, and ENL proteins. Recent findings also suggest that HOXA9 maintains leukemia by actively repressing myeloid differentiation genes. This chapter summarizes the recent advances understanding biochemical mechanisms underlying HOXA9-mediated leukemogenesis, the clinical significance of its abnormal expression, and pharmacological approaches to treat HOXA9-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajesan Aryal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rui Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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22
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Murphy LA, Winters AC. Emerging and Future Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Targeting the Leukemia Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3248. [PMID: 38137469 PMCID: PMC10741170 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123248] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare subtype of acute leukemia in the pediatric and adolescent population but causes disproportionate morbidity and mortality in this age group. Standard chemotherapeutic regimens for AML have changed very little in the past 3-4 decades, but the addition of targeted agents in recent years has led to improved survival in select subsets of patients as well as a better biological understanding of the disease. Currently, one key paradigm of bench-to-bedside practice in the context of adult AML is the focus on leukemia stem cell (LSC)-targeted therapies. Here, we review current and emerging immunotherapies and other targeted agents that are in clinical use for pediatric AML through the lens of what is known (and not known) about their LSC-targeting capability. Based on a growing understanding of pediatric LSC biology, we also briefly discuss potential future agents on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Amanda C. Winters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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23
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Nakamura H, Kukita Y, Wakamatsu T, Takenaka S, Yoshida K, Yagi T. KMT2A-rearranged sarcoma with unusual fusion gene CBX6::KMT2A::PYGO1. Virchows Arch 2023; 483:891-897. [PMID: 37713130 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03639-x] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, rare sarcomas harboring KMT2A rearrangements have been reported. They occur in relatively young individuals, exhibit a sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma-like morphology, and often have an aggressive prognosis. YAP1::KMT2A::YAP1 is the most common fusion gene, followed by VIM::KMT2A. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with a spindle cell tumor arising from the subcutaneous tissue of the right anterior chest. The tumor harbored an unusual novel fusion gene, CBX6::KMT2A::PYGO1. Histologically, the tumor consisted of proliferating spindle-shaped cells with uniform nuclei, which varied in cell density and the amount of intervening collagen fibers. After 2 years and 8 months without postoperative treatment, the patient showed no recurrence or metastasis. Although highly likely irreproducible, tumors with the CBX6::KMT2A::PYGO1 fusion gene were morphologically somewhat different from those containing the YAP1::KMT2A::YAP1. This suggests that KMT2A rearrangements with fusion gene partners different from YAP1 result in purely spindle-shaped cell tumors that produce collagen fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Nakamura
- Laboratory of Genomic Pathology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan.
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan.
| | - Yoji Kukita
- Laboratory of Genomic Pathology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan
| | - Toru Wakamatsu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yoshida
- Next-generation Precision Medicine Research Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan
| | - Toshinari Yagi
- Department of Outpatient Chemotherapy, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, 5418567, Japan
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24
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Juul-Dam KL, Shukla NN, Cooper TM, Cuglievan B, Heidenreich O, Kolb EA, Rasouli M, Hasle H, Zwaan CM. Therapeutic targeting in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with aberrant HOX/MEIS1 expression. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104869. [PMID: 38174649 PMCID: PMC11195042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104869] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in the clinical management of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during the last decades, outcome remains fatal in approximately one third of patients. Primary chemoresistance, relapse and acute and long-term toxicities to conventional myelosuppressive therapies still constitute significant challenges and emphasize the unmet need for effective targeted therapies. Years of scientific efforts have translated into extensive insights on the heterogeneous spectrum of genetics and oncogenic signaling pathways of AML and identified a subset of patients characterized by upregulation of HOXA and HOXB homeobox genes and myeloid ecotropic virus insertion site 1 (MEIS1). Aberrant HOXA/MEIS1 expression is associated with genotypes such as rearrangements in Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A-r), nucleoporin 98 (NUP98-r) and mutated nucleophosmin (NPM1c) that are found in approximately one third of children with AML. AML with upregulated HOXA/MEIS1 shares a number of molecular vulnerabilities amenable to recently developed molecules targeting the assembly of protein complexes or transcriptional regulators. The interaction between the nuclear scaffold protein menin and KMT2A has gained particular interest and constitutes a molecular dependency for maintenance of the HOXA/MEIS1 transcription program. Menin inhibitors disrupt the menin-KMT2A complex in preclinical models of KMT2A-r, NUP98-r and NPM1c acute leukemias and its occupancy at target genes leading to leukemic cell differentiation and apoptosis. Early-phase clinical trials are either ongoing or in development and preliminary data suggests tolerable toxicities and encouraging efficacy of menin inhibitors in adults with relapsed or refractory KMT2A-r and NPM1c AML. The Pediatric Acute Leukemia/European Pediatric Acute Leukemia (PedAL/EUPAL) project is focused to advance and coordinate informative clinical trials with new agents and constitute an ideal framework for testing of menin inhibitors in pediatric study populations. Menin inhibitors in combination with standard chemotherapy or other targeting agents may enhance anti-leukemic effects and constitute rational treatment strategies for select genotypes of childhood AML, and provide enhanced safety to avoid differentiation syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms in KMT2A-r, NUP98-r and NPM1c AML, emerging molecules targeting the HOXA/MEIS1 transcription program with menin inhibitors as the most prominent examples and future therapeutic implications of these agents in childhood AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian L Juul-Dam
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Neerav N Shukla
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd M Cooper
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Branko Cuglievan
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - E Anders Kolb
- Division of Oncology, Nemours/Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Milad Rasouli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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25
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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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26
