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Hirose Y, Sato S, Hashiya K, Ooga M, Bando T, Sugiyama H. Chb-M', an Inhibitor of the RUNX Family Binding to DNA, Induces Apoptosis in p53-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Inhibits Tumor Growth and Repopulation In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9165-9172. [PMID: 38803164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins are considered to play various roles in cancer. Here, we evaluated the anticancer activity of Chb-M', a compound that specifically and covalently binds to the consensus sequence for RUNX family proteins, in p53-mutated non-small cell lung cancer cells. Chb-M' killed the cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. The compound showed an anticancer effect comparable to that of the clinically used drugs alectinib and ceritinib in vivo. Notably, Chb-M' extended the cancer-free survival of mice after ending treatment more effectively than did the other two drugs. The results presented here suggest that Chb-M' is an attractive candidate as an anticancer drug applicable to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and various other types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hirose
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kaori Hashiya
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ooga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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2
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Peramangalam PS, Surapally S, Veltri AJ, Zheng S, Burns R, Zhu N, Rao S, Muller-Tidow C, Bushweller JH, Pulikkan JA. N-MYC regulates cell survival via eIF4G1 in inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh8493. [PMID: 38416825 PMCID: PMC10901375 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
N-MYC (encoded by MYCN) is a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function. While the role of N-MYC deregulation is well established in neuroblastoma, the importance of N-MYC deregulation in leukemogenesis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that N-MYC is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with chromosome inversion inv(16) and contributes to the survival and maintenance of inv(16) leukemia. We identified a previously unknown MYCN enhancer, active in multiple AML subtypes, essential for MYCN mRNA levels and survival in inv(16) AML cells. We also identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (eIF4G1) as a key N-MYC target that sustains leukemic survival in inv(16) AML cells. The oncogenic role of eIF4G1 in AML has not been reported before. Our results reveal a mechanism whereby N-MYC drives a leukemic transcriptional program and provides a rationale for the therapeutic targeting of the N-MYC/eIF4G1 axis in myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sridevi Surapally
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anthony J. Veltri
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shikan Zheng
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Robert Burns
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nan Zhu
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sridhar Rao
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Carsten Muller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John H. Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John A. Pulikkan
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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3
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Hirose Y, Sato S, Hashiya K, Bando T, Sugiyama H. Anticancer Activities of DNA-Alkylating Pyrrole-Imidazole Polyamide Analogs Targeting RUNX Transcription Factors against p53-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer PANC-1 Cells. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12059-12068. [PMID: 37606185 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family is known to play important roles in the progression of cancer. Conjugate 1, which covalently binds to the RUNX-binding sequences, was reported to inhibit the binding of RUNX proteins to their target sites and suppress cancer growth. Here, we evaluated the anticancer effects of 1 and its analogs 2-4 against p53-mutated PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. We found that they possessed different DNA-alkylating properties in vitro. And conjugates 1-3 were shown to have anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in PANC-1 cells. Furthermore, conjugates 2 and 3 suppressed cancer growth in PANC-1 xenograft mice, with activity equivalent to a 50-fold dose of gemcitabine. Especially, 3 showed the highest alkylation efficiency, specificity, and better anticancer effects against pancreatic cancer than 1 in vivo without significant body weight loss. Our results revealed the potential of our compounds as new candidates for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hirose
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kaori Hashiya
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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4
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Mikami M, Masuda T, Kanatani T, Noura M, Umeda K, Hiramatsu H, Kubota H, Daifu T, Iwai A, Hattori EY, Furuichi K, Takasaki S, Tanaka S, Matsui Y, Matsuo H, Hirata M, Kataoka TR, Nakahata T, Kuwahara Y, Iehara T, Hosoi H, Imai Y, Takita J, Sugiyama H, Adachi S, Kamikubo Y. RUNX1-Survivin Axis Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors. Mol Cells 2022; 45:886-895. [PMID: 36572559 PMCID: PMC9794559 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a highly aggressive pediatric malignancy with no effective therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a target for the development of novel molecule-targeting therapeutic agents. In this study, we report the importance of the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and RUNX1-Baculoviral IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) Repeat-Containing 5 (BIRC5/survivin) axis in the proliferation of MRT cells, as it can be used as an ideal target for anti-tumor strategies. The mechanism of this reaction can be explained by the interaction of RUNX1 with the RUNX1-binding DNA sequence located in the survivin promoter and its positive regulation. Specific knockdown of RUNX1 led to decreased expression of survivin, which subsequently suppressed the proliferation of MRT cells in vitro and in vivo. We also found that our novel RUNX inhibitor, Chb-M, which switches off RUNX1 using alkylating agent-conjugated pyrrole-imidazole polyamides designed to specifically bind to consensus RUNX-binding sequences (5'-TGTGGT-3'), inhibited survivin expression in vivo. Taken together, we identified a novel interaction between RUNX1 and survivin in MRT. Therefore the negative regulation of RUNX1 activity may be a novel strategy for MRT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Mikami
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Masuda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Takuya Kanatani
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Mina Noura
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Katsutsugu Umeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Tomoo Daifu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Etsuko Yamamoto Hattori
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Kana Furuichi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Saho Takasaki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Sunao Tanaka
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Yasuzumi Matsui
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tatsuki R. Kataoka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tatsutoshi Nakahata
- Drug Discovery Technology Development Office, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasumichi Kuwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8303, Japan
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5
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Splenic red pulp macrophages provide a niche for CML stem cells and induce therapy resistance. Leukemia 2022; 36:2634-2646. [PMID: 36163264 PMCID: PMC7613762 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Disease progression and relapse of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are caused by therapy resistant leukemia stem cells (LSCs), and cure relies on their eradication. The microenvironment in the bone marrow (BM) is known to contribute to LSC maintenance and resistance. Although leukemic infiltration of the spleen is a hallmark of CML, it is unknown whether spleen cells form a niche that maintains LSCs. Here, we demonstrate that LSCs preferentially accumulate in the spleen and contribute to disease progression. Spleen LSCs were located in the red pulp close to red pulp macrophages (RPM) in CML patients and in a murine CML model. Pharmacologic and genetic depletion of RPM reduced LSCs and decreased their cell cycling activity in the spleen. Gene expression analysis revealed enriched stemness and decreased myeloid lineage differentiation in spleen leukemic stem and progenitor cells (LSPCs). These results demonstrate that splenic RPM form a niche that maintains CML LSCs in a quiescent state, resulting in disease progression and resistance to therapy.
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6
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Masuda T, Maeda S, Shimada S, Sakuramoto N, Morita K, Koyama A, Suzuki K, Mitsuda Y, Matsuo H, Kubota H, Kato I, Tanaka K, Takita J, Hirata M, Kataoka TR, Nakahata T, Adachi S, Hirai H, Mizuta S, Naka K, Imai Y, Kimura S, Sugiyama H, Kamikubo Y. RUNX1 transactivates BCR-ABL1 expression in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:529-539. [PMID: 34902205 PMCID: PMC8819354 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as part of a front‐line treatment has greatly improved the clinical outcome of the patients with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, a portion of them still become refractory to the therapy mainly through acquiring mutations in the BCR‐ABL1 gene, necessitating a novel strategy to treat tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐resistant Ph+ ALL cases. In this report, we show evidence that RUNX1 transcription factor stringently controls the expression of BCR‐ABL1, which can strategically be targeted by our novel RUNX inhibitor, Chb‐M'. Through a series of in vitro experiments, we identified that RUNX1 binds to the promoter of BCR and directly transactivates BCR‐ABL1 expression in Ph+ ALL cell lines. These cells showed significantly reduced expression of BCR‐ABL1 with suppressed proliferation upon RUNX1 knockdown. Moreover, treatment with Chb‐M' consistently downregulated the expression of BCR‐ABL1 in these cells and this drug was highly effective even in an imatinib‐resistant Ph+ ALL cell line. In good agreement with these findings, forced expression of BCR‐ABL1 in these cells conferred relative resistance to Chb‐M'. In addition, in vivo experiments with the Ph+ ALL patient‐derived xenograft cells showed similar results. In summary, targeting RUNX1 therapeutically in Ph+ ALL cells may lead to overcoming TKI resistance through the transcriptional regulation of BCR‐ABL1. Chb‐M' could be a novel drug for patients with TKI‐resistant refractory Ph+ ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Masuda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shintaro Maeda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sae Shimada
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakuramoto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Morita
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Asami Koyama
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensho Suzuki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Mitsuda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Itaru Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuki R Kataoka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsutoshi Nakahata
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideyo Hirai
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuichi Mizuta
- Hematology & Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Naka
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Kimura
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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7
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Gene Transcription as a Therapeutic Target in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147340. [PMID: 34298959 PMCID: PMC8304797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood malignancies often arise from undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells or partially differentiated stem-like cells. A tight balance of multipotency and differentiation, cell division, and quiescence underlying normal hematopoiesis requires a special program governed by the transcriptional machinery. Acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells also involves reprogramming of their transcriptional landscape. Limiting tumor cell plasticity by disabling reprogramming of the gene transcription is a promising strategy for improvement of treatment outcomes. Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of action of transcription-targeted drugs in hematological malignancies (largely in leukemia) with particular respect to the results of clinical trials.
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8
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RUNX1 gene expression in Egyptian acute myeloid leukemia patients: may it have therapeutic implications? EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Acute myeloid leukemia represents the highest percentage of all adult acute leukemia variants. Runt-related transcription factor1 (RUNX1), a transcription factor with a known tumor suppressor function, was recently reported as a tumor promoter in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We investigated the role of RUNX1 gene expression level in Egyptian AML patients and delineated its clinical significance.
Results
We measured RUNX1 gene expression level using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and found that the RUNX1 gene expression level was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations had a higher expression level of RUNX1 (p = 0.023). The male patients expressed a significantly higher level of RUNX1 (p = 0.046).
Conclusions
The RUNX1 gene is highly expressed in Egyptian AML patients. It has a relation to FLT3-ITD, which may give a clue that patients carrying this mutation may benefit from new treatments that target RUNX1 in the future. Further studies on a larger number of patients with different ethnic groups may give a clearer vision of the therapeutic implications of a new molecular target.
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9
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RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC transactivate target genes together in abnormal myeloid progenitors for leukemia development. Blood 2021; 136:2373-2385. [PMID: 32929473 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inversion of chromosome 16 is a consistent finding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with eosinophilia, which generates a CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene. It is generally considered that CBFβ-SMMHC, the fusion protein encoded by CBFB-MYH11, is a dominant negative repressor of RUNX1. However, recent findings challenge the RUNX1-repression model for CBFβ-SMMHC-mediated leukemogenesis. To definitively address the role of Runx1 in CBFB-MYH11-induced leukemia, we crossed conditional Runx1 knockout mice (Runx1f/f) with conditional Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice (Cbfb+/56M). On Mx1-Cre activation in hematopoietic cells induced by poly (I:C) injection, all Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice developed leukemia in 5 months, whereas no leukemia developed in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice, and this effect was cell autonomous. Importantly, the abnormal myeloid progenitors (AMPs), a leukemia-initiating cell population induced by Cbfb-MYH11 in the bone marrow, decreased and disappeared in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. RNA-seq analysis of AMP cells showed that genes associated with proliferation, differentiation blockage, and leukemia initiation were differentially expressed between Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M and Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. In addition, with the chromatin immunocleavage sequencing assay, we observed a significant enrichment of RUNX1/CBFβ-SMMHC target genes in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M cells, especially among downregulated genes, suggesting that RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC mainly function together as activators of gene expression through direct target gene binding. These data indicate that Runx1 is indispensable for Cbfb-MYH11-induced leukemogenesis by working together with CBFβ-SMMHC to regulate critical genes associated with the generation of a functional AMP population.