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Fields JK, Hicks CW, Wolberger C. Diverse modes of regulating methyltransferase activity by histone ubiquitination. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102649. [PMID: 37429149 PMCID: PMC10527252 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of histones plays a central role in regulating transcription. Methylation of histone H3 at lysines 4 (H3K4) and 79 (H3K79) play roles in activating transcription whereas methylation of H3K27 is a repressive mark. These modifications, in turn, depend upon prior monoubiquitination of specific histone residues in a phenomenon known as histone crosstalk. Earlier work had provided insights into the mechanism by which monoubiquitination histone H2BK120 stimulates H3K4 methylation by COMPASS/MLL1 and H3K79 methylation by DOT1L, and monoubiquitinated H2AK119 stimulates methylation of H3K27 by the PRC2 complex. Recent studies have shed new light on the role of individual subunits and paralogs in regulating the activity of PRC2 and how additional post-translational modifications regulate yeast Dot1 and human DOT1L, as well as provided new insights into the regulation of MLL1 by H2BK120ub.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Fields
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Chad W Hicks
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Cynthia Wolberger
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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27
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Tosic N, Marjanovic I, Lazic J. Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: Insight into genetic landscape and novel targeted approaches. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115705. [PMID: 37532055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a very heterogeneous hematological malignancy that accounts for approximately 20% of all pediatric leukemia cases. The outcome of pediatric AML has improved over the last decades, with overall survival rates reaching up to 70%. Still, AML is among the leading types of pediatric cancers by its high mortality rate. Modulation of standard therapy, like chemotherapy intensification, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and optimized supportive care, could only get this far, but for the significant improvement of the outcome in pediatric AML, development of novel targeted therapy approaches is necessary. In recent years the advances in genomic techniques have greatly expanded our knowledge of the AML biology, revealing molecular landscape and complexity of the disease, which in turn have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This review provides a brief overview of the genetic landscape of pediatric AML, and how it's used for precise molecular characterization and risk stratification of the patients, and also for the development of effective targeted therapy. Furthermore, this review presents recent advances in molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy with an emphasis on the therapeutic approaches with significant clinical benefits for pediatric AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Tosic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Irena Marjanovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Lazic
- University Children's Hospital, Department for Hematology and Oncology, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
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28
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Zhang Y, Guo W, Feng Y, Yang L, Lin H, Zhou P, Zhao K, Jiang L, Yao B, Feng N. Identification of the H3K36me3 reader LEDGF/p75 in the pancancer landscape and functional exploration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4134-4148. [PMID: 37675289 PMCID: PMC10477754 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) is a reader of epigenetic marks and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Its involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integration and the development of leukemia driven by MLL (also known as KMT2A) gene fusion make it an attractive candidate for drug development. However, exploration of LEDGF/p75 as an epigenetic reader of H3K36me3 in tumors is limited. Here, for the first time, we analyze the role of LEDGF/p75 in multiple cancers via multiple online databases and in vitro experiments. We used pancancer bulk sequencing data and online tools to analyze correlations of LEDGF/p75 with prognosis, genomic instability, DNA damage repair, prognostic alternative splicing, protein interactions, and tumor immunity. In summary, the present study identified that LEDGF/p75 may serve as a prognostic predictor for tumors such as adrenocortical carcinoma, kidney chromophobe, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In addition, in vitro experiments and gene microarray sequencing were performed to explore the function of LEDGF/p75 in ccRCC, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the nonmutated SETD2 ccRCC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zhang
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Yangkun Feng
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China
| | - Longfei Yang
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kejie Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ninghan Feng
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ochoa PT, Suzuki T, Ortiz-Hernandez GL, Unternaehrer JJ, Alkashgari HR, Diaz Osterman CJ, Martinez SR, Chen Z, Kremsky I, Wang C, Casiano CA. Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates and Interacts with LEDGF/p75 to Promote Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2046. [PMID: 37626856 PMCID: PMC10453226 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162046] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) invariably develop resistance to anti-androgen therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in PCa therapy resistance; however, the mechanisms underlying GR-mediated chemoresistance remain unclear. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75, also known as PSIP1 and DFS70) is a glucocorticoid-induced transcription co-activator implicated in cancer chemoresistance. We investigated the contribution of the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis to docetaxel (DTX)-resistance in PCa cells. GR silencing in DTX-sensitive and -resistant PCa cells decreased LEDGF/p75 expression, and GR upregulation in enzalutamide-resistant cells correlated with increased LEDGF/p75 expression. ChIP-sequencing revealed GR binding sites in the LEDGF/p75 promoter. STRING protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that GR and LEDGF/p75 belong to the same transcriptional network, and immunochemical studies demonstrated their co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization in DTX-resistant cells. The GR modulators exicorilant and relacorilant increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant PCa cells to DTX-induced cell death, and this effect was more pronounced upon LEDGF/p75 silencing. RNA-sequencing of DTX-resistant cells with GR or LEDGF/p75 knockdown revealed a transcriptomic overlap targeting signaling pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation, cancer, and therapy resistance. These studies implicate the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis in PCa therapy resistance and provide a pre-clinical rationale for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Pedro T. Ochoa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Greisha L. Ortiz-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Hossam R. Alkashgari
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos J. Diaz Osterman
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Shannalee R. Martinez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Isaac Kremsky
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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30
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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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31