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10
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Daifu T, Mikami M, Hiramatsu H, Iwai A, Umeda K, Noura M, Kubota H, Masuda T, Furuichi K, Takasaki S, Noguchi Y, Morita K, Bando T, Hirata M, Kataoka TR, Nakahata T, Kuwahara Y, Iehara T, Hosoi H, Takita J, Sugiyama H, Adachi S, Kamikubo Y. Suppression of malignant rhabdoid tumors through Chb-M'-mediated RUNX1 inhibition. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28789. [PMID: 33180377 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare and highly aggressive pediatric malignancy primarily affecting infants and young children. Intensive multimodal therapies currently given to MRT patients are not sufficiently potent to control this highly malignant tumor. Therefore, additive or alternative therapy for these patients with a poor prognosis is necessary. We herein demonstrated that the inhibition of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) by novel alkylating conjugated pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamides, which specifically recognize and bind to RUNX-binding DNA sequences, was highly effective in the treatment of rhabdoid tumor cell lines in vitro as well as in an in vivo mouse model. Therefore, suppression of RUNX1 activity may be a novel strategy for MRT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoo Daifu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Mikami
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsutsugu Umeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mina Noura
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Masuda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kana Furuichi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Saho Takasaki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Noguchi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Morita
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuki R Kataoka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsutoshi Nakahata
- Drug Discovery Technology Development Office, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasumichi Kuwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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11
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Fang C, Rao S, Crispino JD, Ntziachristos P. Determinants and role of chromatin organization in acute leukemia. Leukemia 2020; 34:2561-2575. [PMID: 32690881 PMCID: PMC7999176 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0981-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA is compacted into higher order structures that have major implications in gene regulation. These structures allow for long-range interactions of DNA elements, such as the association of promoters with their cognate enhancers. In recent years, mutations in genes that control these structures, including the cohesin-complex and the insulator-binding protein CTCF, have been found in a spectrum of hematologic disorders, and especially in acute leukemias. Cohesin and CTCF are critical for mediating looping and establishing boundaries within chromatin. Cells that harbor mutations in these genes display aberrant chromatin architecture and resulting differences in gene expression that contribute to leukemia initiation and progression. Here, we provide detailed discussion of the nature of 3D interactions and the way that they are disrupted in acute leukemia. Continued research in this area will provide new insights into the mechanisms of leukemogenesis and may shed light on novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestia Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sridhar Rao
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - John D Crispino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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12
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Kamikubo Y. CROX (Cluster Regulation of RUNX) as a Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach. Mol Cells 2020; 43:198-202. [PMID: 31991534 PMCID: PMC7057841 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2019.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive inhibition of RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3 led to marked cell suppression compared with inhibition of RUNX1 alone, clarifying that the RUNX family members are important for proliferation and maintenance of diverse cancers, and "cluster regulation of RUNX (CROX)" is a very effective strategy to suppress cancer cells. Recent studies reported by us and other groups suggested that wild-type RUNX1 is needed for survival and proliferation of certain types of leukemia, lung cancer, gastric cancer, etc. and for their one of metastatic target sites such as born marrow endothelial niche, suggesting that RUNX1 often functions oncogenic manners in cancer cells. In this review, we describe the significance and paradoxical requirement of RUNX1 tumor suppressor in leukemia and even solid cancers based on recent our findings such as "genetic compensation of RUNX family transcription factors (the compensation mechanism for the total level of RUNX family protein expression)", "RUNX1 inhibition-induced inhibitory effects on leukemia cells and on solid cancers through p53 activation", and "autonomous feedback loop of RUNX1-p53-CBFB in acute myeloid leukemia cells". Taken together, these findings identify a crucial role for the RUNX cluster in the maintenance and progression of cancers and suggest that modulation of the RUNX cluster using the pyrrole-imidazole polyamide gene-switch technology is a potential novel therapeutic approach to control cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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13
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Lie-a-ling M, Mevel R, Patel R, Blyth K, Baena E, Kouskoff V, Lacaud G. RUNX1 Dosage in Development and Cancer. Mol Cells 2020; 43:126-138. [PMID: 31991535 PMCID: PMC7057845 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2019.0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor RUNX1 first came to prominence due to its involvement in the t(8;21) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since this discovery, RUNX1 has been shown to play important roles not only in leukemia but also in the ontogeny of the normal hematopoietic system. Although it is currently still challenging to fully assess the different parameters regulating RUNX1 dosage, it has become clear that the dose of RUNX1 can greatly affect both leukemia and normal hematopoietic development. It is also becoming evident that varying levels of RUNX1 expression can be used as markers of tumor progression not only in the hematopoietic system, but also in non-hematopoietic cancers. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the effects of RUNX1 dosage in normal development of both hematopoietic and epithelial tissues and their associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lie-a-ling
- Cancer Research UK Stem Cell Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK0 4TG, UK
| | - Renaud Mevel
- Cancer Research UK Stem Cell Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK0 4TG, UK
| | - Rahima Patel
- Cancer Research UK Stem Cell Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK0 4TG, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Esther Baena
- Cancer Research UK Prostate Oncobiology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK10 TG, UK
| | - Valerie Kouskoff
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Georges Lacaud
- Cancer Research UK Stem Cell Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, SK0 4TG, UK
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14
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Beghini A. Core Binding Factor Leukemia: Chromatin Remodeling Moves Towards Oncogenic Transcription. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1973. [PMID: 31817911 PMCID: PMC6966602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults, is a heterogeneous malignant clonal disorder arising from multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells characterized by genetic and concerted epigenetic aberrations. Core binding factor-Leukemia (CBFL) is characterized by the recurrent reciprocal translocations t(8;21)(q22;q22) or inv(16)(p13;q22) that, expressing the distinctive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (also known as Acute myeloid leukemia1-eight twenty-one, AML1-ETO or RUNX1/ETO) or CBFB-MYH11 (also known as CBFβ-ΣMMHX) translocation product respectively, disrupt the essential hematopoietic function of the CBF. In the past decade, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the structure, three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal topology, and disease-inducing genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of the fusion proteins that arise from disruption of the CBF subunit alpha and beta genes. Although CBFLs have a relatively good prognosis compared to other leukemia subtypes, 40-50% of patients still relapse, requiring intensive chemotherapy and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). To provide a rationale for the CBFL-associated altered hematopoietic development, in this review, we summarize the current understanding on the various molecular mechanisms, including dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as an early event that triggers the translocations, playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of CBFL. Translation of these findings into the clinical setting is just beginning by improvement in risk stratification, MRD assessment, and development of targeted therapies.