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Deshpande N, Bryk M. Diverse and dynamic forms of gene regulation by the S. cerevisiae histone methyltransferase Set1. Curr Genet 2023; 69:91-114. [PMID: 37000206 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01265-3] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene transcription is an essential and highly regulated process. In eukaryotic cells, the structural organization of nucleosomes with DNA wrapped around histone proteins impedes transcription. Chromatin remodelers, transcription factors, co-activators, and histone-modifying enzymes work together to make DNA accessible to RNA polymerase. Histone lysine methylation can positively or negatively regulate gene transcription. Methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 by SET-domain-containing proteins is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. In higher eukaryotes, mutations in SET-domain proteins are associated with defects in the development and segmentation of embryos, skeletal and muscle development, and diseases, including several leukemias. Since histone methyltransferases are evolutionarily conserved, the mechanisms of gene regulation mediated by these enzymes are also conserved. Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an excellent model system to study the impact of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation on eukaryotic gene regulation. Unlike larger eukaryotes, yeast cells have only one enzyme that catalyzes H3K4 methylation, Set1. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the impact of Set1-catalyzed H3K4 methylation on gene transcription in S. cerevisiae. We describe the COMPASS complex, factors that influence H3K4 methylation, and the roles of Set1 in gene silencing at telomeres and heterochromatin, as well as repression and activation at euchromatic loci. We also discuss proteins that "read" H3K4 methyl marks to regulate transcription and summarize alternate functions for Set1 beyond H3K4 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Deshpande
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mary Bryk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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32
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Fiskus W, Mill CP, Birdwell C, Davis JA, Das K, Boettcher S, Kadia TM, DiNardo CD, Takahashi K, Loghavi S, Soth MJ, Heffernan T, McGeehan GM, Ruan X, Su X, Vakoc CR, Daver N, Bhalla KN. Targeting of epigenetic co-dependencies enhances anti-AML efficacy of Menin inhibitor in AML with MLL1-r or mutant NPM1. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:53. [PMID: 37055414 PMCID: PMC10102188 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Monotherapy with Menin inhibitor (MI), e.g., SNDX-5613, induces clinical remissions in patients with relapsed/refractory AML harboring MLL1-r or mtNPM1, but most patients either fail to respond or eventually relapse. Utilizing single-cell RNA-Seq, ChiP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, RPPA, and mass cytometry (CyTOF) analyses, present pre-clinical studies elucidate gene-expression correlates of MI efficacy in AML cells harboring MLL1-r or mtNPM1. Notably, MI-mediated genome-wide, concordant, log2 fold-perturbations in ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq peaks were observed at the loci of MLL-FP target genes, with upregulation of mRNAs associated with AML differentiation. MI treatment also reduced the number of AML cells expressing the stem/progenitor cell signature. A protein domain-focused CRISPR-Cas9 screen in MLL1-r AML cells identified targetable co-dependencies with MI treatment, including BRD4, EP300, MOZ and KDM1A. Consistent with this, in vitro co-treatment with MI and BET, MOZ, LSD1 or CBP/p300 inhibitor induced synergistic loss of viability of AML cells with MLL1-r or mtNPM1. Co-treatment with MI and BET or CBP/p300 inhibitor also exerted significantly superior in vivo efficacy in xenograft models of AML with MLL1-r. These findings highlight novel, MI-based combinations that could prevent escape of AML stem/progenitor cells following MI monotherapy, which is responsible for therapy-refractory AML relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Fiskus
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - John A Davis
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaberi Das
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steffen Boettcher
- University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tapan M Kadia
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Koichi Takahashi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Soth
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tim Heffernan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Xinjia Ruan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoping Su
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Naval Daver
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kapil N Bhalla
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Munir F, He J, Connors J, Garcia M, Gibson A, McCall D, Nunez C, Dinh CN, Robusto L, Roth M, Khazal S, Tewari P, Cuglievan B. Translational advances in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: narrative review of current and emerging molecular and immunotherapies. Transl Pediatr 2023; 12:487-502. [PMID: 37035397 PMCID: PMC10080491 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematologic malignancy of lymphoid origin in children. The prognosis for newly diagnosed ALL in the pediatric population is generally favorable, with a 5-year overall survival rate of more than 90%. Though conventional therapy has led to meaningful improvements in cure rates for new-onset pediatric ALL, one-third of patients still experience a relapse or refractory disease, contributing to a significant cause of pediatric cancer-related mortality. Methods An extensive literature review was undertaken via various databases of medical literature, focusing on both results of larger clinical trials, but also with evaluation of recent abstract publications at large hematologic conferences. Key Content and Findings Remission is achievable in most of these patients by re-induction with currently available therapies, but the long-term overall survival rate is deemed suboptimal and remains a therapeutic challenge. As part of never-ceasing efforts to improve pediatric ALL outcomes, newer modalities, including targeted molecular therapies as well as immunotherapy, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, are currently being employed to increase treatment effectiveness as well as lessen the side effects from conventional chemotherapy. These approaches explore the use of early genome-based disease characterization and medications developed against actionable molecular targets. Conclusions Additional clinical research is nonetheless required to learn more about the potentially harmful effects of targeted therapies and investigate the possibility of these agents replacing or decreasing the use of conventional chemotherapy in treating pediatric ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faryal Munir
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiasen He
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeremy Connors
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miriam Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David McCall
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cesar Nunez
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Nguyen Dinh
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay Robusto
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sajad Khazal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Priti Tewari
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Branko Cuglievan
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Bhansali RS, Pratz KW, Lai C. Recent advances in targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:29. [PMID: 36966300 PMCID: PMC10039574 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. While survival for younger patients over the last several decades has improved nearly sixfold with the optimization of intensive induction chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), this effect has been largely mitigated in older and less fit patients as well as those with adverse-risk disease characteristics. However, the last 10 years has been marked by major advances in the molecular profiling of AML characterized by a deeper understanding of disease pathobiology and therapeutic vulnerabilities. In this regard, the classification of AML subtypes has recently evolved from a morphologic to a molecular and genetic basis, reflected by recent updates from the World Health Organization and the new International Consensus Classification system. After years of stagnation in new drug approvals for AML, there has been a rapid expansion of the armamentarium against this disease since 2017. Low-intensity induction therapy with hypomethylating agents and venetoclax has substantially improved outcomes, including in those previously considered to have a poor prognosis. Furthermore, targeted oral therapies against driver mutations in AML have been added to the repertoire. But with an accelerated increase in treatment options, several questions arise such as how to best sequence therapy, how to combine therapies, and if there is a role for maintenance therapy in those who achieve remission and cannot undergo alloHSCT. Moreover, certain subtypes of AML, such as those with TP53 mutations, still have dismal outcomes despite these recent advances, underscoring an ongoing unmet need and opportunity for translational advances. In this review, we will discuss recent updates in the classification and risk stratification of AML, explore the literature regarding low-intensity and novel oral combination therapies, and briefly highlight investigative agents currently in early clinical development for high-risk disease subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S Bhansali
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Keith W Pratz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Catherine Lai
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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35
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Telomere Transcription in MLL-Rearranged Leukemia Cell Lines: Increased Levels of TERRA Associate with Lymphoid Lineage and Are Independent of Telomere Length and Ploidy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030925. [PMID: 36979904 PMCID: PMC10046226 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere transcription into telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is an integral component of all aspects of chromosome end protection consisting of telomerase- or recombination-dependent telomere elongation, telomere capping, and the preservation of the (sub)telomeric heterochromatin structure. The chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator MLL binds to telomeres and regulates TERRA transcription in telomere length homeostasis and response to telomere dysfunction. MLL fusion proteins (MLL-FPs), the product of MLL rearrangements in leukemia, also bind to telomeric chromatin. However, an effect on telomere transcription in MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia has not yet been evaluated. Here, we show increased UUAGGG repeat-containing RNA levels in MLL-r acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when compared to non-MLL-r ALL and myeloid leukemia. MLL rearrangements do not affect telomere length and UUAGGG repeat-containing RNA levels correlate with mean telomere length and reflect increased levels of TERRA. Furthermore, high levels of TERRA in MLL-r ALL occur in the presence of telomerase activity and are independent of ploidy, an underestimated source of variation on the overall transcriptome size in a cell. This MLL rearrangement-dependent and lymphoid lineage-associated increase in levels of TERRA supports a sustained telomere transcription by MLL-FPs that correlates with marked genomic stability previously reported in pediatric MLL-r ALL.
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36
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Perner F, Stein EM, Wenge DV, Singh S, Kim J, Apazidis A, Rahnamoun H, Anand D, Marinaccio C, Hatton C, Wen Y, Stone RM, Schaller D, Mowla S, Xiao W, Gamlen HA, Stonestrom AJ, Persaud S, Ener E, Cutler JA, Doench JG, McGeehan GM, Volkamer A, Chodera JD, Nowak RP, Fischer ES, Levine RL, Armstrong SA, Cai SF. MEN1 mutations mediate clinical resistance to menin inhibition. Nature 2023; 615:913-919. [PMID: 36922589 PMCID: PMC10157896 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin-binding proteins are critical regulators of cell state in haematopoiesis1,2. Acute leukaemias driven by rearrangement of the mixed lineage leukaemia 1 gene (KMT2Ar) or mutation of the nucleophosmin gene (NPM1) require the chromatin adapter protein menin, encoded by the MEN1 gene, to sustain aberrant leukaemogenic gene expression programs3-5. In a phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial, the menin inhibitor revumenib, which is designed to disrupt the menin-MLL1 interaction, induced clinical responses in patients with leukaemia with KMT2Ar or mutated NPM1 (ref. 6). Here we identified somatic mutations in MEN1 at the revumenib-menin interface in patients with acquired resistance to menin inhibition. Consistent with the genetic data in patients, inhibitor-menin interface mutations represent a conserved mechanism of therapeutic resistance in xenograft models and in an unbiased base-editor screen. These mutants attenuate drug-target binding by generating structural perturbations that impact small-molecule binding but not the interaction with the natural ligand MLL1, and prevent inhibitor-induced eviction of menin and MLL1 from chromatin. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that a chromatin-targeting therapeutic drug exerts sufficient selection pressure in patients to drive the evolution of escape mutants that lead to sustained chromatin occupancy, suggesting a common mechanism of therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Perner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Internal Medicine C, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Eytan M Stein
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela V Wenge
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sukrit Singh
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeonghyeon Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Athina Apazidis
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Homa Rahnamoun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Disha Anand
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Internal Medicine C, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Marinaccio
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlie Hatton
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanhe Wen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard M Stone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Schaller
- In silico Toxicology and Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shoron Mowla
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenbin Xiao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Hematopathology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Holly A Gamlen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron J Stonestrom
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sonali Persaud
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ener
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jevon A Cutler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John G Doench
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Volkamer
- In silico Toxicology and Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John D Chodera
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ross L Levine
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sheng F Cai