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15
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Tatsumi G, Kawahara M, Yamamoto R, Hishizawa M, Kito K, Suzuki T, Takaori-Kondo A, Andoh A. LSD1-mediated repression of GFI1 super-enhancer plays an essential role in erythroleukemia. Leukemia 2019; 34:746-758. [PMID: 31676828 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0614-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) consist of enhancer clusters with abundant binding of transcription factors (TFs) and cofactors. LSD1 is a histone modifier that eliminates SE activity. However, whether SE suppression by LSD1 is associated with leukemogenesis remains unknown. In erythro-megakaryocyte lineage leukemia cells, activation of the SE of GFI1 (GFI1-SE) is related to induction of myeloid differentiation by LSD1 inhibitors NCD38 and NCD25 and to their antileukemia effect. Although functional TF-motifs were concentrated in an evolutionally conserved area, NCD38 barely induced additional TF recruitment. Instead, the transcription cofactors including LSD1, CoREST, HDAC1, and HDAC2 were evicted from GFI1-SE. Deletion of GFI1-SE impaired induction of myeloid differentiation by NCD38 and NCD25 in erythroleukemia cells. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the GFI1-SE deletion impaired NCD38-induced programs related to granulocyte differentiation and the CEBPA network, but restored NCD38-suppressed programs related to erythroid development, GATA1 targets, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) clusters including FAB subtype M6 and AML with myelodysplastic syndrome-related chromosomal abnormalities. Ontologies of genes whose expression changes by NCD38 were canceled due to the GFI1-SE deletion showed enrichment in AML and neutropenia signatures. Collectively, our data suggest that sustainable repression of GFI1-SE by LSD1 is essential for sustenance of erythroleukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goichi Tatsumi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
| | - Ryusuke Yamamoto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Hishizawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kito
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Andoh
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
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16
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Richter LE, Wang Y, Becker ME, Coburn RA, Williams JT, Amador C, Hyde RK. HDAC1 Is a Required Cofactor of CBFβ-SMMHC and a Potential Therapeutic Target in Inversion 16 Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1241-1252. [PMID: 30814129 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a neoplastic disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloid cells. A common mutation in AML is the inversion of chromosome 16 [inv (16)], which generates a fusion between the genes for core binding factor beta (CBFB) and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain gene (MYH11), forming the oncogene CBFB-MYH11. The expressed protein, CBFβ-SMMHC, forms a heterodimer with the key hematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1. Although CBFβ-SMMHC was previously thought to dominantly repress RUNX1, recent work suggests that CBFβ-SMMHC functions together with RUNX1 to activate transcription of specific target genes. However, the mechanism of this activity or a requirement for additional cofactors is not known. Here, we show that the epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) forms a complex with CBFβ-SMMHC, colocalizes with RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC on the promoters of known fusion protein target genes, and that Hdac1 is required for expression of these genes. These results imply that HDAC1 is an important component of the CBFβ-SMMHC transcriptional complex, and that leukemia cells expressing the fusion protein may be sensitive to treatment with HDAC1 inhibitors. Using a knock-in mouse model expressing CBFβ-SMMHC, we found that in vivo treatment with the HDAC1 inhibitor entinostat decreased leukemic burden, and induced differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells. Together, these results demonstrate that HDAC1 is an important cofactor of CBFβ-SMMHC and a potential therapeutic target in inv (16) AML. IMPLICATIONS: This report describes a novel role for HDAC1 as a cofactor for the leukemogenic fusion protein CBFβ-SMMHC and shows that inhibitors of HDAC1 effectively target leukemia cells expressing the fusion protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Richter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yiqian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Michelle E Becker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Rachel A Coburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jacob T Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Catalina Amador
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - R Katherine Hyde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
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17
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Kamikubo Y. Genetic compensation of RUNX family transcription factors in leukemia. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:2358-2363. [PMID: 29883054 PMCID: PMC6113440 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt (Runt domain)‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is a transcription factor belonging to the core‐binding factor (CBF) family. It is considered to be a master regulator of hematopoiesis and has been regarded as a tumor suppressor because it is essential for definitive hematopoiesis in vertebrates. It is one of the most frequent target genes of chromosomal translocation in leukemia, and germ line mutation of RUNX1 causes familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancies. Somatic cell mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, including those of RUNX1, are observed in myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia at a high frequency. In addition, recent studies reported by us and other groups suggested that WT RUNX1 is needed for survival and proliferation of certain types of leukemia. In this review, we describe the significance and paradoxical requirement of RUNX1 tumor suppressor in hematological malignancies based on recent findings such as “Genetic compensation of RUNX family transcription factors in leukemia,” “RUNX1 inhibition‐induced inhibitory effects on leukemia cells through p53 activation” and our novel promising theory “Cluster regulation of RUNX (CROX)” through the RUNX gene switch method using pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides as a new technique that could contribute to the next generation of leukemia treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Pulikkan JA, Castilla LH. Preleukemia and Leukemia-Initiating Cell Activity in inv(16) Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2018; 8:129. [PMID: 29755956 PMCID: PMC5932169 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a collection of hematologic malignancies with specific driver mutations that direct the pathology of the disease. The understanding of the origin and function of these mutations at early stages of transformation is critical to understand the etiology of the disease and for the design of effective therapies. The chromosome inversion inv(16) is thought to arise as a founding mutation in a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) to produce preleukemic HSCs (preL-HSCs) with myeloid bias and differentiation block, and predisposed to AML. Studies in mice and human AML cells have established that inv(16) AML follows a clonal evolution model, in which preL-HSCs expressing the fusion protein CBFβ–SMMHC persist asymptomatic in the bone marrow. The emerging leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) are composed by the inv(16) and a heterogeneous set of mutations. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of inv(16) preleukemia development, and the function of CBFβ–SMMHC related to preleukemia progression and LIC activity. We also discuss important open mechanistic questions in the etiology of inv(16) AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Anto Pulikkan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lucio Hernán Castilla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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19
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RUNX1 positively regulates the ErbB2/HER2 signaling pathway through modulating SOS1 expression in gastric cancer cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6423. [PMID: 29686309 PMCID: PMC5913281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24969-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual function of runt-related transcriptional factor 1 (RUNX1) as an oncogene or oncosuppressor has been extensively studied in various malignancies, yet its role in gastric cancer remains elusive. Up-regulation of the ErbB2/HER2 signaling pathway is frequently-encountered in gastric cancer and contributes to the maintenance of these cancer cells. This signaling cascade is partly mediated by son of sevenless homolog (SOS) family, which function as adaptor proteins in the RTK cascades. Herein we report that RUNX1 regulates the ErbB2/HER2 signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells through transactivating SOS1 expression, rendering itself an ideal target in anti-tumor strategy toward this cancer. Mechanistically, RUNX1 interacts with the RUNX1 binding DNA sequence located in SOS1 promoter and positively regulates it. Knockdown of RUNX1 led to the decreased expression of SOS1 as well as dephosphorylation of ErbB2/HER2, subsequently suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. We also found that our novel RUNX inhibitor (Chb-M’) consistently led to the deactivation of the ErbB2/HER2 signaling pathway and was effective against several gastric cancer cell lines. Taken together, our work identified a novel interaction of RUNX1 and the ErbB2/HER2 signaling pathway in gastric cancer, which can potentially be exploited in the management of this malignancy.
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20
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Richter L, Wang Y, Hyde RK. Targeting binding partners of the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein for the treatment of inversion 16 acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:66255-66266. [PMID: 27542261 PMCID: PMC5323231 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inversion of chromosome 16 (inv(16)) generates the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein and is found in nearly all patients with acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with Eosinophilia (M4Eo). Expression of CBFβ-SMMHC is causative for leukemia development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity are unclear. Recently, there have been important advances in defining the role of CBFβ-SMMHC and its binding partners, the transcription factor RUNX1 and the histone deacetylase HDAC8. Importantly, initial trials demonstrate that small molecules targeting these binding partners are effective against CBFβ-SMMHC induced leukemia. This review will discuss recent advances in defining the mechanism of CBFβ-SMMHC activity, as well as efforts to develop new therapies for inv(16) AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Richter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yiqian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - R Katherine Hyde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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21
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Paradoxical enhancement of leukemogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia with moderately attenuated RUNX1 expressions. Blood Adv 2017; 1:1440-1451. [PMID: 29296785 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017007591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides being a classical tumor suppressor, runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is now widely recognized for its oncogenic role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we report that this bidirectional function of RUNX1 possibly arises from the total level of RUNX family expressions. Indeed, analysis of clinical data revealed that intermediate-level gene expression of RUNX1 marked the poorest-prognostic cohort in relation to AML patients with high- or low-level RUNX1 expressions. Through a series of RUNX1 knockdown experiments with various RUNX1 attenuation potentials, we found that moderate attenuation of RUNX1 contributed to the enhanced propagation of AML cells through accelerated cell-cycle progression, whereas profound RUNX1 depletion led to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In these RUNX1-silenced tumors, amounts of compensative upregulation of RUNX2 and RUNX3 expressions were roughly equivalent and created an absolute elevation of total RUNX (RUNX1 + RUNX2 + RUNX3) expression levels in RUNX1 moderately attenuated AML cells. This elevation resulted in enhanced transactivation of glutathione S-transferase α 2 (GSTA2) expression, a vital enzyme handling the catabolization of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as advancing the cell-cycle progressions, and thus ultimately led to the acquisition of proliferative advantage in RUNX1 moderately attenuated AML cells. Besides, treatment with ethacrynic acid, which is known for its GSTA inhibiting property, actually prolonged the survival of AML mice in vivo. Collectively, our findings indicate that moderately attenuated RUNX1 expressions paradoxically enhance leukemogenesis in AML cells through intracellular environmental change via GSTA2, which could be a novel therapeutic target in antileukemia strategy.