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Uckelmann HJ, Haarer EL, Takeda R, Wong EM, Hatton C, Marinaccio C, Perner F, Rajput M, Antonissen NJC, Wen Y, Yang L, Brunetti L, Chen CW, Armstrong SA. Mutant NPM1 Directly Regulates Oncogenic Transcription in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:746-765. [PMID: 36455613 PMCID: PMC10084473 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of developmental and stem cell-associated genes is a common phenomenon during cancer development. Around half of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express high levels of HOXA cluster genes and MEIS1. Most of these AML cases harbor an NPM1 mutation (NPM1c), which encodes for an oncoprotein mislocalized from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm. How NPM1c expression in hematopoietic cells leads to its characteristic gene-expression pattern remains unclear. Here, we show that NPM1c directly binds to specific chromatin targets, which are co-occupied by the histone methyltransferase KMT2A (MLL1). Targeted degradation of NPM1c leads to a rapid decrease in gene expression and loss of RNA polymerase II, as well as activating histone modifications at its targets. We demonstrate that NPM1c directly regulates oncogenic gene expression in collaboration with the MLL1 complex and define the mechanism by which MLL1-Menin small-molecule inhibitors produce clinical responses in patients with NPM1-mutated AML. SIGNIFICANCE We uncovered an important functional role of mutant NPM1 as a crucial direct driver of oncogenic gene expression in AML. NPM1c can bind to chromatin and cooperate with the MLL complex, providing the first functional insight into the mechanism of Menin-MLL inhibition in NPM1c leukemias. See related article by Wang et al., p. 724. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Uckelmann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena L. Haarer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reina Takeda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric M. Wong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlie Hatton
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Marinaccio
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Perner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Masooma Rajput
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Noa J. C. Antonissen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanhe Wen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Brunetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Scott A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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38
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The TFIIS N-terminal domain (TND): a transcription assembly module at the interface of order and disorder. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:125-135. [PMID: 36651856 PMCID: PMC9987994 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interaction scaffolds that selectively recognize disordered protein strongly shape protein interactomes. An important scaffold of this type that contributes to transcription is the TFIIS N-terminal domain (TND). The TND is a five-helical bundle that has no known enzymatic activity, but instead selectively reads intrinsically disordered sequences of other proteins. Here, we review the structural and functional properties of TNDs and their cognate disordered ligands known as TND-interacting motifs (TIMs). TNDs or TIMs are found in prominent members of the transcription machinery, including TFIIS, super elongation complex, SWI/SNF, Mediator, IWS1, SPT6, PP1-PNUTS phosphatase, elongin, H3K36me3 readers, the transcription factor MYC, and others. We also review how the TND interactome contributes to the regulation of transcription. Because the TND is the most significantly enriched fold among transcription elongation regulators, TND- and TIM-driven interactions have widespread roles in the regulation of many transcriptional processes.
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Sparbier CE, Gillespie A, Gomez J, Kumari N, Motazedian A, Chan KL, Bell CC, Gilan O, Chan YC, Popp S, Gough DJ, Eckersley-Maslin MA, Dawson SJ, Lehner PJ, Sutherland KD, Ernst P, McGeehan GM, Lam EYN, Burr ML, Dawson MA. Targeting Menin disrupts the KMT2A/B and polycomb balance to paradoxically activate bivalent genes. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:258-272. [PMID: 36635503 PMCID: PMC7614190 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Precise control of activating H3K4me3 and repressive H3K27me3 histone modifications at bivalent promoters is essential for normal development and frequently corrupted in cancer. By coupling a cell surface readout of bivalent MHC class I gene expression with whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 screens, we identify specific roles for MTF2-PRC2.1, PCGF1-PRC1.1 and Menin-KMT2A/B complexes in maintaining bivalency. Genetic loss or pharmacological inhibition of Menin unexpectedly phenocopies the effects of polycomb disruption, resulting in derepression of bivalent genes in both cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells. While Menin and KMT2A/B contribute to H3K4me3 at active genes, a separate Menin-independent function of KMT2A/B maintains H3K4me3 and opposes polycomb-mediated repression at bivalent genes. Release of KMT2A from active genes following Menin targeting alters the balance of polycomb and KMT2A at bivalent genes, facilitating gene activation. This functional partitioning of Menin-KMT2A/B complex components reveals therapeutic opportunities that can be leveraged through inhibition of Menin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Sparbier
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Gillespie
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliana Gomez
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nishi Kumari
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ali Motazedian
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kah Lok Chan
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles C Bell
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Omer Gilan
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yih-Chih Chan
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Popp
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Daniel J Gough
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie A Eckersley-Maslin
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah-Jane Dawson
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Lehner
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kate D Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Ernst
- Section of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Enid Y N Lam
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marian L Burr
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, ACT Pathology, Canberra Health Services, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Kayser S, Levis MJ. The clinical impact of the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2023; 108:308-320. [PMID: 36722402 PMCID: PMC9890016 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.280801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to remarkable advances in our understanding of the disease. Mutations now allow us to explore the enormous diversity among cytogenetically defined subsets of AML, particularly the large subset of cytogenetically normal AML. Despite the progress in unraveling the tumor genome, only a small number of recurrent mutations have been incorporated into risk-stratification schemes and have been proven to be clinically relevant, targetable lesions. The current World Health Organization Classification of myeloid neoplasms and leukemia includes eight AML categories defined by recurrent genetic abnormalities as well as three categories defined by gene mutations. We here discuss the utility of molecular markers in AML in prognostication and treatment decision-making. New therapies based on targetable markers include IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib, enasidenib), venetoclax-based therapy, FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, gilteritinib, and quizartinib), gemtuzumab ozogamicin, magrolimab and menin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kayser
- NCT Trial Center, National Center of Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg.