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22
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Morita K, Suzuki K, Maeda S, Matsuo A, Mitsuda Y, Tokushige C, Kashiwazaki G, Taniguchi J, Maeda R, Noura M, Hirata M, Kataoka T, Yano A, Yamada Y, Kiyose H, Tokumasu M, Matsuo H, Tanaka S, Okuno Y, Muto M, Naka K, Ito K, Kitamura T, Kaneda Y, Liu PP, Bando T, Adachi S, Sugiyama H, Kamikubo Y. Genetic regulation of the RUNX transcription factor family has antitumor effects. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:2815-2828. [PMID: 28530640 DOI: 10.1172/jci91788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is generally considered to function as a tumor suppressor in the development of leukemia, but a growing body of evidence suggests that it has pro-oncogenic properties in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we have demonstrated that the antileukemic effect mediated by RUNX1 depletion is highly dependent on a functional p53-mediated cell death pathway. Increased expression of other RUNX family members, including RUNX2 and RUNX3, compensated for the antitumor effect elicited by RUNX1 silencing, and simultaneous attenuation of all RUNX family members as a cluster led to a much stronger antitumor effect relative to suppression of individual RUNX members. Switching off the RUNX cluster using alkylating agent-conjugated pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamides, which were designed to specifically bind to consensus RUNX-binding sequences, was highly effective against AML cells and against several poor-prognosis solid tumors in a xenograft mouse model of AML without notable adverse events. Taken together, these results identify a crucial role for the RUNX cluster in the maintenance and progression of cancer cells and suggest that modulation of the RUNX cluster using the PI polyamide gene-switch technology is a potential strategy to control malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Morita
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, and
| | - Kensho Suzuki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Shintaro Maeda
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Akihiko Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | - Chieko Tokushige
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Gengo Kashiwazaki
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junichi Taniguchi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rina Maeda
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mina Noura
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Masahiro Hirata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Kataoka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ayaka Yano
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yoshimi Yamada
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hiroki Kiyose
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Mayu Tokumasu
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hidemasa Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Sunao Tanaka
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yasushi Okuno
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Manabu Muto
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Naka
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kosei Ito
- Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy and Division of Stem Cell Signaling, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Kaneda
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Paul P Liu
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, and
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Molecular Basis and Targeted Inhibition of CBFβ-SMMHC Acute Myeloid Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:229-244. [PMID: 28299661 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by recurrent chromosomal rearrangements that encode for fusion proteins which drive leukemia initiation and maintenance. The inv(16) (p13q22) rearrangement is a founding mutation and the associated CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein is essential for the survival of inv(16) AML cells. This Chapter will discuss our understanding of the function of this fusion protein in disrupting hematopoietic homeostasis and creating pre-leukemic blasts, in its cooperation with other co-occurring mutations during leukemia initiation, and in leukemia maintenance. In addition, this chapter will discuss the current approaches used for the treatment of inv(16) AML and the recent development of AI-10-49, a selective targeted inhibitor of CBFβ-SMMHC/RUNX1 binding, the first candidate targeted therapy for inv(16) AML.
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RUNX1 and CBFβ Mutations and Activities of Their Wild-Type Alleles in AML. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:265-282. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Covalent Modifications of RUNX Proteins: Structure Affects Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:33-44. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kuo YH, Qi J, Cook GJ. Regain control of p53: Targeting leukemia stem cells by isoform-specific HDAC inhibition. Exp Hematol 2016; 44:315-21. [PMID: 26923266 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are self-renewable, leukemia-initiating populations that are often resistant to traditional chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently used for treatment of acute or chronic myeloid leukemia. The persistence and continued acquisition of mutations in resistant LSCs represent a major cause of refractory disease and/or relapse after remission. Understanding the mechanisms regulating LSC growth and survival is critical in devising effective therapies that will improve treatment response and outcome. Several recent studies indicate that the p53 tumor suppressor pathway is often inactivated in de novo myeloid leukemia through oncogenic-specific mechanisms, which converge on aberrant p53 protein deacetylation. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the various mechanisms underlying deregulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which could be exploited to restore p53 activity and enhance targeting of LSCs in molecularly defined patient subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Huei Kuo
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
| | - Jing Qi
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Guerry J Cook
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA
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Qi J, Singh S, Hua WK, Cai Q, Chao SW, Li L, Liu H, Ho Y, McDonald T, Lin A, Marcucci G, Bhatia R, Huang WJ, Chang CI, Kuo YH. HDAC8 Inhibition Specifically Targets Inv(16) Acute Myeloid Leukemic Stem Cells by Restoring p53 Acetylation. Cell Stem Cell 2015; 17:597-610. [PMID: 26387755 PMCID: PMC4636961 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is driven and sustained by leukemia stem cells (LSCs) with unlimited self-renewal capacity and resistance to chemotherapy. Mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor is relatively rare in de novo AML; however, p53 can be regulated through post-translational mechanisms. Here, we show that p53 activity is inhibited in inv(16)(+) AML LSCs via interactions with the CBFβ-SMMHC (CM) fusion protein and histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). HDAC8 aberrantly deacetylates p53 and promotes LSC transformation and maintenance. HDAC8 deficiency or inhibition using HDAC8-selective inhibitors (HDAC8i) effectively restores p53 acetylation and activity. Importantly, HDAC8 inhibition induces apoptosis in inv(16)(+) AML CD34(+) cells, while sparing the normal hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, in vivo HDAC8i administration profoundly diminishes AML propagation and abrogates leukemia-initiating capacity of both murine and patient-derived LSCs. This study elucidates an HDAC8-mediated p53-inactivating mechanism promoting LSC activity and highlights HDAC8 inhibition as a promising approach to selectively target inv(16)(+) LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qi
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wei-Kai Hua
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qi Cai
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Ling Li
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hongjun Liu
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yinwei Ho
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tinisha McDonald
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Allen Lin
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ravi Bhatia
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Chung-I Chang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11574, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Huei Kuo
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute, Norbert Gehr and Family Leukemia Center, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Mouse models for core binding factor leukemia. Leukemia 2015; 29:1970-80. [PMID: 26165235 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1 and CBFB are among the most frequently mutated genes in human leukemias. Genetic alterations such as chromosomal translocations, copy number variations and point mutations have been widely reported to result in the malfunction of RUNX transcription factors. Leukemias arising from such alterations in RUNX family genes are collectively termed core binding factor (CBF) leukemias. Although adult CBF leukemias generally are considered a favorable risk group as compared with other forms of acute myeloid leukemia, the 5-year survival rate remains low. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanism for CBF leukemia is imperative to uncover novel treatment options. Over the years, retroviral transduction-transplantation assays and transgenic, knockin and knockout mouse models alone or in combination with mutagenesis have been used to study the roles of RUNX alterations in leukemogenesis. Although successful in inducing leukemia, the existing assays and models possess many inherent limitations. A CBF leukemia model which induces leukemia with complete penetrance and short latency would be ideal as a platform for drug discovery. Here, we summarize the currently available mouse models which have been utilized to study CBF leukemias, discuss the advantages and limitations of individual experimental systems, and propose suggestions for improvements of mouse models.
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Hyde RK, Zhao L, Alemu L, Liu PP. Runx1 is required for hematopoietic defects and leukemogenesis in Cbfb-MYH11 knock-in mice. Leukemia 2015; 29:1771-8. [PMID: 25742748 PMCID: PMC4526349 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CBFβ-SMMHC, the fusion protein generated by the chromosome 16 inversion fusion gene, CBFB-MYH11, is known to initiate leukemogenesis. However, the mechanism through which CBFβ-SMMHC contributes to leukemia development is not well understood. Previously it was proposed that CBFβ-SMMHC acts by dominantly repressing the transcription factor RUNX1, but we recently showed that CBFβ-SMMHC has activities that are independent of RUNX1 repression. In addition, we showed that a modified CBFβ-SMMHC with decreased RUNX1 binding activity accelerates leukemogenesis. These results raise questions about the importance of RUNX1 in leukemogenesis by CBFβ-SMMHC. To test this, we generated mice expressing Cbfb-MYH11 in a Runx1 deficient background, resulting from either homozygous Runx1 null alleles (Runx1−/−) or a single dominant negative Runx1 allele (Runx1+/lz). We found that loss of Runx1 activity rescued the differentiation defects induced by Cbfb-MYH11 during primitive hematopoiesis. During definitive hematopoiesis, RUNX1 loss also significantly reduced the proliferation and differentiation defects induced by Cbfb-MYH11. Importantly, Cbfb-MYH11 induced leukemia had much longer latency in Runx1+/lz mice than in Runx1 sufficient mice. These data indicate that Runx1 activity is critical for Cbfb-MYH11 induced hematopoietic defects and leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Hyde
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - L Zhao
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - L Alemu
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - P P Liu
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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MEIS1 regulates an HLF-oxidative stress axis in MLL-fusion gene leukemia. Blood 2015; 125:2544-52. [PMID: 25740828 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-09-599258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemias with MLL translocations are often found in infants and are associated with poor outcomes. The pathogenesis of MLL-fusion leukemias has been linked to upregulation of HOX/MEIS1 genes. The functions of the Hox/Meis1 complex in leukemia, however, remain elusive. Here, we used inducible Meis1-knockout mice coupled with MLL-AF9 knockin mice to decipher the mechanistic role of Meis1 in established MLL leukemia. We demonstrate that Meis1 is essential for maintenance of established leukemia. In addition, in both the murine model and human leukemia cells, we found that Meis1 loss led to increased oxidative stress, oxygen flux, and apoptosis. Gene expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) as a target gene of Meis1. Hypoxia or HLF expression reversed the oxidative stress, rescuing leukemia development in Meis1-deficient cells. Thus, the leukemia-promoting properties of Meis1 are at least partly mediated by a low-oxidative state, aided by HLF. These results suggest that stimulants of oxidative metabolism could have therapeutic potential in leukemia treatment.
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Posttranslational modifications of RUNX1 as potential anticancer targets. Oncogene 2014; 34:3483-92. [PMID: 25263451 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor RUNX1 is a master regulator of hematopoiesis. Disruption of RUNX1 activity has been implicated in the development of hematopoietic neoplasms. Recent studies also highlight the importance of RUNX1 in solid tumors both as a tumor promoter and a suppressor. Given its central role in cancer development, RUNX1 is an excellent candidate for targeted therapy. A potential strategy to target RUNX1 is through modulation of its posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Numerous studies have shown that RUNX1 activity is regulated by PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitination. These PTMs regulate RUNX1 activity either positively or negatively by altering RUNX1-mediated transcription, promoting protein degradation and affecting protein interactions. In this review, we first summarize the available data on the context- and dosage-dependent roles of RUNX1 in various types of neoplasms. We then provide a comprehensive overview of RUNX1 PTMs from biochemical and biologic perspectives. Finally, we discuss how aberrant PTMs of RUNX1 might contribute to tumorigenesis and also strategies to develop anticancer therapies targeting RUNX1 PTMs.
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Ben-Ami O, Friedman D, Leshkowitz D, Goldenberg D, Orlovsky K, Pencovich N, Lotem J, Tanay A, Groner Y. Addiction of t(8;21) and inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia to native RUNX1. Cell Rep 2013; 4:1131-43. [PMID: 24055056 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The t(8;21) and inv(16) chromosomal aberrations generate the oncoproteins AML1-ETO (A-E) and CBFβ-SMMHC (C-S). The role of these oncoproteins in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) etiology has been well studied. Conversely, the function of native RUNX1 in promoting A-E- and C-S-mediated leukemias has remained elusive. We show that wild-type RUNX1 is required for the survival of t(8;21)-Kasumi-1 and inv(16)-ME-1 leukemic cells. RUNX1 knockdown in Kasumi-1 cells (Kasumi-1(RX1-KD)) attenuates the cell-cycle mitotic checkpoint, leading to apoptosis, whereas knockdown of A-E in Kasumi-1(RX1-KD) rescues these cells. Mechanistically, a delicate RUNX1/A-E balance involving competition for common genomic sites that regulate RUNX1/A-E targets sustains the malignant cell phenotype. The broad medical significance of this leukemic cell addiction to native RUNX1 is underscored by clinical data showing that an active RUNX1 allele is usually preserved in both t(8;21) or inv(16) AML patients, whereas RUNX1 is frequently inactivated in other forms of leukemia. Thus, RUNX1 and its mitotic control targets are potential candidates for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Ben-Ami