| | - Mark J. Levis
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD, USA
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41
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Eadie LN, Rehn JA, Breen J, Osborn MP, Jessop S, Downes CEJ, Heatley SL, McClure BJ, Yeung DT, Revesz T, Saxon B, White DL. Case Report: Rare IKZF1 Gene Fusions Identified in Neonate with Congenital KMT2A-Rearranged Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020264. [PMID: 36833191 PMCID: PMC9956107 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements involving the KMT2A gene occur frequently in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). KMT2A-rearranged ALL (KMT2Ar ALL) has poor long-term survival rates and is the most common ALL subtype in infants less than 1 year of age. KMT2Ar ALL frequently occurs with additional chromosomal abnormalities including disruption of the IKZF1 gene, usually by exon deletion. Typically, KMT2Ar ALL in infants is accompanied by a limited number of cooperative le-sions. Here we report a case of aggressive infant KMT2Ar ALL harbouring additional rare IKZF1 gene fusions. Comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed on sequential samples. This report highlights the genomic complexity of this particular disease and describes the novel gene fusions IKZF1::TUT1 and KDM2A::IKZF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N. Eadie
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A. Rehn
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - James Breen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Michael P. Osborn
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian & New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
- Department of Haematology & Oncology, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sophie Jessop
- Australian & New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Haematology & Oncology, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Charlotte E. J. Downes
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Susan L. Heatley
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian & New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Barbara J. McClure
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - David T. Yeung
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Tamas Revesz
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian & New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Haematology & Oncology, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Saxon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Department of Haematology & Oncology, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Clinical Services and Research Division, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Deborah L. White
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian & New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
- Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence:
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42
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Soto-Feliciano YM, Sánchez-Rivera FJ, Perner F, Barrows DW, Kastenhuber ER, Ho YJ, Carroll T, Xiong Y, Anand D, Soshnev AA, Gates L, Beytagh MC, Cheon D, Gu S, Liu XS, Krivtsov AV, Meneses M, de Stanchina E, Stone RM, Armstrong SA, Lowe SW, Allis CD. A Molecular Switch between Mammalian MLL Complexes Dictates Response to Menin-MLL Inhibition. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:146-169. [PMID: 36264143 PMCID: PMC9827117 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Menin interacts with oncogenic MLL1-fusion proteins, and small molecules that disrupt these associations are in clinical trials for leukemia treatment. By integrating chromatin-focused and genome-wide CRISPR screens with genetic, pharmacologic, and biochemical approaches, we discovered a conserved molecular switch between the MLL1-Menin and MLL3/4-UTX chromatin-modifying complexes that dictates response to Menin-MLL inhibitors. MLL1-Menin safeguards leukemia survival by impeding the binding of the MLL3/4-UTX complex at a subset of target gene promoters. Disrupting the Menin-MLL1 interaction triggers UTX-dependent transcriptional activation of a tumor-suppressive program that dictates therapeutic responses in murine and human leukemia. Therapeutic reactivation of this program using CDK4/6 inhibitors mitigates treatment resistance in leukemia cells that are insensitive to Menin inhibitors. These findings shed light on novel functions of evolutionarily conserved epigenetic mediators like MLL1-Menin and MLL3/4-UTX and are relevant to understand and target molecular pathways determining therapeutic responses in ongoing clinical trials. SIGNIFICANCE Menin-MLL inhibitors silence a canonical HOX- and MEIS1-dependent oncogenic gene expression program in leukemia. We discovered a parallel, noncanonical transcriptional program involving tumor suppressor genes that are repressed in Menin-MLL inhibitor-resistant leukemia cells but that can be reactivated upon combinatorial treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors to augment therapy responses. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Florian Perner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Internal Medicine C, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Douglas W. Barrows
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.,Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Edward R. Kastenhuber
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Yijun Xiong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Disha Anand
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Internal Medicine C, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alexey A. Soshnev
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Leah Gates
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Clare Beytagh
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - David Cheon
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Shengqing Gu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - X. Shirley Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrei V. Krivtsov
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maximiliano Meneses
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard M. Stone
- Leukemia Division, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
| | - Scott W. Lowe
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
| | - C. David Allis
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
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43
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Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ortiz-Hernandez GL, Ochoa PT, Reeves M, Bizzaro N, Andrade LEC, Mahler M, Casiano CA. The Nuclear Dense Fine Speckled (DFS) Immunofluorescence Pattern: Not All Roads Lead to DFS70/LEDGFp75. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020222. [PMID: 36673033 PMCID: PMC9858485 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The monospecific dense fine speckled (DFS) immunofluorescence assay (IFA) pattern is considered a potential marker to aid in exclusion of antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated rheumatic diseases (AARD). This pattern is typically produced by autoantibodies against transcription co-activator DFS70/LEDGFp75, which are frequently found in healthy individuals and patients with miscellaneous inflammatory conditions. In AARD patients, these antibodies usually co-exist with disease-associated ANAs. Previous studies reported the occurrence of monospecific autoantibodies that generate a DFS-like or pseudo-DFS IFA pattern but do not react with DFS70/LEDGFp75. We characterized this pattern using confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The target antigen associated with this pattern partially co-localized with DFS70/LEDGFp75 and its interacting partners H3K36me2, an active chromatin marker, and MLL, a transcription factor, in HEp-2 cells, suggesting a role in transcription. Immunoblotting did not reveal a common protein band immunoreactive with antibodies producing the pseudo-DFS pattern, suggesting they may recognize diverse proteins or conformational epitopes. Given the subjectivity of the HEp-2 IFA test, the awareness of pseudo-DFS autoantibodies reinforces recommendations for confirmatory testing when reporting patient antibodies producing a putative DFS pattern in a clinical setting. Future studies should focus on defining the potential diagnostic utility of the pseudo-DFS pattern and its associated antigen(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Greisha L. Ortiz-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Pedro T. Ochoa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Michael Reeves
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Nicola Bizzaro
- Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale San Antonio, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Luis E. C. Andrade
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
- Immunology Division, Fleury Medicine and Health Laboratory, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +909-558-1000 (ext. 42759); Fax: +909-558-0196
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44
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Zou J, Yu C, Zhang C, Guan Y, Zhang Y, Tolbert E, Zhang W, Zhao T, Bayliss G, Li X, Ye Z, Zhuang S. Inhibition of MLL1-menin interaction attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22712. [PMID: 36527439 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100634rrr] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1), a histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase, exerts its enzymatic activity by interacting with menin and other proteins. It is unclear whether inhibition of the MLL1-menin interaction influences epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), renal fibroblast activation, and renal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of disrupting MLL1-menin interaction on those events and mechanisms involved in a murine model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), in cultured mouse proximal tubular cells and renal interstitial fibroblasts. Injury to the kidney increased the expression of MLL1 and menin and H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1); MLL1 and menin were expressed in renal epithelial cells and renal interstitial fibroblasts. Inhibition of the MLL1-menin interaction by MI-503 administration or siRNA-mediated silencing of MLL1 attenuated UUO-induced renal fibrosis, and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin. These treatments also inhibited UUO-induced expression of transcription factors Snail and Twist and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) while expression of E-cadherin was preserved. Moreover, treatment with MI-503 and transfection with either MLL siRNA or menin siRNA inhibited TGF-β1-induced upregulation of α-SMA, fibronectin and Snail, phosphorylation of Smad3 and AKT, and downregulation of E-cadherin in cultured renal epithelial cells. Finally, MI-503 was effective in abrogating serum or TGFβ1-induced transformation of renal interstitial fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that targeting disruption of the MLL1-menin interaction attenuates renal fibrosis through inhibition of partial EMT and renal fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zou
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Nephrology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yingjie Guan
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yunhe Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Evelyn Tolbert
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - George Bayliss
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zhibin Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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45
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Bouligny IM, Maher KR, Grant S. Mechanisms of myeloid leukemogenesis: Current perspectives and therapeutic objectives. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100996. [PMID: 35989139 PMCID: PMC10693933 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic neoplasm which results in clonal proliferation of abnormally differentiated hematopoietic cells. In this review, mechanisms contributing to myeloid leukemogenesis are summarized, highlighting aberrations of epigenetics, transcription factors, signal transduction, cell cycling, and the bone marrow microenvironment. The mechanisms contributing to AML are detailed to spotlight recent findings that convey clinical impact. The applications of current and prospective therapeutic targets are accentuated in addition to reviews of treatment paradigms stratified for each characteristic molecular lesion - with a focus on exploring novel treatment approaches and combinations to improve outcomes in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bouligny
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Keri R Maher
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Steven Grant
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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46
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Aryal S, Zhang Y, Wren S, Li C, Lu R. Molecular regulators of HOXA9 in acute myeloid leukemia. FEBS J 2023; 290:321-339. [PMID: 34743404 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the oncogenic transcription factor HOXA9 is a prominent feature for most aggressive acute myeloid leukemia cases and a strong indicator of poor prognosis in patients. Leukemia subtypes with hallmark overexpression of HOXA9 include those carrying MLL gene rearrangements, NPM1c mutations, and other genetic alternations. A growing body of evidence indicates that HOXA9 dysregulation is both sufficient and necessary for leukemic transformation. The HOXA9 mRNA and protein regulation includes multilayered controls by transcription factors (such as CDX2/4 and USF2/1), epigenetic factors (such as MLL-menin-LEDGF, DOT1L, ENL, HBO1, NPM1c-XPO1, and polycomb proteins), microRNAs (such as miR-126 and miR-196b), long noncoding RNAs (such as HOTTIP), three-dimensional chromatin interactions, and post-translational protein modifications. Recently, insights into the dynamic regulation of HOXA9 have led to an advanced understanding of the HOXA9 regulome and provided new cancer therapeutic opportunities, including developing inhibitors targeting DOT1L, menin, and ENL proteins. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling HOXA9 regulation and the pharmacological approaches that target HOXA9 regulators to treat HOXA9-driven acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajesan Aryal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology & O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology & Cancer Biology Program/Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Spencer Wren
- Division of Hematology and Oncology & O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chunliang Li
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology & Cancer Biology Program/Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rui Lu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology & O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
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47
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Liu X, Sato N, Yabushita T, Li J, Jia Y, Tamura M, Asada S, Fujino T, Fukushima T, Yonezawa T, Tanaka Y, Fukuyama T, Tsuchiya A, Shikata S, Iwamura H, Kinouchi C, Komatsu K, Yamasaki S, Shibata T, Sasaki AT, Schibler J, Wunderlich M, O'Brien E, Mizukawa B, Mulloy JC, Sugiura Y, Takizawa H, Shibata T, Miyake K, Kitamura T, Goyama S. IMPDH inhibition activates TLR-VCAM1 pathway and suppresses the development of MLL-fusion leukemia. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e15631. [PMID: 36453131 PMCID: PMC9832838 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a rate-limiting enzyme in de novo guanine nucleotide synthesis pathway. Although IMPDH inhibitors are widely used as effective immunosuppressants, their antitumor effects have not been proven in the clinical setting. Here, we found that acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) with MLL-fusions are susceptible to IMPDH inhibitors in vitro. We also showed that alternate-day administration of IMPDH inhibitors suppressed the development of MLL-AF9-driven AML in vivo without having a devastating effect on immune function. Mechanistically, IMPDH inhibition induced overactivation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-TRAF6-NF-κB signaling and upregulation of an adhesion molecule VCAM1, which contribute to the antileukemia effect of IMPDH inhibitors. Consequently, combined treatment with IMPDH inhibitors and the TLR1/2 agonist effectively inhibited the development of MLL-fusion AML. These findings provide a rational basis for clinical testing of IMPDH inhibitors against MLL-fusion AMLs and potentially other aggressive tumors with active TLR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Liu