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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Goyama S, Schibler J, Cunningham L, Zhang Y, Rao Y, Nishimoto N, Nakagawa M, Olsson A, Wunderlich M, Link KA, Mizukawa B, Grimes HL, Kurokawa M, Liu PP, Huang G, Mulloy JC. Transcription factor RUNX1 promotes survival of acute myeloid leukemia cells. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:3876-88. [PMID: 23979164 DOI: 10.1172/jci68557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RUNX1 is generally considered a tumor suppressor in myeloid neoplasms. Inactivating RUNX1 mutations have frequently been found in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, no somatic RUNX1 alteration was found in AMLs with leukemogenic fusion proteins, such as core-binding factor (CBF) leukemia and MLL fusion leukemia, raising the possibility that RUNX1 could actually promote the growth of these leukemia cells. Using normal human cord blood cells and those expressing leukemogenic fusion proteins, we discovered a dual role of RUNX1 in myeloid leukemogenesis. RUNX1 overexpression inhibited the growth of normal cord blood cells by inducing myeloid differentiation, whereas a certain level of RUNX1 activity was required for the growth of AML1-ETO and MLL-AF9 cells. Using a mouse genetic model, we also showed that the combined loss of Runx1/Cbfb inhibited leukemia development induced by MLL-AF9. RUNX2 could compensate for the loss of RUNX1. The survival effect of RUNX1 was mediated by BCL2 in MLL fusion leukemia. Our study unveiled an unexpected prosurvival role for RUNX1 in myeloid leukemogenesis. Inhibiting RUNX1 activity rather than enhancing it could be a promising therapeutic strategy for AMLs with leukemogenic fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Goyama
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Differential requirements for HIV-1 Vif-mediated APOBEC3G degradation and RUNX1-mediated transcription by core binding factor beta. J Virol 2012; 87:1906-11. [PMID: 23175372 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02199-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Core binding factor beta (CBFβ), a transcription regulator through RUNX binding, was recently reported critical for Vif function. Here, we mapped the primary functional domain important for Vif function to amino acids 15 to 126 of CBFβ. We also revealed that different lengths and regions are required for CBFβ to assist Vif or RUNX. The important interaction domains that are uniquely required for Vif but not RUNX function represent novel targets for the development of HIV inhibitors.
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The C-terminus of CBFβ-SMMHC is required to induce embryonic hematopoietic defects and leukemogenesis. Blood 2012; 121:638-42. [PMID: 23152542 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-06-434688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The C-terminus of CBFβ-SMMHC, the fusion protein produced by a chromosome 16 inversion in acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4Eo, contains domains for self-multimerization and transcriptional repression, both of which have been proposed to be important for leukemogenesis by CBFβ-SMMHC. To test the role of the fusion protein's C-terminus in vivo, we generated knock-in mice expressing a C-terminally truncated CBFβ-SMMHC (CBFβ-SMMHCΔC95). Embryos with a single copy of CBFβ-SMMHCΔC95 were viable and showed no defects in hematopoiesis, whereas embryos homozygous for the CBFβ-SMMHCΔC95 allele had hematopoietic defects and died in mid-gestation, similar to embryos with a single-copy of the full-length CBFβ-SMMHC. Importantly, unlike mice expressing full-length CBFβ-SMMHC, none of the mice expressing CBFβ-SMMHCΔC95 developed leukemia, even after treatment with a mutagen, although some of the older mice developed a nontransplantable myeloproliferative disease. Our data indicate that the CBFβ-SMMHC's C-terminus is essential to induce embryonic hematopoietic defects and leukemogenesis.
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Identification of benzodiazepine Ro5-3335 as an inhibitor of CBF leukemia through quantitative high throughput screen against RUNX1-CBFβ interaction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:14592-7. [PMID: 22912405 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1200037109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Core binding factor (CBF) leukemias, those with translocations or inversions that affect transcription factor genes RUNX1 or CBFB, account for ~24% of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 25% of pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Current treatments for CBF leukemias are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with a 5-y survival rate of ~50%. We hypothesize that the interaction between RUNX1 and CBFβ is critical for CBF leukemia and can be targeted for drug development. We developed high-throughput AlphaScreen and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) methods to quantify the RUNX1-CBFβ interaction and screen a library collection of 243,398 compounds. Ro5-3335, a benzodiazepine identified from the screen, was able to interact with RUNX1 and CBFβ directly, repress RUNX1/CBFB-dependent transactivation in reporter assays, and repress runx1-dependent hematopoiesis in zebrafish embryos. Ro5-3335 preferentially killed human CBF leukemia cell lines, rescued preleukemic phenotype in a RUNX1-ETO transgenic zebrafish, and reduced leukemia burden in a mouse CBFB-MYH11 leukemia model. Our data thus confirmed that RUNX1-CBFβ interaction can be targeted for leukemia treatment and we have identified a promising lead compound for this purpose.
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Goyama S, Mulloy JC. Molecular pathogenesis of core binding factor leukemia: current knowledge and future prospects. Int J Hematol 2011; 94:126-133. [PMID: 21537931 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-011-0858-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common cytogenetic subtype of AML, defined by the presence of t(8;21) or inv(16)/t(16;16). The chromosomal aberrations create AML1-ETO and CBFβ-MYH11 fusion genes that disrupt the functions of CBF, an essential transcription factor in hematopoiesis. Despite the relatively good outcome of patients with CBF-AML, only approximately half of the patients are cured with current therapy, indicating the need for improved therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding altered transcriptional regulation, aberrant signaling pathways, and cooperating genetic events in CBF leukemia, and discuss challenges ahead for translating these findings into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Goyama
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Hyde RK, Liu PP. RUNX1 repression-independent mechanisms of leukemogenesis by fusion genes CBFB-MYH11 and AML1-ETO (RUNX1-RUNX1T1). J Cell Biochem 2010; 110:1039-45. [PMID: 20589720 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are a prognostically distinct subgroup that includes patients with the inv(16) and t(8:21) chromosomal rearrangements. Both of these rearrangements result in the formation of fusion proteins, CBFB-MYH11 and AML1-ETO, respectively, that involve members of the CBF family of transcription factors. It has been proposed that both of these fusion proteins function primarily by dominantly repressing normal CBF transcription. However, recent reports have indicted that additional, CBF-repression independent activities may be equally important during leukemogenesis. This article will focus on these recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Katherine Hyde
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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