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Naru Sato
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tomohiro Yabushita
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Jingmei Li
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yuhan Jia
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Moe Tamura
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shuhei Asada
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan,The Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Takeshi Fujino
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Fukushima
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Taishi Yonezawa
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yosuke Tanaka
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tomofusa Fukuyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Akiho Tsuchiya
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Shiori Shikata
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Iwamura
- FUJIFILM Corporation: Pharmaceutical Products DivisionTokyoJapan
| | - Chieko Kinouchi
- FUJIFILM Corporation: Bio Science & Engineering LaboratoriesKanagawaJapan
| | - Kensuke Komatsu
- FUJIFILM Corporation: Bio Science & Engineering LaboratoriesKanagawaJapan
| | - Satoshi Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Atsuo T Sasaki
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Janet Schibler
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer BiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Mark Wunderlich
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer BiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Eric O'Brien
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Benjamin Mizukawa
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer BiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer BiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Yuki Sugiura
- Department of BiochemistryKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hitoshi Takizawa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Stress, International Research Center for Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takuma Shibata
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kensuke Miyake
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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48
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Yokoyama A. Role of the MOZ/MLL-mediated transcriptional activation system for self-renewal in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. FEBS J 2022; 289:7987-8002. [PMID: 34482632 PMCID: PMC10078767 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16180] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Homeostasis in the blood system is maintained by the balance between self-renewing stem cells and nonstem cells. To promote self-renewal, transcriptional regulators maintain epigenetic information during multiple rounds of cell division. Mutations in such transcriptional regulators cause aberrant self-renewal, leading to leukemia. MOZ, a histone acetyltransferase, and MLL, a histone methyltransferase, are transcriptional regulators that promote the self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells. Gene rearrangements of MOZ and MLL generate chimeric genes encoding fusion proteins that function as constitutively active forms. These MOZ and MLL fusion proteins constitutively activate transcription of their target genes and cause aberrant self-renewal in committed hematopoietic progenitors, which normally do not self-renew. Recent progress in the field suggests that MOZ and MLL are part of a transcriptional activation system that activates the transcription of genes with nonmethylated CpG-rich promoters. The nonmethylated state of CpGs is normally maintained during cell divisions from the mother cell to the daughter cells. Thus, the MOZ/MLL-mediated transcriptional activation system replicates the expression profile of mother cells in daughter cells by activating the transcription of genes previously transcribed in the mother cell. This review summarizes the functions of the components of the MOZ/MLL-mediated transcriptional activation system and their roles in the promotion of self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan.,National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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49
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Matthews AH, Pratz KW, Carroll MP. Targeting Menin and CD47 to Address Unmet Needs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5906. [PMID: 36497385 PMCID: PMC9735817 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235906] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
After forty years of essentially unchanged treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), innovation over the past five years has been rapid, with nine drug approvals from 2016 to 2021. Increased understanding of the molecular changes and genetic ontology of disease have led to targeting mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), B-cell lymphoma 2 and hedgehog pathways. Yet outcomes remain variable; especially in defined molecular and genetic subgroups such as NPM1 (Nucleophosmin 1) mutations, 11q23/KMT2A rearranged and TP53 mutations. Emerging therapies seek to address these unmet needs, and all three of these subgroups have promising new therapeutic approaches. Here, we will discuss the normal biological roles of menin in acute leukemia, notably in KMT2A translocations and NPM1 mutation, as well as current drug development. We will also explore how CD47 inhibition may move immunotherapy into front-line settings and unlock new treatment strategies in TP53 mutated disease. We will then consider how these new therapeutic advances may change the management of AML overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Matthews
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keith W. Pratz
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Martin P. Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 715 Biomedical Research Building II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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50
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Okuda H, Miyamoto R, Takahashi S, Kawamura T, Ichikawa J, Harada I, Tamura T, Yokoyama A. RNA-binding proteins of KHDRBS and IGF2BP families control the oncogenic activity of MLL-AF4. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6688. [PMID: 36335100 PMCID: PMC9637093 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocation generates the MLL-AF4 fusion gene, which causes acute leukemia of multiple lineages. MLL-AF4 is a strong oncogenic driver that induces leukemia without additional mutations and is the most common cause of pediatric leukemia. However, establishment of a murine disease model via retroviral transduction has been difficult owning to a lack of understanding of its regulatory mechanisms. Here, we show that MLL-AF4 protein is post-transcriptionally regulated by RNA-binding proteins, including those of KHDRBS and IGF2BP families. MLL-AF4 translation is inhibited by ribosomal stalling, which occurs at regulatory sites containing AU-rich sequences recognized by KHDRBSs. Synonymous mutations disrupting the association of KHDRBSs result in proper translation of MLL-AF4 and leukemic transformation. Consequently, the synonymous MLL-AF4 mutant induces leukemia in vivo. Our results reveal that post-transcriptional regulation critically controls the oncogenic activity of MLL-AF4; these findings might be valuable in developing novel therapies via modulation of the activity of RNA-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Okuda
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Japan ,grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Ryo Miyamoto
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Japan
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawamura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XResearch Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo Japan
| | - Juri Ichikawa
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Ibuki Harada
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Tomohiko Tamura
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Akihiko Yokoyama
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Japan ,grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo, Tokyo Japan
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